Topic: CNN

While the cultural foundations of the United States are unraveling the unconscious programs of American society lay outside of public dialogue. Where there was once an American Dream, a spiritual void remains.  As the framework of consumer society breaks down, will an economic system of inverted totalitarianism reverse become explicit? Why do our elites seem incapable of formulating a rational response to this crisis of civilization?

In Extraenvironmentalist #60 we discuss the current condition of American culture with Chris Hedges and Morris Berman. Chris describes the process of breakdown he's witnessed in other countries as elites withdraw when they feel their system of control crumbling. Morris reflects the current crisis of capitalism against the breakdown of the feudal system hundreds of years ago to describe a broader historical process. Then, we speak with Dmitry Orlov about his new book: The Five Stages of Collapse. Dmitry talks about the psychological damage created by access to large amounts of money and explains how to think practically about a failing global economic system.

// Books

Chris Hedges // Days of Destruction, Days of Revolt
Morris Berman // Why America Failed // also see XE #34
Dmitry Orlov // The Five Stages of Collapse // also see XE #49

// News Items Discussed

Poll: 29% of Americans think 'armed revolution' coming soon via Chris H.
27% of Spaniards are out of work. Yet in one town everyone has a job via Jim

// Extended Clips (in order of appearance)

[Break] - 24m

President Bush Addresses Nation on Economic Crisis
AP Monitoring Raises Fears of Government Overreach
Web Press Grills Obama on Drones
Bush: We Can Overcome Economic Crisis
Bill Clinton on why we should help the world

[End]

Chris Hedges speaking with Rick Wolff on Economic Update

// Music (in Order of Appearance)

Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?
dcup - I'm Corrupt via IndieShuffle
Free n Losh - Where do They Go? via Earmilk
YACHT - Second Summer (RAC Remix) via Soundcloud
Moby - Natural Blues (TYR Remix) via The Music Ninja

// Production Credits

Kevin via Sustainable Guidance Youtube Channel