# [Full Uncut Conversation] Unions Can Save US Democracy Experts Say

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/laura-flanders-and-friends-solutions-focused-progressive-perspectives-on-politics-news-and-culture-1095059/full-uncut-conversation-unions-can-save-us-democracy-experts-say
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/laura-flanders-and-friends-solutions-focused-progressive-perspectives-on-politics-news-and-culture-1095059/full-uncut-conversation-unions-can-save-us-democracy-experts-say.md
Podcast: [Laura Flanders and Friends: Solutions-Focused Progressive Perspectives on Politics, News, and Culture](https://stenobird.com/podcast/laura-flanders-and-friends-solutions-focused-progressive-perspectives-on-politics-news-and-culture-1095059)
Published: 2026-05-18T11:00:00+00:00
Episode link: http://www.LauraFlanders.org/listen
Audio file: https://pdrl.fm/a930a4/op3.dev/e/cdn.simplecast.com/media/audio/transcoded/72a99690-00a0-4376-8b30-9ea490811cc0/c3cf0ccd-6993-4c0f-a004-338778a46c5b/episodes/audio/group/dbba1bcb-d892-4642-b314-c4b690aef595/group-item/e6087b3a-f44b-41fb-8b6d-f153152858f8/128_default_tc.mp3?aid=rss_feed&feed=trhTbNDK
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Duration seconds: 2080

## Resource

This month on Laura Flanders and Friends, we’re revisiting conversations around work, workers, and the Labor Movement on the Move. This week we explore how workers and their allies are confronting authoritarianism—and building power from the ground up. **Stay informed and engaged! Don't miss out on our captivating weekly episodes that dive deep into the heart of our economy, culture, and politics from the past to the present. Please hit the podcast subscribe button if you've yet to subscribe.** Description [Original Airdate July 9, 2025]: Experts argue that strengthening union participation is the most effective strategy for reversing American democratic backsliding and protecting civil rights. Laura Flanders speaks with Tarso Ramos and Alex Han about the rising threat of authoritarianism in the U.S. Ramos warns that the country is in the “breakthrough” phase of authoritarian consolidation, with two overlapping but distinct power grabs underway—one from the MAGA-aligned far right and another from tech oligarchs seeking corporate rule. GUESTS: • Alex Han: Legacy union organizer and union officer; Executive Director- In These Times Magazine, longtime magazine of social movements, and economic justice based in Chicago. • Tarso Ramos: Former Executive Director of Political Research Associates. Senior Advisor to Future Currents, a strategic hub for social and economic justice leaders. Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. - Watch the episode released on our YouTube channel; PBS World Channel Sundays 11:30, and on over 300 public stations across the…

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