Amiri Baraka on Walter Rodney, Black Power and Obama

This interview was recorded in the spring of 2009 at the home of poet, activist, Amiri Baraka. The interview was done as part of a documentary film on the life of scholar, activist, Walter Rodney. Baraka speaks about his connection to Rodney, Black Power, and Pan-Africanism. He also issues a scathing critique of the Black left and their non support of President Obama. He has since changed his position on Obama. In the aftermath of the Libya bombing by US and NATO forces Baraka questioned the thinking behind an African bombing Africa. His writings are widely known and published. He is an accomplished performance artist. The impact of his writings and recordings are unrivaled in American literature and activism. For information on the film see www.rootsculturemedia.com

[@CrowdPleeza]

Socialist economies don't work. You need some type of mixed economy. Every developed country including the U.S has a mixed economy in some form. Socialism doesn't generate wealth,capitalism does. Use capitalism to create wealth then use some degree of socialism to redistribute it where it's needed.

[@peoplenews1901]

What about the Indians they had a communist economy it worked?

[@CrowdPleeza]

jubrieel ahkile Capitalism is needed in India. As long as a country isn't practicing "crony capitalism" then capitalism can turn things around for the better in an economy.
India and capitalism:
fortune.com/2014/06/17/can-india-redefine-capitalism/

[@LadyRavenhaire]

Wrong socialism was successful! The Soviet Union lasted nearly 75 years even with 16 nations and 22 legions attacking it and decades of US/NATO attempting to bribe officials and undermine it. The USSR collapsed necessarily because of corruption. It's capitalism that's not successful. Millions die year from hunger, war, and toxins. Have you seen the streets of any city in the US, strewn with homelessness. Soon millions will die of hunger in the US as Great Depression II will start to finally hit US and Western society.

[@CrowdPleeza]

@@LadyRavenhaire
Much of the homelessness in the U.S is people with drug and mental health problems.
Capitalism can work depending on how governments manage it with their economic policies.