Episode 430 - Bogdan Syrotiuk.

The Iron Fist and the Velvet Glove

In episode 430 of The Iron Fist and the Velvet Glove podcast, the hosts delve into the arrest and imprisonment of Bogdan Syrotiuk, a young leader from the Young Guard of Bolshevik Leninists. Joining the panel are Max and Oscar from the Socialist Equality Party, who discuss the political motivations behind Syrotiuk's incarceration by Ukrainian authorities. The conversation explores broader issues of political repression, international socialist movements, and the ongoing conflicts involving Ukraine, Russia, and NATO. The episode also critiques the complicity of leftist organizations and unions in supporting imperialist agendas while emphasizing the need for workers' committees and international socialist unity.

00:00 Introduction to the Iron Fist and the Velvet Glove Podcast

00:57 Special Guests: Max and Oscar from the Socialist Equality Party

02:15 The Arrest of Comrade Bogdan Syrotiuk

03:15 Political Context and Charges Against Bogdan

04:54 Ideological Stance of the Socialist Equality Party

07:41 Broader Implications of the Ukrainian Conflict

09:43 International Reactions and Comparisons

12:52 The Role of the Young Guard of Bolshevik Leninists

15:28 Critique of Western Media and Government Narratives

31:00 The Gaza Conflict and Its Global Impact

37:05 Union Movements and Political Activism

43:05 Formation of Rank and File Committees

44:10 Union vs. Workers Committees: Key Differences

44:43 Critique of Union Bureaucracy

46:01 Union Failures in Healthcare

47:17 International Union Comparisons

50:01 The Role of Workers Committees

52:09 Capitalism and Workers' Struggles

54:06 Educating Workers on Socialism

56:50 The Breakdown of Capitalism

57:49 Building a Socialist Movement

01:01:07 Perspectives on China

01:08:34 Critique of Yanis Varoufakis and Syriza

01:14:57 Campaign for Freeing Bogdan

01:18:24 Conclusion and Call to Action

Article about Bogdan

Link to petition

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