Activist Lindsey Holtgrave pulled up to this week’s show to tell us about several recently-enacted laws attacking the people of Indiana and our most basic democratic rights—and how we can fight back.
Season 2, Episode 26
Before speaking with Lindsey, co-hosts Dani Abdullah and Derek Ford discuss the consequences of the U.S.’ illegal war on the Islamic Republic of Iran. While bombing strikes kill thousands overseas, the supply disruption caused by the imperialist U.S. adventure is incurring devastating costs here in Indiana. Dani and Derek discuss a recent report featured in Mirror Indy in which Indiana farmers Alan and Seth Bays describe how rising fuel costs have made fertilizer more expensive, therefore making their harvests nearly unprofitable. They also detail how the “Memorandum of Understanding,” a fundamental agreement for preconditions of peace between the two countries, is a complete loss for stated U.S. objectives.
They next turn to a recent city hearing about the upcoming data center in Irvington, which is yet another case demonstrating the real political nature of this city and country. Despite unanimous community opposition, the politicians are still moving forward. While the City-County Council meeting will consider a “moratorium” passed by the Metropolitan and Economic Development Committee at its next meeting, the moratorium already lacks teeth and contains a “grandfather clause.”
Finally, Derek details a new expose by Shaka A. Shakur on prison repression, retaliation, and super-exploitation in the digital age. As the Department of Corrections in various states turn to “tablets,” entering into contracts with one of a few monopolies, they not only increase fees but allow for intensified and expanded surveillance of the incarcerated and their family, friends, and community on the outside.
The primary segment focuses on several new Indiana laws with local, national, and international implications. On July 1, Indiana passed a law preventing people from “dangerous countries” (i.e., Russia and China) from buying property. Further, SEA 256 mandates universities conduct “foreign influence and research security reviews” from Russian, Chinese, and other students enrolling in engineering, microbiology, and a few other programs. Dani and Lindsey make it clear that this racist attempt to enforce a new “Red Scare” era of censorship is nothing but a desperate measure by U.S. imperialism to divide our international class.
SEA 1, meanwhile, will prevent immigrants from accessing services like Medicaid and SNAP unless they subject themselves to even more intrusive measures by the state. Despite leadership throwing up their hands and refusing to take action, the people are taking action. Lindsey refers to the two general strikes in Minneapolis in response to the targeting of migrant communities and the murder of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both of which indicate we can fight ICE terror.
The last piece of anti-worker legislation they broach is SEA 285, which prohibits people from utilizing public spaces for shelter or sleep. Although the law’s author admittedly has no idea how local police will enforce it, cops are required to force homeless people to move 300 feet within 48 hours, after which point they can be arrested for up to 60 days or face a $500 fine.
In spite of a new wave of reactionary state legislation, Dani and Lindsey remind us of the material reasons for revolutionary optimism. Not only have the people of Indianapolis defeated prior anti-homeless ordinances and prevented their enforcement, but increasing numbers of people are willing to take to the streets against the current right-wing assault. Lindsey recalls an anti-ICE demonstration outside of the NBA Finals in 2025 that drew thousands to the streets with an energy that she tries to remember and carry with her daily. She reminds listeners to bring their struggles to the Indianapolis Liberation Center, where we foster revolutionary optimism through united struggle.
Show notes
Indy Liberation Store
Support Naptown People’s Radio
Indianapolis Liberation Center
Party for Socialism and Liberation – Indianapolis