Stephen Singular joins me today to discuss his first book Talked to Death: The Murder of Alan Berg. We begin by talking about controversial radio host Alan Berg. Stephen explains how he went from a Chicago based lawyer, to one of the most popular radio hosts in the nation. We discuss Berg’s confrontational style of talk radio which covered everything from race, politics, sex, religion, to the love of his Airedale dog. Stephen and I then move onto the far right neo-nazi group The Order, which would assassinate Berg on June 19, 1984. Stephen explains how this tiny group of white nationalists would commit 240 crimes including: counterfeiting over half a million dollars, robbing nearly $4 million from banks and Brinks trucks, and murdering 5 individuals. Stephen and I discuss how The Order grew out of Richard Butler’s Aryan Nations group. We talk about the Christian Identity movement and the impact they had on nearly everyone in the Order. Stephen and I also explore how the The Order’s inability to keep up with the changes of the 1980’s had a huge impact on their reactionary politics. We talk about how The Order’s founder Bob Mathews was able to channel this rage into the group.
In the second hour Stephen and I talk about our current state of affairs and the legacy that The Order and the white power movement is still having. Stephen discusses the trajectory of the movement from The Order to Mark Fuhrman, and lastly to Donald Trump. We also look at Charlottesville and role that mental health can play in these Troyes of violent attacks.
Later I talk about how Alan Berg’s legacy has continued to make an impact on me. I talk about the importance and beauty of talk radio as well. I also explore the legacy of The Order and how the governments response to them has been a prototype for another right groups. I look at Ruby Ridge, Waco, as well as the fire bombing of far left group MOVE. I also update the listeners on the imminent return of Porkins Great Game, Patreon Bonus podcasts, and a possible sponsor of the show.
https://porkinspolicyreview.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/ppr-episode-109-stephen-singular-talked-to-death.mp3
Download PPR episode 109
Show Notes:
StephenSingular.com
Talked To Death: The Murder of Alan Berg
Alan Berg: Talked to Death (Rolling Stone article)
ParkerPracjek.com