IDOC, IMPD, and AES: Fighting State and Corporate Monopoly

Robert Taylor, the brother of Eric Taylor who was killed by the IMPD during the 2023 shooting spree, joins this week’s show to talk about who Eric was–as a brother, a father, a community member, and a human being gunned down by the cops for walking with a phone in his hand.

For the Naptown Breakdown, Co-Hosts Dani Abdullah and Derek Ford first delve into the Google Data Center being built on the city’s Southside, and discuss the history of data centers that go unchecked through backdoor deals and the energy rate increases that happen because of the corporate monopoly on our energy supply. They turn to the state’s monopoly on the use of force when they discuss the July 14 Press Conference, “Art and the Power of the People: Vernon T. Bateman’s 27-Year Long Struggle for Freedom Almost Over.” Hear from Vernon’s mother, Donna Franklyn, as well as the litany of injustices that have kept Bateman in one form of prison or another since he was 18-years-old in 1998.

This week’s Circle City Shout Out goes to someone who has been helping comrades in the PSL support Vernon, Maranda Williams of the REFORM Alliance. After working in case management for IDOC, Maranda left the system to help reform it through the REFORM Alliance. An organization and coalition that has made it their mission to work for a justice system that promotes accountability and supports people in rebuilding through work and well-being helps strengthen families and create safer communities. Instead of trapping people in a revolving door between supervision and prison.

Show Notes:

“We’ve Had Enough:” After Press Conference, Community Wants Answers Now

REFORM in Focus: Maranda Williams

REFORM Alliance

Coalition to Free Vernon T. Bateman

To learn more, stay updated, and get plugged into the socialist struggle visit PSLIndianapolis.org. If you're interested in joining the PSL visit PSLweb.org/join. To get involved in the movement, visit the Indianapolis Liberation Center (online at IndyLiberationCenter.org), a home we share with other progressive organizations in the city, including the Indiana Black Librarians Network, Arte Mexicano en Indiana, Cultivate Indy, the Shaka Shakur Freedom Campaign, and others!