Breaking the Set Season 2 Episode 21 Government Shutdown Sham, Exxon Pollutes Arkansas With Toxic Crude Sludge

Government Shutdown Sham, Exxon Pollutes Arkansas With Toxic Crude Sludge is an episode of the second season of Breaking the Set. The show is hosted by Abby Martin and deals with political and social issues that are often ignored by mainstream media. This episode focuses on two main topics, the government shutdown and the environmental disaster caused by Exxon in Arkansas.

The first half of the episode sheds light on the recent government shutdown that lasted for 16 days in 2013. Abby Martin discusses the politics behind the shutdown and how both parties were using it as a bargaining chip to push their agenda. She interviews members of Congress and experts in the field to understand the impact of the shutdown on everyday Americans. The episode also analyzes the economic effects of the shutdown, particularly on government employees who were furloughed or worked without pay. Abby Martin covers the political theatre of it all, highlighting how nothing was truly accomplished by the shutdown other than the adversarial political environment.

The second half of the episode examines the environmental disaster caused by an ExxonMobil pipeline that burst in Mayflower, Arkansas in 2013. The rupture of this pipeline spilled thousands of gallons of tar sands oil, a highly toxic substance, into the surrounding environment. Abby Martin interviews local residents and activists who were affected by the disaster. These individuals detail the devastating impact on their health, the ecosystem, and their livelihoods. The episode also covers Exxon's response to the disaster, including their efforts to downplay the severity of the spill and their lack of accountability. The episode dives into the uphill battle of activists seeking justice as some insurance companies have failed to compensate businesses for the financial losses incurred during the spill.

Throughout the episode, Abby Martin interviews experts in various fields to provide a wider perspective on these issues. The episode also features footage from congressional hearings, protests, and news reports to give viewers a comprehensive understanding of the topics at hand. By providing an in-depth analysis of these critical issues, Breaking the Set seeks to inform viewers without relying on mainstream media narratives.

Overall, Government Shutdown Sham, Exxon Pollutes Arkansas With Toxic Crude Sludge is a compelling and informative episode that delves into two significant issues affecting the US. Abby Martin's reporting is well-researched and nuanced, providing a fresh perspective on topics that are too often reduced to partisan talking points. Breaking the Set is a crucial platform for those seeking alternative media outlets that prioritize issues of social and environmental justice.