(2019-07-16). Democratic Virtues in Electing a President. counterpunch.org 
Privatizing the US elections? I enjoyed listening to the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates speak of their hopes for the future of this country. What I did not like was the NBC umbrella over the aspiring candidates. Why should large TV monopolies run the presidential campaigns? Who gave this "media" money-machine the right to have its employees ask More
(2019-07-16). Democrats Need to Wake Up and Smell the Grassroots. truthdig.com Unfortunately, an exotic flu epidemic has broken out in Washington, D.C. Dubbed the "Canadian Hot Sauce Flu," it uniquely afflicts a particular group of Democratic officeholders and operatives. | CHS Flu renders its victims weaker than Canadian hot sauce, leaving them unable to stand boldly for the workaday majority they're supposed to represent. Instead, the afflicted — who are mostly old-line party leaders — are reduced to don't-rock-the-boat corporatism and conservative appeasement when advancing policy ideas. They fear that anything stronger will spook "centrist voters." | This breakout is a react…
(2019-07-16). Free Speech Just isn't That Complicated. counterpunch.org It's hard to believe we need to have this conversation in this day and age. But if we don't keep having it, at some point we might not be allowed to have it. Question: What is free speech? Or, rather what is NOT free speech? In 2017, former Vermont governor, presidential candidate, and Democratic National More
(2019-07-16). Immigrant Raids Part of a Larger Fascist Program. indybay.org Sports Basement | 1590 Bryant Street, San Francisco…
(2019-07-16). House Dems slap Trump with resolution condemning 'go back' tweets against congresswomen of color. rt.com 
House Democrats have rushed to table a resolution condemning Donald Trump for a series of angry tweets against four freshman congresswomen of color, which they said was a "blatant racist attack." |
(2019-07-16). Mountain View Vigil Protests Immigration Camps. indybay.org On June 30, 2018 in Mountain View 2,000 people demonstrated to send a clear message to Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress: Families Belong Together! They demanded an end to cruel and unjustified treatment of immigrant children and their families. A year later, on July 12, 2019, members of Together We Will once again called upon the people to gather on the streets, for the situation has not improved. Quite the opposite, it has only become more dire. | Photos by Teri Vershel, Pro Bono Photo. Please credit the photographer.
(2019-07-16). 'The Difference Is Thousands of Lives': Sanders Releases Chart Contrasting Biden's Incremental Healthcare Plan With Medicare for All. commondreams.org "Biden's plan would preserve a broken system," said Sen. Bernie Sanders's 2020 presidential campaign | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/medicare_for_all_13.jpg …
(2019-07-16). As Republicans Push Pro-Life Agenda, Maternal and Infant Death Rates Rise. therealnews.com 
Not only has maternal and infant health mortality rates increased in the U.S. but these rates are double for black women compared to their white counterparts—no matter what their education or income level. Community Doulas and midwives think they have part of the solution…
(2019-07-16). Hong Kong protests continue amid clashes with police. wsws.org The Hong Kong and central governments are incapable of addressing the real concerns for democratic rights and social equality that are driving the protests.
(2019-07-16). Grieve accuses Johnson of Brexit 'radicalisation' over Irish backstop. thecanary.co 
Dominic Grieve has accused Boris Johnson of further radicalising on Brexit and leaving the UK with "starker" prospects by trying to appease hardliners in a strengthening of his stance on the Irish backstop.The former attorney general also accused the Tory leadership front-runner of making a "disgraceful" suggestion which would spell the end of democracy as we know it.On Tuesday, Grieve warned whoever becomes the next prime minister that their government will collapse if they pursue a no-deal departure from the EU.Conservative Party leadership candidates Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt during a head-to-head debate h…
(2019-07-16). Ruthless Philippine President's High Popularity Is the Result of Failed Democracy. therealnews.com 
As the death toll in President Rodrigo Duterte's brutal war on drugs keeps climbing, so does his popularity. How can this be? Walden Bello says it is the result of a failed liberal democracy in the Philippines…
(2019-07-16). Trump's Racist Tweets Fan Hatred, Defining the Coming Election. therealnews.com 
Professors Gerald Horne and Kimberly Moffit examine how Trump's targeted tweet storm against progressive women of color who serve in Congress works to further divide the Democratic party, while dredging up America's racist settler-colonial past…
(2019-07-15). "We Are in Fear": Undocumented Immigrant in Sanctuary Responds to Raids from Colorado Church. democracynow.org 
As immigrant communities face ongoing raids across the country, we speak with Rosa Sabido, one of dozens of undocumented immigrants living in churches across the United States. She entered sanctuary in May 2017 in the fellowship hall at United Methodist Church in Mancos, Colorado, after being told that her latest request of stay of deportation had been denied by ICE. She first came to the U.S. on a visitor visa in 1987 to see her mother and stepfather, who are both naturalized U.S. citizens. "We are in fear. We are on guard," says Sabido. "We are on constant panic, and we don't know what's going to happen in our…
(2019-07-15). Pressley, AOC, Tlaib and Omar Hit Back at Trump's Bigotry. truthout.org After President Donald Trump on Sunday directed a series of racist tweets at Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, and Ayanna Pressley, the group of freshman congresswomen known as the "the Squad" rebuked the president for his bigoted remarks and vowed to continue fighting his cruel attacks on immigrants and other vulnerable communities. | "This is what racism looks like," tweeted Pressley, a Massachusetts congresswoman, after Trump said the freshman Democrats should "go back" to the countries "from which they came." | Trump's attack was met with a flood of outrage. By Monday morning, the…
(2019-07-15). How Some Florida Prosecutors Are Pushing Back Against GOP Voter Suppression Efforts. theintercept.com 
The GOP legislature is trying to take the vote away from people with past legal woes — and some prosecutors are looking for ways around a new restriction.
(2019-07-15). Pyongyang on the Potomac. counterpunch.org 
When Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un shook hands on June 30 at the line dividing the two Koreas, the pictures that appeared on front pages all over the world depicted two very different leaders. Trump is a tall, 73-year-old white man who leads the world's most powerful democracy. Kim is a short, plump, 35-year-old More
(2019-07-15). UN High Commissioner on Human Rights Bachelet's Gift to the US: Justifying Regime Change in Venezuela. counterpunch.org 
UN High Commissioner on Human Rights Michelle Bachelet's report on Venezuela echoes the US government's talking points, which are designed to terminate the two-decade-old Bolivarian Revolution in Venezuela. The report fails to acknowledge Venezuela's manifest accomplishments or even recognize victims of US-backed right-wing violence in Venezuela. The US economic war against Venezuela, US threats of a More
(2019-07-15). The Sanders Campaign Is Fighting Back Against Biased Media Coverage. truthdig.com Sen. Bernie Sanders is doing well in the polls, but as his presidential campaign staff explains to Politico, you'd never know that from his media coverage and comments from reporters. Yet in a July 12 New York Times analysis of multiple public opinion polls askin…
(2019-07-15). "Fossil Fuel Stooges" Pence & Trump Deny Climate Crisis as Deadly Rains Slam Louisiana & South Asia. democracynow.org 
Ongoing heavy rain has killed at least 67 people in Nepal, 25 in India and 14 in Bangladesh as flooding from monsoons has displaced 1 million people in South Asia. This year's flooding in the region has been worse than ever before and is likely fueled by rising global temperatures, which have led to more extreme weather. Scientists warn that the risk of deadly floods is not over. In the United States, New Orleans residents managed to avoid the worst of Tropical Storm Barry, but 11 million people continued to be on flash flood warning as the storm slowly made its way through Louisiana over the weekend. President T…
(2019-07-15). Cruelty Is the Point: Communities Fight Back as Threat of ICE Raids Terrorize Immigrant Families. democracynow.org 
This weekend, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents launched a handful of raids across the country as part of President Trump's push to detain and deport thousands of undocumented migrants in 10 major cities. Agents in Chicago reportedly arrested a mother and her children only to quickly release them. Arrests were also attempted in New York City, in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, and Harlem, where immigrants reportedly refused to open their doors to ICE agents because they did not have warrants. Authorities say more raids are planned this week, prompting fear but also generating mass protests on the ground. We speak…
(2019-07-15). How to Serve Man? "The Narcotic Effect of Thinking We are a Democracy" globalresearch.ca Inspired by the 1962 Twilight Zone episode How to Serve Man this writer uses that to make some cogent points about our corporate and political system. We have (too) large corporations that do as little as possible to make we …
(2019-07-15). Trump's tweets against progressive congresswomen branded racist. thecanary.co US president Donald Trump has shrugged off sharp criticism over tweets branded as racist in which he said four Black, progressive congresswomen should "go back and help fix" their "broken and crime infested" countries. | All are US citizens, and only one is foreign-born. | While Democrats have condemned Trump's remarks, Republicans have remained largely silent. ….and viciously telling the people of the United States, the greatest and most powerful Nation on earth, how our government is to be run. Why don't they go back and help fix the totally broken and crime infested places from which they came. Then come b…
(2019-07-15). Trump Says 'The Squad' Hates the US, Asks Them to Leave Again. telesurenglish.net The United States President Donald Trump Monday defended his attacks against four Democratic congresswomen, saying he was not concerned if people thought his tweets toward them were racist and accused the U.S. lawmakers of hating America. | RELATED: | Nancy Pelosi 'Salty' as Progressive Congresswomen Vote Against Right-wing Border Bill | "As far as…
(2019-07-15). Trump's Latest Tweets Are Not Just Racist, But Part of a Broader Reactionary Attack on the Left. commondreams.org U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks during his 'Made In America' product showcase at the White House July 15, 2019 in Washington, DC. Trump talked with American business owners during the 3rd annual showcase, one day after tweeting that four Democratic congresswomen of color should "go back" to their own countries. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/trump_racist_tweets.jpg …
(2019-07-15). 'We won't get to zero cases of Ebola without a big scale-up in funding,' UN relief chief warns. un.org Deadly, attacks on health workers in Ebola-hit areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), including one at the weekend that left two dead, are an indication that combating the disease outbreak will require far greater international support, UN humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock said on Monday.
(2019-07-15). Why Do Billionaires Keep Presenting Themselves as America's Great New Hope? commondreams.org Billionaire candidates often run promising to fix the very problems that their own existence created in the first place. (Photo: Stephen Lam/Reuters) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/steyer.jpeg …
(2019-07-15). Thousands march in Chicago to demand end to US immigrant detention camps, raids and deportations. wsws.org The event was aimed at containing the enormous social opposition to the extreme-right policies of the Trump administration and the Republicans, within the confines of the Democratic Party,…
(2019-07-15). The Fear Party. counterpunch.org 
Photograph by Nathaniel St. Clair | The politics of fear led by President Trump attacking undocumented immigrants and religious minorities is pushing our political parties apart. Political divisions in the United States are increased when our two major political parties do not agree on what are the important issues. | Historically, Democratic and Republican parties essentially agreed on…
(2019-07-15). 'If you're not happy, you can leave': Trump stands by his tweets slamming Dem Squad. rt.com 
US President Donald Trump ramped up his Twitter feud with four Democratic congresswomen who he says 'hate America,' accusing one of them of supporting Al-Qaeda and saying they are welcome to leave the country if they so wish.
(2019-07-15). Democrats back mass deportations. wsws.org Regardless of immigration status, all workers must understand that they are the ultimate target of the anti-democratic methods used against immigrants.
(2019-07-15). Netroots Nation: What does America's largest progressive conference mean for the 2020 race? rt.com 
With the Democratic party torn between the activist left and the establishment center, some of its leading figures competed to out-woke each other at Netroots Nation 2019. But will this bring victory in 2020 — or rule it out? |
(2019-07-15). 'Not Acceptable': Analysis Estimates Biden Healthcare Plan Would Kill 125,000 People in First Decade Alone. commondreams.org As Biden vows to "do everything in my power" to defend system based on for-profit insurance industry, People's Policy Project shows death toll would be equivalent "of 42 September 11-style attacks" | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/biden_healthcare_1.jpg …
(2019-07-15). Kaepernick anthem-kneeling controversy was the work of 'Russian Bots' — Kamala Harris. rt.com 
What can't those dastardly Russian bots do? Presidential hopeful Kamala Harris has blamed the media commotion surrounding former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick's kneeling during the national anthem on the Kremlin's minions. |
(2019-07-15). Trump Denounced for 'Incitement to Violence' Against Ilhan Omar After Latest Racist Attack on Congresswoman. commondreams.org Democrats in Congress condemned President Donald Trump Monday after he defended and doubled down on his weekend attacks on progressive women of color in the House, this time focusing his racist comments on Rep. Ilhan Omar. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/ilhan_omar_0_0.jpg …
(2019-07-15). Would Jay Inslee Take on the Military to Fight Climate Change? therealnews.com 
At Netroots Nation 2019, we asked Democratic presidential candidate Jay Inslee, focused on climate change, if he'd take on the largest institutional emitter of fossil fuels: the Pentagon…
(2019-07-15). How Quickly Would Julian Castro Transition the US to 100% Renewables? therealnews.com 
At Netroots Nation 2019, we ask Democratic Presidential candidate Julian Castro about his plan to transition off of fossil fuels and take on the oil and gas industry…
(2019-07-15). When Trump Is Tweeting Racist Attacks on Progressive Democratic Women, It's Time to Impeach. thenation.com When Trump Is Tweeting Racist Attacks on Progressive Democratic Women, It's Time to Impeach…
(2019-07-15). Trump calls on 'Radical Left Congresswomen' to apologize to US & Israel in fresh Twitter attack. rt.com 
US President Donald Trump escalated his war of words with a group of progressive Democrat congresswomen in an early-morning tweet Monday, in which he called for them to apologize to the US, Israel and to his office.
(2019-07-15). House Democrats ratify $733 billion for US military. wsws.org The bill was passed with more than a dozen amendments, all of which will eventually be removed, to ensure the support of Democratic "progressives."
(2019-07-15). Why does WaPo see Black as an 'identity'—but not multi-millionaire? nationofchange.org 
The Washington Post's "identity politics" writer put out a piece this week ( 7/9/19) devoted to what Robert Johnson, the ultra-rich founder of Black Entertainment Television, thinks about the Democratic primary race. The piece leads off: Few demographic groups are more faithful to the Democratic Party than black…
(2019-07-14). Pete Buttigieg and Joe Biden Condemn Israeli Occupation, as Young American Jews Urge Democrats to Press Israel. theintercept.com Young American Jews got two more presidential candidates, Pete Buttigieg and Joe Biden, to denounce Israel's military rule over millions of Palestinians.
(2019-07-14). Activists in Oshkosh, WI call for closure of Trump's concentration camps. fightbacknews.org Oshkosh, WI – On the evening of July 12, the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Students for a Democratic Society (UWO SDS) hosted a Lights for Liberty rally, demanding an end to the Trump administration's detention policy and the closure of the concentration camps, where tens of thousands of immigrants are being held in clear breach of international law. The call to action drew roughly 30 people from Oshkosh and the surrounding Fox Valley area. | The event started with a silent candlelight vigil to help bring awareness to the disastrous conditions in the camps. The action featured 12 different people speaking…
(2019-07-14). Go back to your crime infested countries and Pelosi will pay for it — Trump to progressive Dems. rt.com 
In a three-tweet tirade, President Donald Trump told progressive congresswomen to go back to their "totally broken and crime infested" countries of origin and sneered at the infighting rocking the Democratic Party. |
(2019-07-14). Russian trolls are coming! Obama staffer issues warning amid dispute within Democrtic party. rt.com 
With sniping and infighting rocking the Democratic Party, former White House staffer Ben Rhodes has warned the left to be on the lookout for those ever-present "Russian trolls," drawing ridicule. |
(2019-07-13). Why Does WaPo See Black as an 'Identity'—but Not Multi-Millionaire? fair.org 
by Julie Hollar The Washington Post's "identity politics" writer put out a piece this week ( 7/9/19) devoted to what Robert Johnson, the ultra-rich founder of Black Entertainment Television, thinks about the Democratic primary race. The piece leads off: Few demographic groups are more faithful to the Democratic Part…
(2019-07-13). Sanders vs the Endless Austerity Regime. mronline.org 
Bernie Sanders must very quickly get serious about building a grassroots movement-type politics on the ground that disrupts the corporate-managed pace, coverage and content of the primary season. | Source
(2019-07-13). Trump Wants to Use 'Citizenship Data' to Gerrymander Democracy. thenation.com Trump Wants to Use 'Citizenship Data' to Gerrymander Democracy…
(2019-07-13). Socialism 2019 in 'Red Chicago'. greenleft.org.au 
Chicago has a proud working-class history and this year elected six socialists to its City Council. At a time when social movements are on the rise and interest in socialist ideas in the United States is at an all time high, the "Windy City" was the perfect venue for the annual Socialism conference on July 4-7. | Socialism 2019 was profoundly shaped by two particular and interrelated developments. | First, the dramatic growth of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) following Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential primaries campaign, the polarisation generated by US…
(2019-07-12). Border Patrol Chief Carla Provost Was a Member of Secret Facebook Group. theintercept.com 
When news broke that thousands of current and former Border Patrol agents were members of a secret Facebook group filled with racist, vulgar, and sexist content, Carla Provost, chief of the agency, was quick to respond. "These posts are completely inappropriate and contrary to the honor and integrity I see — and expect — from our agents day in and day out," Provost said in a statement. "Any employees found to have violated our standards of conduct will be held accountable." | For Provost, a veteran of the Border Patrol who was named head of the agency in August 2018, the group's existence and content…
(2019-07-12). 'This Is Designed to Shape the Electorate to Retain Political Power' – CounterSpin interview with Steven Rosenfeld on gerrymandering. fair.org 
Janine Jackson interviewed Steven Rosenfeld on the Supreme Court's gerrymandering decision for the July 5, 2019, episode of CounterSpin. This is a lightly edited transcript. | Media…
(2019-07-12). The Glaring Holes in Michelle Bachelet's Venezuela Human Rights Report. mintpressnews.com 
UN High Commissioner on Human Rights Michelle Bachelet's report on Venezuela echoes the US government's talking points, which are designed to terminate the two-decade-old Bolivarian Revolution in Venezuela. The report fails to acknowledge Venezuela's manifest accomplishments or even recognize victims of US-backed right-wing violence in Venezuela. The US economic war against Venezuela, US threats of a "military option," and opposition violence are treated in the Bachelet report as figments of the imagination, "alleged internal and external threats." | Mean…
(2019-07-12). Know Your Rights: How Immigrant Rights Activists Are Preparing for Looming ICE Deportation Raids. democracynow.org 
Immigrant communities across the country and their allies are preparing for nationwide raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement planned to begin Sunday that will target undocumented members of immigrant families in at least nine major cities. The cities where raids will take place are said to be Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York and San Francisco. New Orleans had been on the list, but the city announced this weekend that ICE was temporarily postponing the raids due to Tropical Storm Barry. We speak with a roundtable of immigrants' rights activists: Adelina Nicholls, th…
(2019-07-12). Ousted Honduran President Zelaya: The 2009 U.S.-Backed Coup Helped Cause Today's Migrant Crisis. democracynow.org 
Since the 2009 U.S.-backed military coup in Honduras, extreme poverty and violence has skyrocketed in the country, forcing tens of thousands of Hondurans to flee to the U.S. with the hope of receiving political asylum. We speak with ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya in the capital of Tegucigalpa about the 10th anniversary of the coup in Honduras, U.S. intervention in Central America and its link to today's migration crisis.
(2019-07-12). Weekend Read: Jim Crow's fingerprints are on Florida's new voting law. splcenter.org Voting is not a privilege but a right that is essential for a healthy, well-functioning democracy.
(2019-07-12). House Says Trump Can't Go to War With Iran Unless Congress Approves. theintercept.com Democrats in the House of Representatives on Friday passed an amendment that would sharply restrict President Donald Trump's ability to attack Iran without congressional authorization, attaching the language to an annual must-pass defense bill. | The measure, which was sponsored by California Democrat Ro Khanna and Florida Republican Matthew Gaetz, would prohibit the Pentagon from spending money on any military action against Iran unless Congress has declared war or passed a resolution authorizing the administration to use force. The bill contains an exception for emergency situations in which U.S. armed forces a…
(2019-07-12). Will Dem Party Superdelegates Prevent a Progressive Nominee in 2020? therealnews.com 
As the Democratic Party race for president heats up, the role of superdelegates in the 2020 party convention could be an issue, even though their participation is more limited than in the past. Norman Solomon discusses the situation…
(2019-07-11). The U.S. Women's Soccer World Cup Win Was a Victory for Title IX & the Fight for Equal Pay. democracynow.org 
Thousands gathered in Manhattan Wednesday to celebrate the U.S. women's national soccer team's fourth World Cup championship at a ticker tape parade that stretched up Broadway and past Wall Street. Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, Rose Lavelle and their teammates rode floats through New York City's Canyon of Heroes, ending their celebrations at a ceremony at City Hall. Supporters chanted "U.S.A.!" and "Equal pay!" The U.S women's World Cup victory came just months after members of the 2015 women's team sued the U.S. Soccer Federation over gender discrimination. Their high-profile fight for pay equity is focusing the s…
(2019-07-11). Cops' racism exposes driving while Latinx in Pennsylvania. workers.org 
On May 10, 2018, Rebecca Castro's car was stopped by a Pennsylvania State trooper who first inquired about her immigration status instead of asking for her license and registration. Castro is a U.S. citizen. The trooper then asked about the status of her two passengers; one was her fiancé Carlos . . . | Continue reading Cops' racism exposes driving while Latinx in Pennsylvania at Workers.org
(2019-07-11). "Unconscionable & Unacceptable": Rep. Barragán Decries Detention of Migrant Children in Prison Cells. democracynow.org 
Yazmin Juárez, the Guatemalan mother whose child died from a lung infection after being held in an ICE detention center, testified before members of a congressional panel Wednesday. She shared the story of her daughter, 19-month-old Mariee, who died last year shortly after being released from the South Texas Family Detention Center in Dilley, Texas. Juárez filed a $60 million lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Patrol and the Department of Health and Human Services. The House subcommittee convened to examine the treatment of refugees in U.S.
(2019-07-11). Give Elizabeth Warren a Break — Even Ariel Sharon Said the Israeli Occupation Had to End. theintercept.com Right-wing Israelis, and their supporters in the United States, have spent the last 48 hours venting their fury at Sen. Elizabeth Warren, since the Massachusetts Democrat told a young Jewish activist that she would press Israel to end its military rule over millions of disenfranchised Palestinians in territories it seized by force in 1967. | To be more precise, Warren's critics, led by the Republican Jewish Coalition, have expressed outrage that she said, "yes — so, I'm there," when asked, as she campaigned for the presidency in New Hampshire…
(2019-07-11). Mass measles vaccination campaign begins in Ebola-hit DR Congo province. un.org Health workers have started a massive measles vaccination campaign in north-east Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a region that's in the grip of the second deadliest Ebola virus outbreak on record.
(2019-07-11). As 2020 Primary Nears, Candidates Struggle with Positions on Charter Schools. progressive.org After years of avoidance, Democrats are being forced to take a stand charter schools—and most are straddling both sides.
(2019-07-11). Amy McGrath Is Challenging Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. She's Everything Wrong With the Democratic Party. theintercept.com Amy McGrath is everything wrong with the Democratic Party. She launched her high-profile campaign Tuesday with a multimillion-dollar burst of fundraising, with Democrats across the country eager to see her upend Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. By Wednesday, she was apologizing for a bizarre flip-flop-flip on a question — Brett Kavanaugh's fitness for the Supreme Court — that seemed like a layup. In between, she told MSNBC's "Morning Joe" that she was running on the mind-bending rationale that McConnell needs to go because he has been obstructing the agenda of Donald Trump. | Perhaps the strang…
(2019-07-11). How U.S. Tech Giants Are Helping to Build China's Surveillance State. theintercept.com A nonprofit led by Google and IBM executives is working with Semptian, whose technology is monitoring the internet activity of 200 million people in China.
(2019-07-10). The Inhumane Treatment of Migrants Is Not New. It's a Key Part of a Decades-Old Bipartisan Policy. democracynow.org 
More than a week after lawmakers flocked to the U.S.-Mexico border to observe the horrible treatment of refugee children and families in immigration jails, reports of unsafe and unsanitary conditions for asylum seekers are continuing. In Clint, Texas, the Border Patrol station that garnered international attention for jailing hundreds of migrant children without access to sufficient food, water, beds or medical care now has a spreading outbreak of scabies, shingles and chickenpox, according to border agents. In Yuma, Arizona, NBC reports that jailed migrant children have been subjected to mistreatment and sexual…
(2019-07-10). How the Climate Crisis Is Pushing Central Americans Out of Their Homes Toward the U.S. democracynow.org 
As the U.S. continues to crack down on migrants seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border, we look at one of the underreported driving factors leading people to flee their home countries: the climate crisis. John Carlos Frey, author of "Sand and Blood: America's Stealth War on the Mexico Border," spent time with Central American climate refugees traveling in a caravan toward the United States. He says, "If this drought continues, we're looking at all-out famine from Central America. …That's one of the major reasons why they're coming. … The government doesn't even acknowledge the fact that there is a climate c…
(2019-07-10). John Carlos Frey: America's Deadly Stealth War on the Mexico Border Is Approaching Genocide. democracynow.org 
John Carlos Frey's new book, "Sand and Blood: America's Stealth War on the Mexico Border," chronicles how the U.S.-Mexico border became a war zone through decades of deadly bipartisan immigration policy. But it also examines the border through the personal history of his family. Born in Tijuana, Mexico, Frey moved to the U.S. with his family when he was a toddler in 1965. He grew up in southern San Diego, California, where he witnessed the effects of American immigration policy on the borderlands every day. His father was an American citizen. His mother was a Mexican immigrant. Frey's book is dedicated "To my mot…
(2019-07-10). As Border Crisis Deepens, Nancy Pelosi Asks for Prayer to Heal Democratic Rifts. theintercept.com House Speaker Nancy Pelosi continued her criticism of the progressives in her party at a private House Democratic caucus meeting on Wednesday. "Every time I'm attacked, I raise more money," Pelosi said, looking directly at Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and drawing huge applause from the caucus. | Pelosi claimed that party infighting was putting the House majority at risk by jeopardizing seats flipped from red to blue in 2018. Ocasio-Cortez has been openly critical on Twitter of Blue Dogs and New Democrats, who represent conservatives in the caucus. "Think twice about it," Pelosi advised about staffers who tweet,…
(2019-07-10). Headlines for July 10, 2019. democracynow.org Children Recount Mistreatment, Sexual Abuse at Yuma, AZ Migrant Jail, Scabies, Shingles & Chickenpox Spreading Among Children at Clint, TX Migrant Jail, Jewish Activists Arrested After Protesting Migrant Detention on Capitol Hill, Judge Rejects DOJ Move to Replace Legal Team Charged with Census Citizenship Battle, Court Says Trump Cannot Block Critics on Twitter, U.K. Ambassador Resigns After Leaked Cables Scandal, Afghan Peace Talks Close as Deadly Attacks Continue, Appeals Court Hears Arguments on Constitutionality of Affordable Care Act, Megan Rapinoe to Trump: "Your Message Is Excluding People", Calls Grow fo…
(2019-07-09). "This Is Not a Surprise": U.S. Sanctions and Saber Rattling Led to Iran's Renewed Uranium Enrichment. democracynow.org 
In ongoing fallout from the Trump administration's decision to pull out of the Iran nuclear accord, the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed on Monday that Iran has begun enriching uranium above the level agreed to by the 2015 nuclear deal. Iran has threatened to continue to increase their production of enriched uranium if European signatories of the nuclear deal do not help ease the impact of the U.S. sanctions. We speak with Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the new think tank, the Quincy Institute, and author of "Losing an Enemy: Obama, Iran, and the Triumph of Diplomacy."
(2019-07-09). The Book of Palestine: National Liberation vs Endless Negotiations. mintpressnews.com 
What will it take for the Palestinian government to abandon the American option and, instead, to develop a rounded strategy that is founded on national unity, democratic representation and international solidarity? asks Ramzy Baroud.
(2019-07-09). Despite Death Threats, Glenn Greenwald Speaks Out About Exposing Large Corruption Scandal in Brazil. democracynow.org 
A political crisis in Brazil is growing in the wake of The Intercept's investigation into a judge who likely aided federal prosecutors in their corruption case against former Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The Bolsonaro administration announced Monday that Brazilian Justice Minister Sérgio Moro has been granted a leave of absence from July 15-19 to "deal with personal matters." Leaked cellphone messages among Brazilian law enforcement officials and other data obtained by The Intercept point to an ongoing collaboration between then-Judge Sérgio Moro and the prosecutors investigating a sweeping corr…
(2019-07-08). Charges Dropped Against Pregnant Shooting Victim Amid Outcry over the Criminalization of Pregnancy. democracynow.org 
Following immense public pressure, prosecutors in Alabama have dropped manslaughter changers against Marshae Jones, a 28-year-old African-American woman whose pregnancy ended after she was shot in the stomach by a coworker. Local police accused Jones of starting the fight that led to the shooting in the parking lot of a Dollar General store outside of Birmingham. A grand jury then indicted Jones on manslaughter but dismissed any charges against the shooter. The case drew national outcry from women's rights advocates concerned about the criminalization of pregnant women and the legal implications of so-called feta…
(2019-07-08). As prosecutors vow retrial of Scott Warren, community vows to continue aiding migrants. liberationnews.org 
The further persecution of Warren is not having the cooling effect on border-activism that U.S. authorities intended it to have.
(2019-07-08). U.S. Women's Soccer Team Wins World Cup, Condemning Pay Discrimination and President Trump. democracynow.org 
The U.S. national women's soccer team made history by winning its record fourth World Cup after defeating the Netherlands 2 to 0 on Sunday in Lyon, France. The U.S. women's World Cup victory came just months after members of the 2015 women's team sued the U.S. Soccer Federation over gender discrimination. Following the victory, audience members began to chant "equal pay" in solidarity with the team's demands for an equal salary to their male counterparts. Prize money for this year's Women's World Cup is just $30 million compared to $400 million for the 2018 men's World Cup. Co-captain Megan Rapinoe was awarded th…
(2019-07-08). Headlines for July 8, 2019. democracynow.org Trump & DOJ Reverse Stance, Will Keep Pushing for Citizenship Question in 2020 Census, Trump Admin Threatens It's Ready to Start Deporting Up to 1 Million People, ICE and FBI Have Used Facial Recognition Technology to Mine DMV Databases, Trump: Migrants "Very Happy" with Situation in U.S. Migrant Jails, Iran Breaches Nuclear Deal Limits, Condemns U.K.'s Seizure of Oil Tanker, Sudanese Military Leaders and Opposition Agree to 3-Year Power-Sharing Deal, Greek Snap Elections Hand Victory to Conservative Party, U.S. Women's Team Wins Soccer World Cup, Shining a Spotlight on Gender Pay Disparity, State of Emergency De…
(2019-07-05). An Hour with Noam Chomsky on Fascism, Nuclear Weapons, Climate Change, Julian Assange & More. democracynow.org 
In April, hundreds of people packed into the Old South Church in Boston to hear the world-renowned dissident and linguist Noam Chomsky speak. In this hour-long special, we air an excerpt of Chomsky's speech and his on-stage interview with Amy Goodman.
(2019-07-04). Ta-Nehisi Coates: "Joe Biden Shouldn't Be President" democracynow.org 
Democratic presidential contender Joe Biden is under fire for fondly reminiscing about his "civil" relationship with segregationist senators in the 1970s and 1980s. Speaking at a fundraiser at the Carlyle Hotel in New York City on Tuesday night, Biden expressed nostalgia for his relationship with the late Democratic pro- segregation Senators James Eastland of Mississippi and Herman Talmadge of Georgia. Biden reportedly said, "I was in a caucus with James O. Eastland. … He never called me 'boy'; he called me 'son.'" Biden went on to say, "A guy like Herman Talmadge, one of the meanest guys I ever knew, you go do…
(2019-07-04). Reading Reuters between the Lines: Why the US Puppet President of Venezuela Is Toast. mintpressnews.com A critical reading between the lines of a Reuters article confirms that Washington has failed to cobble together a united opposition in Venezuela that is popular enough to win in the polls, likely signaling the end for Juan Guaido.
(2019-07-03). Buttigieg Goes for Big Bucks as NYT Oversells His Small-Donor Support. fair.org by Jim Naureckas On June 25, the day before the first Democratic presidential debates, Pete Buttigieg's average in polls of the race stood at 7.0 percent. Today, after the attention and considerable positive media reaction that he got after the debates, he's surged—to 5.2 percent. | Despite the fact that more people seeing him seems to have resulted in less people liking him, the media narrative about Buttigieg is that his is a campaign on the move—based almost entirely on his fun…
(2019-07-03). Thousands of Voices Are Telling the Supreme Court: Don't Roll Back LGBTQ Rights. aclu.org Businesses, women CEOs, civil rights organizations, Republicans tell the Supreme Court to protect LGBTQ employees like Aimee Stephens and Don Zarda. | President Trump has told the Supreme Court it should be legal to fire someone just because they're LGBTQ. The President may be a bully, but he's just one voice. Today, more than 2,000 voices from across the country joined together to tell the Supreme Court: Don't roll back our rights. | The message came in the form of friend-of-the-court briefs—nearly 50 in all—filed in a…
(2019-07-02). Warning to Progressive Dems: You're Leaving Corporate Media's Comfort Zone. fair.org by Julie Hollar After the first round of Democratic primary debates, the line from corporate media and their overwhelmingly centrist sources was clear: The Democrats are moving dangerously to the left, at their own peril. | Washington Post reporter Michael Scherer ( 6/30/19), under the headline "Democratic Candidates Veer Left, Leaving Behind Successful Midterm Strategy," pushed the media conventional wisd…
(2019-07-02). NBC News Whitewashes Colombia's Right-Wing President. fair.org 
Colombian President Iván Duque gave a talk on June 21 at the "Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity" on his book Orange Economy: An Infinite Opportunity. Duque wasn't alone—Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels, singer John Legend and former NBA star Dwyane Wade also made appearances at the French Riviera event. | Claire Atkinson, the senior media editor at NBC News ( 6/27/19), i…
(2019-06-28). Who Won the Democratic Food Fight? progressive.org From $1,000 monthly payments to socialism to love, presidential candidates lay out their strategies for beating Trump in 2020.
(2019-06-28). The Other Americans: Hondurans Look Back at the Political Coup that Undermined Their Democracy. progressive.org "I want my daughter to have a better life, I want her to walk."
(2019-06-27). SPLC: Supreme Court decision not to stop politicians from rigging voting maps hurts our democracy. splcenter.org The Supreme Court decided today that federal courts have no role in regulating state legislatures' gross abuses of power when drawing political lines.