(2019-07-23). Peckerwood Populism is About Political Strategy, Not Personal Belief. counterpunch.org 
The controversy around President Donald Trump's recent tweets targeting "The Squad" — four Democratic members of Congress who are all women, all people "of color," and all of whom Trump seems to think aren't "from America" (one came from Somalia as a young woman and became a US citizen at 17; the rest are "natural More
(2019-07-23). The American West as Judeo-Christian Artifact. counterpunch.org 
I. It is fair to say that most people in the modern world regard nature as a collection of "resources" that exist solely for our aggrandizement. Even the foremost putative "progressives" now on the national stage (Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, et al.) argue that we should continue to exploit resources to keep the capitalist growth More
(2019-07-23). Centrist Twitter is very upset with people pointing out Jo Swinson's voting record. thecanary.co On 22 July, the Liberal Democrats elected Jo Swinson as their leader. As The Canary pointed out, the coalition-era politician is "more Tory than some Tories". Other people pointed out the same thing. Predictably, this set off all the usual suspects: | t.co/SuLwNNbDBc | — Grace Blakeley (@graceblakeley) July 22…
(2019-07-23). The Overlooked Difference Between Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. thenation.com The Overlooked Difference Between Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren…
(2019-07-23). Boris Johnson—Denounced as "Liar, Racist, and Donald Trump's Poodle"—Elected by Tory Party to Become New UK Prime Minister. commondreams.org "Around 100,000 Tory Party members have inflicted on us a prime minister with a record of bigotry, racism, lying, and incompetence, Boris Johnson," declared Green Party MP Caroline Lucas. "This is not democracy." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/boris_johnson_uk.jpg …
(2019-07-23). Kamala Harris: Law-and-order with a dose of identity politics. indybay.org The World Socialist Web Site takes a close look at the political career of California Senator Kamala Harris.
(2019-07-23). Sounding the Alarm Against a Fascist Regime. indybay.org Sports Basement | 1590 Bryant Street, San Francisco | Elevator access…
(2019-07-23). The Immigrant Crisis and the Democratic Party. indybay.org Redstone Building (room TBA) 2940 16th St., San Francisco…
(2019-07-23). Puerto Rico: 400,000 flood streets to demand governor resign. greenleft.org.au 
Hours after Governor Ricardo Rosselló resisted calls to step down over leaked messages — mocking victims of Hurricane Maria and attacking fellow politicians with misogynistic slurs — an estimated 400,000 Puerto Ricans took to the streets on July 22 and demanded Rosselló's resignation. | "The people have spoken," New York Democratic representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez — whose mother was born in Puerto Rico —…
(2019-07-22). The Real Trouble with Ilhan Omar. commondreams.org Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) rallies with fellow Democrats before voting on H.R. 1, or the People Act, on the East Steps of the U.S. Capitol March 08, 2019 in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/ilhan_omar-trump-incite-violence.jpg …
(2019-07-22). EPA Refuses to Ban Dangerous Pesticide Chlorpyrifos Linked to Brain Damage in Children. democracynow.org 
The Environmental Protection Agency will not ban the widely used pesticide chlorpyrifos—even though the agency's own research shows that it can cause brain damage in children. The substance is sold under the commercial name Lorsban and is banned for household use. But it's still used by farmers on more than 50 fruit, nuts, cereal and vegetable crops. The announcement came Thursday. The Obama administration said it would ban the use of the toxic chemical in 2015, but the rule never took effect. It was suspended in 2017 by then-EPA head Scott Pruitt. We go to Seattle to speak with Patti Goldman, a managing at…
(2019-07-22). Popular Chilean Mayor Questions Omissions in Bachelet Report. telesurenglish.net One of Chile's most popular politicians and the mayor of Recoleta, Daniel Jadue, questioned the report from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, on Venezuela because the former Chilean President "said nothing about the coup attempts that she supported." | "Both in her first and second government, the foreign ministers of President Bachelet attempted against democracy and against the Venezuelan process. Nothing different could be expected from a report from the commissioner, "Jadue said in an interview with La Tercera newspaper. | REL…
(2019-07-22). "All Sides Need to Begin to De-escalate": Tensions Between Iran, U.K. & U.S. Spark Fears of War. democracynow.org 
In Iran, authorities say they've arrested 17 Iranian citizens and charged them with being CIA-trained spies for the United States. Iranian media reports that some have already been executed. This comes as tensions in the Persian Gulf continued to mount over the weekend following Iran's seizure of a British oil tanker and its 23 crew members Friday in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran said it seized the tanker in retaliation for the British impounding of an Iranian tanker earlier this month off the coast of Gibraltar. The Iranian National Guard released video Sunday showing the vessel flying an Iranian flag. Britain says…
(2019-07-22). He Was Told to Go Back to Africa. Instead, He May Go to the U.S. Senate. theintercept.com 
Helena, Montana, mayor Wilmot Collins was reminded by Donald Trump's recent comments of the racism he faced when he first came to the U.S. from Liberia.
(2019-07-22). "If Not Now, When Will We Stand?" Native Hawaiians Fight Construction of Telescope on Mauna Kea. democracynow.org 
A historic indigenous resistance is unfolding on the Big Island of Hawaii, where thousands have descended on Mauna Kea, a sacred Native site, to defend it from the construction of a $1.4 billion telescope. Scientists say the Thirty Meter Telescope will help them peer into the deepest corners of space, but indigenous resisters say the construction was approved without their consent and will desecrate their sacred lands. Last week, police arrested 33 people—most of them Hawaiian elders—as they blocked a road to prevent work crews from reaching the site of the telescope being planned atop Mauna Kea. And…
(2019-07-22). Which 2020 Democrats are taking money from the healthcare industry? nationofchange.org Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) called on fellow Democratic presidential candidates to reject contributions from the healthcare industry this week, a renewed effort to distinguish himself from a progressive field that has often adopted his policy positions. | The Vermont senator's announcement came days after campaigns filed their second quarter finance reports, which showed that a number of the 2020 presidential candidates, including S…
(2019-07-22). Deal Sealed on Federal Budget, Ensuring No Shutdown, Default. truthdig.com 
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump and congressional leaders announced late Monday they had struck a critical debt and budget agreement. The deal amounts to an against-the-odds victory for Washington pragmatists seeking to avoid politically dangerous tumult over the possibility of a government shutdown or first-ever federal default. | The deal, announced by Trump on Twitter and in a statement by Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, will restore the government's ability to borrow to pay…
(2019-07-22). DR Congo's Health Minister Resigns Amidst Ebola Pandemic. telesurenglish.net Democratic Republic of Congo's Health Minister, Oly Ilunga Kalenga, presented Monday his resignation after the country's president Felix Tshisekedi stripped him of the management of the Ebola pandemic. | RELATED: | WHO Declares Ebola An International Emergency | Ilunga explained in an official letter published on his Twitter account that his resignation is mainly due to "the creation of parallel chains of authority and to the interference in the management of the response" to the epidemic.
(2019-07-22). Headlines for July 22, 2019. democracynow.org Iran Says It Has Captured and Killed Spies as Oil Tanker Standoff Intensifies, Trump Revs Up Racist Attacks on Squad as AOC Hits Back: "We're Not Going Anywhere", Heat Wave Grips U.S. as July on Track for Hottest Month Ever Recorded, Fire Breaks Out at Brooklyn Jail as Prisoners Face Dangerous Heat Without Relief, Puerto Ricans Continue Mass Protests as Gov. Rosselló Says He Will Not Seek Re-election, Boris Johnson Expected to Become New U.K. Prime Minister, Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Protesters Face Police Tear Gas and Violent Mob, Israel Begins Razing Palestinian Homes in Occupied Territories, Mueller to Testify B…
(2019-07-22). Elizabeth Warren issues statement opposing Trump's nominee for Defense Secretary. nationofchange.org After recently voting 'no' during an executive session to consider Mark Esper's nomination to be Secretary of Defense, Sen. Elizabeth Warren issued a statement opposing his nomination due to a potential conflict of interest with the major defense contractor, Raytheon. As an ex-vice president at Raytheon from 2010 to 2017, Esper directly refused last week to recuse himself from any financial decisions involving his former employer. | As the Senate prepares to confirm Esper as Defense Secretary, Warren issued a statement Thursday noting that if confirmed, Esper would become the fourth current Trump Administratio…
(2019-07-22). Illinois GOP Posts Facebook Meme Calling Four Congresswomen "The Jihad Squad" truthout.org | | Top leaders of the Illinois Republican Party sought to reverse damage on Sunday after posting and then deleting a movie-style poster on Facebook that depicted four progressive congresswomen who have been repeatedly attacked by President Donald Trump in recent days as "The Jihad Squad."
(2019-07-22). MSNBC panelist slammed for saying Bernie Sanders 'makes my skin crawl', is anti-woman (VIDEO). rt.com 
Former assistant US attorney Mimi Rocah claimed that Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders "makes [her] skin crawl" and suggested he's not a "pro-woman candidate" while appearing on MSNBC.
(2019-07-22). Republicans Are Transforming Federal Courts for the Next Generation. therealnews.com 
The Nation's Elie Mystal says Conservative think tanks and Senate Majority Leader McConnell are creating a right-wing federal court system with Trump's help that will affect generations to come…
(2019-07-22). 'Warning Lights Are Flashing,' Says Elizabeth Warren, Detailing Plan to Stave Off Impending Financial Crisis. commondreams.org Democratic presidential hopeful warns of "a number of serious shocks on the horizon that could cause our economy's shaky foundation to crumble." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/warren-economic-crisis-plan.jpg …
(2019-07-22). Behind the Scenes of the House Democrats' Twitter War. thenation.com Behind the Scenes of the House Democrats' Twitter War…
(2019-07-22). Citing Corporate Ties and Lack of 'Urgency,' Progressive Mayor Launches Primary Bid to Unseat Powerful Democrat Richard Neal. commondreams.org A progressive mayor who was born the same year Democratic Rep. Richard Neal took office announced Monday that he is challenging the House Ways and Means Committee chairman in the 2020 election. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/screen_shot_2019-07-22_at_10.33.32_am.jpg …
(2019-07-22). 'Big victory'? Trump & Democrats agree to offload US debt issue on next president & future Americans. rt.com 
Republicans and Democrats have struck a deal on raising the debt ceiling and US government budgets through 2021, lowering the risk of a shutdown or a default and kicking the $22 trillion economic can down the road.
(2019-07-22). As Mueller's 'book' becomes a live show from The Hill, is America sick of 'Russiagate'? rt.com 
With former special counsel Robert Mueller set to testify before two Congressional committees and Democratic lawmakers talking impeachment, has America finally moved on?
(2019-07-22). Donald Trump Is Remaking the GOP. thenation.com Donald Trump Is Remaking the GOP…
(2019-07-22). 'Jihad Squad' meme with Omar & co. on Illinois GOP page angers Democrats. rt.com 
A Republican group has distanced itself from an altered movie poster that appeared on its Facebook page, depicting four progressive congresswomen as 'The Jihad Squad'.
(2019-07-22). Progressive Straw Poll Shows Sanders Leading 2020 Democrats, With Green New Deal and Medicare for All Top Priorities. commondreams.org "There is no doubt that, in 2020, Democrats are better positioned to nominate an unapologetic champion for progressive values for president than we've been in decades." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/bernie_sanders_green_new_deal_0.jpg …
(2019-07-22). The new Lib Dem leader is more Tory than some Tories. thecanary.co 
Jo Swinson is now leader of the Liberal Democrats. But her voting record and her political history suggest that she may actually be more Tory than some members of the Conservative Party. | Once a Lib Dem, always a Lib Dem: | On 22 July, Swinson won the leadership contest, with a large majority over her opponent Ed Davey: | Liberal Democrat leadership election result: | E. Davey: 28,0…
(2019-07-21). How the Border Patrol Began Its Investigation Into No More Deaths Volunteer Scott Warren. theintercept.com 
Newly unsealed documents detail the tip that led the Border Patrol to zero in on humanitarians rescuing migrants in the Arizona desert.
(2019-07-21). Buffalo protests hit union busting. workers.org 
The Western New York SPoT Coffee chain has become the center of a pro-union protest now in its second week. Union solidarity with organizing drive at coffee chain Following the successful unionization of its Rochester location in May, SPoT fired Phoenix Cerny and Phil Kneitinger for attempting to bring the . . . | Continue reading Buffalo protests hit union busting at Workers.org
(2019-07-21). And now 'apologize to Israel': Trump in new rant on 'weak, insecure' Omar, Tlaib & co. rt.com 
President Donald Trump is unshaken by the accusations of "racism" he faces amid a feud with the Democratic Party's 'Squad,' slamming them for being "hateful" and demanding an apology to the US — and Israel.
(2019-07-20). Kamala Harris has a distinguished career of serving injustice. mronline.org 
Harris favored criminalizing truancy, raising cash bail fees and keeping prisoners locked up for cheap labor. | Source
(2019-07-20). Trump's Racist Lies About Ilhan Omar Define the Republican Party. therealnews.com 
The Ilhan Omar quote Trump bastardized came from her conversation with John Nichols, who joins us to look at US history for inspiration and understanding…
(2019-07-19). The Real Trouble with Ilhan Omar. progressive.org While others on the left waffle on questions of imperial power and foreign relations, the freshman Democrat takes on American hegemony.
(2019-07-19). Anti-Racist Historian: Attacks on Rep. Omar Rooted in Belief "America Is for White People" democracynow.org 
On Thursday, President Trump attempted to distance himself from the racist chant of "send her back" about Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar at a Trump campaign rally Wednesday in North Carolina. The chants rang across the rally in response to Trump's own verbal attack against the congresswoman. He did nothing to intervene. On Wednesday, the House of Representatives narrowly passed a resolution condemning Trump's racist remarks against Congressmembers Omar, Rashida Tlaib, Ayanna Pressley and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. We speak with Ibram X. Kendi, founding director of the Antiracist Research and Policy Center at A…
(2019-07-19). In 2003, This U.K. Whistleblower Almost Stopped the Iraq Invasion. A New Film Tells Her Story. democracynow.org 
In 2003, Katharine Gun, a young specialist working for Britain's Government Communications Headquarters, exposed a highly confidential memo that revealed the United States' collaboration with Britain in collecting sensitive information on United Nations Security Council members in order to pressure them into supporting the Iraq invasion. Gun leaked the memo to the press, setting off a chain of events that jeopardized her freedom and safety, but also opened the door to putting the entire legality of the Iraq invasion on trial. ‚Ä®‚Ä®Acclaimed Pentagon Papers whistleblower Daniel Ellsb…
(2019-07-19). In a Crisis of Democracy, We Must All Become Julian Assange. dissidentvoice.org 
The US government's indictment against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange marked the worst attack on press freedom in modern history. Assange has been charged with 18 counts, including 17 violations of the Espionage Act. James Goodale, former general counsel of the New York Times, who urged the paper to publish the Pentagon Papers during the Nixon …
(2019-07-19). A Pro-Israel Democrat Withdrew Her Support for a Bill Supporting Palestinian Rights. She Now Claims Her Name Was Added by Accident. theintercept.com 
Rep. Rosa DeLauro's reversal on the legislation is only the latest illustration of how charged the debate over Israel has become in Washington.
(2019-07-19). Headlines for July 19, 2019. democracynow.org 70 Catholics Arrested in Capitol Hill Protest of Trump's Immigration Policies, Asylum Seekers in Texas ICE Jail Launch Hunger Strike, House Democrats Grill Acting DHS Chief over Migrant Deaths and Squalid Jails, Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Confronts DHS Chief over Racist & Sexist Border Patrol Posts, Trump Disavows "Send Her Home" Chant After Racist Attacks on Rep. Ilhan Omar, Rep. Ilhan Omar Greeted in Minnesota with Chants of "Welcome Home", House Approves Minimum Wage Hike to $15 an Hour, Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Would Bring Overtime Pay, Union Rights, Trump to Nominate Anti-Union Lawyer Eugene Scalia as Labor S…
(2019-07-19). Is Trump a Racist? dissidentvoice.org 
President Donald Trump has once again stepped into the doggy-doo of comments that point to being a racist. Tweeted Trump: So interesting to see "Progressive" Democrat Congresswomen, who originally came from countries whose governments are a complete and total catastrophe, the worst, most corrupt and inept anywhere in the world (if they even have a …
(2019-07-19). The Billionaires v. Bernie. progressive.org The democratic socialist candidate is under attack from the super rich, their corporations, lobbyists, and think tanks. Some are even backing his 2020 Democratic primary rivals.
(2019-07-19). Democrat-Backed Centrist PAC Is Supporting a Republican Against a Vulnerable Swing-District Incumbent. theintercept.com 
While the left gets slammed for launching challenges to incumbents, centrist Democrats backing a Republican in a swing district gets no attention at all.
(2019-07-19). Don't panic, support DR Congo in fight against deadly Ebola virus, UN health agency urges. un.org Ebola virus is just one challenge among many facing communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday, reiterating an appeal for the international community to show support and solidarity for its people.
(2019-07-19). NDFP condemns Duterte for giving Israel's IDF Nahal Brigade a role in his war against the people. fightbacknews.org Fight Back News Service is circulating the following statement from Luis G. Jalandoni, Chief International Representative, National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). | The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) strongly condemns the Duterte regime's having the notorious Israel Defense Forces (IDF) give a specialized training by the Nahal Brigade of the IDF to 175 elite troops of the Philippine Army. This is despicable collaboration with Israeli Zionism, longtime partner of US imperialism, in horrendous acts of aggression against the Palestinian and Arab peoples. | Col. Dan Goldfus, commande…
(2019-07-19). CNN: Propaganda and Disinformation. dissidentvoice.org CNN abandoned journalism and became a propaganda ministry for the Democratic National Committee and the corrupt upper echelons of the CIA and FBI. After three years of telling the most outrageous lies ever associated with an alleged news organization in an alleged democracy, CNN's viewership collapsed. CNN turned propaganda ministry saw its prime time viewers …
(2019-07-19). Sudan: 'The only way to ensure justice for our martyrs is in the streets.'. greenleft.org.au 
Sudanese took to the streets in their tens of thousands across the country on July 13, while negotiations for a transitional civilian-led government hung in the balance. | Two days later, protests broke out again in response to the killing of a civilian, shot dead in the town of El Souk, southeast of Khartoum. Witnesses reported that members of the feared Rapid Support Forces fired on protesters, who were demanding that the paramilitaries leave their town. | Negotiations between the democratic Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) and the Transitional Military Council (TMC), which seized control following the toppl…
(2019-07-19). Dutton's war on democracy. greenleft.org.au 
With the re-election of the Coalition government, conservatives have become emboldened to intensify their agenda of transferring even more wealth and power to the already dominant at the expense of the rest of us. | One sign of this is the rise in prominence of one the most hard-right figures in the Coalition: home affairs minister Peter Dutton. | Dutton has been at the centre of the Coalition government's efforts to whip up racist scapegoating and strengthen the state's repressive powers, a task for which he was well-prepared by his time in the Queensland police. | In 2014, he was appointed immigration minister…
(2019-07-19). Every Pundit Urging Moderation Was Wrong in 2016, and They're Wrong Now. thenation.com Every Pundit Urging Moderation Was Wrong in 2016, and They're Wrong Now…
(2019-07-19). Kamala Harris Goes After the Black Vote With a Homeownership Plan. therealnews.com 
Will Kamala Harris' home ownership proposal address the persistent issue of the racial homeownership and wealth gap, or will her plan create more problems for the very people she aims to help?
(2019-07-18). Headlines for July 18, 2019. democracynow.org House Lawmakers Vote to Table Trump Impeachment Resolution, Trump Renews Racist Attacks on Four Progressive Congresswomen, Rep. Ilhan Omar Introduces Bill Affirming the Right to Boycott, House Votes to Bar Trump's Planned Weapons Sales to Saudi Arabia, UAE, U.S. to Deploy 500 Troops to Saudi Air Base, Sudan's Military Rulers Agree to Share Power with Civilian Protesters, United Nations Declares Global Health Emergency as Ebola Spreads, Puerto Ricans Demand Resignation of Governor Ricardo Rosselló over Hateful Messages, AG Barr & Commerce Secretary Ross Held in Contempt of Congress, Sen. Rand Paul Blocks Vote on S…
(2019-07-18). Elections in Greece: What happened and what's next. workers.org 
New Democracy, which the big business press calls a center-right party, won the July 7 election in Greece with 39.8 percent of the vote. It has 158 seats in parliament — a comfortable majority that let it form a majority government. The leader of ND, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, took over as . . . | Continue reading Elections in Greece: What happened and what's next at Workers.org
(2019-07-18). Nearly 100,000 in Puerto Rico Protest Demanding Gov. Rosselló Resign over Lewd Texts & Corruption. democracynow.org 
Close to 100,000 Puerto Ricans took to the streets Wednesday chanting "Ricky Renuncia!" as they called for the resignation of Governor Ricardo Rosselló, following the leak by Puerto Rico's Center for Investigative Journalism of hundreds of misogynistic, homophobic and violent text messages between Rosselló and members of his Cabinet. On Monday, Denis Márquez of the Puerto Rican Independence Party introduced formal complaints against the governor and called for his impeachment. All of this comes as former Education Secretary Julia Keleher and five others have been arrested on charges of steering federal money to u…
(2019-07-18). Will Any Disgusted Republicans Challenge Trump in the Primaries? dissidentvoice.org In 1956, then Senator John F. Kennedy authored a best-selling book titled Profiles in Courage, in which he told the stories of Senators in American history who, on principle, bucked the tides of power. Today, some Republican writer or conservative syndicated columnist — George Will or Max Boot — should write a book called Profiles in Cowardliness. It …
(2019-07-18). "It Is Not Just War. It Is Life": Acclaimed Doc "For Sama" Offers Rare Glimpse into War-Torn Syria. democracynow.org 
We look at the award-winning documentary feature titled "For Sama," a devastating account of war-torn Syria told through the eyes of director Waad al-Kateab. She filmed hundreds of hours of footage in her native Aleppo to create a stunning depiction of life during wartime. Amid airstrikes and attacks on hospitals, Waad falls in love with one of the last remaining doctors in Aleppo, gets married and has a baby girl, Sama, to whom the film is dedicated. When protests against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad first began in 2011, Waad al-Kateab was a young economics student who began filming on a cellphone. Fo…
(2019-07-18). Chuck Schumer, in Meeting With Progressive Caucus, Said He Was Surprised House Democrats Waved Through the Senate Border Bill. theintercept.com The Senate minority leader said he had expected the House to pass a stronger bill, after which the two chambers would negotiate a compromise.
(2019-07-17). Amazon Workers Demand Fair Pay & Conditions as Company Continues Undercutting Rivals. democracynow.org 
While online shoppers around the world flocked to Amazon's mega-sale "Prime Day" this week, the retail giant faced growing outrage from protesters, workers and lawmakers for its unsafe working conditions and collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Demonstrators in Seattle delivered a petition with over 270,000 signatures to Amazon headquarters demanding it stop exploiting workers and cooperating with ICE. Lawmakers, including Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Ilhan Omar, co-signed a letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration demanding a full investigation into Amazon's wor…
(2019-07-17). Maureen Dowd Asked Rahm Emanuel to Weigh In on an Immigration Debate. His Record Is Abysmal. theintercept.com 
When it comes to immigration, both the politics and the policy, perhaps no Democrat has been more destructive over the past 25 years than Rahm Emanuel.
(2019-07-17). Happiest Place on Earth? Meet the Disney Heiress Speaking Out Against Disneyland's Abuse of Workers. democracynow.org 
Abigail Disney, the heiress of the Disney fortune, is once again speaking out against the company's unfair labor and wage practices. She recently spoke to Disneyland employees in California, where they shared their experiences with the theme park's work environment. In the past, Abigail Disney has criticized Disney CEO Bob Iger's obscene salary and the drastic pay gap between Iger and other Disney employees. Abigail Disney also testified in May at the House Committee on Financial Services during a hearing on strengthening the rights and protections of workers. We speak with Abigail Disney, filmmaker and granddaug…
(2019-07-17). "They Didn't Do Their Job": Eric Garner Family Outraged DOJ Won't Prosecute His Death by Police. democracynow.org 
It's been five years since Eric Garner, an African-American father of six, was killed when a white New York City police officer wrestled him to the ground and applied a fatal chokehold, while Garner, who was unarmed, said "I can't breathe" 11 times. On Tuesday, federal prosecutors announced they will not bring civil rights charges against Daniel Pantaleo, the police officer implicated in Garner's death. The move reportedly came after Attorney General William Barr ordered that the case be dropped. Earlier this year, a medical examiner testified that it was a chokehold that triggered an asthma attack that led to Ga…
(2019-07-17). To Media, No Democrat Can Possibly Be Right-Wing. fair.org 
The 2020 presidential candidacy race is in full (absurdly early) swing, and there is a clear and obvious internal battle currently raging for the soul of the Democratic Party. One faction is attempting to pull the party in a more populist, social-democratic direction, while another favors maintaining a neoliberal, pro-business course. | We all know the most prominent members of the first group: The likes of presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders and freshmen representatives like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib and Ayanna Pressley are constantly referred to (accurately) as representing the left o…
(2019-07-17). Headlines for July 17, 2019. democracynow.org House Votes to Condemn Trump's Racist Tweets, Rep. Al Green Introduces Impeachment Articles, Kellyanne Conway to Reporter Asking About Trump's Racism: "What's Your Ethnicity?", Rights Groups File Lawsuits to Stop Trump's Draconian New Asylum Rule, White Police Officer Who Killed Eric Garner Will Not Face Federal Charges, Ex-Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo Arrested in California over Corruption Scandal, Press Freedom Advocates Call for Release of Yemeni Journalist Yahya al-Sawari, Planned Parenthood Removes President Dr. Leana Wen over Disagreements on Direction of Org., Organizations Say They Will Not Comply…
(2019-07-17). 'Emulate his example' urges UN chief as world celebrates Nelson Mandela: a 'global advocate for dignity and equality'. un.org Nelson Mandela was an "extraordinary global advocate for dignity and equality" who anyone in public service should seek to emulate, Secretary-General António‚ÄØGuterres said in his message marking the International Day that honours the iconic anti-apartheid campaigner, and South Africa's first democratically-elected President.
(2019-07-16). Julián Castro Is Running for President & Supporting Striking Amazon & McDonald's Workers. democracynow.org 
Amid labor strikes against poor working conditions and low wages for Amazon and McDonald's workers, we speak with 2020 presidential candidate Julián Castro about workers' rights, fair pay and where he stands on foreign policy, from China to Israel.
(2019-07-16). ACTION ALERT: CNN Should Treat Left and Right Alike in Presidential Debates. fair.org CNN is hosting the next Democratic primary debates on July 30 and 31. Three people have been selected to ask questions: CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Don Lemon, and CNN correspondent Dana Bash. | In the last presidential elections, the first Republican primary debate CNN hos…
(2019-07-16). 2020 Hopeful Julián Castro Vows to Break Up ICE & Calls Trump's New Asylum Rule Unconstitutional. democracynow.org 
As Trump faced national rebuke for his racist comments against four progressive congresswomen, his administration announced a new rule essentially banning most immigrants from seeking refuge in the United States. The rule, which the ACLU has already vowed to challenge in court, would deny asylum to any migrant who failed to apply for protection in another country they passed through on the way to the U.S. border—including children traveling alone. If enacted, the law would effectively block people from Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, as well as Haitians, Cubans and many people from African countries, who…
(2019-07-16). "Our Squad Is Big": Reps. Ocasio-Cortez, Omar, Tlaib and Pressley Condemn Trump's Racist Attack. democracynow.org 
Congressmembers Ayanna Pressley, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar condemned President Trump's spate of racist attacks against them in a news conference Monday. Their public rebuke followed Trump tweeting Sunday telling them to "go back and help fix the totally broken and crime infested places from which they came." The comments have been widely condemned as racist and xenophobic. We hear from the progressive congresswomen in their own words.
(2019-07-16). Headlines for July 16, 2019. democracynow.org Trump Announces Radical Plan to Bar Almost All Migrants from Seeking Asylum at U.S. Border, Squad Rejects Trump's Racist Attacks & Calls for Impeachment as House Plans Resolution to Condemn, Protesters Call for Exit of Puerto Rican Gov. Rosselló After Leaked Text Messages, El Salvador Rape Survivor Being Retried for Homicide for Having Stillbirth, U.N. Report Accuses Venezuela's Special Forces of 1000s of Extrajudicial Killings, Workers and Activists Protest Amazon, Calling for an End to Labor Abuses, Collaboration with ICE, Washington Activist Protesting Immigrant Detention Shot Dead, Historian and Civil Rights…
(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). "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). 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…
(2019-07-14). 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…
(2019-07-13). Why Does WaPo See Black as an 'Identity'—but Not Multi-Millionaire? fair.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 Am…
(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.
(2019-07-11). 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.
(2019-07-03). 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…