(2019-07-25). Time to forget the word Russiagate & look into FBI-gate instead — Ron Paul. rt.com 
The Democrats' dream of impeaching President Trump over the Russiagate scandal has "totally failed," its fate confirmed by special counsel Robert Mueller's disastrous showing in Congress, former congressman Ron Paul told RT.
(2019-07-24). Democratic Party Dilemmas. counterpunch.org 
The rise to power of Donald Trump destroyed the traditional Republican Party. Most of the moderate conservatives fled into the ranks of the independents and were replaced by a radical right amalgamation of racists, misogynists, conspiracy theorists, assorted "tea party" types and warmongers. In the background also exists support from religious fundamentalists yearning for Armageddon. More
(2019-07-24). The Young Lords: Exploring the Legacy of the Radical Puerto Rican Activist Group 50 Years Later. democracynow.org 
Fifty years ago this week, a group of young radical Puerto Ricans took to the streets of New York City to announce the formation of the New York chapter of the Young Lords. Formed in the same radical tradition of the Black Panther Party, the activists soon became a force in the community that inspired people around the nation. The Young Lords occupied churches and hospitals to offer services to the community, and educated people about Puerto Rican culture and history. They called for self-determination for all Puerto Ricans, independence for the island of Puerto Rico, community control of institutions and land, f…
(2019-07-24). What Do Black Voters Want? NYT's Edsall Says It's What 'Conservative' Democrats Want. fair.org 
"The Democratic Party," a new column by Thomas Edsall ( 7/24/19) declares, "Is Actually Three Parties." | Fascinating! Tell us more, New York Times columnist on "politics, demographics and inequality." | Well, based on data from a CBS poll of "battleground states," there are "three roughly equal groups": Democrats who call themselves "very liberal," Democrats who call themselves "somewhat liberal," and Democrats who call themselves "moderate" or "conservative." | That's it—those are the "three parties" that the Democr…
(2019-07-24). Climate Change Is Impacting Every Aspect of Modern Life, But the Press Fails to "Connect the Dots" democracynow.org 
July is slated to become the hottest month in recorded history, as extreme weather fueled by global warming wreaks havoc across the globe, from extreme heat waves in Europe and the U.S. to deadly monsoon flooding in South Asia. Severe rains have killed at least 660 people across India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan in a monsoon that is expected to continue throughout the week. A record heat wave is hitting Europe for the second time this summer, with Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam all at risk of hitting all-time high temperatures, and Spain facing the threat of severe fires. We speak with climate scientist Michae…
(2019-07-24). Noam Chomsky: To Make the US a Democracy, the Constitution Itself Must Change. truthout.org | | Why do so many people in the U.S. today find Trump's racist rants and authoritarian mindset appealing? What are the political checks and balances — or lack thereof — that can ward off the impact of the Republican leadership's disastrous policies? Is a constitutional crisis on its way? And how do we face the consequences of an administration that is essentially competing for the title of most dangerous organization in human history? In this exclusive Truthout interview, Emeri…
(2019-07-24). Media Can't Quit 'Trump Supporters Support Trump' Stories. fair.org As we hurtle into coverage of a presidential election that is still over a year away, media have returned to their timeworn tradition of going to rural, white communities to take the pulse of the nation (FAIR.org, 5/20/19). | Under the web headline "These Michigan Voters Show How Trump's 'Go Back' Attack May Help Him," the New York Times ( 7/22/19) ventured to a Trump stronghold in Michigan to bring readers the front-page…
(2019-07-24). Puerto Rico Enters Uncharted Territory as Ricardo Rosselló Prepares to Resign as Governor. democracynow.org 
Facing mass civil unrest and a growing protest movement, Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló is expected to resign today. El Nuevo Día first reported the news late Tuesday night. Rosselló has faced nearly two weeks of demonstrations—each one larger than the last—demanding he step down, following a massive leak revealing sexist, homophobic and violent text messages exchanged between the governor and government officials, in which he mocked victims of Hurricane Maria and joked about shooting San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz. We speak with Democracy Now! co-host Juan González on the significance of Ros…
(2019-07-24). The Top 5 Ways to Defeat ICE Agents. truthdig.com 
The Democrats and the corporate media will breathlessly tell you how Donald Trump is a racist (he is). They'll relay the gut-wrenching horror of having your family ripped apart by Border Patrol (I'm sure it is). They'll let you know that keeping children in cages is not what America stands for and not who we are (it kinda is). But despite all of this, they practically never tell everyone how to actually fight back against ICE raids and Border Patrol detentions. | Welcome to the paradoxical sales pitch of the neoliberal morass—"Act like you hate racism while doing almost nothing to stop racist policies that…
(2019-07-24). "Brand Boris": Britain's Clown Prince New Prime Minister. globalresearch.ca Boris Johnson succeeded Theresa May as new Tory prime minister — chosen by Britain's power elite, ordinary Brits having no say over their new leader. | UK democracy in action resembles America's — pure fantasy, not the real thing. | Johnson is …
(2019-07-24). Democrats to Seek More Russia Probe Information. truthdig.com 
WASHINGTON — The Latest on former special counsel Robert Mueller's congressional testimony on the Russia probe (all times local): | 6: 35 p.m. | House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler says his panel will file lawsuits this week to obtain more information about special counsel Robert Mueller's report and to enforce a subpoena against former White House counsel Donald McGahn. | Democrats have been preparing the lawsuits for weeks and were waiting until after Mueller's testimony on Wednesday. They will seek to obtain secret grand jury…
(2019-07-24). Defense Lobbyist Mark Esper Sworn in as Pentagon Chief. telesurenglish.net Army Secretary Mark Esper was sworn in as U.S. secretary of defense Tuesday, hours after the Senate cast a strong bipartisan vote, ending the longest period the Pentagon has been without a permanent top official. | RELATED: | From Boeing to Raytheon: A New Lobbyist to Run the Pentagon | Esper was sworn in by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito in a White House ceremony hosted by President Donald Trump and attended by a number of Republican lawmakers. He was confirmed by the U.S…
(2019-07-24). Joe Biden's New Foreign Policy Adviser Supported Iraq War and Dubbed Edward Snowden a "Traitor" theintercept.com Nicholas Burns worked under presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush before leaving public service and becoming a lobbyist.
(2019-07-24). Israeli forces injure UK activists in 'sadistic' and 'violent' attack amid demolition of Palestinian homes. thecanary.co Israeli soldiers have injured a number of Palestinian and British activists in occupied East Jerusalem. According to the International Solidarity Movement ( ISM), the activists "were stamped on, dragged across the floor by the hair, strangled with a scarf and peppe…
(2019-07-24). Losing Military Supremacy: The Myopia of American Strategic Planning. globalresearch.ca At a time when Russiaphobia is increasing in the United States, the thought that the US could be losing the arms race is far from what most Americans believe. Their dramatic game day fly pasts, hand over the heart anthems …
(2019-07-24). In one made up story Jo Swinson shows the Lib Dems are still the same old power hungry chancers. thecanary.co It's only two days into Jo Swinson's Liberal Democrat leadership and she's already admitted telling a major porky on BBC Radio 4's Today Programme. | And the made-up story suggests the Lib Dems are still the same old power hungry chancers. | Nonsense: | Swinson said of Corbyn: Let's remember in the last referendum he went on holiday for two weeks in the middle…
(2019-07-24). 209 Democrats Join GOP to Pass Resolution Condemning Pro-Palestinian Boycott. truthout.org | | Just days after Israeli forces demolished dozens of Palestinian homes in what international observers said amounted to a war crime, the U.S. House of Representatives late Tuesday passed a resolution condemning the non-violent boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement that is working to put an end to Israel's brutal occupation. | The non-binding re…
(2019-07-24). Mueller Hearing: Trump Would be Indicted if He Weren't President. telesurenglish.net Former Special Counsel Robert Mueller Wednesday told a U.S. congressional hearing he had not exonerated President Donald Trump of obstruction of justice and indicated he would have sought his indictment were it not for a Justice Department policy against bringing charges against a sitting president. | RELATED: | Chomsky: Fixation on Russia May Have Handed Trump a 2020 Win | Democratic Representative Ted Lieu asked Mueller if the reason he did not bring a criminal indictment agains…
(2019-07-24). Trump-Pelosi Deal Raises Debt Limit, But Protects War Machine, Hyde Amendment. truthout.org | | Let me get this straight. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Trump Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin have miraculously just come to a silky-smooth bipartisan budget agreement that rips the feathers right off the deficit hawks and kills the Obama-era Sequester and fake debt ceiling crises all in one swoop. | The catch is that the debt ceiling truce is only for two years. So if a Democrat wins the…
(2019-07-24). In Crisis of Democracy, We Must All Become Julian Assange. counterpunch.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 More
(2019-07-24). John McDonnell drops a truth bomb about Jo Swinson's refusal to work with Jeremy Corbyn. thecanary.co On 23 July, BBC Newsnight shared a clip from an interview with shadow chancellor John McDonnell. In it, he expertly highlighted the absurdity of new Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson's refusal to work with Jeremy Corbyn. | Responding to a question about Swinson's hostile stance, McDonnell said: Isn't it interesting? Jo Swinson was willing to work with the Tories, introduce some of the most savage austerity cuts that cost people their lives… But she won't work with a Labour leader who opposed all those austerity measures. | And he…
(2019-07-24). Rep. Lieu's Recap During Mueller Testimony Makes Obstruction Case Against Trump. truthout.org | | Amid congressional testimony on Wednesday in which former special counsel Robert Mueller reiterated publicly that President Donald Trump "was not exculpated" of wrongdoing in his report, Democratic Congressman Ted Lieu of California also provided a succinct recap of why the only reason Mueller did not recommend charges against the president was because of an exis…
(2019-07-24). Earth's Climate Now, Warmest Period of the Past 2,000 Years. telesurenglish.net Climate around the world is warming at a faster rate than it has in 2,000 years, a pair of new studies from Switzerland's University of Bern revealed this week. | RELATED: | US Democratic Lawmakers Declare Climate Emergency | "We find that the warmest period of the past two millennia occurred during t…
(2019-07-24). Headlines for July 24, 2019. democracynow.org Robert Mueller Testifies Before Congress, Trump Rails Against Squad, Mueller Report in Speech to Teenagers, Disgraced Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló Expected to Step Down, ORR Says Unaccompanied Migrant Children Could Be Detained for Years, Immigration Agents Detain Texas Teen for 3+ Weeks Despite Being a U.S. Citizen, Tennessee Community Blocks ICE from Taking Neighbor by Forming Human Chain, Trump Threatens Guatemala with Tariffs and Other Penalties After Failure of Immigration Deal, DOJ Pursues Antitrust Probe into Big Tech, Reports: FTC to Accuse Facebook of Misleading Consumers on Personal Data Use, F…
(2019-07-24). Trump Sues House Panel, NY, to Protect State Tax Returns. truthdig.com NEW YORK — Opening up another legal front against the Democrats investigating him, President Donald Trump on Tuesday sued the House Ways and Means Committee and New York state officials to prevent his state tax returns from being turned over to the congressional committee. | The lawsuit seeks an injunction to block the application of a new New York state law that could allow the Democratic-controlled House and Ways Means Committee to obtain the returns. The lawsuit, filed in Was…
(2019-07-24). Facebook to Pay US $5 Billion Fine Over Privacy Violations. telesurenglish.net The Chairman of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Joe Simons Wednesday announced that Facebook has agreed to pay US$5 billion as a penalty for its mismanagement of user privacy. | RELATED: | G7 Countries Take a Step Towards Taxing Big Internet Companies | While this is the largest U.S. fine ever imposed on a technology company, the Democratic members of the FTC complained that the sanction did not solve "Facebook's financial incentives to jeopardize personal privacy and n…
(2019-07-24). What is the OLC opinion? The policy that forbade Mueller from charging Trump. rt.com 
With Democrats questioning Robert Mueller on whether he would have indicted President Trump for obstruction were he not elected to the White House, Mueller repeatedly deferred to the OLC opinion. But what does the opinion mean?
(2019-07-24). Airline Caterers Authorize Strike Action, Supported by Presidential Candidates. therealnews.com 
Senators Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Richard Blumenthal, Sherrod Brown, and Mayor Bill DeBlasio, among others, all came out to the DC National Airport to express their support for airline food workers, who intend to strike for higher wages and health care…
(2019-07-24). 'They are a mess': Trump unloads on Russiagate cultists' post-Mueller stress disorder. rt.com 
US President Donald Trump slammed former special counsel Robert Mueller's long-awaited House testimony, reserving his harshest words for the Democrats who "knew it was a hoax" — and the media who enabled them.
(2019-07-24). Day of Action: Shut Down 850 Bryant at SF City Hall. indybay.org Front Steps of City Hall | San Francisco…
(2019-07-24). Fusion who? Mueller doesn't seem to know the name of firm that compiled infamous 'Steele Dossier'. rt.com 
With Republicans questioning the origins of former special counsel Robert Mueller's 'Russiagate' investigation, Mueller claimed he was not familiar with one of the key players behind the whole affair: Fusion GPS.
(2019-07-24). Democrats reach deal with Trump on budget and debt ceiling. wsws.org The plan will boost military spending to record levels and reassure Wall Street.
(2019-07-24). Sounding the Alarm Against a Fascist Regime. indybay.org Sports Basement | 1590 Bryant Street, San Francisco | Elevator access…
(2019-07-24). 'You managed to violate every principle!' — Republican Rep. unloads on Mueller. rt.com 
Texas Rep. John Ratcliffe came out swinging at former special counsel Robert Mueller, using his entire five minutes' speaking time to attack Mueller for refusing to completely exonerate President Donald Trump for obstruction.
(2019-07-24). WATCH LIVE: Former Special Counsel Robert Mueller Testifies on Capitol Hill. Then Will Democrats Impeach Trump? commondreams.org "The #MuellerTestimony matters less than what is done after Mueller testifies. If [Democrats] simply head off for the August recess without acting upon what they have heard, they will destroy any momentum for accountability." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/mueller_hearings.jpg …
(2019-07-24). Mueller hearing 'very big mistake' for anti-Trump #Resistance, but will they give up? rt.com 
President Donald Trump's Democratic opponents have shot themselves in the foot by forcing Robert Mueller to testify publicly, not realizing he already done his best to make the probe look credible, journalist Aaron Maté told RT.
(2019-07-24). Mueller's sluggish testimony turns out to be 'disaster' for disappointed Democrats. rt.com 
Former special counsel Robert Mueller's testimony to congress was supposed to bring new clarity to the Russiagate drama — but Americans tuning in quickly realized the much-hyped event was turning into a "disaster" for Democrats.
(2019-07-24). Days After More Israeli War Crimes, 209 House Democrats Join GOP to Pass 'McCarthyite' Resolution Condemning Pro-Palestinian Boycotts. commondreams.org "The Israeli government has shown that it will continue to violate Palestinian human rights with impunity. This is precisely why the boycott, sanctions, and divestment movement should be protected, and not attacked." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/house_bds_resolution_israel.jpg …
(2019-07-24). One hearing down, 'Shifty Schiff' to go: Trump mocks Democrat Intelligence Chairman. rt.com 
As former Special Counsel sat down to his second Congressional hearing of the day, President Donald Trump mocked House Intelligence Committee chairman Rep. Adam Schiff, calling him an "embarrassment to our country."
(2019-07-24). Senator Warren warns of US economic "crash" wsws.org The bogus character of the agenda advanced by Warren, who has described herself as "capitalist to the bone," is underscored by the measures she advances to meet the signs of a deepening crisis.
(2019-07-24). Mueller's testimony was a major anti-climax. Will Democrats finally realize he won't save them? rt.com 
Democrats expected Russiagate fireworks from former special counsel Robert Mueller's long-awaited testimony on Capitol Hill, but were once again disappointed, witnessing only the last fizzles of a dying conspiracy theory.
(2019-07-24). Mueller Report 'mostly just regurgitated press stories' — Republican Rep. Debbie Lesko. rt.com 
With Robert Mueller's report partly relying on media stories to paint a picture of alleged obstruction, Republican Rep. Debbie Lesko asked the special counsel why she couldn't have got a "$50 cable news subscription" instead.
(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). "Ricky Renuncia": Half a Million Puerto Ricans Flood San Juan Demanding Resignation of Gov. Rosselló. democracynow.org 
An estimated half a million Puerto Ricans took to the streets of San Juan Monday to demand the resignation of Governor Ricardo Rosselló. It was the largest demonstration yet since the massive leak of nearly 900 text messages—many of them graphic and offensive—between Rosselló and some of his closest advisers broke 11 days ago. Protesters blocked a major Puerto Rican highway for hours, chanting "Ricky renuncia!"—"Ricky resign!"—banging on drums and waving Puerto Rican flags. Several businesses and banks closed in solidarity with the national mobilization, with many taking the day off work t…
(2019-07-23). Pelosi Blasted for Deal That Enables GOP to Thwart Progressive Plan. truthdig.com 
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi may have helped temporarily avert a looming fiscal crisis on Monday by striking a budget deal with the Trump administration, but progressives warned the agreement hands Republicans power to kneecap the next president's agenda by suspending the debt ceiling until after the 2020 elections. | The debt ceiling is the legislative limit on how much the federal government can borrow. If the c…
(2019-07-23). How "Ricky Leaks" Exposed Puerto Rico's Governor and Sparked a Movement to Oust Him. democracynow.org 
Half a million people took to the streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Monday in a historic protest, more than a week after the Center for Investigative Journalism in Puerto Rico published 889 pages that included violently misogynistic and homophobic online chats between Puerto Rican Governor Ricardo Rosselló and other government officials. The leaked documents revealed Rosselló had mocked victims of Hurricane Maria and joked about shooting San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz. It also exposed rampant corruption within the Puerto Rican government. Governor Rosselló and the 11 others implicated in the message scandal…
(2019-07-23). Trump vs. the Squad, or the Fascist Use of Zionism. dissidentvoice.org 
The strategy is clear. Whether Trump confronts Sleepy Joe, Crazy Bernie, Pocahontas or some other Democratic opponent in the presidential race, he will target the "Squad" of newly elected freshman congresswomen Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib and Ayanna Pressley. Trump has decided to (1) depict them as the real face of the Democratic Party; …
(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). "Sharpening the Knives": iLe of Calle 13 on Recording the Anthem of the Puerto Rico Protests. democracynow.org 
Many of Puerto Rico's most famous performers have been out in the streets in full force this week to show support for the growing movement calling for the immediate resignation of Governor Ricardo Rosselló. Singers Ricky Martin and Bad Bunny were in the streets of San Juan Monday, along with Grammy-winning artists Residente and iLe of the band Calle 13. They've also joined the protest through song. Last week, Residente, iLe and Bad Bunny released the song "Afilando Los Cuchillos," or "Sharpening the Knives." It quickly became the anthem of the movement. We speak with iLe, who says, "I've been waiting all my life…
(2019-07-23). Which shall we have: Love or greed? nationofchange.org Eli Hans and Joseph Bennett, together known as the Sublime Guys, gave a talk at Sunday's Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Service in San Miguel de Allende. | "After the passing of my father last month," says Hans, "it became clear to our family that what truly matters in this lifetime is the legacy we leave inside people, not what we leave for them. What we can leave behind upon our departure from this world is what we impart in people's hearts: joyful memories, acts of kindness, loving expression, and deep connection. Beyond material things, what truly lives on is the degree to which we allow ourselves to sh…
(2019-07-23). Trump, go back where you came from. nationofchange.org Every presidential election year, Frontline, the superb investigative TV series on PBS, produces an in-depth look at the Democratic and Republican candidates. It's called "The Choice," and invariably offers some insights that likely you won't see anywhere else. | When I first watched the 2016 edition, three things struck me as revelatory—aside from that now infamous Omarosa Manigault soundbite from the program that began, "Every critic, every detractor will have to bow down to President Trump." Yikes. | Today, after two and…
(2019-07-23). We Must Defeat Trump. commondreams.org The real political enemy is the Republican party, and nothing is more important than a resounding Republican defeat in 2020. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/pelosi_drugs.jpeg …
(2019-07-23). Another State Could Soon Insert Anti-Abortion Propaganda Into Public Schools. truthout.org | | As GOP-majority state legislatures pass laws aimed at drastically restricting access to abortion care, Republican lawmakers are seeking to control education and public messaging about abortion, pregnancy, and reproductive health. | Ohio Republicans are pushing a measure that would create a public school curriculum infusing anti-abortion language
(2019-07-23). Ted Cruz Wants to Label Antifa a Terrorist Group. truthout.org | | Last week, Republican Sens. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Ted Cruz of Texas introduced a resolution to designate "antifa," which the Anti-Defamation League defines as "a loose collection of groups, networks, and individuals who believe in active, aggressive opposition to far right-wing movements," as a "domestic t…
(2019-07-23). House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler and Senator Kamala Harris Introduce Sweeping Marijuana Reform Bill. commondreams.org ______________________________…
(2019-07-23). Headlines for July 23, 2019. democracynow.org Half a Million Puerto Ricans Take Over San Juan Streets to Call for Gov. Rosselló to Resign, Boris Johnson Becomes New British Prime Minister, Trump Admin Expands Deportation Powers, Putting 100,000s of Undocumented Immigrants at Risk, ICE Now Using DNA Testing on Asylum-Seeking Families, DOJ Tells Mueller His Testimony Must "Remain Within Boundaries" of Redacted Report, Trump Says He Can "Wipe Afghanistan Off the Face of the Earth" as He Meets Pakistani PM Imran Khan, Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte Calls for the Death Penalty for Drug Offenders, Syrian Airstrikes Kill At Least 50, Amid Ongoing Violence in Id…
(2019-07-23). Big Banks Are Divesting From Private Prisons, Thanks to Anti-ICE Activism. truthout.org | | Major private prison firms CoreCivic and GEO Group stand to lose 72 percent — about $1.9 billion — of their private financing as major banks commit to divesting from the private prison industry under pressure from activists, according to a new analysis by the Center for Popular De…
(2019-07-23). Straw poll shows Sanders in the lead with environment and healthcare as top priorities. nationofchange.org "While a lot will change between today and the first contests next year…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."
(2019-07-23). Lawyers Bankroll 2020 Democrats With Millions in Campaign Cash. truthout.org | | Lawyers are powering Democratic presidential campaigns, continuing the legal industry's tradition of supporting liberal candidates and causes. | Still in the early stages of the presidential election cycle, lawyers and employees of law firms have already given $10 million to Democratic candidates, including $5.5 million between April and June. | Only retirees — a much larger group — have contributed more to Democrats seeking the White House, giving $8.5 million during the second quarter…
(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: | I see someone has had the monstrous temerity to criticise an elected politician on their voting record. Mercifully blue-tick-centrist-dad T…
(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 —…
(2019-07-23). The Overlooked Difference Between Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. thenation.com The Overlooked Difference Between Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren…
(2019-07-23). To Keep Public Housing From Becoming 'Panopticon of Automated Face Scanning,' Democrats Push Facial Recognition Ban. commondreams.org Privacy and civil liberties advocates applauded Rep. Rashida Tlaib and Yvette Clarke on Tuesday as they prepared to introduce legislation to protect public housing residents from the rise of facial recognition software. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/gettyimages-1148006029.png …
(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). "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). "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). 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). 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). 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). Behind the Scenes of the House Democrats' Twitter War. thenation.com Behind the Scenes of the House Democrats' Twitter War…
(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). 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). 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). 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?
(2019-07-21). 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). 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). 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). 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). 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). 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). 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). 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). 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). 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). 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). 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). 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?
(2019-07-19). 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…
(2019-07-18). 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). "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). 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). 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). "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). 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…