(2019-08-07). More Money, Fewer Jobs: the Stubborn Truth About Employment and the Defense Industry. counterpunch.org 
A Marilyn has once again seduced a president. This time, though, it's not a movie star; it's Marillyn Hewson, the head of Lockheed Martin, the nation's top defense contractor and the largest weapons producer in the world. In the last month, Donald Trump and Hewson have seemed inseparable. They "saved" jobs at a helicopter plant. More
(2019-08-07). The New Politics of the White (Supremacist) Evangelical Republican Party. counterpunch.org 
No matter what Donald Trump does or says, most Republicans and white evangelicals are not going to criticize or break from him in 2020. It is a fantasy if Democrats think that they can sway them, hoping that perhaps talking about jobs, prescription drug prices, or immigration reform will move these voters. It is also More
(2019-08-07). Climate Change Is a Key Issue for a Growing Number of Young Republicans. therealnews.com 
Republican strategists know the party will need to shift its climate platform to retain young voters, but federal Republican officials haven't caught up to the new trend, says The New York Times' Lisa Friedman…
(2019-08-07). Steve Bullock's Attacks on Vitally-Needed Progressive Policies. counterpunch.org 
"Some men see things as they are, and ask why. I dream of things that never were, and ask why not." —Robert Kennedy Montana's Gov. Steve Bullock got his moment on the debate stage with the host of other Democratic presidential hopefuls last week and played his part of the "moderate" to the hilt. But More
(2019-08-07). Disclosure 2020? Bernie says he'll tell Americans about any UFO evidence if he becomes president. rt.com 
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has promised not to withhold any information he might learn about UFOs if he becomes president, explaining that his spouse would "demand" that he be forthcoming with the American people.
(2019-08-07). "Toni Morrison Will Always Be with Us": Angela Davis, Nikki Giovanni & Sonia Sanchez Pay Tribute. democracynow.org 
Toni Morrison, one of the nation's most influential writers, died this week at the age of 88 from complications of pneumonia. In 1993, Morrison became the first African-American woman to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature. She also won a Pulitzer Prize in 1988 for her classic work "Beloved." Much of Morrison's writing focused on the Black female experience in America, and her writing style honored the rhythms of Black oral tradition. Her work was deeply concerned with race and history, especially the sin of transatlantic slavery and the potentially restorative power of community. In 2012, President Obama awar…
(2019-08-07). Spooks behind Patriot Act, drone & torture programs unite to 'secure' US elections, free of charge. rt.com 
A group of former intelligence agency directors and other trustworthy cybersecurity pros has launched a charitable initiative to protect US elections against foreign interference. So who are these noble guardians of democracy?
(2019-08-07). 'Abuse and threats' against Holiday Inn lead to cancellation of Chris Williamson event. thecanary.co The Holiday Inn Brighton cancelled a speaking event following a flurry of "abuse and threats". Chris Williamson, MP for Derby North, was due to speak about tackling "the outrageous levels of poverty and inequality" by way of "a democratic socialist economy". But the Holiday Inn Brighton informed the organisers on 6 August that it had no choice but to cancel the event. | "Abuse and threats from members of the public on the phone, on email, and on social media outlets": | According to an email from the Holiday Inn booking service to Greg Hadfield, the event's organiser, the hotel chose to cancel the event b…
(2019-08-07). The DNC Confederacy of Dunces Is Back at It for 2020. commondreams.org Democratic presidential hopeful Former Vice President Joe Biden (C) gestures as he speaks flanked by US Senator from California Kamala Harris (R) and US Senator from New Jersey Cory Booker during the second round of the second Democratic primary debate of the 2020 presidential campaign season hosted by CNN at the Fox Theatre in Detroit, Michigan on July 31, 2019. (Photo: Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/cnn_debate_democrats_2020.jpg …
(2019-08-07). Assessing President Diaz-Canel's Commitment to the Ideals of the Cuban Revolution. globalresearch.ca Fidel Castro was an unparalleled leader. Although some of his adversaries had hoped that the ideals and objectives of the Cuban Revolution would die with him, they have in fact persevered, thereby supporting Fidel's view that 'a combatant may die, …
(2019-08-07). No Cause Has Achieved Combination of Deranged Views and Raw Power as the Modern American Right-Wing. commondreams.org Republican presidential hopefuls Donald Trump (L) and Jeb Bush high five during the Republican Presidential Debate at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California on September 16, 2015. Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump stepped into a campaign hornet's nest as his rivals collectively turned their sights on the billionaire in the party's second debate of the 2016 presidential race. (Photo: Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/donald_trump_jeb_bush_deranged_gop.jp…
(2019-08-07). In the Face of McConnell's Inaction, Progressives Call for Gun Reform. truthout.org | | As the nation calls for gun control in the wake of two mass shootings in 14 hours over the weekend, Democrats and activists are taking aim at Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for refusing to take action on the continuing gun violence crisis. | McConnell has refused to move forward on a number of bills from the Democratic Party-controlled House that currently sit on his desk awaiting a Senate vote. | "This is actually, literally in the hands of one person in terms of this legisl…
(2019-08-07). Headlines for August 7, 2019. democracynow.org Dems and Grieving Communities Voice Resistance to Trump Visits to El Paso and Dayton, FBI Investigating Gilroy Mass Shooting as Domestic Terror, Dems Call on Congressional Leaders to Pass Bills Addressing White Supremacy, Civil Rights Groups Rally Against Gun Violence and White Supremacy at White House, Walmart Workers Plan Walkout to Protest Gun Sales, Toni Morrison, Visionary Author and Nobel Laureate, Dies at 88, Nigerian Journalist and Political Activist Omoyele Sowore Arrested After Calling for Revolution, U.S Warns Turkey Against Syria Attacking Kurdish Forces in Syria, 25% of World's Population Under "Extr…
(2019-08-07). Russia Needs Its Own Bernie Sanders. thenation.com Russia Needs Its Own Bernie Sanders…
(2019-08-07). 'A Great Equalizer': Warren Unveils Plan for $110 Billion Investment in Public Broadband Access and Healthcare for Rural America. commondreams.org As she traveled to Iowa on the campaign trail on Wednesday, Sen. Elizabeth Warren outlined how a number of the proposals she's released during her 2020 presidential campaign would support rural communities across the country—as well as releasing a brand-new plan to greatly expand healthcare and broadband access in places she says have gone without it for too long. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/screen_shot_2019-06-25_at_4.46.53_pm_0.jpg …
(2019-08-07). Bowing to House Democratic leadership, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez purges staff. wsws.org The purge came after staff members criticized Democratic Party leaders over the passage of a bill funding Trump's war on immigrants.
(2019-08-07). Inaugural International Teff Super Grain Day. indybay.org Everyone is invited to celebrate International Teff Super Grain Day with us or at an Ethiopian Restaurant in your community.
(2019-08-07). 'FAKE NEWS': Trump slams NYT for changing headline to appease 'radical left Democrats'. rt.com 
Donald Trump has castigated the "failing" New York Times for changing a headline that had been criticized for being too soft on the US president, describing the edit as proof of "fake news" targeting his administration.
(2019-08-07). Progressives Mock Outrage From the Right After Joaquin Castro Shares Publicly Available Trump Donor Information. commondreams.org "Conservatives are literally more offended by Castro 'targeting' voters than gunmen targeting children." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/joaquin.png …
(2019-08-06). Brother of Democratic presidential candidate doxxes Trump donors, says they're 'fueling hate'. rt.com 
Congressman Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) twin brother and campaign chair of Julian Castro, tweeted out a list of 44 individuals who donated to President Donald Trump's campaign, accusing them of "fueling hate" against Hispanics.
(2019-08-06). 2020 elections and organizational questions dominate Democratic Socialists of America convention. peoplesworld.org 
ATLANTA—Over 1,000 members of Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), the fastest growing and largest socialist organization in the United States, convened their 2019 National Convention here over the weekend. Their goal: To forge a path forward for 2020 and beyond. DSA has seen dramatic growth since Bernie Sanders's 2016 campaign to win the Democratic Party's …
(2019-08-06). "We Can't Wait for McConnell": Advocates Call for Bold Action to Curb Gun Violence Epidemic. democracynow.org 
The death toll in Saturday's anti-immigrant shooting rampage at a Walmart in El Paso has risen to 22, after two more injured victims died Monday. Just before the shooting, the gunman published a manifesto claiming his actions were being done in response to what he described as a "Hispanic invasion of Texas." Most of the dead in El Paso were Latino, including eight Mexican nationals. Thirteen hours after the massacre in El Paso, a gunman in Dayton, Ohio, killed nine people, including his own sister, after opening fire outside a bar. We speak with Kris Brown, president of Brady, formerly the Brady Campaign to Preve…
(2019-08-06). "Fascism Will Not Go Away by Itself": George Ciccariello-Maher on Confronting White Supremacy. democracynow.org 
Just before the mass shooting at a crowded El Paso Walmart this weekend, the gunman wrote in a lengthy manifesto saying that the massacre was in response to what he described as a "Hispanic invasion of Texas." He also prompted a white supremacist conspiracy theory known as "great replacement" that has been cited by other mass shooters. From Mexico City, we speak with George Ciccariello-Maher, visiting scholar at NYU's Hemispheric Institute. In December 2017, Ciccariello-Maher resigned from Drexel University after a year of harassment and death threats from right-wing white supremacists. The threats stemmed from a…
(2019-08-06). Democrats "Are Not Speaking to the Needs of Immigrants and Communities of Color" therealnews.com 
Immigrant communities and people of color in the US are highly suspicious of the Democratic Party. However, there is a group of young democratic politicians from members of these communities who are giving hope…
(2019-08-06). Puerto Rico in Political Crisis: Senate Sues over Appointment of New Governor Pierluisi. democracynow.org 
The political crisis in Puerto Rico continues as its Senate has sued against the appointment of Pedro Pierluisi as the new governor following Ricardo Rosselló's resignation last week. Pierluisi was sworn in despite not having been confirmed by the Puerto Rican Senate. But he argues that he is in the line of succession for governor after being nominated as secretary of state by Rosselló last week. San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz also sued after his swearing-in. We speak with Democracy Now! co-host Juan González for his analysis of the current political climate.
(2019-08-06). Parents of Parkland Victim Planned to Unveil a Mural in El Paso. Then Another Mass Shooting Happened. democracynow.org 
During this weekend's deadly gun violence in El Paso, Texas, Manuel and Patricia Oliver were in the vicinity because they were planning on commemorating what would have been the 19th birthday of their son, Joaquin Oliver. Joaquin was one of the 17 people gunned down during the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre in Parkland, Florida, on Valentine's Day last year. Manuel and Patricia had traveled to Ciudad Juárez, across the U.S. border into Mexico, to visit an immigrant shelter in honor of their deceased son, saying no child should ever be separated from their parents by either gunfire or immigration ag…
(2019-08-06). Hong Kong Democracy Protestors Launch General Strike. therealnews.com 
Thousands took part in protests that shut down roads, public transportation and cancelled hundreds of flights…
(2019-08-06). Linda Sarsour Explains How "Fire Pantaleo!" Spontaneously Erupted at the Dem Debate. therealnews.com 
While activists say they will work to stop Trump, as organizers they must continue the fight for justice & keep Democratic candidates honest…
(2019-08-06). NYT changes front-page mass shootings headline after backlash from Dem 2020 hopefuls. rt.com 
The New York Times was forced to alter its front page headline after it was savaged online by high-profile Democrats who didn't like how the paper framed President Donald Trump's speech about mass shootings.
(2019-08-06). Bernie Sanders Boasts Zero Billionaire Donors. truthdig.com Not a single billionaire to date has donated to Sen. Bernie Sanders' run for the 2020 Democratic nomination, according to a new analysis, making him unique among primary frontrunners. | "Zero billionaire donors," wrote Splinter's Paul Blest. "None. Nada." | t.co/RdBffjODBk | Number of billionaire donors by candidate: | Pete Buttigieg: 23 | Cory Booker: 18 | Kamala Harris: 17 | Michael Bennett: 15 | Joe Biden: 13 | John Hickenlooper: 11 | Beto O'Rourke: 9 | Amy Klobuchar: 8…
(2019-08-06). Here is Exactly Why Congress Won't Act on Gun Violence, Climate Change, Impeaching Trump or Anything Else. counterpunch.org I'm from Dayton so I'm thinking about this today: Why hasn't Congress done anything to address our national epidemic of mass shootings, namely reviving the assault weapons ban? People—Democrats and not a few Republicans—ask me that all the time. I bet all left-leaning pundits get that question. The answer is simple. But it's not something most people want to More
(2019-08-06). Irish government accused of breaking EU law by housing asylum seekers in 'inhumane' conditions. thecanary.co An NGO has called out the Irish government for its treatment of asylum seekers. The Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland ( MASI) said the government is housing asylum seekers in "inhumane" conditions. And it argued that they lack food, proper healthcare, an…
(2019-08-06). Republican Retirements in Texas Could Finally Mean Change to Gun Laws. truthout.org | | Seven House Republicans have announced plans to retire in the last two weeks. Four are from Texas and their departures may be enough to turn the once Republican stronghold from red to purplish — and drastically change the long-stalled gun debate in America. | What was once a reliably Republican state has been steadily trending away from the Grand Old Party in recent years. Republicans lost more than a dozen state legislative seats in Texas in the 2018 midterms when former congressman an…
(2019-08-06). Trump, Republican Party Sue Over California Tax Return Law. truthdig.com The rule requiring presidential candidates to release such data to run in the primary is "a naked political attack" on Trump, lawsuits say.
(2019-08-06). 'This Is Big': House Democrats Praised for Requesting Kavanaugh's Concealed Bush Admin Records. commondreams.org Progressive activists and groups praised two House Democrats Tuesday for formally requesting that the National Archives and Records Administration release records related to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh's service in the George W. Bush White House which were not part of Kavanaugh's Senate confirmation process last year. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/snarl_kavanaugh_0.jpg …
(2019-08-06). Headlines for August 6, 2019. democracynow.org Trump Condemns White Supremacy After El Paso Massacre Despite His Own Anti-Immigrant Rhetoric, Trump Supporter Who Sent Pipe Bombs to CNN and Democrats Sentenced to 20 Years, Tensions Mount over Kashmir as Pakistan Reacts to Revocation of Special Status, Puerto Rican Senate, San Juan Mayor Sue over Pierluisi's Appointment as Governor, China Weakens Currency, Halts U.S. Crop Imports as Trade War Ratchets Up, U.S. Imposes Economic Embargo Against Venezuela, Drone Attack Kills 42 People in Libya, R. Kelly Charged with Prostitution and Solicitation of a Minor, Galveston Police Apologize for Shocking Photo Showing Mou…
(2019-08-06). Tainted Meat Market. counterpunch.org The Democratic Livestock Sales signal the start of our Presidential election root canal with its pimps and whores money scramble, evoking the pathos of a 4H sale of prize hogs and heifers. 4-H stock is pure blue ribbon, though, which can't be said of this sad herd of pampered bipeds, bawling and bellowing through their More
(2019-08-06). Ohio GOP Governor Backs Gun Reform; Texas Democrats Balk at Trump Visit. truthdig.com Mike DeWine goes against his party after Dayton mass shooting; Beto O'Rourke and others tell the president to stay away from El Paso.
(2019-08-06). John McDonnell says Labour 'would not block second Scottish independence referendum'. thecanary.co A future Labour government would not block a second Scottish independence referendum, shadow chancellor John McDonnell has said. | "We would let the Scottish people decide. That's democracy.": | In an interview with journalist Iain Dale at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, McDonnell said any decision about holding a vote would be up to the Scottish parliament. | He said: It will be for the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish people to decide that. | We would not block something like that. We would let the Scottish people decide. That's democracy. | They will take a view about whether they want another refere…
(2019-08-06). The Battle for the Senate Demands Democrats' Fierce Focus. thenation.com The Battle for the Senate Demands Democrats' Fierce Focus…
(2019-08-06). The Play Challenging Us to See the Rot at the Heart of Our Democracy. thenation.com The Play Challenging Us to See the Rot at the Heart of Our Democracy…
(2019-08-06). McConnell's Inaction in the Face of Gun Violence Angers Democrats, Progressives Calling for Reform. commondreams.org "I would hope and pray that he understands that he actually has the power to do the right thing here." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/mcconnell_guns.jpg …
(2019-08-06). Puerto Rican authorities scramble to provide democratic cover for installation of Wall Street's governor. wsws.org The attempt to install Pedro Pierluisi, lawyer for the US financial Junta, as Puerto Rico's new governor has further deepened the political crisis and mass social opposition.
(2019-08-06). Tens of thousands of workers strike throughout Hong Kong. wsws.org The ruling class throughout the world is deeply fearful of the spread of social discontent as the working class moves into open struggle for its democratic and social rights.
(2019-08-05). We Desperately Need Marianne Williamson's Message. It's Ominous That We're Only Getting It From Marianne Williamson. theintercept.com 
It's alarming that only someone given to wild flights of irrationality believes that America can hear the truth about itself and respond rationally.
(2019-08-05). Bernie Sanders dominates as analyses of fundraising data show Vermont senator with widespread support across nation. mronline.org 
The data "contradicts both the mainstream narrative and some national polling data that suggest that only a centrist Democrat could succeed in this political environment." | Source
(2019-08-05). What the New Deal can teach us about winning a Green New Deal: Part I. mronline.org 
The New Deal has recently become a touchstone for many progressive efforts, illustrated by Bernie Sanders' recent embrace of its aims and accomplishments and the popularity of calls for a Green New Deal. | Source
(2019-08-05). After Dayton Shooting, Gun Violence Reporter Says Misogyny "Clear Link" Between Many Mass Shootings. democracynow.org 
Over the span of 13 hours, the country was shaken by two mass shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, where a total of 29 people were killed. Shortly before the attack, the El Paso gunman posted an anti-immigrant manifesto on the far-right message board 8chan, while there is still no clear motive for the Dayton shooting. Senator Bernie Sanders and other Democratic leaders are calling on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to hold a special session of the Senate to vote on two gun safety bills recently passed in the House. This all comes as the National Rifle Association is imploding. We speak with Alex…
(2019-08-05). Texas Democratic Senate Candidate M.J. Hegar in 2017 on Gun Control: "You'll Have to Take Mine First" theintercept.com 
While critics wondered if Beto O'Rourke was too progressive for Texas, Hegar remained ambiguous on most policy, including gun violence, in her 2018 House campaign.
(2019-08-05). Amid Conservative Assault on Organized Labor, Democratic Lawmakers Are Advancing Laws to Expand Workers' Rights. theintercept.com 
Nevada and Delaware passed laws this summer giving public-sector workers the right to collectively bargain. Colorado is expected to follow suit next year.
(2019-08-05). Take Away My Employer-Based Health Insurance. Please. progressive.org Centrist Democrats like Joe Biden still aim to gin up mass fear over the prospect of leaving behind predatory insurers and the dizzying array of deductibles, co-pays, exclusions, humiliations, and rationing of care that characterizes our current syst…
(2019-08-05). US mass shootings, Democratic debates, America vs China. uwidata.com Mass shootings in the US Three mass shootings took place in the US in three different states — Texas, Ohio and Illinois. 29 people were killed in the attacks, while almost 50 were injured. On Saturday afternoon in El Paso, Texas, 21-year-old Patrick Crusius opened fire at a supermarket. In the wake of the tragedies, …
(2019-08-05). Headlines for August 5, 2019. democracynow.org White Supremacist Kills 20 People After Hate-Fueled Gun Rampage in El Paso, Gunman with Misogynistic Past Kills 9 People in Dayton, OH Shooting Spree, General Strike Grips Hong Kong as Protesters Refuse to Back Down, India Revokes Kashmir's Special Status as Tensions Mount in Disputed Region, Iran Seizes Tanker as Tensions Between Iran and U.S. Remain High, Russian Police Arrest 800+ Protesters as Crackdown on Dissent Continues, Sudan's Military Rulers and Opposition Leaders Sign Transition Agreement, 3 Mexican Journalists Killed in Under a Week, Pierluisi Sworn In as Puerto Rico's New Governor as San Juan Mayor…
(2019-08-05). Want to Tackle Unemployment? Reduce Military Spending. thenation.com Nia Harris, Cassandra Stimpson, Ben Freeman Want to Tackle Unemployment? Reduce Military Spending.
(2019-08-05). White Nationalism Is a Republican Crisis. thenation.com White Nationalism Is a Republican Crisis…
(2019-08-05). Ex-FBI Agent Speaks Out: Federal Authorities Have Downplayed White Supremacist Violence for Too Long. democracynow.org 
According to The New York Times, white extremist shooters have now killed at least 63 people in the United States over the past 18 months. Late last month, FBI Director Christopher Wray told members of the Senate Judiciary Committee that crime driven by racism and white supremacy was on the rise compared to the past nine months. But former FBI agents say there is reluctance within the agency to tackle white nationalist violence in part due to President Trump's rhetoric. We speak with Mike German, fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University Law. From 1988 to 2004, German served as an FBI agent…
(2019-08-05). El Paso Shooting Probed as Domestic Terrorism After Anti-Immigrant Gunman Kills 22 People. democracynow.org 
Over the span of 13 hours, the United States was shaken by two mass shootings. Saturday morning, a heavily armed gunman opened fire inside a crowded Walmart in El Paso, Texas, killing 22 people, including a number of Mexican nationals. Federal authorities are treating the El Paso attack as an act of domestic terrorism. The suspected gunman has been identified as a 21-year-old white man named Patrick Crusius, who lived 600 miles away in a suburb of Dallas. Shortly before the attack in El Paso, the gunman posted an anti-immigrant manifesto on the far-right message board 8chan. Some of the language in the manifesto…
(2019-08-04). Biden His Time. workers.org 
This column by political prisoner and journalist Mumia Abu-Jamal was posted on Prison Radio.com on July 24. The candidacy of Joseph R. Biden Jr. for President of the United States has caused multiple reactions across the land. Biden, who enters his 77th year of life, draws warm feelings from Blacks . . . | Continue reading Biden His Time at Workers.org
(2019-08-04). Trump's Five Strengths and Five Weaknesses. uwidata.com 
In 2020, the US will hold presidential elections. Voters will decide if Donald Trump will be re-elected for a second term as president or whether one of his democratic contenders will get an opportunity to occupy the White House. Trump has several strengths and weaknesses which will likely factor in to his chances in the …
(2019-08-03). Weekend Read: The SPLC fights an internal threat to our democracy. splcenter.org In his recent testimony before Congress, Special Counsel Robert Mueller pointedly warned the nation about Russia's ongoing attempts to meddle in our nation's elections.
(2019-08-02). Ex-Health Insurance Exec: Industry Is Using Decades-Old Scare Tactics to Fight Medicare for All. democracynow.org 
The Democratic presidential candidates remain deeply divided on how to expand healthcare to the tens of millions of Americans who are uninsured or underinsured. Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have both pushed for abolishing private health insurance and establishing a Medicare for All system. Their rivals have pushed a number of different, more incremental approaches. During the first night of the latest debates, Sanders pointed out that the country has taken sweeping action before to expand health coverage to millions of Americans, referring to the 50th anniversary of the creation of Medicare and Me…
(2019-08-02). Can a Majoritarian Movement Be Built to Stop Trump's Racist Momentum? therealnews.com 
Ajay Chaudhary & Maurice Mitchell analyze the racist right wing surge & how to fight for a real democracy built on racial, social and economic justice…
(2019-08-02). Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Chief of Staff and Communications Director Will Depart Her Office. theintercept.com 
Two of Rep. Alexandria-Ocasio Cortez's top staffers are leaving her office. | Saikat Chakrabarti, her chief of staff, and Corbin Trent, her director of communications — who, through their work with Justice Democrats, have been alongside Ocasio-Cortez since her primary run — will leave the lawmaker's office. Chakrabarti will go to New Consensus, a nonprofit focused on climate issues and promoting the Green New Deal. Trent will direct communications on Ocasio-Cortez's 2020 campaign, the same role he played during her first congressional run. | "Saikat has decided to leave the office of Rep. Ocasio-Corte…
(2019-08-02). Climate System "Getting Unhinged" as Massive Heat Wave Causes Record Melting of Greenland Ice Sheet. democracynow.org 
The massive heat dome that shattered all-time temperature records across much of Europe last week has settled in over Greenland, driving temperatures across the vast region to as much as 30 degrees Fahrenheit above normal. In July, Greenland's ice sheet lost 197 billion tons of ice, the equivalent of around 80 million Olympic swimming pools. This comes as the World Meteorological Organization said Thursday that July was the warmest month in recorded human history. It followed the hottest June on record, as atmospheric carbon dioxide levels climbed to a record high of 415 parts per million earlier this year. We sp…
(2019-08-02). CNN's Industry Spin Shows Need for Independent Debates. fair.org 
CNN painfully demonstrated this week why we need independently run presidential debates. With its ESPN-like introductions to the candidates, and its insistence on questions that pit candidates against each other, CNN took an approach to the debates more befitting a football game than an exercise in democracy. | The CNN hosts moderated as if they weren't even listening to what candidates were saying, inflexibly cutting them off after the inevitably too-short 30-to-60-second time limit—in order to offer another, often seemingly randomly selected, candida…
(2019-08-02). 'Democracy Has Become a Joke on the Island' – CounterSpin interview with Ed Morales on Puerto Rican protest. fair.org 
Janine Jackson interviewed Ed Morales about the Puerto Rican protest movement for the July 26, 2019, episode of CounterSpin. This is a lightly edited transcript. | Media…
(2019-08-02). "You're Gonna Kill Me": Bodycam Video Shows Dallas Officers Mocking Man as He Died Pinned to Ground. democracynow.org 
In August 2016, 32-year-old Tony Timpa called 911 to ask for help. Timpa had schizophrenia and depression, and was off his medication for schizophrenia. Timpa told the Dallas dispatcher that he was scared. The police responded, and within 20 minutes Timpa was dead. For the past three years, the city of Dallas has fought efforts to release police bodycam footage showing what happened, but the video was finally released this week after a prolonged legal battle. The shocking video contains disturbing footage, with officers arriving on the scene where Timpa was already handcuffed by a private security guard. In the v…
(2019-08-02). 2nd Dem Debate Pt 2: To Impeach, or Not to Impeach? That Is the Question. (4/4). therealnews.com 
While Democrats struggle with the question of impeachment, the healthcare debate is getting mired in minutiae and some voters are calling for a working class party. With Kimberly Moffitt, Jacqueline Luqman, and Marc Steiner as host…
(2019-08-02). Tulsi Gabbard Challenges Foreign-Policy Assumptions and Moves the Overton Window. mintpressnews.com Tulsi Gabbard has moved the Overton window on what is acceptable discussion when it comes to U.S. foreign policy. She has punctured the rose-tinted narrative being constructed around establishment favorites like Senator Kamala Harris.
(2019-08-02). Four Truths About For-Profit Charter Schools. progressive.org 2020 Democratic candidates taking a stand against for-profit charters is like bravely standing up in opposition to yeti attacks.
(2019-08-02). Headlines for August 2, 2019. democracynow.org Pentagon to Receive $1.48 Trillion Under Two-Year Budget Deal, Russia Declares Nuclear Arms Treaty "Formally Dead" as U.S. Withdraws, Trump Threatens to Impose Steeper Tariffs on Chinese Goods, Puerto Rico Faces Succession Crisis as Disgraced Governor Resigns, Video Shows Dallas Police Mocking Man Who Died in Their Custody, Dozens Killed as Two Attacks Rattle Yemen's Port City of Aden, Four Killed as Sudanese Soldiers Fire on Peaceful Pro-Democracy Activists, Third Case of Ebola in Congolese City Sparks Fears in Neighboring Rwanda, U.S. Prepares to Withdraw Thousands of Troops Amid Peace Talks with Taliban, July…
(2019-08-02). Security Council gravely concerned by Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, demands immediate end to violence hampering response. un.org The UN Security Council on Friday expressed grave concern about the current Ebola virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and stressed the urgency of broad cooperation in the response, as "the disease could spread rapidly, including to neighbouring countries, possibly having serious humanitarian consequences and impacting regional stability."
(2019-08-01). Dolores Huerta Accuses Biden of "Speaking Just Like a Republican" on Immigration. democracynow.org 
Immigration rights activists abruptly interrupted Joe Biden during last night's debate, chanting "3 million deportations!"—referring to the Obama administration's deportation of at least 3 million undocumented people. During the debate, Julián Castro repeatedly challenged Biden's record on immigration. "It looks like one of us has learned the lessons of the past and one of us hasn't," Castro said. We speak to Dolores Huerta and Cornel West.
(2019-08-01). Dolores Huerta & Cornel West Respond to Democratic Debate as Biden & Harris Face Harsh Scrutiny. democracynow.org 
Ten presidential hopefuls took the stage Wednesday evening for the second night of a Democratic debate in Detroit. During the night, former Vice President Joe Biden defended his record after facing numerous attacks on his record on criminal justice, the Iraq War, immigration and women's rights. Senator Kamala Harris also faced criticism over her record as California attorney general. We speak to the legendary labor leader Dolores Huerta, who is co-chair of Kamala Harris's campaign, and Harvard professor Cornel West, who has endorsed Bernie Sanders.
(2019-08-01). "You're Dipping into the Kool-Aid": Booker Accuses Biden of Helping Drive Mass Incarceration. democracynow.org 
In one of the most heated exchanges of the debate, Senator Cory Booker criticized Joe Biden's role in backing several key crime bills during his time in the Senate. Biden fought back, attacking Booker's record as mayor of Newark, New Jersey.
(2019-08-01). "You Owe Them an Apology": Tulsi Gabbard Slams Kamala Harris on Her Record as California AG. democracynow.org 
During Wednesday's debate, Hawaii Congressmember Tulsi Gabbard confronted California Senator Kamala Harris about her record as California attorney general. Gabbard accused Harris of blocking evidence that would have freed an innocent man from death row—until the courts forced her to do so. Harris defended her record, saying she significantly reformed the criminal justice system. We speak to Dolores Huerta and Cornel West.
(2019-08-01). 2nd Dem Debate Pt 2: Takes on Police Reform, Shows Divide on Criminal Justice (2/4). therealnews.com 
Julian Castro demands police accountability for first time in a presidential debate while candidates attack each other over their mass incarceration policies. With Kimberly Moffitt, Jacqueline Luqman, and Marc Steiner as host…
(2019-08-01). Cornel West: Corporate Media's Superficial Coverage Helped Create "Fascist Frankenstein Trump" democracynow.org 
On Tuesday night, Senator Bernie Sanders openly criticized CNN's handling of the debates. He told CNN's Jake Tapper, "Your question is a Republican talking point. And by the way, the healthcare industry will be advertising tonight on this program." We speak with Cornel West and Dolores Huerta about the media coverage and the structure of the debate.
(2019-08-01). "It Wasn't a Golden Age": Cornel West Says Democrats Have to Reckon with Mixed Obama Legacy. democracynow.org 
Harvard professor Cornel West joins us from Detroit, where he attended both nights of the Democratic debate. He talks about the troubling legacy of the Obama administration and why he is supporting Bernie Sanders again for president.
(2019-08-01). Kamala Harris Team Accused of "Inventing Conspiracies" About Tulsi Gabbard. theantimedia.com The Kamala Harris' campaign jumped to tie Gabbard and her campaign to a nebulously defined and unclear Russian conspiracy.
(2019-08-01). Propagandists Are Freaking Out Over Tulsi Gabbard's Destruction of Kamala Harris. theantimedia.com Tulsi Gabbard took on Kamala Harris over her record on criminal justice reform, the death penalty, and the war on drugs.
(2019-08-01). Protesters Target Joe Biden on Deportation and Bill De Blasio on Eric Garner During Democratic Debate. theintercept.com Direct action by protesters disrupted and energized the Democratic debate in Detroit, forcing Bill de Blasio and Joe Biden to defend their records.
(2019-08-01). Headlines for August 1, 2019. democracynow.org Presidential Hopefuls Take Aim at Joe Biden During Second Night of Debates, Protesters Confront Joe Biden over Immigration Record, Protesters Confront NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio over Eric Garner's Death, NY Medical Examiner: Layleen Polanco Died of Epilepsy in Solitary Cell, U.N. Warns 21st Century's Worst Humanitarian Crisis Unfolding in Syria, Trump Administration Sanctions Iran's Foreign Minister, Sudan Schools Closed After Soldiers Massacre Students, Greenland Ice Melts at Rapid Pace as Temperatures Climb 30 Degrees Above Normal, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee Promotes Climate Justice Proposal, 66 Seek Medical Care…
(2019-08-01). The Triumph of Their Will. progressive.org White nationalists are building political power from within the Republican Party.
(2019-08-01). Candidates, Your Views on the Middle East? You Have 30 Seconds. theintercept.com If you blinked, you might have missed it. | Across the five hours of Democratic primary debates split between two nights this week, the presidential hopefuls discussed the future of U.S. foreign policy for no more than 25 minutes. | Other policy areas had it worse. There were no questions either night on Puerto Rico, for example, or LGBT issues, or reproductive rights. But the scant attention to foreign policy was striking precisely because it's the area in which a president has the most power to change things on their own. If the next president wants to rejoin the Paris climate agreement or renegotiate the Iran…
(2019-07-31). "We Don't Want Another President Obama": Activist Urges Democrats to Reframe Immigration Debate. democracynow.org 
Democratic candidates also sparred on immigration policy, from decriminalizing border crossing to providing healthcare to undocumented immigrants. We hear excerpts of Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, as well as Montana Governor Steve Bullock. Plus we speak to Erika Andiola, chief advocacy officer for RAICES, the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services.
(2019-07-31). Warren Backs "No First Use" Nuclear Policy as Buttigieg Calls for Withdrawal from Afghanistan. democracynow.org 
While most of Tuesday's debate focused on domestic issues, Democratic candidates were briefly asked about nuclear weapons policy and the war in Afghanistan. Senator Elizabeth Warren defended her "no first use" policy on nuclear weapons, despite criticism from Montana Governor Steve Bullock. Meanwhile, South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg and former Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper sparred on whether the U.S. should withdraw from Afghanistan after 18 years of war.
(2019-07-31). Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders Dominate Democratic Debate Set Up to Ambush Them. theintercept.com Updated: CNN's Democratic presidential primary debate was framed like an ambush against Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders — who then ended up dominating it.
(2019-07-31). Militias Capitalizing on GOP Rhetoric Heading Into Election Season. splcenter.org A militia network's enthusiasm to lend paramilitary support to Oregon's Republican senators last month could be a bellwether for the 2020 campaign season.
(2019-07-31). Warren Denounces White Supremacy as Domestic Terrorism; Marianne Williamson Calls for Reparations. democracynow.org 
Democratic candidates also spoke on race and white supremacy, with Senator Elizabeth Warren arguing that the United States needs "to call out white supremacy for what it is: domestic terrorism." Marianne Williamson of California brought up the Flint water crisis and highlighted environmental racism saying, "We have communities, particularly communities of color and disadvantaged communities, all over this country who are suffering from environmental injustice." We speak with Mehdi Hasan, columnist for The Intercept and host of its "Deconstructed" podcast. He's also host of "UpFront" at Al Jazeera English.
(2019-07-30). Kamala Harris Receives Donations From Big Pharma Executives Despite Claim She Rejects Them. theintercept.com Campaign finance records show Harris has received thousands of dollars from executives at drug companies and distributors this year; most were not returned.
(2019-07-29). Protesters in Bradenton defend the rights of immigrants and refugees. liberationnews.org 
On Sunday, seventeen people gathered at the Manatee County Courthouse in downtown Bradenton to demand an end to US concentration camps for refugees and mass deportations of immigrants.
(2019-07-29). Progressive Democrats vote against BDS, Palestinian rights. thegrayzone.com House Democrats, including key progressives, have passed a measure condemning the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement (BDS). Why are Reps….
(2019-07-28). How Joe Biden's privatization plans helped doom Latin America and fuel the migration crisis. thegrayzone.com On the campaign trail, Joe Biden has boasted of his role in transforming Colombia and Central America through ambitious economic…
(2019-07-26). Fidel Castro on July 26. liberationnews.org 
Compañero Fidel's letter to leaders of delegations visiting Cuba on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the assaults on the Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Garrisons…
(2019-07-26). MSNBC's Anti-Sanders Bias Makes It Forget How to Do Math. fair.org When MSNBC legal analyst Mimi Rocah ( 7/21/19) said that Bernie Sanders "made [her] skin crawl," though she "can't even identify for you what exactly it is," she was just expressing more overtly the anti-Sanders bias that pervades the network. MSNBC's Mimi Rocah ( 7/21/19) explaining how Bernie Sanders makes her "skin crawl." | The hostility is so entrenched, in fact, it seems to have corrupted MSNBC's mathematical reasoni…