Daily Archives: March 14, 2020

2020-03-14: News Headlines

RT (2020-03-14). 'Nationalize factories & industries!' De Blasio kicks panic up to 11 calling coronavirus 'war-like situation'. rt.com New York City Mayor and failed presidential candidate Bill de Blasio jumped on MSNBC to compare the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic to war and claim "nationalization" would fix the US' "Mar-a-Lago attitude" toward the disease. | "Here's the reality, this is a war-like situation," De Blasio told MSNBC's Joy Reid on Saturday morning when criticizing the federal government's response to the coronavirus. The mayor claims he has been "pleading for weeks" for coronavirus test kits to be more available to citizens. | "We're in a war-time scenario with a Mar-a-Lago attitude being used by the federal government," he cont…

RT (2020-03-14). 'Euroleaks': Varoufakis LEAKS recordings of secretive Eurogroup talks on Greece in fight for 'democratization of the EU'. rt.com The former finance minister of Greece, Yanis Varoufakis, has released a cache of audio files, secretly recorded in 2015 during the bailout talks with the Eurogroup — a powerful group of eurozone's finance chiefs. | The recordings and their transcripts were | In 2015, Varoufakis was…

Team Warren To Sanders (2020-03-14). Team Warren for Bernie Sanders. zcomm.org We, the undersigned former employees and fellows of Warren for President, are ready to get back in the fight for a just and progressive future…

Bernie Sanders (2020-03-14). We Are Winning "Ideological" & "Generational" Debate. zcomm.org Now Need to Win "Electability"

Michael Harris (2020-03-14). 2020 Negro Bar Stakeholder Meeting. indybay.org California State Parks | Gold Rush District Office | 7755 Folsom-Auburn Road | Folsom, CA 95630…

Staff (2020-03-14). The RNC Gave Big Contracts to Companies Tied to Its Chair's Backers and Husband. truthout.org The Republican National Committee has paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to contractors closely connected to the organization's chairwoman, Ronna McDaniel. | One contract went to her husband's insurance company. Two others went to businesses whose executives recently donated to Ronna for Chair, a largely inactive political action committee that McDaniel controls. She had set it up in 2015, when she successfully ran for chair of the Republican Party in Michigan, her home state. | The comp…

Staff (2020-03-14). Would Joe Biden, Like Hillary Clinton, Lose to Donald Trump Over the Iraq War? truthout.org Joe Biden's support for the Iraq War and

Staff (2020-03-14). Delegates Process May Shift Because of COVID-14. truthdig.com The next stage in the 2020 process is county-level conventions where hundreds of activists, organizers and officials are expected to attend starting this month.

Prof. Joseph H. Chung (2020-03-14). The Political Economy of Corruption in South Korea. globalresearch.ca The whole world is facing the deepening and widening corruption which challenges the very survival of the free democracy and the free market economy. | Korea has been suffering for last 70 years from the corruption culture. But owing to courageous …

Ed Sykes (2020-03-14). Young Jews endorse Bernie Sanders 'to model what anti-occupation Jewish leadership looks like'. thecanary.co We are proud to be the first Jewish organ…

Joseph Natoli (2020-03-13). A Machine to Beat President Trump. counterpunch.org As different as night from day yet there's one way that Bernie Sanders and President Trump are alike, and Joe Biden is different from both. President Trump runs a one man show with a supporting cast. As we know from very recent history of this presidency, this liege cast either pays homage to President Trump

The Canary (2020-03-13). Johnson slammed by WHO and scientists for 'wrong and dangerous' coronavirus strategy. thecanary.co The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called into question the UK's approach to developing "herd immunity" against the coronavirus aka Covid-19.On Friday 13 March, the UK's chief scientific adviser Patrick Vallance said the government's strategy is aimed at creating a "herd immunity" to the disease. WHO spokesperson Margaret Harris criticised this approach on BBC Radio 4's Today programme: We don't know enough about the science of this virus, it hasn't been in our population for long enough for us to know what it does in immunological terms. | Every virus functions differently in your body and stimulates a diffe…

Andrew Levine (2020-03-13). Biden's Victory: A Blessing in Disguise? counterpunch.org It has been years since I last saw the great Alain Resnais film "La Guerre Est Finie" (The War Is Over, 1966), starring Yves Montand and Ingrid Thulin, in which, decades after the anti-fascists lost, a Communist veteran of the Spanish Civil War, still fighting the good fight, confronts the moral and political ambiguities of

Michèle Brand (2020-03-13). Class Conflict is Stronger than Clan Conflict. counterpunch.org The Democratic party elites have shown that they prefer Trump to Sanders. That is, they prefer the real risk of a second Trump mandate to the real risk of a Sanders presidency. How else can we explain the sudden coordinated rally around Biden, whose weakness and liabilities are obvious to all? No need to recount

RT (2020-03-13). 'Free tests for everyone': Pelosi announces Democrats reach deal with White House on coronavirus relief. rt.com Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announced that she has struck a deal with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin over a coronavirus relief plan that President Donald Trump had previously opposed as overreach. | "We are proud to have reached an agreement with the administration to resolve outstanding challenges, and now will soon pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act," Pelosi (D-California) said in a letter to House Democrats, made public early on Friday evening. | "This legislation is about testing, testing, testing," she wrote, saying it seeks to make coronavirus tests available for free to anyone who…

RT (2020-03-13). Louisiana becomes 1st state to postpone Democratic primary, delaying for 2 months due to coronavirus outbreak. rt.com Louisiana has postponed its 2020 presidential primaries, initially scheduled for next month, until June 20 a spokesman for the secretary of state told CNBC, citing concerns over the coronavirus epidemic. | The state becomes the first to postpone its primaries amid worries over the virus, which has caused schools and businesses to shut down across the nation. The presidential primary was originally scheduled for April 4. | Municipal elections, scheduled for May 9, will also be postponed until July 25. | "We want to protect the health and safety of all Louisianans by doing our part to prevent the spread of this…

Staff (2020-03-13). "We Are Way, Way Behind": U.S. Lags on Coronavirus Testing & Medical Experts Warn "No One Is Immune" democracynow.org It has been seven weeks since the first case of the new coronavirus was reported in the United States. President Trump is claiming, "Anybody that needs a test gets a test," but this is simply untrue. There have been just 11,000 tests so far throughout the United States since the coronavirus outbreak began, compared to nearly 20,000 tests for coronavirus every day in South Korea alone. We spend the hour looking at how the Trump administration has failed to account for what may be thousands of infections because of ongoing problems with access to testing, and how other countries have responded. We also discuss meas…

Andrew M. Johnson (2020-03-13). The Rise and Fall of the Work Society. dissidentvoice.org The victories of Bernie Sanders in the early primaries had people talking about socialist revolutions, while Biden's wins on Super Tuesday (in largely conservatives states) have tempered that enthusiasm. This is an important reminder of something we all need to remember: The Capitalists already won. There may still be a few scattered enclaves of subsistence …

The Grayzone (2020-03-13). The Grayzone and CODEPINK ask why OAS doesn't monitor badly flawed US Democratic primary. thegrayzone.com Watch The Grayzone and CODEPINK ask the Organization of American States Secretary General Luis Almagro why he won't send election…

Staff (2020-03-13). Headlines for March 13, 2020. democracynow.org Coronavirus Infections Around the Globe Reach 135,000 People, Nearly 5,000 Dead, U.S. Coronavirus Infections Rise to 1,650 as Actual Number Believed to Be Higher | , Dow Jones Plummets 10% in Biggest Drop Since 1987 | , Trump Administration Faces Backlash for Handling of Coronavirus Outbreak, Testing | , Brazilian President Bolsonaro's Aide Tests Positive for COVID-19 Days After Meeting with Trump, Philippines President Duterte Orders Lockdown in Manila Amid Coronavirus Pandemic | , Advocates Afraid of Deadly Coronavirus Outbreak in Immigration Jails Plagued by Medical Neglect, Democratic Presidential Debate Relo…

Lilly Dragnev (2020-03-13). Latest U.S. Military Strikes Are as Reckless as they are Cruel. peaceaction.org Washington, D.C. — March 12, 2020 — In response to reports that the U.S. has carried out five airstrikes on Iranian-backed militia sites in Iraq, Jon Rainwater, Executive Director of Peace Action, released the following statement: "At a time of one of the greatest global challenges of our lifetimes, it is shocking that the Trump …

William Hawes (2020-03-13). Moderately Liberal, Extremely Dystopian: Establishment Democrats and Big Brained Centrism. dissidentvoice.org As we approach the middle of March 2020 with Super Tuesday behind us, the moderate candidacy of Joe Biden has gained momentum, notching ten victories. The recent spat of moderate candidates dropping out (Buttigieg, Klobuchar, Bloomberg, Steyer) alongside Elizabeth Warren's decision to stay in for Super Tuesday (and dropping out right after) boosted Biden into …

Jeffrey D. Sachs (2020-03-13). The Generational Divide Between Biden and Sanders. commondreams.org It is vital to understand the generational divide both to address America's glaring crises and to peer ahead to the future of American politics. (Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/sanders_biden_3.jpg

commondreams (2020-03-13). Briefing: Biden Versus Sanders on the Common Sense Climate Policies Voters Want. commondreams.org ______________________________…

Charles Komanoff (2020-03-13). Bill de Blasio, Climate Troll. counterpunch.org Bike ticket sting at 59th and 1st Avenue. Two cops ticketing, I think, when folks turn right on red coming south/off the Queensboro Bridge. Good lord, how do you schedule the spring ticket traps at the same time as you tell people to bike to work? Those tweets, from a bicycle commuter and local journalist,

Clark T. Scott (2020-03-13). "Now, Voyager" in Reverse. counterpunch.org The untold want, by life and land ne'er granted, Now, Voyager, sail thou forth to seek and find. — Walt Whitman. Recent events in the 2020 democrat campaigns for president have led my mind back to memories of the film "Now, Voyager" from 1942. The film is about an "ugly duckling"s transformation and personal liberation

teleSUR (2020-03-13). Chile: Piñera Celebrates 'Democracy' As Police Mistreat People. telesurenglish.net Chile's President Sebastian Piñera Thursday commemorated 30 years of "democracy" and two years in office, as the people took to the streets to demand his resignation. | RELATED: | Meanwhile, the people crowded into the Alameda, Santiago's main avenue, and the Military Police brutally repressed the demonstrators. "Step out Piñera," the crowd repeated. | In an empty speech, he acknowledged that "although these were…

splcenter (2020-03-13). Weekend Read: 2020 Census safe and easy, helps communities. splcenter.org This month kicks off a major — and vital — process that is fundamental to the success of our Democracy.

Jessica Corbett, staff writer (2020-03-13). House Democrats Propose Sending Checks of Up to $6,000 to Help Ease Workers' Pain During Coronavirus Pandemic. commondreams.org As President Donald Trump declared a national emergency Friday to free up $50 billion in funding to address the coronavirus pandemic, a pair of Democratic congressmen proposed legislation that would provide a check of up to $6,000 to every American whose income last year was below $65,000. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/ro-khanna-afghanistan-papers_0.jpg

RT (2020-03-13). Peak 'Florida Man'? Ex-Tallahassee mayor denies using crystal meth after he was found in hotel room with overdosed male escort. rt.com Florida Democrat Andrew Gillum is taking a break from public life after police walked in on what has been described as a crystal meth-fueled orgy – but which he insists was just a wedding celebration where he drank too much. | Gillum was "unable to communicate with officers due to his inebriated state" when police chanced upon him in a hotel room at Miami's South Beach Mondrian on Thursday night, responding to another man's "possible drug overdose," revealed the police report, leaked via Twitter on Friday. | The police were concerned enough to request a second "welfare check" on Gillum, while they took his str…

Rick Baum (2020-03-13). Krugman Disses Sanders and Embraces Biden While Distorting the Obama Record. counterpunch.org Paul Krugman, a past winner of the Nobel Prize in economics, wrote a recent New York Times column with the title "Bernie Sanders is Going for Broke." He criticizes Sanders for his politics which are characterized as a "go-for-broke maximalism" "without compromise" described as: "a maximalist agenda on all fronts: complete elimination of private health

Paul Street (2020-03-13). Dear Berners: Dementia Joe is How Much "Your" Party HATES You. counterpunch.org "You Have Owners" "Mr. [Bernie] Sanders," the New York Times reported last Tuesday, "has built a following of voters who want and expect more from their [Democratic] party, from their government, and from their country." That's true enough, with some key qualifications: it's not "their party" any more than it's "their government" or "their country."

Julia Conley, staff writer (2020-03-13). As Coronavirus Grips US, Critics Remember Susan Collins' Insistence Pandemic Flu Funding Be Cut From 2009 Stimulus Package. commondreams.org Political observers on social media pointed to an overlooked vote by Sen. Susan Collins from over a decade ago as one example of Republicans' disregard for public health. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/collins.png

Staff (2020-03-12). Bernie Sanders: We Are Winning "Ideological" & "Generational" Debate, Now Need to Win "Electability" democracynow.org After a disappointing showing in Tuesday night's Democratic presidential primaries, Senator Bernie Sanders said Wednesday he will stay in the race. In his address from Burlington, Vermont, Sanders challenged his rival, former Vice President Joe Biden, to address key issues like economic inequality, healthcare access and the climate crisis. Sanders is set to debate Biden this Sunday in Arizona. "It is not just the ideological debate that our progressive movement is winning. We are winning the generational debate," Sanders said. "While Joe Biden continues to do very well with older Americans, especially those peopl…

Staff (2020-03-12). Trump Calls COVID-19 "Foreign Virus" as Lack of Universal Healthcare Makes the Pandemic Worse. democracynow.org After downplaying the threat of coronavirus for days, President Donald Trump addressed the nation Wednesday from the Oval Office, calling COVID-19 a "foreign virus" and announcing an unprecedented travel ban from most of Europe to the U.S. He also said he will expand sick leave. This comes as Senate Republicans blocked paid sick leave legislation. Robert Pollin, distinguished university professor of economics and co-director of the Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, says the lack of universal healthcare in the U.S. is exacerbating the coronavirus crisis due to "the ab…

Staff (2020-03-12). Lack of Paid Sick Leave Makes It Difficult for Many Workers to Comply with CDC Advice to Stay Home. democracynow.org As the number of coronavirus cases in the United States passes 1,300 cases with 38 deaths, more than 30 million workers lack access to paid sick leave. President Trump addressed the nation Wednesday night, saying he will expand sick leave as part of emergency response to the virus. But the same day, Republican senators blocked an attempt by Senate Democrats to quickly pass legislation requiring employers to grant paid sick leave. Meanwhile, Democrats in the House of Representatives will debate a package of bills Thursday to give workers 14 days of paid sick leave and up to three months of paid family and medical…

RT (2020-03-12). Trump says trade will 'in no way' be affected by Europe travel ban in apparent about-face after markets crash. rt.com US President Donald Trump said that trade in "no way" will be impacted by the 30-day Europe travel ban, despite saying less than an hour earlier the restrictive measures would apply to a "tremendous amount of trade and cargo." | Trump has baffled traders and ordinary netizens after he took to Twitter in the wake of his national address earlier on Wednesday to assure the public that his order to suspend all travel from Europe pertains only to the movement of people, but not goods. | Hoping to get the payroll tax cut approved by both Republicans and Democrats, and please remember, very important for all countrie…

Julie Hollar (2020-03-12). Elite Media Dismiss Voter Suppression on Grounds That It's 'Complicated'. fair.org Some voters—disproportionately black and brown ones—waited in line for several hours on Super Tuesday to cast their ballots in the Democratic primary, and media paid attention. But their love for a good visual doesn't always correspond with a love for connecting the dots, and so most of the coverage downplayed any suggestion that there might be voter suppression going on in 2020. The New York Times ( "Why Did It…

Staff (2020-03-12). Italy's "Darkest Hour": Life Grinds to a Halt Amid COVID-19 Lockdown, as Death Toll Spikes. democracynow.org We get an update from Italy, where 60 million people are under an unprecedented nationwide lockdown and the death toll has increased to at least 827, rising by 31% in just 24 hours. Authorities ordered all shops closed except food markets and pharmacies. Italy's economy has all but ground to a halt, with Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte describing the outbreak as the country's "darkest hour." Italian journalist Antonella Serrecchia joins us from Milan, where she is a reporter for the online magazine The Vision.

Staff (2020-03-12). Headlines for March 12, 2020. democracynow.org World Health Organization Declares Coronavirus Pandemic, Top Italian Health Official Among 827 Coronavirus Dead as Italy Faces "Darkest Hour", Iran Condemns U.S. Sanctions as "Medical Terrorism" as Coronavirus Death Toll Hits 429, President Trump Announces Europe Travel Ban in Error-Laden Oval Office Speech, U.S. Labs Face Shortage of Supplies Needed to Test for Coronavirus, Sen. Lamar Alexander Blocks Quick Passage of Paid Sick Leave Bill, School Closures from Coronavirus Affecting Over 1 Million K-12 Students Nationwide, Bernie Sanders Promises to Question Biden Over Progressive Policies at Next Debate, Joe Bid…

teleSUR (2020-03-12). Sanders Addresses Health Crisis in US as Coronavirus Cases Soar. telesurenglish.net Presidential hopeful and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders spoke Thursday on the "health and economic crisis" facing the United States (U.S.) as the coronavirus spreads in the country. | RELATED: "Now is the time for solidarity," Sanders said. "Now is the time to come together with love and compassion for all, including the most vulnerable people in our society." | The Vermont senator demanded that President Donald Trump de…

Ajamu Baraka (2020-03-12). As Biden Racks up Delegates the Crisis Among Black Folks and Democrat Party Deepens. dissidentvoice.org Biden wins key state of Michigan and the Democrat Party establishment can barely contain its joy. I am happy also but for a different reason. No matter what happens with this twisted Democrat Party nomination drama, I welcome this period as a period of absolute political clarity. Why? Because for the internal debate and struggles …

Fight Back (2020-03-12). Venezuela: FRSO meets National Electoral Council president. fightbacknews.org Caracas, Venezuela – The Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) labor delegation met today with Tibisay Lucena, president of the CNE (the National Electoral Council) to discuss the upcoming elections. Lucena spoke about this election as very important in the face of U.S aggression and the economic war. | Lucena explained the electoral processes in Venezuela are a result of democratic changes put forward in the 1999 Constitution after President Chavez was elected. The CNE is a new branch of government, the electoral branch, that oversees a fair and democratic process. This is in addition to the legislative, ju…

Joan Walsh (2020-03-12). Sanders Won Michigan in 2016. Biden Won Every County in 2020. Why? thenation.com Sanders Won Michigan in 2016. Biden Won Every County in 2020. Why?

RT (2020-03-11). Are the gloves coming off? Sanders campaign ratchets up the rhetoric (and snark) as Biden surges in primaries. rt.com After a poor showing in the latest primaries, Bernie Sanders' campaign has adopted a more aggressive approach to highlighting Joe Biden's shortcomings — ahead of what could be a make-or-break debate for the Vermont senator. | Biden scored victories in Idaho, Missouri, Mississippi, and Michigan on Tuesday, knocking the wind out of Team Sanders, which has billed itself as a political movement serving working-class Americans. The tough race appears to have motivated Sanders' staff to take up a more combative strategy when it comes to pointing out their opponent's foibles. Campaign manager Faiz Shakir fired…

Alan Macleod (2020-03-11). The Corporate Media Celebrates After Handing Joe Biden Another Win. mintpressnews.com Biden has deliberately refrained from public or media appearances due to his propensity for making egregious errors, but that hasn't stopped the media from paving the way for a Biden vs Trump contest.

Staff (2020-03-11). Biden Wins, Sanders Lags: Naomi Klein & Alicia Garza on Calls to Shut Down Primaries & Debates. democracynow.org Former Vice President Joe Biden scored decisive primary victories Tuesday night in the key state of Michigan, along with Missouri, Mississippi and Idaho. Sanders won North Dakota and holds a lead in Washington state, but votes are still being counted, and the races are still too close to call. While Biden is less than halfway to the delegates he would need to secure the Democratic nomination, Sanders faces a decision about whether to continue his increasingly uphill fight for the Democratic Party's 2020 presidential nomination. This comes as Biden and Sanders called off their planned campaign rallies in Cleveland…

Staff (2020-03-11). Nurses on the Frontlines of Coronavirus Pandemic Demand More Protection & Medicare for All. democracynow.org The number of coronavirus cases in the United States has passed 1,000 Tuesday, with the rate of infections likely increasing. Despite this, the U.S. continues to lag on testing, and healthcare workers say they lack adequate protection and protocols to allow them to safely care for infected patients. They also say the country's hospitals are woefully unprepared to handle the crisis. Nurses in the hot zones of California and Washington had already reported having to beg for face masks and lacking guidance on how to address the virus. We are joined by Jean Ross, president of National Nurses United, the largest organ…

Staff (2020-03-11). Headlines for March 11, 2020. democracynow.org National Guard Deployed to Coronavirus "Containment Area" Outside New York City, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee Bans Public Gatherings of 250+, Classes and Sporting Events Canceled as Coronavirus Spreads Across U.S., Top U.S. Health Official: Start Taking Coronavirus Seriously, Worldwide Coronavirus Cases Top 121,000, Trump Floats $700 Billion Payroll Tax Cut Decried as Stealth Attack on Social Security , Joe Biden Wins Four States Including Michigan, Building Primary Lead Over Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden Threatens Detroit Autoworker, Calls Him "Full of Sh**" in Argument over Guns, Bernie Sanders Calls Long Lines at Mi…

Fight Back (2020-03-11). Tallahassee International Women's Day. fightbacknews.org Tallahassee, FL – In honor of International Women's Day, Tallahassee residents attended a panel discussion on the origins and impacts of the socialist holiday. | Regina Joseph of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) and president of the Tallahassee Community Action Committee (TCAC) shared a short video on the history of the day and facilitated a panel of five leaders representing over ten active local organizations. | The panelists were all people of color, ranging in age from 20 to 55: Valentina Beron, FSU student and organizer with Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) and Veg FSU; Delilah Pierre,…

Paul Kawika Martin (2020-03-11). Congress Sends Bipartisan Bill to Trump Rebuking Iran War. peaceaction.org Washington, D.C. — March 11, 2020 — In response to the House passing the bipartisan bill — S.J.Res.68 — that would thwart President Trump from going to war with Iran and end any current hostilities, Paul Kawika Martin, Senior Director for Policy and Political Affairs at Peace Action, released the following statement: "Both chambers and …

Ali Salam (2020-03-11). Palestinian FM Denounces Israeli Plans for So-Called "Sovereignty Road" imemc.org The Palestinian Foreign Ministry, on Monday, strongly condemned the announcement by Israeli Defense Minister, Naftali Bennett of his intention to build, what he described as "sovereignty road" in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian WAFA News Agency reported. In a statement, the Foreign Ministry stated that it "condemns in the strongest …

Peter Bolton (2020-03-11). US activists call for election monitors as elitist Joe Biden keeps advancing. thecanary.co Former vice president

news.un (2020-03-11). Democracy is sliding away in Myanmar, warns top rights investigator. news.un.org Daily fighting in Myanmar, widespread internet blackouts and reporting restrictions, indicate that the shift to more democratic rule is "sliding away", a senior UN-appointed independent rights investigator said on Wednesday.

Joan Walsh (2020-03-11). Is It Too Late for Bernie Sanders to Win Over Black Voters? thenation.com Is It Too Late for Bernie Sanders to Win Over Black Voters?

Brian Cloughley (2020-03-11). It Looks Like Biden or Trump. So What About Foreign Policies? iranian.com Now that mega-billionaire Bloomberg has realised the impossibility of being president of the United States, he has put his money behind Democrat and former vice-president Joe Biden who looks likely to be going to-to-toe with Trump for election in November. At first glance, he seems a reasonable enough candidate, as Bernie Sanders, who is now …

Staff (2020-03-10). Immigrants in WA Detention Center Demand Protection from Coronavirus, Not Posters in English. democracynow.org As the world responds to the COVID-19 outbreak, we look at how the Trump administration's immigration policies may put everyone at risk. We go to Seattle, Washington, not far from the Life Care Center in the suburb of Kirkland, which was the epicenter of the U.S. coronavirus outbreak. In nearby Tacoma, Washington, our guest says she saw posters in English only when she went to visit immigrants held in the Northwest Detention Center, which is run by private prison company GEO Group. We speak with Maru Mora-Villalpando, an activist and undocumented immigrant with the groups La Resistencia and Mijente, who issued a…

Staff (2020-03-10). Coronavirus Pandemic in U.S. Fueled by Stunted CDC Budget & Lack of Access to Healthcare, Insurance. democracynow.org The coronavirus pandemic has now infected more than 113,000 people worldwide, and killed more than 4,000. We are joined by two epidemiologists to examine the response so far around the world and in the United States. Thomas Bollyky is director of the global health program, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and author of the book "Plagues and the Paradox of Progress: Why the World Is Getting Healthier in Worrisome Ways." We're also joined by Alfredo Morabia, professor of epidemiology at the Barry Commoner Center for Health and the Environment at Queens College, City University of New York, and edit…

Staff (2020-03-10). Prisons Worldwide Face Coronavirus Crisis: Overcrowding, Lack of Sanitation & Labor at Slave Wages. democracynow.org As Italy went on lockdown, nearly 30 prisons across the country broke into riots Sunday and Monday after visitation rights were suspended in response to the outbreak. In a prison in southern Italy, a riot left at least six incarcerated people dead and caused 50 people to escape. Prisoners have reportedly lit fires, charged guards and even escaped at multiple facilities. This comes as the United Nations confirmed that coronavirus had reached Iran's prisons, as the number of cases there continues to soar. Iran has temporarily freed some 70,000 prisoners in response to the coronavirus. And concerns are growing about…

Staff (2020-03-10). Italy Is Now a Red Zone: Student at Bocconi U. Describes Strict Measures Taken to Contain COVID-19. democracynow.org The entire country of Italy has been placed on lockdown in an attempt to stop the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, impacting 60 million people. People in the nationwide red zone will only be allowed to travel for work, medical reasons or emergencies until early next month. All schools and universities will also remain closed, major sporting events are suspended, and airline passengers now have to justify their reasons for traveling. We go to Italy to speak with Romy Kool, an international student at Bocconi University in Milan, where courses are now being taught online amid the coronavirus outbreak. We are als…

Staff (2020-03-10). Headlines for March 10, 2020. democracynow.org Coronavirus Death Toll Tops 4,000 with Over 113,000 Confirmed Infections as Italy Goes into Nationwide Lockdown, Six States Head to Polls as Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden Battle for 352 Delegates , Women Strike in Mexico, Take to Streets in Chile and Argentina to Demand Equality and an End to Violence, U.S. Begins Afghan Troop Withdrawal Amid Political Leadership Crisis | , New Reports Find Boeing at Fault for Fatal Crashes of Boeing 737 MAX Jets, Rafael Cancel Miranda, Puerto Rican Revolutionary, Dies at 89 | , 2020 Izzy Awards Honor Journalist Matt Taibbi, News Inside and The Center for Investigative Journalism…

news.un (2020-03-10). Burundi election countdown amid 'deteriorating' human rights situation. news.un.org Two months ahead of Burundi's planned local and presidential elections, senior UN-appointed independent rights investigators have urged the Government to reopen the "democratic, civil and political space" there.

Staff (2020-03-09). "It's a Real Mess": Afghan Rivals Both Claim Presidency as Ongoing Attacks Could Derail Peace Deal. democracynow.org Since last month's U.S.-Taliban peace plan, there have been nearly 80 attacks in Afghanistan. The violence could derail the deal that calls for U.S. troops to withdraw over the next 14 months. This comes as Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and top political leader Abdullah Abdullah both claimed that they won the presidential election at dual inauguration ceremonies today in Kabul, and members of the Taliban and the Afghan government were set to start direct negotiations on Tuesday. We speak with Washington Post reporter Craig Whitlock, who recently won the George Polk Award for Military Reporting for his in-depth in…

Staff (2020-03-09). "Afghanistan Papers" Reveal How Presidents & Generals Misled the American Public on War's Progress. democracynow.org Washington Post reporter Craig Whitlock has just won a George Polk Award for Military Reporting for his in-depth investigation called "The Afghanistan Papers: A Secret History of the War." He joins us to describe how, after getting a tip, he fought for three years to get the federal government to release a trove of confidential interviews it conducted with people directly involved in the nearly two-decade-long war. He ultimately obtained more than 2,000 documents that revealed how presidents, generals and diplomats across three administrations had intentionally misled the American public about the longest war in…

Staff (2020-03-09). Blackwater Founder Erik Prince Recruited Spies to Infiltrate Progressive Groups with Project Veritas. democracynow.org Erik Prince, the founder of the mercenary firm Blackwater and brother of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, helped recruit former spies to infiltrate and gather intelligence about Democratic campaigns and labor organizations, including the American Federation of Teachers, according to an explosive report by The New York Times. The story exposes previously unreported details about the ties between Prince and Project Veritas, a right-wing group that often sets up sting operations targeting the media and journalists by recording covert videos. According to documents and interviews, one former spy recruited by Erik Pri…

Staff (2020-03-09). Headlines for March 9, 2020. democracynow.org Coronavirus Cases Surge Worldwide, But True Numbers in U.S. Unknown Due to Lack of Testing, Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders Rack Up Endorsements, Appeal to Voters Ahead of New Wave of Voting, NYT: Erik Prince Recruited Spies to Infiltrate Democratic Campaign and Teachers' Union, Tensions High in Lesbos as Asylum Center Burns Down, Greek Authorities Attack Refugees, Millions Take to Streets Around the World for International Women's Day, Guatemalan Woman Dies in ICE Custody, Trump Taps Rep. Mark Meadows as New Chief of Staff, House Dems Ask Court to Reconsider Enforcing Subpoena for Don McGahn, Bernie Sanders Release…

The Grayzone (2020-03-09). The Grayzone and CODEPINK demand emergency OAS election observers in 2020 Democratic presidential primary. thegrayzone.com The Grayzone and CODEPINK call on the Organization of American States (OAS) to provide emergency international election observers in the…

The Grayzone (2020-03-09). Grayzone y CODEPINK exigen a la OEA observadores electorales internacionales de emergencia en la primaria presidencial demócrata de 2020. thegrayzone.com The Grayzone y CODEPINK hacen un llamado a la Organización de los Estados Americanos (OEA) a proporcionar observadores electorales internacionales…

Theodore de Macedo Soares (2020-03-07). TEXAS 2020 DEMOCRATIC PARTY PRIMARY. tdmsresearch.com Exit Poll Versus Reported Vote Count By Theodore de Macedo Soares The 2020 Texas Democratic Party presidential primary was held on March 3, 2020. Election results from the computerized vote counts differed significantly from the results projected by the exit poll conducted by Edison Research and published by CNN at poll's closing. According to the exit poll Sanders was tied with Biden but lost in the unobservable computer counts by 4.5%. In this election candidate Sanders saw the largest

Staff (2020-03-06). Progressives Urge Elizabeth Warren to Rally Behind Bernie Sanders After She Drops Out of 2020 Race. democracynow.org Senator Elizabeth Warren suspended her bid for the presidency Thursday, leaving the 2020 Democratic presidential race down to two older white men: former Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Bernie Sanders. Warren's decision to end her campaign comes after she failed to perform as well as she had hoped in early primary states and on Super Tuesday, including placing third in her home state of Massachusetts. Warren gave no indication whether she will endorse either of her former rivals. Supporters of Sanders say they hope she will throw her support behind their candidate in order to form a united "progressive front…

Staff (2020-03-06). Headlines for March 6, 2020. democracynow.org 3,500 Cruise Ship Passengers Quarantined Off California Coast over Coronavirus Fears, Seattle Area Residents Urged to Work from Home as Coronavirus Spreads Across U.S., World Health Organization's Coronavirus Warning: "This Is Not a Drill", Stocks Tumble as Coronavirus Rattles Global Economy, Sen. Elizabeth Warren Suspends 2020 Presidential Bid, Bernie Sanders Campaign Rally Disrupted by Protester with Nazi Flag, Russia and Turkey Agree to a Ceasefire in Syria's War-Torn Idlib, Israel Accused of Collective Punishment After Demolishing Palestinian Homes, Israeli Opposition Parties Bidding to Unseat Netanyahu After…

Antonio Carty (2020-03-06). If Sanders forms a real Alliance with Warren, their Popular Policies Can Win. zcomm.org Conventional wisdom is that a presidential candidate should pick an opposite or contrasting vice presidential running mate, to create a perception of a balanced ticket. But this is not a conventional time or race, Bernie is offering a clear and practical progressive choice to fix the USA. So his running mate needs to be a

Staff (2020-03-05). Roundtable: Coronavirus Is Best Case for Medicare for All. democracynow.org On Wednesday, House lawmakers passed an $8.3 billion emergency spending package for combating coronavirus, as the death toll from coronavirus has reached 11 in the United States. California recorded its first coronavirus death yesterday. The virus has also spread to New York, where Governor Andrew Cuomo issued a directive requiring health insurers to waive cost sharing for coronavirus tests. We go to two ground zeroes of the COVID-19 outbreak — New York and Seattle — and host a roundtable on whether coronavirus presents a clear argument for healthcare for all. We are joined by Dr. Steffie Woolhandler,…

Staff (2020-03-05). The New Poll Tax? Long Lines, Closed Polling Stations Hurt Black, Latinx & Student Voters in TX, CA. democracynow.org Long wait times plagued polling places in Texas throughout Super Tuesday, especially in districts with high numbers of black and Latinx voters and college students. Many voters reported waiting in line for more than three hours to cast a ballot. At least 750 Texas polling sites have been shuttered since 2013, when the Supreme Court slashed federal oversight of Texas and other Southern states under the Voting Rights Act of 1965. There were long lines, too, in Los Angeles, where many polling places reported problems with a brand-new $300 million voting system. The Sanders campaign sued to keep polling places open a…

Staff (2020-03-05). Headlines for March 5, 2020. democracynow.org Coronavirus Cases Near 100,000 Worldwide as U.S. Death Toll Reaches 11, President Trump Contradicts WHO's Warning over Coronavirus Death Rate, Billionaire Mike Bloomberg Ends Presidential Bid, Endorses Joe Biden, Bernie Bashes Biden's Billionaire Backers as Healthcare Stocks Surge Post-Super Tuesday, International Criminal Court to Investigate Taliban, Afghan and U.S. Troops for War Crimes, 15 Civilians Killed in Latest Syrian Airstrikes in Idlib, Turkey Accuses Greece of Killing Migrant as Greek Riot Police Fire Tear Gas at Border, EU Ministers Support Greek Crackdown on Asylum Seekers Despite Protests, Federal…

Norman Solomon (2020-03-02). The Escalating Class War Against Bernie Sanders. zcomm.org "If there is going to be class warfare in this country," Bernie Sanders told the Iowa AFL-CIO convention last summer, "it's time that the working class of this country won that war and not just the corporate elite."

Noam Chomsky (2020-03-02). Sanders Threatens the Establishment by Inspiring Popular Movements. zcomm.org Inspiring a popular movement that violates these norms is a serious attack on democracy, so conceived, an intolerable assault against good order…

CounterSpin (2020-02-28). Carol Anderson on Voter Suppression. fair.org Media…

Hannah Gais (2020-02-28). Emails Reveal Identity of Longtime White Nationalist Propagandist as Onetime Conservative Insider. splcenter.org Months before the "alt-right" became a household name, the nebulous band of white power activists seized upon their digital prowess to popularize a slur that would soon become a mainstay in the Republican infighting that defined the 2016 presidential election.

splcenter (2020-02-26). As Alabama primary nears, voter suppression is alive and well. splcenter.org All across this country, the right to vote is under attack. But with your support, we're fighting back in Southern courts and state legislatures with a newly formed team of legal, policy, and grassroots advocates.

CounterSpin (2020-02-14). Jim Naureckas on Democratic Primaries, Nina Luo on Decriminalizing Sex Work. fair.org Media…

Paul Kawika Martin (2020-02-13). Senate Reclaims War Powers to Thwart Iran War. peaceaction.org Washington, D.C. — February 13, 2020 — In response to the Senate passing the bipartisan bill — S.J.Res.68 — that would thwart President Trump from going to war with Iran and end any current hostilities, Paul Kawika Martin, Senior Director for Policy and Political Affairs at Peace Action, released the following statement: "It's about time …

Bernie Sanders (2020-02-08). Hasan Sits Down With Bernie Sanders. zcomm.org Interview on aging and retirement in America…

Tyler Durden (2020-02-04). Biden Threatens Lawsuit to Halt Release of Real Iowa Caucus Results. theantimedia.com American democracy—ain't it grand?>

Various Contributors (2020-02-01). The Times They Are a-Changin: Bernie Sanders. zcomm.org Sometimes it feels like our world is falling apart, but real change is all around us…

Jon Rainwater (2020-01-31). House Votes to Rein in Trump's Iran War Powers While Ending Endless Wars. peaceaction.org Washington, D.C. — January 30, 2020 — In response to two high-profile war powers votes on the House floor today, Peace Action released the following statement: "Our nation's endless wars are on autopilot, with Trump fitfully grabbing the steering wheel until his attention wanders somewhere else. Today's votes are a step toward Congress reclaiming its …

Paul Kawika Martin (2019-07-18). Diplomacy Instead of a Disaster in Iran. peaceaction.org Washington, D.C. — July 18, 2019 — In response to reports of the U.S. shooting down an Iranian drone, Paul Kawika Martin, Senior Director for Policy and Political Affairs at Peace Action, released the following statement: "Because of the Trump administration's policy of maximum provocation towards Iran, America stands on the precipice of another blunderous …

Peace Action (2019-07-11). Peace Action Endorses 'the Squad' — Ocasio-Cortez, Omar, Pressley and Tlaib for Congress. peaceaction.org Washington, D.C. — July 11, 2019 — Peace Action, the nation's largest grassroots peace organization, has endorsed four progressive champions for the House of Representatives in the 2020 election, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for New York's 14th district, Rep. Ilhan Omar for Minnesota's 5th district, Rep. Ayanna Pressley for Massachusetts' 7th district, and Rep. Rashida Tlaib …

Paul Kawika Martin (2019-06-28). Most Senators Oppose War with Iran Without Congressional Approval. peaceaction.org Washington, D.C. — June 28, 2019 — In response to the Senate voting 50-40 in favor of an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to block funding for military action against Iran without congressional approval, Paul Kawika Martin, Senior Director for Policy and Political Affairs at Peace Action, released the following statement: "Because …

2020-03-14: Social Media Postees

Please be social by posting these 'POSTEES' on social media!

Young Jews endorse Bernie Sanders 'to model what anti-occupation Jewish leadership looks like'
Ed Sykes | thecanary.co | 2020-03-14
IfNotNow is "a movement of young Jews fighting for freedom and dignity for all". This week, it became "the first Jewish organization to endorse Senator Bernie Sanders for President", with 80% of its members backing the decision. The organisation described its endorsement as "a commitment to model what anti-occupation Jewish leadership looks like": | We are proud to be the first Jewish organ…
thecanary.co/us/us-analysis/2020/03/14/young-jews-endorse-bernie-sanders-to-model-what-anti-occupation-jewish-leadership-looks-like/

We Are Winning "Ideological" & "Generational" Debate
Bernie Sanders | zcomm.org | 2020-03-14
Now Need to Win "Electability"
zcomm.org/znetarticle/we-are-winning-ideological-generational-debate/

Team Warren for Bernie Sanders
Team Warren To Sanders | zcomm.org | 2020-03-14
We, the undersigned former employees and fellows of Warren for President, are ready to get back in the fight for a just and progressive future…
zcomm.org/znetarticle/team-warren-for-bernie-sanders/

'Nationalize factories & industries!' De Blasio kicks panic up to 11 calling coronavirus 'war-like situation'
rt.com | 2020-03-14
New York City Mayor and failed presidential candidate Bill de Blasio jumped on MSNBC to compare the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic to war and claim "nationalization" would fix the US' "Mar-a-Lago attitude" toward the disease. | "Here's the reality, this is a war-like situation," De Blasio told MSNBC's Joy Reid on Saturday morning when criticizing the federal government's response to the coronavirus. The mayor claims he has been "pleading for weeks" for coronavirus test kits to be more available to citizens. | "We're in a war-time scenario with a Mar-a-Lago attitude being used by the federal government," he cont…
rt.com/usa/483147-de-blasio-coronavirus-death-nationalization/

2020 Negro Bar Stakeholder Meeting
Michael Harris | indybay.org | 2020-03-14
California State Parks | Gold Rush District Office | 7755 Folsom-Auburn Road | Folsom, CA 95630…
indybay.org/newsitems/2020/03/12/18831478.php

2020 California Ag Day
Michael Harris | indybay.org | 2020-03-14
250 years ago when Monterey, CA became the capital of Alta California, Agriculture remains our "California Grown" treasure. 2020 California Ag is cancelled at our State Capitol, yet everyday the 333 billion dollar annual California Working Landscape provides the economic engine within the "greatest garden in the world." The "hidden figures" of Black Agriculture will soon come alive at Negro Bar State Park.
indybay.org/newsitems/2020/03/12/18831481.php

2020 California Ag Day
Michael Harris | indybay.org | 2020-03-14
250 years ago when Monterey, CA became the capital of Alta California, Agriculture remains our "California Grown" treasure. 2020 California Ag is cancelled at our State Capitol, yet everyday the 333 billion dollar annual California Working Landscape provides the economic engine within the "greatest garden in the world." The "hidden figures" of Black Agriculture will soon come alive at Negro Bar State Park.
indybay.org/newsitems/2020/03/12/18831481.php

2020 Negro Bar Stakeholder Meeting
Michael Harris | indybay.org | 2020-03-14
California State Parks | Gold Rush District Office | 7755 Folsom-Auburn Road | Folsom, CA 95630…
indybay.org/newsitems/2020/03/12/18831478.php

Would Joe Biden, Like Hillary Clinton, Lose to Donald Trump Over the Iraq War?
Staff | truthout.org | 2020-03-14
Joe Biden's support for the Iraq War and the key role he played as head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in getting the war authorization through the Democratic-controlled Senate not only has made him unpopular within the party's progressive wing, but has also raised serious questions regarding his electability. Biden's decision to limit hearings prior to the Authorization for the Use of…
truthout.org/articles/would-joe-biden-like-hillary-clinton-lose-to-donald-trump-over-the-iraq-war/

Would Joe Biden, Like Hillary Clinton, Lose to Donald Trump Over the Iraq War?
Staff | truthout.org | 2020-03-14
Joe Biden's support for the Iraq War and the key role he played as head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in getting the war authorization through the Democratic-controlled Senate not only has made him unpopular within the party's progressive wing, but has also raised serious questions regarding his electability. Biden's decision to limit hearings prior to the Authorization for the Use of…
truthout.org/articles/would-joe-biden-like-hillary-clinton-lose-to-donald-trump-over-the-iraq-war/

'Euroleaks': Varoufakis LEAKS recordings of secretive Eurogroup talks on Greece in fight for 'democratization of the EU'
rt.com | 2020-03-14
The former finance minister of Greece, Yanis Varoufakis, has released a cache of audio files, secretly recorded in 2015 during the bailout talks with the Eurogroup

Delegates Process May Shift Because of COVID-14
Staff | truthdig.com | 2020-03-14
The next stage in the 2020 process is county-level conventions where hundreds of activists, organizers and officials are expected to attend starting this month.
truthdig.com/articles/democrats-next-big-2020-worry-nominating-delegates-amid-virus/

The Political Economy of Corruption in South Korea
Prof. Joseph H. Chung | globalresearch.ca | 2020-03-14
The whole world is facing the deepening and widening corruption which challenges the very survival of the free democracy and the free market economy. | Korea has been suffering for last 70 years from the corruption culture. But owing to courageous …
globalresearch.ca/political-economy-corruption/5706259

The RNC Gave Big Contracts to Companies Tied to Its Chair's Backers and Husband
Staff | truthout.org | 2020-03-14
The Republican National Committee has paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to contractors closely connected to the organization's chairwoman, Ronna McDaniel. | One contract went to her husband's insurance company. Two others went to businesses whose executives recently donated to Ronna for Chair, a largely inactive political action committee that McDaniel controls. She had set it up in 2015, when she successfully ran for chair of the Republican Party in Michigan, her home state. | The comp…
truthout.org/articles/the-rnc-gave-big-contracts-to-companies-tied-to-its-chairs-backers-and-husband/

The Rise and Fall of the Work Society
Andrew M. Johnson | dissidentvoice.org | 2020-03-13
The victories of Bernie Sanders in the early primaries had people talking about socialist revolutions, while Biden's wins on Super Tuesday (in largely conservatives states) have tempered that enthusiasm. This is an important reminder of something we all need to remember: The Capitalists already won. There may still be a few scattered enclaves of subsistence …
dissidentvoice.org/2020/03/the-rise-and-fall-of-the-work-society/

Sanders perfectly exposes twisted establishment priorities surrounding coronavirus pandemic
Ed Sykes | thecanary.co | 2020-03-13
Bernie Sanders has exposed where elite priorities lie right now in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. And his assessment rips apart establishment arguments that bold plans for our future are somehow 'unaffordable'. | Establishment priority: 'protect the powerful, not the people': | On 12 March, US stocks had their "worst day since the 1987 crash". This was largely due to fears about the rapi…
thecanary.co/trending/2020/03/13/sanders-perfectly-exposes-twisted-establishment-priorities-surrounding-coronavirus-pandemic/

Krugman Disses Sanders and Embraces Biden While Distorting the Obama Record
Rick Baum | counterpunch.org | 2020-03-13
Paul Krugman, a past winner of the Nobel Prize in economics, wrote a recent New York Times column with the title "Bernie Sanders is Going for Broke." He criticizes Sanders for his politics which are characterized as a "go-for-broke maximalism" "without compromise" described as:…
counterpunch.org/2020/03/13/krugman-disses-sanders-and-embraces-biden-while-distorting-the-obama-record/

A Machine to Beat President Trump
Joseph Natoli | counterpunch.org | 2020-03-13
As different as night from day yet there's one way that Bernie Sanders and President Trump are alike, and Joe Biden is different from both. President Trump runs a one man show with a supporting cast. As we know from very recent history of this presidency, this liege cast either pays homage to President Trump…
counterpunch.org/2020/03/13/a-machine-to-beat-president-trump/

Class Conflict is Stronger than Clan Conflict
Michèle Brand | counterpunch.org | 2020-03-13
The Democratic party elites have shown that they prefer Trump to Sanders. That is, they prefer the real risk of a second Trump mandate to the real risk of a Sanders presidency. How else can we explain the sudden coordinated rally around Biden, whose weakness and liabilities are obvious to all? No need to recount…
counterpunch.org/2020/03/13/class-conflict-is-stronger-than-clan-conflict/

Class Conflict is Stronger than Clan Conflict
Michèle Brand | counterpunch.org | 2020-03-13
The Democratic party elites have shown that they prefer Trump to Sanders. That is, they prefer the real risk of a second Trump mandate to the real risk of a Sanders presidency. How else can we explain the sudden coordinated rally around Biden, whose weakness and liabilities are obvious to all? No need to recount…
counterpunch.org/2020/03/13/class-conflict-is-stronger-than-clan-conflict/

"We Are Way, Way Behind": U.S. Lags on Coronavirus Testing & Medical Experts Warn "No One Is Immune"
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-03-13
It has been seven weeks since the first case of the new coronavirus was reported in the United States. President Trump is claiming, "Anybody that needs a test gets a test," but this is simply untrue. There have been just 11,000 tests so far throughout the United States since the coronavirus outbreak began, compared to nearly 20,000 tests for coronavirus every day in South Korea alone. We spend the hour looking at how the Trump administration has failed to account for what may be thousands of infections because of ongoing problems with access to testing, and how other countries have responded. We also discuss meas…
www.democracynow.org/2020/3/13/us_coronavirus_response

The Grayzone and CODEPINK ask why OAS doesn't monitor badly flawed US Democratic primary
The Grayzone | thegrayzone.com | 2020-03-13
Watch The Grayzone and CODEPINK ask the Organization of American States Secretary General Luis Almagro why he won't send election…
thegrayzone.com/2020/03/13/watch-grayzone-codepink-oas-monitor-democratic-primary/

The Grayzone and CODEPINK ask why OAS doesn't monitor badly flawed US Democratic primary
The Grayzone | thegrayzone.com | 2020-03-13
Watch The Grayzone and CODEPINK ask the Organization of American States Secretary General Luis Almagro why he won't send election…
thegrayzone.com/2020/03/13/watch-grayzone-codepink-oas-monitor-democratic-primary/

Dear Berners: Dementia Joe is How Much "Your" Party HATES You
Paul Street | counterpunch.org | 2020-03-13
"You Have Owners" "Mr. [Bernie] Sanders," the New York Times reported last Tuesday, "has built a following of voters who want and expect more from their [Democratic] party, from their government, and from their country." That's true enough, with some key qualifications: it's not "their party" any more than it's "their government" or "their country."
counterpunch.org/2020/03/13/dear-berners-dementia-joe-is-how-much-your-party-hates-you/

Moderately Liberal, Extremely Dystopian: Establishment Democrats and Big Brained Centrism
William Hawes | dissidentvoice.org | 2020-03-13
As we approach the middle of March 2020 with Super Tuesday behind us, the moderate candidacy of Joe Biden has gained momentum, notching ten victories. The recent spat of moderate candidates dropping out (Buttigieg, Klobuchar, Bloomberg, Steyer) alongside Elizabeth Warren's decision to stay in for Super Tuesday (and dropping out right after) boosted Biden into …
dissidentvoice.org/2020/03/moderately-liberal-extremely-dystopian-establishment-democrats-and-big-brained-centrism/

Bill de Blasio, Climate Troll
Charles Komanoff | counterpunch.org | 2020-03-13
Bike ticket sting at 59th and 1st Avenue. Two cops ticketing, I think, when folks turn right on red coming south/off the Queensboro Bridge. Good lord, how do you schedule the spring ticket traps at the same time as you tell people to bike to work? Those tweets, from a bicycle commuter and local journalist,…
counterpunch.org/2020/03/13/bill-de-blasio-climate-troll/

Bill de Blasio, Climate Troll
Charles Komanoff | counterpunch.org | 2020-03-13
Bike ticket sting at 59th and 1st Avenue. Two cops ticketing, I think, when folks turn right on red coming south/off the Queensboro Bridge. Good lord, how do you schedule the spring ticket traps at the same time as you tell people to bike to work? Those tweets, from a bicycle commuter and local journalist,…
counterpunch.org/2020/03/13/bill-de-blasio-climate-troll/

Latest U.S. Military Strikes Are as Reckless as they are Cruel
Lilly Dragnev | peaceaction.org | 2020-03-13
Washington, D.C.

Johnson slammed by WHO and scientists for 'wrong and dangerous' coronavirus strategy
The Canary | thecanary.co | 2020-03-13
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called into question the UK's approach to developing "herd immunity" against the coronavirus aka Covid-19.On Friday 13 March, the UK's chief scientific adviser Patrick Vallance said the government's strategy is aimed at creating a "herd immunity" to the disease. WHO spokesperson Margaret Harris criticised this approach on BBC Radio 4's Today programme: We don't know enough about the science of this virus, it hasn't been in our population for long enough for us to know what it does in immunological terms. | Every virus functions differently in your body and stimulates a diffe…
thecanary.co/discovery/news-discovery/2020/03/13/johnson-slammed-by-who-and-scientists-for-wrong-and-dangerous-coronavirus-strategy/

The Generational Divide Between Biden and Sanders
Jeffrey D. Sachs | commondreams.org | 2020-03-13
It is vital to understand the generational divide both to address America's glaring crises and to peer ahead to the future of American politics. (Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/sanders_biden_3.jpg
commondreams.org/views/2020/03/13/generational-divide-between-biden-and-sanders?cd-origin=rss

Biden's Victory: A Blessing in Disguise?
Andrew Levine | counterpunch.org | 2020-03-13
It has been years since I last saw the great Alain Resnais film "La Guerre Est Finie" (The War Is Over, 1966), starring Yves Montand and Ingrid Thulin, in which, decades after the anti-fascists lost, a Communist veteran of the Spanish Civil War, still fighting the good fight, confronts the moral and political ambiguities of…
counterpunch.org/2020/03/13/bidens-victory-a-blessing-in-disguise/

Biden's Victory: A Blessing in Disguise?
Andrew Levine | counterpunch.org | 2020-03-13
It has been years since I last saw the great Alain Resnais film "La Guerre Est Finie" (The War Is Over, 1966), starring Yves Montand and Ingrid Thulin, in which, decades after the anti-fascists lost, a Communist veteran of the Spanish Civil War, still fighting the good fight, confronts the moral and political ambiguities of…
counterpunch.org/2020/03/13/bidens-victory-a-blessing-in-disguise/

Can Biden Beat Trump?
Matthew Stevenson | counterpunch.org | 2020-03-13
This is the seventh of a periodic series on the primaries and caucuses. The other pieces can be found here. For the Democrats to lose in 2020 to President Donald Trump, they would have to be brain dead, and much evidence suggests that they are. For this brief shining moment, Joe Biden is on his…
counterpunch.org/2020/03/13/can-biden-beat-trump/

Briefing: Biden Versus Sanders on the Common Sense Climate Policies Voters Want
commondreams.org | 2020-03-13
______________________________…
commondreams.org/newswire/2020/03/13/briefing-biden-versus-sanders-common-sense-climate-policies-voters-want?cd-origin=rss

'Free tests for everyone': Pelosi announces Democrats reach deal with White House on coronavirus relief
rt.com | 2020-03-13
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announced that she has struck a deal with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin over a coronavirus relief plan that President Donald Trump had previously opposed as overreach. | "We are proud to have reached an agreement with the administration to resolve outstanding challenges, and now will soon pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act," Pelosi (D-California) said in a letter to House Democrats, made public early on Friday evening. | "This legislation is about testing, testing, testing," she wrote, saying it seeks to make coronavirus tests available for free to anyone who…
rt.com/usa/483108-pelosi-mnuchin-coronavirus-deal/

'Free tests for everyone': Pelosi announces Democrats reach deal with White House on coronavirus relief
rt.com | 2020-03-13
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announced that she has struck a deal with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin over a coronavirus relief plan that President Donald Trump had previously opposed as overreach. | "We are proud to have reached an agreement with the administration to resolve outstanding challenges, and now will soon pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act," Pelosi (D-California) said in a letter to House Democrats, made public early on Friday evening. | "This legislation is about testing, testing, testing," she wrote, saying it seeks to make coronavirus tests available for free to anyone who…
rt.com/usa/483108-pelosi-mnuchin-coronavirus-deal/

"Now, Voyager" in Reverse
Clark T. Scott | counterpunch.org | 2020-03-13
The untold want, by life and land ne'er granted, Now, Voyager, sail thou forth to seek and find.

Chile: Piñera Celebrates 'Democracy' As Police Mistreat People
telesurenglish.net | 2020-03-13
Chile's President Sebastian Piñera Thursday commemorated 30 years of "democracy" and two years in office, as the people took to the streets to demand his resignation. | RELATED: | Chile: Church Criticizes Piñera's Indifference to Social Demand | Meanwhile, the people crowded into the Alameda, Santiago's main avenue, and the Military Police brutally repressed the demonstrators. "Step out Piñera," the crowd repeated. | In an empty speech, he acknowledged that "although these were…
telesurenglish.net/news/chile-pinera-celebrates-democracy-amid-protests-and-repression-20200313-0003.html

Louisiana becomes 1st state to postpone Democratic primary, delaying for 2 months due to coronavirus outbreak
rt.com | 2020-03-13
Louisiana has postponed its 2020 presidential primaries, initially scheduled for next month, until June 20 a spokesman for the secretary of state told CNBC, citing concerns over the coronavirus epidemic. | The state becomes the first to postpone its primaries amid worries over the virus, which has caused schools and businesses to shut down across the nation. The presidential primary was originally scheduled for April 4. | Municipal elections, scheduled for May 9, will also be postponed until July 25. | "We want to protect the health and safety of all Louisianans by doing our part to prevent the spread of this…
rt.com/usa/483079-louisiana-postpones-democratic-primary-coronavirus/

Chile: Piñera Celebrates 'Democracy' As Police Mistreat People
telesurenglish.net | 2020-03-13
Chile's President Sebastian Piñera Thursday commemorated 30 years of "democracy" and two years in office, as the people took to the streets to demand his resignation. | RELATED: | Chile: Church Criticizes Piñera's Indifference to Social Demand | Meanwhile, the people crowded into the Alameda, Santiago's main avenue, and the Military Police brutally repressed the demonstrators. "Step out Piñera," the crowd repeated. | In an empty speech, he acknowledged that "although these were…
telesurenglish.net/news/chile-pinera-celebrates-democracy-amid-protests-and-repression-20200313-0003.html

Weekend Read: 2020 Census safe and easy, helps communities
splcenter.org | 2020-03-13
This month kicks off a major

House Democrats Propose Sending Checks of Up to $6,000 to Help Ease Workers' Pain During Coronavirus Pandemic
Jessica Corbett, staff writer | commondreams.org | 2020-03-13
As President Donald Trump declared a national emergency Friday to free up $50 billion in funding to address the coronavirus pandemic, a pair of Democratic congressmen proposed legislation that would provide a check of up to $6,000 to every American whose income last year was below $65,000. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/ro-khanna-afghanistan-papers_0.jpg
commondreams.org/news/2020/03/13/house-democrats-propose-sending-checks-6000-help-ease-workers-pain-during?cd-origin=rss

As Coronavirus Grips US, Critics Remember Susan Collins' Insistence Pandemic Flu Funding Be Cut From 2009 Stimulus Package
Julia Conley, staff writer | commondreams.org | 2020-03-13
Political observers on social media pointed to an overlooked vote by Sen. Susan Collins from over a decade ago as one example of Republicans' disregard for public health. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/collins.png
commondreams.org/news/2020/03/13/coronavirus-grips-us-critics-remember-susan-collins-insistence-pandemic-flu-funding?cd-origin=rss

Peak 'Florida Man'? Ex-Tallahassee mayor denies using crystal meth after he was found in hotel room with overdosed male escort
rt.com | 2020-03-13
Florida Democrat Andrew Gillum is taking a break from public life after police walked in on what has been described as a crystal meth-fueled orgy – but which he insists was just a wedding celebration where he drank too much. | Gillum was "unable to communicate with officers due to his inebriated state" when police chanced upon him in a hotel room at Miami's South Beach Mondrian on Thursday night, responding to another man's "possible drug overdose," revealed the police report, leaked via Twitter on Friday. | The police were concerned enough to request a second "welfare check" on Gillum, while they took his str…
rt.com/usa/483101-florida-man-gillum-meth-orgy/

Elite Media Dismiss Voter Suppression on Grounds That It's 'Complicated'
Julie Hollar | fair.org | 2020-03-12
Some voters–disproportionately black and brown ones–waited in line for several hours on Super Tuesday to cast their ballots in the Democratic primary, and media paid attention. But their love for a good visual doesn't always correspond with a love for connecting the dots, and so most of the coverage downplayed any suggestion that there might be voter suppression going on in 2020. The New York Times ( 3/4/20) assured us that voting problems were not caused by "deliberate efforts to drive down turnout." | "Why Did It…
fair.org/home/elite-media-dismiss-voter-suppression-on-grounds-that-its-complicated/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=elite-media-dismiss-voter-suppression-on-grounds-that-its-complicated

Bernie Sanders: We Are Winning "Ideological" & "Generational" Debate, Now Need to Win "Electability"
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-03-12
After a disappointing showing in Tuesday night's Democratic presidential primaries, Senator Bernie Sanders said Wednesday he will stay in the race. In his address from Burlington, Vermont, Sanders challenged his rival, former Vice President Joe Biden, to address key issues like economic inequality, healthcare access and the climate crisis. Sanders is set to debate Biden this Sunday in Arizona. "It is not just the ideological debate that our progressive movement is winning. We are winning the generational debate," Sanders said. "While Joe Biden continues to do very well with older Americans, especially those peopl…
www.democracynow.org/2020/3/12/bernie_sanders

Sanders Addresses Health Crisis in US as Coronavirus Cases Soar
telesurenglish.net | 2020-03-12
Presidential hopeful and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders spoke Thursday on the "health and economic crisis" facing the United States (U.S.) as the coronavirus spreads in the country. | RELATED: US Democratic Voters More Than Ever Not Afraid of 'Socialism' | "Now is the time for solidarity," Sanders said. "Now is the time to come together with love and compassion for all, including the most vulnerable people in our society." | The Vermont senator demanded that President Donald Trump de…
telesurenglish.net/news/Sanders-Addresses-Health-Crisis-in-Us-as-Coronavirus-Cases-Soar-20200312-0022.html

Italy's "Darkest Hour": Life Grinds to a Halt Amid COVID-19 Lockdown, as Death Toll Spikes
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-03-12
We get an update from Italy, where 60 million people are under an unprecedented nationwide lockdown and the death toll has increased to at least 827, rising by 31% in just 24 hours. Authorities ordered all shops closed except food markets and pharmacies. Italy's economy has all but ground to a halt, with Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte describing the outbreak as the country's "darkest hour." Italian journalist Antonella Serrecchia joins us from Milan, where she is a reporter for the online magazine The Vision.
www.democracynow.org/2020/3/12/italy_coronavirus_lockdown

Lack of Paid Sick Leave Makes It Difficult for Many Workers to Comply with CDC Advice to Stay Home
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-03-12
As the number of coronavirus cases in the United States passes 1,300 cases with 38 deaths, more than 30 million workers lack access to paid sick leave. President Trump addressed the nation Wednesday night, saying he will expand sick leave as part of emergency response to the virus. But the same day, Republican senators blocked an attempt by Senate Democrats to quickly pass legislation requiring employers to grant paid sick leave. Meanwhile, Democrats in the House of Representatives will debate a package of bills Thursday to give workers 14 days of paid sick leave and up to three months of paid family and medical…
www.democracynow.org/2020/3/12/coronavirus_paid_sick_leave

Trump Calls COVID-19 "Foreign Virus" as Lack of Universal Healthcare Makes the Pandemic Worse
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-03-12
After downplaying the threat of coronavirus for days, President Donald Trump addressed the nation Wednesday from the Oval Office, calling COVID-19 a "foreign virus" and announcing an unprecedented travel ban from most of Europe to the U.S. He also said he will expand sick leave. This comes as Senate Republicans blocked paid sick leave legislation. Robert Pollin, distinguished university professor of economics and co-director of the Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, says the lack of universal healthcare in the U.S. is exacerbating the coronavirus crisis due to "the ab…
www.democracynow.org/2020/3/12/coronavirus_medicare_for_all

Trump Calls COVID-19 "Foreign Virus" as Lack of Universal Healthcare Makes the Pandemic Worse
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-03-12
After downplaying the threat of coronavirus for days, President Donald Trump addressed the nation Wednesday from the Oval Office, calling COVID-19 a "foreign virus" and announcing an unprecedented travel ban from most of Europe to the U.S. He also said he will expand sick leave. This comes as Senate Republicans blocked paid sick leave legislation. Robert Pollin, distinguished university professor of economics and co-director of the Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, says the lack of universal healthcare in the U.S. is exacerbating the coronavirus crisis due to "the ab…
www.democracynow.org/2020/3/12/coronavirus_medicare_for_all

As Biden Racks up Delegates the Crisis Among Black Folks and Democrat Party Deepens
Ajamu Baraka | dissidentvoice.org | 2020-03-12
Biden wins key state of Michigan and the Democrat Party establishment can barely contain its joy. I am happy also but for a different reason. No matter what happens with this twisted Democrat Party nomination drama, I welcome this period as a period of absolute political clarity. Why? Because for the internal debate and struggles …
dissidentvoice.org/2020/03/as-biden-racks-up-delegates-the-crisis-among-black-folks-and-democrat-party-deepens/

Venezuela: FRSO meets National Electoral Council president
Fight Back | fightbacknews.org | 2020-03-12
Caracas, Venezuela – The Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) labor delegation met today with Tibisay Lucena, president of the CNE (the National Electoral Council) to discuss the upcoming elections. Lucena spoke about this election as very important in the face of U.S aggression and the economic war. | Lucena explained the electoral processes in Venezuela are a result of democratic changes put forward in the 1999 Constitution after President Chavez was elected. The CNE is a new branch of government, the electoral branch, that oversees a fair and democratic process. This is in addition to the legislative, ju…
www.fightbacknews.org/2020/3/12/venezuela-frso-meets-national-electoral-council-president

Trump says trade will 'in no way' be affected by Europe travel ban in apparent about-face after markets crash
rt.com | 2020-03-12
US President Donald Trump said that trade in "no way" will be impacted by the 30-day Europe travel ban, despite saying less than an hour earlier the restrictive measures would apply to a "tremendous amount of trade and cargo." | Trump has baffled traders and ordinary netizens after he took to Twitter in the wake of his national address earlier on Wednesday to assure the public that his order to suspend all travel from Europe pertains only to the movement of people, but not goods. | Hoping to get the payroll tax cut approved by both Republicans and Democrats, and please remember, very important for all countrie…
rt.com/usa/482893-coronavirus-europe-ban-trade-markets/

Sanders Won Michigan in 2016. Biden Won Every County in 2020. Why?
Joan Walsh | thenation.com | 2020-03-12
Sanders Won Michigan in 2016. Biden Won Every County in 2020. Why?
thenation.com/article/politics/sanders-biden-michigan-sexism/

Sanders Won Michigan in 2016. Biden Won Every County in 2020. Why?
Joan Walsh | thenation.com | 2020-03-12
Sanders Won Michigan in 2016. Biden Won Every County in 2020. Why?
thenation.com/article/politics/sanders-biden-michigan-sexism/

US activists call for election monitors as elitist Joe Biden keeps advancing
Peter Bolton | thecanary.co | 2020-03-11
Former vice president Joe Biden has just had another good night in the Democratic Party primary race. It looks increasingly likely that he will take the nomination to face Donald Trump in November rather than progressive challenger Bernie Sanders. But one group of activ…
thecanary.co/us/us-analysis/2020/03/11/us-activists-call-for-election-monitors-as-elitist-joe-biden-keeps-advancing/

Are the gloves coming off? Sanders campaign ratchets up the rhetoric (and snark) as Biden surges in primaries
rt.com | 2020-03-11
After a poor showing in the latest primaries, Bernie Sanders' campaign has adopted a more aggressive approach to highlighting Joe Biden's shortcomings

Media malfunction as Sanders notes positive aspects of Latin American socialism
Eds. | mronline.org | 2020-03-11
When 60 Minutes (2/24/20) asked Sen. Bernie Sanders about his past support for aspects of Cuba's socialist revolution, as well as for Nicaragua's 1979–90 leftist Sandinista government, Sanders responded by saying he opposes what he described as the "authoritarian" features of the Cuban government, while noting that after the 1959 revolution, Cuba launched "a massive […] | Source…
mronline.org/2020/03/11/media-malfunction-as-sanders-notes-positive-aspects-of-latin-american-socialism/

Biden Wins, Sanders Lags: Naomi Klein & Alicia Garza on Calls to Shut Down Primaries & Debates
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-03-11
Former Vice President Joe Biden scored decisive primary victories Tuesday night in the key state of Michigan, along with Missouri, Mississippi and Idaho. Sanders won North Dakota and holds a lead in Washington state, but votes are still being counted, and the races are still too close to call. While Biden is less than halfway to the delegates he would need to secure the Democratic nomination, Sanders faces a decision about whether to continue his increasingly uphill fight for the Democratic Party's 2020 presidential nomination. This comes as Biden and Sanders called off their planned campaign rallies in Cleveland…
www.democracynow.org/2020/3/11/democratic_primaries_biden_sanders_michigan

Biden Wins, Sanders Lags: Naomi Klein & Alicia Garza on Calls to Shut Down Primaries & Debates
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-03-11
Former Vice President Joe Biden scored decisive primary victories Tuesday night in the key state of Michigan, along with Missouri, Mississippi and Idaho. Sanders won North Dakota and holds a lead in Washington state, but votes are still being counted, and the races are still too close to call. While Biden is less than halfway to the delegates he would need to secure the Democratic nomination, Sanders faces a decision about whether to continue his increasingly uphill fight for the Democratic Party's 2020 presidential nomination. This comes as Biden and Sanders called off their planned campaign rallies in Cleveland…
www.democracynow.org/2020/3/11/democratic_primaries_biden_sanders_michigan

Nurses on the Frontlines of Coronavirus Pandemic Demand More Protection & Medicare for All
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-03-11
The number of coronavirus cases in the United States has passed 1,000 Tuesday, with the rate of infections likely increasing. Despite this, the U.S. continues to lag on testing, and healthcare workers say they lack adequate protection and protocols to allow them to safely care for infected patients. They also say the country's hospitals are woefully unprepared to handle the crisis. Nurses in the hot zones of California and Washington had already reported having to beg for face masks and lacking guidance on how to address the virus. We are joined by Jean Ross, president of National Nurses United, the largest organ…
www.democracynow.org/2020/3/11/nurses_frontline_healthcare_workers_coronavirus_protections

Nurses on the Frontlines of Coronavirus Pandemic Demand More Protection & Medicare for All
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-03-11
The number of coronavirus cases in the United States has passed 1,000 Tuesday, with the rate of infections likely increasing. Despite this, the U.S. continues to lag on testing, and healthcare workers say they lack adequate protection and protocols to allow them to safely care for infected patients. They also say the country's hospitals are woefully unprepared to handle the crisis. Nurses in the hot zones of California and Washington had already reported having to beg for face masks and lacking guidance on how to address the virus. We are joined by Jean Ross, president of National Nurses United, the largest organ…
www.democracynow.org/2020/3/11/nurses_frontline_healthcare_workers_coronavirus_protections

The Corporate Media Celebrates After Handing Joe Biden Another Win
Alan Macleod | mintpressnews.com | 2020-03-11
Biden has deliberately refrained from public or media appearances due to his propensity for making egregious errors, but that hasn't stopped the media from paving the way for a Biden vs Trump contest.
mintpressnews.com/media-bias-hands-joe-biden-another-win/265654/

The Corporate Media Celebrates After Handing Joe Biden Another Win
Alan Macleod | mintpressnews.com | 2020-03-11
Biden has deliberately refrained from public or media appearances due to his propensity for making egregious errors, but that hasn't stopped the media from paving the way for a Biden vs Trump contest.
mintpressnews.com/media-bias-hands-joe-biden-another-win/265654/

Tallahassee International Women's Day
Fight Back | fightbacknews.org | 2020-03-11
Tallahassee, FL – In honor of International Women's Day, Tallahassee residents attended a panel discussion on the origins and impacts of the socialist holiday. | Regina Joseph of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) and president of the Tallahassee Community Action Committee (TCAC) shared a short video on the history of the day and facilitated a panel of five leaders representing over ten active local organizations. | The panelists were all people of color, ranging in age from 20 to 55: Valentina Beron, FSU student and organizer with Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) and Veg FSU; Delilah Pierre,…
www.fightbacknews.org/2020/3/11/tallahassee-international-women-s-day

Palestinian FM Denounces Israeli Plans for So-Called "Sovereignty Road"
Ali Salam | imemc.org | 2020-03-11
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry, on Monday, strongly condemned the announcement by Israeli Defense Minister, Naftali Bennett of his intention to build, what he described as "sovereignty road" in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian WAFA News Agency reported. In a statement, the Foreign Ministry stated that it "condemns in the strongest …
imemc.org/article/palestinian-fm-denounces-israeli-plans-for-so-called-sovereignty-road/

Congress Sends Bipartisan Bill to Trump Rebuking Iran War
Paul Kawika Martin | peaceaction.org | 2020-03-11
Washington, D.C.

Democracy is sliding away in Myanmar, warns top rights investigator
news.un.org | 2020-03-11
Daily fighting in Myanmar, widespread internet blackouts and reporting restrictions, indicate that the shift to more democratic rule is "sliding away", a senior UN-appointed independent rights investigator said on Wednesday.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2020/03/1059181

Is It Too Late for Bernie Sanders to Win Over Black Voters?
Joan Walsh | thenation.com | 2020-03-11
Is It Too Late for Bernie Sanders to Win Over Black Voters?
thenation.com/article/politics/sanders-biden-black-voters/

Is It Too Late for Bernie Sanders to Win Over Black Voters?
Joan Walsh | thenation.com | 2020-03-11
Is It Too Late for Bernie Sanders to Win Over Black Voters?
thenation.com/article/politics/sanders-biden-black-voters/

It Looks Like Biden or Trump. So What About Foreign Policies?
Brian Cloughley | iranian.com | 2020-03-11
Now that mega-billionaire Bloomberg has realised the impossibility of being president of the United States, he has put his money behind Democrat and former vice-president Joe Biden who looks likely to be going to-to-toe with Trump for election in November. At first glance, he seems a reasonable enough candidate, as Bernie Sanders, who is now …
iranian.com/2020/03/11/it-looks-like-biden-or-trump-so-what-about-foreign-policies/

Immigrants in WA Detention Center Demand Protection from Coronavirus, Not Posters in English
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-03-10
As the world responds to the COVID-19 outbreak, we look at how the Trump administration's immigration policies may put everyone at risk. We go to Seattle, Washington, not far from the Life Care Center in the suburb of Kirkland, which was the epicenter of the U.S. coronavirus outbreak. In nearby Tacoma, Washington, our guest says she saw posters in English only when she went to visit immigrants held in the Northwest Detention Center, which is run by private prison company GEO Group. We speak with Maru Mora-Villalpando, an activist and undocumented immigrant with the groups La Resistencia and Mijente, who issued a…
www.democracynow.org/2020/3/10/coronavirus_ice

Coronavirus Pandemic in U.S. Fueled by Stunted CDC Budget & Lack of Access to Healthcare, Insurance
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-03-10
The coronavirus pandemic has now infected more than 113,000 people worldwide, and killed more than 4,000. We are joined by two epidemiologists to examine the response so far around the world and in the United States. Thomas Bollyky is director of the global health program, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and author of the book "Plagues and the Paradox of Progress: Why the World Is Getting Healthier in Worrisome Ways." We're also joined by Alfredo Morabia, professor of epidemiology at the Barry Commoner Center for Health and the Environment at Queens College, City University of New York, and edit…
www.democracynow.org/2020/3/10/coronavirus_policy

Italy Is Now a Red Zone: Student at Bocconi U. Describes Strict Measures Taken to Contain COVID-19
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-03-10
The entire country of Italy has been placed on lockdown in an attempt to stop the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, impacting 60 million people. People in the nationwide red zone will only be allowed to travel for work, medical reasons or emergencies until early next month. All schools and universities will also remain closed, major sporting events are suspended, and airline passengers now have to justify their reasons for traveling. We go to Italy to speak with Romy Kool, an international student at Bocconi University in Milan, where courses are now being taught online amid the coronavirus outbreak. We are als…
www.democracynow.org/2020/3/10/italy_red_zone

Prisons Worldwide Face Coronavirus Crisis: Overcrowding, Lack of Sanitation & Labor at Slave Wages
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-03-10
As Italy went on lockdown, nearly 30 prisons across the country broke into riots Sunday and Monday after visitation rights were suspended in response to the outbreak. In a prison in southern Italy, a riot left at least six incarcerated people dead and caused 50 people to escape. Prisoners have reportedly lit fires, charged guards and even escaped at multiple facilities. This comes as the United Nations confirmed that coronavirus had reached Iran's prisons, as the number of cases there continues to soar. Iran has temporarily freed some 70,000 prisoners in response to the coronavirus. And concerns are growing about…
www.democracynow.org/2020/3/10/coronavirus_in_prisons_jails

Burundi election countdown amid 'deteriorating' human rights situation
news.un.org | 2020-03-10
Two months ahead of Burundi's planned local and presidential elections, senior UN-appointed independent rights investigators have urged the Government to reopen the "democratic, civil and political space" there.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2020/03/1059131

"It's a Real Mess": Afghan Rivals Both Claim Presidency as Ongoing Attacks Could Derail Peace Deal
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-03-09
Since last month's U.S.-Taliban peace plan, there have been nearly 80 attacks in Afghanistan. The violence could derail the deal that calls for U.S. troops to withdraw over the next 14 months. This comes as Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and top political leader Abdullah Abdullah both claimed that they won the presidential election at dual inauguration ceremonies today in Kabul, and members of the Taliban and the Afghan government were set to start direct negotiations on Tuesday. We speak with Washington Post reporter Craig Whitlock, who recently won the George Polk Award for Military Reporting for his in-depth in…
www.democracynow.org/2020/3/9/afghanistan_papers_craig_whitlock_washington_post

Blackwater Founder Erik Prince Recruited Spies to Infiltrate Progressive Groups with Project Veritas
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-03-09
Erik Prince, the founder of the mercenary firm Blackwater and brother of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, helped recruit former spies to infiltrate and gather intelligence about Democratic campaigns and labor organizations, including the American Federation of Teachers, according to an explosive report by The New York Times. The story exposes previously unreported details about the ties between Prince and Project Veritas, a right-wing group that often sets up sting operations targeting the media and journalists by recording covert videos. According to documents and interviews, one former spy recruited by Erik Pri…
www.democracynow.org/2020/3/9/blackwater_erik_prince_trump_admin

"It's a Real Mess": Afghan Rivals Both Claim Presidency as Ongoing Attacks Could Derail Peace Deal
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-03-09
Since last month's U.S.-Taliban peace plan, there have been nearly 80 attacks in Afghanistan. The violence could derail the deal that calls for U.S. troops to withdraw over the next 14 months. This comes as Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and top political leader Abdullah Abdullah both claimed that they won the presidential election at dual inauguration ceremonies today in Kabul, and members of the Taliban and the Afghan government were set to start direct negotiations on Tuesday. We speak with Washington Post reporter Craig Whitlock, who recently won the George Polk Award for Military Reporting for his in-depth in…
www.democracynow.org/2020/3/9/afghanistan_papers_craig_whitlock_washington_post

"Afghanistan Papers" Reveal How Presidents & Generals Misled the American Public on War's Progress
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-03-09
Washington Post reporter Craig Whitlock has just won a George Polk Award for Military Reporting for his in-depth investigation called "The Afghanistan Papers: A Secret History of the War." He joins us to describe how, after getting a tip, he fought for three years to get the federal government to release a trove of confidential interviews it conducted with people directly involved in the nearly two-decade-long war. He ultimately obtained more than 2,000 documents that revealed how presidents, generals and diplomats across three administrations had intentionally misled the American public about the longest war in…
www.democracynow.org/2020/3/9/afghanistan_papers_craig_whitlock_part_2

"Afghanistan Papers" Reveal How Presidents & Generals Misled the American Public on War's Progress
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-03-09
Washington Post reporter Craig Whitlock has just won a George Polk Award for Military Reporting for his in-depth investigation called "The Afghanistan Papers: A Secret History of the War." He joins us to describe how, after getting a tip, he fought for three years to get the federal government to release a trove of confidential interviews it conducted with people directly involved in the nearly two-decade-long war. He ultimately obtained more than 2,000 documents that revealed how presidents, generals and diplomats across three administrations had intentionally misled the American public about the longest war in…
www.democracynow.org/2020/3/9/afghanistan_papers_craig_whitlock_part_2

The Grayzone and CODEPINK demand emergency OAS election observers in 2020 Democratic presidential primary
The Grayzone | thegrayzone.com | 2020-03-09
The Grayzone and CODEPINK call on the Organization of American States (OAS) to provide emergency international election observers in the…
thegrayzone.com/2020/03/09/grayzone-codepink-international-election-observers-oas-2020-democratic-primary/

The Grayzone and CODEPINK demand emergency OAS election observers in 2020 Democratic presidential primary
The Grayzone | thegrayzone.com | 2020-03-09
The Grayzone and CODEPINK call on the Organization of American States (OAS) to provide emergency international election observers in the…
thegrayzone.com/2020/03/09/grayzone-codepink-international-election-observers-oas-2020-democratic-primary/

Grayzone y CODEPINK exigen a la OEA observadores electorales internacionales de emergencia en la primaria presidencial demócrata de 2020
The Grayzone | thegrayzone.com | 2020-03-09
The Grayzone y CODEPINK hacen un llamado a la Organización de los Estados Americanos (OEA) a proporcionar observadores electorales internacionales…
thegrayzone.com/2020/03/09/grayzone-codepink-oea-observadores-electorales-internacionales-emergencia-primaria-democrata-2020/

TEXAS 2020 DEMOCRATIC PARTY PRIMARY
Theodore de Macedo Soares | tdmsresearch.com | 2020-03-07
Exit Poll Versus Reported Vote Count By Theodore de Macedo Soares The 2020 Texas Democratic Party presidential primary was held on March 3, 2020. Election results from the computerized vote counts differed significantly from the results projected by the exit poll conducted by Edison Research and published by CNN at poll's closing. According to the exit poll Sanders was tied with Biden but lost in the unobservable computer counts by 4.5%. In this election candidate Sanders saw the largest Continue Reading ‚Üí…
tdmsresearch.com/2020/03/07/texas-2020-democratic-party-primary/

TEXAS 2020 DEMOCRATIC PARTY PRIMARY
Theodore de Macedo Soares | tdmsresearch.com | 2020-03-07
Exit Poll Versus Reported Vote Count By Theodore de Macedo Soares The 2020 Texas Democratic Party presidential primary was held on March 3, 2020. Election results from the computerized vote counts differed significantly from the results projected by the exit poll conducted by Edison Research and published by CNN at poll's closing. According to the exit poll Sanders was tied with Biden but lost in the unobservable computer counts by 4.5%. In this election candidate Sanders saw the largest Continue Reading ‚Üí…
tdmsresearch.com/2020/03/07/texas-2020-democratic-party-primary/

Media Malfunction as Sanders Notes Positive Aspects of Latin American Socialism
Gregory Shupak | fair.org | 2020-03-06
When 60 Minutes ( 2/24/20) asked Sen. Bernie Sanders about his past support for aspects of Cuba's socialist revolution, as well as for Nicaragua's 1979–90 leftist Sandinista government, Sanders responded by saying he opposes what he described as the "authoritarian" features of the Cuban government, while noting that after the 1959 revolution, Cuba launched "a massive literacy program. Is that a bad thing?" | News organizations seem…
fair.org/home/media-malfunction-as-sanders-notes-positive-aspects-of-latin-american-socialism/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=media-malfunction-as-sanders-notes-positive-aspects-of-latin-american-socialism

Progressives Urge Elizabeth Warren to Rally Behind Bernie Sanders After She Drops Out of 2020 Race
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-03-06
Senator Elizabeth Warren suspended her bid for the presidency Thursday, leaving the 2020 Democratic presidential race down to two older white men: former Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Bernie Sanders. Warren's decision to end her campaign comes after she failed to perform as well as she had hoped in early primary states and on Super Tuesday, including placing third in her home state of Massachusetts. Warren gave no indication whether she will endorse either of her former rivals. Supporters of Sanders say they hope she will throw her support behind their candidate in order to form a united "progressive front…
www.democracynow.org/2020/3/6/elizabeth_warren_drops_out_whats_next

Media Malfunction as Sanders Notes Positive Aspects of Latin American Socialism
Gregory Shupak | fair.org | 2020-03-06
When 60 Minutes ( 2/24/20) asked Sen. Bernie Sanders about his past support for aspects of Cuba's socialist revolution, as well as for Nicaragua's 1979–90 leftist Sandinista government, Sanders responded by saying he opposes what he described as the "authoritarian" features of the Cuban government, while noting that after the 1959 revolution, Cuba launched "a massive literacy program. Is that a bad thing?" | News organizations seem…
fair.org/home/media-malfunction-as-sanders-notes-positive-aspects-of-latin-american-socialism/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=media-malfunction-as-sanders-notes-positive-aspects-of-latin-american-socialism

"Supreme Inequality": Author Adam Cohen on the Supreme Court's 50-Year Battle Against Justice
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-03-06
The makeup of the U.S. Supreme Court has come under intense criticism in recent years after two Trump-nominated justices joined the bench. Senate Republicans confirmed Neil Gorsuch in 2017 after having refused to consider President Barack Obama's nominee in his final year in office, and they confirmed Brett Kavanaugh a year later despite multiple allegations of sexual misconduct against the judge. During the 2020 Democratic presidential contest, several candidates floated the idea of "packing the court"

If Sanders forms a real Alliance with Warren, their Popular Policies Can Win
Antonio Carty | zcomm.org | 2020-03-06
Conventional wisdom is that a presidential candidate should pick an opposite or contrasting vice presidential running mate, to create a perception of a balanced ticket. But this is not a conventional time or race, Bernie is offering a clear and practical progressive choice to fix the USA. So his running mate needs to be a Read…
zcomm.org/zblogs/if-sanders-forms-a-real-alliance-with-warren-their-popular-policies-can-win/

Roundtable: Coronavirus Is Best Case for Medicare for All
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-03-05
On Wednesday, House lawmakers passed an $8.3 billion emergency spending package for combating coronavirus, as the death toll from coronavirus has reached 11 in the United States. California recorded its first coronavirus death yesterday. The virus has also spread to New York, where Governor Andrew Cuomo issued a directive requiring health insurers to waive cost sharing for coronavirus tests. We go to two ground zeroes of the COVID-19 outbreak

Roundtable: Coronavirus Is Best Case for Medicare for All
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-03-05
On Wednesday, House lawmakers passed an $8.3 billion emergency spending package for combating coronavirus, as the death toll from coronavirus has reached 11 in the United States. California recorded its first coronavirus death yesterday. The virus has also spread to New York, where Governor Andrew Cuomo issued a directive requiring health insurers to waive cost sharing for coronavirus tests. We go to two ground zeroes of the COVID-19 outbreak

The New Poll Tax? Long Lines, Closed Polling Stations Hurt Black, Latinx & Student Voters in TX, CA
Staff | democracynow.org | 2020-03-05
Long wait times plagued polling places in Texas throughout Super Tuesday, especially in districts with high numbers of black and Latinx voters and college students. Many voters reported waiting in line for more than three hours to cast a ballot. At least 750 Texas polling sites have been shuttered since 2013, when the Supreme Court slashed federal oversight of Texas and other Southern states under the Voting Rights Act of 1965. There were long lines, too, in Los Angeles, where many polling places reported problems with a brand-new $300 million voting system. The Sanders campaign sued to keep polling places open a…
www.democracynow.org/2020/3/5/air_berman_voting_delays_super_tuesday

The Escalating Class War Against Bernie Sanders
Norman Solomon | zcomm.org | 2020-03-02
"If there is going to be class warfare in this country," Bernie Sanders told the Iowa AFL-CIO convention last summer, "it's time that the working class of this country won that war and not just the corporate elite."
zcomm.org/zmagazine/the-escalating-class-war-against-bernie-sanders/

Sanders Threatens the Establishment by Inspiring Popular Movements
Noam Chomsky | zcomm.org | 2020-03-02
Inspiring a popular movement that violates these norms is a serious attack on democracy, so conceived, an intolerable assault against good order…
zcomm.org/zmagazine/sanders-threatens-the-establishment-by-inspiring-popular-movements/

Carol Anderson on Voter Suppression
CounterSpin | fair.org | 2020-02-28
Media…
fair.org/home/carol-anderson-on-voter-suppression/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=carol-anderson-on-voter-suppression

Reading Green New Deal
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez | zcomm.org | 2020-02-28
"So today, what I would like to do is to read the Green New Deal resolution for all those who are interested…"
zcomm.org/zvideo/reading-green-new-deal/

Emails Reveal Identity of Longtime White Nationalist Propagandist as Onetime Conservative Insider
Hannah Gais | splcenter.org | 2020-02-28
Months before the "alt-right" became a household name, the nebulous band of white power activists seized upon their digital prowess to popularize a slur that would soon become a mainstay in the Republican infighting that defined the 2016 presidential election.
splcenter.org/hatewatch/2020/03/04/emails-reveal-identity-longtime-white-nationalist-propagandist-onetime-conservative-insider