(2020-08-18). A view from a South Asian revolutionary on Kamala Harris — a WW commentary. workers.org 
By Tania Siddiqi Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden announced on Aug. 11 that California Sen. Kamala Devi Harris, the first South Asian American and the second African American woman to serve as a U.S. senator, will be his running mate for the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Tania Siddiqi Harris . . . |
(2020-08-18). Democratic Convention rides on BLM momentum, putting George Floyd family front & center in moment of silence. rt.com 
On the first night of its national convention, the Democratic Party has sought to cash in on months of raging protests over police brutality to sell 2020 nominee Joe Biden, trotting out George Floyd's relatives at the event. | "George had a giving spirit, a spirit that has shown up on streets around our nation and around the world. People of all races, all ages, all genders, all backgrounds, peacefully protesting in the name of love and unity," said Philonise Floyd, the brother of the man slain by Minneapolis police in May, bringing in a moment of silence to honor the memory of "the many other souls we lost to…
(2020-08-18). 'Vote for Biden like your life depends on it!' Michelle Obama unloads on Trump to virtual ovation at Dem convention. rt.com 
Former First Lady Michelle Obama has warned that lives may hang in the balance in the 2020 presidential race, pleading with voters to send Joe Biden to the White House to put an end to the "chaos" of Donald Trump's presidency.
(2020-08-18). 'Covid is just a metaphor'?! Cuomo draws outrage with unhinged Trump-bashing DNC victory lap. rt.com 
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has ignited a firestorm after attempting a poetic comparison between President Donald Trump and the coronavirus, dubbing the deadly illness but a "metaphor" in a speech to the Democratic convention. | "Our nation is in crisis. And in many ways Covid is just a metaphor," the governor pontificated during his speech to the party's virtual convention on Monday night, comparing the Trump administration to a "dysfunctional" immune system. | A virus attacks when the body is weak and when it cannot defend itself. Over these past few years, America's body politic has been weakened. The di…
(2020-08-18). Rebellion, counterinsurgency and Kamala Harris — WW commentary. workers.org 
"[T]here were two or three years there where the movement went a little too far toward … [Kwame Ture], but in the end, John Lewis prevailed." Those words were spoken at Rep. John Lewis's funeral on July 30 by President Bill Clinton, one of the architects of the 1994 crime . . . |
(2020-08-18). The Specter of a Fascist Coup by Trump Haunts the US: There's Worse to Worry About. dissidentvoice.org Spreading faster than COVID-19 among those on the portside, warnings of a fascist-style coup by Trump are rampant this presidential campaign season. Should Trump fail to carry the Electoral College, Noam Chomsky admonishes, "he could send Blackshirts out in the streets… preparation for a plan to try to bring the military in to carry out …
(2020-08-18). After another police riot, Chicago mayor rises to national prominence as law-and-order figure. wsws.org Mayor Lori Lightfoot's role at the DNC underscores the right-wing and anti-democratic character of the Democratic Party, which seeks to demonstrate it will be better than Trump in securing the class interests of the financial aristocracy.
(2020-08-18). New York and Los Angeles plan deadly reopening of schools. wsws.org Democrats in the two largest school districts are pushing to reopen schools in a matter of weeks, endangering the lives of millions of residents in New York and Los Angeles.
(2020-08-18). Kamala Harris seals Trump's re-election. indybay.org The appointment of Kamala Harris as Biden's vice candidate is now the result of the Democratic establishment's pathological fear of anything that could even begin to smell left. The cause of this pathology lies in the historical shift to the right of the US party system described by Chomsky.
(2020-08-18). Saturday 9/26: 2020 Yosemite National Park ~ CA Buffalo Soldier Celebrations. indybay.org Yosemite Valley…
(2020-08-18). UN sends 20 truckloads of aid to Syria's Idlib. yenisafak.com The trucks carrying supplies entered Idlib province through the Cilvegozu border gate in Turkey's south.The aid will be distributed among residents of Idlib, and nearby rural areas.Syria has been ravaged by civil war since early 2011 when the Assad regime cracked down on pro-democracy protesters.Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed and more than 10 million displaced, according to UN estimates.Idlib falls within a de-escalation zone forged under an agreement between Turkey and Russia.The area has been the subject of multiple cease-fire understandings, which have frequently been violated by the Assad re…
(2020-08-18). How Biden Should Spend His First Days as President. thenation.com How Biden Should Spend His First Days as President…
(2020-08-17). Headlines for August 17, 2020. democracynow.org Pelosi Calls House Back from Recess as Outrage Mounts over Turmoil at USPS, AZ Teachers Halt School Reopening; COVID-19 Data Shows Devastating Effect on Latinx, Black People, New Zealand Postpones Election Amid COVID-19 Spike; Virus Compounds Disaster in Lebanon, Mass Protests Continue in Belarus Amid Reports of Torture in Jails, Student Protests in Thailand Swell, Demanding Democratic Reforms, 16 People Killed After Car Bomb Blast at Hotel in Somalia, At Least 6 People Killed as Protests Intensify in Ivory Coast, Trump Vows to Reinstate U.N. Sanctions Against Iran, Lawyers Say Guards at Immigration Jail "Systema…
(2020-08-17). We Are in Danger Daily: Honduran Afro-Indigenous Garífuna Demand Return of Kidnapped Land Defenders. democracynow.org 
At least 212 land and environmental defenders were murdered last year — the highest number since the group Global Witness began gathering data eight years ago. Some 40% of those killed were Indigenous peoples. We get an update from Honduras, where the Afro-Indigenous Garífuna community continues to demand the safe return of five Garífuna land defenders who were kidnapped by heavily armed men who were reportedly wearing police uniforms and forced them into three unmarked vehicles at gunpoint. This was the latest attack against the Garífuna community as they defend their territory from destructive projects fu…
(2020-08-17). Rep. Ro Khanna: Trump's Postal Service Changes Are a Deliberate Strategy to Steal the Election. democracynow.org 
As House Speaker Nancy Pelosi calls lawmakers back from summer recess for an urgent vote this week to stop changes at the U.S. Postal Service that could interfere with the upcoming election, we speak with California Congressmember Ro Khanna, who says millions of ballots could be at risk of going uncounted. "That, in my view, is a deliberate strategy to try to disqualify millions of votes and for the president to try to steal this election," says Khanna. President Trump recently admitted he's working to undermine…
(2020-08-17). "We Have to Expand the Squad": Cori Bush on Her Upset Primary Win, Defunding Police & Kamala Harris. democracynow.org 
We speak with Cori Bush, a nurse and single mother who was formerly homeless, who joins the growing number of young Black progressives likely headed to Congress this November, after she won a stunning primary upset over 10-term incumbent Congressmember William Lacy Clay Jr. in Missouri's 1st Congressional District in the St. Louis area. Bush says her campaign's victory was a result of a grassroots effort from across her district and beyond. "We believed that it's time for a change, it's time for an active leader, someone who knows the streets, someone who knows the struggle of what's happening in our country, esp…
(2020-08-17). A Letter on Gary Leupp's "The RCP, Fascism, and Chairman Bob's Endorsement of Biden for President" counterpunch.org Lies, slanders, distortions, and ad hominem attacks don't constitute substantive discussion, debate and controversy — they prevent it. Dearn CounterPunch, We, the undersigned have all written for CounterPunch. We come from different perspectives, but we all greatly value your work for its edge, willingness to engage controversy, and openness to a diversity of views and
(2020-08-17). Platform fight precedes Democratic convention. peoplesworld.org 
The Democratic National Convention hasn't started yet, and already there's a fight over the party platform. There are differences in a party united in its determination to defeat Trump but divided on some key issues like Medicare-for-All and the Green New Deal. And another fight may be brewing over the party leadership's decision to basically …
(2020-08-17). The Hoopla Over the Kamala Harris VP Selection Obscures the Many Young People of Color Who Are Winning Offices Nationally. counterpunch.org 
Joe Biden's pick of Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) as his running mate for the 2020 Democratic presidential ticket has generated strong responses. While many Democrats are elated at the idea of seeing a brown-skinned woman of Indian and Jamaican heritage in such a position, progressives are debating one another about Harris' mixed record on bread-and-butter
(2020-08-17). 'Joe and the Hoe': Rush Limbaugh's mockery of Kamala Harris' sex life triggers outrage & accusations of skewed priorities. rt.com 
Conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh's "sexist" riff on Democratic VP candidate Kamala Harris' past relationship with a powerful older politician has liberals outraged and conservatives rolling their eyes. | In his Friday broadcast, Limbaugh brought up the NBA's dismissal of a freelance photographer who had posted a mock campaign ad of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden with Harris captioned 'Joe and the Hoe' on Facebook. | Noting the photographer was given the boot over a "sexist Facebook post referencing Kamala Harris," he explained the 'Joe and the Hoe' quip was a reference to Harris' sexual relat…
(2020-08-17). Trump carves into Biden's lead on eve of Democratic convention, poll shows. rt.com 
Donald Trump is nearly neck-and-neck with presidential opponent Joe Biden, who earlier enjoyed a comfortable lead over the incumbent, according to a new CNN poll. Voters are divided over Biden's VP pick, Kamala Harris. | The presumptive Democratic nominee leads Trump by just four points nationally, 50 percent to 46 percent, the poll shows. In fifteen battleground states, the CNN poll gives the former vice president a one-point lead, with Biden at 49 percent and Trump at 48 percent. Factoring in the poll's margin of error, ranging from 3.7 to 5 percentage points, the presidential contenders may be close to tied…
(2020-08-17). Democrats' election platform demands end to 'forever wars' — most of which were launched last time Biden held office. rt.com 
The Democratic Party's 2020 electoral platform includes a call to end the US' "forever wars" – which sounds great, except that a Democratic president started many of those wars and the party has stonewalled efforts to end them. | "Democrats know it's time to bring nearly two decades of unceasing conflict to an end," the platform, released in draft form on Monday and expected to be approved by Democratic leaders later this week, reads. | It's a relatively uncontroversial statement in itself: at nearly 19 years and counting, the US war in Afghanistan is the longest conflict in American history. The various satel…
(2020-08-17). Joe Biden blasted for softball interview with Cardi B after avoiding real journalists ahead of convention. rt.com 
Joe Biden is facing a backlash after taking the time to sit down for a video chat with rapper Cardi B, having dodged interviews with major journalists and news outlets ahead of the Democratic convention. | Biden tuned in for a candid The unusual pairing discussed a variety…
(2020-08-17). Rolling Stone reporter takes aim at Fox news over Seth Rich murder & gets blasted for failing to get facts right. rt.com 
Seth Rich 'truthers,' including internet rights activist Kim Dotcom, are hounding a journalist for his book about the former DNC staffer's death. They say he's profiting from Rich's death – the very thing he accuses them of. | Seth Rich was 27 years old when he was gunned down near his apartment in Washington, DC, in 2016. The murder of the Democratic National Committee staffer was declared a botched robbery by police, but widespread online speculation at the time suggested that Rich was responsible for leaking a trove of party emails to Wikileaks, and was killed in retaliation. These emails revealed, among ot…
(2020-08-17). Twitter 'accidentally' suspends satirical site Babylon Bee after it mocked Kamala Harris and USPS conspiracies. rt.com 
Twitter suspended the account of parody news site The Babylon Bee after it mocked Democrat VP candidate Kamala Harris and 'mail vote suppression' conspiracies. It was shortly restored amid protests about censorship. | The Bee went dark around 6 pm on Monday. Archives showed that their last BREAKING: It appears the Babylon Bee's Twitter account has been suspe…
(2020-08-17). The Russian Interference Report, Without Laughing. strategic-culture.org 
Craig MURRAY | Now the madding crowd has moved on, I take a mature look at the report by the It calls expressly and repeatedly for the security services to be actively involved in "policing the democratic space" and castigates the security services for their unwillingness to interfere in democratic process. It calls for t…
(2020-08-17). Pelosi calls lawmakers back to stop Trump's election and postal service sabotage. peoplesworld.org 
WASHINGTON—House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. has called lawmakers back into session, despite the "virtual" Democratic National Convention, to stop GOP President Donald Trump's multifaceted scheme to stop voting by mail by basically shutting down the U.S. Postal Service before the Nov. 3 election. Trump's objective, along with that of his political puppets, is to stop …
(2020-08-17). Ocasio-Cortez Welcomes Help From Anti-Trump Republicans in Defeating President—But Rejects Kasich's Attempt to Define Party. commondreams.org Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Monday made clear that she will reject any attempt by so-called "moderate" Republicans who are invited to the party's convention to define what the Democratic Party stands for. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/gettyimages-12098953161_0.jpg …
(2020-08-17). Needed: Indicators for Measuring Injustice and Societal Decay. globalresearch.ca Adequate housing, healthcare, food, public services, education, mass transit, health & safety standards, and environmental protections are the prerequisites for a humane democracy. | *** | Economic indicators — data points, trends, and micro-categories — are the widgets of the big information …
(2020-08-17). 'Regime Change' in Belarus Looks Like an Objective of Both the Trump Administration and the Biden Campaign. globalresearch.ca It seems that whoever wins the presidency, United States foreign policy will keep chugging away at intervening across the world, including via "regime change" efforts. Over the last couple decades, targets for US-government-supported overthrow have included Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Libya, …
(2020-08-17). Do Americans Dream of Capitalist Sheep? dissidentvoice.org It's capitalism after all. Those political parties for the rich and powerful know how to sell exploitation and subjugation by their good cop/bad cop marketing. If you don't buy this, you get Trump. But if you buy what they sell, you get Biden, an imperialist with the crime bill, Patriot Act, and the rest of the schemes …
(2020-08-17). The Biden/Harris campaign and the dead-end of "lesser evil" politics. wsws.org As the US election enters its final stage, enormous pressure is being brought to bear to convince workers and youth that the only way to oppose Trump is to support Biden and Harris.
(2020-08-17). 'We Want Climate Justice Now!' protest set for Minnesota Governor's Mansion. fightbacknews.org Minneapolis, MN – While the Democratic National Convention will take place virtually in Milwaukee, Wisconsin from August 17 to 20, activists from Minnesota's Climate Justice Committee and others are planning their own action targeting the DNC. Protesters are planning to picket the Minnesota Governor's Mansion to send a message to superdelegates that they want climate justice faster than the Democratic nominee's environmental plan. | Minnesota's Governor Walz is one of those superdelegates attending the DNC virtually. So on August 18, at 5 p.m., protesters plan to picket the Governor's Mansion at 1006 Summit…
(2020-08-17). Charter Schools Have Failed (And We Need to Stop Funding Them). progressive.org Nearly one million students have been left stranded because of charter school closures in the past twenty years—there's clearly something wrong here.
(2020-08-17). Discussion Of Wikileaks Or 'Hacked Information' Banned Under New YouTube Rules. popularresistance.org Social media giant YouTube announced yesterday a host of new measures it says are aimed at preventing any interference in the upcoming presidential elections. Chief among the list it wrote on its blog, is "removing content that contains hacked information, the disclosure of which may interfere with democratic processes, such as elections and censuses." An example it gives would-be deleting "videos that contain hacked information about a political candidate." | It also promised to "raise up authoritative voices" when it comes to current events and politics by changing its algorithm to show users more credible chan…
(2020-08-17). Indicators For Measuring Injustice And Societal Decay. popularresistance.org Economic indicators — data points, trends, and micro-categories — are the widgets of the big information industry. By contrast, indicators for our society's democratic health are not similarly compiled, aggregated, and reported. Its up and down trends are presented piecemeal and lack quantitative precision. | We can get the process started and lay the basis for qualitative and quantitative refinement. Years ago, when we started "re-defining progress" and questioning the very superficial GDP and its empirical limitations, professional economists took notice. Unfortunately, with few exceptions, economis…
(2020-08-17). Rep. Ro Khanna: Democrats Must Support Medicare for All. truthout.org As the Democratic National Convention kicks off virtually in Milwaukee, we speak with Democratic Congressmember Ro Khanna, who says he will be voting "no" on the Democratic platform because it does not support Medicare for All. Khanna, who served as national co-chair of Senator Bernie Sanders's 2020 presidential campaign, says ensuring universal health care is crucial for the Democratic Party, especially during a pandemic. "I am very enthusiastic about supporting Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to defeat Donald Trump, but…
(2020-08-17). The 2020 Democratic Convention Could Be a Tech Debacle or an Ambitious Feat. truthout.org What do you suppose the Democrats will be talking about at their "convention" this week? | The U.S.
(2020-08-17). State Attorneys General Appear Ready to Sue Trump Over Changes at the USPS. truthout.org At least six state attorneys general appear to be discussing possible legal action against the Trump administration due to changes at the United States Postal Service (USPS) that could disenfranchise voters seeking to cast their ballot by mail this year. | The group of Democratic state officials
(2020-08-17). Stamp Out the Trump Attacks on Our Postal Service! commondreams.org The president and his obeisant postmaster general are out to destroy voting by mail—and democracy.
(2020-08-17). Democrats Demand McConnell Bring Senate Back Into Session to 'Protect USPS and Our Election'. commondreams.org Speaker Nancy Pelosi had directed House members to return to Washington, D.C. for an emergency vote Saturday on legislation to reverse Postmaster General Louis DeJoy's recent policy changes. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/warren_17_0_0.jpg …
(2020-08-17). Activist Voices Missing From Corporate Coverage of Uprisings. commondreams.org Protesters march through lower Manhattan over the death of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police on June 19, 2020. (Photo: Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/public-support-black-lives-matter-protests.jpg …
(2020-08-17). Milwaukee protesters determined to continue as Democratic convention is held remotely. thecanary.co Monday 17 August should have seen the beginning of a four day Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. But thanks to coronavirus (Covid-19), the city will miss out on hosting the DNC this week. Instead of the predicted 50,000 visitors injecting millions of dollars into the local economy, the convention will be almost entirely online. | Wisconsin is seen as a key presidential battleground after Donald Trump won there unexpectedly — and by fewer than 23,000 votes — four years ago. Organisers of the convention had planned to highlight Democrats' commitment to the city and Wisconsin. Th…
(2020-08-17). Progressives, Get Ready to Push Them Left. thenation.com Progressives, Get Ready to Push Them Left…
(2020-08-16). Top Dems Demand DeJoy Testimony, Citing 'Grave Threat' to 'Our Very Democracy'. commondreams.org The "Postal Service is a public institution that both serves and belongs to every person in our nation." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/dems-demand-dejoy-testmony.jpg …
(2020-08-16). Weaponized Social Media Fuels "Youth" Protests. thealtworld.com 
US-based social-media tools are being used to reward participation in regime change with likes and shares. | Young protesters in Thailand are out demanding "human rights" and "democracy" — and for the current government to step down. | Should their demands be met — the opposition — headed by billionaire fugitive Thaksin Shinawatra and his Pheu Thai Party will take power. Thaksin Shinawatra and his political party represent neither human rights nor democracy. In fact, Thaksin Shinawatra is the worst human rights abuser in Thai history. | So how does one explain the paradoxical nature of young peopl…
(2020-08-16). 'Boycott Sandals'?: Holiday resort chain cancelled by Twitter users over sponsorship of Sean Hannity's 'racist' Fox News show. rt.com 
A holiday resort chain which sponsors Sean Hannity's Fox News show has found itself in the crosshairs of cancel-happy Twitter users after the host convinced the platform to mark a critical video of him as "manipulated media." | The video which sparked the latest social media drama showed Hannity making comments critical of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, juxtaposed with footage of Donald Trump, which made it appear as though Hannity was targeting the president, whom he staunchly supports. | After getting the footage flagged as "manipulated media" by Twitter, MeidasTouch, the liberal group who put the video togeth…
(2020-08-16). 'This is who you are now, GOP': Obama security advisor Rice freaks out over Snowden pardon idea, is roasted for right-wing stance. rt.com 
The fact they are even considering a pardon for NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden shows how low the Republican party has sunk under Donald Trump, believes Susan Rice, former national security advisor in the Obama administration. | The possibility that criminal charges against Snowden may be dropped was floated by the US president this week. The idea triggered an outpouring of public support,
(2020-08-16). What Would a President Harris Mean for Whites? strategic-culture.org 
Sen. Harris is not particularly extreme by today's standards, but her life is about acquiring power. Once she has it, she would surely wield it against us. She is likely to restrict freedom of speech and other constitutional rights. Even those who have criticized her in the past would cheer it on.
(2020-08-16). Turmoil in Belarus, Another US Color Revolution Attempt? globalresearch.ca Time and again, the CIA, National Endowment for Democracy (NED), International Republican Institute (IRI), National Democratic Institute (NDI), and USAID have been involved in US schemes to replace independent governments with pro-Western puppet ones. | Tactics include violent and non-violent labor …
(2020-08-16). Hoopla Over Harris VP Selection Obscures Many Young People of Color Who Are Winning Offices Nationally. zcomm.org The debate over Biden's running mate obscures a far more exciting development in American politics: that young people of color with clearly progressive values are running for office and winning…
(2020-08-16). Protesters Make Noise At Postmaster General's Home Over Cuts. popularresistance.org Protesters filled the streets outside the head of the U.S. Postal Service's home in Northwest Washington, D.C., on Saturday, some carrying signs that read "Don't mess with the USPS" and "Don't stamp out our democracy." | The demonstrators blew airhorns and banged pots as a few of them walked to the front door of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy's building and pinned fake ballots to his front door, as protesters accused him and the White House of working together to undermine main-in ballots and the election. | "Hey hey, Louis DeJoy,…
(2020-08-16). Belarus: Imperialists Run The Same Tired Old Script. popularresistance.org The Western establishment narrative managers always follow the same patterns. Just like they fixated on Hong Kong protests, while ignoring those in US-aligned France or Israel, now they're cheering on protests in Belarus. | Imperialist pundit and Obama administration Cold Warrior Michael McFaul recently tweeted the following: | "Belarusians, inside and outside of the country, have reached out to me this week to ask why the West is so indifferent to their courageous fight for democracy. I can't explain. Can you?" | I am not highlighting this tweet because it is remarkable…
(2020-08-16). Democrats Set to Hold Convention to Nominate Biden for US President. sputniknews.com WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – The Democratic Party gathers on Monday for the National Convention to formally endorse Joe Biden as its candidate for the next president of the United States.
(2020-08-16). An escape route for Brazil. zcomm.org The only possible escape route for Brazil is to make sure that, in 2022 at the latest, the hellish nightmare of Bolsonarismo is democratically brought to its end…
(2020-08-15). Sanders Warns of Trump Effort to 'Destroy the Post Office to Sabotage This Election'. commondreams.org The warning from the Vermont senator follows a USPS announcement that it's halting its collection of mailboxes in multiple states—which voting rights advocates rebuked as evidence of "massive voter suppression." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/election-sabotage-mailboxes.jpg …
(2020-08-15). On right-wing violence in Texas, media's silence sends message. mronline.org 
Hank Gilbert, the Democratic challenger to Rep. Louie Gohmert in Texas' 1st congressional district, held a rally in Tyler, Texas, on July 26 against federal law enforcement agencies' recent intervention in Portland, Oregon. But armed participants of a "Back the Blue" counter-protest crashed the event, beating and robbing attendees in the park.
(2020-08-15). The Heat: U.S. presidential politics. america.cgtn.com 
The U.S. presidential race heats up as Democrats prepare to formally anoint Joe Biden in the race for the White House. As Democrats take center stage next week to formalize their party's ticket for November's national election, gone will be the mass gathering of party …
(2020-08-15). 'Muscular liberalism': Washington Post columnist roasted after using strange label to describe Biden/Harris strategy. rt.com 
A piece on how the Biden and Harris ticket sticks it to the progressive Democrats has drawn an outpouring of mockery after describing the duo's foreign policy platform as 'muscular liberalism'. | A Washington Post column penned by political commentator Josh Rogin heaped praise on Joe Biden's Vice President pick, Kamala Harris. Together they would usher a "return to the way world politics used to work, with a strong America leading a strong multilateral system," he argued. Once they take the White House, the centrist dream team would firmly oppose the vision of the likes of Bernie Sanders, who want "smaller def…
(2020-08-15). 'Come on, don't do this': Yahoo slammed for shoddy story accusing RUSSIA of antifa.com prank of Joe Biden. rt.com 
The latest chapter in the conspiracy theory blaming Russia for 'meddling' in US elections accuses Moscow of somehow redirecting the website Antifa.com to Joe Biden's website, thanks to some major internet illiteracy at work. | On Wednesday, Republican activist Matthew Foldi pointed out that typing Antifa.com in one's browser redirected to Biden's campaign page, just as the Democrat candidate and his freshly chosen running mate Kamala Harris were about to do their first joint public appearance. | | üö®ü…
(2020-08-15). Radical? Inspirational? A token choice? What's the truth about Kamala Harris? rt.com 
Kamala Harris's appointment as Joe Biden's vice-presidential running mate has sparked myriad opinions from all along the political spectrum. But what's true and what's myth? | After much rumour and debate, Joe Biden has announced his running mate for this year's presidential election and… it's no great surprise. Kamala Harris was named on Tuesday, months after it was known that Biden would pick a female VP candidate. | The choice of Harris, who unsuccessfully ran for the presidential nomination, has triggered a huge reaction from all areas of the political playground. From dangerously radical to disappointin…
(2020-08-15). Cher says she hopes 'ground opens' under Trump and 'we never see his face again' after Gettysburg speech suggestion. rt.com 
Liberal musician Cher appeared to openly fantasize about violence against President Donald Trump, in a tweet blasting him for suggesting that he might accept the Republican nomination for president in Gettysburg. | In an eye-watering all caps tweet on Saturday, Cher slammed Trump's recent suggestion that he might accept the Republican Party's nomination for president in Gettysburg, saying that if he had the "mendacity" to set foot there, she hopes the ground opens "and we never see his ugly face again." | She then added that the long-dead Harriet Tubman, who led slaves from the South to freedom in the North du…
(2020-08-15). UAE, Israel deal against democracy in Arab world: Experts. yenisafak.com The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Israel made a deal earlier this week to forestall Tel Aviv's controversial plans to annex large swathes of the occupied West Bank and start a new era of normalization.Although the deal was supported by the West and regional countries namely, Egypt, Oman and Bahrain, the agreement sparked uproar in Palestine and on Arab streets.The Emirates became the third Arab country to recognize Israel after Jordan and Egypt, in a move touted as doing the Palestinians a favor.Palestinian groups, however, denounced the agreement, saying it does nothing to serve the Palestinian cause and ignore…
(2020-08-15). A Message to the Left About Kamala Harris — And Us. zcomm.org "Should activists sit this election out? Not if you believe in activism."
(2020-08-15). Activists in Denmark demand a consent based law against rape. peoplesdispatch.org Hundreds of people demonstrated in Copenhagen on August 14, Friday, to demand that the government draft a consent law to ensure proper legal protection for rape victims. The gathering was organised by around 24 groups including Everyday Sexim Project, Women's Council, Denmark's Social Democratic Youth (DSU), Socialist Youth Front (SUF), Red Green Youth etc. The participants in the march wore masks and gloves adhering to COVID-19 safety protocol. | According to Arbejderen.dk (The Worker), the demonstrators demanded that the government should immediately announce and submit proposals for a new consent-based rape la…
(2020-08-15). US elections could call into question fundamentals of democracy. peoplesdispatch.org Eugene Puryear of BreakThrough News talks about the nomination of Kamala Harris as the vice-presidential candidate of the Democratic Party, as well as issues around voter suppression and fraud…
(2020-08-15). The Democrats and Republicans: Two wolves hunting the United States Postal Service. wsws.org While they posture as defenders of postal workers, the Democrats have played a critical role in the privatization of the USPS and the decay of American democracy.
(2020-08-15). Turkey, Syria, and the Kurds. zcomm.org For over two decades, Kurdish leader Abdullah àñcalan has been held in the Turkish prison on ƒ∞mralƒ± Island. In this op-ed for Jacobin, he calls for a "democratic nation project" able to unite citizens of different ethnic backgrounds and cultural traditions.
(2020-08-15). Jacobin Magazine on the selection of Kamala Harris: Stick with the Democrats! wsws.org There is truly nothing too foul the Democratic Party could do that would lead Jacobin and the DSA to conclude that the party cannot be reformed.
(2020-08-15). Chicago Mayor Lightfoot announces police crackdown. wsws.org One thousand police officers are being deployed into downtown Friday evening after a press conference in which the Democratic mayor announced a plan to tighten police control of the city, involve more police agencies, increase social media surveillance and further limit access to the wealthy downtown.
(2020-08-15). Infiltration of US protests against police brutality used to delegitimize demonstrations, undermine democratic rights. wsws.org Police infiltration of protests has a renewed significance at a time when democratic rights have been stretched to the point of breaking.
(2020-08-15). Twitter against Trump: It's all about truth. indybay.org Trump's track record in the summer of the 2020 pandemic is disastrous, 1K deaths every day with a total of around 150K. More than 30 million Americans are receiving unemployment benefits. Trump is trying to turn Biden into the destroyer of America. Trump is deliberatively working on the image of a dystopia that he claims only he can prevent.
(2020-08-15). Friday 8/21: San Francisco: March for the Dead, Fight for the Living. indybay.org San Francisco: meet at Crissy Field Warming Hut, 983 Marine Drive, San Francisco, CA 94129; | then march across Golden Gate Bridge…
(2020-08-15). Bernie Sanders and Barack Obama agree: Trump's attack on Postal Service a direct assault on 2020 election. nationofchange.org "Democracy must be saved. Trump must be defeated."
(2020-08-15). Harris not likely to change Indo-US relations; Experts. yenisafak.com The first American of Indian origin to be featured on a major US national ticket as a vice presidential candidate will not change US-Indian relations if Democrats take the White House, according to experts. | Kamala Harris, whose mother was Indian, and was born and raised in the US, was named as the running mate to presumptive US Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden. | The decision delighted those in India and experts see her nomination as important. | "The Indian American community feels being represented," Sylvia Mishra, a Washington-based researcher and expert on India and US relations told Anadolu Agen…
(2020-08-15). Letters from Melbourne: A 'Ghost Town Police State' Under Brutal COVID Lockdown. globalresearch.ca The citizens of Australia's second most populous city are suffering under the harshest lockdown conditions of all Western democracies. Their voices need to be heard. | In the last several weeks, Melbourne has introduced shockingly draconian anti-Covid measures, imposed on the …
(2020-08-15). Familiar Faces Bankroll DNC Convention Account. commondreams.org A sign advertises the convention at Wisconsin Center, home to the 2020 Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee on August 11, 2020. (Photo: Bryan R. Smith/AFP via Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/dnc-milwaukee-banner.jpg …
(2020-08-15). 80 Days Until Election Day. thenation.com 80 Days Until Election Day…
(2020-08-14). 'Big News': GAO Says Top Trump DHS Officials Wolf and Cuccinelli Appointed Illegally. commondreams.org Democratic lawmakers said the GAO decision "paints a disturbing picture of the Trump administration playing fast and loose by bypassing the Senate confirmation process to install ideologues." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/cuccinelli-appointment-unlawful_0.jpg …
(2020-08-14). Rashid Khalidi: Israel & UAE Deal to Normalize Relations Is New Chapter in 100-Year War on Palestine. democracynow.org 
In a deal brokered by the United States, Israel and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to fully normalize relations after years of secretly working together on countering Iran and other issues. Under the deal, Israel has also agreed to temporarily halt plans to annex occupied Palestinian territories in the West Bank, which had already been on hold due to international condemnation. We speak with Rashid Khalidi, the Edward Said professor of modern Arab studies at Columbia University, who says the agreement is being falsely characterized as a peace deal. "I don't see that it has anything to do with peace," he say…
(2020-08-14). Headlines for August 14, 2020. democracynow.org U.S. Records 1,000+ Daily Coronavirus Deaths Again as 2,000+ Quarantined at Schools, Georgia Governor Drops Lawsuit over Atlanta Mask Mandate, CDC Director Warns U.S. Risks Worst Fall in Public Health History, Senate Adjourns Without Deal on New Coronavirus Aid as Millions Face Hunger and Eviction, Coronavirus Cases Surge in India, Peru, Spain, France and Elsewhere, Israel to Normalize Relations with United Arab Emirates Despite Palestinian Protest, Unexploded Missile Found at U.N.-Run School as Israel Attacks Gaza Strip, Trump Admits He's Undermining the U.S. Postal Service to Thwart Mail-in Voting, USPS Confirm…
(2020-08-14). Jail Took My Mom: Filmmaker on How His Mother Broke the Cycle of Incarceration & Shaping DNC Policy. democracynow.org 
The coronavirus crisis and the movement for racial justice have magnified the challenges faced by people released from prison, whose criminal record makes it hard to find a job and even housing, especially women. We feature a new AJ+ series by Messiah Rhodes, whose mother was in and out of jail throughout his childhood and was able to break the cycle of incarceration. Rhodes says his work serves as a response to calls to defund police. "Instead of giving law enforcement agencies tanks and sci-fi-level weaponry, we should be funding … housing, education, family reunification, mental health support," he says. We…
(2020-08-14). Learning from Harry Haywood in the fight for Black freedom and socialism. fightbacknews.org Anyone doubting the relevance of Harry Haywood's writings in 2020 hasn't paid much attention to political events this year. | After success in three early Democratic primaries, Bernie Sanders' social democratic campaign for president, supported by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), ran first aground in South Carolina in February. African American voters turned out in greater numbers for his opponent, Joe Biden, even while favoring many of Sanders' policies like Medicare For All. Voter turnout was low in general, owing to the fundamentally undemocratic character of the U.S. political system, and a lot of…
(2020-08-14). Roaming Charges: It Had to be You. counterpunch.org 
Kamala Harris is the least surprising VP pick since Bob Dole tapped Jack Kemp as his running mate in 1996. Harris is as bland, safe and predictable as Kemp, but she adds little to an already boring campaign and comes with toxic baggage of her own that may repel the voters Biden needs the most. Biden is counting on Harris' reputation as a prosecutor to make a case against Trump that most people have already reached a verdict against. Yet, as a prosecutor and attorney general, Harris made a career out of punching below her weight class, sternly going after low-level drug and property crimes while largely turning a…
(2020-08-14). Poor People's Army To Protest At Biden's Headquarters During DNC. popularresistance.org Protestors have declared that irrespective of permits, they plan to march on Presidential Candidate Biden's national headquarters on August 17th at 4pm from the Liberty Bell. Upon arrival demonstrators will present the DNC and Biden offices with a list of demands. They include: | ‚óè Unite immigrant families and children | ‚óè Transfer the war budget to provide healthcare, housing, and food for people | ‚óè Meet with PPEHRC homeless families that are forced to live in abandoned houses…
(2020-08-14). What is the US National Endowment for Democracy (NED)? thealtworld.com 
Who sits on the current NED board of directors and how do such people get away with claiming to promote democracy abroad when they are directly involved in circumventing it at home? | When US-backed regime change begins in a targeted nation, many — particularly those supporting protests — will deny the US is involved. | When US involvement is no longer deniable — many will finally admit it — but backpedal and claim there is nothing wrong with the US supporting "freedom" and "democracy" abroad. | With virtually every aspect of ongoing protests in Thailand funded by the US — from the leader…
(2020-08-14). Thai PM Right to Question Protest Funding. thealtworld.com 
The notorious US National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is funding virtually every aspect of Thailand's current "student protests" aimed at removing current government. | Only through repetitive propaganda across the Western media and their local partners in Thailand can current protests appear "student led," "leaderless," and "organic." | An article published by the Bangkok Post titled, "PM: Who is financing student rallies?," would repeat Thailand's elected prime minister's questions, but Bangkok Post's reporters themselves have categorically failed to either ask or answer the same question. | Despite claiming…
(2020-08-14). Imperialists Run The Same Tired Old Script Day After Fucking Day. thealtworld.com 
Imperialist pundit and Obama administration cold warrior Michael McFaul recently "Belarusians, inside and outside of the country, have reached out to me this week to ask why the West is so indifferent to their courageous fight for democracy. I can't explain. Can you?" | I am not highlighting this tweet because it is remarkable (except for the extremely dubious claim that anyone ever reaches out to Michael McFaul). I am highlighting it because it is completely unremarkable. | New on…
(2020-08-14). Kamala Harris; It's Complicated. therealnews.com 
Stir Crazy! Episode 78: Today we are joined by sociologist Taure Brown, political consultant Adriel Hampton, and Communications Director for Detroit Action Kenneth Williams. Hosted by Kim Brown. Email us your questions/comments/suggestions at stircrazy@therealnews.com…
(2020-08-14). Thinking beyond representation: progressives weigh Harris' past. therealnews.com 
Oakland native and Berkley professor Brandi Thompson Summers tackles the contradictions wrapped up in Harris' nomination.
(2020-08-14). Private prison companies shower campaign cash on Trump and Republicans. peoplesworld.org 
HOUSTON (AP)—Executives at the nation's two largest private prison companies have been donating large sums to President Donald Trump and Republican candidates with an eye toward the November elections that one of the corporations believes will lead to a rebound in its stock price. The fortunes of private prison companies have become increasingly intertwined with …
(2020-08-14). Liz OuYang on Census Sabotage. fair.org 
Media…
(2020-08-14). Australian paper invokes wrath of woke Twitter by quoting Biden's own words in allegedly 'racist' cartoon about him and Harris. rt.com 
The Australian is under fire for publishing an allegedly racist cartoon that depicts US Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden referring to his running mate Kamala Harris as "this little brown girl." | The cartoon by artist Johannes Leak was published in Rupert Murdoch's The Australian newspaper earlier this week, in an apparent attempt to deride the US Democratic party for perceived tokenism and racially motivated pandering, according to the paper's editor-in-chief, Christopher Dore. | Here's your little reminder of how ludicrously racist Australian commercial media are. This is in the country's only nat…
(2020-08-14). YouTube aims to 'protect' elections by CENSORING what it deems to be 'hacked materials'. rt.com 
YouTube will remove videos containing "hacked information" about election candidates if it deems them aimed at election meddling. The censorship is supposedly needed to protect the integrity of democratic institutions in the US. | The Google-owned video platform explained on Thursday how it intends to protect users from malign actors during election campaigns and allow apparently benign actors to better engage with voters. Among other things, YouTube will delete videos that contain "hacked information, the disclosure of which may interfere with democratic processes such as elections and censuses," Leslie Mille…
(2020-08-14). President Cuomo? 2024 primary polls show NY governor, AOC, Pence, and Trump Jr as favorites for the Oval Office. rt.com 
While the 2020 US presidential election remains undecided, voters are already looking ahead to 2024, with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and current Vice President Mike Pence emerging as favorites in a very early poll. | Republican Pence and Democrat Cuomo have the support of 31 and 21 percent of their parties' electorate respectively, according to a Friday Trump's vice-president is comfortably ahead of the closest rival for the 2024 GOP nomination — the cu…
(2020-08-14). With Harris Pick, Dems Cede Election to Trump. strategic-culture.org 
We haven't even reached the DNC convention in Milwaukee next week and the election season is already over. Former Vice President and (presumptive) Democratic Party Nominee Joe Biden picked Senator Kamala Harris as his running mate. | She is the first non-white woman to be so 'honored.' | But that's not a pick designed to win an election, that's a white flag of surrender. | Harris ran one of the worst primary campaigns in recent memory, trying desperately to be the 'black' Hillary Clinton. She crashed out in spectacular fashion. If there is a better example of being tone-deaf to what voters want in a woman candida…
(2020-08-14). Trump admits crippling Postal Service to sabotage 2020 election. peoplesworld.org 
WASHINGTON—A president falling in the polls and desperate to hold onto power is delaying delivery of life-saving medicine and crippling the U.S. Postal Service to stop vote-by-mail. It's the latest scheme by GOP Oval Office occupant Donald Trump to win the 2020 election. And his new Postmaster General, Republican big giver Louis DeJoy, is doing …
(2020-08-14). How the Guardian Betrayed Not Only Corbyn But the Last Vestiges of British Democracy. counterpunch.org 
It is simply astonishing that the first attempt by the Guardian — the only major British newspaper styling itself as on the liberal-left — to properly examine the contents of a devastating internal Labour party report leaked in April is taking place nearly four months after the 860-page report first came to light. If you are a Labour party
(2020-08-14). Foreign Correspondent: Is Kamala Harris a Hawk? progressive.org Biden's veep pick has at times embraced militarism and even attacked Trump from the right.
(2020-08-14). We Do Not Live in the World of Before. counterpunch.org Following the announcement of US presidential candidate Joe Biden picking Kamala Harris for VP, I have seen many social media posts. US American liberal friends seem thrilled and some have already started the "vote shaming." Biden and Harris have been forgiven or, better yet, not even noted for their centrist, rightwing past. And I have