Daily Archives: September 25, 2020

2020-09-25: News Headlines

Mike Miller (2020-09-25). Two Capitalisms: a Challenge to Democratic Socialists, Social Democrats, Progressives and Welfare State Liberals. counterpunch.org [O]n September 24, 1599, in a timbered building off Moorgate Fields, not far from where Shakespeare was struggling to complete Hamlet, a new type of company was founded. [O]wnership of the new firm, called the East India Company, was sliced into tiny pieces to be bought and sold freely…Liberalism's fatal hypocrisy was to celebrate the virtuous

Olujimi Alade (2020-09-25). Is Marxism still relevant? — a commentary. workers.org With the dire economic circumstances brought on by COVID-19 and the rise in police brutality provoking civil unrest unseen since the 1960s, the Millennial Generation as well as Generation Z are beginning to see the pitfalls of both neoliberalism and U.S. conservatism. The Republicans in office are taking notice and . . . |

Norman Solomon (2020-09-25). We've Got Our Own Reasons to Elect Biden — and He Isn't One of Them. indybay.org We can do this on our own terms…

Louis Proyect (2020-09-25). Myths of the White Working Class. counterpunch.org On September 22nd, Politico reported on how rank-and-file union members were snubbing Biden for Trump. Perhaps inadvertently, the second sentence reveals what kind of trade unionist this means: "To rank-and-file members in some unions, especially the building trades, it doesn't matter. They're still firmly in Donald Trump's camp." Historically, construction unions have operated as a white-only

Peoples Dispatch (2020-09-25). Argentina rejects Bolivian de-facto president's statements at the UN assembly. peoplesdispatch.org On September 23, during her speech before the 75th United Nations General Assembly, the de-facto president of Bolivia, Jeanine àÅñez, attacked the progressive government of Argentine president Alberto Fernández, accusing the neighboring nation of exercising "systematic and abusive harassment" against Bolivia. She also accused the Argentine government of "interfering in Bolivia's internal affairs" and "supporting a violent conspiracy by (former Bolivian president) Evo Morales against Bolivian democracy." | The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Argentina, on behalf of the national government, rejected the statem…

Ben Rosenfeld (2020-09-25). Amid the Chaos of the 2020 Presidential Race, Four House Contests Could Determine the Result. counterpunch.org In the shadow of the 2020 presidential race, four House contests could determine the result under the Twelfth Amendment To defeat Trump Biden has to win resoundingly—in the swing states that will decide the electoral college sweepstakes. If he wins only narrowly, Trump is poised to steal the election by challenging enough states' results to

Richard Moser (2020-09-25). The Last Third Party to Win Waged Political Struggle with a "Revolutionary Reform." counterpunch.org The last third party to win — the Republican Party — used a revolutionary reform they called the "non-extention of slavery" to fundamentally alter the existing two-party system. The history of the anti-slavery movement and the early Republican Party raises a question we are dying to answer: under what conditions and with what strategies can

Jeff Cohen (2020-09-25). Earth to Presidential Debate Moderators: "I'm Burning Up" zcomm.org With the horrific fires on the West Coast and hurricanes and storms pounding the Caribbean and Gulf Coast, in a healthy democracy, one would expect presidential candidates to be pressed hard about climate chaos. I'm not holding my breath.

Leanna First-Arai (2020-09-25). Trump Is Losing Farmer Support in Climate Crisis. Will They Swing the Election? zcomm.org In a push to capture the rural vote, 62 percent of which went to Trump in 2016, both the Trump and Biden campaigns are ramping up efforts to appeal to farmers and ranchers.

Labor Video Project (2020-09-25). "Stop Rigging The Election" SEIU1021 Oakland Workers Demand Union Democracy. indybay.org SEIU 1021 Oakland members protested at the SEIU Oak Street office on September 23, 2020 to demand a end to the rigging of the election of SEIU 1021 officials. They are allowing a non-city worker on the salary of the union to run for chapter office.

Khubaka, Michael Harris (2020-09-25). Saturday 10/3: California MAAFA Awareness Month. indybay.org Folsom Light Rail Station | Leidesdorff Plaza…

sputniknews (2020-09-25). Donald Trump Blasts 'Weak as Hell' Biden for 'Anti-Police Crusade', Surrender to 'Flag Burners'. sputniknews.com Ahead of their first debate set for 29 September, Donald Trump and Joe Biden have weighed in on the civil unrest in Kentucky over a decision by state Attorney General suggesting that the use of force by two police officers in Breonna Taylor's death in March was justified under state law.

sputniknews (2020-09-25). Commentator Explains Why the Left 'Is Biggest Threat to America, Western Civilization'. sputniknews.com In the upcoming US presidential election, where incumbent President Donald Trump is set to face Democratic rival candidate Joe Biden, the United States is dealing with an ongoing global coronavirus pandemic and nation-wide mass protests against racism and police brutality.

commondreams (2020-09-24). CODEPINK Commends Mayor de Blasio's Decision to Skip the G20 Summit Hosted by Saudi Arabia. commondreams.org ______________________________…

Staff (2020-09-24). Headlines for September 24, 2020. democracynow.org Officer Who Shot into Breonna Taylor's Apartment Charged, But Not for Her Killing, Donald Trump Won't Commit to Peaceful Transfer of Power If He Loses Election, Dr. Deborah Birx Reportedly "Distressed" by Direction of WH Coronavirus Response, Dr. Anthony Fauci Warns of Long-Term Effects of COVID-19 on Survivors, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, Who Opposes Mask Mandates, Tests Positive for Coronavirus, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau Warns of Second Wave of Coronavirus Infections, Antarctic Ice Melt May Bring 8 Feet of Sea Level Rise Even If Paris Climate Goals Are Met, Climate Crisis Drives Record Fires in Brazil, Western…

Staff (2020-09-24). An Indictment of the System: Protests Erupt as Cops Cleared for Killing Breonna Taylor in Her Home. democracynow.org We go to Louisville, where protests erupted after police officers who shot Breonna Taylor in her own home were not charged for her death. A grand jury indicted a third officer for "wanton endangerment" for shooting into an adjacent apartment during the fatal raid that killed Breonna Taylor in March. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in cities across the country demanding justice for Taylor and defunding of police departments. "The lack of indictments in the grand jury process is an indictment on the system itself," says Sadiqa Reynolds, president and CEO of the Louisville Urban League. "They have cr…

A. Majumdar (2020-09-24). PDF of September 24 issue. workers.org Download the 12-page PDF. Whistleblower: ICE abuses detainees ALSO: Migrant caravan for residency; Defend BLM activist lawyers; Trump, Biden, and U.S. decline; 'Free Palestine' webinar; U.S. Cold War vs TikTok; Is Marxism still relevant? WORKERS ORGANIZE: Illinois; North Carolina. WORLD: Editorial: Ginsburg & SCOTUS. WORLD: Belarus; Bolivia. TEAR DOWN THE . . . |

Medea Benjamin, Nicolas J. S. Davies (2020-09-24). Will Michele Flournoy Be the Angel of Death for the American Empire? counterpunch.org If the Democrats manage to push Joe Biden over the finish line in November's election, he will find himself presiding over a decadent, declining empire. He will either continue the policies that have led the American empire to decadence and decline, or seize the moment to move our nation into a new phase: a transition

WSWS (2020-09-24). Senate confirmation hearing for Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf reveals bipartisan support. wsws.org Democratic as well as Republican senators thanked Wolf for his "service," neglecting to question him on unconstitutional kidnappings, the mass incarceration of immigrants, and the state assassination of a Portland protester.

Gordon Duff (2020-09-24). Feet First? Trump Says He Won't Leave White House When He Loses Election. thealtworld.com 'We're going to have to see what happens,' says US president, again raising concerns over integrity of mail-in-ballots despite no evidence of fraud | "Get rid of the ballots and you'll have a very peaceful — there won't be a transfer, frankly. There will be a continuation. The ballots are out of control. You know it. And you know who knows it better than anybody else? The Democrats know it better than anybody else.": | WASHINGTON (Times of Israel) — US President Donald Trump on Wednesday again declined to commit to a peaceful transfer of power if he loses the Nov. 3 presidential election. | "

MEE staff (2020-09-24). New York City mayor boycotts summit in Saudi Arabia over rights concerns. middleeasteye.net New York City mayor boycotts summit in Saudi Arabia over rights concerns | Coalition of human rights groups urges world city mayors to speak out 'against injustices' and boycott summit, which is part of G20 | Thu, 09/24/2020 – 20: 50 | New York Mayor Bill de Blasio attends 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York on 11 September (AFP/File photo) | New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is pulling out of a G20 world citi…

Mark Gruenberg (2020-09-24). Millions kicked off unemployment, but Senate Republicans still won't renew $600. peoplesworld.org WASHINGTON—Some 3.72 million people lost their jobless benefits at the end of August, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Sept. 24. And even though those jobless workers were thrown off the aid rolls, millions still remain. Through the end of August, more than 26 million workers received state-funded benefits, federally-funded benefits, or benefits from …

Jay Janson (2020-09-24). Imagine Trump or Biden in Church Praying for Yemeni Children Facing Starvation and US Missiles. dissidentvoice.org Thousands of precious Yemeni children are being starved to death, dying of cholera, or being blown to bits by US made and managed missiles. Can Americans glued to their TV sets, straining to understand what is happening to their country, imagine Trump or Biden in church praying for Yemeni children facing starvation and US missiles? …

John Wojcik (2020-09-24). Trump forever? President won't commit to give up power if he loses. peoplesworld.org Donald Trump declared Wednesday that even if he loses to Joe Biden on Nov. 3, he is unwilling to commit to a peaceful transfer of power. The unprecedented declaration by a U.S. president that he will not leave the White House should he lose the election has shocked people around the world who look to …

Anthony Parker, Anita Waters (2020-09-24). Ohio activist Morgan Harper didn't make it to Congress, but she's still fighting. peoplesworld.org Since Ohio's Third Congressional District was created in 2012, covering most of Columbus, it has been represented in Congress by moderate Democrat and Black Caucus member Joyce Beatty, with no opposition from within her own party. But 2020 was different. Morgan Harper, a 36-year-old Columbus native with a formidable list of accomplishments, declared her candidacy for …

Norman Solomon (2020-09-24). We've got our own reasons to elect Biden — and he isn't one of them. nationofchange.org With so much at stake Autumn 2020 is a time when people have the decisive opportunity to prevent the consolidation of illegitimate power by an authoritarian regime.

Norman Solomon (2020-09-24). We've Got Our Own Reasons to Elect Biden—and He Isn't One of Them. commondreams.org The need is now crystal clear for progressives nationwide: Organize and volunteer to boost the Biden vote against Trump in the dozen swing states. (Photo: Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post via Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/bidenharris2020_1.jpg

commondreams (2020-09-24). Meng and Ocasio-cortez Work to Help Local Food Assistance Organizations Experiencing Sudden Impacts in Funding. commondreams.org ______________________________…

Elie Mystal (2020-09-24). The Media Is Missing the Republicans' Supreme Court Power Grab—Again. thenation.com The Media Is Missing the Republicans' Supreme Court Power Grab—Again…

Jessica Corbett, staff writer (2020-09-24). Squad and Rep. Speier Unveil Resolution Urging Action to Mitigate Violence Against Female Politicians. commondreams.org Noting that she gets "constant death threats," Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib said "such hate and risk should not be the inherent cost of any woman participating in politics." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/gettyimages-11558069001.jpg

Duncan Hosie (2020-09-24). When will DeSantis listen to his own voters on ex-felons' voting rights? aclu.org On Sept. 11, Gov. Ron DeSantis and state Republican leaders won their legal battle to disenfranchise hundreds of thousands of people with prior felony convictions. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit embraced Republican politicians' specious arguments that ex-felons should be required to pay all fines and fees before voting., , This decision dealt a blow to Floridians who care about racial justice and basic principles of democracy. The ruling also spited an unlikely and less discussed constituency: Republican voters., , This story starts in 2018, when DeSantis and Republican politicians camp…

WSWS (2020-09-24). Japan's Democrats merge to launch new, right-wing opposition party. wsws.org The Democrats have carried out their merger in an attempt to block an explosion of social anger over rising economic inequality and the ruling elite's drive to war.

Editor (2020-09-24). The Opioids Crisis During the Covid Pandemic. scheerpost.com K-State Research and Extension / CC BY 2.0] By Mattea Kramer / TomDispatch In our new era of nearly unparalleled upheaval, as a pandemic ravages the bodies of some and the minds of nearly everyone, as the associated economic damage disposes of the livelihoods of many, and as even the promise of democracy fades, the people whose lives were already on a razor's edge — who were vulnerable and… |

Fight Back (2020-09-24). Minnesotans demand climate justice now! fightbacknews.org St. Paul, MN – On September 22, activists from the newly formed Climate Justice Committee (CJC) hung banners over the side of the Snelling Avenue bridge and the pedestrian bridge that spans Interstate-94 connecting downtown Minneapolis with downtown Saint Paul. The banners read, "Capitalism kills the planet," "The U.S. military: The #1 polluter," "Push Biden left on climate change" and "2050 is too late, climate justice now." The last slogan references Democratic nominee Joe Biden's climate plan, which positions its goal as 100% clean energy by 2050. | Alongside Biden's climate plan, in August, a section of the D…

news.un (2020-09-24). Two paths before Latin America: democracy or dictatorship, Bolivian President declares. news.un.org The Latin American region is at a crossroads, with a choice not between the political left or the right; between socialism or capitalism, it is in fact between democracy and dictatorship, between freedom and oppression, the President of Bolivia told world leaders, gathered virtually for the United Nations General Assembly.

news.un (2020-09-24). Somalia committed to promoting democracy, accountability despite COVID-19 challenge. news.un.org Somalia is working with its international partners to build a democratic, inclusive and prosperous country for its citizens, President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, known as 'Farmajo', told the UN General Assembly on Thursday.

55 Progressive Activists and Writers (2020-09-24). Open Letter: Dump Trump, Then Battle Biden. indybay.org Priority is dumping Trump…

Common Cause and others (2020-09-24). Thursday 9/24: "Capturing The Flag" Award Winning Film Screening & Discussion on Voter Suppression. indybay.org Online screening…

sputniknews (2020-09-24). Biden Blasts Violence While Siding With Angry Demonstrators Against Breonna Taylor Verdict. sputniknews.com Rallies against police brutality and racism have erupted across Kentucky and beyond after the state's grand jury ruled two of the three policemen were justified in fire their weapons to 'protect themselves' during a mistaken 'no knock' raid on Breonna Taylor's home.

yenisafak (2020-09-24). Hong Kong activist 'arrested over 2019 protest'. yenisafak.com Prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong has been arrested for attending an "unlawful assembly" last year, a statement on his Twitter account said on Thursday."Joshua [Wong] is arrested when reporting to Central Police Station at about 1pm today [0500GMT]," it said. "The arrest is related to participating in an unauthorized assembly on 5 Oct. last year. He is told to have violated the draconian anti-mask law as well."The 23-year-old was at the forefront of anti-government protests last year demanding the withdrawal of a controversial bill that would have allowed extradition of alleged criminals to m…

Julia Conley, staff writer (2020-09-24). 'Five-Alarm Fire': As Trump Plots 'Flat-Out Coup,' Voters Urged to Deliver Biden Landslide to Avoid Chaos. commondreams.org Democratic lawmakers and progressives did not mince words Thursday regarding President Donald Trump's refusal to commit to a peaceful transfer of power, warning that Trump is ushering in "fascism" and threatening the fabric of American democracy. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/gettyimages-1228672019_1.jpg

Lisa Newcomb, staff writer (2020-09-24). Averaging Two Per Day Since Being Sworn In, Trump Has Racked Up 3,403 Conflicts of Interests Since Taking Office. commondreams.org "It is a gross abuse of public trust, and with each conflict, he becomes more complicit in the destruction of the ethical norms that form the cornerstone of a working democracy." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/getty-trump-closeup.jpg

Brett Wilkins, staff writer (2020-09-24). As Trump Sows Chaos, Democrats Urged to Increase Push for In-Person Voting—Early If Possible. commondreams.org Biden and his party are "walking into a trap in the battleground states," warned one voting rights expert. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/queue.jpg

pip.hinman (2020-09-24). Media and tech giants fight over our democracy. greenleft.org.au

Andrea Germanos, staff writer (2020-09-23). 'Nowhere Near What We Need It to Be': In Face of Climate Calamity, 100+ Groups Say Democrats' Proposal Woefully Insufficient. commondreams.org "We cannot perpetuate false solutions to the climate crisis that keep our reliance on fossil fuels—as this legislation proposes to do—and have any hope of ending the climate or environmental justice crises brought about by dirty energy." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/100-groups-hr-4447-oppose.jpg

Staff (2020-09-23). 50+ Progressive Writers and Activists Pen Open Letter Urging Vote for Biden. truthout.org More than 50 progressive writers and activists — including prominent left-wing voices such as Noam Chomsky, Barbara Ehrenreich, and Cornel West — unveiled an Citing…

Staff (2020-09-23). Who Is Amy Barrett? Front-Runner to Replace RBG Is Anti-Abortion Member of Patriarchal Catholic Group. democracynow.org We look at President Trump's top pick for a woman to fill the Supreme Court seat left vacant by the death of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg: U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Amy Coney Barrett, who is a devout Catholic who has taken conservative stances on abortion, gun rights, immigration and LGBTQ rights. Barrett's involvement with the conservative Catholic group People of Praise, whose members pledge a lifelong loyalty oath to the group, has also raised questions about her ability to rule independently. "There's some real concerns about whether her involvement in there will affect her ability to be impartial a…

Staff (2020-09-23). Headlines for September 23, 2020. democracynow.org U.S. Coronavirus Death Toll Tops 200,000, On Track to Double by Year's End, FDA Reportedly Planning Stricter Guidelines for Release of COVID-19 Vaccine, Pentagon Spent $1 Billion of Coronavirus Funds on Military Supplies, Trump Says Coronavirus "Affects Virtually Nobody" as U.S. Death Toll Tops 200,000, U.N. Secretary-General Warns of New Cold War as Trump Attacks China over Coronavirus, Sen. Mitt Romney Backs Rapid Vote on Trump's Supreme Court Nominee, Officer Involved in Breonna Taylor's Killing Defends Actions, Calls Protesters "Thugs", Federal Agents Tapped Cellphones of Portland Protesters, President Trump…

Staff (2020-09-23). People of Praise: Former Member of Group Tied to SCOTUS Front-Runner Amy Barrett Calls It a "Cult" democracynow.org As President Trump appears poised to announce a nominee to replace Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the Supreme Court, we speak with a former member of the secretive Catholic group People of Praise, known for its rigid gender roles and lifelong loyalty oaths, which apparent front-runner Judge Amy Coney Barrett is a member of. "Many call it a community, but I describe it as a cult," says Coral Anika Theill, who was a member of People of Praise from 1979 to 1984 and is now speaking out against the organization.

Staff (2020-09-23). No Más Bebés: ICE Hysterectomy Scandal Recalls 1970s LA, When a Hospital Sterilized Chicana Patients. democracynow.org As immigration authorities say they have stopped sending women to a Georgia gynecologist accused of sterilizing female prisoners without their consent, we continue our look at United States' disturbing history of forced sterilization with the producer and historian behind the 2016 documentary called "No Más Bebés," which tells the story of how a whistleblower doctor spoke out about a large number of tubal ligations performed on mostly Latinx patients at the Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center some 46 years ago. "Quite often they did not understand the terminology. They did not, in some cases, understand the lan…

MEE staff (2020-09-23). Donald Trump is spreading 'disease of hate', Ilhan Omar says. middleeasteye.net Donald Trump is spreading 'disease of hate', Ilhan Omar says | US president renews racist attacks against Omar, portraying congresswoman as foreigner telling Americans how to run their country | Wed, 09/23/2020 – 21: 10 | Omar slams Trump's 'cult rallies' ahead of November election (AFP/File photo) | Racist remarks against Muslim-American Congresswoman Ilhan Omar are becoming a regular feature of President Don…

Manuel Raposo (2020-09-23). A Marxist view from Portugal on U.S. elections and decline of Washington's power. workers.org A Portuguese Marxist analyst looks at the Trump vs. Biden election, assessing its possible impact on U.S. foreign policy. This article was first published Sept. 1 on the jornalmudardevida.net website, which is edited by Raposo. Translation by John Catalinotto. The confrontation between Trump and Biden, regarding the upcoming U.S. presidential . . . |

Dean Baker (2020-09-23). Are Red State Governors Getting Their People Killed to Help Donald Trump's Re-election Chances? counterpunch.org This is an incredibly ghoulish question, that it would absurd to ask in normal times. But these are not normal times. We know Donald Trump has staffed the top levels of his administration with people who unhesitatingly put Donald Trump's political prospects above the well-being of the people. It is certainly plausible that Republican governors

MEE staff (2020-09-23). Saudi dissidents launch new party calling for democracy in kingdom. middleeasteye.net Saudi dissidents launch new party calling for democracy in kingdom | New group calls for independent judiciary, elected parliament and equality under law | Wed, 09/23/2020 – 23: 01 | NAAS aims to 'establish a path to democracy as a governing system' in Saudi Arabia (Twitter) | Exiled Saudi activists have formed a political party calling for democracy and respect for human rights in the kingdom, a move that bri…

David L. Wilson (2020-09-23). The Democrats' immigration agenda. mronline.org The immigration plank in this year's Democratic Party platform is a reminder that real immigration reform isn't going to happen without serious grassroots organizing.

Eds. (2020-09-23). Senate Democrats want $350 billion to prepare for war with China. mronline.org Democrats in the Senate announced September 17 a massive spending bill aimed at stepping up U.S. hostility towards China to the tune of $350 billion.

Staff (2020-09-23). A 6-3 court could cement minority Republican rule for decades. therealnews.com The Appeal's Daniel Nichanian discusses the consequences of Trump filling the seat of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Tim Libretti (2020-09-23). Coronavirus is no excuse for Trump's failing economy: A socialist viewpoint. peoplesworld.org The narrative Trump and his Republican allies have been weaving about his managing of the U.S. economy is that he had presided over, if not himself built, the strongest economy in the nation's history and that it was only slowed by the coronavirus outbreak, which was not his fault. He can't be held responsible for …

RT (2020-09-23). 'They'll come knocking at your door': NRA says a Biden victory would deprive Americans of 'your AR-15,' sends Twitter into frenzy. rt.com Many on Twitter are up in arms over gun control once again, thanks to an NRA post warning Americans that their semi-automatic rifles would be taken away should Joe Biden win the upcoming US presidential vote. | The National Rifle Association has apparently sought to remind Americans about the Democratic Party presidential candidate's stated plans to crack down on gun ownership. However, it appears instead to have reignited the interminable controversy over the future of gun control instead. | "If Joe Biden wins — Mike Bloomberg wins — and Beto O'Rourke will be knocking on your door for your AR-15," t…

RT (2020-09-23). Florida AG urges FBI to probe Mike Bloomberg's pro-Biden effort to pay fines of 32,000 felons so they can vote. rt.com Florida's attorney general has called on the FBI and state law enforcement to probe potential violations of election law after billionaire Michael Bloomberg raised $16 million to help felons in the state become eligible to vote. | State AG Ashley Moody penned a letter to federal and state police agencies on Wednesday, stating that "further investigation is warranted" after a preliminary review of Bloomberg's voting initiative, which helped to fundraise millions to pay off court fines for some 32,000 felons in order to qualify them to vote under Florida law. | "Today, I sent a letter to the Florida Department o…

RT (2020-09-23). Pentagon slammed for turning $1 billion 'coronavirus fund' into more military-industrial pork — but what did Congress expect? rt.com The Pentagon has defended its decision to repurpose Covid-19 preparedness funds — meant for pandemic response — to prop up weapons contractors as House Democrats slammed its double-dipping. | While the Department of Defense received $1 billion in March's CARES Act stimulus bill specifically to "prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus," it ultimately diverted most of the windfall to defense contractors, the Washington Post revealed on Tuesday. | The pandemic response fund, created under the aegis of the Defense Production Act, was supposed to be used to produce N95 masks, gloves, and other…

Jamal Rich (2020-09-23). Poor People's Campaign and progressive allies take fight to Mitch McConnell's doorstep. peoplesworld.org WASHINGTON—On Monday, Sept. 21, just days after Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg's death, organizers from the D.C. Poor People's Campaign and other major local organizations demonstrated by foot and car caravan outside of Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's house to demand that he not appoint yet another extreme right Supreme Court justice, that …

Aaliyah Harris (2020-09-23). World Alzheimer's month is calling for global action on stigma and misinformation. thecanary.co 21 September marked What is Alzheimer's disease?: | The NHS describes In the UK, Alzheimer's disease is the most com…

Fight Back (2020-09-23). Car caravan rally held in Arlington to protest UAE-Israel relations. fightbacknews.org Arlington, Texas – On September 20, over 50 people gathered at Masjid Dar El Eman, an Islamic center, for a car protest against the United Arab Emirates' and Bahrain's normalization of relations with Israel. The car caravan was organized by the Dallas Palestine Coalition; Palestinian Youth Movement-Dallas, Muslim Democratic Caucus-Texas; American Muslims for Palestine-Texas; Code Pink-Greater Dallas, and Veterans for Peace-Dallas. | After a short prayer, a car caravan drove around South Arlington. Many of the protesters attached Palestinian and American flags to their cars to call for an end to U.S. support…

WSWS (2020-09-23). Democrats capitulate as Republicans secure votes to install far-right justice on Supreme Court. wsws.org For all their bluster, the Democrats were focused on preventing a plunge in the stock market by reaching a government funding deal with the Republicans before the September 30 deadline.

sputniknews (2020-09-23). Wall Street Reportedly Braces for Market Volatility in Case of US Supreme Court Vote Before Election. sputniknews.com Later this week, President Donald Trump is expected to announce his choice for Supreme Court justice to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died on 18 September due to cancer complications. Democrats insist that the new justice should be nominated after the 3 November presidential election.

_____ (2020-09-23). Protest At Mitch McConnell's House Over Supreme Court Vacancy. popularresistance.org A crowd of protesters swarmed outside Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's Kentucky home after the Republican leader said he would move to fill the Supreme Court vacancy left by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death. | About 100 protesters gathered outside McConnell's Louisville home on Saturday after he said he would push for a Senate vote on filling the seat with the presidential election is less than seven weeks away, the Louisville Courier Journal reported. | The demonstrators called out "Hey, hey, ho, ho, Mitch McConnell has got to go," "vote him out" and ditch Mitch."

Sonali Kolhatkar (2020-09-23). Democrats Mock the GOP for Denying Climate Science, But They are Still Addicted to Fossil Fuel Funders. counterpunch.org The recent chorus of Democratic Party leaders lining up to denounce President Donald Trump's climate science denial is deafening. As the West Coast of the United States burns relentlessly, taking lives and land, spewing ash and smoke, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Bidendenounced Trump's refusal to acknowledge climate science, saying in a speech, "If you give

Editor (2020-09-23). Journalists Need to Be Clear About a Clear Threat to Democracy. scheerpost.com Matt Johnson / CC BY 2.0] By Joshua Cho / FAIR When the president of the United States has: explicitly declared his intentions to withhold federal election funding from states that are trying to make it easier to vote during a pandemic; appointed a major donor to his campaign with conflicts of interest to sabotage the US Postal Service—while stating that he opposes additional funding for…

_____ (2020-09-23). Three Cities Designated As 'Anarchist Jurisdictions' — What That Means. popularresistance.org On Sept. 21, 2020, millions of people in three major U.S. cities awoke to find themselves living in what President Donald Trump and his Justice Department cronies had declared "anarchist jurisdictions." New York City, Portland, Oregon, and Seattle — all of which are led by Democrats — were slapped with the label and, as a result, are now at risk of being defunded by the federal government, even as they grapple with massive budget shortfalls tied to the coronavirus pandemic. The president is playing a political game with those whom he considers to be his enemies, and that list is growing day by day.

news.un (2020-09-23). We learnt lessons from the Ebola outbreak; DR Congo President says country moved swiftly to curb coronavirus spread. news.un.org Learning its lessons from the Ebola outbreak, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) took swift and decisive measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus, when the first cases were detected in March, the country's President told world leaders, gathered virtually, at the UN General Assembly.

Adam Dick (2020-09-23). The No-Compromise Texas Republican Party Resolution Telling the Republican Governor to Immediately End His Entire Coronavirus Crackdown. globalresearch.ca The Republican Party of Texas executive committee has taken a heroic action that could serve as an example for Republican and Democratic parties across America. It has adopted, by a 54 to 4 vote, a resolution clearly and emphatically demanding …

Peoples Dispatch (2020-09-23). Proposal to reduce MPs in Italy approved in referendum with support of establishment parties. peoplesdispatch.org The proposal to reduce the number of members of both of houses of parliament was opposed by the left parties which said it would decrease democratic representation…

_____ (2020-09-23). How Police Reform Was Derailed In California. popularresistance.org Sacramento, CA – By the time the sun set at the Capitol on Monday evening, hours from a legal deadline to pass bills for the year, state Sen. Steven Bradford knew his proposal to strip badges from troubled officers was in trouble. | For weeks prior, police reform bills were points of contention — even among Democratic legislators publicly sympathetic to the cause but privately circumspect, often under the pressure of intense lobbying by law enforcement interests. | But then, in the last hours, chaos broke out at the Capitol…

_____ (2020-09-23). VIDEO: The Creeping Socialism Republicans Cannot Understand. strategic-culture.org Republicans have double standards when it comes to "Socialism" they are apt to point out the poverty of nations like Venezuela and Cuba but neglect to mention that it was the West who put them under further sanctions. Watch the video and read more in the

sputniknews (2020-09-23). Ted Cruz Blocks Senate Tribute to RBG Over 'Dying Wish Not to Replace Her Until New POTUS Installed'. sputniknews.com Senate Democratic minority leader Chuck Schumer accused Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz of "legal sophistry" for proposing an amendment to remove late justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's valedictory wish to only be replaced by "a new president".

Thom Hartmann (2020-09-23). Trump Keeps Telling Us How He and Republicans Plan to Steal This Election. commondreams.org Trump supporters wearing "make America great again" hats stand together in back of Vice President Mike Pence as he interviews with Fox news following a rally for President Donald Trump's re-election campaign in Gilford, NH on Sept. 22, 2020. (Photo: Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/screen_shot_2020-09-23_at_2.55.37_pm.png

pip.hinman (2020-09-23). Councillor Rob Pyne: 'Democratic socialism is getting a wider hearing'. greenleft.org.au

Tom Engelhardt (2020-09-23). A Vote for Trump Is a Vote for Climate Apocalypse. thenation.com A Vote for Trump Is a Vote for Climate Apocalypse…

Sasha Abramsky (2020-09-23). Fascism Is the Core of Trump's Message. thenation.com Fascism Is the Core of Trump's Message…

WSWS (2020-09-22). Assange dragged from embassy "on the orders of the president" wsws.org Cassandra Fairbanks testified that Arthur Schwartz, a wealthy Republican Party donor and key Trump ally, had provided her with evidence of plans by the Trump administration to impose the death penalty.

Noam Chomsky (2020-09-22). The train wreck of the 2020 US election. zcomm.org Interview on the 2020 US election, the state of humanity, the breakdown of democracy, the rise of conspiracy theories, the prosecution of Julian Assange, the role of satire — and what helps to keep him going amidst all this…

Staff (2020-09-22). Headlines for September 22, 2020. democracynow.org GOP, Trump Charge Forward with Effort to Replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Supreme Court, DOJ Designates New York City, Seattle, Portland as "Anarchist" Cities, CDC Again Retracts Information About Coronavirus on Website; HHS Head Azar Exerts Control Over FDA, 150+ Countries, Not Including the U.S., Join U.N.'s Effort to Fairly Distribute COVID-19 Vaccine, House Report Finds Immigrant Prisoners Denied Access to Essential Care, Forced into Labor, Mexican National Dies in Georgia Immigration Prison, One Week into Peace Talks, Scores Killed in Bloody Day of Fighting Across Afghanistan, 6 People Killed in Colombian Mass…

Staff (2020-09-22). Whistleblower Nurse in ICE Jail Alleges Forced Sterilization & Neglect Amid 8th COVID Death. democracynow.org As ICE confirms the 20th person to die in its detention in fiscal year 2020, making it one of the deadliest periods in the agency's history, we talk to the whistleblower at the center of an explosive complaint that accuses an ICE jail in Georgia of failing to adhere to coronavirus safety protocols and performing a large number of unwanted hysterectomies on detainees. The doctor who carried out the procedures became known to women inside the facility as "the uterus collector." Whistleblower Dawn Wooten, a nurse at the Irwin County Detention Center, says the neglect and abuse at the facility was "jaw-dropping." We…

Mark Weisbrot (2020-09-22). What the OAS Did to Bolivia. counterpunch.org Bolivia has descended into a nightmare of political repression and racist state violence since the democratically elected government of Evo Morales was overthrown by the military on November 10. That month was "the second-deadliest month, in terms of civilian deaths committed by state forces, since Bolivia became a democracy nearly 40 years ago," according to

Ryan Hamby (2020-09-22). Jailed Denver anti-racist leaders subjected to dangerous and degrading conditions in custody. liberationnews.org This is an outrage! They are still in jail. Almost six days after their arrest, three of the jailed organizers have not been brought before a judge yet. The following is a report from Ryan Hamby, a Party for Socialism and Liberation member and the long-time partner of Lillian House, one of the four PSL …

RT (2020-09-22). Somebody should do something? Senator Dianne Feinstein roasted for tweeting hot air on SCOTUS crisis. rt.com Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein's tweet lamenting the "double standard" of the ongoing Supreme Court conundrum has gone viral, but not in a flattering way — many said it's supposed to be the politician's job to deal with it. | Feinstein tweeted on Tuesday that it would be "dangerous" if Republicans got to appoint a justice to the court during an election year, despite having refused to do so in 2016 under Barack Obama. The longtime California Senator added that such a precedent "can't be allowed to stand." | When Merrick Garland was nominated in 2016 to fill Justice Scalia's seat, we were 237 days aw…

RT (2020-09-22). Bloomberg raises $16mn to restore voting rights to black & Hispanic felons in Florida on presumption they'll vote for Biden. rt.com Billionaire ex-presidential candidate Mike Bloomberg has raised over $16 million to pay the fees keeping some felons out of Florida's voting booths, touting the apparent votes-for-cash trade as a cost-effective route to victory. | The money will go to pay off court fees, restitution costs, and other fines for 32,000 black and Hispanic Florida voters with felony convictions, clearing the way for their return to participatory democracy — and, the former NYC mayor hopes, guaranteeing a win for Democratic candidate Joe Biden in a critical swing state. | While convicted felons who've served their sentences hav…

Staff (2020-09-22). Use every tool, says AOC to Democrats. therealnews.com The stakes for the upcoming Supreme Court battle couldn't be higher as Roe v. Wade, workers, healthcare access, unions, LGBTQ communities and climate change legislation hang in the balance.

WSWS (2020-09-22). Trump to nominate new Supreme Court justice as early as Friday. wsws.org Ignoring Democratic nominee Joe Biden's pleas to wait until after the election, Trump has pledged to nominate a women by Saturday.

Miles Mogulescu (2020-09-22). Warning: GOP Can Appoint a Supreme Court Justice in Time to Confirm Trump's Second Term. commondreams.org Democrats and progressives must use every tool at their disposal to prevent the confirmation of Justice Ginsburg's successor before the next President is inaugurated. (Photo: Gary Hershorn/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/shadowflag.jpg

Matt Sedlar (2020-09-22). What a Defiant Democratic Party Looks Like. cepr.net The New Republic See article on original site On Friday night, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death shocked an already reeling country. What came next, however, was sadly unsurprising. Mere hours after Ginsburg's passing, McConnell had already affirmed that he would hold a vote for Trump's nominee to fill the vacancy, contravening the ersatz …

Staff (2020-09-22). Climate Anxiety Is Rising in the US — But Not Among Republicans. truthout.org Polling shows that people in the United States are taking climate change more seriously today than they were five years ago, but views on climate change remain sharply divided along partisan lines as the November elections loom. Concern about climate change remains higher in dozens of other countries, particularly in nations such as Mexico, Turkey and Vietnam, where people are more likely to feel personally affected by climate change than those living in the U.S. — despite record temperatures, widespr…

Staff (2020-09-22). Topics for the First Debate Announced — Here's How Trump, Biden Poll on Them. truthout.org The first debate between President Donald Trump and Democratic Party nominee Joe Biden will take place on Tuesday, September 29 — exactly five weeks from Election Day on November 3 — at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. | Topics,

Fight Back (2020-09-22). Philippines: "No tyrant can withstand a million people marching as one" fightbacknews.org Fight Back News Service is circulating the following Sept. 21 statement from the Communist Party of the Philippines. | Today is the 48th anniversary of the declaration of martial law and the start of the 14-year fascist dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. As in the past years, the Filipino people mark this day with an ardent vow "Never again!" to do their utmost to prevent a return to the dark days of brutal military rule. The vow echoes significantly strong as the Filipino people confront a new and especially cruel tyranny under Rodrigo Duterte. | The Party is in solidarity with the various democratic sectors and…

Robert Reich (2020-09-22). For RBG It Was All Principle, for Mitch McConnell It's All Power. commondreams.org Over time, the unbridled pursuit of power wears down democratic institutions, erodes public trust, and breeds the sort of cynicism that invites despotism. (Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/trumpmitch_0_0_0.jpeg

Paul Craig Roberts (2020-09-22). Trump's Likely November Reelection Is Already Discredited as a Coup Against Democracy. thealtworld.com On September 8, I provided a link to the Democrats' Transition Integrity Project (TIP) launched "out of concern that the Trump Administration may seek to manipulate, ignore, undermine or disrupt the 2020 presidential election and transition process." | On September 10 and 12, I followed up with articles pointing out that the presstitutes, both domestic and foreign, were preparing people to expect an American color revolution. The supposition is t…