(2021-05-14). DSA Stands with Palestinians: from Sheikh Jarrah to Gaza and Beyond. dsausa.org The Democratic Socialists of America unequivocally condemns the ongoing ethnic cleansing of Palestinians everywhere, including the dispossession (aka illegal "evictions") of Palestinians in Sheikh Jarrah, the ongoing racist violence by Israeli police and Jewish settlers, and Israel's latest bombardment, invasion, and murder of Palestinians in Gaza. We stand in solidarity with the Palestinian struggle against…
(2021-05-13). 1000 Minnesotans take the streets to protest attacks on Palestine. fightbacknews.org Minneapolis, MN – On May 11, around 1000 people turned out to protest at U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar's office in Minneapolis in response to Israeli attacks on Palestinian protesters in Jerusalem and air raids on Gaza. The protest was organized as an emergency response action by the Minnesota chapter of American Muslims for Palestine (AMP-MN). | Recent weeks saw the Israeli regime move forward with attempts to evict and ethnically cleanse more than 70 Palestinians from the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem, giving the homes to illegal Israeli settlers. With daily Palestinian protests growing in size, Isr…
(2021-05-13). From Palestine To Colombia: The End Of The White World Colonial/Capitalist Project? popularresistance.org The world is shocked by the image of an eleven-story residential building in Gaza collapsing from a bomb dropped by the Israeli Defense Force, one of the most advanced armies in the world thanks to U.S. support. But in the U.S., Andrew Yang, former presidential candidate and now candidate for mayor of New York, proudly proclaims that he stands with the heroic people of Israel who are under attack from the vicious, occupied Palestinians who have no army, no rights, and no state. | But as politically and morally contradictory as Yang's sentiments might appear to be for many, the alternative world of Western liberal…
(2021-05-13). "The Scene Is Horrific": Gazans Trapped as Israel Escalates Bombing, Killing Dozens in the Territory. democracynow.org 
The death toll in Gaza has reached at least 83, including 17 children, and hundreds of people have been injured, as Israel's aerial bombardment of the besieged territory continues. Israel is now sending troops to the Gaza border for a possible ground invasion as many Palestinians are celebrating Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The Biden administration on Wednesday gave Israel a green light to continue its assault, and Israel has reportedly rejected calls for an immediate ceasefire, despite growing international condemnation. Issam Adwan, Gaza project manager for We Are Not Numbers, a yo…
(2021-05-13). Nathan Thrall on the Historic Palestinian Uprising Against Israeli Control from the River to the Sea. democracynow.org 
We look at the crisis unfolding in Israel-Palestine with Nathan Thrall, former director of the Arab-Israeli Project at the International Crisis Group and writer now based in Jerusalem, who says despite a buildup of Israeli troops on the Gaza border, Israel wants to avoid a ground invasion of the besieged territory and return to the status quo that existed before the latest round of violence. "Israel's preference and its policy is to have Hamas remain in control of its little island of Gaza after this is finished," Thrall says.
(2021-05-13). "Lynch Mobs": Palestinians Face Brutal Attacks Inside Israel as Assault on Gaza Escalates. democracynow.org 
Televised images of Israeli mobs attacking Palestinians have been widely denounced by Israeli media and public figures, but Palestinian writer Budour Hassan says the selective outrage ignores decades of occupation that have led to this point. "There is some mention of these lynch mobs that are attacking Palestinians in mixed cities. What is not mentioned is who emboldened these lynch mobs. We're talking about state-sponsored, decades-long discrimination, isolation and erasure that emboldened these groups," says Hassan, legal researcher for the Jerusalem Center for Legal Aid and Human Rights, who joins us from Naz…
(2021-05-13). Palestinians using prayer mats as stretchers. zcomm.org For too long, Americans—and many heads of state across the Arab world—have looked away from the racist and violent environment that Palestinians have to endure every day…
(2021-05-13). AOC Says Biden's Refusal to Condemn Israeli Attacks on Palestinians 'Takes a Side—the Side of Occupation'. commondreams.org Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized Biden for failing to acknowledge "what precipitated this cycle of violence—namely, the expulsions of Palestinians and attacks on Al-Aqsa." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/aoc_gaza_israel.jpg …
(2021-05-13). Headlines for May 13, 2021. democracynow.org Gaza Death Toll Soars Amid Israeli Airstrikes as Israeli Troops Mass for Ground Invasion, U.S. Blocks U.N. Resolution on Israel-Palestine as Biden Asserts Israel's "Right to Defend Itself", Chanting "Death to Arabs," Israeli Mobs Attack Arab-Owned Businesses and Assault Driver, India Reports Another 4,100 COVID-19 Deaths as Cases Begin to Decline in Delhi , Nurses Honor 400 Colleagues Who Lost Their Lives to COVID-19, Call for More Protections, U.S. COVID Numbers Fall as Doctors Debate Vaccinating Kids Ahead of Vulnerable People Abroad, U.N. Calls for Doubling Global Vaccine Production as Some Countries Have Yet…
(2021-05-13). Trump's Obsessive Attacks Won't Silence Ilhan Omar's Defense of Palestinian Human Rights. thenation.com Trump's Obsessive Attacks Won't Silence Ilhan Omar's Defense of Palestinian Human Rights…
(2021-05-14). Republicans Want Biden to End Iran Talks Over Gaza Violence. news.antiwar.com Republican Iran hawks are jumping on the ongoing violence in Gaza and using it to argue for President Biden to end the ongoing negotiations with Iran in Vienna to revive the nuclear deal. | On Thursday, "We call on you to immediately end negotiations with Iran, and make clear that sanctions relief will not be provided," <...
(2021-05-13). Statement from General Secretary of Palestinian Democratic Youth Union. workers.org 
On May 12 the General Secretary of the Palestinian Democratic Youth Union issued the following statement. The General Secretary of the Palestinian Democratic Youth Union condemns the most severe criminal attacks launched by the Israeli army, using the most powerful air force in the world, against the besieged Gaza Strip, . . . |
(2021-05-13). Biden Administration Reportedly Blocking UN Cease-Fire Statement as Israel Bombards Gaza. zcomm.org "The violence in Israel and Gaza must end," said U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman. "Congress and President Biden must act immediately. No one wins with war."
(2021-05-13). New Intermarium: Biden, NATO pledge support to NATO's Nine-Nation eastern flank. mronline.org 
The members of the Bucharest Nine (9) NATO eastern flank Allies (White House terminology) held a virtual summit today from the Romanian capital that lends it name to the group. | May 13, 2021 | Newswire…
(2021-05-13). Poet Mohammed El-Kurd Detained in Sheikh Jarrah After Condemning Israeli Apartheid on U.S. TV. democracynow.org 
On Monday, we spoke to writer and poet Mohammed El-Kurd, whose family is facing forceful eviction from the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of Jerusalem. He also spoke on CNN and MSNBC. After these interviews, Israeli forces arrested him and forcibly removed him from Sheikh Jarrah. It was captured in a dramatic video shared widely on social media. "They just threw me in the street and told me that I couldn't come back into the neighborhood," El-Kurd says. "They've done this many times to us, many of my family members, many of my neighbors. They do this routinely." El-Kurd has been one of the most prominent Palestinian…
(2021-05-13). GOP Wants Tax on Middle Class Instead of Rich for Infrastructure, Sanders Says. truthout.org 
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) said on Wednesday that Republicans are "insistent" upon taxing the working class in order to pay for the upcoming infrastructure bill in lieu of raising taxes on the wealthy and large corporations. | In an interview on CNN, Sanders said that Republicans' infrastructure pay-fors would disproportionately affect the working class, which has been hit hard by recent economic crises. | "For too, too long, the average American has seen government work for the 1 perce…
(2021-05-13). McConnell Reportedly Assures GOP That He Thinks Sinema Will Kill Biden Tax Hike. truthout.org 
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has privately assured his Republican colleagues that centrist Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., is likely to block President Joe Biden's proposed tax hikes on the wealthy and corporations, according to Biden has introduced a $2.3 trillion infrastructure plan that would be paid for with tax increases on corporations and a $1.8 trillion "American…
(2021-05-13). Trump Extradition Orders Could Be Blocked or Delayed by DeSantis. truthout.org 
Officials in Palm Beach, Florida, are reportedly preparing for the possibility that an out-of-state extradition request for former President Donald Trump may be issued in the next year. But there's one huge caveat: They're unsure how Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, a staunch supporter of the former president, may impede such a request. |
(2021-05-13). Republicans Would Back a Stinkbug If It Made the Base Wave Their Flags. truthout.org 
Sixteen minutes. That's They seek to seize tomorrow, which, for them, means completely rewriting yesterday — pretending that Donald Trump handily won the 2020 election, but…
(2021-05-13). Criticando a China, EE.UU. comete crímenes contra la humanidad. workers.org 
El 7 de abril se anunció que el gobierno de Biden está siendo presionado por los republicanos de derecha para que boicotee total o parcialmente los Juegos Olímpicos de Invierno de 2022 en Pekín, China, que tendrán lugar durante dos semanas en febrero. Como parte de la continua diatriba antichina . . . |
(2021-05-13). Russian Military Police Blocked US Convoy In Northeastern Syria (Photos). southfront.org 
Click to see full-size image. | On May 13, a unit of the Russian Military Police intercepted a US military convoy in Syria's northeastern region, which is controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). | According to
(2021-05-13). Inflation Myths & the US Economic Rebound 2021. zcomm.org Republicans, conservatives, and business interests are using the fact of recent rising prices to attack legislative proposals to increase government spending…
(2021-05-13). The US Empire's Attempts to Retain Control Bring the Next Wave of Socialist Revolutions Closer. orinocotribune.com In the last year, the imperialists have had both one great defeat and one great victory. Last fall in Bolivia, the indigenous movement overpowered the CIA-installed coup regime and forced through an election which brought the country's socialist party back to power, losing the international bourgeoisie control over Bolivia's Lithium and destroying the strategic military advantage Washington was trying to build up around Venezuela. But then last month in Ecuador, the imperialists
(2021-05-13). Mayo Clinic again receives top honors for high-quality patient care. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org ROCHESTER, Minn. — Eleven? hospitals across?Mayo Clinic?received star ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for Overall Hospital Quality. Six of the 11 hospitals earned five stars — the best score possible. The national average is 3 of 5 stars. The star rating provides patients with information about multiple dimensions of quality …
(2021-05-13). Progressive Groups Demand Biden Appoint Chair Who Will End Fed's Funding of 'Climate Destruction'. commondreams.org "If the Fed did not begin moving aggressively on Day One of the Biden administration (if not long before that), then the Fed is contributing to the climate crisis." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/groups-new-fed-chair-not-funding-climate-destruction.jpg …
(2021-05-13). UAW moves to end NYU strike with deal that ignores most of grad students' demands. wsws.org The prominent role of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) in propping up the United Auto Workers shows the political mechanisms the Democratic Party is employing to tie workers and young people to the unions and capitalist politics.
(2021-05-13). Postal Banking Pilots are an Alternative to Predatory Firms. counterpunch.org At a recent press conference, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez described a common scene at the check-cashing places that dot her Bronx neighborhood. "Imagine showing up and having 10 to 20 percent of your check taken away from you," she said. "That's diapers, that's baby formula, and that's food that's taken out of the hands of families
(2021-05-13). Biden Administration to Review Sanctions Policy Against Venezuela. orinocotribune.com The administration of US President Joe Biden is reviewing its policy of illegal unilateral measures, also called "sanctions," against Venezuela, reported Bloomberg. | "The relationship between the United States and Venezuela is under quiet review, " wrote the US outlet. Bloomberg also claimed that US figures with access to the Biden administration are talking to the "inner circle" of the government of President Nicolás Maduro. Among them are House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Gregory Meeks, former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, and World Food Program Director David Beasley. The latter is the executive…
(2021-05-13). The Real Reason Why Former Deputy Guaidó now Wants Dialogue. orinocotribune.com "The bobolongo (former deputy Guaidó) comes out to say that he wants dialogue because he was left out of everything, isolated and defeated" Venezuelan head of state, Nicolás Maduro, stated emphatically on Tuesday. "Nobody will ask him anything, and the country's course is already set for a great mega-election this year of 2021." | With these words, President Maduro was reacting to a message circulated on social media networks in which the far-right former deputy changed his tack and, demanding invariably the departure of the legitimate government, now spoke of "reaching agreements." | For this reason, Maduro was…
(2021-05-13). How Rural Electric Cooperatives Can Support A Green New Deal. popularresistance.org Today, as President Joe Biden's $2 trillion infrastructure bill is debated in Congress, it's worth recalling that this isn't the first time the US has faced an infrastructure deficit. "By the 1930s nearly 90 percent of US urban dwellers had electricity, but 90 percent of rural homes were without power. Investor-owned utilities often denied service to rural areas, citing high development costs and low profit margins," recalls one account. | The policy response: rural electric cooperatives (RECs). In 1935, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed Executive Order No. 7037, establishing the Rural Electrification Ad…
(2021-05-13). No, Biden's Not Banning Burgers – But Meat is a Real Climate Problem. indybay.org This article goes into detail about the misconceptions created by right winged politicians in regards to Biden's expectation to meet the Green New Deal.
(2021-05-13). Sanders Urges Labor Secretary to Protect Jobless Benefits as GOP Governors Race to Cut Them Off. commondreams.org Sen. Bernie Sanders warned that many workers "will be forced into poverty" if the Biden Labor Department allows GOP governors to end emergency unemployment benefits. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/bernie_sanders_labor_secretary.jpg …
(2021-05-13). French Association Asks Biden To Stop US Blockade Against Cuba. telesurenglish.net France's Cuba Cooperation Association (CubaCoop) on Thursday urged U.S. President Joe Biden to put an end to the 60-year-old blockade imposed by his country on the Caribbean island. | RELATED: | "If Biden wants to help the Cuban population, he would put an end to the over 240 unilateral sanctions imposed by his predecessor Donald Trump, who also reinforced the blockade against this neighboring country," CubaCoop stated.
(2021-05-13). Colombia enters third week of protests as Bogotá and Washington prepare to escalate repression. wsws.org The crackdown is being carried out not only with the support of the Biden administration in Washington, but in close coordination with the Pentagon.
(2021-05-13). A leaking oil refinery on St. Croix gives Biden his first environmental justice test. nationofchange.org Nearly 100,000 people have signed a petition calling for the closure of a controversial oil and gas facility that has sickened residents of the U.S. Virgin Island.
(2021-05-13). Why the Pentagon's Budget Never Goes Down. counterpunch.org The first 100 days of President Joe Biden's administration have come and gone. While somewhat exaggerated, that milestone is normally considered the honeymoon period for any new president. Buoyed by a recent election triumph and inauguration, he's expected to be at the peak of his power when it comes to advancing the biggest, boldest items
(2021-05-13). Liz Cheney Says Not Increasing Military Spending by 3-5% Is a 'Red Line'. news.antiwar.com President Biden requested a $753 billion military budget for the 2022 fiscal year, which would be the highest of all time. But this number is not enough for Republican hawks in Congress. "In my view, that is a red line, and if the administration is not going to be proposing a budget that meets that re…
(2021-05-13). Across Political Spectrum, US Public Support for Biden Clean Energy Plan Is 'Through the Roof'. commondreams.org A new poll from Data for Progress and the League of Conservation Voters found that a majority of U.S. voters support the American Jobs Plan and its individual climate, jobs, and justice components. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/solar_3.jpg …
(2021-05-13). National Groups Demand Biden Appoint a Strong Climate Leader as Federal Reserve Chair. commondreams.org ______________________________…
(2021-05-13). 115 Top U.S. Wolf Experts, Scientists Urge Biden Administration to Restore Federal Protections for Gray Wolves. commondreams.org ______________________________…
(2021-05-13). EPA Data Kept Secret Under Trump Shows Climate Crisis Becoming 'More Evident, Stronger, and Extreme'. commondreams.org "Combating climate change—it's not optional. It's essential," said EPA Administrator Michael Regan. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/biden_epa_trump.jpg …
(2021-05-13). Pentagon Not Clear on Regional Troop Presence Plans After Afghanistan Pullout. news.antiwar.com Since President Biden announced his plans to pull combat troops out of Afghanistan, US military officials have said they plan to keep assets in the region so the US could maintain the ability to bomb targets in the country. But it's not clear where US forces could be deployed. | David Helvey, acting assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific Affairs, "T…
(2021-05-13). Political Rashomon: The Latest NYC Sex Scandal. counterpunch.org New York is in the midst of a major round of local elections. Come November, after eight long years, the current mayor, Bill de Blasio, will be replaced as well as the City Controller, Public Advocate, Borough Presidents and City Council members. More than a half-dozen candidates — Democrats, Republicans and others — are running
(2021-05-13). Amnesty International restores Alexei Navalny's "prisoner of conscience" status. wsws.org Amnesty's reversal has nothing to do with any change in Navalny's outlook, but is entirely a product of American and European efforts to present the right-wing politician and bigot as some sort of crusader for democracy.
(2021-05-13). 22 Organizations, Including Main Street Alliance, Rural Democracy Initiative, Family Farm Action and RuralOrganizing.org, Today Released a Report Calling on Leaders to Take Policy Actions That Will Benefit Rural America. commondreams.org ______________________________…
(2021-05-13). Sanders Urges Labor Secretary Walsh to Protect Workers as Republican Governors Threaten to Withhold Aid. commondreams.org ______________________________…
(2021-05-13). Chile prepares for historic Constitutional Convention elections. peoplesdispatch.org This weekend, around 15 million Chileans will go to the polls to elect the 155 members of the Constitutional Convention, a body that will be responsible for rewriting the country's dictatorship-era constitution inherited from the era of Pinochet…
(2021-05-13). 3rd day of presidential candidates registration. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 13 (MNA) — Registration of candidates for the upcoming presidential election is continuing for the third day in Tehran on Thursday.
(2021-05-13). Zionism, Israel & The Witch Hunt In UK Labour Party & Universities With Tony Greenstein. indybay.org Tony Greenstein a former member of the UK Labour Party was interviewed about the role of Zionists and Israel in the Labour Party and also in the witch hunt against professors in the United Kingdom. He also talks about the history of the Zionists working with rightwingers including Trump and the Nazis in the 1930's…
(2021-05-12). How Biden Enabled Israel's Ethnic Cleansing of Palestinians. scheerpost.com By Juan Cole / Informed Comment…
(2021-05-12). US Refuses to Condemn Israeli Airstrikes That Killed Palestinian Children. news.antiwar.com Unsurprisingly, Biden administration officials have failed to condemn Israeli airstrikes in Gaza that killed Palestinian children.
(2021-05-12). As Biden Blasted for 'Green Light' to Israel's Gaza Slaughter, House Dems Praised for Urging US Peace Push. commondreams.org "If your response to Israel murdering kids with U.S. weapons is only to express 'hope is that this will be closing down sooner rather than later,' you're telling Israel to keep murdering kids," said one critic of Biden's remarks. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/bibi_biden.jpg …
(2021-05-12). Biden Administration Reportedly Blocking UN Cease-Fire Statement as Israel Bombards Gaza. commondreams.org "The violence in Israel and Gaza must end," said U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman. "Congress and President Biden must act immediately. No one wins with war." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/biden_israel_ceasefire_gaza.jpg …
(2021-05-12). Venezuela's popular Democracy under siege: A conversation with Elías Jaua. mronline.org 
Chavez's former Vice President and long-time minister talks about the internal dynamics of the Bolivarian process. | May 12, 2021 | Exchange…
(2021-05-12). Biden budget would give $1.3 billion more to the Israeli military than to the global climate response. therealnews.com 
According to Left Flank Veterans, a group of anti-war veterans, Biden's spending priorities indicate that the president thinks "preserving apartheid is more important than fighting climate change."
(2021-05-12). Biden Administration Blocking UN Cease-Fire Statement As Israel Bombs Gaza. popularresistance.org The Biden administration is reportedly blocking the release of a United Nations Security Council statement calling for an immediate cease-fire as Israel continues its devastating assault on the occupied Gaza Strip, killing dozens of Palestinians and injuring hundreds more. | According to Reuters, which cited anonymous diplomats and sources familiar with the Biden administration's strategy, the United States is "delaying" the U.N. Security Council's "efforts to issue a public statement on escalating tensions between Israel and the Palestinians because it could be harmful to behind-the-scenes efforts to end the vio…
(2021-05-12). Headlines for May 12, 2021. democracynow.org At Least 50 Palestinians Killed as Israeli Attacks Continue; Protests Call Out Israeli Crimes, Red Cross Warns COVID Cases "Exploding" in Asia as India Continues to Break New Records, Algeria Moves to Ban Unauthorized Protests as Pro-Democracy Movement Gains Steam, French Court Tosses Lawsuit from Agent Orange Victim Against Chemical Companies, Family of Andrew Brown Jr. Views More Footage of Police Killing, Confirms Shooting Was Unjustified, Ahmaud Arbery's Killers Plead Not Guilty to Federal Hate Crimes, Arizona Passes Law to Cut Voters from Early Mail-in Voting List, Liz Cheney Delivers Scathing Rebuke as GOP…
(2021-05-12). Biden Admin Reportedly Blocking UN Ceasefire Statement as Israel Bombards Gaza. truthout.org 
The Biden administration is reportedly blocking the release of a United Nations Security Council statement calling for an immediate cease-fire as Israel continues its devastating assault on the occupied Gaza Strip, killing dozens of Palestinians and injuring hundreds more. |
(2021-05-12). Why the Pentagon Budget Never Goes Down: Joe Biden's First 100 Days Were a Pentagon Prize. juancole.com 
By Mandy Smithberger | — ( Tomdispatch.com) — The first 100 days of President Joe Biden's administration have come and gone. While somewhat exaggerated, that milestone is normally considered the honeymoon period for any new president. Buoyed by a recent election triumph and inauguration, he's expected to be at the peak of his power when …
(2021-05-12). President Biden Should Reappoint Powell as Fed Chair, Now. cepr.net 
Jerome Powell's term as chair of the Federal Reserve Board does not end until next January, but the debate on his reappointment has already begun. It would be good for the economy if Powell were reappointed, and if Biden announced this decision as soon as possible. In making the case for Powell it is important …
(2021-05-12). Bosses and Republicans use fake 'labor shortage' to cut unemployment benefits. peoplesworld.org 
The sudden shift from "we love our essential workers" to "they're living off the government dole" seemingly happened overnight. Across the country, local media coverage has been filled with stories of business owners lamenting that they are unable to fill positions as economies reopen. "We are short-staffed. Please be patient with the staff who did …
(2021-05-12). Republicans Woke Up and Chose Violence, Jazzy Jeff'd Liz Cheney From Her Leadership Position. theroot.com 
Let's play a game for a second. |
(2021-05-12). Uprising Across the Global South. orinocotribune.com 
By Nicholas Ayala — May 11, 2021 | For the past week massive uprisings in Colombia have captured international attention. The scale of the unrest has been so large and vocal that long-time allies to the Duque regime have been forced to speak up. The US released a statement saying "citizens in democratic countries have the unquestionable right to protest peacefully" but that "Violence and vandalism is an abuse of that right." After claiming that the protesters were guilty of some of the violence they then stated "we continue to support the Colombian government's efforts to address the current situation" and t…
(2021-05-12). Trump faction purges Cheney; 'Big Lie' politics ricochet on GOP establishment. peoplesworld.org 
House Republicans made the purge of Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney official Wednesday morning, ousting her from their No. 3 leadership position over her refusal to go along with former President Donald Trump's lie that Democrats stole the 2020 election from him. Behind closed doors, GOP House leader Kevin McCarthy oversaw a voice vote to decide …
(2021-05-12). Kentucky People's Campaign organizing to oust Republican Rand Paul in 2022. peoplesworld.org 
The midterm elections are more than 17 months away, but the Kentucky People's Campaign is already targeting the Bluegrass State's junior senator, Republican Rand Paul. Paul "is a deeply entrenched member, and sometimes ringleader, of the Republican Radical Right," says a recent People's Campaign fundraising email. Hence, the progressive group has started a "Stand Against …
(2021-05-12). Philly DA Larry Krasner Fights for Reelection Amid Police Union Attacks on His Reform Agenda. democracynow.org 
As Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner attempts to overhaul the city's criminal justice system, he faces a Democratic primary election next week against Carlos Vega, a former homicide prosecutor who is one of three dozen veteran prosecutors fired by Krasner when he took office in 2018. We speak with Linn Washington, a journalist who has covered Philadelphia's criminal justice system for decades, who says powerful forces, including the Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police, have unfairly "tarred" Krasner for his reforms. "The FOP represents the very worst of the regressive approach to the criminal justic…
(2021-05-12). "Mass Supervision": How Restrictive Probation & Parole Systems Land People Behind Bars for Decades. democracynow.org 
In Pennsylvania, more than half of incarcerated people are jailed due to probation violations. We speak with formerly incarcerated activist LaTonya Myers, who says probation and parole, rather than being a stepping stone to freedom, act as a "streamline to mass incarceration," with punitive rules landing people back behind bars for minor violations. Myers helps people arrested navigate the bail review system as support coordinator with the Philadelphia Community Bail Fund and is featured in the new PBS documentary series "Philly D.A." about Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner's attempts to reform the cri…
(2021-05-12). Can the Criminal Justice System Be Reformed? PBS Series "Philly D.A." Follows Larry Krasner's Efforts. democracynow.org 
Four years ago, the longtime civil rights attorney Larry Krasner shocked the political establishment in Philadelphia by being elected district attorney. Now he faces a tough reelection next week. We delve into his record as captured in a new eight-part series by PBS "Independent Lens" that follows how Krasner, who had sued the Philadelphia Police Department 75 times during his career, ran on a platform of ending mass incarceration and has fought to overhaul the DA's Office. "Is change possible in an institution like this?" asks series co-creator Ted Passon. "Why or why not?" We also speak with co-creator Nicole S…
(2021-05-12). Warmonger Rahm Emanuel Is an Abysmal Choice for US Ambassador. truthout.org 
Remember the song about the cat? Well, the cat came back the very next day / Oh, the cat came back, they thought he was a goner but the cat came back / He just couldn't stay away… Well, it won't be official for a few weeks, but the word landed yesterday: Rahm Emanuel, among the most despised individuals within and without Democratic Party politics, will be named U.S. ambassador to Japan. The cat came back, and has apparently landed a key assignment in the foreign service. | It's hard to know where to begi…
(2021-05-12). Senate Votes to Repeal Trump Rule Helping Predatory Lenders Trap People in Debt. truthout.org 
The U.S. Senate on Tuesday voted largely along party lines to repeal a Trump-era rule that has made it easier for predatory payday lenders to dodge state-level interest rate limits and trap vulnerable, low-income people in debt. | By a vote of
(2021-05-12). Worse Than the Dreyfuss Affair: the Persecution of Julian Assange. counterpunch.org 
It may appear unnecessary to repeat the truism that democracy depends on transparency and accountability, and yet, how often has the democratic order been betrayed by our leaders in the recent past? How often have the media abandoned their watchdog function, how often have they simply accepted the role of an echo-chamber for the powerful,
(2021-05-12). "Super Thursday" Elections in the UK. counterpunch.org 
Labour's most prominent defeat was in the election for a new MP for Hartlepool. Labour held this seat since it was created in 1974 (including 2017 and 2019, when Jeremy Corbyn was party leader), but the Tories won Hartlepool after a 16-point swing— notwithstanding 11 years of Tory austerity, and a Tory leader who is a proven liar with a long-standing reputation for sleaze and corruption.
(2021-05-12). "Super Thursday" Elections in the UK. counterpunch.org 
Labour's most prominent defeat was in the election for a new MP for Hartlepool. Labour held this seat since it was created in 1974 (including 2017 and 2019, when Jeremy Corbyn was party leader), but the Tories won Hartlepool after a 16-point swing— notwithstanding 11 years of Tory austerity, and a Tory leader who is a proven liar with a long-standing reputation for sleaze and corruption.
(2021-05-12). Labour MP Nadia Whittome nails the reason Boris Johnson wants to introduce voter ID. thecanary.co 
The government has been slammed over its plans to introduce laws that will require voters to take an extra step at election time to make their voices heard. | This is part of the government's The plans, which will require voters to have a form of ID, have been criticised for making it more difficult for people to use their right to vote. Labour MP Nadia Whittome nailed why the Tories want to introduce the measures…
(2021-05-12). Economics of the new cold war and US 'super imperialism' with economist Michael Hudson. thegrayzone.com The Grayzone's Max Blumenthal and Ben Norton interview world-renowned economist Michael Hudson on his concept of American "super imperialism" and the economics of the new cold war on China and Russia. In this wide-ranging discussion on the Moderate Rebels podcast, Hudson addresses US sanctions on Venezuela and Iran, the policies of the Joe Biden administration, Beijing's economic model, cryptocurrencies, and dedollarization — the potential end to the dollar as the global reserve currency. Transcript Ben Norton 0: 03 Hello everyone, I'm …
(2021-05-12). Chile Implements Measures To Encourage People to Vote. telesurenglish.net Chile's Electoral Service (SERVEL) announced some organizational measures to carry out the elections on May 15 and 16. This political process was to be held in April, but the resurgence of COVID-19 infections led to its postponement. | RELATED: | Electors can cast their vote in 2,502 polling stations that will operate from 08: 00 a.m. to 06: 00 p.m. They will receive four ballots corresponding to the candidates for govern…
(2021-05-12). Can President Biden's planned Waiving of Covid Vaccination Patents: begin a grassroots movement against Big Pharma? juancole.com Southwest Harbor, Maine (Special to Informed Comment) — When the Biden Administration announced it would no longer oppose suspension of Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) standards regarding production of COVID vaccines and therapies, there was joy in the world health lobby and anguish in the big pharma camp. Understandable as these reactions …
(2021-05-12). Duque's Lightning Visit to Cali & the Stark Contrast with How He Addressed Venezuelans. orinocotribune.com The president of Colombia, Iván Duque, made a lightning visit early morning on Monday, May 10, to the city of Cali, the epicenter of the protests that have been going on in Colombia since April 28. The president stayed in Cali for hardly four hours to meet with the security council established there in the aftermath of the paramilitary attacks perpetrated against an indigenous minga [community reunion]. | On May 9, Duque was emphatic that he had no intention of visiting the capital of Valle del Cauca department; however, eventually he yielded to the pressure from the members of his Democratic Center party. At 3: 4…
(2021-05-12). Appleton, WI: Fox Valley communities celebrate May Day. fightbacknews.org Appleton, WI – On May 1, over 40 people gathered in downtown Appleton at Houdini Plaza to commemorate International Workers' Day, or May Day. There were speeches from multiple local organizations. The Appleton Students for a Democratic Society, Wisconsin Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, Sunrise Appleton, Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, AFT Local 6511, Wisconsin Bail Out People Movement, and United Action Oshkosh joined together for this important holiday. | Union power, indigenous rights, ending corporate greed, smashing capitalism and celeb…
(2021-05-12). Venezuela to Hold Regional Elections as Opposition Groups Signal Intent to Participate. venezuelanalysis.com President Nicolás Maduro said US-backed Juan Guaidó's call for dialogue was a desperate attempt to avoid being marginalized.
(2021-05-12). Biden's talk of vaccine IP waiver is political theater. zcomm.org America's Left and developing nations ravaged by the pandemic back the proposal but developed world drug manufacturers balk…
(2021-05-12). Vaccine Production and Open Source Technology. counterpunch.org Since the Biden administration announced its decision to support a motion at the WTO to waive patent rights on vaccines for the duration of the pandemic, we have been deluged with statements by experts telling us that this cannot possibly increase vaccine production. The argument is that everyone who can produce vaccines is already producing
(2021-05-12). Friday 5/21: Anti-Chevron Day Protest at Richmond Refinery. indybay.org Chevron Richmond Refinery, | Castro St. entrance — Street parking in Point Richmond (the other side of I-580); please allow up to 15 minutes to walk to the gate.
(2021-05-12). The Left Unites in Peru: Pedro Castillo Gains the Support of Verónika Mendoza. orinocotribune.com By Carlos Noriega — May 9, 2021 | Four weeks before the June 6 run-off election, the Peruvian left have united and close to an agreement to promote a "government of change" headed by the professor and trade unionist Pedro Castillo, who is facing the right-wing Keiko Fujimori, daughter and political heir of the imprisoned ex-dictator Alberto Fujimori.The Peru Libre party, which defines itself as Marxist-Leninist and is running Castillo's candidacy, and the progressive coalition Together for Peru, which in the first round had Verónika Mendoza as its candidate, have signed a political pact to support Castillo's…
(2021-05-12). Congresswoman Jayapal Misses the Mark. indybay.org No way does Biden deserve an "A"
(2021-05-12). Congresswoman Jayapal Misses the Mark by Saying Biden Deserves an 'A' Grade. counterpunch.org It's the job of progressive advocates and activists to tell inconvenient truths, without sugarcoating or cheerleading. To effectively confront the enormous problems facing our country and world, progressives need to soberly assess everything — good, bad and mixed. Yet last week, the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Pramila Jayapal, made headlines when she graded
(2021-05-12). Mayo Clinic again receives top honors for high-quality patient care. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org ROCHESTER, Minn. — Eleven? hospitals across?Mayo Clinic?received star ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for Overall Hospital Quality. Six of the 11 hospitals earned five stars — the best score possible. The national average is 3 of 5 stars. The star rating provides patients with information about multiple dimensions of quality …
(2021-05-12). Worse Than the Dreyfuss Affair: the Persecution of Julian Assange. counterpunch.org It may appear unnecessary to repeat the truism that democracy depends on transparency and accountability, and yet, how often has the democratic order been betrayed by our leaders in the recent past? How often have the media abandoned their watchdog function, how often have they simply accepted the role of an echo-chamber for the powerful,
(2021-05-12). No, Biden's Not Banning Burgers – But Meat is a Real Climate Problem. indybay.org This article goes into detail about the misconceptions created by right winged politicians in regards to Biden's expectation to meet the Green New Deal.
(2021-05-12). WATCH: Bernie Sanders Holds Hearing on Pentagon 'Waste, Fraud, and Cost Overruns'. commondreams.org "The Pentagon remains the only agency in the federal government that cannot pass an independent audit. Not acceptable." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/gettyimages-12308185091_0.jpg …
(2021-05-12). State Dept: Blinken and Lavrov To Meet in Iceland Next Week. telesurenglish.net The State Department announced that Blinken and Lavrov agreed on a phone call that the two will meet in Reykjavik, Iceland, on the sidelines of the Arctic Council meeting. The two foreign ministers plan to discuss an array of issues, including the detention of two Americans in Russia and U.S. policy toward the DPRK (North Korea). | RELATED: | "Secretary Blinken reiterated President Biden's resolve to protect U.S. citizens and act…
(2021-05-12). Estados Unidos: øPunto final en Afganistán? globalizacion.ca El discurso ofrecido por Joseph Biden con motivo del cumplimiento de sus cien primeros días de gobierno fue copioso —y sorprendente— en materia de política nacional, pero escaso en el rubro de política internacional. Uno de los temas que tocó…
(2021-05-12). Pakistan Rules Out Hosting US Military After Afghanistan Withdrawal. news.antiwar.com Since President Biden Speaking to reporters in Islamabad, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said Pakistan has adopted a policy that allows it to become "only partners in peace" and not join any future US war. | "No sir, we do…
(2021-05-12). Corporate media oppose Afghan control of Afghanistan. nationofchange.org Establishment reporting over the future of Afghanistan after Biden's announcement demonstrated the imperialist mindset of corporate journalists.
(2021-05-12). Sunrise Says Biden Must 'Act Urgently' on Infrastructure, Avoid 'Performative Negotiations' With GOP. commondreams.org "Biden can't get distracted by this false idea of bipartisanship when there's so much at stake." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/biden_gop_infrastructure_negotiation.jpg …
(2021-05-12). Chuck Schumer: 'I Believe That Democracy Is at Risk and We Cannot Fail'. thenation.com Chuck Schumer: 'I Believe That Democracy Is at Risk and We Cannot Fail'
(2021-05-12). Democrats Face Existential Choice: Kill Filibuster or Watch Democracy Die. zcomm.org "This is about to move from an abstract conversation about Senate rules to a very clear choice for Senate Democrats: Protect the 'Jim Crow' filibuster or protect American democracy—they won't be able to do both."
(2021-05-12). Colombia, una democracia paramilitar (I). globalizacion.ca Dos años antes del nacimiento de las FARC, en febrero de 1962 el teniente general William Yarborough promovió la idea de los grupos paramilitares "entrenadas de forma clandestina para la represión" en América Latina como forma de combatir a los…
(2021-05-12). GOP Ouster of 'Xenophobic Extremist' Liz Cheney Called 'Flashing Red Danger Sign' for Democracy. commondreams.org "Political parties that promote lies and propaganda are setting their countries up for authoritarianism and fascism," warned Rep. Jamie Raskin after Rep. Liz Cheney's demotion by House GOP lawmakers. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/cheney_2.jpg …
(2021-05-12). 660+ Groups Call on Democrats to 'Reject Gas and Other False Climate Solutions' for Clean Energy Standard. commondreams.org www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/solar_photovoltaic_panel_china.jpg …
