(2021-08-10). Stop playing political games with COVID. workers.org 
Florida's Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis' role with regard to COVID-19 deserves a closer look, as it affects the overall approach to the pandemic. DeSantis is poised to run for reelection in 2022. Reports in the media say he's aiming for the presidency in 2024. About 50 people gathered outside the . . . |
(2021-08-10). Headlines for August 10, 2021. democracynow.org Pentagon Will Require All Military Personnel to Get Vaccinated Against COVID-19, Florida Reopens Schools, with Masks Optional, as State Becomes Coronavirus Epicenter, Canada Reopens Border to Vaccinated U.S. Travelers, California Officials Warn Record-Shattering Wildfire Could Burn for Weeks, Greek Prime Minister Apologizes Amid Protests over Government's Handling of Wildfires, Germany Sets Up 30 Million Euro Recovery Fund After Devastating Floods, Small Island States Warn Climate Crisis Threatens "Our Very Future", Sixth Afghan Provincial Capital Falls to Taliban , Indigenous Brazilians Seek Genocide Charges Aga…
(2021-08-10). How the U.S. Government Is Using the Internet to Silence Cubans. progressive.org The Biden Administration is considering a plan to export U.S. Internet service to Cuba. But why?
(2021-08-10). United States: Biden panders to right-wing Cuban Americans. greenleft.org.au United States president Joe Biden has imposed further sanctions on Cuba — targetting two leaders of the Cuban national police as well as the organisation as a whole, reports Ian Ellis-Jones.
(2021-08-10). First Results from PSUV Primaries: Democratic Victory as 21N Mega-Elections Approach. orinocotribune.com 
At 2: 12 a.m. this Monday, August 9, the Vice President of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), Diosdado Cabello, presented the first results from the party's primary elections, including those for the governorships of Venezuela's 23 states and the Mayor's Office of the municipality of Libertador in Caracas. Carmen Meléndez, Rafael Lacava, Héctor Rodríguez, Jehyson Guzmán, and Freddy Bernal are among the candidates whose victories are assured. | The results were announced at a press conference, after the national board of directors and the electoral commission of the political party received partial res…
(2021-08-10). Nicaragua Congratulates Venezuela for PSUV Primaries. orinocotribune.com 
This Monday, August 9, the government of the Republic of Nicaragua congratulated the Venezuelan people, the President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, and the authorities of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) for holding the Open Primary Elections to choose the candidates who will represent this political organization in Venezuela's regional elections scheduled for November 21. | Last Sunday, August 8, the PSUV held its primaries, aimed at securing the best candidates for the upcoming regional elections. More than 5.5 million voters were mobilized for the democratic fiesta, and…
(2021-08-10). Biden Must Reverse Immigration Rule. progressive.org Biden must end the cruel policies of his predecessors.
(2021-08-10). Pennsylvania Mack Trucks worker responds to President Joseph Biden's visit to truck plant. wsws.org "Biden's visit in July was both a show of force against workers at the company and an effort to stir up competition against our working class brothers and sisters in other countries."
(2021-08-10). Biden Admin Offers Hand of Friendship to Bolsonaro. globalresearch.ca
(2021-08-10). Senate Pushes New Sanctions on Nicaragua. latinorebels.com The law, called the RENACER Act (Reinforcing Nicaragua's Adherence to Conditions for Electoral Reform), would allow the Biden administration to impose targeted sanctions against "Nicaraguan officials who seek to derail the country's electoral process."
(2021-08-10). Senate Passes Infrastructure Bill With Some GOP Support. Don't Get Too Excited. truthout.org 
Like wet molasses getting pushed up a sandy hill, President Biden's two-pronged $4.7 trillion infrastructure package is wending its incremental way toward finally becoming reality. | This first portion, a $1.2 trillion package aimed at modernizing the country's moldering public works and power grids,
(2021-08-10). Groups Issue Bold Demands for Biden Officials Crafting New Climate Finance Strategy. commondreams.org As we address the needs of working families, and combat climate change, we are going to create millions of good paying jobs, many of them union jobs.
(2021-08-10). Biden's Totally Failing Foreign Policies. southfront.org 
Illustrative Image | Written by Eric Zuesse, originally posted at Joe Biden came into the U.S. White House promising to change Donald Trump's foreign policies, but didn't even try to change them, and instead he has continued them, and has failed with them exactly as Trump did when he was the President. Here are some examples: | The nuclear agreement with Iran (the Obama-negotiated "JCPOA" for I…
(2021-08-10). Tenants Aren't Waiting for the Biden Admin to Save Them. zcomm.org Here's how tenant organizers are mobilizing locally to stem the housing crisis…
(2021-08-10). The Anti-Democratic Chaos Democrats Are Sowing. commondreams.org "President Obama opened the investigation into Julian Assange. President Trump brought the charges against him. It is now time for President Biden to do the right thing."
(2021-08-10). Corporate Liberalism Is No Match for Trumpism. indybay.org Our entire democracy is now at risk…
(2021-08-10). Salesforce Client is Republican Party. indybay.org San Francisco's very own tech giant, Salesforce, continues to do the bidding of its client, the Republican Party, also known as the Republican National Committee, despite the Jan. 6, 2021 seditious insurrection by Nazi Trump thugs to overthrow the government by force and violence to install Nazi Trump as dictator. See www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-salesforce-emails_n_610c3d0de4b041dfbaa71051…
(2021-08-10). Covid Cases Spike In Martha's Vineyard, Site Of Obama Celebrity Democrat Party. moguldom.com Covid-19 cases have spiked in Martha's Vineyard as they have nationwide, but what makes this significant is that former President Barack Obama recently held a massive, star-studded 60th birthday party on the island. While party organizers say they scaled back the number of attendees, which at one point was at 700 guests, and that masks …
(2021-08-10). Teachers Union President Randi Weingarten on Why She Now Supports Vaccine Mandates for Teachers. democracynow.org 
We continue to look at the state of school reopenings amid a surge in COVID-19 infections among children in the U.S. with Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers. Weingarten, who had favored voluntary vaccinations for teachers, now backs a vaccine mandate for educators because the Delta variant "significantly changes the circumstances." Weingarten notes that almost 90% of teachers represented by the American Federation of Teachers are already vaccinated, saying it's time to stop "scapegoating" teachers for the challenges in reopening schools. "The teachers in the country understand the…
(2021-08-10). Popular MAGA Pastor Gets Spooky: You Don't Need Mask Or Vaccine Because You Have Jesus. moguldom.com Despite a staggering surge in covid-19 cases, a popular right-wing, MAGA pastor encouraged his in-person and television congregation not to wear masks or get vaccinated against covid-19 because they "got Jesus." In a video clip that was reposted to Twitter by Right Wing Watch, Pastor Joshua Feuerstein passionately advocates his anti-mask, anti-vaccine position. "Let me …
(2021-08-10). Gov. Abbott Is a "Direct Threat" to the Children of Texas: Houston Doctor on Mask Bans, Kids & COVID. democracynow.org 
As the highly contagious Delta variant continues to spread, many hospitals are reporting record numbers of children being hospitalized, especially in areas with low vaccination rates, including Arkansas, Florida, Missouri and Texas. Dr. Christina Propst, a pediatrician in Houston, says children under 12 who are still ineligible for COVID-19 vaccines are at risk. "They are currently our most vulnerable population, just as this highly transmissible variant is surging across the country," Propst says. She says Texas Governor Greg Abbott's order banning mask mandates in schools is a purely political decision that ign…
(2021-08-10). "Unfit to Lead": NY State Sen. Biaggi Says Gov. Cuomo Impeachment Proceedings Should Start Now. democracynow.org 
Lawmakers in New York are preparing impeachment proceedings against Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo after the state attorney general found Cuomo harassed at least 11 women in violation of the law — including unwanted touching and kissing, and inappropriate remarks. Cuomo's former executive assistant, Brittany Commisso, has filed a criminal complaint against him, and other cases are expected to follow. "The governor is unfit to lead," says New York state Senator Alessandra Biaggi, who first called on Cuomo to resign in February. She says the damage Cuomo has inflicted goes beyond sexual harassment and inclu…
(2021-08-10). Fallacies of Political Labelism. counterpunch.org Alexander Burns is a leading political affairs analyst for the New York Times. Unfortunately, even he has accepted the ill-defined political labelism swallowed wholesale by his journalistic colleagues. Words to describe Democratic politicians as "moderate," "centrist," "center-left," "center-right," "leftist," or House Democratic Caucus Chair, Hakeem Jeffries' recent denunciatory nomenclature of "extreme left" Democratic candidates — are often recklessly bandied about.
(2021-08-10). 'New' Counter-Terror Policy In Africa Lacks Political Will To Change Course. popularresistance.org Last month the U.S. House of Representatives passed the "Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership Program Act of 2021" with strong bipartisan support. Current U.S. policies have been counterproductive and a new U.S. policy is desperately needed in Africa and elsewhere in the global south. However, the proposals outlined in this bill — while welcome — risk being nothing more than a change of sentiment. | Sponsored by seven Republicans and five Democrats, H.R. 567 garnered the votes of 214 Democrats and 181 Republicans on June 29. Acknowledging the failure of U.S. counterterrorism policies in North and…
(2021-08-10). Texas Supreme Court thwarts Democrat effort to overturn governor's veto that blocked legislative funding. rt.com 
The Texas Supreme Court has blocked a challenge by state Democrats seeking to overturn a move by Governor Greg Abbott that could deprive the legislature of funds for the next two years as part of a standoff over voting laws. | The all-Republican state Supreme Court The judges argued that the funding issue "continues to exist not because…
(2021-08-10). 'Democrats Should Leave the State Immediately': Texas Supreme Court OKs Lawmaker Arrests. commondreams.org
(2021-08-10). Jackson Browne still asking questions on Downhill from Everywhere. wsws.org Jackson Browne has released a new album written and recorded before the pandemic where he looks back on his career and asks questions about immigration, the environment, poverty, inequality and the future of democracy.
(2021-08-10). International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples toward 2021 California Admission Day. indybay.org The living legacy of Indigenous people throughout the Great State of California legacy will no longer be discounted and/or discredited. Generational Genocide, Slavery and Disparaging treatment cannot be ignored any longer. Together, we can and must form a more perfect union by facing "what really happened" and Build Back Better in 2021.
(2021-08-10). North Korea vows to boost pre-emptive strike capability in response to 'self-destructive' US-South Korea war games. rt.com 
North Korea has pledged to improve its ability to launch "pre-emptive" strikes as joint war games kick off between Seoul and Washington, insisting the yearly drills only threaten stability and propel tensions in the region. | Kim Yo-jong, sister to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and a top official in the ruling Workers Party, condemned the military drills on Tuesday, saying they demonstrate a "hostile policy" by the US and South Korea and effectively simulate an invasion of the north. She added that Pyongyang would expand its defensive capabilities in response. | "[The drills are] an unwelcome, self-destructi…
(2021-08-10). DeSantis Threatens to Withhold Pay of School Officials If They Follow CDC Rules. truthout.org 
Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis's office on Monday suggested that he may take punitive action against local school district officials if they decide to move forward on requiring masks in their schools for the upcoming academic year. | A small number of school districts in the state
(2021-08-10). New Warren Bill Proposes Taxing Real Company Profits, Not What's Reported to IRS. truthout.org 
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) introduced a bill Tuesday that would create a tax on corporate profits that she says could help raise hundreds of billions of dollars of revenue for the government. | The bill,
(2021-08-10). Democrat Playboy Cuomo Goes Down With Resignation After NY AG Letitia James Investigation. moguldom.com New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo gave two weeks' notice and resigned Tuesday — a decision that's expected to lead to his impeachment and conviction in the State Legislature — after the state's attorney general documented multiple accusations of him sexually harassing women. Cuomo initially ignored demands that he resign after he was hit with sexual …
(2021-08-10). Video: Prominent Pathologist: What These Jabs Do to the Brain and Other Organs. globalresearch.ca
(2021-08-10). 75 Groups Ask DOJ to Oppose 'Racist' Anti-Protest Laws. commondreams.org Lessons on defending democracy.
(2021-08-10). Electric School Bus Proponents Decry Infrastructure Bill's Shortcomings. commondreams.org After the high court's ruling, Texas House Republicans approved a motion directing state law enforcement to track down quorum-breaking Democrats blocking voter suppression legislation.
(2021-08-10). Tuesday 8/10: Voting Rights Now! Democracy Can't Wait Virtual Rally & Actions. indybay.org Virtual rally and voting rights actions event…
(2021-08-10). Groups to Congress: Include $34 Billion for Global Vaccine Production in $3.5 Trillion Budget Plan. commondreams.org "The bipartisan bill will only be passed if a package of social, human, and climate infrastructure—reflecting long-standing Democratic priorities—is passed simultaneously through budget reconciliation."
(2021-08-09). Afghan Women Face an Uncertain Future as Taliban Grows Stronger. libya360.wordpress.com Abdul Rahman (Photo: via Afghanistan Times) The cause of the Afghan women was a major reason cited by the US during its invasion of Afghanistan. Today as the US leaves and the Taliban is resurgent, what is the state of women? During his press conference on July 8, US president Joe Biden claimed that the…
(2021-08-09). Headlines for August 9, 2021. democracynow.org Irreversible Climate Devastation Unavoidable, World Has Little Time to Make Drastic Change | , Dixie Fire Explodes to Largest Single Fire in CA History; Wildfires Continue to Ravage Greece | , Taliban Seize 5 Afghan Cities as War Threatens to Claim Even More Lives, Fauci Warns New Variant Could Emerge If Pandemic Not Brought Under Control, Cases Surge in TX, FL as GOP Govs Fight Health Measures; Teachers Union Considers Vaccine Mandate, Biden Admin Extends Pause on Federal Student Loan Repayment, Senators Push Forward $1.2 Trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, Texas Democrats Absent from Special Session, Again…
(2021-08-09). From Fires to Floods to Sea Level Rise, Human-Induced Climate Crisis Is Severely Disrupting Earth. democracynow.org 
We continue to discuss the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report, which details the damage of climate change already underway around the world and warns that much worse is yet to come unless governments drastically reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. The report tallies the losses from human-induced climate change "in an absolutely scientifically verifiable and attributable manner," says climate scientist Saleemul Huq, director of the International Center for Climate Change and Development in Bangladesh. "The path to keeping it below 1.5 degrees is diminishing by the hour." We also continue wi…
(2021-08-09). "A Code Red for Humanity": Major U.N. Report Warns of Climate Catastrophe If Urgent Action Not Taken. democracynow.org 
In its first major report in nearly a decade, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has warned the Earth could face runaway global temperature changes unless drastic efforts are made to reduce greenhouse gases. The IPCC says humans are "unequivocally" to blame for the climate crisis, which has already caused "widespread and rapid changes." Scientists conclude average global temperatures will likely rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, or 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit, above preindustrial levels by 2040 based on carbon emissions already in the atmosphere. The report also warns temperatures will continue to rapidly warm a…
(2021-08-09). Greta Thunberg: New IPCC Report Is a Wake-Up Call for All About the Escalating Climate Emergency. democracynow.org 
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg says the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change should serve as a "wake-up call" for governments to do more to lower emissions. In its first major report in nearly a decade, the IPCC says the Earth could face runaway global warming unless drastic efforts are made to eliminate greenhouse gases and that humans are "unequivocally to blame for the climate crisis," which is already causing widespread and rapid changes. "The climate crisis is not going away," Thunberg said. "It's only escalating, and it's only growing more intense by the hour."
(2021-08-09). Climate Movement Says 'Apocalyptic' IPCC Report Signals 'Moment to Rise Up'. commondreams.org An affirmative program for progressive change—to substantially improve the economic and social conditions of people's daily lives—will be essential for mobilizing voter turnout and preventing the Republican Party from seizing control of the federal government.
(2021-08-09). US Eviction Catastrophe And Cynical Democrat Photo Ops. popularresistance.org Max Blumenthal discusses his reporting at the US Capitol on the protests demanding an eviction moratorium, the huge impending economic crisis, the opportunism of the Squad, and how Democratic Party warmongers like Adam Schiff cynically exploited it to do a photo op.
(2021-08-09). "Band-Aid Over a Bullet Wound": Housing Advocates Welcome CDC Eviction Moratorium But Say It's Not Enough. democracynow.org 
Despite a new two-month moratorium on evictions issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, millions of people in the U.S. are still at risk of losing their homes as landlords in some states fight back against the measure. The new CDC moratorium is "a band-aid over a bullet wound," says Tara Raghuveer, director of KC Tenants, a tenants' rights organization in Kansas City. "This is a very small step. It's the bare minimum. And for many tenants … this will actually not offer the protections that are needed to keep them in their homes."
(2021-08-09). Biden's Eviction Moratorium Is a Rare Act of Presidential Civil Disobedience. thenation.com Biden's Eviction Moratorium Is a Rare Act of Presidential Civil Disobedience…
(2021-08-09). Germany's Left Party candidate for chancellor supports NATO and European army. wsws.org In a recent interview, Dietmar Bartsch, the Left Party's lead candidate in the September general election in Germany, left no doubt about his determination to join a federal coalition with the Social Democrats and Greens.
(2021-08-09). Democratic Party staff goes union. peoplesworld.org 
WASHINGTON (PAI)—Following in the path blazed by Democratic presidential campaign staffers—including those for Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden last year—the Democratic National Committee's much-more-permanent staff unionized on August 3 with Service Employees Local 500. Recognition came via card-check. DNC leaders welcomed it. The unit will have approximately 150 people. Determining exactly who, and which positions, …
(2021-08-09). Sanctions may Impoverish Nicaraguans, but Likely will Not Change Their Vote. orinocotribune.com By John Perry — Aug 6, 2021 | Biden administration looks to sanctions against Nicaragua, an approach that has historically had mixed results. | In 1985, when President Reagan declared Nicaragua "an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States," his words were followed by a trade blockade, a ban on commercial flights and—most seriously of all—the financing of the "Contra" war, which led to 30,000 deaths. When, 33 years later, Donald Trump made the same declaration, its effect was far more limited. Yet presumably neither president saw the absurdi…
(2021-08-09). US Senate nears passage of infrastructure spending bill. wsws.org The bill represents the Biden White House's acceptance of the major provisions demanded by Republicans, including no increase in taxes on the wealthy and big business.
(2021-08-09). Biden, Zelensky to discuss "repelling the Russian aggressor" antibellum679354512.wordpress.com Kuleba reveals agenda of Zelensky's upcoming talks with Biden He [Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba] added that the second block of issues will involve security. "We all understand that this is about repelling [the] Russian aggressor, also the issue of Donbas, the issue of Crimea, where and how we will be moving. We will discuss …
(2021-08-09). Climate Chaos: Is Biden Up to the Challenge? zcomm.org I am discouraged that Joe Biden may not have the knowledge or the courage to ride the climate centaur, or at least, slow down its destructive force…
(2021-08-09). Children's lives matter! Stop school reopenings! wsws.org Despite the growing surge of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations throughout the country, including among children, the Biden administration is doubling down on its demand that schools fully reopen.
(2021-08-09). To Address Climate Emergency, Group Says Biden Must Slash Methane Emissions 65% by 2025. commondreams.org History is likely to remember both Rumsfeld and DeSantis as arrogant and reckless "public servants" who bore significant responsibility for unnecessary and unmitigated disasters.
(2021-08-09). Biden Administration Lets Oil Companies Disturb Polar Bears, Walruses in Alaska's Western Arctic, Beaufort Sea. indybay.org ANCHORAGE, Alaska, August 4, 2021 — The Biden administration issued a final rule today allowing oil and gas companies operating in the Beaufort Sea and Western Arctic to harass polar bears and Pacific walruses when drilling or searching for oil for the next five years.
(2021-08-09). Sanders Unveils Final $3.5T Reconciliation Package Alongside Infrastructure Bill. truthout.org 
Senate Democrats have unveiled their $3.5 trillion reconciliation bill with provisions like paid leave, expanding Medicare coverage and proposals to tackle the climate crisis in the U.S. The Democrats plan on passing the bill alongside the bipartisan infrastructure package that's currently being debated in the Senate. | The reconciliation bill,
(2021-08-09). Buffalo Democratic Machine Considers Axing Mayorship to Evade India Walton. truthout.org 
Democratic socialist India Walton's
(2021-08-09). Kevin McCarthy is Not a Moron. counterpunch.org In 1910, psychologist Henry H. Goddard coined the term "moron" to denote mild intellectual disability. The word comes from the Greek màµros, meaning "dull", "foolish" or "stupid". The word, formerly used as a descriptor in the psychological community, is now rejected by psychologists and physicians, who consider it too demeaning. Recently, Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of
(2021-08-09). Truth Be Told—Saving Our Endangered Democracy. commondreams.org "We will bring undocumented people out of the shadows and provide them with a pathway to citizenship, including those who courageously kept our economy running in the middle of a deadly pandemic," said Sen. Bernie Sanders.
(2021-08-09). Energy industry showers Texas politicians with cash after weak regulation bills pass. peoplesworld.org 
This story is reprinted from The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans—and engages with them—about public policy, politics, government, and statewide issues. The article originally appeared here. AUSTIN, Texas—Fixing Texas's power grid was about the only thing Republicans and Democrats in the legislative session seemed to agree on earlier this year. …
(2021-08-09). Screen Shot 2021-08-09 at 12.56.38 PM.png. progressive.org Republicans want students to learn a mythological version of U.S. history because the reality of the past threatens their power in the present.
(2021-08-09). Spain's PSOE-Podemos government to ban Castilian nationalist party. wsws.org The outlawing of Izquierda Castellana ("Castilian Left") is part of an escalating campaign by the European ruling class against free speech and democratic rights.
(2021-08-09). Democrats Pressure US Justice Department to Stop Seeking Death Penalty. commondreams.org "Content like this simply creates more fear and irrational panic that fuels further punitive responses to the overdose crisis, instead of the public health approach we need."
(2021-08-09). With Earth on Edge, Climate Crisis Must Be Treated Like Outbreak of a World War. commondreams.org Worldwide, democracy is in decline, with two-thirds of the world's people living in autocracies, including "electoral autocracies."
(2021-08-09). The Civilian Climate Corps Could Be Transformative. Will Democrats Meet the Moment? counterpunch.org When you think of the New Deal, what comes to mind? For many Americans, the era has an enduring physical legacy in our parks, tree lines, and trails. On Orcas Island, in Washington State, a Civilian Conservation Corps of hundreds of young men constructed Moran State Park's idyllic trails, campgrounds, and watchtower. Ninety years later,