Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) and a handful of right-wing Democrats pose a potentially existential threat to the $3.5 trillion Build Back Better Act, a sweeping budget reconciliation package that, if passed, would fund robust climate action. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Posted in Guest Column Op/Ed Restart 2021

Our long neoliberal nightmare: Congress should not begrudge $3.5 trillion reconciliation package for the people

To set themselves apart from Republicans, Democrats must demonstrate the political will to choose the common good over allegiance to corporate wealth. by Michele Swenson Thursday, October 14, 2021 A half century of neoliberal economic policy…

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Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) hobnobs with attendees of a May 17, 2019 event hosted by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry at the Arizona Biltmore Resort in Phoenix. (Photo: Gage Skidmore/Flickr/cc)
Posted in Analysis Dark Money Guest Column Restart 2021

So-called ‘centrists’ are really incredibly dangerous extremists

Their supposed “seriousness” poses a serious threat to everyone but the small group of elites whose short-term interests they actually represent. by Peter Bloom Tuesday, October 5, 2021 After a half decade of progressive political gains,…

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Sen. Joe Manchin opposes making Washington, D.C. the nation's 51st state through the legislative process, arguing that a constitutional amendment is needed for the popular move. (Photo: Al Drago/Washington Post via Getty Images)
Posted in Campaign finance Dark Money Guest Column Politics

Democrats need to stand up to corporate extremists in their own party

Wall Street Democrats are not just resisting progress but putting freedom and democracy in jeopardy. by Peter Bloom September 27, 2021 The progressive optimism that the Biden presidency might lead to real change is quickly fading…

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Daniel Fishel for ProPublica
Posted in COVID Reboot 2021 Education Guest Column

My kids’ school won’t reinstate masks despite a recent surge in COVID cases. Here’s what I chose to do.

Georgia’s Cobb County School District had parents choose between virtual and in-person learning, then lifted its mask mandate. Many families are frantically figuring out how to navigate this reality. ProPublica reporter Nicole Carr is one of…

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Demonstrators attend a protest demanding climate action on November 18, 2020. (Photo: Getty Images)
Posted in Guest Column Op/Ed Sustainability

2021-2030: The Renewal Decade

Protecting and regenerating the viability of our blue-green home is the essential work of the next few years. Everyone is needed and we each have a role to play. by Diana Donlon June 5, 2021 On…

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Posted in First Nations Guest Column Indigenous News

Ending food insecurity in Native communities means restoring land rights, handing back control

Since the 1980s, an influx of fast food restaurants and convenience stores and an exodus of supermarkets in poorer neighborhoods across the U.S. have led to chronic disease disparities in low-income communities and racial minorities. This…

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Michael Harrington, dust jacket photo from Twilight of Capitalism (1977)
Posted in Columns Guest Column Politics

Michael Harrington

by Tom Gallagher Saturday, May 15, 2021 A talk given to the San Francisco Democratic Socialists of America. During the dark ages of American socialism, well before the first Bernie Sanders presidential campaign, a friend of…

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National Public Radio's new headquarters at 1111 North Capitol Street, NE opened on March 25, 2013, in the NOMA district in Washington. (Photo by Bill Clark/Getty Images)
Posted in Columns Guest Column Journalism

NPR at 50 – Straying from its civic mission?

by Ralph Nader This month [May, 2021] is the 50th anniversary of National Public Radio (NPR). Knowing about my work back then with other advocates, to persuade Congress to pass legislation creating NPR and PBS, (which…

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Posted in Columns Guest Column

Stop Stacey: We don’t think so

by Abby Zimet, Further columnist March 9, 2021 Almost 60 years later, the fight goes on. Georgia’s ” horror” of a new voter suppression law, dubbed “Jim Crow 2.0” and passed the day after Bloody Sunday,…

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Posted in Democracy Guest Column Opinion

Congress must fight for a better democracy and pass the For the People Act

Republicans and Democratic voters agree: We need to make sure leaders actually represent “we the people.” by Ben Jealous Thursday, February 25, 2021 More than 230 years ago, the founders of the United States enshrined their…

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Posted in Guest Column Opinion

Stop Manchin and Sinema from imitating Jim Crow Dixiecrats and letting the filibuster block Civil Rights and Voting Rights

Sinema’s and Manchin’s decisions may well determine whether America remains a democracy or whether it’s indefinitely distorted by minority rule. by Miles Mogulescu Friday, February 20, 2021 “You want to honor John [Lewis]? Let’s honor him…

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