The battle for affirmative action in Michigan
Affirmative action is one of the best ways to address past and current discrimination based on race and gender. The Nov. 7 vote for Michigan ballot Proposal 2, which eliminates local and state government affirmative action programs, is a big setback for all concerned about civil rights and democracy.
A bakers tale: Its not just the dough, Americans need to rise up
LARKFIELD, Calif. — Obviously, bakers tend to wake up earlier than everyone else. It’s 4 a.m. in Larkfield, and the vending racks are just being filled with newspapers. The first pot of coffee is brewing, and I’m mixing the muffins for our morning customers. I’m listening to the radio, while the danish slowly rotate in the oven
THIS WEEK IN LABOR
Stewards bargain Costco contract PFOA contaminates water Cutting gov’t funds for union-busters! N.Y. hires bilingual investigators PWA hits Michigan ruling
WORLD NOTES
South Africa: Business practices vs. human rights Israel: Use of cluster bombs violated U.S. pact Philippines: Judge’s report accuses military of murders Colombia: Coal miners win contract Spain: Judge probes CIA torture flights
Many political prisoners still held in Haitis jails
One year after taking office, Haitian President Rene Preval is inching closer to releasing all political prisoners, but he is not moving nearly fast enough for Pierre Antoine Lovinsky.
Japans Communists defend peace constitution
The Japanese Communist Party will keep the defense of Japan’s “peace constitution” one of its central tasks as it gears up for April’s elections to the Diet, the nation’s parliament.
Texas without Ivins
Texas progressives mourned the death of columnist and author Molly Ivins, who succumbed to cancer Jan. 31. Even the people she antagonized most — corporate bigwigs and greedy politicians — made public lamentations about the loss of our true Texas satirist.
New Orleans students still waiting for schools
When the public schools in New Orleans reopened after the winter holidays, 300 students were without a school to attend. These students have returned from other cities and towns where they were forced to relocate after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in August 2005.
N. Korea nuclear talks to resume Feb. 8
The six-party talks aimed at resolving the North Korean nuclear issue ended in December without any substantial progress, but there is renewed hope that the next round — now scheduled for Feb. 8 — will bring more success.
