Connecting the dots in health care
Connecting the dots in the U.S. for-profit health care system draws a picture that could provoke outrage, mass action and important victories. Consider the following:
Workers testify: We organize to win respect
VERSAILLES, Ky. – On July 1, workers from Quebecor World declared their independence a few days early when they testified publicly at Kentucky’s first Workers’ Rights Board hearing. Quebecor, the world’s largest commercial printer, is headquartered in Quebec, Canada, where by law employers must recognize a union once a majority of the workers have signed cards.
The economy: theirs and ours
When the most recent Labor Department report showed a gain of only 112,000 jobs in June, far less than the 297,000 average for the previous three months, President Bush claimed it was good news. “We’re witnessing steady growth,” he said. “Steady growth. And that’s important. We don’t need boom-or-bust-type growth.”
Greens pick national ticket, reject Nader
MILWAUKEE – Delegates and guests from around the U.S. and the world met here June 23-28 for “Forward 2004,” the presidential nominating convention of the Green Party of the United States.
International notes
Colombia: Cheaper to shoot unionists than to negotiate / Mauritius: Stand-off with Britain on Diego Garcia / Philippines: U.S. military training near separatist strongholds / Iraq: 107 children in detention centers
Crisis in western Sudan deepens
Despite recent pledges by the Sudanese government of President Omar el-Bashir to address the acute humanitarian crisis and the ongoing militia attacks on Black African civilians in the Darfur region of western Sudan, where thousands have been killed and over a million have fled attacks by government-backed militiamen, few changes have been observed on the ground.
Canadian youth group reestablished
Vancouver, British Colombia – After an absence of 12 years, the Young Communist League (YCL) is back on the Canadian political scene.
National Clips
OAK RIDGE, Tenn.: Protesters to Bush: ‘The WMDs are here’ / NEW YORK CITY: Sexism costs Morgan Stanley $54 million / WASHINGTON: FCC ruling endangers firefighters, police / CANNELTON, W.Va.: Anger meets mine closings notice / DETROIT: Seniors defy ban on Canadian drugs
Marriage amendment defeated by 50-48 vote
WASHINGTON – By a stunning bipartisan vote of 50 to 48 on July 14, the Senate rejected the Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA).
Cuba caravan stops in Houston
HOUSTON – The 15th Friendshipment Caravan to Cuba stopped here on July 3 and was greeted by African drummers at the SHAPE Community Center.
