Racism, self-image focus in Shoot the Messenger
In recent years commentary around race in the United States has increased somewhat. When films like “Crash” and “Spike Lee Presents C.S.A: Confederate States of America” attempt to spark national dialogue around race issues, they speak to the mainstream. However, for some of my peers and me, something critical has been missing.
Nuclear power is no solution
Christine Whitman, former EPA head in the Bush administration, and Patrick Moore, co-founder of Greenpeace, joining forces to promote nuclear energy? What’s that all about? They are probably trying to breathe life into a moribund industry that has not had an order for a nuclear reactor in this country in decades.
Its time for a chorus of Nina Simones Mississippi Goddam
I can feel Nina Simone these days. At the height of the civil rights movement, Simone, known as the high priestess of soul, recorded a song titled “Mississippi Goddam.”
Raising the minimum wage is a national battle
A single mother in Missouri making minimum wage earns $824 a month, before taxes. She has to pay rent, bills and buy food. Other unexpected expenses like car repair, medicine and money for child care aren’t factored in. And she is expected to pay for all of this while only earning $5.15 an hour.
Blaming immigrants lets the real culprits off the hook
The dramatic events in Congress and on the streets have intensified the national debate about immigration. Some polls show the public agreeing that immigration is “out of control” and that “something must be done.” But there are clear indications that the public is not averse to giving the undocumented a break.
EDITORIAL: The Republican sleaze factor
Every day, new names are added to the Republican Party’s roster of sleaze. The latest is Kyle “Dusty” Foggo. He stepped down as executive director of the CIA as federal agents searched his home and office in a probe of his ties to San Diego businessman Brent Wilkes.
EDITORIAL: You cant fool Mother Nature
While the Republican Party has styled itself as the great defender of “national security,” Mother Nature has once again proven the opposite. It seems that everywhere Republicans are in office, they have either created or exacerbated dangers to public well-being.
THISWEEKINLABOR
New accord on Solidarity Charters Bay area teachers OK new contracts Berkeley mechanics win long strike
BP plant cited as worst polluter
HOUSTON — The BP Texas City refinery, notorious for the deaths of 15 workers in March 2005, has been cited as the worst polluter in the United States. The pollution released from the plant tripled in 2004 as compared to 2003, according to reports from the Environmental Protection Agency.
