This week marks 74 years since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It’s a grim anniversary, with the Doomsday Clock putting us closer to nuclear conflict than anytime since the 1950s.
But there’s hope, as Olivia Alperstein explains: Presidential candidates are now seriously debating an official policy to never start a nuclear war.
There’s also promising momentum toward addressing that other threat to human survival, climate change, as the Green New Deal continues to poll well.
This week, William Minter explains why a domestic plan isn’t enough — we need a global Green New Deal. And, Gloria Oladipo adds, we need a lot less of the Trump administration’s regulatory rollbacks, including a new coal emissions rule that will devastate both communities of color and white rural communities.
Also this week, Josh Hoxie outlines how the economy is rigged against young people (and why there’s still reason for hope). Pablo Pratt reflects on the value of community college, and says it should be free for everyone. And Jim Hightower reports on another big U.S.-Mexico border flow — going south, not north.
Jill Richardson and Khalil Bendib are off this week, but will return with new columns and cartoons soon.
New This Week…
The U.S. Should Never Start a Nuclear War | Olivia Alperstein
Seventy-four years after Hiroshima and Nagasaki, a No First Use pledge would make our country — and the world — much safer.
Trump’s New Coal Rules Will Bury Rural America | Gloria Oladipo
People of color and white rural populations are going to suffer the most from the EPA’s war on renewable power.
5 Ways the Economy Is Stacked Against Young People | Josh Hoxie
Millennials suffer stagnant wages and high expenses in an economy not designed for them — but there’s hope.
The Value of Community College | Pablo Pratt
Community colleges are a crucial stepping stone, and they cost far less than four-year schools. They should be free.
The Green New Deal Must Be Global | William Minter
For a planet-wide climate crisis, solutions must also span the planet.
In Case You Missed It…
What ‘Abolish ICE’ Really Means | Rachel Hodes
It’s about asking whether we need an immigration system that terrorizes the least dangerous people in this country.
You Don’t Save Money by Forcing People to Go Hungry | Jill Richardson
Food stamps helped me get back on my feet during a tough time. Cutting them is lose-lose.
The Research Is In: Stop Fracking ASAP | Barbara Gottlieb
Over 1,500 reports show there’s simply no safe way to do it — and it’s harming us all every day it goes on.
