Archive
Higher Education’s Complicity in the Trayvon Martin Tragedy
The immediate response to the verdict in the George Zimmerman trial on my campus was a mixture of outrage and frustration. A reaction of this kind isn't surprising at a historically black university, especially here at North Carolina A&T State University. I'm a...
Why I Granted Bradley Manning a Presidential Pardon
In another America — where democracy reigns and government respects freedom of the press, protects privacy, and honors whistleblowers — Bradley Manning would receive a presidential pardon. After campaigning for the presidency last year, I was asked by my supporters to...
By George, You Don’t Get It
There I was, sitting at my desk and looking out of the window — you know, writing — when my wife came in and plopped down a newspaper article in front of me. "Read that," she said with a cruel twinkle in her eye. It was an article on Detroit by George Will, one of my...
Blowing the Whistle on Philanthropy
Inequality has a silver lining. At least the awesomely affluent think so. If we didn't have grand fortunes, their claim goes, we wouldn't have grand philanthropy. No foundations and handsome bequests for underwriting good causes. No gifts and grants by the tens and...
Coke’s Green Lipstick
Coke's going green. Or, at least, it wants you to think it is. There's no denying that part of Coca-Cola has gone green: the label — in one South American country. In Argentina, the world's No. 1 soft drink company now sells a new product called Coca-Cola Life with a...
The Border-Industrial Complex
At last, both Republicans and Democrats are beginning to respond aggressively to economic needs. "It has been a tough time," admits one Washington insider, applauding a new spending proposal that "could help out." Unfortunately, he and Congress aren't referring to...
Unfit to Print
What's the hottest trend among men who have it all? Buying islands and Picassos is out. Buying newspapers is in. We're not talking about subscriptions here. All self-respecting billionaires should own at least one newspaper, preferably a big one. Within a single week,...
Aiding the Enemy
Why I’m Fed Up with Summers
Will America ever get rid of Robert Rubin? The Wall Streeter became a top economic witch doctor for Bill Clinton in the 1990s. During his tenure, he convinced old Gullible Bill to Drop his campaign promise to help working families by raising the minimum wage. Push...
Waiting for Wendy’s
Don't eat at Wendy's this week. Across the country, people are picketing restaurants, calling corporate offices, and signing petitions against the fast food chain through August 11. What's this Week of Action against Wendy's about? For years, the company has bucked...
