Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz has stepped down, concluding a controversial third stint as leader of the iconic company with a Senate hearing on his union busting
This week in OtherWords, Sonali Kolhatkar explains how Starbucks became a cautionary tale about how not to treat unions even among the business community. But not every company is fighting its own workers tooth and nail, Sonali writes. She shares some examples of companies that the next Starbucks CEO might take an example from.
Also this week, we offer a pair of op-eds about how inequality limits opportunity for ordinary people, both in the workplace and in our democracy.
Gabriela Sandoval shares her story of growing up in an immigrant family and taking on student debt — and connects the opposition to relieving debt for people like her to the corrosive influence of money in politics. Meanwhile Chaila R. Scott shares an all too common tale of “doing everything right” only to end up with debt, bills, and a glass ceiling at work. But she says we can all do better if we pull together.
Also this week, Jim Hightower calls out corporate workplaces for putting young kids in harm’s way. And cartoonist Khalil Bendib ponders the ICC’s recent indictment of Vladimir Putin.
Sorry we missed our newsletter last week while I was sick. Back at it this week!
New This Week…
Howard Schultz: Union Buster in Chief | Sonali Kolhatkar
The Starbucks CEO has stepped down. His legacy? The destruction of an iconic brand with sloppy, sleazy union busting.
Student Debt Forgiveness Is a Win-Win for Our Country | Gabriela Sandoval
The majority of us support debt relief, but lobbyist-backed lawsuits are holding back Americans from achieving a better life.
Many Are Falling Short Chasing the American Dream | Chaila R. Scott
My story shows what many already know: you can “do everything right” and still end up in financial uncertainty.
Stop This Corporate Child Abuse | Jim Hightower
There’s nothing wrong with teens working part-time. But some corporations are willfully — and illegally — putting young kids into harm’s way.
Cartoon: Dante’s Inferno, War Crimes Edition | Khalil Bendib
Putin’s terrible crimes in Ukraine should be prosecuted, but he’s still not the worst war criminal alive today.
In Case You Missed It…
Will There Ever Be Justice for the Iraq War? | Farrah Hassen
A world without accountability paved the way for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Ailing Seniors Deserve Dignity | Jim Hightower
Yet towards the end of their lives, they’re left rationing their toothpaste or scrimping pennies for the vending machine.
Immigration Policy Doesn’t Have To Be This Way | Alliyah Lusuegro
For 20 years, the Department of Homeland Security has made life a nightmare for millions — but Dreamers like me have seen that there’s another way.
We Need to Broaden Our Conversation About Guns | Nyla Samee and Khury Petersen-Smith
Looking at gun manufacturing rather than just gun ownership can help break down our status quo red-blue divide.
