Markets crashed again over the weekend as reports of a new COVID-19 variant cropped up first in South Africa and then in countries all over the world. Already it’s been spotted in California.
By now the cycle of relief and uncertainty feels very familiar. We don’t yet know how serious the Omicron variant will be, but one thing is for certain: The longer this virus circulates, the more variants we’ll see.
In other words, the vast vaccination gaps between richer and poorer countries are putting all of us at risk — even those of us who are already vaccinated. This week, I explain how overcoming corporate greed is key to closing those gaps.
Also this week, Sarah Baron explains why corporations, not the Biden administration, are to blame for rising inflation. Robert P. Alvarez offers a critical explainer on how the little-known practice of “prison gerrymandering” is warping our democracy. And Jim Hightower reflects on the record numbers of workers quitting their jobs.
I hope you had a great Thanksgiving.
New This Week…
Greed Is Prolonging the Pandemic | Peter Certo
The longer it takes the world to get vaccinated, the more variants we’ll see.
Blame Corporate Greed for Inflation | Sarah Baron
CEOs are taking every opportunity to further pad their own pockets. Here’s how to hold them accountable.
Prison Gerrymandering: The Modern ‘Three-Fifths Compromise’ | Robert P. Alvarez
Prisons inflate the political representation of the communities that host them — without any say from prisoners themselves.
Rethinking Work — And Life | Jim Hightower
Americans are quitting bad jobs in record numbers because they’re rethinking what matters.
Modern Republican Values | Khalil Bendib
One nation under Trump, with mendacity and COVID-19 for all.
In Case You Missed It…
Inflation Is Complicated, But Making It Better Doesn’t Have to Be | Domenica Ghanem
The best thing we can do to offset the pain of inflation is to raise the standard of living for all of us.
How to Make the Holidays Happier for the Postal Service | Scott Klinger
Misguided leadership and congressional inaction could mean holiday shipping delays. Here’s how Congress can deliver relief.
Wealthy Americans Get Paid Leave. Shouldn’t the Rest? | Sarah Anderson
The fight to guarantee paid sick time and family leave faces an uphill battle, but advocates aren’t giving up.
Upend This Damaging Narrative About Spending | Sonali Kolhatkar
Polls say Americans should love the Build Back Better Act — but most are only hearing talking points about its price tag.
