This week, we continue our look at the cost of living in America and the folks working to help more of us make it.
If you’ve raised kids in the last few years, you know that child care is something else. You’re supposed to save a kid’s whole life for their college education, but you can end up paying more than that right out of the gate just to get them care while you work. This week in OtherWords, Lindsay K. Saunders shares what that burden looked like for her family and says we need more policies that make welcoming kids a joy, not a trauma.
At some point in most of our lives, prescription drugs are another inescapable shakedown. The Biden administration has taken some important actions to bring those prices down, Sonali Kolhatkar reports this week, but drug companies are fighting even those modest steps tooth and nail. What we really need, she explains, is what many other countries already have: drug price controls.
These changes are easier said than done, but a movement of millions is working to change that. This week, Sarah Anderson highlights a massive effort by the Poor People’s Campaign to register low-income voters and put these issues affecting working people front and center during the 2024 campaign. It’s an inspiring read!
Finally, Chuck Collins praises Taylor Swift’s music but makes a humble request to the singer: Please park that private jet!
Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at OtherWords.
New This Week…
Poor and Low-Income Voters Are a Sleeping Giant | Sarah Anderson
Politicians pay next to no attention to the concerns of low-income Americans. Advocates want to change that — and maybe the next election, too.
Love the Music, Taylor Swift. But Please Park That Private Jet. | Chuck Collins
The young Swifties I used to shuttle around are now climate advocates. And when it comes to carbon pollution, they need you to sing a new song.
Having a Child Shouldn’t Cause Financial Catastrophe | Lindsay K. Saunders
In the wealthiest country on earth, welcoming a child should be a joy for families — not a financial trauma.
Drug Prices Should Be Controlled | Sonali Kolhatkar
Pharmaceutical companies shouldn’t get to gouge American taxpayers for drugs we paid to develop.
Cartoon: International Disorder | Khalil Bendib
Trump appeared to greenlight Russian attacks on NATO countries. But after Gaza, can Biden criticize?
In Case You Missed It…
This Black History Month, Fight for the Freedom to Learn | Svante Myrick
More than ever, we need to protect our schools, libraries, and kids from censors and book banners. Our country will be better for it.
Changing the Culture Around Paid Leave Starts at School | Safiya Simmons, Laura Collins, Suzette Gardner
We need a federal paid leave program. We also need to abandon the idea, starting in school, that “perfect attendance” matters more than your health.
Is the Government Finally Abandoning Its ‘Flat Earth’ Cannabis Policy? | Paul Armentano
Now even top public health agencies agree: Cannabis shouldn’t be federally classified like heroin. Will the DEA listen?
It’s Not ‘Inflation’ — We’re Just Getting Ripped Off. Here’s Proof. | Lindsay Owens and Elizabeth Pancotti
Corporate profits accounted for more than half of recent price increases. To stamp out inflation once and for all, we need to crack down on price gouging.
