In his famous “Beyond Vietnam” address in 1967, the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. warned against the “giant triplets” of racism, militarism, and materialism. Unfortunately, all three are on full display as we approach King’s observance day in 2026.
“Dr. King’s call for strong, aggressive federal leadership in addressing racial inequality remains highly relevant,” Dedrick Asante-Muhammad writes this week. Instead, we’re getting a concerted federal push to entrench that inequality. “Our leaders in Congress and the White House have prioritized advancing corporate profits and wealth concentration, slashing government programs meant to advance upward mobility, and deploying military forces across the country, increasing distrust and tension,” Dedrick argues.
Meanwhile, the threat of war looms at home and abroad. Farrah Hassen connects the recent ICE violence against U.S. citizens to its much longer history of violence against immigrants and calls for accountability. David Vine warns against going to war with Iran. And Basav Sen explains how Big Oil is already profiting from the invasion of Venezuela.
As Dedrick reminds us, King insisted that “we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt.” But justice demands acting with “the fierce urgency of now.”
New This Week…
Dr. King’s Warnings Seem More Prescient Than Ever | Dedrick Asante-Muhammad
King called for an aggressive federal effort to reverse racial inequality. Instead, we’re getting one to entrench it.
ICE Puts All of Us in Danger | Farrah Hassen
ICE is murdering citizens because we allowed them to abuse immigrants first. How many more need to die before Congress holds ICE accountable?
War Only Helps Iran’s Leaders. | David Vine
Trump’s threats only embolden Iran’s leaders to crack down. The best way to support protestors is through diplomacy.
Big Oil’s Big Win in Venezuela | Basav Sen
Big Oil is a winner in the U.S. attack on Venezuela, even if they don’t extract a drop of oil from there.
In Case You Missed It…
Congress Must Stop This War and Help Working Americans Instead | Lindsay Koshgarian
Health costs are doubling, food prices are rising, and the safety net is shredded. So why are we launching an illegal war to help oil companies?
Public Health Reduces Drug Deaths. Wars Don’t. | Jordan Liz
Invading Venezuela has nothing to do with drugs, but slashing the safety net does.
Trump’s January 6 Pardons Increased Risks to Public Safety | Paul Becker and Art Jipson
A year ago, President Trump pardoned the January 6 insurrectionists. Many have since been arrested for home invasions, death threats, and more.
How 2025 Prepared Us for 2026 | Peter Montgomery
Last year was a rough one for many Americans. How can it prepare us for the year ahead?
