This week’s feature piece covers a subject near and dear to my heart: local libraries. It’s hard to think of a community institution more deserving of being left alone by politicians.
But this week in OtherWords, Georgia Jensen shares how political attacks over books, funding, and other concerns are making it harder for libraries to do what they do so well. They don’t just lend out books, Georgia writes, but also promote community literacy, help people find jobs, feed the hungry, and otherwise close the gap between rich and poor.
“Libraries ensure that both children and adults get the help they need to succeed in life. To continue, they need our help,” Georgia concludes. “We need to support our local libraries by donating or volunteering where we can. We can also pressure our lawmakers not to cut funding.”
Also this week, our writers tackle some truly absurd recent Supreme Court decisions. Jim Hightower skewers the court for essentially legalizing bribery (including to itself!). And Kevin Stein explains how another ruling may open the floodgates for banks and other financial institutions to challenge rules that protect consumers. He’s part of a group calling on those banks not to take the bait.
New This Week…
Libraries Are Cornerstones of Our Communities — And They Need Our Help | Georgia Jensen
Public libraries promote literacy, fight poverty, and enrich our lives. It’s up to us to protect them from political attacks.
Banks Keep Breaking Their Promise to Serve the Public Good | Kevin Stein
Now more than ever, it’s important that banks play a responsible role in our democracy. Will they?
Corrupt Judges Are Legalizing Bribery | Jim Hightower
The Supreme Court’s conservatives, who’ve accepted millions of “gratuities” of their own, have ruled that it’s not a bribe if it’s collected after a favor is done.
CARTOON: Burning the Candle at Both Ends | Khalil Bendib
This election will be a test for American democracy like few before it.
In Case You Missed It…
The Supreme Court’s Immunity Ruling Gives Trump King George III’s Power | Mitchell Zimmerman
On the eve of Independence Day, six right-wing justices issued an unhinged and dangerous ruling.
The Paradox of Public Health Solutions That Worsen Climate Change | Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr.
The unanticipated environmental effects of inhalers underscore the contradictions of piecemeal climate solutions.
Extreme Inequality is a Threat to Free Speech | Peter Certo
If money is speech, then speech isn’t free.
Two Years Since Dobbs, Americans Are Fighting to Reclaim Their Rights | Georgia Jensen
Abortion bans have harmed our health, society, and economy. At the ballot box and beyond, voters are fighting back.
