In their own ways, both major parties are setting up to make immigration a centerpiece of their 2024 campaigns. Republicans have raised hysteria about immigrants and the border, while Democrats — and especially President Biden — have blasted Republicans for sinking a bipartisan border bill that would have given the GOP much of what it wanted.
This week in OtherWords, immigration policy expert Juan Carlos Gomez argues that both parties are sending the wrong message.
Juan criticizes President Biden for abandoning his earlier commitments to pursue a pathway to citizenship, prioritize human rights for migrants, and oppose funding for a border wall. Juan argues that in some respects, the Biden administration has actually continued down Trump’s path on immigration. Instead, he calls on both parties “to stop playing politics with immigrants’ lives.”
Also this week, Paul Armentano reviews America’s decade-plus experience with state-level marijuana legalization and declares it a stunning success. “In the last decade or so, 24 states have legalized cannabis for adult use,” he notes. “There’s a reason none have turned back.” And Mariah Montgomery explains how rideshare companies like Uber try to pit riders and drivers against each other — while ripping both off.
New This Week…
It’s Time to Stop Playing Politics with Immigrants’ Lives | Juan Carlos Gomez
Being “tough” on immigration doesn’t mean you have to support cruel or ineffective policies.
State-Level Marijuana Legalization Has Been a Stunning Success | Paul Armentano
In the last decade or so, 24 states have legalized cannabis for adult use. There’s a reason none have turned back.
“Gaslighting and Greed”: How Uber Overcharges Riders and Underpays Drivers | Mariah Montgomery
If you’ve taken an Uber recently, you’ve probably noticed it costs a lot more than before. Here’s why.
CARTOON: Will Coup for Food | Khalil Bendib
Unhoused from the White House and down on his luck.
In Case You Missed It…
More for Them, Less for Us | Sarah Anderson, William Rice, and Zachary Tashman
Tesla, Ford, Netflix, and T-Mobile are among scores of profitable U.S. firms that pay their top executives more than they pay in federal taxes.
Cash Bail Is Unfair and Violates Due Process | Sonali Kolhatkar
Should poor people await trial behind bars while the rich go free? In the latest election year culture war, some Republicans say yes.
The End of Anti-Woke Politics? | Jim Hightower
It turns out most Americans are “woke,” with even Republicans rejecting Ron DeSantis’s efforts to “Floridize” the country.
We Need a ‘Marshall Plan’ for Public Media | Chris Mills Rodrigo
Local news is too important for our democracy to live and die by ad dollars or fundraising. Public funding could help.
