We’re still a week out of Thanksgiving, but many of us have gotten an early start on holiday shopping. Why? Because even with the economy recovering and the pandemic easing, inflation, supply chain unpredictability, and expected postal delivery delays could make this year’s giving season more difficult than usual.
This week in OtherWords, we tackle a few sides of the problem.
First, Domenica Ghanem explains the causes of inflation — from pandemic disruptions to plain old greed — and explains why passing the administration’s jobs and infrastructure package is the simplest solution in sight. Then, Scott Klinger digs into the unique, artificial stressors on the U.S. Postal Service and offers a simple way Congress can fix it.
Also this week, Jill Richardson explains how sociologists could help mitigate the climate crisis. Jim Hightower rues the sort of “compromises” that corporate-backed lawmakers are always demanding on the Hill. And Khalil Bendib sketches a portrait of Facebook’s biggest fans.
We’ll be off for Thanksgiving next week, but we’ll try to circulate some recent favorites that are worth another look. Have a great holiday — we’ll see you again soon.
New This Week…
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.
Sociology Can Help the Climate Crisis | Jill Richardson
Climate change is caused by people acting in groups, after all, and sociology is the study of people acting in groups.
What’s Being Compromised? | Jim Hightower
In any policy fight, it’s never the priorities of the wealthy that are compromised — it’s working and middle-class Americans who are.
Facebook’s Biggest Fans | Khalil Bendib
Far-right hate groups and conspiracy theorists like Q-anon couldn’t do it without the world’s largest social network.
In Case You Missed It….
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.
Rediscovering the Power of Unions | Rebekah Entralgo
Better wages and health care may always face headwinds in Washington, but unions are striking to win them directly.
The United States of Tax Havens | William Minter
Like our billionaires at home, foreign oligarchs and despots are sheltering untold sums from taxation across our country.
