Climate has barely cracked the list of top issues in this election cycle. But after a slew of climate-driven disasters — including not just hurricanes in Florida but also flooding in desert towns and mountain towns alike — A.J. Schumann writes this week that voters need to start demanding real climate policies from political candidates.
Also this week, T.G. Turner shares how the social safety net is on the line in this election. Lakeisha McVey explains why the simplest, most effective antipoverty program is cash. And Jim Hightower remembers the late Lily Ledbetter, who led a successful crusade for equal pay in the workplace.
New This Week…
Climate Can’t Be Ignored This Election | A.J. Schumann
With even “climate havens” suffering devastating floods, voters must demand better climate commitments from all candidates.
Every Vote Counts: Preserve Anti-Poverty Programs and Protect Families | T.G. Turner
What happens in our lives is often out of our control. But making common sense investments in our families is something we can control — at the ballot box.
Cash is King: Why Cash is the Best Tool to End Poverty | Lakeisha McVey
Restrictive benefits and burdensome paperwork turn seeking help into a full-time job. Simple, direct cash payments are much more cost-effective.
Lilly Ledbetter Fought the Bad Guys and Won — For All of Us | Jim Hightower
The late Goodyear supervisor became a modern day Mother Jones, launching a fiery national campaign for workplace fairness.
CARTOON: Armageddon Cafe | Khalil Bendib
Global warming or nuclear winter?
In Case You Missed It…
Warped Government Priorities Make Climate Disasters Worse | Basav Sen
When we fund wars and fossil fuel subsidies instead of green jobs and disaster recovery, we punish those who can least afford it.
Scapegoating Immigrants Hurts All of Us — Except Elites | Sonali Kolhatkar
The right’s unhinged anti-immigrant rhetoric is putting people in danger — and letting the real villains off the hook.
The Tipped Wage System Is Failing Us. Removing Taxes on Tips Won’t Save It. | Red Schomburg
Most of us don’t earn enough to pay taxes anyway. What we really need is a wage hike.
Aid Restrictions Hold Americans Back | Brazil Jefferson
I’m disabled and want to work. But if I earn “too much” — even if it’s not enough to live on — I’ll lose benefits. That’s not how it should be.
