Hi, we’re back after a nice Labor Day break.
This week in OtherWords, Paul Armentano parses the news that the federal government may “reschedule” marijuana. Paul explains what that means — and why it’s not quite enough to bring sanity to our federal drug laws.
Also this week, Tom Conway shares some worker stories about the inhumanity of mandatory overtime — and highlights the fights where they’re trying to end it. Jim Hightower reports some good news about the fight against drug price gouging. And cartoonist Khalil Bendib marks a sad nuclear irony in Japan.
New This Week…
The Federal Government Is Evolving on Marijuana — But Not Fast Enough | Paul Armentano
We shouldn’t treat cannabis like heroin. But we shouldn’t treat it like ketamine either, as a federal agency now recommends.
Mandatory Overtime Is Inhumane and Dangerous | Tom Conway
Mill workers are battling harder than ever against overtime requirements that strain families and put lives at risk.
We Can Stop Drug Price Gouging — Here’s How | Jim Hightower
Under President Joe Biden’s anti-inflation policy passed last year, Medicare can now negotiate drug prices on our behalf.
Cartoon: The Nuclear March of Progress | Khalil Bendib
Near the anniversary of the nuclear bombings, Japan dumps nuclear wastewater into the Pacific.
In Case You Missed It…
Anxious About the Climate? There’s a Solution. | Fatima Gutierrez
Mental health challenges are rising alongside temperatures. Research suggests that taking action can help.
Don’t Blame Workers for Poor Service — Blame Our CEOs | Felix Allen
New data shows big retailers have the cash to hire more workers and pay them well. They just spend it on stocks and CEOs instead.
We Still Have a Dream | Dedrick Asante-Muhammad and Chuck Collins
Sixty years after Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, our racial economic divide is vast as ever. But it can still be closed.
A Hot Labor Summer — in More Ways Than One | Farrah Hassen
Governments are failing to protect workers from extreme heat, so it’s no surprise labor actions have been heating up too.
