November 1, 2008

Redistribution? That’s capitalism!

Class warfare

Free Liliany Obando

‘Religulous’ and religion

Kabul

The United States now stands at one of the most significant crossroads in our history. The choice before voters on Nov. 4 is crystal clear: Continue the catastrophic slide of the last eight years into the abyss of economic disintegration, growing human misery at home and costly, deadly adventurism abroad. Or, continue instead to build the broad labor-led coalition which can help a new administration and Congress chart a path to peaceful, cooperative international relations and an economy where people earn decent wages for producing needed goods and services and are assured quality affordable health care and other human needs, while protecting our environment.

WASHINGTON (PAI)—New media, led by Internet phenomena such as YouTube, blogs, e-mails and Twitter, are having a profound impact on the nation’s political dialogue, a panel convened Oct. 23 by the League of Women Voters says.

A united labor movement, fighting for a U.S. economy that once again creates millions of good-paying jobs, is on the verge of making history.

People’s Global Action held demonstrations Oct. 27 as the opening of the UN-sponsored Global Forum on Migration and Development kicked off in Manila. Under the theme, “Migrant workers are human beings, not commodities,” the nine-day PGA activities are “meant to supplement” the UN event.

BARBERTON, Ohio — “No blisters yet, but I’ve got a darned shin splint,” said Ohio AFL-CIO President Joe Rugola as he walked into this rustbelt city near Akron last week. “The wonderful folks I’ve met on this walk have kept me so up, emotionally, that I don’t even feel it any more.”

LOS ANGELES — “When we elect Barack — knock on wood — we will have someone who responds to labor, to people’s needs, the plight of immigrants. But he can’t win change alone. It will take a larger movement,” said Maria Elena Durazo, leader of the 840,000-member Los Angeles County Federation of Labor.

“Strength, grace, courage.” That is how Violet Russell and 12 other women are described in a 2008 calendar honoring “Rosie the Riveter,” women who worked in armaments production in Washington State during World War II.

A growing tide of support for Barack Obama, including endorsements by several prominent Republicans, is helping propel a potential “sweep” for Democrats in the House and Senate. Most notable was this month’s endorsement by Colin Powell, who cited “the vitriol and bigotry and prejudice” of the McCain-Palin campaign.

With time running out, John McCain floundered against surging voter support for Barack Obama in Pennsylvania and other battleground states that could determine who wins the presidency Nov. 4.