Protest Song of the Week: ‘This is Not a Protest Song’
Jazz vocalist and songwriter René Marie believed since the civil rights movement jazz musicians had not done all that much to address social issues. She recorded a song in 2007 about her personal experiences with homelessness, and all money made from the song was to be given to Colorado’s Coalition for the
Podcast: As Hunger Strike Ends, Parent Shares How Fight for Dyett Means Everything to Her
The Fight for Dyett, a grassroots campaign to revitalize and save Walter H. Dyett High School on the south side of Chicago, ended a 34-day hunger strike on September 19. At least twelve people had participated in the hunger strike in order to save the public school from being closed down and privatized.
US And UK Arm Child Soldiers At World’s Largest Arms Fair In London
Against the objections of the United Nations, this week the United States and the United Kingdom together helped arm the world’s child soldiers.
Chelsea Manning To Sue Military For Prohibiting Her From Growing Hair
Chelsea Manning announced the United States Army has once again denied her ongoing request to grow her hair out. She indicated she will file a lawsuit against the prohibition.
U.S. Government Fights Ruling Requiring Warrant For Cell-Site Location Data
A federal appeals court ruled in August the government needs a warrant to seek and inspect cell-site location information or else the government is violating the Fourth Amendment. Now, the government has requested the appeals court reconsider its decision. In a filing [PDF], the government chastises the Fourth Circuit Court
DOJ Fails To Bring Charges Against GM Executives Despite Promises
Last week, the Justice Department announced they were changing their policy on letting corporate executives walk away scot-free without criminal charges. This week, the Department of Justice announced it will let every executive of General Motors (GM) walk away scot-free with no criminal charges for defrauding consumers and misleading regulators on a faulty ignition switch that killed over 120 people.
Not The Nukes: What Israel Fears Most About Iran
The airwaves are clogged with media pundits and politicians repeat special interest talking points that have been funded by the Israeli and Saudi lobbies, not facts. Mnar Muhawesh speaks with geopolitical analyst Sharmine Narwani who was present in Geneva during the Iran talks about the deal as it’s written.
Lawyer For Guantanamo Inmates Describes Prisoners’ Dreams Of Family, Fresh Air
Omar Shakir, an attorney for the Center for Constitutional Rights who has worked on Guantanamo Bay prisoners’ cases, made his first trip to the military prison this month. He shared what struck him most about going to Guantanamo to meet with two prisoners, Ghaleb al-Bihani and Zaher Hamdoun. Shakir described how the men’s faces lit up as they talked about things most humans take for granted, like fresh air, travel, family, and friends.
California Teachers’ Pensions May Embrace Hedge Funds
The hedge fund industry continues to expand its influence throughout the US economy and financial system despite having a lackluster performance record. The latest catch is a true whale, the California State Teachers’ Retirement System, a pension fund worth approximately $119 billion that serves roughly 880,000 active and retired school employees.
Ahmed Mohamed Inspires Other Muslim Students to Stand Up to Fear, Be Themselves
Ahmed Mohamed’s case is a perfect case to understand the bigotry and hysteria in the United States, which has persisted since the September 11th attacks and festered as isolated instances of violent extremism have occurred. The outpouring of support presents an opportunity to reflect on other cases where students have been targeted for their skin color and religion.