What to write about? | What's Left 100th Edition
Reading the news today is like living through a poorly written dystopian novel, but without any of the exciting grittiness that comes with a real apocalypse or the fun of Zombieland. And, the current contradictions make it difficult to focus on a topic to write about. We have economic growth with rising inequality. Right-wing populism without a populist left-wing response. The decline of social democratic parties, but with a rising acceptance of democratic socialist values. Increased access to knowledge, but less real understanding. Increased politicization, but no clear path to political power. It makes one's head spin.
What's Left 2017-11-11 Volume 100
Reading the news today is like living through a poorly written dystopian novel, but without any of the exciting grittiness that comes with a real apocalypse or the fun of Zombieland. And, the current contradictions make it difficult to focus on a topic to write about. We have economic growth with rising inequality. Right-wing populism without a populist left-wing response. The decline of social democratic parties, but with a rising acceptance of democratic socialist values. Increased access to knowledge, but less real understanding. Increased politicization, but no clear path to political power. It makes one's head spin.
Book Review: Seven Fallen Feathers by Tanya Talaga
Toronto Star journalist Tanya Talaga takes a dive into a crisis based in the northern community of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Since the year 2000, seven Indigenous high school students have died in circumstances that are too similar to discount. Questions around the events leading to their deaths remain unanswered to this day. In every case, it was found that the police systematically failed to provide the families with due process and a sense of justice. In the wake of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's (TRC) final report in 2015, Seven Fallen Feathers is required reading.
Yemeni Journalist: Saudi Arabia's Total Blockade on Yemen is “Death Sentence” for All | Democracy Now
'The U.N. says aid agencies were given no prior notice of the Saudi decision to shut down all land, air and seaports in Yemen. … the U.S. administration has to admit that it is giving its political backing to the Saudi-led coalition. It has given its support with the arms sales and the intelligence and logistic assistance to the military operation. The U.S. Navy has about 80 percent control over the ports to Yemen.'
Deep Cracks Appear in Venezuela's Weakened Opposition | The New York Times
'Though always torn by competing interests, the alliance for years had largely been able to maintain a united public front, bound by the shared goal of ousting Mr. Maduro and, before him, President Hugo Chávez.'
Book Review: Barrelling Forward by Eva Crocker
The colourful cover of “Barrelling Forward” by Eva Crocker should catch your eye – a flag that should really prompt you to cracking the cover. Crocker lines up a series of short stories as fresh and raw as each other, where characters collide, run, struggle and continue to move ahead in the normal and sometimes mundane adventure called life. “Barrelling Forward” is a great read worth keeping close and reading slowly.
Les aventures incroyables, mais vraies, de Don Quichotte de la Manche
Il y a peu de personnages aussi connus et reconnus que l'Ingénieux Hidalgo Don Quichotte de la Manche. Le classique de Miguel de Cervantes expose les contes, ou plutôt les péripéties, de ce prétendu chevalier et de son loyal écuyer dans l'Espagne médiévale. Satirique, pédant et drôle du début à la fin, Don Quichotte est l'un de ces classiques dont la lecture (ou la relecture) est un vrai plaisir.
Norwegian elections: Another right-wing victory & a serious Labour defeat | Asbjørn Wahl
The centre-left failed in getting rid of the so-called blue-blue government at the parliamentary elections in Norway on 11 September. The Labour Party was the main loser, while small parties on the centre-left advanced slightly. However, the parliamentary basis of the right-wing government has started to unravel. A deeper political crisis may be looming in the background, while social contradictions are on the raise. Social Democracy followed the general European downward tendency (except Britain).
Deregulated & Unaccountable: For-Profit Nursing Homes in Florida Face Scrutiny After Irma Deaths | Democracy Now!
'At least 150 people were evacuated, many with severe dehydration and other heat-related symptoms. We speak with Dale Ewart, vice president of 1199SEIU, the United Healthcare Workers East union. We also speak with Stephen Hobbs, a reporter for the Sun Sentinel who has been covering the eight deaths.'