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Dispatches From the Culture Wars - February 12, 2019

AIPAC Offensive; 2020 x 2; Red Menace; Blackface; FBI Serves and Protects KKK; Jacobin Breaks Out

Clay Jones,Tucson Weekly

Why Criticizing AIPAC is Not Anti-Semitism

By Jeffrey C. Isaac 
February 11, 2019
Public Seminar

Speaking in broad terms about “the Jews” or “the Jew Lobby” would be anti-Semitic. But AIPAC does not equate to “Jews” or “the Jewish people.” AIPAC is a very savvy political action committee with a rather reactionary agenda, and it is fair game for criticism. 

The 2020 Election and Two Stories About America

By Nancy LeTourneau
January 28, 2019
Washington Monthly

Sanders got caught up in the need to address the lies and failed to see that the underlying issue that must be addressed is the fear mongering. Until Democrats are able to do that, they’ll be playing on Trump’s home turf and giving him the advantage.

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Democrats Must Reach Out to Moderates in 2020 — By Waging a Vicious Class War

By Eric Levitz
January 31, 2019
New York Magazine

When it comes to describing America’s problems, only one question bitterly divides Democrats: Does their story of middle-class decline need a ruling-class villain?

Socialism and Fearmongering Over Venezuela

By Greg Grandin
January 29, 2019
The Nation

Bret Stephens and others on the right are worried about the growing popularity of socialism. Their panicked response? “But Venezuela!”

Blackface Isn’t Just About the Racism in America’s Past.

By P.R. Lockhart  
February 11, 2019
Vox

A bigger conversation about blackface’s history and its continued use is finally beginning to unfold.

Revealed: FBI Investigated Civil Rights Group as 'Terrorism' Threat

By Sam Levin
January 31, 2019
The Guardian

Bureau spied on California activists, citing potential ‘conspiracy’ against the ‘rights’ of neo-Nazis.

The ABCs of Jacobin

By Robert P. Baird
January 2, 2019
Columbia Journalism Review