Tidbits- July 3-Readers Comments: Bill of Death in House; Big Beautiful BS; Trump and Uber-Rich Usurp Country’s Independence and Constitution; Mamdani and Lander Combined Two Strands; NYC Labor Unites Behind Mamdani; Resource: How Bad Is It?; More

Readers Comments: Bill of Death in House; Big Beautiful BS; Trump and Uber-Rich Usurp Country's Independence and Constitution; Mamdani and Lander Combined Two Strands; NYC Labor Unites Behind Mamdani; Resource: How Bad Is It?; Announcements; Cartoons

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Tidbits - Reader Comments, Resources, Announcements, AND cartoons - July 3, 2025,Portside

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Announcements:

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If they pass this bill of death in the House, there’s going to be a resurrection.  --  Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II

If they pass this bill of death in the House, there’s going to be a resurrection. If they do it on July 4th, we’re going to organize a massive freedom summer & voting summer next year. Everybody they hurt with this bill, we’re going to organize. We will not bow down, lay down, & die. Use our @UniteThePoor

tool to call your House member TODAY and demand a #MoralBudget.
 
 

 

Re: They Didn’t Have To Do This
 

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I have often wondered why moderate Republicans are going along with so many Trump plans they obviously don't agree with. Looking it up in Google I have found a number of articles that talk about the physical risk to Republicans and their families, and the fear that engenders. It goes beyond being primaried. A Trump-backed primary involves lies and smears, and a lot of Proud Boy types immediately spring out of the woodwork to send death threats to Trump's adversaries -- and sometimes worse. I think that's what pardoning the January 6 people was all about.

Ruth

      =====

“Trump was nodding at the claim that cuts to health-care subsidies and food assistance would be limited to fraudulent beneficiaries and other waste. Not only is this nowhere close to true, but there is also no conceivable world in which it could be true.”

Bill Audette
Posted on Portside's Facebook page

 

Independence Day  --  Cartoon and Commentary by Nick Anderson

 

 

Trump doesn’t have to stage a coup because Congress and the Supreme Court are handing him the keys and a throne. Why break down democracy’s door when the guards are opening it for you? That’s the trend in Washington, where Donald Trump’s return to the Oval Office resembles less a hostile takeover and more a coronation sponsored by the GOP and underwritten by the Supreme Court.

Congress, once a co-equal branch of government, has decided it's more of a cheer squad now. House Republicans responded to Trump’s unilateral airstrike on Iran not with alarm, but with applause—because who needs those pesky "war powers" when you’ve got good vibes and Fox News clips?

Tariffs? Congress used to regulate them. Now, Trump treats them like loyalty tests, cutting off Canada with all the ceremony of unfollowing someone on Instagram. Why legislate when you can litigate via TruthSocial?

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court just helpfully limited lower courts’ ability to block Trump’s executive orders. The justices called it a constitutional reset; critics called it an open door for executive overreach. Justice Amy Coney Barrett even reached back to English law to justify it.

On birthright citizenship, Trump is giving the 14th Amendment a makeover by declaring it doesn’t apply to babies he doesn’t like. The Court won’t weigh in yet, which basically lets Trump take it for a test drive with no license.

Liberal justices warned that this “executive lawlessness” could end our constitutional republic. Conservatives called it Tuesday.

Trump's allies celebrated the ruling as an end to the "imperial judiciary"—ironically, by creating an imperial presidency. His Attorney General called it taking power back from activist judges. Apparently, separation of powers now means “whatever Trump wants, whenever he wants it.”

And remember Trump’s legal immunity? Thanks to the Court, being president now comes with a personal get-out-of-jail-free card. Forget checks and balances—Trump has the pen, the gavel, and now, maybe the crown.

In short, Trump doesn’t need to storm the castle. The guards are polishing his scepter.

Nick Anderson
June 30, 2025
Pen Strokes

 

Mamdani !  --  Cartoon by Dr. Keith F. Knight

 

Dr. Keith F. Knight
July 1, 2025
The Keef Knight Project

 

Re: NYC Labor and Zohran Mamdani’s Victory

(posting on Portside Labor)
 

More about NY unions' positions on the Mayoralty primary.  It states that 500 members of my life-long union, Local 1199, signed a petition for the union to retract its endorsement of Cuomo.  Also the endorsement took place while George Gresham was still President, before he was voted out of office.

1199 needs to return to one of the stated goals of the 1980s Save Our Union movement - membership say in political endorsements.

Marilyn Albert
Posted on Portside's Facebook page

 

Re: Mamdani and Lander Combined Two Strands of Progressive Politics
 

I hope that Brad Lander will spend the next few years adding his familiarity with NYC structure and players to help Mamdani succeed against the Goliaths of NYC real estate and finance. Then he could go on to become our Senator in 2028 or 2030 when those elections take place. Meanwhile his election is not yet assured. There are lots of people who did not show up for the primaries. There will be many attempts to scare them into voting for someone else. Maybe the Republicans will even come up with a credible candidate.??

Sonia Cobbins
Posted on Portside's Facebook page

      =====

Lander really was a hero of this election which was made especially obvious by his arrest for accompanying an immigrant to court and his joint appearance with Mamdani on Stephen Colbert's show.  In addition Lander supported a pro Palestinian candidate challenged by a Jewish one in a local Brooklyn election.  He really is the prototype of a progressive Jew in these trying times.

Nora Lapin

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This is by David Dayan / a smart fellow who knows about how systems and policies work.
It was in the American Prospect.

I have strong doubts about Mamdani winning and also thinking "how can he accomplish anything without backing".   

But this is encouraging about a socialist and progressive pragmatist running a city.   Like if Bernie and Elizabeth Warren ran the country,

sand brim

 

Pay No Attention to the Guy Behind the Curtain, José L. Jardinero Is The Guy You’re Looking For  --  Cartoon by Lalo Alcaraz

 

Lalo Alcaraz
June 30, 2025
https://www.pocho.com/

 

Re: Alligator Alcatraz Isn’t Just a Prison. It’s a Mirror. And It’s Asking Us: Who Are We, Really?
 

Sadistic Nazi bastards? Is that the phrase you're looking for?

Eleanor Roosevelt
Posted on Portside's Facebook page

 

Uncle Sam Wants You...For Stupid War #3  --  Cartoon by R.J. Matson

 

R.J. Matson
June 26, 2025

 

Re: The Alarming Rise of US Officers Hiding Behind Masks: ‘A Police State’
 

Fascists hoping to hide from justice.

I don't call it the ICEtapo for nothing.

Bill Rogers
Posted on Portside's Facebook page

 

Obliterated  --  Cartoon and Commentary by Rob Rogers

 

Trump is throwing a temper tantrum because U.S. intel sources and the press are questioning whether Iran's nuclear capability is really as "obliterated" as he insists. Trump is such a giant, lying crybaby ... and he is in charge of the most powerful military in the world. Scary.

Rob Rogers
June 27, 2025
TinyView

 

Big Beautiful BS  --  Cartoon by Jack Ohman

 


 

Jack Ohman
July 1, 2025
Jack Ohman's You Betcha!

 

SCOTUS Adds Another Jewel to Imperial Presidency  --  Cartoon and Commentary by Benjamin Slyngstad

 

SCOTUS rules against nationwide injunctions by federal judges, adding another jewel to the imperial presidency.

Benjamin Slyngstad
June 30, 2025
slyngstad_cartoons

 

Set It On Fire  --  Cartoon and Commentary by Jesse Duquette

 

Ending this missive with an illustration that can be applied to Trump’s approach to pretty much anything: set something on fire (international relations, a major American city, the rule of law, etc.) then try to take credit for putting out the fire.

Jesse Duquette
Week of June 23 - 30, 2025
Weekly Cartoon Roundup #16

 

What Could Go Wrong?  --  Cartoon by Mike Stanfill

 

Mike Stanfill
June 27, 2025
Raging Pencils

 

URGENT  --  Watch for Ice  - Road Signs Needed

 

 

New American Gothic  --  Criselda Vasquez

 


 

I painted “The New American Gothic” back in 2017. I want to reshare it today because during these times in the United States, it is as relevant as ever. As a first generation Mexican American I’ve witnessed firsthand the hard work, struggles and sacrifices that immigrants endure in this country. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, in the long tradition of immigrants that have come to this country, they come here simply to work, seek security and provide a better future for themselves and their children.

There’s always been a large mischaracterization of this community. They are NOT criminals. They are human beings who deserve dignity, respect and human rights! I will always continue to show who my community really is through my art. I hope we can all stand strong together. Through art, words, and most importantly our right to free speech - we can make a difference. Please inform yourself, spread awareness and take action.
❤️

Criselda Vasquez
June 14, 2025
 

 

How Bad Is It?  --  Federal Tax Debate 2025  (Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy)

 

The House of Representatives has passed its reconciliation bill that features massive tax cuts and deep cuts to spending.

The tax cuts in the House bill mostly flow to those who have the most. Roughly 68% of the tax cuts go to the richest 20% in the U.S. The campaign promises from President Trump play a small role in the overall tax cuts, as most of the benefits come from extending tax provisions from 2017. Some other notable changes would support private school voucher programs, harm immigrant communities, and widen income and racial inequality.

For working-class Americans, the tax cuts in the House bill are extremely modest, and overall taxes would rise for these families when the impact of tariffs are accounted for.

See the charts below to learn more about the effects of the House bill.

(Click here to access each chart to expand)
 

 

Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy
1301 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Ste 220
Washington, DC 20036
phone: 202-299-1066
fax:   202-299-1065
email: itep@itep.org

 

This is Sacred Resistance - Los Angeles - Southern California

 

Who We Are

We are people of faith and conscience standing together against injustice. Rooted in our commitment to resist evil and protect the vulnerable, we work to support immigrants, refugees, and all marginalized communities.  Sacred Resistance is a social justice ministry and advocacy branch of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles that was formed after Diocesan Convention voted in 2016 to be a Sanctuary Diocese.

Sacred Resistance 2.0
(2024-Present)

Following the 2024 General Election, with its threats of mass deportations, attacks on transgender communities, and elimination of reproductive healthcare access, the Sacred Resistance Task Force "rebooted" for the work ahead. We launched Sacred Resistance 2.0 in December 2024 with renewed energy and expanded leadership.

Sacred Resistance 2.0 represents both an evolution and an expansion of our mission. The new landscape demands a broader coalition capable of defending multiple fronts simultaneously. The "2.0" designation reflects our commitment to building more robust infrastructure, deepening our community partnerships, and developing rapid-response capabilities that can adapt to an increasingly volatile political environment.

Click here for more information

Sacred Resistance is built on organizing, relationship, and people power.

Connecting with Sacred Resistance on our social media accounts is vital for fostering a sense of community and raising awareness about the challenges faced by marginalized groups. Through these platforms, we provide updates on our initiatives, share resources, and engage in meaningful discussions that highlight the importance of faith-based activism. 

By following us, you become part of a larger movement dedicated to justice and equity. Your participation not only amplifies our message but also supports the collective effort to uplift voices that often go unheard. Use your platform to make a difference!

Connect on Facebook 
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Sacred Resistance

 

Exhibition Opening: Bringing the Daily Worker to the World: Images from the Daily Worker and the Daily World Negatives Collection  --  New York  --  July 29  (Tamiment Library & Robert F. Wagner Labor Archives)

 

Tuesday, July 29th, 5:30-7pm
Registration Required

Bobst Library | 2nd Floor | Special Collections Gallery
70 Washington Square South
New York, NY 10012

https://mailchi.mp/f6c581f68c76/new-exhibition-bringing-the-daily-worke…

Join NYU Digital Library Technology Services and Special Collections for the opening of NYU Libraries’ latest exhibition highlighting newly digitized images from the Daily Worker and the Daily World Negatives Collection.

The Daily Worker and People’s World covered nearly every major story of the 20th century, speaking broadly to all aspects of the American Left. Worker and World photographers captured stories of labor, immigration, race, class, and political culture in the United States, including historic and watershed events. With support from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), nearly 185,000 images from the Daily Worker and the Daily World Negatives Collection are now available digitally and publicly for the first time. Digitization of the images was largely performed by students working in the Digital Library Technology Services Lab. The exhibition will feature images chosen by the student employees themselves, alongside original creative works inspired by their labor on the project.

Bringing the Daily Worker to the World: Images from the Daily Worker and the Daily World Negatives Collection is on view in the Special Collections Gallery (Bobst Library, 2nd Floor) from July 29-September 12, 2025. NYU community members can visit the exhibition during our hours of operation. Members of the public should coordinate their visit by reaching out to NYU Special Collections.


 

Tamiment Library and Robert F. Wagner Labor Archives
Elmer Holmes Bobst Library
70 Washington Square South
New York, NY 10012

 

Second Annual Robeson in Peekskill Commemoration Concert: One Voice, Many Echoes!  --  Peekskill, NY  --  September 13

 

We’re thrilled to announce the Second Annual Robeson in Peekskill Commemoration Concert: One Voice, Many Echoes!

Saturday, September 13, 2025 — 3:00 PM

Peekskill Middle School
212 Ringgold Street
Peekskill, NY

Last year, hundreds of neighbors, families, and friends gathered at our inaugural events to honor Paul Robeson’s legacy and remember the courageous stand taken in Peekskill in 1949. One Voice, Many Echoes builds on that inspiring success — proving that when a community remembers together, we stand stronger for justice and free expression.

This year, join us once again for an unforgettable afternoon of music, memory, and unity as we carry Robeson’s message forward.

Featuring performances by nationally acclaimed musical activists:

🎸 Guy Davis — Grammy-nominated bluesman, actor, author, and songwriter blending roots, folk, and spoken word to shine a light on injustice and share stories that matter.

🎤 Reggie Harris — Renowned vocalist, guitarist, and storyteller whose performances inspire hope and reflection on history, humanity, and healing.

🎶 Peekskill City Singers — bringing community voices together in harmony.

This is more than a concert — it’s a call to remember, reflect, and rise. By keeping this history alive, we help build a more just, informed future for all.

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now — get yours here: https://givebutter.com/OneVoiceManyEchoesEvent

✨ Mark your calendar and bring your voice to this community celebration of music, storytelling, and shared purpose. Let the echoes of justice ring on.