How Mamdani’s Predecessors Built Democratic Socialism

A. Philip Randolph and Bayard Rustin’s Freedom Budget is the key to understanding the appeal of the Democratic nominee for NYC mayor. The class-based universalistic politics of the socialists of the 60s and ’70s hold important lessons for today.

Celebrities Relaunch Committee to Defend Free Speech

On Wednesday, over 550 celebrities relaunched a group first organized during the post-World War II Red Scare: the Committee for the First Amendment. Their intent is to stand up in what they call a "defense of our constitutional rights,"

Global Sumud Flotilla Latest Bid to Break Gaza Blockade

The Global Sumud Flotilla the latest humanitarian mission to try to breach Israel’s maritime blockade of Gaza drew around 500 participants from nearly 50 countries. Israeli forces intercepted the mission in international waters on Wednesday evening.

Remembering Ann Fagan Ginger, Championed Human Rights

For refusing to sign a loyalty oath she was barred from practicing law, targeted by the FBI. Founder of Berkeley’s Meiklejohn Civil Liberties Institute, pioneered the field of “peace law,”wrote the resolution establishing Berkeley-a Human Rights City

Reader Comments & Tidbits, Oct 2, 2025

Readers Comments: "Enemy From Within"; Trump-Netanyahu Colonization Plan; Lost Cause in the 21st Century - Charlie Kirk and Donald Trump; Committee for the First Amendment Relaunched; AI and the Future of Work; Cartoons and more....

Trump Declares War on America

"It’s the enemy from within and we have to handle it before it gets out of control."

Bulging Biceps Don’t Win Modern Wars

Hegseth’s speech was vile. It was also stupid.

Private Equity’s New Playground: America’s Schools

Under the guise of championing “school choice,” the new school voucher program will likely divert millions in taxpayer dollars to private equity firms.

Global Left Midweek — October 1, 2025

Gen Z protests continue to spread

Gustavo Petro Isn’t Afraid of Donald Trump

Colombian president Gustavo Petro lambasted Donald Trump’s human rights abuses and Israel’s genocide at the United Nations last week. The US State Department revoked his visa in response.
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Culture

tv

MAGA Is Coming for the WNBA

Alex Keeney Politico
The nation’s most prominent — and most politically active — women’s pro sports league is on a collision course with Donald Trump.

poetry

My Grandpa Was Two

Peter Neil Carroll
Stopping in Trempealeau, Wisconsin, during a trip along the Mississippi, historian and poet Peter Carroll contemplates the flow of time.

film

Riefenstahl Exposes the Nazis’ Favorite Filmmaker

An interview with Andres Veiel Jacobin
Darkly influential, the cinema of Nazi propagandist Leni Riefenstahl is a powerful blend of art and propaganda. She’s now the subject of a new documentary that wrestles with the question of the culpability of a talented artist working for a vile regi

food

The FDA May Change What Legally Counts As Orange Juice

Stacey Leasca Food & Wine
In response to the Florida Citrus Processors Association and Florida Citrus Mutual, the FDA is proposing to amend the standard of identity for pasteurized orange juice, in place for 6 decades, "to promote honesty and fair dealing for consumers."

Labor

labor

Labor Relations in Germany – Three Snapshots

Thomas Klikauer Z Network
German labor relations aren’t dead. Workers are fighting – in courts, in meat factories, in airports. These workers will not surrender. Whatever dirty tactics management throws at them – they stand firm.

labor

‘A Leader Who Will Fight for Us’

Ralph Palladino The Chief
Democratic Socialist Zorhan Mamdani’s decisive win over former Governor Andrew Cuomo in June’s Democratic Party primary has the billionaire class, large corporate real estate owners and the many in the moderate Democratic establishment freaking out.

labor

The UAW’s Shawn Fain on Union Growth and Union Power

Shawn Fain Jacobin
United Auto Workers president Shawn Fain: “Make no mistake: the billionaire class is not going to give up power willingly. They are on an endless pursuit of profit, no matter the cost.”

labor

Trump’s War on Wind

Kari Thompson Labor Notes
Tens of Thousands of Jobs Destroyed, Unions Say

Friday nite video

video

Bombshell Development in the Epstein Scandal

When Adelita Grijalva is sworn in as a member of Congress next week, she will be the crucial 218th vote to force a vote on release of the Epstein files. What comes next?

video

Pregnancy Is Insane

The challenges of pregnancy rival any Olympic competition, yet when successful pregnancy results in an extraordinary achievement

video

Jimmy Kimmel: The Final Show?

On his last show before being "indefinitely suspended," Jimmy talks about the NFL, TikTok, the MAGA gang and Charlie Kirk, $200M ballrooms, Fox and Friends and MTG. 

video

Colbert's Identical Twin Brings Back 'The Word': Shhhhhh!

Daddy’s home! Stephen appoints Stephen Colbert, former host of “The Colbert Report,” as ombudsman to ensure that the final season of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” remains free from liberal bias.