Portside

It's over. Jeff Merkley, the liberal Democrat from Oregon, asked his Republican “friends” to consider what could have been achieved by spending a trillion dollars on fixing America’s infrastructure, or making health care more affordable, or improving the education system. “This is the biggest bank heist, not just in American history but in the history of the world,” Merkley declared.

Progressive leaders said they will punish House and Senate Democrats politically, including by withdrawing endorsements in 2018, if they do not demand passage of the Dream Act by the end of the year. Pressure is on Sen. Schumer and Rep. Nancy Peloisi who have signaled they may back GOP effort to fund government without DACA or CHIP action. Progressive activists say that approach is unacceptable.

When everyone’s out of a job, will workers unite?

Ahed Tamimi has become internationally known for her defense of Palestinian rights under occupation, including her defense of her younger brother when he was seized by an occupation soldier and regular protests against land confiscation targeting Nabi Saleh and other villages around Ramallah.

Some of the most strategic organizing of this Trump moment has been focused on winning real gains for workers where we can: in our rebel cities and blue states. Alt-labor organizations have been leading this fight.

The state, the extremists, and their enablers in political society have pushed Pakistan to the brink of collapse. Progressives need to overcome doubts and timidity to organize for a better alternative/

Congressional Republicans chose to use a special fast-track budget process known as “reconciliation” for their tax bill, but every credible analysis shows that the bill won’t come close to paying for itself.

Less Moore?; Alabama drama; Machismo under fire; Which women beat Moore?; Webster’s f-word; Jerusalem, for Christ’s sake

Tax policy, which can be deadly dull, hasn’t inspired much enthusiasm for activist campaigns—until now. Advocates could leverage this energy to push for a progressive tax code.

The Honduran Presidential candidate Salvador Nasralla has called for a recount after the country’s electoral tribunal declared the incumbent, Juan Orlando Hernández, the winner.