Defining Moments and Crystal Stairs

Charles M. Blow, Op-Ed Columnist The New York Times
“Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.” And yet, we must continue to climb, “sometimes goin’ in the dark, where there ain’t been no light.”

Mandela is Dead Why Hide the Truth about Apartheid?

Fidel Castro Cuba Debate
Fraternal feelings of deep brotherhood between the Cuban people and the homeland of Nelson Mandela born of an event that has not even been mentioned, and which had not said a word over many years, Mandela, because he was an apostle of peace and did not want to hurt anyone. Cuba, because he never made an action seeking glory or prestige.

Radicals in City Hall: An American Tradition

Peter Dreier Dissent Magazine
The time appears to be ripe for a new wave of urban reform. Both socialists like Seattle’s Sawant and progressives like New York’s de Blasio have a chance to popularize “left wing of the possible” ideas that seem bold but not preposterous. But as their socialist and progressive counterparts over the past century recognized, good ideas don’t become policy without social movements behind them.

Woody Guthrie's Jesus Christ

Woody Guthrie's Jesus is a working man ('a carpenter by hand'), an itinerant, and a radical ('sell all of your jewelry and give it to the poor'). For more Alt-Xmas music, go here and here.

Low Down Dirty Christmas

The Playing for Change Band presents a new holiday video, “Low Down Dirty Christmas,” recorded live outside Sao Paolo. Composed by Tom Canning, it reaches back to the roots of blues and soul. For more Alt-Xmas music, go here and here.

Jesus: The Missing Years

John Prine fills in the 18 years in the life of Jesus. France, Spain, life, pain ... a little love and shoplifting. For more Alt-Xmas music, go here and here.