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Popular Movements Toward Socialism: Their Unity and Diversity

Samir Amin; Editors of Monthly Review Monthly Review
Samir Amin writes "the movement toward socialism" is a new stage in the decades old struggle of humankind for a more just and equitable society, since the time that Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels first wrote the Communist Manifesto in 1848. Introduction by the editors of Monthly Review on attempt to bring together a variety of global struggles under the rubric of the "movement toward socialism,"

Working Families Party - What Happened?; Why; What Next?

Ted Fertik; Sarah Jaffe; Charles Lenchner
The Working Families Party recently concluded their New York State convention. Zephyr Teachout, prominent Fordham law professor announced her challenge to Gov. Coumo three days before, and she received 42% of the weighted vote. Gov. Coumo tried to bully the endorsement - it didn't work. Before writing off the WFP's Cuomo endorsement as yet another capitulation, consider the concessions wrung out of him. Will he keep the promises, what happened, what next...read on.

Children's Literature and Diversity

Jenny Price; Aly Seidel
Kids' books are missing the diversity of modern America. In children's books, it can be easier to find talking pandas than characters of color. Only 6 percent of children's books published in 2012 featured diverse characters.

Rwanda: Acquitted But Still Not Free

Beth S. Lyons Portside
The environment in Rwanda under the current government is unsafe for anyone or any party perceived to be in opposition to the regime. Defense lawyer Beth S. Lyons reports on what happens when the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) rules against Rwanda's current President Paul Kagame.

The Second Iran-Iraq War and the American Switch

Juan Cole Informed Comment
In the looming second Iran-Iraq War, the US will be de facto allied with Iran against the would-be al-Qaeda affiliate (ISIS was rejected by core al-Qaeda for viciously attacking other militant vigilante Sunni fundamentalists in turf wars in Syria). In fact, since ISIS is allegedly bankrolled by private Salafi businessmen in Kuwait and elsewhere in the Oil Gulf, the US is on the opposite side of all its former allies of the 1980s.

Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership: Ten Threats To Europeans

Wolf Jäcklein Le Monde Diplomatique
TTIP does away with “barriers” that impede the intercontinental flow of goods. This will make it easier for companies to base their production facilities on “cost” grounds, especially social ones. Workers’ entitlement to be involved will still stop at the border. TTIP will therefore mean a weakening of workers’ rights, despite guarantees under the EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights.

Four of Ruby Dee's Best-Known Film Roles

Actress and activist Ruby Dee died June 11 at the age of 91. She defied segregation-era stereotypes by landing lead roles in movies and on Broadway. Here are four of her best-known film roles.
 

Bing Crosby: Buddy Can You Spare a Dime?

Lyrics by the incomparable Yip Harburg, music by Jay Gorney (1931).
 
They used to tell me I was building a dream
And so I followed the mob
When there was earth to plow or guns to bear
I was always there, right on the job
 
They used to tell me I was building a dream
With peace and glory ahead
Why should I be standing in line
Just waiting for bread?
 
Once I built a railroad, I made it run
Made it race against time
Once I built a railroad, now it's done
Brother, can you spare a dime?
 
Once I built a tower up to the sun
Brick and rivet and lime
Once I built a tower, now it's done
Brother, can you spare a dime?
 
Once in khaki suits, gee, we looked swell
Full of that Yankee Doodly Dum
Half a million boots went slogging through Hell
And I was the kid with the drum
 
Say, don't you remember? They called me 'Al'
It was 'Al' all the time
Why don't you remember? I'm your pal
Say buddy, can you spare a dime?
 
Once in khaki suits, ah, gee, we looked swell
Full of that Yankee Doodly Dum
Half a million boots went slogging through Hell
And I was the kid with the drum
 
Oh, say, don't you remember? They called me 'Al'
It was 'Al' all the time
Say, don't you remember? I'm your pal
Buddy, can you spare a dime?