Sabotaging Apartheid

Marcus Barnett, Ronnie Kasrils Jacobin
Ronnie Kasrils, head of intelligence during South Africa’s struggle against apartheid, on his revolutionary life and the prospects for the country’s left.

The Unforgiving Math That Stops Epidemics

Tara C. Smith Quanta Magazine
If you didn't get a flu shot, you are endangering more than just your own health. Calculations of herd immunity against common diseases don't make exceptions.

Los Lobos: One Time, One Night

A quiet voice is singing something to me
An age old song 'bout the brave in this land here of the free,
One time one night in America

Each Los Lobos verse is a tiny tragic chapter in the story of America. Full lyrics here.

Creedence Clearwater Revival: Fortunate Son

Some folks are born 
made to wave the flag
Ooh, they're red white and blue

It ain't me, it ain't me
I ain't no senator's son

This Vietnam wartime song (1969) puts a spotlight on the unequal sacrifices hidden by patriotic spouting.