2015 Year in Review: Grassroots Resistance Points the Way Forward

Alexandra Bradbury Labor Notes
In the best cases, unions are taking the urgency of the threats as a motivator--not just to sign up new members, but more importantly, to make members feel the union is theirs, by training more rank-and-file leaders and helping them take on workplace fights.

It's Abundantly Clear That the Left Can Gain Ground - But It Cannot Yet Hold It

Gary Younge The Guardian
Each case, in its own way, has demonstrated both the potential of electoral engagement and the limits of democratic control. The left is finally developing the strategic skills to gain office; it has yet to work out how to exercise power in the interests of those who put it there.

One Year Later What Constitutes Normal Relations with Cuba?

Louis A. Pérez, Jr. NACLA
On December 17, 2014, the U.S. and Cuba announced the restoration of diplomatic relations, and the U.S. abandoned its 55-year effort at regime change through political isolation and economic sanctions. One year later, however, difficult questions regarding relations with Cuba remain unanswered and unaddressed. And how will relations be normalized when what has constituted “normal” for 200 years has been the presumption of U.S. entitlement to impose its will on Cuba?

Friday Nite Videos -- December 25, 2015

Portside
Black Voters Explain Why They Feel the Bern. Dr. John & Odetta: Brother Can You Spare a Dime. If Guys Said What Donald Trump Says. Rashad Robinson Dispels Myth of 'Ferguson Effect.' Why Alcohol Doesn't Come With Nutrition Facts.

Dr.John & Odetta: Brother Can You Spare a Dime

This oldie was originally written during the depression (1931) by Yip Harburg, who was later blacklisted during the McCathy era. This video updates its relevance to the poor and disenfranchised in our nation today.

Why Alcohol Doesn't Come With Nutrition Facts

Ever wonder why almost everything you buy has a nutrition label, but alcoholic beverages don't? It's all thanks to some crazy regulations and powerful industry lobbyists.

Martin Shkreli, Rotten Apples and Rotten Systems

Robert Reich Robert Reich
Unlike most other countries, the United States doesn’t control drug prices. It leaves pricing up to the market, which enables drug companies to charge as much as the market will bear. So what, exactly, did Martin Shkreli do wrong, by the standards of today’s capitalism? It’s easy to go after bad guys, much harder to go after bad systems.