Portside

The new PBS documentary series: The Roosevelts: An Intimate History, reinforces "the American desire to believe in cherished myths," while "covering up the information we ought to know." President Theodore Roosevelt was a war monger and an inveterate racist, and, "it should be shocking that in the 21st century there is still such an inclination to sweep this easily accessible information under the rug."

The U.S. is now involved in more than 130 wars or none, depending on your definition of 'war.' Or it is involved in one worldwide "War Against Terror," that successive U.S. Administrations, with Congressional support, have used to justify U.S. military operations in at least 134 countries, where they are engaged in direct combat operations, conduct special covert missions, act as military advisers, or train foreign troops or militias.

With a unprecedented voter turnout of 85% and a political mobilization that shook the foundations of the United Kingdom, much was accomplished even in defeat by those who voted for Scottish independence. The Scottish referendum has left a significant legacy. "The result of the independence referendum is the beginning of a conversation, not the closing statement of a soliloquy."

“Sharing economy” companies like Uber shift risk from corporations to workers, weaken labor protections, and drive down wages.

The bracing campaign for independence gave Scots a vision of a real political alternative.

Some dogs respond to an ambiguous signal with the kind of enthusiasm they have for a treat. These are the bowl-half-full dogs. Other dogs do not respond to an ambiguous signal. These are bowl-half-empty'ers, with Eeyore-ish personalities.

The protests in Ferguson, Missouri mirrored images from the Civil Rights Movement 50 years earlier. But that’s where the similarities ended.