Portside

These lyrics were written by folk trailblazer Woody Guthrie, and set to music by Martin Hoffman. Guthrie wrote these words on reading the story of 28 Mexican nationals who died in a plane crash while being flown back to Mexico. They were buried in an unmarked grave, their names unknown until 65 years later, when a remarkable piece of detective work brought them to light. The song is available on the album "til we outnumber 'em -- songs of Woody Guthrie," conceived by Ani DiFranco and featuring, among others, DiFranco, Tim Robbins, Country Joe McDonald, Arlo Guthrie, Ramblin' Jack Elliot and Billy Bragg. (Google Play, iTunes, Amazon, eMusic). For more Songs of Immigration, Deportation and Identity, go here.

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Republicans show they are willing to compromise on the farm bill by eliminating the part they refused to compromise on.

A good song for a time that needs reflection. Judy Collins (1969 -- Clouds album) sings Joni Mitchell's classic. (Both Sides Now was also the closing song for the season finale of Mad Men.) 

Fruitvale Station follows the true story of Oscar Grant, a 22-year-old Bay Area resident, from the morning of December 31, 2008. His life takes a tragic turn when BART officers shoot him in cold blood at the Fruitvale subway stop on New Year's Day. (Grand Jury Prize, Sundance Film Festival). Opens today at select theaters. For more, see official film page.

Ezra Klein reports on the secret FISA court that is authorizing blanket NSA surveillance of electronic communications by people all over the world, including the United States.