magazine October 2008

No Jobs Make Mean Streets

As urban economies collapse, gun violence rises

By James Thindwa    chicago social justice

Back for the Future

Progressives at the Democratic National Convention look to FDR as a model for an Obama presidency

By David Moberg    elections voting

You Can’t Be President

The decrepit state of American democracy

By John R. MacArthur    america elections politics

Embedded in Pink

Code Pink has become a lightning rod for contemporary activism - from both the right and left.

By Anne Elizabeth Moore    activism

Marriage Equality in Peril

'Prayer warriors' battle to pass state referendums banning gays and lesbians from marrying

By John Ireland    lgbt

Hip-Hop’s Planet Rocker

An interview with the legendary Afrika Bambaataa

By Kevin Coval    art

Homeless Court Advantage

35 courts across the country are dedicated to hearing charges against the homeless

Hospital Flacks Spread Fake News

Journalists' groups are concerned about broadcast outlets using video news releases produced by pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers

High Gas Hitting City Fleets

Across the country, municipalities are finding new ways to keep autos on the streets

Native Radio Building Community

For many communities -- especially the country's Native American tribes -- radio still promises a way to spread news, share stories and support a cultural or regional identity.

Wastewater Ski Slopes

A battle over sacred lands could be heading to the U.S. Supreme Court

More U.S. Meddling in El Salvador?

As El Salvador prepares for elections next year, the Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador worries the Bush administration might interfere to sway results.

books

Mapping the Road Less Traveled

Practical Idealists offers useful advice for young activists, but is utilitarian to a fault

film

Sleepwalking Through Seattle

Battle in Seattle is a well-intentioned effort that ultimately misses the mark

By Brian Cook    activism movies world trade organization

books

Punk Manifesto

Erick Lyle's On the Lower Frequencies collects material from the low-budget zines Scam and Turd-Filled Donut -- and deals with issues still important today

By Ben Terrall    activism art books

[sic]

High Court May Immunize Big Pharma

Consumers' right to sue for drug-caused injuries dates back to 1852. But in 2006, the FDA quietly tucked a pro-preemption phrase into the preamble of an FDA-labeling law.

Editorial

United We Fail

Whoever is elected president, private insurers are gearing up to make sure that change entails no change -- with the help of progressive allies who are now lending their names to lowest common denominator reforms.

The Third Coast

The War We Won’t Talk About

Many in the black community are reluctant to discuss the drug war’s collateral damage for fear it might tarnish Obama’s glow.

20 Million Arrests, and Counting

Young people suffer the most under anti-pot laws, but they lack the financial means and political capital to lobby politicians to change them.

Back Talk

What Bush Has Stolen From Us

When have we ever had a president publicly reject the Geneva Conventions and endorse torture as a matter of national policy?