A couple of articles to read together — see “An Opportunity Gamed Away” by Chico Harlan and “The Dream World of the Southern Republicans” by Howell Raines. The first article in particular illustrates how deeply entrenched racial segregation and discrimination in the deep South is still impacting the region.
Paul Solotaroff asks “What’s Killing the Babies of Vernal, Utah?” A fracking boomtown in Utah is experiencing a spike in stillbirths and birth defects. Is the fracking to blame? Correlation ain’t necessarily causation, but the political powers that be are blocking a serious inquiry. And the midwife who raised the alarm is getting death threats.
Papa Francisco is mincing no words, calling out the excesses of global capitalism. He’d better hire more bodyguards and stay in the Popemobile, if they still have it.
It may be terribly naive, but sometimes I entertain the fragile hope that all of this turmoil will result in a kind of cleansing and rethinking. The elements do seem to be lining up for something big.
Countering this is a vast supply of the usual absurdities. One of my right wing friends displayed his prowess at the rapid transition between bawling about “political correctness,” (which is killing America!!!) to fervent pearl clutching over the recent remark by George Takei regarding Clarence Thomas. My friend is evidently VERY concerned about racism. I was woefully ignorant of that fact, and worse yet, I fully agree with what George Takei said.
Justice Thomas opined that slavery and the WW II era internment camps didn’t rob people of their dignity. My right wing friends agree, but, somehow they are outraged at the loss of dignity that they are suffering due to the cancellation of “The Dukes of Hazzard,” because it’s part of their heritage. I did like the theme song as I recall.
Then there is this enlightening and disturbing article:
http://www.theatlantic.com/features/archive/2014/05/the-case-for-reparations/361631/
Having casino’s in Tunica, like Atlantic City, didn’t do jack for the community at large – and, especially, the minority poor!
In AC, by the boardwalk is built-up with casino’s and condo’s. Go two blocks in either direction, and it’s still AC in the late 60’s.
Casino’s can also be an additional form of tax on the poor. They save their bucks, and go there hoping to win some money. It’s a suckers hope, and a suckers bet.
And what is it with all of these hard-core Reich-Wingers being one form of doctor or another – and then denying their citizens Medicaid?
Has The Hippocratic Oath been replaced by The Abject Lack of Concern for Your Patients (Citizens) Oath?
It’s free money for the states – but, anything goes to stick their middle-finger to Obama!
Even if it means the sickness and death of hundreds, thousands, ten’s of thousands, etc., of their citizens.
Ah, yes, Atlantic City was and is famously mis-managed, making a lot of the same mistakes.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/06/opinion/atlantic-citys-next-gamble.html?ref=opinion
My comment done got etted?
Wha happen?
I don’t remember writing a word that would get me into the twit-filter!