Critics of the American sewer socialists often point to racist statements made by their leading light, Wisconsin’s Victor Berger. A close examination of his writings shows that those views changed dramatically over time.
Keeping Power Utilities in Corporate Hands Doesn’t Make Sense
A new study shows that socialist plans to take over the privately owned power utility in New York’s Hudson Valley would lower rates for users and improve its long-term health. Public ownership of power companies is better for everyone but the rich.
Now That He Has No Power, Mitt Romney Says “Tax the Rich”
Mitt Romney recently published a New York Times op-ed arguing for higher taxes on the rich. When he was in a position to actually sculpt the GOP platform and the tax policy of the US, Romney was an ardent supporter of cutting taxes for the wealthy.
The Health Care Crisis Is Gobbling Up the Economy
Health care spending now represents about 18% of the US economy, meaning that roughly one out of every five dollars spent goes toward health care costs — more than what Americans spend on groceries or housing. The spending is driving massive medical debt.
OSHA Wants to Cancel Protections for “Inherently Risky” Work
Donald Trump’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration wants to exclude “inherently risky professions,” including those in sports and entertainment, from basic workplace safety protections. The rollback could affect hundreds of thousands of workers.
The Revolutionary Roots of Social Democracy
Why was the revolutionary road out of capitalism abandoned for an evolutionary one? Vivek Chibber explores how socialist parties moved from revolution to reform, but why real progress will always mean a conflict with capital.
The Real Reason We’re All Annoyed With Quentin Tarantino
With nothing but a new cut of Kill Bill to offer, Quentin Tarantino has gone into semiretirement right as American cinema is fighting for its very life. And to make matters worse, he won’t stop talking smack.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Is Caught in a Trap
The challenges Chicago’s progressive mayor, Brandon Johnson, has faced demonstrate that Mayor Zohran Mamdani in New York will have to out-organize what’s soon to be a mighty opposition to his every move from finance, insurance, and real estate interests.
Capitalism and the Commodification of Nature
Good books offer new arguments, while excellent books pose new questions. Alyssa Battistoni’s Free Gifts, on the unfinished commodification of nature and care, is an excellent book.
Socialism Should Give Us Hope for Tomorrow
Recent survey data show that Americans have lost their faith in the future. Socialism can restore it.
The Long History of Nativist Red-Baiting in the United States
As Donald Trump’s GOP grows more and more fanatically xenophobic and rabidly anti-socialist, it’s worth examining how the American right has long fused its hatred of both immigrants and radicals to carry out a larger reactionary program.
Francesco Rosi Was a Master of Left-Wing Political Cinema
Italy’s Francesco Rosi produced an unforgettable series of political movies. They feature mob bosses and oil tycoons, corrupt politicians and conspiring spooks, showing how Italian elites used every dirty trick available to exclude the Left from power.
The Anti-Fascist Origins of Swedish Social Democracy
Fifty years ago, Sweden attempted the most ambitious democratic transition to socialism ever. Its architect, a Jewish economist who witnessed the rise of Nazi Germany firsthand, was motivated by the imperative to never repeat the horrors of fascism.
