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Home Issue: 126

Issue: 126

February 17, 2005

Cover Story

Threat of Draft Will Tame Warlike U.S. Populace

By The Black Commentator Guest Commentator

“A new survey of 1,001 adults conducted by Scripps Howard News Service and Ohio University found that fewer than half said they ‘very closely’ follow news coverage of the military occupation. Less than a third named ‘the war on terror’ or ‘peace in the Mideast’ as the most important issue facing America. Most others preferred…

“A new survey of 1,001 adults conducted by Scripps Howard News Service and Ohio University found that fewer than half said they ‘very closely’ follow news…

Continue reading 9 min

Commentary

Freedom Rider: Russell Simmons and Hip Hop Readers

By The Black Commentator Guest Commentator

The hottest rumor making the rounds is that entertainment and fashion impresario Russell Simmons wants to be the new president of the NAACP. As the story goes, Simmons is under consideration because he will know how to engage young people in political activity. If there is any credence to the rumor, his wealth is surely…

The hottest rumor making the rounds is that entertainment and fashion impresario Russell Simmons wants to be the new president of the NAACP. As the story…

Continue reading 5 min

Commentary

The Future of Organized Labor in the US

By The Black Commentator Guest Commentator

“The essence of trade unionism is social uplift. The labor movement has been the haven for the dispossessed, the despised the neglected, the downtrodden, the poor.” – A. Philip Randolph An important debate has commenced within the ranks of organized labor regarding the future of the movement. From our experience we know that the ‘top-to-bottom’…

"The essence of trade unionism is social uplift. The labor movement has been the haven for the dispossessed, the despised the neglected, the downtrodden, the poor."…

Continue reading 17 min

Commentary

Correction

By The Black Commentator Guest Commentator

In the February 3, 2005 article, “Black Unionists Warn: ‘Don’t Restructure Us Out’,” the policy position of the Communication Workers of America was inadvertently mis-stated regarding proposed reforms within organized labor. William Lucy, president of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, has conveyed his regret over his mis-statement regarding CWA’s position. He also has committed…

In the February 3, 2005 article, "Black Unionists Warn: 'Don't Restructure Us Out’," the policy position of the Communication Workers of America was inadvertently mis-stated regarding…

Continue reading 1 min

Commentary

African Americans and Social Security

By William E. Spriggs

This article originally appeared in Dollars and Sense magazine. Proponents of Social Security privatization are trying to claim that the current program is unfair to African Americans and that a privatized program would serve African Americans better. This argument lends support to the privatization agenda while at the same time giving its advocates a compassionate…

This article originally appeared in Dollars and Sense magazine. Proponents of Social Security privatization are trying to claim that the current program is unfair to African…

Continue reading 13 min

Commentary

Think Piece: Understanding Black History

By James A. Warren

As I brace myself for yet another routine Black history month, I can’t help but wonder what it would be like to be a part of a serious democratic discussion and debate about the state of Black America today in its correct historical context. It’s all well and good to celebrate history, but the point…

As I brace myself for yet another routine Black history month, I can’t help but wonder what it would be like to be a part of…

Continue reading 7 min

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