Newsletter 12.04.18

Dearest Patrons,

Since we last wrote, we released a new episode with anthropologist and author Jason Hickel on the constant media trope of pushing phony TEDtalk positivity about humankind's "progress," coupled with lingering colonial racism that blames the global South for not "developing" fast enough. Mostly, though, it's about how awful Steven Pinker is.

We also posted two - count 'em, two! - news briefs: one an interview with writer Liza Featherstone about the maybe-not-so-horrible things about focus groups, and another on NPR's recent pro-Amazon puff piece and the problem with wowie-zowie tech reporting in general.

As usual, lots has also transpired in the none-Citations Needed universe over the past two weeks, and we’ve gathered for you some of our favorite articles from the wide abyss. Enjoy!

- Sophia, Adam, Nima, and Florence

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The Game-Changing Promise of a Green New Deal - Naomi Klein, The Intercept (11/27/18)

Klein notes the significance of the early 2020 deadline as written into the Green New Deal, arguing that (however unlikely) it would allow time to meet the targets laid out in the recent IPCC report. Despite the unlikeliness of its passage, the existence of the Green New Deal and a concrete left vision on climate justice in Congress is hopeful.

On Hanukkah, Let’s Challenge Militarized Security Responses to Anti-Semitism - Brant Rosen, Truthout (12/2/18)

In light of the massacre at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, the conversation over militarism and safety has reopened within the American Jewish community. Some synagogues and other Jewish institutions have moved towards armed security and relationships with police, while others reject these methods in favor of forms of communal safety with the partnership of organizations like Jews for Racial and Economic Justice (JREJ).

Senate vote on Yemen rebukes Trump administration's pro-Saudi stance - Julian Borger, The Guardian (11/28/18)

The Republican majority US Senate voted 63-37 to invoke the War Powers Resolution, stopping US involvement in Saudi Arabia’s war on Yemen, despite Trump’s vocal support for Saudi Arabia. 

Pro-Charter School Democrats, Embattled In The Trump Era, Score A Win With Hakeem Jeffries - Rachel M. Cohen, The Intercept (11/30/18)  

Hakeem Jeffries, a Democratic congressman from New York and longtime supporter of Charter Schools, won the race for Democratic House caucus chair. Jeffries has been called the “Barack Obama of Brooklyn,” partially because of his support for Charters, and their consistent support of him.

In other Jeffries-related news: Joe Crowley’s Parting Shot: Ousted By Ocasio-Cortez, He Undermined Barbara Lee in House Leadership Race - Ryan Grim, The Intercept (11/29/18)

Top National Park Service climate official resigns - Andrew S. Potts, High Country News (11/27/18)

Archeologist Marcy Rockman was the first person ever appointed to study the effects of climate change on the National Parks in 2011. She resigned a month ago out of sheer frustration.

‘Fox & Friends’ Fed Script to Trump’s EPA Chief, Emails Show - Maxwell Tani, The Daily Beast (11/27/18)

After Scott Pruitt’s firing, the Sierra Club obtained his emails and The Daily Beast reviewed them, finding multiple exchanges between Fox & Friends producers and EPA press secretary Amy Graham regarding script approval for TV appearances.

Keeping Them Out, Killing Them Off - Tommaso Segantini, Jacobin (11/28/18)

The European Union has adopted a multi-pronged approach to limiting immigration: militarizing borders, expelling immigrants within the EU, and criminalizing human rights NGOs. The refugee crisis has largely dropped off the front pages, but the situation remains dire.

Police with batons and teargas force migrants to flee Calais camp - Mark Townsend, The Guardian (12/1/18)

I’m sorry my word choices caused harm - Marc Lamont Hill, Philadelphia Inquirer (12/1/18)

Last Thursday, Temple professor and cable commentator Marc Lamont Hill ended a speech at the UN by saying that justice requires “a free Palestine from the river to the sea.” Unsurprisingly, the hasbara attack was swift and CNN terminated his contract. In this op-ed, Hill explains his choice of words.

• CNN caves to anti-Palestinian smear campaign - Omar Baddar, +972 Magazine (11/30/18)
• CNN Submits to Right-Wing Outrage Mob, Fires Marc Lamont Hill Due to His “Offensive” Defense of Palestinians at the U.N. - Glenn Greenwald, The Intercept (11/30/18)

George HW Bush thought the world belonged to his family. How wrong he was - Ariel Dorfman, The Guardian (12/2/18)

Supporting Pinochet in Chile, appointing Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court, invading Panama. These are just some of the scars that the patrician and patriarch left on the world.

The Ignored Legacy of George H.W. Bush: War Crimes, Racism, and Obstruction of Justice - Mehdi Hasan, The Intercept (12/1/18)

As expected, the mainstream media is full of fawning encomia following the death of Bush Sr. this weekend. Mehdi Hasan reminds us of why there’s not much to mourn.

The First-Ever National Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Was Just Unveiled -- And It’s a Game Changer - Rebecca Stoner, In These Times (11/28/18)

The National Domestic Workers Alliance plans to introduce its Domestic Workers Bill of Rights to Congress next year. 

Photos of Children Being Teargassed Stoke Outrage — While Playing Into Trump’s Manufactured Border Crisis - Natasha Lennard, The Intercept (11/27/18)

Friend of the show Natasha Lennard dissects the power of emotive photography and how iconic images are framed by the media to both inspire justifiable outrage while also reinforcing destructive narratives.

Trans Communities of Color Survive, Thrive and Fight Back - Jordan Scruggs, Truthout (11/20/18)

The organization Forward Together launched the Trans Day of Resilience art project on November 20 to extend the Trans Day of Remembrance, and support trans people in life, not just in death.

Rejecting Israel Lobby’s Influence Over Congress, Rashida Tlaib Plans to Lead Delegation to Palestine - Alex Kane & Lee Fang, The Intercept (12/3/18)

Rashida Tlaib, Democratic Representative-elect from Michigan, is planning to lead a delegation to the West Bank instead of attending the annual AIPAC trip scheduled for freshmen members of Congress. Tlaib also publicly declared her support for BDS, joining Ilhan Omar in her outspoken support for Palestinian rights, resistance, and self-determination.

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