As I pen this blog post, a bipartisan vote in the U.S. House voted to avert a shutdown at midnight tonight. The Senate just passed it and it’s headed to President Biden’s desk. The bill wouldn’t have passed had Democrats not come to the rescue, bailing out a GOP plagued with infighting and lack of leadership. The 45-day stopgap funding…
The UAW Strike Isn’t Just About Wages
Although naturally, I’m a cynic, I’m crossing my fingers that the United Auto Workers strike against Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis will make a positive and lasting impact on labor laws. It’s no secret that our nation is held captive by Wall Street, corporate profit margins, and big paychecks for CEOs. For example, GM’s CEO Mary Barra made $29 million in…
Twisting the Second Amendment
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s order last Friday involving a 30-day suspension of open carry and concealed carry gun laws within Albuquerque and Bernalillo County has sent the far-right and the New Mexico GOP into an apoplectic fit. Due to considerable blowback from both Republicans and Democrats, the Governor more recently amended the order to apply only to city parks and…
Consider the Source: Don’t Mind the Polls, Vote for Democracy
Despite the 91 criminal counts in four separate indictments against the “former guy,” a recent Wall Street Journal poll shows a tight 2024 race between that “former guy” and President Joe Biden: In fact, the poll showed Trump just one point ahead of the President. Adding insult to injury for the incumbent prez, Real Clear Politics polling averages show the President a mere 0.4% point margin over Trump,…
Labor Day Blues
As we come to another Labor Day, working Americans are still fighting for liveable wages, better working conditions, and the right to organize. The Labor Day holiday dates back to the late 19th Century, inspired by the violent clashes between labor and police during the Chicago Haymarket Riot in 1886, when thousands of workers flooded the streets of the Windy City demanding…
No Bobby or Joan
Amidst the press and media storm over Donald Trump’s (in addition to 18 others) booking in the Georgia election case, the right wing has lost its mind over a viral country song called “Rich Men North of Richmond”. The song was recorded by a previously unknown artist Oliver Anthony, and since its release earlier this month, the tune has gone viral on YouTube (viewed more…
Rural America: You Can Shake the Bonds of Oil and Gas
President Biden was in New Mexico last week to boost his administration’s goal to bring jobs back to America while fighting the effects of climate change. The president spoke for about 25 minutes to supporters and critics alike at the future Arcosa Wind Tower Factory in Belen, highlighting the Inflation Reduction Act and its focus on seeking out green alternatives to oil…
Brainless Blockade
Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) has been making a splash in the news lately. The freshman senator is single-handedly blocking the promotion of hundreds of generals, admirals, and military officers over his stubborn opposition to a Defense Department policy that covers travel expenses for service members who need to go out of state to obtain abortions. The promotion of each and every military officer hinges on…
Why the Hollywood Writers and Actor’s Strike is Important for America
On July 13th, Hollywood’s actor’s union (SAG-AFTRA) unanimously voted to strike after talks with film studios failed to negotiate a settlement involving residuals and the use of AI in the entertainment industry. This follows on the heels of the existing Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike and sets the stage (no pun intended) for actors to join writers on the picket lines as early as next…
America Use Your Head
Earlier this week, a panicked post on a community social media site mentioned that a satanic church was going to build a congregation in my area (I’m all for freedom of religion as long as that religion doesn’t impinge on the basic human rights of others). The post predictably sparked multiple visceral responses and outrage,…