Category Archives: Rag Bloggers

Ron Jacobs : Onward, Through the Fog of War

Syrian refugees in Arsaal, Lebanon, on the Syrian border. Photo by Ed Ou / NYT. Enter Obama:Onward, through the fog of war There will be no progressive secular government in Syria after the bloodshed ends. Indeed, there may not even … Continue reading

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BOOKS / Alan Wieder : Thai Jones Draws ‘A Radical Line’

Generations in the struggle:A ‘retro-review’ of  Thai Jones’ A Radical Line Throughout A Radical Line the progressive fights of Thai Jones’ extended families, Weather Underground and earlier, are connected to the collective struggle against class disparity, racism, and the Viet … Continue reading

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Alan Waldman : ‘The Kumars at No. 42’ is Funny and Original British Fake Talk Show

Waldman’s film and TVtreasures you may have missed: A side-splitting 53 episodes of this faux chat show aired from 2001 to 2006. By Alan Waldman | The Rag Blog | June 24, 2013 [In his weekly column, Alan Waldman reviews … Continue reading

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TRAVEL / David P. Hamilton : Aubervilliers Is Paris ‘Red Belt’ Suburb That Defies Expectations

Some public housing units were interspersed with gardens and balconies, connected by curving pedestrian walkways. Photos by Sally Hamilton / The Rag Blog. Paris suburb defies expectations:Visiting Aubervilliers in the ‘Red Belt’ Although Aubervilliers at night might be a scary … Continue reading

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Harry Targ : Waist Deep in the Big Muddy, Again!

Smoke from fighting in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, December 1, 2012. Photo by Javier Manzano / AFP / Getty Images. One more time:Waist deep in the Big Muddy The case is clear that increasing the United States’ military … Continue reading

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Jack A. Smith : Obama, China, and the Middle East

Samantha Powers, Susan Rice (“two cats among pigeons”), and President Obama. Photo by Charles Dharapak / AP. Foreign policy pivot?Obama, China, and the Middle East Obama has transferred the brunt of U.S. foreign/military policy away from the Middle East and … Continue reading

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Lamar W. Hankins : Government Lies and Secrecy Destroy Credibility

Whistleblower Edward Snowden. Image from MGN Online. Government lies andsecrecy destroy credibility “Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” — Benjamin Franklin. By Lamar W. Hankins | The Rag … Continue reading

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Bob Feldman : Texas Still Ranks High in Poverty and Segregation by Race and Income, 1964-2012

Poverty in Texas has continued to grow in recent years. Image from WebGovernments. The hidden history of Texas Conclusion: 1996-2012/Final Section — Texas still ranks high in poverty and segregation by race and economic status and low in health care … Continue reading

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Robert Jensen : The Craziest Person in the Room

The craziest person in the room: Reflections on how a mediocre white guy can try to be useful It’s the job of people with critical sensibilities — those who consistently speak out for justice and sustainability, even when it’s difficult … Continue reading

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RAG RADIO / Thorne Dreyer : Mother Jones’ Tom Philpott on Big Ag and the Politics of Food

Sustainable food writer Tom Philpott at the studios of KOOP-FM in Austin, Texas, June 7, 2013. Photo by William Michael Hanks / The Rag Blog. Rag Radio podcast:Mother Jones‘ Tom Philpott onsustainable ag and the politics of food “As a … Continue reading

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Michael James : California or Bust in a Hot Rod Ford

California AND bust: Michael’s 1940 hot rod Ford, San Jose, California, 1960. Photo by Michael James from his forthcoming book, Michael Gaylord James‘ Pictures from the Long Haul. Pictures from the Long Haul: California or bust, 1960 I went to … Continue reading

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BOOKS / Ron Jacobs : Smith’s ‘Nuclear Roulette’ Makes the Case for ‘No Nukes’

Gar Smith makes the case: ‘No Nukes’ is still the right call The collection of facts, figures, and overall documentation of the industry’s lies, foibles, miscalculations, and just plain duplicity should insure the addition of more to the ranks of … Continue reading

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