Alternative News
Articles from non-mainstream as opposed to corporate for profit sources.
Japan's Central Bank Appoints Its First Woman Executive in 138 Years
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- Published on Friday, 15 May 2020 04:36
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Japan's Central Bank Appoints Its First Woman Executive in 138 Years
...Read more: Japan's Central Bank Appoints Its First Woman Executive in 138 Years
A call for musicians
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- Published on Friday, 15 May 2020 04:12
- Written by editor
The greatest movements throughout history taught us that singing together makes us stronger, especially during hard times. So SumOfUs is teaming up with a record label to make a song for all of us to sing across borders to help bring us all the strength and resilience to pull through.
Recording is fast and easy, you don’t need to have a good singing voice!
A,
Calling all SumOfUs members who are singers, artists, musicians, lovers of music, or just want to try something new & exciting while spending so much time at home!
SumOfUs has teamed up with a record label to write a song that we can all sing together -- and if enough of us record a few seconds today, we could release the song to the world... as early as next week!
Taking part is simple. Click the link below to listen to the song, choose your favorite part, and then follow the directions to easily record...
The Coming Precarity: Employment in Canada after the Crisis
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- Published on Friday, 15 May 2020 03:24
- Written by editor
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A Socialist Project e-bulletin ... No. 2091 ... May 15, 2020
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The Coming Precarity: Employment in Canada after the Crisis
Bruce Kecskes
The immediate impact of Covid-19 on the national employment landscape has been nothing short of catastrophic, with Canada suffering unprecedented job losses over the early months of the crisis. More than a million Canadians lost their jobs in March, and an additional 800,000 had their paid hours reduced by over 50 per cent (Evans 2020). The recently released StatsCan Labour Force Survey (LFS) for April is the first government report to capture a full month’s worth of employment data since the start of the crisis. The April LFS suggests that unemployment has more than doubled since February, having risen to 13 per cent (StatsCan 2020). As staggering as this figure is, it still belies the true scope of the crisis as the official data relies on a draconianly narrow definition of unemployment. When all factors of unemployment are considered, the true rate of unemployment and severe underemployment in April exceeds 30 per cent of the national workforce (Stanford 2020).
These numbers are staggering...
Read more: The Coming Precarity: Employment in Canada after the Crisis
How we win a Just Recovery
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- Published on Thursday, 14 May 2020 14:50
- Written by editor
Friends,
Last night, nearly 300 people participated in 350 Canada’s Mass Strategy Session for a Just Recovery.
It was incredible. And it affirmed for me that people across the country are energized and ready to get organized.
If you missed it, you can catch the recording here.
Here is a recap of what happened on last night’s call:
First, we broke down the moment that we’re in with the pandemic. The COVID-19 crisis has left the majority of people across the country struggling.
Then, we talked about how we can’t afford to go back to business as usual after the pandemic ends -- and we're not expected to. Recent polls have shown that the majority of people in Canada are expecting a broad transformation of our society.1
Next, we talked about our 3-part plan to respond, recover and rebuild as we come out of the COVID-19 pandemic. You can read more about our plan here.
Finally, we broke down how we make this plan a reality. It’s easy to think...
Why Capitalism Cant Cure Global Pandemics
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- Published on Thursday, 14 May 2020 11:20
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A Socialist Project e-bulletin ... No. 2090 ... May 14, 2020
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Why Capitalism Can’t Cure Global Pandemics
Prabir Purkayastha
We frequently hear that COVID-19 is the worst pandemic since the influenza of 1918. It is forgotten that another pandemic known as "the third plague" (because it was "the third major bubonic plague outbreak to affect European society") killed millions from the 1890s to the 1950s in Asia’s southern, southeastern, and eastern regions, continuing well after the 1918 flu was over. It killed an estimated 10 million in India alone.
So why is this forgotten when we talk about pandemics today? The answer is the same reason behind the collective amnesia in wealthy nations on a whole host of diseases that still plague the world -- diseases that Peter Hotez, a molecular biologist, wrote about in his book Forgotten People, Forgotten Diseases. (The World Health Organization [WHO] gives them the neutral term "neglected tropical diseases.")
The question is who has forgotten such diseases. Certainly not the 65 per cent of people who are threatened by tuberculosis, malaria, dengue, yellow fever, and the other "forgotten" diseases...
Weve built something special together
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- Published on Thursday, 14 May 2020 09:02
- Written by editor
Free Virtual Screening of Conviction Documentary - You're Invited!
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- Published on Wednesday, 18 November 2020 13:22
- Written by editor
Beyond the Plague State
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- Published on Thursday, 14 May 2020 02:10
- Written by editor
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A Socialist Project e-bulletin ... No. 2089 ... May 14, 2020
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Beyond the Plague State
Alberto Toscano
It is commonplace when commenting on crises of various stripes to note their capacity suddenly to reveal what the seemingly smooth reproduction of the status quo leaves unremarked, to frontstage the backstage, rip the scales from our eyes, and so on. The character, duration, and sheer scale of the COVID-19 pandemic is a particularly comprehensive illustration of this old apocalyptic truth. From the differential exposure to death engineered by racial capitalism to the fore-grounding of care work, from attention to the lethal conditions of incarceration to a drop in pollution visible to the naked eye, the revelations catalyzed by the pandemic seem as limitless as its ongoing impact on our social relations of production and reproduction.
The political dimension of our collective life is no exception to this. States of alarm and emergency proliferate, veritable sanitary dictatorships are spawned (most egregiously in Hungary), a public health emergency is militarized, and what The Economist dubs a "coronopticon" is varyingly beta-tested on panicked populations. And yet it would be far...
COVID-19, Capitalism, and Socialism
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- Published on Wednesday, 13 May 2020 10:18
- Written by editor
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A Socialist Project e-bulletin ... No. 2088 ... May 13, 2020
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COVID-19, Capitalism, and Socialism
Victor Wallis
The COVID-19 emergency underscores longstanding truths about capitalism and socialism. Acting on the most immediate demands that it raises draws us directly into a confrontation with core issues. COVID-19 is exceptionally contagious, and those who are infected by it do not necessarily show symptoms. These two traits, in combination, guarantee rapid spread of the virus unless certain requirements have been met.
Most directly, there must be ample supplies of the appropriate diagnostic tests, personal protective gear (masks, gloves, hand sanitizers, etc., especially for healthcare workers), and ventilators.
At a more basic level, there must be an adequate healthcare infrastructure. This means that there must be enough hospitals and enough healthcare professionals and support staff to be able to respond effectively to emergencies. It also means that all persons must be able to get diagnosed and treated free of charge.
At a still broader level, there are certain additional requirements. There should be universal "sick leave," so that individuals do not have to fear loss of income...
BlackRock
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- Published on Wednesday, 13 May 2020 10:06
- Written by editor
BlackRock -- the world’s largest investor in fossil fuels -- says it wants to address the climate crisis.
Next week is BlackRock's biggest meeting of investors for the whole year. Call on the Wall Street giant to divest its trillions in managed assets from the fossil fuels driving climate disaster.
A,
The biggest driver of climate destruction on the planet is a name you might not have heard before -- BlackRock.
BlackRock is a giant investment firm that has funnelled unrivalled billions into the companies making the climate crisis worse. It is the world's largest investor in fossil fuels, including new coal plants, and is a key obstacle between us and a safe and inhabitable planet.
But thanks to mounting pressure from activists around the world, BlackRock’s CEO, Larry Fink, finally issued a letter saying it would act on climate. The letter sent shockwaves through the business community. But since the letter, there has been almost no action from BlackRock....
Bee-killers are back
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- Published on Wednesday, 13 May 2020 05:34
- Written by editor
Banned neonics are still being sprayed all over Europe.
We have 5 days to persuade Europe’s leaders to crack down on the use of bee-killing pesticides.
Can you chip in CA$99 to protect the bees?
A,
Two years ago you won a ban on bee-killing pesticides across Europe. Yet some countries are still flooding their fields with these neonics -- using an "emergency" loophole in the pesticide law.
We just found out that EU politicians are about to discuss this toxic loophole -- at a closed-door meeting in only 5 days. But economic fallout from Covid-19 means leaders are under huge pressure to let the pesticide industry keep cashing in on the bee massacre.
Bayer and Co are breathing down ministers’ backs -- but with your help we can drown them out.
Your CA$99 donation will pay for targeted ads to reach key ministers and show them that the people back the bees, NOT Bayer. If everyone reading this email chips in a little we have a...
Will Trudeau keep his promise?
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- Published on Wednesday, 13 May 2020 05:20
- Written by editor
Trudeau has broken his promise to end the billions of dollars in oil subsidies for the last 5 years.
With 84% of Canadians calling for a green recovery post-COVID-19 now is the perfect time for him to put taxpayer money into in a greener, healthier future -- instead of a dying industry that’s poisoning our planet.
A,
“Justin Trudeau's environment plan: End fossil fuel subsidies, invest in clean tech.” reads a headline in the CBC from 5 years ago.
But since Trudeau’s promise to end fossil fuel subsidies, billions of taxpayer dollars have been hemorrhaging into the hands of Big Oil, while climate chaos has flooded, burned and destroyed homes across the country.
COVID-19 has brought chaos to the economy -- but it’s also given the government a chance to change the destructive course we’ve been on. Instead of investing in pollution-filled skies and runaway climate catastrophe, Canada could invest in a green recovery -- something that 84% of people...
Workers Power + Renewable Electrification of the Whole Economy
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- Published on Wednesday, 13 May 2020 00:54
- Written by editor
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A Socialist Project e-bulletin ... No. 2087 ... May 13, 2020
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Workers’ Power + Renewable Electrification of the Whole Economy:
A Red-Green New Deal in Transport
Asbjørn Wahl
The transport sector represents one of the most serious challenges when it comes to greenhouse gas emissions, which are increasing faster than from any other sector in society -- and at an ever-increasing pace (over 120 per cent globally over the last 30 years -- and still increasing in all parts of the world). In Europe, transport is the largest climate problem, accounting for 27 per cent of its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2017. It is also the only sector that has emissions above 1990 levels (Transport & Environment, 2018).
The use of private cars is by far the largest contributor to emissions in the transport sector. However, this article will mainly focus on freight transport. Heavy duty vehicles represent around a fifth of all EU transport emissions, and these levels are expected to continue to increase. Aviation is already a major and growing emitter, and in Europe, its emissions have doubled since 1990. As for...
Read more: Workers Power + Renewable Electrification of the Whole Economy
Victory!
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- Published on Tuesday, 12 May 2020 08:50
- Written by editor
TAKE ACTION
Canada Just Funded Vaccines — Let's Say Thanks
Read more: Victory!
Join our strategy session
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- Published on Tuesday, 12 May 2020 08:24
- Written by editor
Friends,
Just yesterday, the federal government announced a new loan program for big businesses, including aid for Big Oil.1 This is unacceptable, especially when many people and small businesses are still struggling to pay bills and get through the current crisis.
That’s why we need a people-powered movement behind a just recovery that puts people over corporate greed, and ensures not a single penny more goes to fossil fuel billionaires. In case you missed our last email, my colleagues and I have a plan to get organized, and we want to share it with you tomorrow.
Join our Just Recovery strategy session tomorrow. Here are the details one last time:
What: Organizing for a Just Recovery: Mass Strategy Session with the 350 Canada Team
When: Wednesday, May 13th 4 PM PT/ 5 PM MT / 6 PM CT/ 7 PM ET/ 8 PM AT
Where: RSVP for the online strategy session here.
If you've already registered, thank you! We look forward to seeing you tomorrow.
While yesterday’s announcement frustrated me, it was also far short of what Big Oil wanted. I know that coprorate handouts would have been much worse...
Pangolins
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- Published on Tuesday, 12 May 2020 07:38
- Written by editor
Shy, cute, covered in scales -- the adorable pangolin seems like an imaginary animal. But they’re real, and they’re the most trafficked animal on the planet! Now a new report says Facebook is making it worse, letting traffickers sell pangolin parts right on their platform! This disturbing trade has to stop:
A,
Pangolins look almost like they sprung from the imagination of a small child; they’re covered in scales and roll up in a little ball when they’re scared.
But they’re real — and they’re the most trafficked animal on the planet! Up to 2.7 million of these little guys are murdered every year by poachers hoping to profit off butchering them and selling their parts to traditional medicine shops.
Now a new report says Facebook is making it worse, letting traffickers sell pangolin parts right on their platform!
This madness has to stop. Facebook is already signed on...
Kids are buried alive
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- Published on Tuesday, 12 May 2020 04:12
- Written by editor
A,
Desperate families are taking some of the biggest tech companies to court -- over mines that turned into death traps for their children.
They need your help now -- can you chip in to put Apple, Google, and the rest on trial?
If you’ve saved your payment information with SumOfUs, your donation will go through immediately:
Donate CA$98 nowDonate another amount
Thanks for all that you do,
Vicky and the team at SumOfUs
Apple’s buying metal from mines where kids are sent to die. 14 desperate families are now taking the tech giant to court.
This landmark case could spell the end for deadly mines -- and finally hold companies like Apple accountable.
Can you chip in CA$98 to help these families take on the biggest company in the world?
Covid-19 Unmasks Dangers of Commodified Healthcare
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- Published on Tuesday, 12 May 2020 00:06
- Written by editor
~~~~~~~~~~~(((( T h e B u l l e t ))))~~~~~~~~~~~~
A Socialist Project e-bulletin ... No. 2086 ... May 12, 2020
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Covid-19 Unmasks Dangers of Commodified Healthcare
Salimah Valiani
Covid-19 has been linked to a number of truth claims long made by activists in South Africa and around the world. Perhaps most glaring is the need for universal healthcare and fortified public healthcare.
Following the mid-March announcements of measures to deal with the pandemic and the global financial crisis, researcher Sameer Dossani argued that while universal basic income and other income supports would help boost flagging economies, Covid-19 reveals universal healthcare as the most important need.
More recently, researcher and writer David Hemson draws attention to the 4,960 critical care beds in South Africa’s private sector versus the 2,240 ones in the public sector. Hemson underlines that one of the most pressing questions is how the private beds will be used equitably as Covid-19 spreads to the uninsured majority in the face of conflicting claims from the minority with medical insurance.
Brought to the surface by the current pandemic, these issues beg for unity through a common analysis and popular mobilisation in terms...
Read more: Covid-19 Unmasks Dangers of Commodified Healthcare
We need to flatten social inequality
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- Published on Monday, 11 May 2020 08:02
- Written by editor
Dear BCCLA supporter,
I’m sure you’ve been following updates around COVID-19 very closely. Every day we are hearing about how we’ve been “flattening the curve.”
But to truly flatten the curve, we need to flatten social
inequality.
We can’t flatten social inequality
unless government overreach is held to account.
Will you make an urgent donation of $30 to support our advocacy work?
These are uncertain times. In a short time, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought many changes in government policies. Many policies have been positive health measures to keep us safe. But there have also been changes to privacy laws and an increase in unnecessary policing and surveillance.
We know two things for sure though: In uncertain times, the BCCLA will fight for civil liberties and human rights for all. Also, in uncertain times, our community steps up to make sure we have fuel for this fight.
Kids are buried alive
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- Published on Monday, 11 May 2020 04:50
- Written by editor
Apple’s buying metal from mines where kids are sent to die. 14 desperate families are now taking the tech giant to court.
This landmark case could spell the end for deadly mines -- and finally hold companies like Apple accountable.
Can you chip in CA$98 to help these families take on the biggest company in the world?
If you’ve saved your payment information with SumOfUs, your donation will go through immediately:
Donate CA$98 nowDonate another amount
A,
Kids are buried alive -- suffocating in collapsed tunnels -- to mine precious metal for mobiles and laptops.
Now devastated families from the Democratic Republic of Congo are taking Apple, Google, Microsoft, Dell and Tesla to court in the US.
It won’t bring their children back, or allow those with injuries to walk again.
But A, if you help fight...
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