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US Politics

What the neo-Nazi debacle in Washington showed

By Patrick Martin, 14 August 2018

After a huge media buildup, less than two dozen white supremacists showed up for Sunday’s “rally” outside the White House.

Tragic house fire takes three lives in Lincoln Park, Michigan

By Niles Niemuth, 14 August 2018

The victims of the fire that engulfed a house in the early morning hours Saturday include a woman two months pregnant, a family caretaker and a four-year-old boy.

On anniversary of fascist killing in Charlottesville

Washington police mobilize to protect handful of neo-Nazis

By Patrick Martin, 13 August 2018

Despite a massive media blitz, only a few dozen fascists rallied in front of the White House, dwarfed by thousands of counter-demonstrators.

Missouri referendum vote kills “right-to-work” law

By Patrick Martin, 11 August 2018

The more than two-to-one margin of the vote surprised union officials and shocked the Republican right.

Federal judge blocks Trump administration attempt to deport mother and child during court hearing

By Eric London, 10 August 2018

The government sought to remove the immigrants from the US while their lawyers were preoccupied arguing the case in court.

Arrest of Republican congressman on corruption charges heightens political conflict in Washington

By Barry Grey, 10 August 2018

The prosecution of Chris Collins is a political shot by the US intelligence agencies across Trump’s bow.

New round of US sanctions against Russia

By Clara Weiss, 10 August 2018

Russian commentators have warned of a full-scale economic war between Russia and the US.

Over 130 immigrant workers arrested in ICE raids in Minnesota and Nebraska

By Alec Andersen, 9 August 2018

Hundreds of immigration agents and police in military gear carried out Gestapo-style roundups at roughly a dozen agricultural job sites.

Primary results show rightward shift of both Republican and Democratic parties

By Patrick Martin, 9 August 2018

The congressional primaries confirmed the headlong move to the right by the Democratic Party signaled by the rise of a cadre of former military and intelligence operatives running as Democratic candidates for Congress.

Julian Assange reportedly asked to give secret interview to US Senate Intelligence Committee

By Mike Head, 9 August 2018

WikiLeaks said it received a request for Assange to answer questions about supposed “Russian interference” in the 2016 election.

The demise of another Bernie Sanders fraud

By Patrick Martin, 9 August 2018

The latest effort by Sanders—with the assistance of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez—to give a “progressive” gloss to the corporate-controlled Democratic Party has reached its predictable end in Michigan and Kansas.

Trump administration plans to limit citizenship for 20 million legal immigrants

By Meenakshi Jagadeesan, 8 August 2018

The move is an attack on the working class as a whole and presages intensified efforts to slash funding for social programs upon which millions rely.

Bernie Sanders holds rallies to prop up the Democratic Party in Michigan

By Eric London, 6 August 2018

Sanders’ support for Michigan gubernatorial candidate Abdul El-Sayed is part of an operation aimed at channeling social opposition behind the Democratic Party.

Why did New York Times publisher A.G. Sulzberger meet with Trump?

By E.P. Milligan, 6 August 2018

The chronology suggests that Trump’s revelation of the secret meeting caused concerns and raised questions within the staff and readership of the Times, which the newspaper has sought to contain.

US Senate backs $708 billion military authorization

By Patrick Martin, 3 August 2018

The 87-10 vote, with 41 Democrats joining 46 Republicans in support, represents final congressional approval for the record-breaking war spending.

Amid trial of former campaign chairman, Trump urges attorney general to end Russia probe “right now”

By Barry Grey, 2 August 2018

The Manafort trial is one of several recent developments pointing to an escalation by Special Counsel Mueller of his campaign against Trump.

Facebook censors anti-fascist rally in Washington

By Andre Damon, 2 August 2018

The campaign to censor the internet, initially presented as a response to alleged Russian “meddling,” is increasingly targeting left-wing political viewpoints.

Trump set to hike tariff threat against China

By Nick Beams, 2 August 2018

The US is actively considering escalating proposed tariffs on an additional $200 billion worth of Chinese goods to 25 percent up from the initial level of 10 percent.

Immigration police launch political attack on Portland mayor for backing anti-ICE protests

By Kayla Costa, 2 August 2018

Based on the absurd claim that anti-ICE protesters threatened the lives of federal immigration agents, ICE employees sent a cease and desist letter to the mayor.

Ronan Farrow’s latest #MeToo “bombshell,” directed against Leslie Moonves of CBS

By David Walsh, 1 August 2018

The New Yorker magazine has posted Farrow’s new article, detailing allegations of sexual misconduct against Leslie Moonves, the chairman, president and CEO of CBS Corporation.

Politics in bad faith: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez campaigns in Michigan

By Andre Damon, 31 July 2018

Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign is a cynical effort to put a “left-wing,” “progressive,” youth-oriented, and multicultural gloss on the right-wing, pro-war Democratic Party.

US midterm election campaign enters final 100 days

By Patrick Martin, 30 July 2018

Both parties are so out of touch with the realities of life for most Americans as to give their campaigns a delusional character.

House Democrats vote for record US military spending

By Patrick Martin, 28 July 2018

The Trump White House hailed House passage of the National Defense Authorization Act, which provides the resources for US military aggression around the world.

Ocasio-Cortez, DSA seek to give “left” cover to right-wing Democratic Party

By Niles Niemuth, 28 July 2018

Supporters of Niles Niemuth, the Socialist Equality Party candidate for the US Congress from Michigan’s 12th District, are distributing this statement at appearances by DSA member and Democratic candidate Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Political warfare in Washington escalates with subpoena of Trump organization CFO

By Alec Andersen, 27 July 2018

The subpoena comes in the wake of an abortive effort to impeach Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein by Republican members of the House Freedom Caucus.

US and Australian ministers agree to intensify military integration against China

By Mike Head, 26 July 2018

The joint AUSMIN statement reaffirmed a “steadfast and enduring” alliance dating back to World War I.

Military-style immigration raids: Coming to a workplace near you

By Eric London, 26 July 2018

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced plans Tuesday for mass workplace raids and the surveillance of tens of thousands of workplaces.

Democrats’ anti-Russia campaign leaves most Americans unmoved

By Barry Grey, 25 July 2018

Despite the hysteria whipped up inside the Beltway and among affluent sections of the upper-middle class, the Democrats’ anti-Russia campaign is finding no significant response among the broad mass of the American people.

Mounting outrage in US over conditions facing detained immigrants

By Patrick Martin, 24 July 2018

Hunger strikes and lawsuits have exposed the barbaric treatment of refugees and immigrants at detention facilities in the US.

017 Trump and Medicare payments

24 July 2018

Trump threatens Iran with a catastrophic war

By Keith Jones, 24 July 2018

Trump’s tweet was no idle bluster. His administration is pursuing a provocative and reckless drive for regime change in Iran that threatens to ignite a catastrophic war that would set the entire Middle East ablaze.

Cynthia Nixon discovers “democratic socialism” in challenge to NY Governor Cuomo

By Fred Mazelis, 24 July 2018

Nixon’s campaign is part of the effort, following the victory of Democratic Socialists of America member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, to give the Democratic Party a “left” facelift.

Bernie Sanders embraces the anti-Russia campaign

By Patrick Martin, 23 July 2018

There is no contradiction between the influx of military-intelligence candidates into the Democratic Party and the Democrats’ making use of the services of Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez to give the party a “left” cover.

The Democratic Socialists of America: Providing a “left” cover for a right-wing Democratic Party

By Patrick Martin, 21 July 2018

DSA candidates like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are seeking to disguise the drastic shift of the Democratic Party to the right on domestic, and especially, foreign policy.

What is “our democracy”?

By Eric London, 20 July 2018

At the heart of the Democratic Party-led anti-Russia hysteria is the claim that Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin, threaten “our democracy.”

Democrats abstain on House resolution praising ICE thugs

By Andy Thompson, 20 July 2018

The Republican resolution in support of Immigration and Customs Enforcement passed with only 38 Democrats opposing.

The “treason” charge against Donald Trump

By Bill Van Auken, 19 July 2018

The Democrats have adopted a well-worn narrative from the history of the US right, merely changing the word “communism” to “Russia.”

Claiming that the war on poverty has been won, Trump administration works to gut social programs

By Shelley Connor, 19 July 2018

The White House report doubles down on the one consistent theme of the Trump administration: that the poor are imagining their poverty, and that all they lack is self-sufficiency and the impetus to work.

Amid silence from Democrats on attacks on immigrants

Trump moves to restrict asylum

By Alec Andersen, 19 July 2018

While the Democrats and the media are obsessing over Trump’s supposed pro-Russian “treason,” the administration is escalating its assault on the right to asylum.

Socialist candidate for Congress Niles Niemuth submits thousands of signatures for ballot access in Michigan

By our reporter, 19 July 2018

Niles Niemuth, the Socialist Equality Party's candidate for US congress, formally filed for ballot access Wednesday, submitting nearly 6,000 signatures from residents of Michigan's 12th district.

In South Africa speech deploring “exploding inequality”

Obama boasts: “I’m surprised how much money I got”

By Barry Grey, 19 July 2018

Obama may be surprised at his recent entry into the American financial oligarchy, but it’s not for lack of effort on his part to “join the club.”

California Democratic Party leadership snubs Feinstein in reelection bid

By Dan Conway, 18 July 2018

The California Democratic Party leadership endorsed Senator Dianne Feinstein’s opponent, State Senator Kevin de Leon, although Feinstein is still heavily favored in the November election.

Democrats vow to vote against their own bill to abolish ICE

By Isaac Finn, 16 July 2018

The Democrats never had any intention of abolishing ICE, even though their so-called “abolition” would amount to little more than rebranding the agency.

Mass protests against Trump’s UK visit

By Chris Marsden, 14 July 2018

Friday’s protests by hundreds of thousands of people in London made clear that masses of workers throughout the world despise Trump and everything he stands for.

In run-up to Trump-Putin summit, Mueller charges 12 Russian officers with DNC email hack

By Bill Van Auken, 14 July 2018

The announcement of the criminal charges against the 12 Russians provoked a wave of hysteria from the US television news networks and Democratic Party officials.

Trump pardons far-right Oregon ranchers

By Alec Andersen, 14 July 2018

The pardons are part of the administration’s appeal to reactionary social layers as it prepares for war and further attacks on the working class.

Literacy and education for all is a social right!

By Niles Niemuth, 14 July 2018

Niles Niemuth, the Socialist Equality Party candidate for Michigan’s 12th Congressional District, issued a statement condemning the June 29 court ruling in Detroit that there is “no right to literacy.”

Hearing on FBI role in 2016 election erupts in vicious conflict between right-wing politicians

By Patrick Martin, 13 July 2018

While Republicans sought to cross-examine former FBI official Peter Strzok about text messages expressing hostility to Trump, Democrats denounced the hearing as a “favor to Putin.”

Brett Kavanaugh: A reliably reactionary jurist

By Ed Hightower, 13 July 2018

Trump’s Supreme Court nominee boasts a record of reaction both as an attorney and as a judge

Ultra-nationalist US demagogue Stephen Bannon hails Australia’s new foreign interference laws

By James Cogan, 11 July 2018

The legislation is particularly admired by America’s far right, the Trump administration and the US military-intelligence establishment.

Mutiny on their knees: The Democratic Party’s phony opposition to the Kavanaugh nomination

By Patrick Martin, 11 July 2018

Despite public posturing, Senate Democrats have no intention of conducting any serious struggle against the confirmation of reactionary federal judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court.

Notes from the campaign trail

The impact of the US-backed war in Yemen on Michigan’s 12th district

By Niles Niemuth, 11 July 2018

The SEP’s congressional candidate has spoken to immigrant families on the issue of war and the impact of US imperialism on their lives.

Trump chooses second ultra-right Supreme Court justice

By Patrick Martin, 10 July 2018

Brett Kavanaugh is a reactionary in the mold of Trump’s first high court nominee, Neil Gorsuch.

Trump administration misses deadline to reunite immigrant children with parents

By Alec Andersen, 10 July 2018

The administration failed to meet a court-imposed deadline to reunite all undocumented immigrant children under the age of five with their parents, with more than half remaining in detention Tuesday.

Famed geneticist Francisco Ayala resigns following unsubstantiated allegations of sexual harassment

By Kimie Saito, 10 July 2018

The rapid removal of Ayala from his position at the University of California has provoked opposition from academics in the US and Europe.

“I demand a full and open investigation”

SEP candidate Niles Niemuth extends support to family and friends of Jacoby Hennings

By our reporters, 10 July 2018

Niles and supporters attended a memorial picnic Sunday for the young autoworker who died at the Ford Woodhaven Stamping plant on October 20, 2017.

US prosecutors dismiss charges for all remaining J20 defendants

By E.P. Milligan, 9 July 2018

The decision to drop charges against those arrested for opposing Trump's inauguration, exposes the fraud of the trials themselves.

EPA chief resigns amid ethics scandals

By Trévon Austin, 6 July 2018

Scott Pruitt, the target of as many as 13 federal investigations, personified the corrupt and reactionary character of the Trump administration.

Trump withdraws Obama guidances backing racial preferences in school admissions

By Barry Grey, 5 July 2018

There is nothing progressive or democratic about the policy of racial preferences, which has been used to cultivate privileged elites within minority populations.

The ISO’s Socialism 2018 Conference: Socialist phraseology in the service of American imperialism

By Alexander Fangmann, 5 July 2018

The International Socialist Organization’s (ISO) annual Socialism conference this weekend features several speakers who support the US-led regime-change war in Syria.

America on the Fourth of July: From Thomas Jefferson to Donald Trump

By Patrick Martin, 4 July 2018

The most fundamental right asserted by the Declaration of Independence is the right of the people to revolt against tyranny and despotism, a right that this generation will be called on to exercise.

Trump’s attack on the Department of Education

By Nancy Hanover, 4 July 2018

Trump and Education Secretary DeVos are calling for the merger of the Departments of Education and Labor in the name of “shrinking government” and “workforce development.”

SEP candidate Niles Niemuth speaks on Michigan Radio

By our reporters, 4 July 2018

The Socialist Equality Party candidate spoke with workers and young people in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti and was interviewed on public radio Tuesday.

Democrats fast-track Trump’s Supreme Court pick

By Eric London, 3 July 2018

The announcement by the Democrats that they will not seek to block Trump’s Supreme Court appointee reveals certain truths about the two-party system.

Voices of the June 30 protests: Stop Trump’s persecution of immigrants!

By a reporting team, 3 July 2018

Hundreds of thousands turned out Saturday in demonstrations across the United States to defend the rights of immigrants and asylum seekers. Below we publish interviews with protesters from Chicago, Boston, Pittsburgh and other cities.

Ocasio-Cortez on “Meet the Press”: Double-talk, evasion and a disavowal of socialism

By Barry Grey, 2 July 2018

After winning a Democratic congressional nomination in New York City, DSA member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has moved sharply to the right.

Who are Trump’s 25 candidates for the Supreme Court?

By Ed Hightower, 30 June 2018

Trump’s possible nominees span the ideological spectrum, from the far right to the arch-reactionary.

Supreme Court vacancy exposes bankruptcy of the Democratic Party

By Joseph Kishore, 29 June 2018

Trump’s shaping of the Supreme Court following the resignation of Anthony Kennedy will mark another stage in the consolidation of power by far-right, fascistic forces over the institutions of the American state.

What the New York primary victory of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez means

By Patrick Martin, 28 June 2018

A member of the Democratic Socialists of America, Ocasio-Cortez offered not a hint of genuine socialism in her campaign.

Justice Anthony Kennedy announces retirement from Supreme Court

By Ed Hightower and Eric London, 28 June 2018

The retirement of the “swing vote” justice gives Trump the opportunity to shift the court to the far-right.

US primaries choose Democratic, Republican nominees in seven states

By Patrick Martin, 28 June 2018

Four more candidates with backgrounds in the military-intelligence apparatus won Democratic nominations Tuesday in competitive congressional seats.

SEP candidate Niles Niemuth wins support from workers and youth in Ann Arbor, Michigan

By our reporter, 28 June 2018

Students and workers who signed to put Niles on the ballot spoke out against the attacks on immigrants and imperialist war.

Technology giants hold censorship meeting with US intelligence agencies

By Will Morrow, 27 June 2018

The Washington Post described the meeting as a “new overture by the technology industry to develop closer ties to law enforcement.”

DSA member Ocasio-Cortez beats incumbent Congressman in New York Democratic Party primary

By Isaac Finn, 27 June 2018

In a major political upset, Democratic Socialists of America member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez won the Democratic Party primary for New York’s 14th Congressional District against incumbent Congressman Joe Crowley.

US Supreme Court sides with anti-abortion fanatics who operate fake health centers

By Tom Carter, 27 June 2018

Yesterday’s decision is yet another victory for Christian fundamentalists and the campaign to use “freedom of religion” to undermine the separation of church and state, legalize discrimination and obstruct access to health care.

Citing tariffs, Harley-Davidson to move US production to Europe

By Jacob Crosse, 27 June 2018

In response to the developing trade war between the US and Europe, motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson said it is shifting some production to international facilities.

The new Dred Scott: Supreme Court upholds Trump travel ban

By Eric London, 27 June 2018

By upholding Trump’s power to seal the country’s borders, the court has granted the president limitless authority to enact his fascistic policies against immigrants and political opponents.

Socialist Equality Party to run Niles Niemuth for Michigan’s 12th Congressional district

Socialist Equality Party, 27 June 2018

In the November 6 midterm elections, Niles will run on a socialist, anti-war and anti-capitalist program in the interests of the working class in Michigan and around the world.

Sex and the New York Times: When “Her Too” isn’t “Me Too”

By David Walsh, 27 June 2018

The New York Times discovers nuance in sexual behavior when it involves a reporter and a valuable source.

In defense of the Red Hen

By Andre Damon, 26 June 2018

The Washington Post and leading Democrats have lined up with Donald Trump in condemning protests against Trump administration officials over human rights violations on the Mexican border.

Teachers and the political struggle

By Nancy Hanover and Jerry White, 26 June 2018

In the aftermath of the union betrayal of their strikes and protests, teachers are running for seats in their state legislatures in unprecedented numbers, posing fundamental political issues for the working class.