Illinois and other states are bracing for the coming campaign season, with the costs of running for office and associated contributions threatening to hit
Bibliophile’s dilemma: Finding new homes for used books
Here’s a riddle: What do books and corn have in common? The answer: overabundance. Reading Michael Pollan’s The Omnivore’s Dilemma (which I snatched up
Family farm: A photojournalist’s archive
The 160-acre family farm is a thing of the past. While just 40 years ago, many square miles of the Iowa landscape were divided
The Afghan war is not about terrorism
The war against Afghanistan continues to be portrayed by President Obama, and other government officials—with the help of a compliant and complicit media—as a
When do soldiers die “in vain?”
Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon said it about the soldiers they commanded in Vietnam. The two presidents did not want any fallen soldier in
Celebrate, but think about what’s really happening to US democracy
Famed progressive author, teacher and activist Howard Zinn died suddenly on January 27, 2010. To celebrate Zinn’s life and legacy, Boston University initiatied a
Democrats could give Obama cover for Libya
“When the president does it, that means that it is not illegal.” These are famous and not unexpected words from Richard Nixon in his
13 new state laws progressives can applaud
Thanks to some smart and courageous state legislators around the country, the progressive agenda actually inched forward in 2011. Yes, you read that correctly:
Best and worst of times for St. Louis City parents of school kids
There is a widespread misperception that, unless it’s a Catholic school or very expensive private school, to send your children to school in the
Deciphering the double-speak of U.S. foreign policy
One of the most crazy-making aspects of political news is having to listen to government double-speak, especially when it involves foreign policy. When the