Notes from the Editors
Amidst the rightward political shift around us, we, the Beyond Capitalism Working Group in the Lehigh Valley, introduce Left Turn to provide critical left perspectives and analyses. We argue that shifting left is necessary to build a just and ecologically sustainable future. Our premier issue includes a variety of topics thanks to all of our contributors. We would like to … [Read more...] about Notes from the Editors
It’s Just a Party
by Alex Fischer Many knew that Obama and the Democratic Party’s failure to bring ‘hope’ and ‘change’ left the Democratic Party vulnerable. Few, however predicted the party would actually implode by 2016. Those who did, realized the ground would be fertile for implosion especially if: The Dems followed Obama’s two terms —polices of prolonging the War on Terror, starting … [Read more...] about It’s Just a Party
Where Does Our Culture of Rage and Disaffection Come From?
by Ted Morgan As the mass media would have it, Donald Trump’s successful presidential campaign was buoyed by “populist” anger from working class white folks, particularly in rural America and the South. Public opinion polls have shown that the bulk of Trump’s support has come from middle-to-upper-middle class people, religious fundamentalists, traditional conservatives, … [Read more...] about Where Does Our Culture of Rage and Disaffection Come From?
Remembering Berta Cáceres
by Bob Riggs Saturday, March 3, marks the second anniversary of the murder of the courageous worker for justice and women's autonomy, Berta Cáceres. She was killed in her home in La Esperanza, Honduras, because of her leadership in the struggle of the Lenca People in defense of their lands, rivers and forests, which were being threatened by the construction of mega … [Read more...] about Remembering Berta Cáceres
Being Howard Zinn: Interview with Bob Weick, who plays the historian Howard Zinn in Voices of a People’s History of the United States
Henrik Eger interviews Bob Weick *Bob Weick also performs as Karl Marx in Howard Zinn’s play Marx in Soho which will be performed on September 21st in the Lehigh Valley. See ad on the back cover. Howard Zinn, considered to be one of the most thought-provoking American historians, who presents history not from the perspective of those in power, but … [Read more...] about Being Howard Zinn: Interview with Bob Weick, who plays the historian Howard Zinn in Voices of a People’s History of the United States
“What Happened?”
Editor's Note: This short essay was published on Nov. 4, 2017, as a note by the author on his Facebook page. We think placing the 2016 electoral outcome within the context of neoliberalism can deepen our understanding. by Faramarz Farbod That’s the title of Hillary Clinton’s new book. But do we know “What Happened” in the 2016 election? Let me start by stating what … [Read more...] about “What Happened?”
Make Capitalism History
by Faramarz Farbod To perish or to radically transform the way we relate to one another and to nature, that is the question humanity has never had to face until now. The evidence backing the above assertion is strong and accumulating. Nevertheless, there remains a stubborn problem of awareness as many who understand the perils facing humanity fail to connect them to its … [Read more...] about Make Capitalism History
Meritocracy Is a Lie
by Gary Olson In 2017, Sociology Professor Rachel Sherman wrote Uneasy Street: The Anxiety of Affluence, a book which drew upon 50 in-depth interviews with Uber-wealthy New Yorkers in order to obtain a picture of just how they perceived their status. Sherman found that her interviewees, all in the top 1-2 percent of income or wealth or both, had thoroughly imbibed … [Read more...] about Meritocracy Is a Lie
You Can’t Litigate Your Way To a Union: The IWW Campaign at Boulevard Bingo
Editor’s Note: This essay recounts an early 1990s strike at a bingo hall in Allentown, PA, led by the local branch of the Industrial Workers of the World. It originally appeared in John Silvano’s book Nothing in Common: An Oral History of IWW Strikes, 1971-1992. by Lenny Flank The whole thing started in June of 1992. Jeff Kelly just happened to be … [Read more...] about You Can’t Litigate Your Way To a Union: The IWW Campaign at Boulevard Bingo