Bobby Kennedy was killed on June 5 1968, only two months after MLK was murdered in Memphis. To many of those at the time, these two killings were far worse and more personal than the assassination of RFK's older brother. Fast forward to 2020, and many people apparently still believe that Bobby was shot by Sirhan Sirhan, although there is ample evidence to prove this is … [Read more...] about Bobby (aka RFK)
Peter's blog
Thoughts on sustainability, regeneration, social justice, and more….
Why?
You would think all police departments would have a heightened awareness of their actions. If they are not moved by the imperative to do what is morally right, you'd think they would at least avoid horrible publicity. This morning's news has even more examples of tragic actions by police, and it's not all racist — some is simply the result of violent police tactics. Here … [Read more...] about Why?
‘Dear White People…’
Former Texas Longhorn and NFL player Emmanuel Acho has a strong message for white people what they can do to help. In what he says is the first video in a series titled, “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man,” the Austin resident addresses many questions he’s been asked by white people. I recommend this as a good thing to show your friends who still don't get … [Read more...] about ‘Dear White People…’
Violence, looting, destruction of property
Today, many newspeople & elected officials are complaining about looting & destruction of property. Why have they been silent about ongoing oppression and racist, structural violence? Did they forget what we learned as children: that one of the foundational acts of this country was the ‘Boston Tea Party’, an often-glorified case of property destruction used to … [Read more...] about Violence, looting, destruction of property
A few good reads for the week
Here are several articles that look at food, the pandemic, and other topics from a more holistic point of view than we usually see, showing the need for re-thinking in these areas. From the current issue of Yes! Magazine — the 'Community Power issue'. What’s in a Social Justice Diet?The Light at the EndWhat Indian Country Remembers About SurvivalWe Had … [Read more...] about A few good reads for the week
On the front lines in Italy
This episode from PBS Frontline is crafted more like a story than a news report. It has plot structure and character development that's remarkable. If you want to see how a documentary can be raised to the level of a powerful film, give it a try. The lead character is a female doctor, and her journey is compelling. I don't think any ordinary news report or documentary could … [Read more...] about On the front lines in Italy
CDC’s real recommendations for ‘reopening’ from coronavirus
The U.S. disease-control experts at the CDC prepared detailed guidelines on how to safely reopen businesses and institutions, but the White House shelved the experts' recommendations and released a far less restrictive plan. CDC guidance more restrictive than White House School Superintendents Dismiss White House, Will Follow Leaked CDC Guidance on Reopening Actual CDC … [Read more...] about CDC’s real recommendations for ‘reopening’ from coronavirus
What will it take?
Excellent New Yorker article by Bill McKibben, titled 'What will it take to cool the planet'. Covers the Climate Interactive website that let's you see the effects of playing with different variables, a dive into the Gwich’in fight against plans for oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and the need for more descriptive visioning for the future. (All in all, a … [Read more...] about What will it take?
Covid & Capitalism
Neither of these articles has any shocking revelations, but both are worth reading for the way they fill in some gaps in the mainstream narrative. “No. It’s Capitalism, Stupid.”, by Gary OlsonCovid-19 Profiteers Are Making a Killing, by Amber Colon-Nuñez … [Read more...] about Covid & Capitalism
‘Essential workers’?
This article from Reveal (affiliated with the Center for Investigative Reporting) makes clear that forceful lobbying derailed provisions that would have reduced the death toll among health care workers. (And it would also have reduced the number of cases where they then passed it on to other patients) 31,000 and Counting How a Lobbying Campaign Pushed the CDC to Relax … [Read more...] about ‘Essential workers’?