Margaret Kimberley Winter/Spring 2022 The word “whataboutism” is used to silence and insult opponents ofU.S. imperialism. It should be embraced as a means of revealing what is too often kept hidden. Anyone who speaks out against imperialism, capitalism, or racism with concrete examples of the terrible harm they do, can expect to be charged with the dreaded term … [Read more...] about In Praise of “Whataboutism”
Focus on Pages
The "Focus On" section provides in-depth information and opinion on many facets of sustainability. (Although these topics may appear quite distinct and separate, it’s important to remember that they are interconnected and interdependent in multiple ways — in general, the 4 basic principles of ecology apply to all complex systems.)
When you select a Focus On… topic, the system will select all the articles and posts in that category with the most recent pages at the top, just under a brief introduction to the topic. (Many articles appear in multiple categories.)
Background & detail information is organized into the main categories listed in the left sidebar.
Government
Another View on the US and Ukraine
Gary Olson Questioning the official narrative invites neo-McCarthyite slurs ranging from Putin pawn and Kremlin apologist to Russian appeaser and even, traitor. However, I’ve always spoken my mind and will continue to do so. First, anyone seeking objective information about the war’s context and background won’t find it in The New York Times, on CNN or any other … [Read more...] about Another View on the US and Ukraine
Noam Chomsky: US Policy Toward Russia Is Blocking Paths to De-escalation in Ukraine
C. J. Polychroniou interviews Noam Chomsky C. J. Polychroniou: The war in Ukraine has turned Russia into a pariah state throughout Europe and North America, but Moscow continues to receive support from many countries in the Global South. The strategic relationship between Russia and China seems to be getting stronger, although both countries had identified each other as … [Read more...] about Noam Chomsky: US Policy Toward Russia Is Blocking Paths to De-escalation in Ukraine
Interview with Noam Chomsky
Chomsky: US Policy Toward Russia Is Blocking Paths to De-escalation in Ukraine C. J. Polychroniou: The war in Ukraine has turned Russia into a pariah state throughout Europe and North America, but Moscow continues to receive support from many countries in the Global South. The strategic relationship between Russia and China seems to be getting stronger, although both … [Read more...] about Interview with Noam Chomsky
Is Asia Possible?
Two words mean so little these days – Asia and solidarity. Vijay Prashad Asia now refers merely to geography, to the vast terrain from one end of Japan to the other end of Lebanon that stretches across the globe, looking almost as if it will tear into bits from the tension. Even the geography is unclear. Russia is the country with the largest landmass in Asia; it is … [Read more...] about Is Asia Possible?
The United States Is Exceptional
Just Not in the Ways Any of Us Should Want Aviva Chomsky Three years after the end of World War II, diplomat George Kennan outlined the challenges the country faced this way: “We have about 50% of the world’s wealth, but only 6.3% of its population. In this situation, we cannot fail to be the object of envy and resentment. Our real task in the coming period … [Read more...] about The United States Is Exceptional
Misinformation Pandemic
Johnny Wilk Originally from Palmerton, Johnny has been aLehigh Valley resident for most of his life. … [Read more...] about Misinformation Pandemic
Restorative Justice: A New Hope
Emily Kim The tension between marginalized communities and law enforcement officers has existed since the establishment of police forces. We acknowledge that the systematically racist and white supremacist issues regarding police forces are complex and therefore can’t be tackled all at once. The essay excerpt below focuses on restorative practices within the current criminal … [Read more...] about Restorative Justice: A New Hope
Recommended changes to zoning ordinances in Bethlehem
This is part of our recommendations in support of Bethlehem's Climate Action Plan [CAP]. The following document was prepared to to help the EAC and Office of Planning and Zoning make the zoning ordinances support the CAP. We hope that this will help, and thank you for reaching out to us. Prepared by Isaac Weber, Summer 2021 Climate-Action Intern. If you have any … [Read more...] about Recommended changes to zoning ordinances in Bethlehem
The Privileged Minority and the Struggling Majority
PHILIP REISS A s my title suggests, I present what most Americans don’t know and those who do know are reluctant to acknowledge. One percent of Americans have wealth exceeding that which seventy-five percent of other Americans have. This miniscule minority obviously possesses privileges the vast majority of Americans lack. This one percent has political … [Read more...] about The Privileged Minority and the Struggling Majority