Cathy Kunkel is an energy and finance analyst based in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Financial vultures are pushing a new round of bankruptcy and austerity in Puerto Rico. Puerto Ricans themselves, meanwhile, continue to fight for pensions, basic services, and a democratic say in their lives that has been denied them so long.
Cathy Kunkel is an energy analyst, environmental and community activist, and member of the Democratic Socialists of America running for Congress in West Virginia’s second district. She explains her history of organizing and argues that “red-state” voters will get on board with an agenda that includes Medicare for All and a just transition for fossil fuel workers.
Puerto Rico governor Rosselló offered the island no way out, no road map — just failure cloaked in rhetoric. That’s why mass movements forced his ouster — and why they’ll keep organizing for a recovery for all Puerto Ricans, not just the rich.
Since the 2016 election, West Virginia has been stereotyped as a bastion of Trump supporters. But community organizer Stephen Smith believes that a campaign for economic justice can attract broad support in the state — and he’s running for governor to prove it.
West Virginia school employees have achieved a major victory. What made this strike successful?
It’s unclear how the standoff between West Virginia workers and the state senate will end, but if nothing else, this week’s decision to keep striking is a reminder that the rank and file can lead.
West Virginia’s teacher strike started over pay and benefits. But it could end up transforming the state’s politics.
Few states better illustrate the contradictions and failures of the Democratic Party than West Virginia.