A State of Division
Elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina once again handed control to rival nationalists. But low turnout and weak social movements also show how institutionalized sectarianism hollows out democracy.
19191 Articles by: Opal Lee
Opal Lee is a writer.
Baby Steps Are Not Enough
Yesterday’s midterms were a rebuke to Trump. But America’s decades-long shift to the right won’t be undone with Democratic Party liberalism.
The Midterms’ Winners, Losers, and Double-Losers
By running to the right, Democrats insist on losing twice: at the polls and in constructing an inspiring agenda. Bold left-wing politics are our only hope for long-term, substantive victory.
Not a Bad Night
From left-wing ballot measures to socialists in the House, things are slowly — but surely — moving our way.
Trump Was Repudiated
Last night’s elections were an important repudiation of Trump — and another confirmation that voters will embrace left-wing policies over watered-down centrism.
With Brexit, It’s the Geography, Stupid
Pundits analyzing Britain’s Leave vote obsess over everything but what mattered: decades of economic decay in declining regions.
Republican Barbarity, Democratic Incompetence
If Democrats don’t perform well today, they’ll only have themselves to blame.
Promises and Programs
Electoral work is important. But the point isn’t just to win office — it’s to build movements and challenge capitalism.
Money Still Rules US Politics
Whether it’s Donald Trump, the Democratic Party, or today’s midterms, the best way to understand US politics is to follow the money.
Why Non-Citizens Should Be Allowed to Vote
Undocumented immigrants are part of the political community just like any other resident. They should have full voting rights.
We Need a Socialist Caucus in Congress
To make sure newly elected socialists don’t end up looking like corporate Democrats, we need a democratic socialist caucus in Congress.
Solving California’s Housing Crisis
More private development isn’t enough to solve California’s massive housing crisis — we have to break with the for-profit model and build affordable social housing for all.
The Third Way Isn’t Dead Yet
Die-hard opponents of Corbynism can look to the Australian Labor Party as a model of non-radical social democracy. That’s exactly why the party needs to change.
Our Sights to the Stars
Damien Chazelle’s Neil Armstrong biopic, First Man, is a thrilling paean to determination and discovery.
Max Levitas (1915-2018)
Max Levitas was a towering figure of Britain’s labor movement. A hardened enemy of the Blackshirts in the years before World War II, the Irish-Jewish communist devoted nearly a century to fighting injustice.
To Hell With “Innovation Specialists”
SEIU is looking for a new Silicon Valley-style innovation guru. But TED Talk wisdom is the last thing labor needs.
Local 804 Says No
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters leadership is trying to force a concessionary contract on a quarter-million UPS workers. Now there’s pushback.
Dress Rehearsals for Utopia
Liberals like to paint mass performance as totalitarian and repressive. But the festivals of revolutionary France gave the people a sense of its own power.
Canonization for the Masses
The Catholic Church’s canonization of Oscar Romero is a welcome embrace of faith for the many, not the few. But the martyred lay Catholics who fought and died for liberation in Central America deserve recognition, too.
Labour Has A Plan
Under Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour Party’s goal is to create nothing less than a twenty-first century democratic socialism.