# IMPORTANT READS ## [ We All Practice ‘Identity Politics’](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17435-we-all-practice-identity-politics "We All Practice ‘Identity Politics’") Details Joshua Adams [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) April 08 2019 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Apr-2019/029h.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17435-we-all-practice-identity-politics) VOICES- Communities have a right to say what they need. Why is it only a problem when certain communities speak up? As the 2020 campaign lurches to a start, get ready to hear a lot about “identity politics.” [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17435-we-all-practice-identity-politics) ## [ Meritocracy is Becoming a Cruel Joke](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17432-meritocracy-is-becoming-a-cruel-joke "Meritocracy is Becoming a Cruel Joke") Details Robert Reich [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) April 08 2019 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Apr-2019/029q.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17432-meritocracy-is-becoming-a-cruel-joke) **GUEST WORDS**--Jared Kushner’s father reportedly pledged $2.5 million to Harvard just as young Jared was applying. The young man gained admission, despite rather mediocre grades. [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17432-meritocracy-is-becoming-a-cruel-joke) ## [ A Class on ‘Calling Bullshit’ Teaches that More Knowledge is Making Us Less Reasonable](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17430-a-class-on-calling-bullshit-teaches-that-more-knowledge-is-making-us-less-reasonable "A Class on ‘Calling Bullshit’ Teaches that More Knowledge is Making Us Less Reasonable") Details James McWilliams [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) April 08 2019 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Apr-2019/029w.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17430-a-class-on-calling-bullshit-teaches-that-more-knowledge-is-making-us-less-reasonable) **TOO MUCH KNOWLEDGE A BAD THING?-**To prepare themselves for future success in the American workforce, today's college students are increasingly choosing courses in business, biomedical science, engineering, computer science, and various health-related disciplines. [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17430-a-class-on-calling-bullshit-teaches-that-more-knowledge-is-making-us-less-reasonable) ## [ Why the West is Drowning in a Tidal Wave of Ignorance, Demagoguery, and Self-Inflicted Catastrophe](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17412-why-the-west-is-drowning-in-a-tidal-wave-of-ignorance-demagoguery-and-self-inflicted-catastrophe "Why the West is Drowning in a Tidal Wave of Ignorance, Demagoguery, and Self-Inflicted Catastrophe") Details Umair Haque [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) April 04 2019 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Apr-2019/028r.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17412-why-the-west-is-drowning-in-a-tidal-wave-of-ignorance-demagoguery-and-self-inflicted-catastrophe) **RESPECTING THE IMBECILES**-When we look at the spectacular, astonishing, bizarre state of affairs that Anglo countries — meaning the US and UK are in — it’s hard not to see a truth emerge. [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17412-why-the-west-is-drowning-in-a-tidal-wave-of-ignorance-demagoguery-and-self-inflicted-catastrophe) ## [ Should We Blame Pharmaceutical Companies for America's Opioid Epidemic? Here's What the Science Says](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17410-should-we-blame-pharmaceutical-companies-for-america-s-opioid-epidemic-here-s-what-the-science-says "Should We Blame Pharmaceutical Companies for America's Opioid Epidemic? Here's What the Science Says") Details Francie Diep [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) April 04 2019 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Apr-2019/028m.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17410-should-we-blame-pharmaceutical-companies-for-america-s-opioid-epidemic-here-s-what-the-science-says) **PACIFIC STANDARD PERSPECTIVE**--Purdue Pharma, the company that makes OxyContin, has been taking some legal hits lately. Last week, the company [settled a lawsuit](https://psmag.com/news/what-oklahomas-settlement-with-purdue-pharma-means-for-opioid-cases) with the state of Oklahoma for $270 million, the largest amount yet in a state opioid suit. [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17410-should-we-blame-pharmaceutical-companies-for-america-s-opioid-epidemic-here-s-what-the-science-says) ## [ Joe Biden and the Folly of the Pitchfork Brigade](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17409-joe-biden-and-the-folly-of-the-pitchfork-brigade "Joe Biden and the Folly of the Pitchfork Brigade") Details Jerry Roberts and Phil Trounstine [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) April 04 2019 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Apr-2019/028n.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17409-joe-biden-and-the-folly-of-the-pitchfork-brigade) **CAL BUZZ-**We agree with [Harvard Professor Theda Skocpol:](https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/02/opinion/joe-biden-inappropriate-touching.html) “The piling on about Joe Biden’s sometimes unwanted affectionate touches by political competitors and media outlets is shameful.” [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17409-joe-biden-and-the-folly-of-the-pitchfork-brigade) ## [ Was Ending the Draft a Grave Mistake?](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17407-was-ending-the-draft-a-grave-mistake "Was Ending the Draft a Grave Mistake?") Details Danny Siursen [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) April 04 2019 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Apr-2019/028c.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17407-was-ending-the-draft-a-grave-mistake) **WAR POLITICS**--I spent last week at Angelo State University in remote central Texas as a panelist for the annual [All-Volunteer Force (AVF) Forum](http://www.avfforum.org/members.html). It was a strange forum in many ways, but nonetheless instructive. [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17407-was-ending-the-draft-a-grave-mistake) ## [ Republicans Don’t Want a Democracy - They Want an Authoritarian Dictatorship](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17392-republicans-don-t-want-a-democracy-they-want-an-authoritarian-dictatorship "Republicans Don’t Want a Democracy - They Want an Authoritarian Dictatorship") Details S. Novi [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) April 01 2019 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Apr-2019/027k.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17392-republicans-don-t-want-a-democracy-they-want-an-authoritarian-dictatorship) MY TURN-It doesn’t seem like the Republicans can find a “low” that is low enough for them. Every turn they take is designed to undermine the very heart and soul of the country, removing the ability to have equality in voting so that they can be guaranteed to win each time. [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17392-republicans-don-t-want-a-democracy-they-want-an-authoritarian-dictatorship) ## [ Justice Democrats’ Dark Truth](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17370-justice-democrats-dark-truth "Justice Democrats’ Dark Truth") Details S. Novi [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) March 28 2019 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Mar-2019/026f.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17370-justice-democrats-dark-truth) **MY TURN**--Justice Democrats heralds their call to action, not by making an attempt to get trump and his evil band of idiots out of office, but instead, by attacking Democrats that don’t line up with their purity standards. [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17370-justice-democrats-dark-truth) ## [ Three Lessons from the ‘Failed’ Mueller Inquiry](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17369-three-lessons-from-the-failed-mueller-inquiry "Three Lessons from the ‘Failed’ Mueller Inquiry") Details Jonathan Cook [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) March 28 2019 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Mar-2019/026c.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17369-three-lessons-from-the-failed-mueller-inquiry) **RIGGING THE SYSTEM**--Here are three important lessons for the progressive left to consider now that it is clear the inquiry by special counsel Robert Mueller into Russiagate is never going to [uncover collusion](https://www.dumptheguardian.com/us-news/2019/mar/24/mueller-report-donald-trump-barr-congress-russia) between Donald Trump’s camp and the Kremlin in the 2016 presidential election. [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17369-three-lessons-from-the-failed-mueller-inquiry) ## [ What’s Next for the Green New Deal?](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17365-what-s-next-for-the-green-new-deal "What’s Next for the Green New Deal?") Details Kate Wheeling [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) March 28 2019 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Mar-2019/026b.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17365-what-s-next-for-the-green-new-deal) **CLIMATE CHANGE POLITICS**-The United States Senate [rejected](https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/435899-senate-blocks-green-new-deal) a resolution for a Green New Deal, the non-binding resolution with lofty climate goals but few policy details about how to achieve them, on Tuesday. [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17365-what-s-next-for-the-green-new-deal) ## [ A Russiagate Reality Check](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17360-a-russiagate-reality-check "A Russiagate Reality Check") Details Jill Richardson [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) March 28 2019 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Mar-2019/026w.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17360-a-russiagate-reality-check) **FEELING TRUMPED?** --Donald Trump is bragging that the Mueller report did not prove he colluded with Russia during the 2016 election. For most of us, when we rate how we’re doing in our jobs, we don’t say, “Nobody can prove I committed a crime!” or even, “I didn’t commit a crime!” and then pat ourselves on the back for a job well done. [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17360-a-russiagate-reality-check) ## [ Mueller Report Ends a Shameful Period for the Press](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17358-mueller-report-ends-a-shameful-period-for-the-press "Mueller Report Ends a Shameful Period for the Press") Details Chris Hedges [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) March 28 2019 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Mar-2019/026e.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17358-mueller-report-ends-a-shameful-period-for-the-press) **GUEST COMMENTARY**--The Mueller report’s categorical statement that Donald Trump and his campaign did not collude with Russia ends one of the most shameful periods in modern American journalism, one that rivals the mindless cheerleading for the Iraq War by most of the press. [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17358-mueller-report-ends-a-shameful-period-for-the-press) ## [ Trump Cornered](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17346-trump-cornered "Trump Cornered") Details Robert Reich [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) March 25 2019 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Mar-2019/025c.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17346-trump-cornered) **IN DEPTH**--What does a megalomaniacal president of the United States do when he’s cornered? We’ll soon find out. House Democrats are beginning a series of [investigations and hearings ](https://t.umblr.com/redirect?z=https%3A%2F%2Fqz.com%2F1544515%2Finvestigations-by-house-democrats-that-have-trump-worried%2F&t=ZTAwYmExMzE1YWZlOTg3MzcwNDRlMzljODA0M2I4NjVlM2RmYzdiNCxnb0gxWkg1Zw%3D%3D&b=t%3AhQ9Ds4P3Iv6D7mgEr8WMqg&p=http%3A%2F%2Frobertreich.org%2Fpost%2F183499466945&m=1)into [Donald Trump](https://t.umblr.com/redirect?z=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Fus-news%2Fdonaldtrump&t=NGE1YWZlZGQ4MDk1N2JhZWVkYTc0M2VkOGQ2ZDQyNDM4ZTJiNTIzZixnb0gxWkg1Zw%3D%3D&b=t%3AhQ9Ds4P3Iv6D7mgEr8WMqg&p=http%3A%2F%2Frobertreich.org%2Fpost%2F183499466945&m=1). [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17346-trump-cornered) ## [ It’s All About Incentives](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17344-it-s-all-about-incentives "It’s All About Incentives") Details Michael Greiner [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) March 25 2019 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Mar-2019/025h.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17344-it-s-all-about-incentives) **VOTER FRAUD CONUNDRUM**-Economics is all about incentives. Consider how economists talk about unemployment compensation. They worry that if the payments are too generous, people will choose unemployment rather than working. [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17344-it-s-all-about-incentives) ## [ Mueller’s Report … at Least What We Know of It … Does Not Reflect Trump’s Real Obstructions of Justice](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17340-mueller-s-report-at-least-what-we-know-of-it-does-not-reflect-trump-s-real-obstructions-of-justice "Mueller’s Report … at Least What We Know of It … Does Not Reflect Trump’s Real Obstructions of Justice") Details George Cassidy Payne [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) March 25 2019 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Mar-2019/025g.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17340-mueller-s-report-at-least-what-we-know-of-it-does-not-reflect-trump-s-real-obstructions-of-justice) VIEW FROM HERE--As soon as the president stepped off Air Force One to bask in the afterglow of being vindicated by Robert Mueller’s report, he began by saying this “witch …” before catching himself and saying to reporters, “after a long investigation, after so many people have been so badly hurt, after not looking at the other side, where a lot of bad things happened, a lot of horrible things happened, a lot of bad things happened for our country, it was just announced there was no collusion with Russia, the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.” [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17340-mueller-s-report-at-least-what-we-know-of-it-does-not-reflect-trump-s-real-obstructions-of-justice) ## [ Identity Politics and the Radicalization of White Men](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17324-identity-politics-and-the-radicalization-of-white-men "Identity Politics and the Radicalization of White Men") Details Jessica Valenti [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) March 21 2019 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Mar-2019/024j.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17324-identity-politics-and-the-radicalization-of-white-men) **2020** -- When Bernie Sanders launched his 2020 presidential bid this week, a [Vermont Public Radio interviewer](https://www.vpr.org/post/hes-2020-bernie-sanders-running-president-again#stream/0) asked him how his candidacy fit into a moment when the Democratic Party is looking more diverse than ever? [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17324-identity-politics-and-the-radicalization-of-white-men) ## [ Conservative Support of Fascism Has Radicalized Normal Americans](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17323-conservative-support-of-fascism-has-radicalized-normal-americans "Conservative Support of Fascism Has Radicalized Normal Americans") Details S. Novi [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) March 21 2019 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Mar-2019/024q.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17323-conservative-support-of-fascism-has-radicalized-normal-americans) MY TURN-Being a liberal activist is not only a personal choice, it is a passion. I always embraced the many people who would join the cause for equality and protecting the planet, and never really thought about those who chose to sit it out. [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17323-conservative-support-of-fascism-has-radicalized-normal-americans) ## [ White Supremacy Is a Genuinely Global Threat](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17321-white-supremacy-is-a-genuinely-global-threat "White Supremacy Is a Genuinely Global Threat") Details Tracey L. Rogers [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) March 21 2019 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Mar-2019/024d.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17321-white-supremacy-is-a-genuinely-global-threat) RACIST POLITICS--It's inspired terrorist attacks — and entire governing structures — on multiple continents. [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17321-white-supremacy-is-a-genuinely-global-threat) ## [ Artificial Morality](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17320-artificial-morality "Artificial Morality") Details Robert C. Koehler [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) March 21 2019 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Mar-2019/024w.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17320-artificial-morality) PERSPECTIVE--Artificial Intelligence is one thing. Artificial morality is another. It may sound something like this: [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17320-artificial-morality) ## [ The Real Reason Bush Went to War in Iraq: The Answer May Shock You](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17319-the-real-reason-bush-went-to-war-in-iraq-the-answer-may-shock-you "The Real Reason Bush Went to War in Iraq: The Answer May Shock You") Details Ahsan I Butt [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) March 21 2019 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Mar-2019/024f.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17319-the-real-reason-bush-went-to-war-in-iraq-the-answer-may-shock-you) **EXPOSED**--Sixteen years after the [United States](https://www.aljazeera.com/topics/country/united-states.html) invaded [Iraq](https://www.aljazeera.com/topics/country/iraq.html) and left a trail of destruction and chaos in the country and the region, one aspect of the war remains criminally underexamined: why was it fought in the first place? What did the Bush administration hope to get out of the war? *(Photo above from left: Former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, President George W. Bush, and Vice President Dick Cheney.* [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17319-the-real-reason-bush-went-to-war-in-iraq-the-answer-may-shock-you) 1. [ Trump’s Crusade Against Truth is Reminiscent of Scopes Trial](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17302-trump-s-crusade-against-truth-is-reminiscent-of-scopes-trial) 2. [ Elizabeth Warren Is Right About Big Tech](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17279-elizabeth-warren-is-right-about-big-tech) 3. [ America’s Long History of Hysteria About Women’s Veils](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17275-america-s-long-history-of-hysteria-about-women-s-veils) 4. [ The Shameful Attack That Backfired](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17257-the-shameful-attack-that-backfired) 5. [ Bravo for Julian Castro, But …](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17238-bravo-for-julian-castro-but) 6. [ Conversations with America’s Political Extremes](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17237-conversations-with-america-s-political-extremes) 7. [ The Greatest Wall of All, or … How To Solve the Border and China Problems in One Swell Foop](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17217-the-greatest-wall-of-all-or-how-to-solve-the-border-and-china-problems-in-one-swell-foop) 8. [ Balance in Government is Not Possible So Long as the GOP is Allowed to Cheat](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17216-balance-in-government-is-not-possible-so-long-as-the-gop-is-allowed-to-cheat) 9. [ The Age of Catastrophism: Why Forces Welcoming Economic, Social, and Planetary Collapse Are Rising](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17196-the-age-of-catastrophism-why-forces-welcoming-economic-social-and-planetary-collapse-are-rising) 10. [ Jussie Smollett and Hate Crimes: One Lie, Many Truths](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/17194-jussie-smollett-and-hate-crimes-one-lie-many-truths) Page 66 of 116 - [Start](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads "Start") - [Prev](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads?start=1344 "Prev") - [61](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads?start=1260 "61") - [62](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads?start=1281 "62") - [63](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads?start=1302 "63") - [64](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads?start=1323 "64") - [65](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads?start=1344 "65") - 66 - [67](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads?start=1386 "67") - [68](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads?start=1407 "68") - [69](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads?start=1428 "69") - [70](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads?start=1449 "70") - [Next](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads?start=1386 "Next") - [End](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads?start=2415 "End")