# IMPORTANT READS ## [ 2017: The End of Social Injustice in America?](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14620-2017-the-end-of-social-injustice-in-america "2017: The End of Social Injustice in America?") Details Chelsey Lugar [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) January 01 2018 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Jan-2018/01b.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14620-2017-the-end-of-social-injustice-in-america) GUEST WORDS--The year began with a bang, as everybody in America lost their minds (some in a celebratory way, some totally devastated) over the fact that Donald Trump managed to be elected president. [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14620-2017-the-end-of-social-injustice-in-america) ## [ In 2017 the Athlete Became the Activist](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14605-in-2017-the-athlete-became-the-activist "In 2017 the Athlete Became the Activist") Details Ian Hurley [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) December 28 2017 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Dec-2017/0104j.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14605-in-2017-the-athlete-became-the-activist) SPORTS POLITICS-During the 1968 Olympics, Tommie Smith and John Carlos shook the collective American consciousness with a silent gesture. After winning the gold and bronze medals, respectively, in the 200-meter sprint, the two men [raised black-gloved fists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1968_Olympics_Black_Power_salute#/media/File:John_Carlos,_Tommie_Smith,_Peter_Norman_1968cr.jpg) into the summer night sky as the Star Spangled Banner droned on in the background. The image of their silent protest -- of racial inequity in the United States -- remains as striking now as it was 49 years ago. It immediately turned both men (as well the third man on the platform, Australian sprinter Peter Norman) into international pariahs. It's a moment that has come to symbolize what it means to be a socially aware athlete. [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14605-in-2017-the-athlete-became-the-activist) ## [ How Pelosi’s Disinformation Helped Pass the GOP Tax Bill](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14604-how-pelosi-s-disinformation-helped-pass-the-gop-tax-bill "How Pelosi’s Disinformation Helped Pass the GOP Tax Bill") Details Richard Lee Abrams [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) December 28 2017 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Dec-2017/0104l.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14604-how-pelosi-s-disinformation-helped-pass-the-gop-tax-bill) CORRUPTION WATCH-The great advantage of Lies and Myths is that they dispense with unpleasant reality. In the realm of make-belief, where Americans prefer to live, everything they believe is true and there is no need for introspection because they think everything they believe is true. Trying to think can give you a brain freeze faster than a Slurpee at 7 Eleven. [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14604-how-pelosi-s-disinformation-helped-pass-the-gop-tax-bill) ## [ As Wealthiest Amass Another $1 Trillion in 2017, Calls for a 'Strike Back' Against Oligarchy](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14601-as-wealthiest-amass-another-1-trillion-in-2017-calls-for-a-strike-back-against-oligarchy "As Wealthiest Amass Another $1 Trillion in 2017, Calls for a 'Strike Back' Against Oligarchy") Details Julia Conley [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) December 28 2017 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Dec-2017/0104p.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14601-as-wealthiest-amass-another-1-trillion-in-2017-calls-for-a-strike-back-against-oligarchy) GAP WIDENS--As the gap between the world's richest and poorest people has widened to an extreme not seen since the Gilded Age, the 500 wealthiest people have gotten $1 trillion richer in 2017, according to *Bloomberg*'s [Billionaires Index.](https://www.bloomberg.com/billionaires/) [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14601-as-wealthiest-amass-another-1-trillion-in-2017-calls-for-a-strike-back-against-oligarchy) ## [ A Brief History of the Christmas Controversy](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14592-a-brief-history-of-the-christmas-controversy "A Brief History of the Christmas Controversy") Details Mike Mariani [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) December 25 2017 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Dec-2017/0103c.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14592-a-brief-history-of-the-christmas-controversy) HOLIDAY POLITICS--For Americans in the past decade, the month of December has not only been about braving the attic, Fraser firs, idiosyncratic family traditions, and Walmart anarchists. For years, conservative television networks, right-wing politicos, and outspoken Christian organizations have lamented the perceived "War on Christmas" and the holiday's increasing secularization among American families. [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14592-a-brief-history-of-the-christmas-controversy) ## [ CBS Report: Trump Told Rich Friends at Mar-a-Lago: ‘You All Just Got a Lot Richer’ From Tax Bill](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14591-cbs-report-trump-told-rich-friends-at-mar-a-lago-you-all-just-got-a-lot-richer-from-tax-bill "CBS Report: Trump Told Rich Friends at Mar-a-Lago: ‘You All Just Got a Lot Richer’ From Tax Bill") Details Igor Bobic [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) December 25 2017 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Dec-2017/0103d.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14591-cbs-report-trump-told-rich-friends-at-mar-a-lago-you-all-just-got-a-lot-richer-from-tax-bill) TRUMP WATCH--President [Donald Trump](https://www.huffingtonpost.com/topic/donald-trump) told friends at his lavish Mar-a-Lago club “you all just got a lot richer” after the passage of his tax cut legislation, [CBS News](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-mar-a-lago-christmas-trip/) reported Sunday. [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14591-cbs-report-trump-told-rich-friends-at-mar-a-lago-you-all-just-got-a-lot-richer-from-tax-bill) ## [ We Must Protect Net Neutrality and Bitcoin … Here’s Why](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14585-we-must-protect-net-neutrality-and-bitcoin-here-s-why "We Must Protect Net Neutrality and Bitcoin … Here’s Why") Details Richard Lee Abrams [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) December 21 2017 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Dec-2017/103h.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14585-we-must-protect-net-neutrality-and-bitcoin-here-s-why) CORRUPTION WATCH-The Davos Set (the 1%ers) are gunning for Net Neutrality and Bitcoin. Net Neutrality is falling away and Bitcoin is next. The popularity of both are related to the American belief in our inalienable rights to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14585-we-must-protect-net-neutrality-and-bitcoin-here-s-why) ## [ The GOP Tax Bill is a Giveaway to Millionaires Like Me](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14583-the-gop-tax-bill-is-a-giveaway-to-millionaires-like-me "The GOP Tax Bill is a Giveaway to Millionaires Like Me") Details George Zimmer [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) December 21 2017 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Dec-2017/103j.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14583-the-gop-tax-bill-is-a-giveaway-to-millionaires-like-me) YOU’RE NOT GONNA LIKE THE WAY THIS LOOKS-The tax bill currently set for a final vote in Congress will be a disaster for millions of hard-working American families. [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14583-the-gop-tax-bill-is-a-giveaway-to-millionaires-like-me) ## [ McCarthyite Witch Hunt Comes for Jill Stein](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14580-mccarthyite-witch-hunt-comes-for-jill-stein "McCarthyite Witch Hunt Comes for Jill Stein") Details Caitlin Johnstone [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) December 21 2017 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Dec-2017/103o.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14580-mccarthyite-witch-hunt-comes-for-jill-stein) CONSPIRACY THEORIES GALORE-Two days ago I happened to write an article about the amazingly stupid conspiracy theory that the Green Party, which has run a presidential candidate every election since 1996, ran a presidential candidate in 2016 because of a Russian plot to sabotage American democracy. Today, [*Buzzfeed News* reports](https://www.buzzfeed.com/emmaloop/the-senates-russia-investigation-is-now-looking-into-jill?utm_term=.it20L32QyG#.kr3VwqokPO) that the Senate Intelligence Committee has asked Jill Stein’s campaign to comply with a document search. [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14580-mccarthyite-witch-hunt-comes-for-jill-stein) ## [ FirstNet Penalty Reversal Could Save California Billions of $$$](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14576-firstnet-penalty-reversal-could-save-california-billions-of "FirstNet Penalty Reversal Could Save California Billions of $$$") Details Sara Corcoran Warner [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) December 21 2017 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Dec-2017/103s.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14576-firstnet-penalty-reversal-could-save-california-billions-of) DEC 28 DEADLINE IS KEY--Remember the classic Jack Nicholson line: “\[The truth?\] You can’t handle the truth!” from the movie, “[A Few Good Men](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104257/)”? It’s often recalled as a courtroom-cinematic highlight, but it’s also symbolic. It shows that, perhaps with the best of intentions, institutions can take strange paths to try and achieve altruistic outcomes. [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14576-firstnet-penalty-reversal-could-save-california-billions-of) ## [ Three Unelected Men Just Overrode the Will Of 83% of the U.S. Population](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14571-three-unelected-men-just-overrode-the-will-of-83-of-the-u-s-population "Three Unelected Men Just Overrode the Will Of 83% of the U.S. Population") Details Caitlin Johnstone [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) December 18 2017 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Dec-2017/102b.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14571-three-unelected-men-just-overrode-the-will-of-83-of-the-u-s-population) NET NEUTRALITY UNDONE-The five-member Federal Communications Commission has [voted three to two](http://www.sfchronicle.com/business/article/FCC-repeals-net-neutrality-amid-criticism-from-12431244.php) to repeal net neutrality regulations. [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14571-three-unelected-men-just-overrode-the-will-of-83-of-the-u-s-population) ## [ The New Mandarins of the Deep State](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14569-the-new-mandarins-of-the-deep-state "The New Mandarins of the Deep State") Details Joel Kotkin [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) December 18 2017 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Dec-2017/102d.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14569-the-new-mandarins-of-the-deep-state) CRUMBLING DICTATORSHIP-The shocking defeat of GOP Senator hopeful Roy Moore may not spell the end of Trumpism, but you can see it from there. The president’s unconventional peasant rebellion has now reached its high-water market, with a countervailing tide threatening to inundate an increasingly vulnerable GOP. [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14569-the-new-mandarins-of-the-deep-state) ## [ Strong, Intelligent Women in Politics: Scares the Hell Out of Conservative Republicans](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14543-strong-intelligent-women-in-politics-scares-the-hell-out-of-conservative-republicans "Strong, Intelligent  Women in Politics: Scares the Hell Out of Conservative Republicans") Details S. Novi [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) December 14 2017 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Dec-2017/0101f.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14543-strong-intelligent-women-in-politics-scares-the-hell-out-of-conservative-republicans) WOMEN’S RIGHTS-If there is one thing that scares the living daylights out of conservative Republicans, it is the rise of strong, intelligent women in politics. They have used every trick in the book to continue to push down women that have progressive political stands and will fight for women’s rights. From cherry picked religious dogma to gerrymandering, women have historically been told that they need to “stay in their place” in the home, kitchen and child rearing. But that time is now done and we have so many women of the past to thank for paving the way to our current time. [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14543-strong-intelligent-women-in-politics-scares-the-hell-out-of-conservative-republicans) ## [ The Grapes of Wealth: Tom Joad Tops Forbes Fictional 400](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14521-the-grapes-of-wealth-tom-joad-tops-forbes-fictional-400 "The Grapes of Wealth: Tom Joad Tops Forbes Fictional 400") Details Scott Stavrou [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) December 11 2017 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Dec-2017/100c.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14521-the-grapes-of-wealth-tom-joad-tops-forbes-fictional-400) DATELINE HOLLYWOOD-*We’re in a VIP Room at the Avalon Hollywood. It’s a celebration the likes of which this reporter has never seen. An impossibly good looking private host escorts us through a private door to a VIP Table where Tom Joad sits snugly behind a velvet rope, sipping Dom Pérignon poured out of a Magnum at table side.* [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14521-the-grapes-of-wealth-tom-joad-tops-forbes-fictional-400) ## [ Your Kids are Listening to How You Talk About Sexual Assault](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14499-your-kids-are-listening-to-how-you-talk-about-sexual-assault "Your Kids are Listening to How You Talk About Sexual Assault") Details Ellie Guzman [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) December 07 2017 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Dec-2017/098b.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14499-your-kids-are-listening-to-how-you-talk-about-sexual-assault) FIRST PERSON REPORT-My parents love true crime shows. They love *Dateline*, *20/20*, you name it. Lester Holt and Keith Morrison are like family friends at this point. It’s been this way since I was in high school, and I remember my sister and I finding it funny how much these morbid shows entertained our parents until we got hooked on the stories too. But there was always a running commentary from our parents. [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14499-your-kids-are-listening-to-how-you-talk-about-sexual-assault) ## [ Vets Challenge Trump’s Islamophobia](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14478-vets-challenge-trump-s-islamophobia "Vets Challenge Trump’s Islamophobia") Details Brian Trautman [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) December 04 2017 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Dec-2017/097b.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14478-vets-challenge-trump-s-islamophobia) VETS FOR PEACE SPEAK OUT-The U.S. president, Donald Trump, revealed his inner nature again earlier this week when he retweeted a series of anti-Muslim propaganda videos from the deputy leader of an ultranationalist, neo-fascist hate group in the UK. Trump sank to a new low in terms of the blatant falsehoods and myths he will invoke and propagate to incite enmity against Muslims. [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14478-vets-challenge-trump-s-islamophobia) ## [ Due Process Is Needed for Sexual Harassment Accusations -- But For Whom?](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14463-due-process-is-needed-for-sexual-harassment-accusations-but-for-whom "Due Process Is Needed for Sexual Harassment Accusations --  But For Whom?") Details Ijeoma Oluo [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) December 04 2017 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Dec-2017/097t.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14463-due-process-is-needed-for-sexual-harassment-accusations-but-for-whom) DEFINING THE DEBATE-The first time I remember being sexually harassed at work was at my second job ever, working at a bookstore. There was a man there who always tried to work sexual innuendo into every conversation we had. [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14463-due-process-is-needed-for-sexual-harassment-accusations-but-for-whom) ## [ Why Net Neutrality Is a Feminist Issue](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14441-why-net-neutrality-is-a-feminist-issue "Why Net Neutrality Is a Feminist Issue") Details Claire Lancaster [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) November 27 2017 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Nov-2017/095a.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14441-why-net-neutrality-is-a-feminist-issue) COMMUNICATIONS POLITICS--The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced it will next month vote on a plan to repeal net neutrality laws that require internet providers to give consumers equal access to all content online. A repeal would be bad news for everyone -- especially women, whose voices, causes and businesses are often shut out of mainstream media. [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14441-why-net-neutrality-is-a-feminist-issue) ## [ The Genius of “Coco” Beyond PC](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14437-the-genius-of-coco-beyond-pc "The Genius of “Coco” Beyond PC") Details John Mirisch [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) November 27 2017 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Nov-2017/095g.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14437-the-genius-of-coco-beyond-pc) MUSINGS BY MIRISCH-There’s something about Pixar and senior citizens. The world’s leading animation studio, groundbreaking within an art form traditionally associated with children and families, seems to be at its absolute best when making pictures featuring senior citizen characters -- perhaps the least traditional of animation characters -- in prominent roles. [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14437-the-genius-of-coco-beyond-pc) ## [ Radicalism: The New Norm In American Politics](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14434-radicalism-the-new-norm-in-american-politics "Radicalism: The New Norm In American Politics") Details Joel Kotkin [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) November 27 2017 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Nov-2017/095k.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14434-radicalism-the-new-norm-in-american-politics) NEW GEOGRAPHY--The Republican Party’s road to the 2018 mid-terms looks increasingly like Pickett’s Charge, the Confederate assault on fixed Union positions that marked the high-water mark for the southern cause. After achieving its greatest domination of elective office in [80 years](https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2016/11/17/republican_party_the_strongest_its_been_in_80_years.html), the GOP seems likely to get slaughtered. [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14434-radicalism-the-new-norm-in-american-politics) ## [ An Angry Black Man in the White House? The Conversation We Never Had](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14425-an-angry-black-man-in-the-white-house-the-conversation-we-never-had "An Angry Black Man in the White House? The Conversation We Never Had") Details James Preston Allen [IMPORTANT READS](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads) November 27 2017 [ ![](https://www.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Nov-2017/095y.png) ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14425-an-angry-black-man-in-the-white-house-the-conversation-we-never-had) AT LENGTH--It seems like it was just two short years ago that we lived in a country that was moving forward past historic racial divides with the election of the first black president —a man who brought intelligence, grace and compassion to our highest office without a hint of scandal. [ Read more … ](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14425-an-angry-black-man-in-the-white-house-the-conversation-we-never-had) 1. [ Former Republican AG Warns Sessions against Marijuana Crackdown](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14409-former-republican-ag-warns-sessions-against-marijuana-crackdown) 2. [ Popular Thanksgiving Turkey Brand Comes with a Side of Antibiotics](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14398-popular-thanksgiving-turkey-brand-comes-with-a-side-of-antibiotics) 3. [ In a Country of Bigots and Liars, Predators Will Always Survive](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14393-in-a-country-of-bigots-and-liars-predators-will-always-survive) 4. [ Joe Biden 2020 Is a Terrible Idea In a Post-Weinstein America](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14381-joe-biden-2020-is-a-terrible-idea-in-a-post-weinstein-america) 5. [ American Populism Shouldn’t Have to Embrace Ignorance](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14380-american-populism-shouldn-t-have-to-embrace-ignorance) 6. [ Vet Who Sought VA Help Was Told To Come Back In 3 Months … He Killed Himself Instead](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14377-vet-who-sought-va-help-was-told-to-come-back-in-3-months-he-killed-himself-instead) 7. [ The Cleansing Frenzy: Is Weinstein a Stand-In for Trump?](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14372-the-cleansing-frenzy-is-weinstein-a-stand-in-for-trump) 8. [ All-Gender Restrooms Send a Powerful Message](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14366-all-gender-restrooms-send-a-powerful-message) 9. [ Hickenlooper Joins Raimondo On Pension Reform … More Governors, Including Brown, Need to Speak Up](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14331-hickenlooper-joins-raimondo-on-pension-reform-more-governors-including-brown-need-to-speak-up) 10. [ Xi's Got Trump’s Number: Flattery Will Get You Everywhere](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads/14326-xi-s-got-trump-s-number-flattery-will-get-you-everywhere) Page 79 of 116 - [Start](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads "Start") - [Prev](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads?start=1617 "Prev") - [74](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads?start=1533 "74") - [75](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads?start=1554 "75") - [76](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads?start=1575 "76") - [77](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads?start=1596 "77") - [78](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads?start=1617 "78") - 79 - [80](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads?start=1659 "80") - [81](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads?start=1680 "81") - [82](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads?start=1701 "82") - [83](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads?start=1722 "83") - [Next](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads?start=1659 "Next") - [End](https://www.citywatchla.com/important-reads?start=2415 "End")