After six decades of wasteful hostility, the time has come to let the Cuban people breathe freely — “Cuba should be the envy of many other nations, ostensibly far richer. [It] demonstrates how much nations can do with the resources they have if they focus on the right priorities — health, education, and literacy.” — Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nations Introduction The Republic of Cuba…

Better wages, safer work, and a more equal society. — Introduction The American labor movement has been in a steady decline over the last several decades. Despite the fact that most Americans have a positive view of labor unions, membership has fallen dramatically since its peak in 1954 (when it stood at about 34.8% of the workforce), reaching a dismal low…

It is important that all people be properly informed on this topic, and see to it that conservative and neoliberal attacks on these institutions are not successful — Introduction Social welfare programs have long been viewed as a way of papering over the cracks of capitalism, by seeking to provide a decent standard of living to everybody, regardless of income or employment status. Even socialists (who would like to transcend capitalism altogether, rather than patching up its holes)…

It saves money, saves lives, expands access, and improves choice, all while preserving (or even improving) quality of care — Introduction Opponents of Medicare-for-All have generally based their opposition on a number of claims relating to cost, quality, and choice. They claim that it would be too pricey, that it would result in inferior care, and it would eliminate people’s ability to choose their doctors. Fortunately for proponents of single-payer, these…

Introduction Transphobia remains disturbingly common, and it is typically “justified” with various lies and slanders about trans people. In order to combat this bigotry, it is necessary to provide solid and easily understandable rebuttals to these common myths. All sources will be listed at the end of the post, if…

Introduction By now, most people are aware that the American healthcare system is among the most dysfunctional institutions imaginable, with the highest costs in the world, and some of the worst outcomes of any advanced country. That being said, there are still those who deny the necessity of completely overhauling…

Introduction Recent years have brought a sharp uptick in the number of people interested in the policies and ideas of the political left. In order to clarify some basic points of confusion, and provide answers to some frequently asked questions, this short primer has been prepared. I encourage the reader…

Introduction The United States has long seen itself as a very special nation, playing a uniquely noble role on the world stage. While other nations are said to be guided by vulgar self-interest, the United States is supposedly different; the primary goal of American foreign policy is, according to the…