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Mike Gravel (1930 – 2021)

We take a look at the extraordinary life of former U.S. Senator Mike Gravel. He famously brought the Pentagon Papers to public attention and confronted Barack Obama about nuclear weapons. He was a notable anti-war activist protesting against the Vietnam draft and militarism. An exemplary Democrat and Libertarian with a big heart, and an inspiration to many.

Mike Gravel (1930 – 2021)

U.S. - China Cold War & Military Build-up

Escalating competition and tensions between the USA and China is being labelled the new Cold War. The relationship has deteriorated between the two military and technology giants over recent years. China’s global influence has ballooned, seen as a huge threat by the US. Not to mention suppression of workers' rights at home, and repression in Tibet, Hong Kong, Taiwan and of the Uighur people. With advances in nuclear technology and AI from both sides, the threat of conflict is very real, and of huge global significance.

U.S. - China Cold War & Military Build-up

Build Back Better

The US budget legislation currently hangs in the balance as representatives fail to reach an agreement.  In August, the Senate passed a $1.2 trillion infrastructure package, after which the House and Senate should have consolidated a final bill for President Biden to sign. The bipartisan budget is to fund public investment in infrastructure. The other - a reconciliation bill - is an initiative of Senator Sanders that envisions a massive progressive expansion of social spending. House progressives will not support the bipartisan plan unless it includes the second bill. In early October, the Senate reached an agreement to keep the government open until 3 December through a temporary budget.

Build Back Better

Take Action!

In response to the growing assault by legislators across the United States, who have introduced hundreds of anti-voting rights bills, Senate Democrats introduced the Voting Freedom Act last September. This new bill, which replaces the For the People Act, includes broader and more inclusive actions to strengthen voting rights. To pass, Democrats will need 60 votes to overcome the filibuster.

Take Action!

Ramsey Clark, Progressive Lawyer and Activist (1927-2021)

Dedicating his life to defending civil and human rights, Clark was an outspoken activist against racism and the death penalty. The former attorney general turned pro-bono law practitioner was deeply critical of US policy – he will be missed by the progressive legal community who have lost their statesman.

Ramsey Clark, Progressive Lawyer and Activist (1927-2021)

Abortion laws in the US

Among the many human rights currently being violated in the United States, is the growing threat to abortion rights. Since 2019, several US states have passed laws restricting access to abortion.  Which, has worsened after the replacement of Ruth Ginsberg by Amy Coney Barrent, as, the US Supreme Court, now with a conservative majority, has agreed to consider overturning the ruling that legalised abortion across the country, seeking to revive a law banning the procedure after 15 weeks of pregnancy, setting off alarm bells about a possible rollback of reproductive rights.

Abortion laws in the US

Biden-Harris

Many were relieved when the major media organizations announced the Democrat Joe Biden as the winner of the 46th presidential election. US Senator Kamala Harris will be his vice-president, becoming the first woman and African-American in this position. The two face the difficult task of bringing a deeply divided America back together and fighting the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The outgoing President Donald Trump, meanwhile, denies his defeat and hides in his office.

Biden-Harris