Gene Rothman: we progressives need to follow King’s advice and not merely listen to, but to learn from others in the world. “Compassion and non-violence help us see the enemies point of view . . . . We may indeed see the basic weaknesses of our own . . . [and] may learn and grow and profit from the wisdom of our brothers who are called the opposition.” Most significantly, he noted that it is the U.S. that is the “greatest purveyor of violence in the world.”

Food stamp use is now at record highs and increasing every month. There is evidence that as need grows the stigma of such use decreases. Terming the aid “nutritional assistance” rather than welfare has further encouraged this de-stigmatization.

We are in a situation in America where the working class, and in particular the union working class, has shrunk to the lowest point its ever been, and this is the reality we are going to have to face in a global economy…We’re talking about a Global Labor Movement and that’s the only way American workers are going to survive.

If Obama and the Democrats are unable to usher in real, lasting change, the greatest tragedy will be the loss of faith amongst my generation and others in our ability to help shape the country.

The largest interfaith gathering in the world will take place on December 3, 2009, in Melbourne, Australia, under the auspices of the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions. Religious and spiritual communities …

by Gene Rothman –
If you do not feel genuine empathy for both the Palestinian and Israeli peoples, especially civilians on both sides, I invite you to stop reading now. This is not for the politicians, …

by Gene Rothman –
A new Goldilocks gauge has gripped the Guardians of Greed. Too Big to Fail (TBTF) used to be one size fits all. Big corporations would be bailed out only if they were …

by Gene Rothman –
Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), in response to the issue of potential legal actions against the Bush administration’s for violations of the U.S, Constitution, wrote:
“Thank you for your letter concerning impeachment proceedings against …

by Gene Rothman –
The recent nationwide protests by gays and their allies in response to the same-sex marriage issue places President-elect Obama’s faith-based initiative in a potentially more visible—and problematic—position.

Social workers invariably cite values such as social justice, inclusiveness, and respect for self-determination when advocating for domestic needs such as health care and other issues. What is missing from the agenda is an effort …

There can be little doubt that the biggest loser in this election was the political brand of Karl Rove and his politics of divisiveness and fear. The major policies of the Bush administration, including the …

Yesterday, I heard way too many women rave about Sarah Failin’ as the new Face of Feminism. Upset, I slept poorly, but awoke today refreshed. I had an epiphany. I think this woman is on …