The Political Education Newsletter

July 16, 2019

Published on our Blog

Labor Theory of King of the Hill
Claire Blechman writes a critical analysis of the show King of the Hill and how it perfectly captures the exploitation of labor in our capitalist society.

The Case for Ecosocialism: Polluting Plutocracy vs. Prosperity
Gracie B writes on why capitalism will never solve the climate crisis and lays out an ecosocialist vision for the future. 

Insights on Tenant Organizing from Stonybrook Village: A Conversation with Boston DSA Housing WG Comrades
In an interview with PEWG blog, housing working group comrades Adam H, Evan L and Ben S discuss tenant organizing strategies and the obstacles they had to overcome in helping form Stony Brook Tenants Union. 

Articles from the Web

Defining “Public Ownership”: A Critique of Rep. Connolly’s Bill 3893, “An Act Facilitating Public Ownership of Public Utilities”

Comrades from Boston DSA’s energy democracy campaign #TakeBackTheGrid provide a critical analysis of Rep. Mike Connolly’s bill, highlighting the inclusion of union workers and the absence of environmental justice community members in the proposed committee.

In this piece, Teddy Ostrow of FAIR gives an update on the media’s persistent obsession with the Russiagate narrative, and how the language developed by the media over the past two years is used for any attack on an establishment democratic candidate.

Political Science professor Nicholas Tampio gives details of Bill and Melinda Gates' new attempts to further shape the American education system.They have launched a new lobbying group which will likely be pushing for state education programs to cut liberal education programs in favor of more immediate payoff educational endeavors like STEM.

A Podcast to Listen to

Behind the Bastards, Ep. 72: The Fake Crusade for Free Speech
Robert Evans (formerly of Cracked.com) is joined by guests Katy Stoll and Cody Johnston (of the popular youtube channel Some More News) to discuss the history of the Free Speech Grift, where right wing ideologues mask their peddling of bigoted world views as a campaign to protect the liberal ideal of free speech.

Worst Take of the Week

As Fresh Water Grows Scarcer, It Could Become a Good Investment

Yeah it had to be this one - NYT writer Tim Gray gives a rundown of the blossoming water investments sector. As new investment funds and E.T.Fs are popping up based around the price of water, one might think a major concern would be related to the ethics of this field. Have no fear, Gray devotes a whole 2 paragraphs to this and then has 4 paragraphs about why we are all just stupid and misunderstand markets, ending the piece with our favorite phrase “supply and demand.” Brilliant.