Noted recall: The goal is to describe, in just a few words, what the article is about. Additionally, if I think the article is particularly note-worthy (good or bad), I will comment on that. Compare this to a small sticky note, something to jog your memory about the contents of an article. Of course, if I miss the point of an article, or fail to find anything remarkable, that is entirely the fault of the reviewer.
Available at: https://www.dissentmagazine.org/issue/winter-2019
Stop Eco-Apartheid - Daniel Aldana Cohen
(read 2019/03/06)
Article about Brazil. Advancement of social policies under Lula; strong environmental and rain forest protections; commitment to Paris Agreement; international pressure pushes soybean business not to use illegal deforesting. And then the changes under Bolsonaro. Much friendly to corporate interests. International pressure seems to be sustaining the commitment to environmentalism, but this seems fragile. It seems likely capital externalities will be offloaded to poor and racial minorities; this is already happening.
Cuba Without the Castros - Andrés Pertierra
(read 2019/03/06)
Short article on Cuba. Some background on government leadership under Fidel Castro, and more recently his brother Raúl. Then the shift to the modern era under Díaz-Canel. Cubans were more tolerant of an authoritarian government some decades ago, but much less supportive now. Díaz-Canel is now forced to make some long term economic policy choices, but the population now seems less supportive of the government and is more sensitive to hardships or austerity.
Uruguay: The End of the Dream? - Gerardo Caetano
(read 2019/03/06)
Very short article on Uruguay. One of the most successful Latin American countries on the left, progress has been in decline. Unemployment and poverty are starting to rise again, and the 2019 elections seem to be shifting to the right.
Ecuador's Dilemma - Pablo Ospina Peralta
(read 2019/03/06)
Very short article on Ecuador and Correa's government. Key point is lack of democratic representation, and lack of desire of government to work with existing institutions like labor unions.
The Democrats' Existential Battle - Jedediah Purdy
(read 2019/03/07)
Really short article about democrats. Need to address voter suppression and gerrymandering.
There is Power in the Union - Michael Kazin
(read 2019/03/07)
Really short article about the 226 union in Nevada, and it's role in getting democrats elected and progressive policies passed, including senator Rosen.
Labour's Missing Brexit Strategy - James Stafford
(read 2019/03/07)
The Labour Party in the UK opposed brexit, but is not preparing for it. Needs to come up with more plans to address brexit in particular, and start working out long term strategic goals for how the UK can partner with other nations. (No longer being part of the EU means not having the same privileged treatment, so need to work out the next best thing instead of demanding privileged treatment).
The Philanthropy Con - Vanessa Williamson
(read 2019/03/09)
Short article on charity and philanthropy. Two key points, charity is not a substitute for government services. Philanthropy is undemocratic, in that the public doesn't vote on it.
Right Privilege - Timothy Shenk
(read 2019/03/09)
Survey of conservatism in four flavors. 1) Max Boot, #NeverTrump, criticism of institutions. 2) Tucker Carlson and the mass-media friendly version of white supremacy. 3) Reihan Salam, and political compromise; a middle ground to be tougher on immigration, welcome higher skilled immigrants, and offer child tax credits. 4) Anti-politics Ben Sasse.