October 14, 2021
Ralph Nader Radio Hour On today’s program, we look at two ways that corporate lobbies and their political allies subvert democracy: “gerrymandering” and “preemption.” First, law professor Herman Schwartz breaks down the scourge of partisan gerrymandering. Then Mark Pertschuk, director of “Grassroots Change,” sheds light on how states and the …
June 28, 2021
Guns & Ammo (and Democracy) While preemption is not a simple concept, it is nonetheless an existential threat to progress across public health and social justice issues. Together, the hundreds of preemption bills introduced or adopted in 2020 and 2021 pose a grave threat to democracy at the local, state, and national …
October 13, 2019
It’s very easy to be cynical about politics. I can be cynical as well. But seeing policies being guided by a grassroots movement, with people who wanted to make this happen at all levels of power in the city, was inspiring. — Sara Soka, former Campaign Manager, Berkeley vs. Big Soda …
October 2, 2019
Newport News Times, Madeline Shannon, October 2, 2019- After two years of review, Lincoln County Circuit Court Judge Sheryl Bachart ruled a county ordinance, Measure 21-177, or The Freedom from Aerially Sprayed Pesticides Ordinance, is invalid on the basis that state law regulates pesticide use, not local governments. The decision …
October 1, 2019
Miami Herald, Associated Press, September 30, 2019- Residents of a northern Alaska community are set to vote on whether to impose the state’s first tax on most sodas and other sweetened drinks. Voters in Utqiagvik are scheduled to vote Tuesday on the proposed tax on drinks sold in the city, …