United States
Obama offers tortured defense of targeted killings
By Joseph Kishore, 24 May 2013
Obama defended drone killings, while essentially acknowledging their illegality and the illegality of much of what the US government has done over the past decade.
More revelations of Justice Department crackdown on the press
By Ed Hightower, 24 May 2013
The Obama administration’s investigation into a leak to James Rosen, the chief Washington correspondent of Fox News, extends well beyond what was originally thought.
“I tell my people…we can never make enough profit”
Caterpillar CEO defends wage-cutting
By Niles Williamson, 24 May 2013
Explaining why he is seeking to impose wage cuts of up to 50 percent, Caterpillar CEO Doug Oberhelman explained that his corporation could never make enough profits.
Los Angeles: Newly-elected mayor promises more cuts and privatization
By Dan Conway, 24 May 2013
The election was most notable for its extremely low turnout, with only 19 percent of registered voters taking part.
SEP campaigners oppose Detroit home evictions
By a campaign team, 24 May 2013
Supporters of Socialist Equality Party Detroit mayoral candidate D’Artagnan Collier spoke this week to residents facing eviction at the Henry Street apartments.
US housing distress deepens for renters
By Debra Watson, 23 May 2013
Today more than half of all renter households pay more than 30 percent of their income for housing, double the rate in 1960 when one in four renters were considered cost-burdened.
The social disaster in Tornado Alley
By Naomi Spencer, 23 May 2013
The financial oligarchy’s stranglehold on social life ensures that tragedies such as the one still unfolding in Moore, Oklahoma will be repeated.
Witness tied to Boston bombing suspect killed by FBI
By Barry Grey and Nick Barrickman, 23 May 2013
The FBI claims that Todashev had implicated both himself and Tamerlan Tsarnaev in the grisly murder of three men in Waltham, Massachusetts.
Chicago officials release final list of 49 school closures
By Kristina Betinis, 23 May 2013
The City of Chicago announced the closing of more than 49 public schools, facilitated by the Chicago Teachers Union and its political allies, including the International Socialist Organization.
DC mayor to offer closed schools to charter operators
By Nick Barrickman, 23 May 2013
The District of Columbia possesses the highest concentration of charter schools of any city in the United States save for New Orleans.
Poverty skyrockets in US suburbs
By Marcus Day, 23 May 2013
According to a new report by the Brookings Institution, poverty rose more than 64 percent in US suburbs from 2000 to 2011.
The “Ecosocialist” conference in New York
A fraudulent campaign for “climate justice”
By Sandy English and Jerry White, 23 May 2013
The Ecosocialist conference, chiefly sponsored by the International Socialist Organization and the Green Party, was held at Barnard College in New York City last month.
Emergency manager to decide on Detroit bankruptcy within six weeks
By Bryan Dyne, 23 May 2013
Detroit’s emergency manager is using the threat of bankruptcy to extract massive cuts from city workers.
UAW and Fiat battle over union’s multi-billion dollar stake in Chrysler
By Shannon Jones, 23 May 2013
The United Auto Workers is seeking billions of dollars for its holdings in Chrysler Corporation as Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne prepares for a merger of the two automakers.
Lack of shelters a factor in Oklahoma tornado death toll
By Naomi Spencer, 22 May 2013
As Moore, Oklahoma residents grapple with the destruction from Monday’s tornado, politicians are issuing the usual platitudes of “hope” and “resilience.”
Apple CEO defends multi-billion-dollar tax dodge
By Andre Damon, 22 May 2013
Apple CEO Tim Cook used his appearance before the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations to call for a sharp reduction in corporate taxes.
Emergency Meeting: A workers program to answer the crisis in Detroit
By D’Artagnan Collier—Socialist Equality Party candidate for Detroit mayor, 22 May 2013
A call for workers and youth to attend an emergency meeting on the crisis in Detroit.
Devastating tornado kills dozens in Oklahoma City
By Niles Williamson, 21 May 2013
On Monday afternoon, a massive tornado struck Moore, Oklahoma, leaving a mile-wide swath of devastation.
Washington’s hacking charges escalate pressure on China
By Alex Lantier, 21 May 2013
The New York Times on Monday published a front-page article reiterating unsubstantiated allegations that the Chinese military is carrying out cyberwarfare against US corporations.
New revelations of US government spying on the press
By Ed Hightower, 21 May 2013
The FBI followed and obtained emails from Fox News chief Washington correspondent James Rosen as part of an investigation of a 2009 leak of information from the State Department.
Employers to offer bare-bones coverage under health care law
By Kate Randall, 21 May 2013
US employers will be able to avoid penalties under the Obama-backed health care legislation, while offering token plans to their workforces.
Obama to college graduates: “No room for excuses”
By Andre Damon, 21 May 2013
US President Barack Obama used his commencement speech at Morehouse College on Sunday to insist that if young people are poor or unemployed, it’s their own fault.
The decomposition of American democracy
By Tom Carter, 20 May 2013
Testimony by a senior Pentagon official before the Senate and Obama’s press conference, both of which occurred on May 16, are stunning expressions of the deeply antidemocratic outlook of the political, military and intelligence establishment and the disintegration of American democracy.
Hedge funds eye Detroit for “hostile takeover”
By Zac Corrigan, 20 May 2013
Detroit’s $8.6 billion in junk bond debt is being eyed by hedge funds eager to play their part in the looting of the city.
On network news show, Nation editor rushes to the defense of Obama
By Andre Damon and Barry Grey, 20 May 2013
Katrina vanden Heuvel, the editor and publisher of the Nation magazine, sprung to the defense of the Obama administration and dismissed charges that its attacks on democratic rights were comparable to those of Nixon and Watergate.
Connecticut commuter rail collision injures 72
By Kate Randall, 20 May 2013
Some 700 people were on board the Metro-North trains in suburban New York when one derailed, causing the trains to collide.
Detroit mayoral candidate D’Artagnan Collier campaigns at Eastern Market
By Thomas Gaist, 20 May 2013
Collier spoke to workers and youth about his mayoral campaign, the fight against the emergency manager and the conditions facing Detroiters.
Workers must reject emergency manager’s plan for Detroit
By D’Artagnan Collier—Socialist Equality Party candidate for Detroit mayor, 20 May 2013
The Socialist Equality Party candidate for mayor of Detroit is calling on the city’s working class to reject the economic plan put forward by the city’s emergency manager, Kevyn Orr.
Pentagon tells US Senate wars will continue for decades
By Alex Lantier, 18 May 2013
The Pentagon claims that “war on terror” legislation gives it sweeping powers to wage war around the world without congressional authorization.
Pew report shows decline in retirement security for most Americans
By Ed Hightower, 18 May 2013
The study predicted increasing wealth inequality for each of five successive age groups as they approach retirement.
FBI director continues cover-up of contacts with Boston bombing suspects
By Barry Grey, 18 May 2013
Knowing he had nothing to fear from the Senate committee, FBI Director Mueller defended the FBI’s handling of the Tsarnaevs and failure to alert state or local authorities.
Chicago Teachers Union files lawsuit alleging school closings are racist
By Alexander Fangmann, 18 May 2013
The Chicago Teachers Union, whose leaders include members of the International Socialist Organization, is seeking to stifle opposition to school closings by promoting racial politics.
Federal judge rejects lawsuit opposing Washington DC school closures
By Nick Barrickman, 18 May 2013
A proposed injunction to halt the closure of one in ten public schools in the District of Columbia has been denied in federal court.
Seattle: Hundreds condemn Metro Transit service cuts
By Angelo Bosworth and Hector Cordon, 18 May 2013
Over 400 people attended a public hearing on May 14 to oppose a proposed 17 percent cut to Seattle’s Metro Transit.
Four children and two adults killed in Pennsylvania house fire
By Samuel Davidson and Tom Eley, 18 May 2013
Water service had been shut off two weeks before a tragic Mother’s Day house fire took the lives of four children and two adults in the small town of Pottsville, Pennsylvania.
SEP mayoral candidate outlines socialist program at Detroit election forum
By Thomas Gaist, 18 May 2013
D’Artagnan Collier, the Socialist Equality Party’s candidate for Detroit mayor, spoke at a mayoral forum on the emergency manager, the social crisis in Detroit and the way forward for the working class.
Sharp increase in US jobless benefit claims
By Andre Damon, 17 May 2013
Negative economic figures released this week point to continuing stagnation in the US amidst a worsening slump internationally.
The AP spying scandal and the crisis of American democracy
By Joseph Kishore, 17 May 2013
The Obama administration’s secret seizure of the phone records of Associated Press reporters is the latest attack on core democratic rights in the United States.
Hundreds of New York City Access-a-Ride workers lose their jobs
By Alan Whyte and A. Woodson, 17 May 2013
A month after the betrayal of the school bus workers in New York City, another group of transit workers have been hit with job losses and massive pay cuts.
Tornadoes rip through northern Texas
By Matthew MacEgan, 17 May 2013
On Wednesday, 10 tornadoes tore through the ground of north central Texas leaving at least six people dead and dozens wounded.
House hearing whitewashes US government seizure of AP phone records
By Barry Grey, 16 May 2013
A House committee that heard testimony from Attorney General Eric Holder on Wednesday initiated a bipartisan whitewash of the virtually unprecedented assault on press freedom carried out by the Obama administration.
US Defense Department to furlough 650,000 civilian workers
By Naomi Spencer, 16 May 2013
US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on Tuesday announced plans to impose 11 days of unpaid leave for most of the Pentagon’s 800,000 civilian employees beginning in July.
Union seeks sellout deal at South Milwaukee Caterpillar plant
By Niles Williamson, 16 May 2013
A week after the collapse of negotiations between Caterpillar and the United Steelworkers in South Milwaukee, the union is determined to push through a concessions contract.
Schools in Buena Vista, Michigan may reopen after board approves cuts
By Shannon Jones, 16 May 2013
The state of Michigan restored funding to the district after the school board agreed to a drastic deficit reduction plan.
Obama Justice Department secretly seized Associated Press telephone records
By Barry Grey, 15 May 2013
In a brazen attack on press freedom, the Obama administration secretly subpoenaed the telephone records of AP editors and journalists.
Health and Human Services secretary solicits corporate funds to implement Obama health care plan
By Kate Randall, 15 May 2013
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has asked insurance companies, foundations, consumer and business groups to donate to help implement the health care overhaul.
Obama, Cameron hold Syria war summit in Washington
By Alex Lantier and Chris Marsden, 14 May 2013
The US and British heads of government discussed stepping up their campaign for war in Syria as well as plans for intervening throughout the Middle East.
The criminalization of political dissent in America
By Tom Carter, 14 May 2013
Last week, Massachusetts high school student Cameron D’Ambrosio was arrested and charged under “terrorism” laws merely for posting lyrics on Facebook that make reference to the Boston Marathon bombings.
Detroit’s emergency manager outlines slash and burn “restructuring” plan
By Jerry White, 14 May 2013
Kevyn Orr released a report on Monday, outlining a “comprehensive restructuring plan” for the city involving savage cuts to city workers’ jobs, wages and pensions and the elimination of services to a large section of the population.
Mother’s Day shooting in New Orleans injures 19 people
By Fred Mazelis, 14 May 2013
Eight years after Hurricane Katrina, poor and working class sections of the city remain devastated by unemployment and poverty.
Pontiac, Michigan school crisis provokes outcry from parents, teachers
By a WSWS reporting team, 14 May 2013
The district has agreed to massive budget cuts as a condition for receiving state aid.
Philadelphia mayor threatens elimination of school programs, staff
By Nick Barrickman, 14 May 2013
City officials have seized upon the school system’s $300 million budget deficit to demand further cutbacks in education.
Spending on medicine dips in 2012 as Americans cut back on health care
By Kate Randall, 13 May 2013
Spending on prescription medicines fell in 2012, as growing out-of pocket costs forced more people to go without needed doctor visits, medicines and other treatments.
Millions of BP settlement funds go to tourism industry
By E.P. Bannon, 13 May 2013
Out of the $94 million granted to the state of Alabama, $85.5 million will go toward refurbishing the Gulf Shores State Park, including the building of a convention center and 300-room hotel.
US Supreme Court attacks right to a speedy trial
By Alan Gilman, 13 May 2013
The Sixth Amendment to the US Constitution guarantees all persons accused of criminal wrongdoing the right to a speedy trial.
New York City: Students protest Cooper Union’s plan to charge tuition
By A. Woodson, 13 May 2013
Students began a sit-in to protest the imposition of tuition at one of the few remaining free institutions of higher learning in the US.
SEP Detroit mayoral campaign wins support from workers
By Shannon Jones, 13 May 2013
D’Artagnan Collier joined an SEP campaign team Saturday at Detroit’s Eastern Market.
Karzai reveals US plan for permanent Afghanistan bases
By Bill Van Auken, 11 May 2013
The Afghanistan president’s statement underscores the intention of the Obama administration and the Pentagon to maintain a permanent military presence.
Congressional hearing confirms
FBI, Homeland Security withheld information on Boston bombing suspects from local, state police
By Barry Grey, 11 May 2013
The Boston police commissioner and a top Massachusetts Homeland Security official told Congress Thursday that the local and state police were never informed by the FBI or the Department of Homeland Security of multiple warnings about Tamerlan Tsarnaev.
Contract talks break down at S. Milwaukee Caterpillar plant
By Niles Williamson, 11 May 2013
Contract negotiations between the United Steelworkers and Caterpillar in South Milwaukee broke down this week, only hours after talks resumed.
Unions, ministers organize protest in Detroit over fast-food worker pay
By Shannon Jones, 11 May 2013
The Detroit protests held Friday at locations across the city shut down several fast-food restaurants.
Video: Detroit tenants denounce mass evictions
By Jerome White and James Brewer, 11 May 2013
Hundreds of low-income Detroit residents are being forced from their homes as part of a plan by Detroit officials to gentrify the downtown area.
Massachusetts high school student charged as terrorist for Facebook post
By Tom Carter, 11 May 2013
In a prosecution that has all the hallmarks of a calculated test case, teenager Cameron D’Ambrosio faces up to 20 years in prison on “terror” charges for making reference to the Boston Marathon bombings in a Facebook post.
Seattle transit agency proposes deep cuts in service
By Angelo Bosworth, 11 May 2013
Seattle’s Metro Transit plans to slash service by one third to address a $75 million funding shortfall.
US prepares war with Syria as pro-US opposition loses ground
By Thomas Gaist, 10 May 2013
Faced with serious defeats of its proxy forces, the US is scrambling to ramp up diplomatic and military pressure on the Syrian regime.
White House seeks to shorten sentence of former Enron executive Jeffrey Skilling
By Andre Damon, 10 May 2013
The Justice Department announced Wednesday that it has reached a deal with former Enron executive Jeffrey Skilling that would result in a 10-year sentence reduction.
Detroit’s emergency manager prepares anti-working class financial plan
By Bryan Dyne, 10 May 2013
Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr will submit a report Monday that will be the pretext for an accelerated offensive against the working class in Detroit.
Two Michigan school districts consolidate, shed 187 teachers
By Naomi Spencer, 10 May 2013
Ypsilanti teachers expressed shock and anger over the mass layoff and worsening social conditions.
Washington, DC schools chancellor unveils new scheme to defund public schools
By Adam Sagitov, 10 May 2013
Reclassifying the majority of D.C. public schools as “small schools” will reduce their funding by $8 million.
Minnesota: Sequester cuts hit education and state’s most vulnerable
By Aleksandr Kascak, 10 May 2013
Minnesota faces approximately $85 million in cuts from the sequestration order signed by President Obama, affecting education, public health, childcare, and environmental protection.
The 15,000 Dow
By Barry Grey, 9 May 2013
In the midst of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, the Dow has gained over 8,500 points, surging nearly 130 percent since it bottomed out in March of 2009.
US surpasses other industrialized countries in infant death rate
By Naomi Spencer, 9 May 2013
More than 11,000 American babies die on the day of birth, a number 50 percent higher than all other industrialized countries combined.
Pentagon accuses China of cyber attacks
By John Chan, 9 May 2013
The 2013 annual Pentagon report on the Chinese military depicts China as an aggressor threatening global cyber security and regional stability in Asia-Pacific.
Michigan school district shuts down for lack of funds
By Zac Corrigan, 9 May 2013
Many questions remain unanswered following the closure of schools in the small community outside of Saginaw.
Contractors, Bloomberg step up attack on New York City school bus workers
By Dan Brennan, 9 May 2013
The New York City Department of Education announced the next round of school bus contracts, which threaten to lead to mass layoffs and the replacement of current drivers and escorts with part-time workers earning a fraction of the pay.
Walled Lake, Michigan school bus drivers hold sickout
By Bryan Dyne, 9 May 2013
One quarter of Walled Lake Consolidated School District bus drivers called in sick Wednesday to protest the sell-off of their jobs.
New York City workers speak out on conditions six months after hurricane
By a reporting team, 9 May 2013
Workers discussed the daily problems they face as well as the broader lessons raised by the storm and the response to it.
Six months since Superstorm Sandy
By A. Woodson and Philip Guelpa, 9 May 2013
The class divisions, inequality and environmental crisis laid bare by last fall’s hurricane continue to deepen.
Obama’s budget calls for restrictions on public housing recipients
By Nick Barrickman, 9 May 2013
The expansion of the “Moving to Work” program will allow states to enact stringent restrictions on eligibility for housing benefits.
Worldwide outrage as Guantanamo hunger strike enters fourth month
By Fred Mazelis, 8 May 2013
Guantanamo inmates have reported that the feeding tubes, instead of being left in, are inserted twice daily for maximum pain and discomfort.
Seniors face eviction in Detroit gentrification plan
By a WSWS reporting team, 8 May 2013
Retired workers living in a rent-subsidized senior housing building in downtown Detroit are facing eviction.
Mississippi death row prisoner granted reprieve, another executed in Texas
By Kate Randall, 8 May 2013
Mississippi death row prisoner Willie Jerome Manning was given a reprieve Tuesday, while Texas authorities proceeded with the execution of Carroll Joe Parr.
Patriot Coal bankruptcy threatens thousands of US miners, retirees
By Clement Daly, 8 May 2013
Patriot is attempting to use the bankruptcy court to rid itself of obligations owed to more than 1,650 active union miners and 13,000 retirees.
Obama warns against “cynicism” at Ohio State commencement address
By Andre Damon, 7 May 2013
The US president, whose tenure in office has underscored the corporate control of both political parties, counseled students not to be “cynical” about government.
US preexisting conditions health plan closed for enrollment
By Kate Randall, 7 May 2013
An estimated 40,000 people with serious medical conditions will be turned away from a federal insurance plan that is running out of funds.
Obama education secretary, Michigan governor promote school “reform”
By Jerry White, 7 May 2013
Obama administration Education Secretary Arne Duncan joined Michigan’s Republican Governor Rick Snyder on Monday to promote the attack on teachers and public education.
Obama nominates billionaire backer as commerce secretary
By Kristina Betinis, 6 May 2013
Penny Pritzker, Obama’s nominee for commerce secretary, would be the wealthiest person in US history to serve in the cabinet.
Wildfires break out in Southern California
By Jake Dean and Dan Conway, 6 May 2013
Severe weather conditions led to a string of massive wildfires late last week in Southern California.
Caterpillar announces more layoffs in Illinois and Canada
By Marcus Day, 6 May 2013
Heavy-equipment manufacturer Caterpillar has announced more layoffs at its facility in Decatur, Illinois, and the shuttering of an entire plant in Toronto.
California governor Brown travels to China
By Julien Kiemle and Marc Wells, 6 May 2013
Governor Brown’s recent trip to China aims at attracting Chinese capital with promises of poverty wages in California.
Low-wage, part-time jobs dominate tepid rise in US payrolls
By Barry Grey, 4 May 2013
The vast bulk of new jobs are in low-wage service industries or in temporary or part-time positions.
The social crisis in America
By Andre Damon, 4 May 2013
The official silence on the growth of poverty and social misery stands in stark contrast to the daily struggle of the majority of the US population just to make ends meet.
Iraq war resister, a pregnant mother of four, sentenced to 10 months in prison
By Naomi Spencer, 4 May 2013
US Army Private Kimberly Rivera has been sentenced to prison for crossing into Canada in 2007 to avoid redeployment to Iraq.
Police buildup in Pittsburgh in lead-up to marathon
By our reporter, 4 May 2013
Pittsburgh officials are using the occasion of the marathon race this Sunday as a pretext for a massive police buildup.
Obama administration appeals ruling on emergency contraceptives
By Matthew MacEgan, 4 May 2013
The Obama administration has filed an appeal against a court ruling which sought to end all age restrictions for access to the Plan B emergency contraceptive pill.
America’s revolutionary founding document
For Liberty and Equality: The Life and Times of the Declaration of Independence
By Tom Mackaman, 4 May 2013
A book that seriously considers the impact the Declaration of Independence is most welcome reading in 2013, a year which has seen an intensifying assault on the most basic principles of America’s founding document.
Seventeen arrested at May Day protests in Seattle, Washington
By David Brown, 3 May 2013
Police in Seattle made liberal use of pepper spray and flashbangs in suppressing May Day protests.
Two die in northeast Detroit house fire
By Bryan Dyne, 3 May 2013
An elderly couple, one of whom was disabled, died in a house fire in northeast Detroit, the latest fire-related tragedy in the city.
350 Ypsilanti, Michigan school workers receive layoff notices
By Naomi Spencer, 3 May 2013
On Friday, teachers at Ypsilanti Public Schools and neighboring Willow Run Community Schools, just west of Detroit, will be notified whether they will be rehired next year to fill fewer positions in a new unified district.
Stop the mass evictions in Detroit!
By D’Artagnan Collier—Socialist Equality Party candidate for Detroit mayor, 3 May 2013
The following statement was issued by SEP Detroit mayoral candidate D’Artagnan Collier to oppose the eviction of 300 tenants of the Henry Street apartments in Cass Corridor.
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