The Digital Dispatch

Permanent War at Home and Abroad

Brian K. Noe · June 12, 2012 ·

Here’s an important article from awhile back that I’m just getting around to linking. It’s another reminder that everything is connected, and if we’re going to survive to usher in a more peaceful and just society, we need to understand the connections.

How the War on Terror Has Militarized the Police. [Arthur Rizer & Joseph Hartman | The Atlantic] – In recent years we have witnessed a proliferation in incidents of excessive, military-style force by police S.W.A.T. teams, which often make national headlines due to their sheer brutality. Why has it become routine for police departments to deploy black-garbed, body-armored S.W.A.T. teams for routine domestic police work? The answer to this question requires a closer examination of post-9/11 U.S. foreign policy and the War on Terror.

As Unions Decline, Inequality Rises

Brian K. Noe · June 8, 2012 ·

As unions decline, inequality rises. [Economic Policy Institute] – To a remarkable extent, inequality, which fell during the New Deal but has risen dramatically since the late 1970s, corresponds to the rise and fall of unionization in the United States.

Industrial Worker June 2012

Brian K. Noe · June 6, 2012 ·

The June 2012 issue of Industrial Worker from the IWW is now available.

The Industrial Worker is the official (English language) newspaper of the Industrial Workers of the World. It is published ten times a year, and printed by GCIU/Teamsters union labor. The editor is elected by the membership via a rank and file vote for a two year term of office.

I’ll be posting a link to the online version of each new issue as if becomes available. You can always find the most recent issue by clicking on the image of the newspaper in the right sidebar of this Weblog.

The Money Behind the Wisconsin Recall

Brian K. Noe · June 6, 2012 ·

The Dark Money Behind the Wisconsin Recall. [Mother Jones] – In the Wisconsin recall election, the Walker campaign outspent Barrett by nearly eight to one, with money mostly from out of state (and lots of it from the Kochs and their affiliates). Individual contributions to Barrett’s effort were limited by law to a maximum of $10,000. Individual contributions to Walker were unlimited by law.

With a Single Voice Like Thunder

Brian K. Noe · June 5, 2012 ·

Here’s another brilliant and inspiring song from Matthew Grimm.

“If your enemies are firefighters, teachers and nurses, your enemy is everyone.”

Stand With Wisconsin

Brian K. Noe · June 5, 2012 ·

Best of luck to the working folks of Wisconsin on this bright, beautiful Tuesday.

We’re Still at War: A Memorial Day Reminder

Brian K. Noe · May 28, 2012 ·

While Memorial Day is a time to remember those who have lost their lives in service to the United States, we should also remember that Americans are still at war in Afghanistan. Every weekday since June of 2009, Mother Jones has posted photos of those serving in the U.S. military as a reminder that we’re still at war. On this Memorial Day, they’re sharing a slideshow with images from thus far in 2012.

My thoughts and prayers remain with those who serve.

View the full slideshow: We’re Still at War: A Memorial Day Reminder. [Mother Jones]

Occupy Journalists Stopped, Searched, Handcuffed & Interrogated at Gunpoint. | [The Dissenter] – Under cover of the night around twelve police cars stopped five journalists when they were heading back to where they are staying in Chicago during the NATO summit. All five have been covering protests against the NATO summit for the past few days.