In the 125 years since U.S. troops invaded Puerto Rico on July 25, 1898, during the Spanish-American War, the U.S. government has controlled the island militarily, politically and economically – with no end in sight or, for Puerto Rico, a clear path to statehood.
Commentary
Ron DeSantis’ Very Gay Ad
Ron DeSantis wants you to know he’s a manly man, a manlier man than any manly man ever born, with mighty currents of 100-proof androgen surging through his sinews. He made a video about it. Diane Roberts asks: how could this steaming pile of bovine excrement (and lightning bolts shooting out of the governor’s eyes) get released by his campaign?
90-Degree Waters Are Putting Florida’s Corals at Risk
The water off South Florida is over 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 Celsius) in mid-July, and scientists are already seeing signs of coral bleaching off Central and South America. Particularly concerning is how early in the summer we are seeing these high ocean temperatures. If the extreme heat persists, it could have dire consequences for coral reefs.
Yes, There Is a Free Lunch
Step back a moment and take stock of the paradox. On one hand a community can and should take pride in its willingness to rally for those in need. On the other hand, there should not be such things as food drives–not in a country that presumes itself wealthy and civilized. There should not be food insecurity, period. Basic nutrition is a human right, as ought to be universal food assistance where necessary and free school meals whether necessary or not.
Finally, an Over-the-Counter Post-Pill Paradise
On July 13, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a drugmaker’s application for the first daily over-the-counter birth control pill for people seeking to prevent pregnancy, to be available next year. This expanded access could be a significant development in the post-Roe era as individual states further restrict women’s access to abortion.
The Shooting of Ralph Yarl and the Myth of a Colorblind America
In the United States, any Black person outside of what someone else determines is his or her socially designated physical or social location is presumed to be out of place, with repercussions ranging from what some might call benign amusement to death.
Courts Are Striking Down Anti-LGBTQ Laws for Limiting Speech of Drag Queens and Doctors
Nearly 500 anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced in state legislatures in the U.S. in 2023. Most have not become law, and many of those that have did not survive legal scrutiny when challenged in court.
Your Anti-Apartment Prejudice Is Contributing to Housing Problems
The ability of small suburban municipalities to limit multifamily housing is more the rule than the exception. As proposals for new housing are deflected away from smaller communities, housing either doesn’t get built, thus raising rents by limiting residential supply, or it gets pushed to far-flung exurbs that are distant from most jobs.
Harsher Drug Penalties Aren’t Helping Addicts Recover
A former drug addict who now helps others overcome their addiction describes his experience: Compassionate treatment and care make it possible to recover. Putting punishment before healing does not. But state laws are getting harsher, at addicts’ expense.
Can You Give Your Children Too Much Attention?
While secure attachment is important, ever rising levels of attention won’t necessarily increase it proportionally. Instead, it is important to carefully consider the degree of engagement and balance this with supporting children to reach appropriate stages of resilience and independence.