Political Reading Recap 3/26
Basic Income, Perceptions vs Reality, Democracy, Energy, Paid Leave & More!
Welcome, esteemed readers, to another edition of our weekly Political Reading Recap where we explore the political and social landscapes that shape our world. As your guide, I strive to bring forth articles I’ve read this week that not only inform but also provoke thought and inspire action.
This week, we delve into 26 articles across diverse yet interconnected realms:
Basic Income & Welfare
Perceptions vs Reality
Democracy
Energy & Climate Change
Paid Leave & Education
In the Basic Income & Welfare section, we delve into the heart of societal support systems, unearthing the complex realities of poverty and the efficacy of welfare. From the streets of Somerville to the households of Georgia, we witness firsthand accounts and analytical insights into how unconditional financial support is reshaping lives and communities while probing the persistent question: Why do people stay poor? We confront the uncomfortable truths about the shortcomings of the welfare state and its failure to lift the impoverished out of their plight. Through a critical lens, we explore the transformative potential of unconditional cash transfers and the challenging narratives that question the very foundation of our social safety nets.
Perceptions vs Reality challenges our understanding of the world through the lens of data and lived experiences. We confront the discrepancies between public sentiment and statistical realities in crime rates and economic recovery, urging a reevaluation of commonly held beliefs.
Turning to Democracy, we engage with innovative electoral systems like STAR voting and proportional representation, and consider the role of independent voters. These articles serve as a testament to the ongoing evolution of our democratic processes.
Energy & Climate Change propels us into discussions about the future of solar technology, the role of nuclear power in achieving net-zero emissions, and the contentious debates over carbon taxation and rural responses to solar energy expansion.
Lastly, Paid Leave & Education spotlights the critical importance of supporting families through policies like paid parental leave, universal school lunches and school choice. We examine the foundations that support the next generation and the legislative efforts to strengthen them.
As we navigate these topics, I invite you to reflect, critique, and contribute. If there are stories or perspectives you feel are essential for our collective understanding, please share them in the comments or reach out to me @ JonMunitz on Twitter. Let’s continue to build a community that values depth, diversity, and dialogue.
Basic Income & Welfare
Republican leaders are worried that basic income programs will give Democrats an edge
Universal Basic Income Shows Positive Results Worldwide, So Why Not Try It Here during the election
Following up on Rochester’s Guaranteed Basic Income Program
How a guaranteed income program impacted recipients in LA
Mayor Ballantyne Announces Guaranteed Basic Income Pilot Program
In Georgia, a Basic Income Program’s Success With Black Women Adds to Growing National Interest
It’s time for bold new experiments to tackle poor health – including a Basic Income
Federal government 'willing to explore' proposed guaranteed basic income pilot on P.E.I.
How the Welfare State Fails the Poor
The feds want to study giving cash to renters. Will Californians be included?
Perceptions vs Reality
The U.S. crime rate is still dropping, FBI data shows
Democracy
STAR Voting: An alternative to plurality voting
How a new way of electing the House can change our politics
It’s not a democracy when the parties control our elections
Energy & Climate Change
Researchers take major step toward developing next-generation solar cells
Nuclear’s role in a net-zero world
The carbon tax is dead. Climate policy doesn’t have to be
The rural anger over solar energy is real
Paid Leave & Education
This study proves that paid parental leave benefits moms’ health—for decades
Democrats’ New Bill Seeks Two Weeks of Paid Time Off for Workers