Political Reading Recap
News & Opinions from week of 4/16: Basic Income, Democracy, Climate Change, School Choice, Foreign Policy, Healthcare and Crime Prevention
Hello to readers new and old,
It's that time again! I've rounded up some reads that have really made me think and I'm excited to share them with you. Let's jump into this week's mix of 31 articles and see what's up.
Basic Income:
We delve into the heart of economic experimentation, where Minnesota's universal income program beckons a new era of social welfare. From Seattle's bold steps to alleviate poverty with $500 monthly grants to Flint, Michigan's targeted support for mothers, we examine the fabric of guaranteed income initiatives sweeping the nation. Amidst AI's looming threat to job security, we ponder whether a safety net of basic income could cushion the inevitable impact.
Democracy:
In the throes of election fervor, we scrutinize the polarized presidential campaign trails and the stark choices they represent. As Virginia's governor rejects ranked-choice voting legislation, Jersey City embraces it, signaling a shift in the democratic process. We question, with a critical eye, whether America's voting system is indeed the worst or simply misunderstood.
Climate Change:
Our gaze shifts to the environment, where innovative marine cloud brightening programs promise a silver lining in climate mitigation. We dissect the flawed economics that underpin climate change policies and celebrate the U.S.'s triumph in surpassing renewable energy goals on public lands. Yet, we also confront the paradoxes where government actions may inadvertently hinder environmentalism.
School Choice:
The debate on education takes a personal turn as we explore the implications of social and emotional learning on school choice. Nebraska's legislative maneuvers to cement taxpayer-funded school choice before public opinion weighs in sparks a discussion on the rarity and fiscal responsibility of such choices.
Foreign Policy:
The global stage is set with a critical analysis of Biden and Trump's key foreign policy stances. As the House of Representatives holds off on a Ukraine aid package, we delve into the strategic importance of U.S. support for Ukraine and celebrate the enduring strength of the U.S.-Philippines alliance.
Healthcare:
We navigate the intersection of nutrition and healthcare, considering 'food as medicine' on the road to universal coverage. Meanwhile, Alaska's rejection of a universal healthcare proposal prompts a reflection on the state of American healthcare.
Crime Prevention:
Lastly, we turn to the streets, where informal social control at crime hot spots offers a glimmer of hope in crime prevention. Gun survivors' initiatives to prevent violent partners from owning firearms paint a picture of resilience and community action.
As we sift through these narratives, I invite you to engage with the content, debate with passion, and share your insights. If there are stories or topics you'd like to see featured in future editions, please reach out to me JonMunitz on Twitter or leave a comment below. Let's continue to nurture a space for informed dialogue and active citizenship. Here's to another week of enriching reads!
Basic Income
One State's Considering Giving People $9,000
Can $500 a month make a dent in Seattle-area poverty?
After AI: time to embrace universal basic income?
Flint, Michagan, Pilot for Mothers
Guaranteed Income Is Sweeping the Nation. Will It Last?
AI is threatening Americans’ jobs. Could guaranteed income provide a safety net?
Free cash programs spread as more cities expand the anti-poverty safety net
The Inheritances that Matter Most
EXPERTS SAY UNIVERSAL BASIC INCOME PROGRAMS WORK, BUT REPUBLICANS CONTINUE TO FIGHT THEM
Basic income as a necessary component of a socio-ecological transformation
Democracy
OPINION: Why the U.S. needs to reform presidential elections
Governor Youngkin says no to ranked-choice voting legislation
Jersey City Passes Ordinance for Ranked-Choice Voting
Ranked-choice ballot gives RI's primary voters more voice and power | Opinion
America’s Voting System Is the Worst, Thumbs Down
Climate Change
Scientists Testing Method To Boost Cloud Reflectivity, Cut Warming
An economist explains: Textbook economics is badly flawed when it comes to climate change
Biden administration cuts costs for wind and solar energy on public lands
US surpasses renewable energy goal for public lands
How the government is hurting environmentalism
School Choice
Social and emotional learning’ is another reason why we need school choice
Nebraska Lawmakers Seek to Solidify Taxpayer-Funded School Choice Before Voters Can Decide It
School choice isn’t rare, weird, or fiscally irresponsible
Foreign Policy
Biden, Trump hold different views on key foreign policy issues
Fact Sheet: Celebrating the Strength of the U.S.-Philippines Alliance
Healthcare
Food Is Medicine: The Road To Universal Coverage
Alaska House rejects universal health care proposal from Anchorage Democrat
Crime Prevention
Gun crime survivors create scheme to stop violent partners owning firearms