In These Times -- Newsletter -- June 23, 2011

 

Protestors rally outside Bank of America in Chicago as part of the People's Bailout Week of Action organized by Jobs with Justice in December 2008. (Photo Courtesy of Tamara L Smith, Jobs with Justice) 

This week, Curtis Black of the Community Media Workshop's Newstips singled out the new issue of In These Times for its stories from our home city, writing: "As a national publication based in Chicago, In These Times often provides better coverage of the local scene than its rivals." 

This praise is based on articles like Yana Kunichoff's report on the Unemployed Action Center organized by Chicago Jobs With Justice. The Center's campaigns have included a petition demanding that President Barack Obama and members of Congress "hold Wall Street accountable, tax corporations and wealthy individuals their fair share... and create a jobs program to rebuild our public infrastructure." 

While Chicago activists in the U.S. demand that Wall Street be held accountable, Chicago resident and pacifist Kathy Kelly will soon be joining the second flotilla setting sail to hold the Israeli government and military accountable for the blockade of Gaza. She tells Jenny Tomkins why she's undertaking this potentially dangerous endeavor. 

And from the same issue: one of Chicago's most respected journalists, Salim Muwakkil, gives his thoughts on the late Manning Marable's biography of Malcolm X and the subsequent conflict it has provoked—both the "inordinate focus" on two paragraphs related to an alleged homosexual relationship, and more substantial critiques "delivered by two of the black movement's elder statesmen." 

Also this week: Terry J. Allen on alternatives to cutting Medicare, David Sirota on the Pentagon's attempts to convince potential recruits that joining the military gives you superpowers, and a report from last week's Netroots Nation conference in Minneapolis.

And tomorrow (June 24) is the deadline in In These Times' search for a part-time, salaried blogger. So if you have a dedicated audience, a demonstrated awareness of the current state of progressive politics and debates, and a uniquely engaging voice, hurry up and apply! Check out the full job description for more details and instructions on how to apply. 

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