Against the Grain

Against the Grain – October 4, 2004

Why is a discussion of race and race-related issues largely absent from this election year’s national dialogue? Political scientist Robert Smith, an expert on African American politics, shares his observations. And Jamala Rogers, national organizer for the Black Radical Congress, talks about the keys to advancing a progressive black agenda.


Against the Grain

Against the Grain – September 28, 2004

Reshaping Regulation. Schwarzenegger’s California Performance Review would eliminate 120 boards and commissions as part of a government overhaul. But is the CPR really about streamlining bureaucracy or, as Rico Mastrodonato and Jody Freeman argue, consolidating power and removing independent oversight of air and water, workers’ compensation, occupational health and safety, and other key areas of … Continued


Against the Grain

Against the Grain – September 22, 2004

The Racist Right. Richard Butler, founder of the Aryan Nations in the 1970s, died recently. Local activist Norm Gissel reflects on Butler’s failure to build his organization in northern Idaho. SPLC’s Mark Potok and author/expert Daniel Levitas contend that while white supremacist groups have relatively few hardcore adherents, the ideas they draw upon are everywhere … Continued


Against the Grain

Against the Grain – September 21, 2004

Anti-Racism and Global Justice. Can race and gender privilege within social justice movements undermine efforts to achieve global justice? How important is it for energetic, well-meaning activists to face up to their own racist, sexist and other oppressive behavior? Veteran organizer Chris Crass believes anti-racist education and movement building go hand in hand.