Here we try to go beyond simplistic, sterile Cold War debates of demonizers vs celebrants of the USSR. USSR’s strengths and weaknesses, successes and failures are examined from revolutionary beginnings in 1917 to its 1989 implosion. Second in 2-part series will do same for the People’s Republic of China.
The term socialism has, amazingly, gone from one consigned to Cold War obscurity to the self-description of several prominent US politicians. But what does socialism mean and how could we ever manage to get there? Jacobin magazine founder Bhaskar Sunkara argues that socialism is achievable — and maps out a path to emancipation, first through … Continued
Modern genetics offers parents the dream of choosing the characteristics of their children and aborting those who don’t fit their ideal. As scientists move in this direction, disabled people are understandably critical. They cite, for instance, the strong historical link between genetics and eugenics. In this program, Oakland writer Anne Finger explores these issues with … Continued
