A Progressive Viewpoint

  MAD Magazine's departure from the regular publication landscape in 2018 marked the end of an era in satire. It is not on newstands or in bookstores, but it is available online.  There is presently only a summer 2024 edition : https://subscriptions.dccomics.com/mad . It is no longer published monthly.   For decades, MAD was not just a humor magazine but a cultural institution that influenced multiple generations. Its sharp satire, coupled with its distinctive and often surreal artwork, set it apart from other publications. MAD's unique approach was its ability to poke fun at all sides of the political spectrum, never aligning itself with any particular ideology. This balanced critique made it both beloved and feared, as it spared no one from its sharp wit. The magazine's irreverence was reflected in its recurring features like "Spy vs. Spy," "The Lighter Side," and the iconic fold-in back covers. The acquisition by DC Comics and the subsequent rep...

    We all notice that when we go to the grocery store, our food bill is much higher than before the pandemic. It has remained high for most commodities. The highest increase in food prices occurred between 2022 and 2023, a 25 percent increase. Although wages have been increased overall, the percentage of food purchases is higher in family budgets. The percentage of budgets devoted to food particularly affects those in lower-income groups. Food banks in all cities are seeing increased demand due to this rise. Food prices are driven by multiple factors such as energy costs, wages, transportation, climate change, political disruptions such as wars, and retailing. One factor that has inflated costs is the oligopoly of a few food processing firms and corporate greed, given the term “greedflation.” According to an article in Portside, a Progressive publication, only a few companies control all aspects of the food industry. We see all the brand “choices” owned by a few mega food...

  Senator Bernie Sanders recently addressed Congress, criticizing his fellow Senators about the visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Sanders accused Netanyahu of being responsible for over 30,000 deaths, predominantly of women, children, and the elderly. While acknowledging Israel's right to defend itself, Sanders condemned the U.S. for sending weapons to support the conflict and called for an end to aid until a ceasefire is achieved. For an article in The Guardian with a video of his speech to Congress, you can visit: The Guardian article . Israel, as the only democracy in the region, indeed has the right to defend itself. However, the current conflict in Gaza is tantamount to genocide, driven by Netanyahu's far-right coalition. Despite President Biden's evident distress over the situation, the U.S. continues to supply weapons, contributing to this humanitarian disaster. This support could tarnish Biden's legacy. The U.S. has historically supported Israe...

  In a historic and unexpected turn of events, President Joe Biden has stepped down as the Democratic Party's nominee for President. This decision marks a significant turning point for the Democratic Party, offering a unique opportunity to embrace a progressive future. With Biden's resignation, the party stands at a crossroads, ready to redefine its vision and policies to better address the pressing issues facing the United States today.   The new Democrat Party nominee for President must present a piogressive message to the U.S. electorate which contrasts to the totalitarian leanings of the Republican Party dominated by Trump.   In the turmoil of this event, it would appear that Vice President Kamala Harris is the presumptive nominee for the Democrat Party for President.    Will she listen to progressives or to the Party elite? The resignation of Joe Biden has opened the door for new leadership within the Democratic Party. This transition presents an opport...