Damage to the U.S. economic and financial system 2020
Mnuchin to end key Fed emergency programs, limiting Biden Jeanna Smialek and Alan Rappeport New York Times November 19, 2020
The Treasury Department asked the Federal Reserve to return unused funds, downsizing the next secretary’s ability to restart the economic support.
A revealing report on the mid-March financial crisis Nick Beams World Socialist Web Site November 19, 2020 See the Financial Stability Board’s full report (60 page PDF file)
Harming people – Keeping people oppressed 2020
Trump’s attempts to overturn the election are unparalleled in U.S. history David E. Sanger New York Times November 19, 2020 (news analysis)
The president’s push to prevent states from certifying electors and get legislators to override voters’ choice eclipses even the bitter 1876 election as an audacious use of brute political force.
They championed Venezuela’s revolution. They are now its latest victims. Isayen Herrera, Anatoly Kurmanaev, Tibisay Romero and Sheyla Urdaneta New York Times November 19, 2020
In an effort to complete his consolidation of power, Nicolás Maduro is cracking down on the leftist activists who once supported him, but have begun to speak up against his administration’s corruption and cronyism.
Opposing oppression and injustice 2020
Uganda releases opposition leader after clashes kill at least 28 Abdi Latif Dahir New York Times November 20, 2020
Two days after police took him into custody, presidential contender Bobi Wine resurfaced on Friday in court where he was charged with flouting coronavirus rules and released.
‘Now, we fight face to face’: Thailand’s protests shatter taboos Hannah Beech and Ryn Jirenuwat New York Times November 18, 2020
Antigovernment demonstrations have grown bolder, even insulting the king, but reform remains elusive and fears of a crackdown persist.
Harm through the government 2020
Egypt arrests human rights leader, continuing crackdown on dissent Vivian Yee New York Times November 19, 2020
The head of a human rights group and two of its other staff members have joined thousands of opposition figures, protesters and activists already in prison.
U.S. to drop case against Mexican ex-official to allow inquiry in Mexico Michael S. Schmidt and Natalie Kitroeff New York Times November 17, 2020
The announcement by the Justice Department was an abrupt turnaround a month after the high-profile arrest of a former defense minister.
Apple is lobbying against a bill aimed at stopping forced labor in China Reed Albergotti Washington Post November 20, 2020
Apple wants to water down key provisions of the bill, which would hold U.S. companies accountable for using Uighur forced labor, according to two congressional staffers….While U.S. law already prevents companies from importing goods that were made using forced labor, the law is seldom enforced, and it’s difficult to prove U.S. companies know about the use of forced labor.
