Every year since the Arab Spring uprisings in 2011, Syrians living in the United States converge in Washington, D.C. to show their solidarity with the revolution. Holding the democratic aspirations of the protests close, they gather together from all over the country by bus and by plane to make their voices heard. On March 15th, 2016 they held a rally …
In the Bronx, A Different Kind of Doctor
A native of the Bronx, Dr. Carina Lopez first went to medical school to help undeserved parts of the borough. But at medical school she got sick, and the many medications being prescribed weren’t helping. Disenchanted with the allopathic model, she stepped into the world alternative medicine and completely shifted her life. Now, she has a small homeopathic practice near …
Slowing Economic Recovery Turns Towards Inequality-Driven Normality
As the economic recovery settles and stabilizes into a new normal, underlying global troubles and labor polarization contribute to increasing inequality, essentially a crisis in slow motion for working class Americans. While there are signs that engender optimistic interpretations, small gains conceal a depressing economic reality with no end in sight. The economy added 160,000 jobs in April according to …
Five Things to Look for in the International Trade Report
At 8:30 AM on May 4th, the Commerce Department will release its monthly trade report. It takes a little over a month for it to come together and this next release with detail imports and exports for March 2016. An advance report with a preliminary numbers is released a week early. Published on April 27th, it gives a few hints …
The Gig Economy is Flexible and Dangerous
Over the last few years, the gig economy has boomed. Ride sharing apps like Uber paved the way for a whole slew of services from grocery shopping via Instacart to house cleaning via Handy. Workers, by and large, like their jobs. At least, they do now. These apps use independent contractors to undercut the competition. That’s because companies don’t have …
Peru Aims to Ratify Trans-Pacific Partnership Amid Protests
Originally published in Truthout The formal signing of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) in New Zealand on February 4, 2016, inaugurated a two-year window of ratification for the largest trade deal in history. Encompassing 12 countries and 40 percent of the global economy, it has polarized the US presidential elections and kindled a vigorous debate on the merits of international trade …
Jump in Consumer Goods Could Signal End of Trade Decline
Dramatic boost in consumer goods imports and exports and a higher trade deficit suggest that months of steadily falling international trade amounts are finally at an end. Consumer goods imports increased $3.6 billion in February to $51.5 billion, according the Commerce Department’s monthly international trade report. Exports of consumer goods increased by $1 billion in February to $17 billion. The …
A Church Organist Awakens Early Christian History
Baxton Alexander played organ for Pastor Amy Kienzle at her first service in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Over the last few years, they’ve transformed a fading Lutheran church into a unique art space and experiment in contemporary religion. Last year, they re-imagined the congregation and called it the Park Church Co-op. Their banner says that in order to love thy neighbor “we …
Obama’s Argentina Visit Provokes Human Rights and Trade Controversy
President Obama’s Argentina visit on March 23-24 has been altered since March 24 falls on a national holiday commemorating the 40th anniversary of a US-backed military coup. He will instead go to Bariloche, an Argentine resort town 1000 miles away from Buenos Aires. But trade relations, the core mission of meeting with Argentina’s new right-wing president Mauricio Macri, will proceed …
Sweeping Slump in Trade Hurts Everywhere But Auto Sales
International trade is down across categories and the deficit is up leading to skepticism of a rebound this year. With the global slowdown and a strong dollar recently playing a role, this slide continues a trend that started in late 2014. However, the Friday jobs report was substantially more positive than expected and automotive imports hit record highs as the …