DAGR Weekly Reader W4-DEC
“Only the bullies and petty fascists of the Trump administration could miss the irony of decrying “speech suppression” while using state power to silence critics engaging in protected speech.”
~ Global Disinformation Index, re Dec 24 visa ban on free-speech advocates
Billionaires Are a National Disaster
Julie Polter interviews Chuck Collins, co-editor of Inequality.org (a project of the Institute for Policy Studies), which issued its annual report recently on the top ten inequality victories of 2025 in spite of all the setbacks. (Hattip to a DA member in The Open Space (Signal) chat group.)
Sojourners, Dec 2025
Mark Cuban Explains America’s Healthcare Mess
Entrepreneur Cuban joins Jonathan Cohn to give his take on why America’s healthcare system is broken and what it would take to fix it. Cuban breaks down prescription drug pricing, the role of PBMs, and how his Cost Plus Drug Company is making medications affordable for millions. It might work. Might not. But it’s a pragmatic effort, moving beyond rhetoric.
Bulwark Takes, Dec 21, 2025
These Pacific Northwest Groups Feed the Region When It Needs It Most
As Trump targeted migrant laborers and farmworkers in violent immigration raids and steep tariffs reduced the region’s fruit exports to countries such as India and China, farmers were suddenly left without buyers just weeks before harvest season. Already organized in not-such-bad times, volunteer gleaners are ramping up ot reduce food waste and help families make ends meet.
Amal Ahmed, Sierra Club Magazine, Dec 31, 2025
At this museum, the tide brings in odd treasures that become a lasting lesson
It started with a discarded doll’s head, eerily frozen in the sand. It’s morphed into a remembrance … and a warning. Where we’ve gone and grown, what we’ve lost en route. And what we’ve discarded by the roadside. A mixed message for our time?
Tovia Smith, All Things Considered, NPR, Dec 24, 2025
The Best of the Congress
Real leadership is present if you know where to look. The Contrarian knows where, and looks there.
Jennifer Rubin, The Contrarian, Substack, Dec 26, 2025
Comedy bonus: Three Takes on Racism
Native American Comedy Slam | The Original FULL SHOW
“Goin’ Native” stand-up event celebrates Indigenous humor at its finest. Hosted by the legendary Charlie Hill, the special features powerhouse performances from Larry Omaha, Howie Miller, Marc Yaffee, Jim Ruel, Vaughn Eagle Bear, and JR Redwater. Probably should be rated R. These headliners take out self-deprecating jokes, as well as those made about native Americans over the years. 1 hr 16 min video. Full broadcast!
Los Angeles, CA, Nov 30, 2025
Trevor Noah: Why Britain Can't Complain About Immigration | Stand-up Comedy
One of several stand-up stints that Noah has done since leaving US network TV. Rather useless video editing (to avoid copyright issues?). But the patter is funny and spot-on, pulling together British colonial and immigration history, Noah’s South African experience, and US immigration double-speak.
Global Gaffes, Dec 1, 2025 (probably)
Is the South Racist?
Trae Crowder, who really is from Tennessee and who really does talk like that, takes out racism in the US, and not just in the American south. Caveat: Crowder freely uses the “Effenheimer word.” aka the f-bomb. You may want to check it before sharing with Aunt Prudence and the kids.
Spotlight by Laugh Society, 18 minute clips collection, Dec 1, 2025 (maybe)