In small nations like Trinidad and Tobago, the concentration of wealth and influence in the hands of a few individuals and businesses can disproportionately sway governmental policies, often at the expense of the general citizenry. This phenomenon, while not unique to the twin-island republic, poses a significant challenge to democratic principles and equitable development. Several […]
Brooklyn, NY — New York City Council Finance Chair Justin Brannan called for complete divestment of NYC’s $1.2 billion pension investment in Tesla. “Elon Musk is deadly for democracy and his companies are corrosive for our portfolio,” Brannan said. “Musk is an unelected oligarch with way too much power – and he’s using it to screw over everyday […]
By James A. Parrott, THE NEW SCHOOL | Editorial credit: JHVEPhoto / shutterstock.com Unemployment insurance (UI) provides bedrock social and economic security for us all. But in New York that foundation is badly fractured. Our State-administered UI funding setup unfairly penalizes small- and medium-sized employers. It pays woefully inadequate benefits to laid-off workers. And it […]
By Brandon McCoy, Chalkbeat This year’s high school seniors lost half of their seventh-grade year to COVID school closures. They finished middle school either virtually or attending school in person while wearing masks and sitting six feet from their peers. These students started kindergarten in 2013 — the year after the Sandy Hook massacre. Lockdown drills became almost […]
By Brian Figeroux, Esq. Lying is a fundamental aspect of human nature. From small white lies meant to spare someone’s feelings to elaborate deceptions designed to manipulate, lying is an inescapable part of social interaction. However, despite the commonality of lying, most lies are eventually discovered, often leading to significant personal, professional, and legal consequences. […]
By Brian Figeroux, Esq. African Americans have consistently shown strong loyalty to the Democratic Party for over half a century. While some political groups argue that Black voters should be more politically diverse, the overwhelming majority of African Americans continue to support Democrats in local, state, and national elections. This political allegiance is not based […]
By Xavier Figeroux, Brian Figeroux, Jr. and Michael Figeroux The historical and ongoing systematic destruction of Black men in America has had a profound impact on Black women, shaping their mental and emotional well-being, as well as their personal relationships. As the primary support systems for Black men, Black women have endured centuries of grief, […]
By Esther Claudette Gittens This article delves into the origins of the strategy, its adaptation in modern settings, and the justification for its continued use, examining how it remains a powerful tool for gaining advantage, achieving dominance, or optimizing solutions in various scenarios. Origins of “Divide and Conquer” The phrase “Divide and Conquer” (Latin: Divide […]
By Esther Claudette Gittens Punctuality is a universally respected virtue, often associated with professionalism, reliability, and respect for others’ time. The saying, “It is better to be 15 minutes early than a minute late,” reflects this principle, emphasizing the value of timeliness and preparation. While this adage is widely accepted in both professional and personal […]
By Sir Ronald Sanders | Editorial credit: Fokke baarssen / shutterstock.com A rules-based international trading system has long been a foundation of global commerce, providing stability, fostering investment, and ensuring fair competition. Though imperfect, it has helped to underpin economic growth worldwide, benefiting major economic powers particularly, but with some benefits to smaller states as […]