Editors’ Picks for Feb 1
Robots to Make Super Rich Even More Rich, A Worsening Situation Between Europe and Israel?, Fracking Run Off Penetrates Missouri River, and More Picks
PICKS are stories from many sources, selected by our editors or recommended by our readers because they are important, surprising, troubling, enlightening, inspiring, or amusing. They appear on our site and in our daily newsletter. Please send suggested articles, videos, podcasts, etc. to picks@whowhatwhy.org.
What the Pundits’ Take on Sanders’ Health Plan Reveals about the Democratic Establishment (Gerry)
An opinionated but fact-filled look at why Bernie Sanders’ single-payer plan for health insurance rouses such disdain amongst middle-of-the-road Democrats, who once backed similar proposals before his name was attached to them.
Super-Rich Will Become Even Richer, Says Report (Russ)
Released at Davos enclave for the world’s wealthiest and most powerful, the “Fourth Revolution” — in which will robots will replace workers — will result in even more concentrated wealth.
Former Israeli Official’s Threat to Swedish Foreign Minister (Russ)
Hard to know if this is just continued but insignificant recklessness, or the beginning of a worsening situation in Israel between hardliners and those seeking peace. As well as between the Jewish state and Europe.
Toxic Fracking Brine Reaches Missouri River (Klaus)
Brine from a North Dakota pipeline leak has reached the Missouri River. A total of 3 billion gallons of the toxic saltwater, a byproduct of fracking, have been spilled already.
US Broadens Fight Against ISIS With Attacks in Afghanistan (Trevin)
Despite President Obama’s declaration of the end of combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, these operations “are part of a continuing and potentially expanding American military footprint in south-central Asia, the Middle East and Africa for the fight against the Islamic State.”
Legal, Grassroots Groups Support Lawsuit Against Alleged Military Spying On Activists (Trevin)
The Panagacos v. Towery lawsuit accuses Olympia and Tacoma, WA of “coordinating with the Army to violate the First and Fourth Amendment rights of activists.”
