They were different conditions and times, but when I was in the Communist Party we made some of the same arguments in defending the Soviet Union and the other socialist countries as the authors do here in their defense of the anti-imperialists governments in Latin America. It didn’t work out so well for us or them back then. Our approach was defensive. Our sense of solidarity lacked nuance and complexity. And space for critical judgement was nearly non-existent. I’m not familiar with the conversation that the authors cite so I can’t comment on the particulars, but I do believe that the subject of internationalist solidarity in this century requires some fresh thinking.

A superb summation of the impeachment hearings.

Listening to Sondland elucidating Trump’s role at the top of the bribery-extortion food chain reminds me of the folk wisdom that has held up well across time: if it smells like s..t, it likely is.

I continue to think that Elizabeth Warren is an impressive candidate. She has, I believe, a combination of qualities — compassion, intelligence, bold ideas, sense of partisanship, storytelling ability, modest background and sense of modesty, and ability to inspire and unite — that would make her an outstanding president.

I’m not sure if you would call it a retreat, but I like Elizabeth Warren’s tweaking of her health care plan. It makes good political sense.