democracy

Pro-Democracy Americans Gear Up for ‘No Kings’ Day Nationwide

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Original article by Brad Reed republished form Common Dreams under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0). 

People take part in a “No Kings” protest outside the Michigan Capitol in Lansing, Michigan, on June 14, 2025 as US President Donald Trump presides over a military parade in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images)

“Don’t miss this chance to be part of the largest expression of free speech we’ve ever had,” said progressive filmmaker Michael Moore.

Organizers are expecting Saturday’s nationwide “No Kings” rallies to be among the largest single-day demonstrations in US history, and many activists and politicians on Friday sent messages of encouragement to demonstrators.

Leah Greenberg, the co-founder and co-president of Indivisible, which is one of the main organizers of the demonstrations, told Amy Goodman of Democracy Now! on Friday that she and her group are “engaging in the most American activity in the world, which is coming together in peaceful protest of our government.”

Greenberg then addressed attacks from President Donald Trump and other Republican lawmakers over the last week that the “No Kings” events were a “hate America” rally.

“This is a classic exercise of the authoritarian playbook, to try to create fear, to try to threaten, to try to make people back off preemptively,” she said. “We’re not going to do that… we won’t be cowed.”

Former US Labor Secretary Robert Reich also hit back at GOP claims that the “No Kings” rallies were anti-American, and he argued that the people attending them will be doing so out of a deep sense of patriotism.

“We’re rallying tomorrow because we LOVE America,” he wrote in a post on X. “It’s an opportunity for all of us who love this country to express our determination that our nation’s ideals not be crushed by the Trump regime.”

Progressive filmmaker Michael Moore encouraged his supporters to take part in Saturday’s demonstrations, and he wrote on his personal Substack it was of the utmost importance for Americans to make their voices heard in the face of authoritarian threats from the Trump administration.

“Don’t miss this chance to be part of the largest expression of free speech we’ve ever had,” he said. “Time has run out. One year from now, don’t find yourself wishing you had done something. Said something. This is our last chance, the final moment to stop the madness. I implore you to join us.”

Several Democratic politicians also expressed support for the demonstrations.

Rep. Pat Ryan (D-NY) blasted Trump and the GOP for attacking the patriotism of the “No Kings” protesters.

“I’ll be damned if I’m gonna let the Draftdodger-in-Chief tell me what a patriot is,” he wrote in a social media post. “We’re STANDING UP, SPEAKING OUT, and FIGHTING BACK. No Kings in America. See you Saturday.”

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) sent out a video message expressing solidarity with Chicago and Portland, Oregon, two cities in which Trump has tried to deploy National Guard soldiers, and let them know that they fighting against authoritarianism by themselves.

“The people everywhere are standing up, in all 50 states and thousands of towns and cities across America,” he said. “We have no kings here, no crowns, no thrones.”

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) accused Trump and Republicans of waging a campaign of intimidation aimed at frightening Americans out of exercising their rights to peacefully demonstrate.

“The Republicans’ attacks on the No Kings protests are sickening,” he wrote in a post on Bluesky. “To them, only pro-Trump speech is protected. If you oppose Trump, you ‘hate America’ or you’re a ’terrorist.‘ What they’re trying to do is simple: suppress turnout this weekend. Don’t let them win.”

Original article by Brad Reed republished form Common Dreams under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0). 

Orcas discuss Donald Trump and the killer apes' concept of democracy. Front Orca warns that Trump is crashing his country's economy and that everything he does he does for the fantastically wealthy.
Orcas discuss Donald Trump and the killer apes’ concept of democracy. Front Orca warns that Trump is crashing his country’s economy and that everything he does he does for the fantastically wealthy.
Elon Musk urges you to be a Fascist like him, says that you can ignore facts and reality then.
Elon Musk urges you to be a Fascist like him, says that you can ignore facts and reality then.
Donald Trump urges you to be a Climate Science denier like him. He says that he makes millions and millions for destroying the planet, Burn, Baby, Burn and Flood, Baby, Flood.
Donald Trump urges you to be a Climate Science denier like him. He says that he makes millions and millions for destroying the planet, Burn, Baby, Burn and Flood, Baby, Flood.
Continue ReadingPro-Democracy Americans Gear Up for ‘No Kings’ Day Nationwide

We Must Call It What It Is: A Genocide in Gaza

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Original article by Basim Elkarra republished form Common Dreams under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0).

Bodies of Palestinians killed in an Israeli attack on a house of the Abu Sharia family located in Sabra neighborhood in southern Gaza City are carried in Gaza on August 21, 2025. (Photo by Khames Alrefi/Anadolu via Getty Images)

For too long, our elected officials have hidden behind euphemisms like “tragedy” or “conflict.” But history will not remember their silence kindly.

Over the past two years, Gaza has been turned into rubble and starvation by one of the most relentless bombing campaigns in modern history. This is not a conflict. It is not a “war between two sides.” It is genocide—the deliberate destruction of a people, carried out in full view of the world.

More than 66,000 Palestinians have been confirmed killed, most of them women and children. But that number only scratches the surface. Humanitarian agencies estimate that over 680,000 people may have died—buried under collapsed buildings, starved to death, or left to suffer without medicine or clean water as Israel continues to blockade aid. The death toll grows daily as people die unseen beneath the rubble.

I speak not only as an advocate for justice, but as someone personally scarred by this horror. Over 200 members of my own family have been killed in this genocide. Their lives ended in the same way as tens of thousands of others—bombed in their homes, trapped without food, or killed while trying to flee. These were teachers, children, and parents. They were human beings who deserved to live in peace.

Across the world, millions are refusing to look away. From Amsterdam to Istanbul, from New York to Johannesburg, protesters are filling the streets to call this what it is: genocide. Even many who once hesitated to use that word now recognize it as the only accurate description.

The question now is not whether this is genocide. The question is: what will we do about it?

This genocide has extended beyond Gaza’s borders. In the West Bank, Israeli incursions continue—raids, home demolitions, mass arrests, and settler violence, all designed to displace Palestinians from their homeland.

Meanwhile, Gaza is being starved. Thousands are dying for lack of food, water, and medicine. Hospitals have been reduced to ashes, and more than 560 aid workers and medical personnel have been killed. This is not an accident—it is strategy. Starvation and disease have become weapons of war.

It is clear: Israel’s campaign can only have been made possible by US weapons and funding. Every bomb dropped on Gaza carries the imprint “Made in America.” Every home destroyed is a reminder that the US continues to arm and defend a government committing crimes against humanity. This does not serve America’s interests. It only increases anger and resentment toward our country.

There can be no moral ambiguity left. The bombing must stop—permanently. Israel must end its incursions into the West Bank and allow full humanitarian access for rebuilding Gaza. Palestinians have the right to live freely and safely on their own land.

For too long, our elected officials have hidden behind euphemisms like “tragedy” or “conflict.” But history will not remember their silence kindly. It will remember who stood by as a people were starved and buried alive—and who had the courage to speak.

The United States cannot continue to claim moral leadership while enabling genocide. Every day that our government sends weapons to Israel, it deepens our complicity.

The question now is not whether this is genocide. The question is: what will we do about it?

For many, the response has been philanthropy; protesting; and participation in the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement—all vital and powerful tools for change. But if we want lasting impact, we must also build political power.

That is why CAIR Action was created: to turn outrage into organization, and compassion into change. Through our educational campaigns, voter guides, endorsements, and candidate amplification, we are helping communities of conscience identify and elect leaders who will stand up against genocide and vote for peace and justice.

We are organizing to shape the next generation of politicians—leaders who will not shrink from truth, who will end U. complicity, and who will fight for human rights everywhere.

Our humanity—and our democracy—depend on it.

Original article by Basim Elkarra republished form Common Dreams under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0).

Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza's hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Keir Starmer objects to criticism of the IDF. He asks how could anyone object to them starving people to death, forced marches like the Nazis did, bombing Gaza’s hospitals and universities, mass-murdering journalists, healthworkers and starving people queuing for food, killing and raping prisoners and murdering children. He calls for people to stop obstructing his genocide for Israel.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Orcas discuss Genocide-supporting and complicit Zionists. Donald Trump, Keith Starmer, David Lammy, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are acknowledged as evil genocide-complicit and supporting cnuts.
Vote Labour for Genocide.
Vote Labour for Genocide.

Continue ReadingWe Must Call It What It Is: A Genocide in Gaza

Lead corruption investigator removed, protestors arrested in Gambia

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Original article by Nicholas Mwangi republished from peoples dispatch under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 (CC BY-SA) license.

Police have arrested several members of the civil society group Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA), including activist Alieu Bah. Photo: screenshot

The arrest and bail release of Gambian anti-corruption activists has ignited concern over government repression. Their detention coincides with the controversial removal of Auditor General Momodou Ceesay, who resisted political interference in corruption investigations.

Political tension is mounting in The Gambia following the arrest of four anti-corruption protesters and the controversial removal of the country’s auditor general. The government’s actions have been condemned as a major setback for democracy and accountability in the West African nation.

On September 15, 2025, the Gambian Police Force arrested several activists, including Alieu Bah and Kemo Fatty. They were detained after police stormed a peaceful gathering near the Auditor General’s office, where protesters had gathered to denounce government corruption and defend institutional integrity. A few hours later, a spokesperson of Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA), Omar Saibo Camara, was also arrested.

Forced removal of the auditor general

The arrests came just days after a dramatic shake-up in the civil service. 

On September 10, President Adama Barrow dismissed Auditor General Momodou Ceesay, who had been leading investigations into looted national assets, and reassigned him to the Ministry of Trade. Many people believe that by placing Ceesay in a ministerial position, the president effectively undermined the independence of the audit office, since ministers serve at the president’s discretion.

On principle, Ceesay refused to accept the reappointment, but the government says he initially accepted and then changed his decision. His stance led to a confrontation on September 13, when police forces reportedly invaded his office with the intention of forcefully removing him.

Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA), in a statement said they had “credible information suggesting that this abrupt redeployment was intended to shield certain institutions, including the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), from much-needed scrutiny. By moving the Auditor General into a ministerial role, the President effectively places him in a position where he can be dismissed at will, thereby undermining the independence of the auditing function.”

“It is worth recalling that since 2021, the government has refused to make public the auditor general’s reports on government institutions. If this latest decision is indeed an attempt to silence oversight and accountability, we strongly condemn it in its entirety.”

Violent crackdown on protest

On September 14, activists from GALA and their allies gathered outside the auditor general’s office to protest the dismissal, and give a press statement.

Further, in a statement, GALA condemned both the removal of the auditor general and the arrests of protestors:

“The forced removal of the Auditor General, a public servant committed to exposing corruption, represents a grave assault on institutional integrity. Equally disturbing is the treatment of young citizens who were tear-gassed, arrested without cause, and subjected to police brutality simply for exercising their constitutional rights.”

Broader implications

The arrests and reshuffle come amid rising frustration with the Barrow government, which swept to power in 2016 on promises of reform, transparency, and accountability after decades of authoritarian rule under Yahya Jammeh. Many Gambians now fear the country is sliding back into repression and impunity.

Read More: “The beginning of a new revolution”: Gambian youth protest state corruption, face mass arrests

GALA has vowed to continue its campaign for transparency and accountability, urging Gambians to “stand up, speak out, and continue to protest peacefully until the Auditor General is reinstated and our comrades Alieu Bah, Omar Saibo Camara, and Kemo Fatty, and all those arrested are released unconditionally.” The activists were granted bail on September 17.

Original article by Nicholas Mwangi republished from peoples dispatch under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 (CC BY-SA) license.

Continue ReadingLead corruption investigator removed, protestors arrested in Gambia

Led by Demise in US Under Trump, ‘Democracy Around the World Continues to Weaken’

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Original article by Brad Reed republished from Common Dreams under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0).

US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump stand together at the end of the US Army parade on June 14, 2025 in Washington, DC.  (Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

“Democracy faces a perfect storm of autocratic resurgence and acute uncertainty,” said Kevin Casas-Zamora of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance.

A new report from a Swedish think tank warns that democracy is backsliding all across the world, led by the US under President Donald Trump.

The Stockholm-based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) on Wednesday published findings from its annual Global State of Democracy report that found democracy is declining in 94 countries around the world, representing 54% of all nations the think tank analyzed.

“Democracy faces a perfect storm of autocratic resurgence and acute uncertainty, due to massive social and economic changes,” Kevin Casas-Zamora, secretary-general of IDEA, told The Guardian. “To fight back, democracies need to protect key elements of democracy, like elections and the rule of law, but also profoundly reform government so that it delivers fairness, inclusion, and shared prosperity.”

The US has shown itself to be in a particularly precarious position, as IDEA ranked the country well behind several other nations that are members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in the categories of rights, representation, and the rule of law.

The report includes data only from 2024, before the start of Trump’s second term, but it makes note of further negative developments that have occurred since his return to power.

“The rule of law has come under intensified pressure under the second Trump administration in the USA,” IDEA writes. “Since Trump took office in January 2025, his administration has issued a series of executive orders attempting to overhaul key aspects of governance, including the day-to-day functioning of the federal civil service, the country’s migration and asylum systems, and the balance of power between federal and state-level governments.”

IDEA adds that the administration has at times “disregarded or circumvented” court rulings, which has led to concerns about the rule of law in the US crumbling even further.

“The degree to which the balance of powers is respected in the months and years to come will be a key determinant of whether Rule of Law indicators in the USA remain resilient or continue to deteriorate,” the report stated.

In a separate interview with German publication Deutsche Welle, Casas-Zamora explained why developments in the US are dangerous not just to American citizens, but citizens in democracies around the planet.

“Some of the things that we saw during the election at the end of last year and in the first few months of 2025 are fairly disturbing,” he said.

The first months of Trump’s term were characterized by his attempts to seize constitutional powers from Congress by impounding federal funds, challenging the judiciary’s right to rule against the administration’s actions, and blatantly disobeying court orders.

“Since what happens in the US has this ability to go global,” said Casas-Zamora, “this does not bode well for democracy globally.”

Original article by Brad Reed republished from Common Dreams under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0).

Continue ReadingLed by Demise in US Under Trump, ‘Democracy Around the World Continues to Weaken’

Corbyn says it’s ‘just the beginning’ as new party overtakes Labour amid surging youth support

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https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/corbyn-says-its-just-beginning-new-party-overtakes-labour-amid-surging-youth-support

 Jeremy Corbyn (second left) and Zarah Sultana, MP for Coventry South (second right) on the picket line outside London Euston train station, August 18, 2022

JEREMY CORBYN vowed “this is just the beginning” today after half a million people signed up to his new political party in three days amid a surge in support for the former Labour leader among 18-24 year-olds.

Mr Corbyn, who launched the new left party with fellow ex-Labour MP Zarah Sultana on Thursday, said: “For too long, people have been denied a real political choice. Not anymore.

“Half a million people have already signed up, but this is just the beginning. We are an unstoppable movement for equality, democracy and peace — and we are never, ever going away.”

The half-a-million mark was reached on Sunday and is expected to continue to climb.

It is already well over the Labour Party’s reportedly “haemorrhaging” latest membership figures, which stood at 309,000 in February.

…

Article continues at https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/corbyn-says-its-just-beginning-new-party-overtakes-labour-amid-surging-youth-support

Keir Starmer says that the Labour Party under his leadership all feel a small part of Scunthorpe.
Keir Starmer says that the Labour Party under his leadership all feel a small part of Scunthorpe.
Keir "I support Zionism without Qualification" Starmer supporting genocide.
Keir “I support Zionism without Qualification” Starmer supporting genocide.
Vote Labour for Genocide.
Vote Labour for Genocide.

Continue ReadingCorbyn says it’s ‘just the beginning’ as new party overtakes Labour amid surging youth support