Democracy

Le Pen Gains Ground Over (And Among) Arabs

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Polls suggest that far-right candidate Jean-Marie Le Pen could do even better in the first round of presidential voting this Sunday than in the 2002 election, when he came in second. Le Pen’s views that North African immigrants cause crime and should be deported even resonate with French Muslims, who say he represents “wholesome values” and will deal with extremists, the BBC reports. In Marseille, children of North African immigrants don’t know who to vote for but agree with Le Pen that immigration has caused mass unemployment that could cost them their jobs. Sources:
“In Marseille, North Africans want brakes on immigration”
Agence France-Presse, April 16, 2007
http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=20390
“Le Pen urges halt to immigration”
BBC (U.K.), April 17, 2007
http://www.tehrantimes.com/Description.asp?Da=4/17/2007&Cat=2&Num=002

Culture

The Labor Movement

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By Martin Leatherman, Newsdesk.org
Even as income and union membership declines for America’s working class, problems of forced labor and low working standards worldwide are driving new activist movements. Many concerns are focused on the AFL-CIO, the leading federation of traditional U.S. industrial unions. John Sweeney, president of the group, is under pressure from dissidents to make huge changes in priorities, including a new emphasis on organizing over lobbying. Andrew Stern, president of the growing Service Employees International Union, is even calling for Sweeny’s removal. At its peak in the 1960s, about 30 percent of workers in the United States were unionized.

Democracy

FOCUS: The Saudi Election

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By Jodi Wynn, Newsdesk.org intern
Many Saudis were skeptical when their government — an absolute monarchy — announced it would be holding the first in a series of municipal elections on February 10, 2005. To many, the attempt at democracy seemed to be an effort to appease the West and reformists. Despite the fact that half the council seats and official government positions will be appointed, the election is unprecedented, and may represent a major change in the idea of government in Saudi Arabia. But there are many factors that may undermine the process. The exclusion of women from the polls brought condemnation from Western media, but was described as only practical by a Saudi journalist.

Democracy

FOCUS: Election Reform

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Research by Allison Bloch, Newsdesk.org Intern 
The controversies of the 2000 presidential election provoked heated debate and new legislation intended to prevent similar problems in the future. In 2004, with electoral irregularities only growing more widespread, calls for reform have renewed appeal. Campaign finance, the electoral college and disenfranchisement are just a few of the issues under debate. Newsdesk.org will be following this issue throughout 2005. Consider this short survey just the tip of the iceberg.

Democracy

The Recount Accounts

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Research by Allison Bloch, Newsdesk.org Intern 
BREAKING NEWS: Get the latest on U.S. election recounts. Improved processes and technology were supposed to prevent a rerun of the Florida 2000 election debacle. Instead, in 2004, complaints have multiplied. Ohio, New Mexico, Nevada, Washington state and San Diego, Calif., are rife with accusations of irregularities, and the discoveries of lost and undercounted votes. Protesters face an uphill battle to get recounts underway.

Democracy

Women & Politics

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Article research by Allison Bloch, Newsdesk.org Intern 
Simply having the right to vote does not guarantee civic enfranchisement or equal status. A short survey of women’s issues at home and abroad finds wage disparities, lack of political involvement, and, of course, conflict over abortion rights and wrongs. Some articles listed below may move to paid archives over time. To further your own research, we’ve provided links to keyword searches on the topics we cover. -Blue State Blues
-Women Abroad
-Abortion
-Status: Quo?

Democracy

Faith & Politics

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“Values voters” and George W. Bush’s successful election campaign have made religion the hot political topic. Today’s edition of FOCUS surveys the media terrain. -State Sponsored Religion
-Islam
-Europe
-Viewpoints
-Traditions & Trends
STATE SPONSORED RELIGION
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Creationism resurgent
Schools in Ohio, Wisconsin, Kansas and Pennsylvania are at the frontlines of the debate on teaching evolution. The cultural divisions are deep. Editor & Publisher reports that a Gallup Poll found that 35 percent of Americans believe evolution is “well-supported by evidence.”