Inequality, Inc.
I was much impressed by Atossa Araxia Abrahamian’s “The Inequality Industry” [Oct. 8/15]. While understandably not as objective as a peer-reviewed journal article, it came close. I read it as “wisdom in black and white.” Frank Dixon madison, va.
Overruling the Court
Regarding Richard Kim’s editorial “Court Reform, Anyone?” [Oct. 8/15]: It says right in the Declaration of Independence that when the government isn’t working for the people, they have the right, the duty, and the obligation to change the “forms to which they have become accustomed” and organize a government that better suits the people’s needs. And that’s what they did after waging a nine-year war.
The Declaration was the first step; the Constitution was the second. Yet when the rules for the Supreme Court were written, people didn’t live as long and retired earlier. These rules need to be reorganized to better suit the needs of people who live longer and retire later. After all, that’s what the Republicans are doing: reorganizing our inherited system of government to better suit the needs of the greedy and gluttonous, the few, the wealthy, the self-righteous.
Reorganize now!
Nancy Lindsay
A Flaming Outrage
I very much appreciated the article “Worse Than Lead?” by Jamie Kitman [Sept. 10/17]. After reading it, I tried to find out if my couch cushions had been treated with flame retardants, but there was no information. Is there a requirement to notify people of their use? My other questions: Where is the action component in your great work? How can we stop these dangerous chemicals? Jane Moosbruker acton, mass.
Jamie Kitman Replies
Unfortunately, in many cases, there is no way to know for certain whether a product contains flame retardants. Manufacturers are not required to disclose this information, and most companies don’t do so willingly. In California, upholstered furniture is now required to display a label revealing the presence of these chemicals.
Between the reemergence of right-wing red-baiting and Donald Trump’s use of the chilling National Security Presidential Memorandum–7 to criminalize left political organizing, we’re seeing McCarthyism reborn before our eyes.
This assault on democracy cannot be ignored or wished away. Resisting it requires bravery in the face of threats and repression, a steadfast commitment to the truth, and the unwavering belief that we can—and will—overcome this darkness.
We must have an independent media that sets the record straight, unearths corruption and abuses of power, and advances a politics of justice and dignity for all if we’re to win this fight.
That’s why I’m writing to you today. This September, The Nation needs to add 100 monthly donors to sustain our progressive journalism. Your contribution makes the next investigative report, the next truth-speaking column, and the next pathbreaking essay all possible.
I hope you’ll support our work with a recurring donation today. If you donate $10 or more a month, we’ll send you a brand new “Hands Off the Free Press!” sticker to recognise your commitment to our cause. Please, donate today.
Onward,
Katrina vanden Heuvel
Editor and Publisher, The Nation
And yes, advocacy is crucial. Consumers need to ask for products without added chemical flame retardants. Manufacturers care even more about what consumers want than what the chemical companies or regulators want. So they need to hear from shoppers, loud and clear. Ask online and at brick-and-mortar retailers whether a product has flame retardants. Ask for the manufacturers’ websites to be more transparent and for clear labels on their products. Additionally, consider making a contribution to one of the organizations that make up the Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families coalition. These groups are getting state laws passed, filing lawsuits, testing products for toxic chemicals, and pressuring companies to make their products safer.
Jamie Kitman nyack, n.y.
Our ReadersOur readers often submit letters to the editor that are worth publishing, in print and/or online.
Jamie Lincoln KitmanJamie Lincoln Kitman, New York bureau chief for Automobile Magazine, won an investigative reporting award from Investigative Reporters and Editors for his Nation article on leaded gasoline. A member of the Society of Automotive Historians, Jamie Lincoln Kitman drives a 1966 Lancia Fulvia and a 1969 Ford Lotus-Cortina, both of which run fine on unleaded.