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Sign with logo at entrance to office of aerospace company Boeing in Pleasanton, California, July 2, 2019. (Photo: Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
Smoke billowing over the U.S. Capitol. Rioters marching through the halls, carrying the Confederate battle flag. A gallows, with a noose hanging from it, erected just steps from the Capitol. Police officers beaten and tased.
Unfortunately, this is the game that corporations play-- they write big checks to politicians who control how much of our tax dollars they receive and how big their tax breaks are.
These images from the Capitol riot on January 6th, 2021 will be forever seared into American history. But we must not forget that the events of this infamous day were only warning signs of a deep-rooted illness in our political system. Since then, the same members of Congress who incited armed right-wing militants to attack our Capitol have repeatedly tried to block any investigations into the events of January 6th--and their role in it.
Meanwhile, extremist politicians have kept up a drumbeat of daily lies and disinformation about the validity of the 2020 election to keep their supporters engaged and enraged, which has led to continued death threats and violence against election officials.
And they're doing it with the support of one of Washington state's biggest companies--Boeing, which employs more than 50,000 workers here.
One week after Jan. 6, following the suit of other companies and massive national pressure, Boeing released a statement announcing they were halting all political contributions to the "Sedition Caucus", the group of politicians who voted against the certification of a free and fair election.
Most companies kept their post-January 6 pledges (including big names like Allstate, American Express, Nike, Walgreens, and 79 other major corporations). Boeing didn't.
Boeing resumed political contributions to the Caucus just a few months after January 6--not coincidentally, right as Congress was considering the defense budget. According to Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), Boeing's political action committee has donated almost $250,000 to lawmakers who voted to overturn the election and the party committees that boost their campaigns.
It must be embarrassing for the tens of thousands of Boeing workers in Washington state to see their corporate PAC dollars go to legislators who turned their backs on our country and continue to lie about the election, fanning the flames of hatred and stirring up violence.
Unfortunately, this is the game that corporations play--they write big checks to politicians who control how much of our tax dollars they receive and how big their tax breaks are. We have a system that is out of balance, where the voices of everyday Washingtonians are drowned out by billionaires and big corporations like Boeing. We have a system that rewards extremist rhetoric, rather than level-headed policymaking for the common good.
Boeing states that its company values include "integrity," "transparency," and "being held accountable." Their actions in this instance violate all of those principles.
Boeing should honor its promise and demonstrate commitment to their stated values by immediately and permanently withdrawing any funding to members of Congress who voted to overturn the 2020 election.
By doing so, Boeing will be aligned with the values of its American workers, its customers, and the democratic system that governs these United States.
Let's hold Boeing accountable. Please sign the petition.
Trump and Musk are on an unconstitutional rampage, aiming for virtually every corner of the federal government. These two right-wing billionaires are targeting nurses, scientists, teachers, daycare providers, judges, veterans, air traffic controllers, and nuclear safety inspectors. No one is safe. The food stamps program, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are next. It’s an unprecedented disaster and a five-alarm fire, but there will be a reckoning. The people did not vote for this. The American people do not want this dystopian hellscape that hides behind claims of “efficiency.” Still, in reality, it is all a giveaway to corporate interests and the libertarian dreams of far-right oligarchs like Musk. Common Dreams is playing a vital role by reporting day and night on this orgy of corruption and greed, as well as what everyday people can do to organize and fight back. As a people-powered nonprofit news outlet, we cover issues the corporate media never will, but we can only continue with our readers’ support. |
Smoke billowing over the U.S. Capitol. Rioters marching through the halls, carrying the Confederate battle flag. A gallows, with a noose hanging from it, erected just steps from the Capitol. Police officers beaten and tased.
Unfortunately, this is the game that corporations play-- they write big checks to politicians who control how much of our tax dollars they receive and how big their tax breaks are.
These images from the Capitol riot on January 6th, 2021 will be forever seared into American history. But we must not forget that the events of this infamous day were only warning signs of a deep-rooted illness in our political system. Since then, the same members of Congress who incited armed right-wing militants to attack our Capitol have repeatedly tried to block any investigations into the events of January 6th--and their role in it.
Meanwhile, extremist politicians have kept up a drumbeat of daily lies and disinformation about the validity of the 2020 election to keep their supporters engaged and enraged, which has led to continued death threats and violence against election officials.
And they're doing it with the support of one of Washington state's biggest companies--Boeing, which employs more than 50,000 workers here.
One week after Jan. 6, following the suit of other companies and massive national pressure, Boeing released a statement announcing they were halting all political contributions to the "Sedition Caucus", the group of politicians who voted against the certification of a free and fair election.
Most companies kept their post-January 6 pledges (including big names like Allstate, American Express, Nike, Walgreens, and 79 other major corporations). Boeing didn't.
Boeing resumed political contributions to the Caucus just a few months after January 6--not coincidentally, right as Congress was considering the defense budget. According to Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), Boeing's political action committee has donated almost $250,000 to lawmakers who voted to overturn the election and the party committees that boost their campaigns.
It must be embarrassing for the tens of thousands of Boeing workers in Washington state to see their corporate PAC dollars go to legislators who turned their backs on our country and continue to lie about the election, fanning the flames of hatred and stirring up violence.
Unfortunately, this is the game that corporations play--they write big checks to politicians who control how much of our tax dollars they receive and how big their tax breaks are. We have a system that is out of balance, where the voices of everyday Washingtonians are drowned out by billionaires and big corporations like Boeing. We have a system that rewards extremist rhetoric, rather than level-headed policymaking for the common good.
Boeing states that its company values include "integrity," "transparency," and "being held accountable." Their actions in this instance violate all of those principles.
Boeing should honor its promise and demonstrate commitment to their stated values by immediately and permanently withdrawing any funding to members of Congress who voted to overturn the 2020 election.
By doing so, Boeing will be aligned with the values of its American workers, its customers, and the democratic system that governs these United States.
Let's hold Boeing accountable. Please sign the petition.
Smoke billowing over the U.S. Capitol. Rioters marching through the halls, carrying the Confederate battle flag. A gallows, with a noose hanging from it, erected just steps from the Capitol. Police officers beaten and tased.
Unfortunately, this is the game that corporations play-- they write big checks to politicians who control how much of our tax dollars they receive and how big their tax breaks are.
These images from the Capitol riot on January 6th, 2021 will be forever seared into American history. But we must not forget that the events of this infamous day were only warning signs of a deep-rooted illness in our political system. Since then, the same members of Congress who incited armed right-wing militants to attack our Capitol have repeatedly tried to block any investigations into the events of January 6th--and their role in it.
Meanwhile, extremist politicians have kept up a drumbeat of daily lies and disinformation about the validity of the 2020 election to keep their supporters engaged and enraged, which has led to continued death threats and violence against election officials.
And they're doing it with the support of one of Washington state's biggest companies--Boeing, which employs more than 50,000 workers here.
One week after Jan. 6, following the suit of other companies and massive national pressure, Boeing released a statement announcing they were halting all political contributions to the "Sedition Caucus", the group of politicians who voted against the certification of a free and fair election.
Most companies kept their post-January 6 pledges (including big names like Allstate, American Express, Nike, Walgreens, and 79 other major corporations). Boeing didn't.
Boeing resumed political contributions to the Caucus just a few months after January 6--not coincidentally, right as Congress was considering the defense budget. According to Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), Boeing's political action committee has donated almost $250,000 to lawmakers who voted to overturn the election and the party committees that boost their campaigns.
It must be embarrassing for the tens of thousands of Boeing workers in Washington state to see their corporate PAC dollars go to legislators who turned their backs on our country and continue to lie about the election, fanning the flames of hatred and stirring up violence.
Unfortunately, this is the game that corporations play--they write big checks to politicians who control how much of our tax dollars they receive and how big their tax breaks are. We have a system that is out of balance, where the voices of everyday Washingtonians are drowned out by billionaires and big corporations like Boeing. We have a system that rewards extremist rhetoric, rather than level-headed policymaking for the common good.
Boeing states that its company values include "integrity," "transparency," and "being held accountable." Their actions in this instance violate all of those principles.
Boeing should honor its promise and demonstrate commitment to their stated values by immediately and permanently withdrawing any funding to members of Congress who voted to overturn the 2020 election.
By doing so, Boeing will be aligned with the values of its American workers, its customers, and the democratic system that governs these United States.
Let's hold Boeing accountable. Please sign the petition.
"I hope American law firms—Paul Weiss and Skadden—are proud of the cowardice they are instilling and inspiring among the legal profession," wrote one former state senator.
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom on Friday became the latest white-shoe law firm to acquiesce to the Trump administration as the White House ramps up attacks on the legal profession. The news prompted a wave of outrage at the law firm, which was accused of being "pathetic."
The firm has agreed to provide at least $100 million in pro bono legal services to the federal government during his administration "and beyond," according to a Truth Social post from U.S. President Donald Trump. Also, the "firm will not engage in illegal" diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) "discrimination and preferences," according to the post, which also noted that the firm proactively reached out to the administration about an agreement.
Speaking at the White House on Friday, Trump called the deal "essentially a settlement," according to Reuters.
"Pathetic when the richest and most powerful lawyers in America won't stand up for the profession that made them rich and powerful," wrote U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) on X on Friday, reacting to earlier reporting that the firm was in discussions with the White House over a deal.
Author and commentator Wajahat Ali wrote that the move was "shameful" on Bluesky on Friday. "Pathetic and selfish," wrote Pod Save America podcast co-host Jon Favreau.
Former New York state Sen. Alessandra Biaggi (D-34) wrote: "I hope American law firms—Paul Weiss and Skadden—are proud of the cowardice they are instilling and inspiring among the legal profession."
The news comes on the heels of news that another top law firm, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, last week brokered a deal with the White House in order to spare the firm from an executive order that suspended security clearances for lawyers and staff.
As part of that deal, the firm will dedicate $40 million in pro bono legal services during Trump's administration "to support the administration's initiatives."
Meanwhile, also last week, Trump issued a memo directing U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to "seek sanctions" against firms and lawyers that, according to him, "engage in frivolous, unreasonable, and vexatious litigation against the United States."
With the agreement, Skadden Arps has likely avoided joining a list of elite law firms that have been singled out via executive order from Trump, targeting them with various punishments. Three of the firms that have been targeted with an executive order, WilmerHale, Jenner & Block, and Perkins Coie, have sued the Trump administration in response.
Last week, prior to the deal between Skadden Arps and the Trump administration and in response to the deal struck between the White House and Paul Weiss, an associate at Skadden Arps sent an all-staff email saying she would resign if the firm did not do more to stand up to Trump.
"This is not what I saw for my career or for my evening, but Paul Weiss' decision to cave to the Trump administration on DEI, representation, and staffing has forced my hand," she wrote. "We do not have time. It is either now or never, and if it's never, I will not continue to work here."
"Democratic voters are sending a clear message," said the head of Data for Progress. "The base is tired of weak opposition and business-as-usual politics."
A large majority of registered Democrats and Independent voters who lean Democratic are frustrated with the party, see no clear leader of it, and want to see elected officials fight harder for working people and against Republican President Donald Trump, according to a pair of polls released Friday.
"Democratic voters are sending a clear message: They want leaders who will fight Trump and put working people first," said Danielle Deiseroth, executive director of Data for Progress, the progressive think tank behind the surveys. "The base is tired of weak opposition and business-as-usual politics."
"This level of discontent is unsustainable for a party looking to build back in the wake of major losses—at a certain point, Democratic leaders will need to show voters that they are taking a stronger stance against Trump, or step aside for someone who will," Deiseroth added.
"This level of discontent is unsustainable for a party looking to build back in the wake of major losses."
The polling—released nearly five months after the election in which Democrats lost the White House and both chambers of Congress—shows that when asked how they would grade the Democratic Party on its response to Trump, who returned to power in January, 70% of voters said C or below, and 21% said F.
Voters were also divided in terms of who they see as the current leader of the Democratic Party. Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost the race for the White House in November, was at the top, but with only 17%. She was followed by former President Barack Obama and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), who tied at 15%.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) tied with "no one" at 11%, followed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) at 9% and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) at 6%.
Sanders, who sought the Democratic Party's presidential nomination in 2016 and 2020, announced Friday that Ocasio-Cortez will join the Los Angeles stop of his "Fighting Oligarchy: Where We Go From Here" tour on Saturday—as she did across the U.S. West last week, drawing the biggest crowd of either of their careers at a rally in Denver, Colorado.
"Today, the oligarchs and the billionaire class are getting richer and richer and have more and more power," Sanders said Friday. "Meanwhile, 60% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, and most of our people are struggling to pay for healthcare, childcare, and housing. This country belongs to all of us, not just the few. We must fight back."
The new polling makes clear that voters want elected officials to fight back in a variety of ways, including legal challenges, media appearances, voter registration drives, letter-writing and phone-banking campaigns, procedural tactics like the filibuster, supporting worker walkouts, consumer boycotts, mass protests—including at government buildings—and disrupting Trump campaign events.
Voters are specifically disappointed with Schumer: 61% said he isn't doing enough to fight Trump. After being told about the Senate majority leader's decision earlier this month to lead a group of 10 caucus members who helped Republicans pass a stopgap spending bill, 51% said Democrats in the chamber should choose a new leader—and if they did, 66% of voters would want "someone who fights harder against Trump and the Republican agenda."
A large majority of voters of all ages want elderly Democratic Party leaders "to retire and pass the torch to the younger generation." Big majorities also want party leadership to be diverse in race and gender, and to prioritize funding for programs addressing issues such as healthcare and housing, even if it increases the national deficit.
As the party battles Trump and rebuilds after November's devastating losses, voters are stressing that Democrats must emphasize how they will fight for the working class. Large majorities urged them to focus on taking on corporate interests and the Democratic establishment, taxing the wealthy, lowering prices, and "laying out a bold, progressive agenda for economic and political reform."
The Data for Progress polling follows an internal survey conducted earlier this month by Our Revolution, the progressive political organizing group launched as a continuation of Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign. That survey of 9,024 members found that nearly 90% of respondents believe Schumer should step aside as Senate minority leader and 86% would support a primary challenger for his Senate seat, should he refuse to step aside. Calls for Ocasio-Cortez to primary him have mounted throughout the month.
"These survey results point to an undeniable crisis of confidence in Chuck Schumer and Democratic leadership at a time of unprecedented executive overreach and corporate takeover of the American federal government," Joseph Geevarghese, the executive director of Our Revolution, said at the time. "It's time to step up or step down."
The appeal to the Supreme Court is the latest move in an unfolding battle between the judiciary and the White House.
The U.S. Department of Justice on Friday appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court to lift a lower court restriction on the Trump administration's ability to continue to carrying out deportations using the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, a wartime authority U.S. President Donald Trump invoked in mid-March to deport Venezuelan immigrants he alleged, without evidence, were criminal gang members but who legal experts say are the victims of authoritarian overreach and still entitled to due process.
The deportees are currently being held at a megaprison in El Salvador, which U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem toured on Wednesday, in part to film a video in front of the incarcerated men—a move that was widely decried as sadistic and fascist behavior by a senior administration official.
On March 15, the same day that Trump published an executive order stating its intention to use the Alien Enemies Act to carry out deportations, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg issued a nationwide temporary restraining order, halting furthering removals of noncitizens under The Alien Enemies Act. The rarely used provision, never before invoked when the U.S. was not engaged in a war authorized by Congress, gives the president the ability to detain or deport noncitizens without first appearing before an immigration judge or federal court judge.
On Wednesday, a federal appeals court panel kept in place Boasberg's order while the court decides on the underlying legal issues in the case—prompting the Trump administration to appeal to the Supreme Court.
The administration is asking the court to overturn Boasberg's block, arguing that—in the words of Acting Solicitor General Sarah Harris—the "case presents fundamental questions about who decides how to conduct sensitive national-security-related operations in this country—the president, through Article II, or the judiciary, through [temporary restraining orders]."
As with other recent appeals from the Trump administration, according to CNN, the White House's argument before the Supreme Court leaned on complaints that the lower courts are standing in Trump's way.
"Only this court can stop rule-by-[temporary restraining order] from further upending the separation of powers—the sooner, the better," Harris told the Supreme Court. "Here, the district court's orders have rebuffed the president's judgments as to how to protect the nation against foreign terrorist organizations and risk debilitating effects for delicate foreign negotiations."
On March 18, Trump called Boasberg a “Radical Left Lunatic of a Judge, a troublemaker and agitator," and also said that "this judge, like many of the Crooked Judges' I am forced to appear before, should be IMPEACHED!!!" Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas) said a few days prior that he would be would "be filing articles of impeachment against activist Judge James Boasberg."
Days later, John Roberts, the conservative chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, issued a rare statement rebuking calls from Trump and members of his orbit for the impeachment of federal judges who have ruled against the administration.