Nov 22, 2003

You may have already heard a lot about Mr. Richard Scrushy, the founder and former CEO of HealthSouth Corp. Scrushy was indicted on 85 criminal counts alleging that he was the mastermind of an enormous corporate fraud involving money laundering, conspiracy, and securities fraud, that allowed him to pocket more than a quarter-billion dollars. The government wants him to fork over $279 million worth of his own personal assets, including a 92-foot yacht; a Rolls Royce Corniche and a Lamborghini; a nearly 22-carat diamond and platinum ring; aircraft; and paintings by Picasso, Chagall, Renoir and Miro.

“Press Box Red” tells the story of Lester Rodney, sports editor of the Daily Worker, in developing and leading the campaign to break the color line in American sports. The book offers us insight into the history of our country, the Communist Party USA, and our national pastime.

Georgia on our mind; No more blood and bombs

Repeating mistakes of the past; Who is a saint?; Brach’s candies leave foul taste

Watching Diane Sawyer’s interview with former Pfc. Jessica Lynch on ABC’s “Primetime,” it was easy to see why the young soldier is a hero to the people of her hometown, Palestine, W.Va., and the rest of the Mountaineer State.

The alert public authorities in Miami are to be commended for discovering a new terrorist threat, a new fundamental attack on the safety of all Americans. A threat to our way of life, a threat to our economic security, a threat to public order. A threat so dangerous that it must be immediately stopped by a hastily passed public ordinance.

Coming on the heels of statistics showing vast disparities between the educational outcomes of African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, Native Americans and whites, a new, comprehensive report shows how far we have to go in Chicago before institutional racism is a thing of the past.

As obesity statistics continue to soar for U.S. children, schools across the country are examining their lunch menus with a critical eye. Large school districts like New York City and Los Angeles have banned soda in an effort to curb calories, and the state of Texas has banned junk food. But reducing calories and sugar shouldn’t be parents’ only concern.

Karl Marx observed that “The history of hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles.” Michael Parenti’s “The Assassination of Julius Caesar” is a unique look at how Marx’s observation played out in ancient Rome during the last century of the Roman Republic.

Documentaries always provide a rich fertile ground for progressive ideas and those selected for this year’s Toronto International Film Festival’s Real to Reel Program are no exception. Outstanding titles include “The Corporation,” an impressive Canadian examination of the institution that’s taking over the world. “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” is a “you are there” filming of the actual Venezuelan military coup and the kidnapping of President Hugo Chavez. This nail-biter offers the closest feeling most people will ever get to being part of a major historical event.