May 6, 2006

Always on the lookout for wedge issues to divide us, President Bush waded in on the side of “English only,” proclaiming it is wrong to sing the Star Spangled Banner in Spanish.

Bolivia’s working people had a special reason to celebrate International Workers Day this year, as their new government, headed by President Evo Morales, chose May Day to announce nationalization of the country’s hydrocarbons resources.

Many workers — union and nonunion — ask why unions support a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. Why, as one member puts it, are we fighting for the “illegals who have been taking our jobs”? I remind them of a powerful statement from labor’s past that lives on today: An injury to one is an injury to all.

Around this time of year, thousands of soon-to-be high school and college graduates are contemplating the next steps in their lives. This is supposed to be a time of excitement and hope as young people close one chapter and enter another. Thanks to Bush and the ultra-right, it has been turned into one of hardship and anxiety.

Every now and then Hollywood reveals quite starkly that it knows the truth, which merits being told. “Akeelah and the Bee” is an imaginary story in which Laurence Fishburne and Keke Palmer are magnificent, and J. R. Villareal as Javier is delightful.

NEW ORLEANS — New Jersey’s favorite son was adopted by New Orleans on April 30 as Bruce Springsteen — through speeches and song — vocalized the anger, frustration, pain and resilience of this hurricane-battered city at the annual Jazz and Heritage Festival.