A Republican Texas legislator has demanded that school districts describe all the books they have that might make students feel discomfort (or various other negative feelings) about their race or gender. The aim seems to be censorship.

To illustrate how broad the demand is, consider the plays of Shakespeare. Othello, The Merchant of Venice, and The Taming of the Shrew might make students (and others too) uncomfortable for reasons having to do with race and/or sex. Will Republicans eventually move to ban them? If they do, will progressives oppose the move -- or support it?

The EU and Poland are headed for a fundamental conflict which neither side

The EU has a grave flaw in that it is not very democratic. In its structure for legislating, democracy plays a weak role. However, the Polish right-wing government does not aim to change this. Its goal is to break the EU's defense of human rights and honest justice.

A summary of climate-protecting trends that are seen across the spectrum of human activity.

They are not growing fast enough -- we need governments to accelerate them.

The EU and Poland are headed for a fundamental conflict which neither side can afford to lose.

The EU has a grave flaw in that it is not very democratic. In its structure for legislating, democracy plays a weak role. However, the Polish right-wing government does not aim to change this. Its goal is to break the EU's defense of human rights and honest justice.

*Biden, Bolsonaro and Xi among leaders agreeing deal to end deforestation.*

* Campaigners warn Brazil may make empty promises at Cop26 to gain access to conservation money.*