*Why can we no longer believe in a well-run welfare state that supports us all?*

One cause is that plutocratists have dominated the major media for decades, and spread the idea that state can't do a good job of anything. We are supposed to disregard the fact that businesses often profit by not even trying to do a good job.

Pro-democracy candidates swept the elections for Hong Kong local councils. Supporters of China's power won 10% of the seats.

Now it is clear that the people of Hong Kong mostly agree with the protesters. Can anyone find out what fraction of votes were for the pro-democracy candidates?

I've read that these local councils choose some of the territory's legislature, too. So the consequences could be significant.

*US law enforcement officials preparing for fresh Keystone XL pipeline protests have privately discussed tactics to stop activists “by any means” and have labeled demonstrators potential “domestic terrorism” threats, records reveal.*

The selfish fools of Alberta consider Canada's minimal attention to the danger of global heating are "expropriation" and are determined to profit from oil even if it kills us all (and them too).

A campaign aims to reduce infant mortality for American blacks to the same level that American whites have.

Medicare for All would give them proper care, and other progressive programs would reduce the poverty that imposes increased stress. Poor whites might benefit, too.