[James]

I actually just learned about corporate PACs in a class. Target has one, and from what I found, they donate pretty evenly to both sides, though the numbers lean a bit Republican in some years. But they do post everything on their site, so at least there’s transparency. Still, it made me think twice before shopping without checking this kind of stuff.

[James]

Even if they don’t win national elections, third parties are vital. They influence policy, shape the debate, and give voters an alternative when they feel left out by the two-party system. They’re a pressure valve for political frustration, and sometimes they’re the only ones pushing bold ideas that major parties are too cautious to touch

[James]

Honestly? It depends on what part of the economy you’re looking at. My paycheck and gas prices might tell me one thing, but the stock market or corporate profits might show something else. Some years I’ve done better under Democrats, some years under Republicans. I just vote for whoever seems to understand regular folks the best.

[James]

How to Get Involved in Soup Kitchen Volunteering in Los Angeles

Getting involved in soup kitchen volunteering in Los Angeles is a commendable step towards making a direct impact on food insecurity. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process:

📌 1. Identifying Reputable Organizations & Opportunities:

• Large-Scale Operations & Missions:

• The Midnight Mission (midnightmission.org): A long-standing institution on Skid Row offering meals, shelter, and various programs.1 They have a structured volunteer program.

• Union Rescue Mission (urm.org): Another major provider on Skid Row with extensive services and volunteer needs, especially for meal service.2

• Los Angeles Regional Food Bank (lafoodbank.org): While not a soup kitchen itself, it distributes food to a vast network of partner agencies, including many meal programs.3 They often need volunteers for sorting and packing, and can sometimes connect you to agencies needing direct help.

• St. Francis Center (sfcla.org): Serves homeless and low-income families and individuals near downtown LA with various programs, including meal services.

[James]

Look, we’ve been handing out these signs for decades. Do they ‘increase awareness’? Sure, maybe a little. Folks see a name, maybe a slogan. But real awareness? That comes from knocking on doors, having actual conversations, and addressing real issues. These signs are just a drop in the bucket, and frankly, a lot of them end up in the trash after the election. It’s more about showing solidarity within the existing base than converting anyone.

[James]

Choosing the right donor management software is a critical decision for any organization that relies on fundraising. The software you select will impact your ability to track donations, cultivate relationships with donors, and analyze your fundraising efforts. This guide will walk you through the key considerations and steps involved in selecting the best software for your needs.

Key Considerations:

• Organization Size and Needs:

• Small organizations with limited budgets may opt for simpler, more affordable solutions.

• Large organizations with complex fundraising campaigns will require robust software with advanced features.

• Consider the types of donations you receive (online, offline, recurring, etc.) and ensure the software can handle them.

[James]

Technically, the terms are often used interchangeably in common parlance. However, from a strictly legal perspective, ‘nonprofit’ often refers to an organization that has been formally registered with the IRS as a 501(c) entity, granting it certain tax exemptions. ‘Not-for-profit’ is a broader term that encompasses organizations that operate without the primary goal of profit, but may not necessarily have the same formal IRS designation. It’s about the distinction between operating without profit and legally recognized as such.

[James]

Top Political Podcasts to Listen to on Spotify

Looking to stay updated on U.S. politics while on the go? Here are some of the best political podcasts to tune into on Spotify, each offering unique insights, discussions, and perspectives on the ever-changing political landscape.

1. Pod Save America

• Host(s): Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer, and Tommy Vietor

• What to Expect: A progressive perspective on politics, with a mix of insightful analysis and humor. Hosted by former Obama staffers, this podcast breaks down the biggest political stories in the U.S. and features interviews with prominent figures. It’s engaging and often provides a “behind the scenes” view of political life.

2. The Daily

• Host(s): Michael Barbaro

• What to Expect: A brief (usually 20-minute) overview of the day’s most important political news. Produced by The New York Times, this podcast is perfect for listeners who want a quick yet thorough rundown of political events, delivered in a concise and accessible way.

3. Slow Burn

• Host(s): Various hosts, with seasons focusing on different topics

• What to Expect: Deep dives into pivotal moments in U.S. political history. Whether it’s Watergate or the Clinton impeachment, Slow Burn explores major political scandals and events, breaking them down with engaging storytelling and thorough research. Perfect for listeners who enjoy historical context and analysis.

4. Up First

• Host(s): NPR

• What to Expect: A quick 10-15 minute podcast summarizing the day’s top political news. It’s great for busy mornings when you need a fast, reliable update on what’s happening in politics, without getting bogged down in too many details.

5. What A Day

• Host(s): Crooked Media

• What to Expect: A lighter, more comedic take on current political events. This podcast breaks down the day’s major stories while keeping the mood light and injecting humor into serious topics. It’s perfect for those who want to stay informed but need a little levity in the process.

6. Crooked Media’s Pod Save the People

• Host(s): DeRay Mckesson, Sam Sinyangwe, and Brittany Packnett Cunningham

• What to Expect: A social justice-driven political podcast that covers politics with a focus on race, activism, and the impact of policies on marginalized communities. It blends in-depth discussions of current events with calls to action for listeners interested in social change.

7. The Joe Rogan Experience

• Host(s): Joe Rogan

• What to Expect: While not exclusively a political podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience often features political figures, commentators, and experts. Rogan’s long-form interview style allows for in-depth discussions on politics, culture, and current events, and the podcast has a massive following, making it a great option for those who like longer, conversational content.

8. The Takeaway

• Host(s): Tanzina Vega

• What to Expect: This podcast covers politics from a broad, inclusive perspective, often focusing on how political events impact different communities. It combines news with thoughtful commentary on how policies affect real people, particularly marginalized groups.

9. Intercepted

• Host(s): Jeremy Scahill

• What to Expect: Investigative reporting and in-depth political analysis. This podcast focuses on political corruption, war, and corporate influence, with episodes often featuring interviews with whistleblowers and activists who challenge the status quo.

10. Left, Right & Center

• Host(s): Various hosts

• What to Expect: A political debate podcast featuring voices from across the political spectrum. It’s an excellent way to hear different perspectives on major political issues and get a well-rounded understanding of the debates shaping U.S. politics.

These podcasts offer a wide range of perspectives on politics, from hard-hitting news to lighter commentary, providing something for every listener interested in staying informed. Whether you’re looking for a quick daily briefing or a deep dive into political history, these podcasts are sure to keep you engaged and knowledgeable about the ever-evolving political landscape.

[James]

The question of which political party supports the working class in the U.S. is complex, as both major parties have historically claimed to represent the interests of the working class, but their approaches differ. Here’s a breakdown:

1. The Democratic Party’s Stance

• Labor Rights and Unions: The Democratic Party is generally seen as the party that supports labor unions, minimum wage increases, and worker protections. They have pushed for policies like the Affordable Care Act, which aimed to provide broader healthcare access for working-class Americans, and often advocate for higher wages and better benefits for workers.

• Social Safety Nets: Democrats tend to support expanding social safety nets, including unemployment insurance, food assistance programs, and affordable housing, all of which directly benefit lower-income and working-class individuals.

• Education and Healthcare: Democrats are more likely to advocate for universal healthcare (such as Medicare for All) and free or affordable education, policies that can alleviate some of the financial burden on working-class families.

• Criticism: However, some critics argue that while Democrats support the working class in principle, they can sometimes be influenced by corporate interests, especially in regard to trade policies or economic reforms.

2. The Republican Party’s Stance

• Tax Cuts and Economic Growth: The Republican Party often argues that by cutting taxes for businesses and individuals, they create an environment where the economy can grow, leading to more jobs and better wages. Their support for lower corporate taxes is often framed as a way to stimulate investment and provide opportunities for working-class Americans.

• Deregulation: Republicans tend to favor less government regulation of industries, believing that businesses should have the freedom to operate without heavy government interference. This could theoretically create more job opportunities in certain sectors.

• Criticism: Critics argue that Republican policies disproportionately benefit the wealthy and corporations, with trickle-down economics often failing to benefit the working class in the ways that Republicans promise. They also tend to oppose policies that directly protect workers’ rights, like union strengthening and minimum wage increases.

3. The Role of Third Parties and Progressive Movements

• Green and Socialist Parties: Some working-class individuals align with third-party movements, such as the Green Party or Socialist parties, that advocate for more radical changes like universal basic income, worker cooperatives, and more stringent environmental and labor protections. These parties typically argue that both the Democrats and Republicans serve the interests of the wealthy elite rather than the working class.

Conclusion:

The Democratic Party generally aligns with policies that directly support the working class, such as advocating for higher wages, union rights, and social safety nets. However, many argue that the system is still skewed toward the wealthy, and some working-class voters find that both parties cater more to corporate interests than to the needs of average Americans. The Republican Party, with its focus on economic growth through tax cuts and deregulation, appeals to some working-class voters, but critics say these policies fail to benefit them in the long run.

Ultimately, which party is “for” the working class often depends on one’s perspective, with some advocating for more radical reforms outside the traditional two-party system.

[James]

A political science degree is the first step towards a career in politics! With this degree, you can run for office, work on campaigns, or even be a legislative assistant. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of laws, government structure, and what it takes to navigate political challenges. Here’s a quick list of potential paths:

• Campaign Manager

• Political Consultant

• Legislative Aide

• Public Affairs Specialist

Political Party Worker It’s a great field if you’re passionate about affecting real change in your community or at the national level!