Voices Today: Reclaiming the Narrative from Corporate Grift

Across the country, we are seeing a necessary shift in how power is challenged. In Texas, a new blueprint is emerging for how progressives can dismantle the grip of corporate-backed 'grifters' by focusing on the material corruption that drains our public resources. This isn't just about rhetoric; it's about proving that democratic institutions can still serve the people when leaders are held to account.

Simultaneously, we are watching critical battles over our basic rights to privacy and the preservation of creative independence in an era of consolidation. Whether it is the Supreme Court weighing in on digital data harvesting or the shuttering of experimental film leadership, the theme remains the same: we must protect the public and creative commons from being reduced to mere data points for tech and media giants.

What the columnists are saying today

The Season of Rosalyn Drexler

The New Yorker — Leslie Camhi examines the resurgence of renegade artist Rosalyn Drexler as her transgressive 1970s work finds a new, urgent audience.

The Supreme Court Is Leaning Toward a Digital Privacy Victory

The New Republic — The Court appears ready to defend consumer privacy by checking Paramount’s ability to share personal user data with Facebook without consent.

Gina Hinojosa Is Showing Democrats How to Run Against Republican Grifters

Thenation.com — John Nichols highlights how Gina Hinojosa is gaining ground in Texas by relentlessly exposing Greg Abbott’s record of institutional corruption.

Strongarming Ukraine Is Apparently Trump’s Idea of Peace Talks

Slate Magazine — The Political Gabfest team critiques a foreign policy approach that demands concessions from the invaded while rewarding the aggressor.

Who Are the Real Extremists?

The American Prospect — Recent Gallup polling suggests the American public increasingly views Republican policy platforms, rather than Democratic ones, as the true fringe.

A Bold Era in Hollywood Ends With a Whimper

The Atlantic — The exit of Warner Bros. film leads signals a retreat from creative risk-taking in an industry increasingly dominated by safe, corporate IP.

How should progressives best confront the 'grifter' politics currently dominating state capitals? Send your thoughts to the editors and we may feature your letter in tomorrow’s edition.