Laura Smith

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    A deadly combination of states’ rights and racism means that many US states are choosing personal freedom over life. 

A deadly combination of states’ rights and racism means that many US states are choosing personal freedom over life. 

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States’ rights and racism have been two deadly strands in American history which have been brought to the surface in the COVID-19 pandemic. Laura Smith writes that the pandemic shows just how desensitized Americans have become to the risk of more death – especially among communities of color, who have been disproportionately impacted.

With the re-opening of states, Americans who protested against state restrictions in favor of personal liberty appear […]

May 22nd, 2020|COVID-19, Democracy and culture, Laura Smith|0 Comments|
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    Trump’s immigration ban is another page in the long story of xenophobia in America

Trump’s immigration ban is another page in the long story of xenophobia in America

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The COVID-19 pandemic has given Donald Trump ample opportunity to enact controversial measures and advance his America First agenda under the guise of emergency powers. Laura Smith argues that Trump’s latest announcement of his intent to ban all immigration is the most egregious example of his xenophobia. She places this intended ban in the context of the long history […]

April 24th, 2020|Democracy and culture, Laura Smith|0 Comments|
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    Primary Primers: After contests in the mostly white states of Iowa and New Hampshire, Democratic candidates now face real tests in Nevada and South Carolina.

Primary Primers: After contests in the mostly white states of Iowa and New Hampshire, Democratic candidates now face real tests in Nevada and South Carolina.

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Since the 1970s, the Iowa caucus and the New Hampshire primary have been first in the nation to select their presidential nominees. Laura Smith explains how this continuing tradition, fiercely defended by both states, is increasingly controversial because Iowa and New Hampshire are two of the whitest and least diverse US states. She argues the impact of their respective […]

February 19th, 2020|2020 Primary Primers, Elections and party politics across the US, Laura Smith|0 Comments|
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