Southern Progressives

Moving to the left, one post at a time.

Author

Bill Freeman
May 19, 2025

National News:

Opinion | In the Future, China Will Be Dominant. The U.S. Will Be Irrelevant.

Trump’s fixation on tariffs while he undermines America’s competitive strengths is hastening the onset of the “Chinese Century.”

www.nytimes.com/2025/05/19/opinion/china-us-trade-tariffs.html?unlocked_article_code=1.IU8.4Yrj.uO3xdCxZdlwb&smid=url-share

Biden has been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer

Former President Joe Biden's office says he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The finding came after the 82-year-old reported urinary symptoms, which led doctors to discover a nodule on his prostate.

apnews.com/article/biden-cancer-prostate-be18c98abe341cd91277e1d3b75d5cd5?utm_source=copy&utm_medium=share

Acting administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) David Richardson told staff that FEMA is not prepared for hurricane season, which starts on June 1, and will work to return responsibility for the response to emergencies to the states. A document prepared for Richardson and obtained by Luke Barr of ABC News said: “As FEMA transforms to a smaller footprint, the intent for this hurricane season is not well understood, thus FEMA is not ready.”

Opinion | The Delusion of Porn’s Harmlessness

Despite significant evidence that a deluge of pornography has a negative impact on modern society, there is a curious refusal to publicly admit disapproval of it.

www.nytimes.com/2025/05/19/opinion/pornography-harm-society.html?unlocked_article_code=1.IU8.rPhg.OGdvMWgU1uEY&smid=url-share

State News:

Cothren, Casada Guilty of Fraud, Conspiracy, Bribery, more - Nashville Banner

Former Tennessee Speaker Glen Casada and his chief of staff Cade Cothren found guilty of fraud, bribery and more. Sentencing set for Sept. 12.

nashvillebanner.com/2025/05/16/casada-cothren-convicted-fraud

Tennessee Human Rights Commission faces job cuts, confusion - Nashville Banner

Staff of Tennessee Human Rights Commission to be laid off before commission's dissolution, despite initial promises.

nashvillebanner.com/2025/05/16/tennessee-human-rights-commission-laid-off

Local News:

Political Cartoon:

Seniors:

Too Old to Rock n’ Roll?

Graham Nash (83), Richard Thompson (76), and John Prine (RIP) answer that question live and in person.

open.substack.com/pub/oldster/p/too-old-to-rock-n-roll?r=2cuzj&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false

My Take:

I have morbid thoughts sometimes, so I was wondering after reading the article about the US falling behind the progress of China, will I be around in some kind of spiritual form and be able to watch what is going on here on earth after I am gone?

I have these thoughts because I am getting on in years and my mortality is becoming more and more apparent. I like to watch the progress we make as humans as faulty as it is, we do seem to make progress and I continue to wonder what the future will look like, even when I’m not here in human living form.

The flip side of that is the article on seniors and the music that was made in my time of growing up, and how that brings back such delightful memories for me and all of us in my age group even with dementia. John Prine is one of my all time favorites and I still hum and try to remember the lyrics of his songs to this day.

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