Sen. Bernie Sanders, whose insurgent presidential primary campaign put radical democracy on the political map, tells in his new book how he became "Bernie" and how the US can find its way to a social justice future again. Bill Mosley reviews his book Our Revolution.

Though we need our local institutions to present a solid front to the prospect of a corporate coup (the Trump administration) trends in the news make us wonder if we will have to watch our backs unless we give them some backbone.

Even in the face of Trump's corporate coup, local and state governments can reduce income inequality with affirmative moves like those in Portland, Oregon -- where out-of-balance CEO compensation will have its price, and benefit the public. Hal Ginsberg recounts how Maryland and its local governments can consider this step.

Holidays approach but there is still activism going on. Food security and zero waste policy (hmmm... they may be related) are on the agenda this week.

Though a MoCo Council majority appears ready to pass a $15 minimum wage, Council President Roger Berliner is using his agenda-setting power to attempt a delay for a study of its effects on local businesses. Study or not, it seems likely the Council won't be able to act until it begins its 2017 session.

Gov. Larry Hogan's business-friendly paid sick leave proposal Wednesday brought strong pushback and will likely mean a stronger coalition for a bill in January that will actually help low-wage workers faced with the need to go to work sick, or lose their jobs.

Montgomery County Council's HHS committee will work on the bill mandating a $15 minimum wage in the county tomorrow, Wednesday Dec. 7, at 9 a.m. in their Rockville chambers. The coalition spearheaded by Progressive Maryland plans to fill the room with activists advocating for the bill.

A busy week including chapter meetings in Montgomery and Prince George's, plus our recent press clips, the week's blogs and other important things.

Prince George's County Councilmember Mel Franklin (Dist. 9) cast considerable doubt on his fitness for office in his recent DUI charge resulting from an accident while driving a county-owned vehicle. Progressive Prince George's has called for his resignation and more past accidents with county vehicles have come to light.

PM BlogSpace regular Hal Ginsberg brings the news -- and soundtrack -- of the Tuesday night vigil for a $15/hr minimum wage in Montgomery County. Don't miss the audio links embedded in this account.