How 'socialism' went from dirty word to winning in cities nationwide

+ why cops can't be sued for mistakes made on the job US Edition - Today's top story: How 'socialism' stopped being a dirty word for some voters – and started winning elections across America [View in browser]( US Edition | 6 May 2021 [The Conversation]( Academic rigor, journalistic flair As often as not, what The Conversation’s politics coverage brings readers is the history behind the headlines – the social, cultural, political and economic backdrop that explains today’s news. That was definitely the case this week. We published a deep dive, written by Binghamton University historian Joshua Kluever, into the [remarkable rise of the Democratic Socialists of America](, the leftist political group that backed Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential run and helped Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez get elected. We explained how U.S. law came to protect government workers – including police officers – from being [sued for mistakes they make on the job](, in a story from law professor Ronnie R. Gipson Jr. of the University of Memphis. We also answered a history question from 12-year-old Ray G. of Arlington, Virginia, who wondered [what happened to Confederate money after the Civil War?]( Plus: - [Joe Biden’s faith deepens a longstanding divide within American Catholicism]( - [Why Georgia’s controversial new voting restrictions may not actually do very much]( - [Your refrigerator is getting greener]( Thanks for reading this week’s History Weekly – ahem, Politics Weekly – newsletter. Catesby Holmes International Editor | Politics Editor U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders are both members of the Democratic Socialists of America. Joe Raedle/Getty Images [How ‘socialism’ stopped being a dirty word for some voters – and started winning elections across America]( Joshua Kluever, Binghamton University, State University of New York The leftist Democratic Socialists of America was tiny before the 2016 election. Now, with 90,000 dues-paying members and four seats in Congress, the DSA is upending Democratic politics nationwide. In 2020, Georgia voters lined up for long waits to cast early ballots. AP Photo/Ron Harris [Georgia voter suppression efforts may not change election results much]( Bernard Tamas, Valdosta State University With Democratic voters already packed into a small number of districts, reducing voter turnout won't really lower the chances of Democrats winning – or help Republicans win. Confederate currency had images of enslaved people, historical figures and mythical deities. elycefeliz/Flickr [What happened to Confederate money after the Civil War?]( Robert Gudmestad, Colorado State University Confederate paper money was a promise to exchange the bill for gold or silver, but only after the Confederacy won the war. - [How qualified immunity protects police officers accused of wrongdoing]( Ronnie R. Gipson Jr., University of Memphis Police officers who kill, injure or violate the rights of citizens are often not held accountable, even in civil court – because in most cases, they can't be sued for official acts. - [Anti-transgender bills are latest version of conservatives’ longtime strategy to rally their base]( Alison Gash, University of Oregon A civil rights scholar looks at the large number of anti-transgender policies being debated and passed in state capitols. They are a staple issue for conservatives who want to rally their base. - [Bishops’ move to press Biden not to take Communion reflects power struggle in split Catholic Church]( Steven P. Millies, Catholic Theological Union Communion is the central act of Catholic worship. So why are some US bishops trying to stop President Joe Biden – a devout Catholic – from partaking? - [How cleaning up coolants can cool the climate – why HFCs are getting phased out from refrigerators and air conditioners]( Scott Denning, Colorado State University HFCs keep refrigerators cool, but when these short-lived climate pollutants leak, they warm the planet. The US EPA has a plan to phase them out, but what will replace them? You’re receiving this newsletter from [The Conversation](. Not interested anymore? [Unsubscribe](. 303 Wyman Street, Suite 300 Waltham, MA 02451