What qualifies an athlete to compete as a woman or a man?  What makes any of us a man or a woman?  It's not as obvious as you might have thought, as the Old Mole's Frann Michel argues in this commentary, which begins with the case of runner Caster Semenya.  You can read Frann's remarks here, where you will also find links to many further discussions of the issue.  

Progressives are feeling let down by what looks like President Obama's failure to push for the changes we believe in.  But what can a President do?What are the forces he or she has to work with to stay in office, to remain credible?  Bill Resnick opens our eyes to them.  You can read this commentary here. 

 Building on the model of the Mondragón region of Spain, a movement for  a system of worker-owned co-ops is growing in Cleveland, Ohio.  Ted Howard, director of the Democracy Collaborative at the University of Maryland, talks with the Old Mole's Bill Resnick about the democratic potential of this movement.  Read more about this work in this article from Yes Magazine. (Image from Equal Exchange)

 The duo Guardabarranco, consisting of sister and brother Katia Cardenal  and Salvador Cardenal Barquero, emerged with the Sandanista revolution in Nicraguq.  Norm Diamond plays part of "Casa Abierta" ("Open House") and translates its message hope, peace and justice.  They take their name from the national bird of Nicaragua.

Test -- or increase -- your knowledge of Mole History -- the people from the past who have worked for an end to oppression by playing Mystery Mole.  Norm gives four clues to help us zero in on the answer to this whodunit puzzle for the left.  

 This edition of the Old Mole is hosted by Norm Diamond (pictured here), and includes his special feature "Mystery Mole," as well as thoughtful introductions to all the other Moles' contributions.  Norm also plays and comments on a song by the Nicaraguan duo Guardabarranco.