Cross-posted from the Institute for Southern Studies Facing South blog.

As the grassroots movement opposing the controversial gas-drilling technique known as hydraulic fracturing or "fracking" racks up political victories, the industry embraces military tactics for dealing with its critics.

Cross-posted from the Institute for Southern Studies.

Eyes firmly planted on the 2012 elections, Republican state leaders across the South and country continue to push a host of bills aimed at restricting voting access and shaping who casts ballots next year.

As Facing South has been reporting, GOP leaders in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and other key states -- after campaigning largely on economic issues -- have made a top priority of passing measures that would shorten early voting, require voters to show photo ID at the polls, limit who can register and mobilize voters, among other measures that could have a big impact in close races.

Originally cross-posted from the Institute for Southern Studies, by Chris Kromm.

Last November, the big themes of the 2010 elections were jobs and the economy. But in states across the South and country, many of the most pitched legislative battles have focused on another issue entirely: voting rights.

With Republicans taking power or strengthening their hand in many state legislatures -- and the 2012 elections looming on the horizon -- GOP leaders are seizing the opportunity to push a raft of measures they claim will restore integrity to the voting process.

But the new voting bills share some important features: They all work to restrict the franchise and shrink the electorate -- in most cases, in ways that would decrease Democratic votes.

And many of the most restrictive measures are being pursued in key battleground states, where shaving just a few percentage points off the black, Latino or youth vote could mean the difference between a state going red or blue.

"It's shocking that the media is reporting on these bills as if they are merely innocent attempts at election reform," said a local North Carolina election official. "Why are they being pushed so hard now? Why in battleground states? Who stands to benefit? The most relevant questions just aren't being asked."

3 amazing guests are joining the celebration.  You should, too.  

For Music: Cool John Ferguson
Playing a blues rooted in low country gospel traditions, Cool John Ferguson is a force to be reckoned with.  He’s collaborated with blues greats, like BB King and Beverly Guitar Watkins, toured at festivals and clubs around the world, and Taj Mahal says he sits among the top 5 guitarist in the world.  Check out his song, “Durham Blues”, from his newest album, These Two Hands.

For Dynamism: Rev. Lennox Yearwood
A minister, an organizer, an engager, a community re-shaper -  this man knows how to affect change.   You know him as president of the Hip Hop Caucus, for his “Vote or Die” and “Respect My Vote” campaigns where he worked with hip hop icons Jay-Z, Russel Simmons, T.I., and Keyshia Cole.  You know him as the man responsible for turning out record numbers of people on Election Day 2008.  He’s at the helm of a 700,000 member database with field teams in 48 cities across 30 states.  He’s been on CNN, BET Tonight, Al Jazeera, PBS, Fox, MTV, BBC, C-Span, and Hardball.  He’s been featured in the Washington Post, New York Times, VIBE, and Ebony Magazine ranks him among the most 100 powerful people in America.  Wow. Now, he’ll be celebrating our 40th anniversary with us.