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(3 comments) SHARE Monday, January 30, 2012 An Ominous Foreboding, Israel vs Iran
According to Ronen Bergman an analyst for the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, writing yesterday in the NY Times magazine, says Israel will attack Iran in 2012. Former head of Israel's Mossad intelligence service Meir Dagan says the Iranian threat is not imminent and a military strike catastrophic for Israel. If Bergman's analysis is correct the Israeli leadership will decide to strike Iran anyway.
SHARE Friday, January 28, 2011 The Evolving Populist Political Rebellion in the Arab World
What we are witnessing in the Arab world began w/ the self immolation of a fruit seller in Tunisia has inspired a populist political rebellion well beyond Tunisia, connected w/ and touched a nerve in many Arab peoples. Egypt is calling for Mubarak to step down. Yesterday in Yemen 1000's marched calling for Pres. Saleh to step down. The rebellions have been spontaneous swellings of ordinary people wanting to overthrow tyrants.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, March 18, 2014 A Nuclear War Would Be Insane
Let’s get to the point; a nuclear war would be insane. Nuclear weapons today are infinitely more powerful than the bombs dropped on Japan in 1945. Both the U.S & Russia possess MIRV’d missiles carrying multiple warheads & no ABM’s are capable of intercepting them. The cold wars mutually assured destruction-MAD- still applies. It would be the hgt. of insanity for a nuclear war to break out over the Ukraine crisis.
(5 comments) SHARE Wednesday, October 13, 2010 The Rich Get Richer, the Poor Get Poorer, While the Middle Class Gets Decimated
The rich get richer; the poor get poorer, the theme that best describes this great recession. Now the middle classes are being decimated expanding the ranks of the poor. Where are the giant gov't projects of roads, bridges, schools, railroads? Is it just nostalgia for FDR and the WPA's and CCC's of his time? There should have been a middle class rebellion demanding the enactment of programs to get people back to work.
(6 comments) SHARE Saturday, February 7, 2015 CIA in the Crosshairs
Forget the Brian Williams saga that's gone viral. It's just a distraction because the much larger issue is this: distortion, misinformation & lies are reported daily by the entire MSM in the US & Europe. That's the real story. It has been revealed by Dr. Udo Ulfkotte, the former editor of a leading German newspaper who wrote a book, "Bought Journalists" which he says "characterizes the CIA control of the western media".
(5 comments) SHARE Friday, October 5, 2012 Iran Offers 9 Point Plan to end Nuclear Crisis, U.S. "No thanks".
Iran has proposed a 9 step plan to end the crisis over its nuclear development. It requires an immediate cessation of all sanctions. From Sec'y of State Clinton, "The U.S. has no intentions of relaxing sanctions". So much for the latest offer from Iran. It has been portrayed as an existential threat, yet it is the U.S. that refuses to engage Iran diplomatically w/out preconditions & not wanting a normalization of relations.
(23 comments) SHARE Sunday, August 15, 2010 The Danger of an Israeli Attack on Iran
Since the 1967 war Israel has become the preeminent power in the Middle East. It is unchallenged yet its recent actions reveal a siege mentality despite its military superiority. Feeding this siege mentality most prominently is Iran and its nuclear ambitions. The worry is Israel will act unilaterally and bomb Iranian nuclear facilities with disastrous consequences. Only Barack Obama can avert this disaster from happening.
(24 comments) SHARE Tuesday, October 18, 2011 Why the Occupy Movement is Critical for America
The occupy movement is critical for America. Our current path is disastrous; endless wars, torture, unemployment, jobs lost, wide disparity of income between the !% and the 99%,as well as the corrupted political theatre in Washington incapable of real problem solving. There are times in history movements emerge when conditions are such that the complete overhaul of the existing system is necessary. This is one of those times.
(9 comments) SHARE Wednesday, May 25, 2016 The US has become for all practical purposes a criminal enterprise
The US has become for all practical purposes a criminal enterprise. Unhinged & unrestrained from any accountability, conducting endless wars, initiating coups, color revolutions, false flag ops, NGO infiltration to undermine legitimate gov'ts, that is criminal activity. Now w/ NATO on Russia's doorstep, US naval ships exercising old time gun boat diplomacy in the S. China Sea there's ominous foreboding cold war could turn hot.
(61 comments) SHARE Saturday, December 17, 2016 Premeditated domestic crisis instigated by the CIA
We may be heading for a presidential crisis of major proportions if Monday's electoral college vote is not finalized that day. Some 56 electors-all Dems except one-have requested a briefing on allegations Russia interfered w/ the election. One thing seems clear, the CIA precipitated a pre-meditated crisis w/ allegations of Russian meddling in the election; no proof given. We'll see if that crisis becomes a CIA domestic coup.
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, December 6, 2012 The Insidious National Security State in Operation
We're fast becoming the United States of Surveillance. Besides TSA screening, surveillance cameras are popping up everywhere on roads & intersections. Cell phone use monitored, internet snooping, credit card transactions tracked, warrantless wiretapping & now NDAA authorization for the military to hold anyone w/o charges & due process. Its the insidious nat'l security state in operation & its about to become more invasive.
SHARE Monday, May 16, 2011 Erik Prince, The "Prince of Darkness"
According to yesterday's N.Y. Times, Erik Prince, former owner of Blackwater is about to ply his trade in the United Arab Emirates. Prince has secured a $529 million contract w/ the UAE to build a private mercenary force in the desert kingdom opposite Iran. The mission: conduct special ops. inside and outside the country. It's illegal and Iran will not take kindly to this unnecessary provocation. Prince needs to be reined in.
(5 comments) SHARE Wednesday, February 19, 2014 The Racism May Be Submerged, But We're Still a Racist Society
In light of the mistrial verdict in a Florida 1st degree murder trial where Michael Dunn a white man shot & killed 17yr. old Jordan Davis over his playing of loud music or George Zimmerman’s acquittal in his killing Trayvon Martin where stand your ground law exists, these cases reveal we’re still a racist society. The racism may be submerged but still too ingrained to believe we’re anywhere near a color blind society.
(63 comments) SHARE Wednesday, April 5, 2017 Something may be amiss immediately blaming Syrian government for Sarin gas attack
As we know a sarin gas attack occurred in Khan Shaykhun, Syria on Monday killing some 58 people. Western leaders including Pres. Trump immediately blamed Syrian Pres. Assad. However the area around Khan Shaykhun is held by al Qaeda militants. The UN Mission Report of the sarin attack in 2013 confirmed "opposition" rebels used chemical weapons. Could this be another false chemical attack allegation against the Syrian gov't?
(4 comments) SHARE Wednesday, August 24, 2016 Preventing potential Hillary conspired "regime change" in Syria
If Hillary Clinton becomes president she could escalate the war in Syria. The Pentagon has chimed in w/ telltale warnings of its intentions in Syria ready "to down Syrian & Russian planes" threatening US military advisers. Former CIA acting Dir. Mike Morell said the Iranians & the Russians should "pay a price", kill them "covertly" but make sure they know it in Moscow & Tehran." Regime change in Syria can & must be prevented.
(7 comments) SHARE Wednesday, July 1, 2015 Putin, Always One Step Ahead of the US
Since the US inspired coup in Kiev in Feb.2014 it's been nonstop bashing of Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin in the west. The purpose, get Putin to take the bait & invade Ukraine. Only Putin isn't biting. He wants no wider war in Ukraine. He's interested in economic development w/ China & lately working behind the scene to develop a Gazprom Nord Stream gas pipeline from Russia under the Baltic Sea directly into Germany.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, April 22, 2015 Russia, Full Speed Ahead to Deter Pentagon's Nuclear 1st Strike Capability
So... is there reason for optimism in the world to avoid a nuclear conflagration albeit NOT a nuclear war by accident? While the US is developing a "Full spectrum dominance" capability Russia is fast developing an S-500 ABM system that according to reporter Pepe Escobar can intercept ANY American missile system. He puts it operational in 2017. Could this be the key to prevent the Pentagon contemplating a nuclear 1st strike?
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, February 2, 2012 Political Campaign Theatre Masquerading as Real Difference
President Obama is in full campaign mode. His latest plan is $5 to 10 billion to go to some homeowners but can't refinance because their homes are worth less than what they owe. It sounds good, but it's political theatre. The Repubs. won't back it so it has no chance of being enacted. The bottom line is if Obama really cared about homeowners in distress he'd have pushed for helping ALL early in his presidency. He didn't.
(4 comments) SHARE Tuesday, September 27, 2016 Military "incidents" in Syria, precursors for a wider war between US and Russia?
Could it be military "incidents" in Syria since late August are the pre-cursors for a wider war between the US & Russia? One would never know it from the presidential "debate" last night. Yet several "incidents" have occurred in Syria that could very well be ominous signs the Syrian conflict could explode into a direct conflict between Russia & the US. "Incidents", real or false flag have been precursors to larger wars.
(6 comments) SHARE Tuesday, November 9, 2010 "Amerika, Inc."
There remains little doubt that we in America have now the complete corporate takeover of our country. They reign supreme. Our media, mass entertainment, the unnecessary wars we fight only serve their interests. We are their pawns, docile passive slaves to this malevolent giant corporate octopus whose tentacles are omnipresent. There's a name for it and it's called, "Amerika, Inc."
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, December 13, 2011 New U.S. Adventurism in the South China Sea
A month ago in a speech to the Australian Parliament, President Obama put forth a major policy shift w/ emphasis on a greater naval military presence in Asia and particularly in the South China Sea. Billed as a necessary protection for all nations' interests and as a means to keep the sea lanes open, it has all the makings of a new containment policy aimed directly at China and the start of a new cold war.
(10 comments) SHARE Monday, May 22, 2017 Trump's speech in Saudi Arabia, stunning in its flight from reality
Pres. Trump's speech in Saudi Arabia yesterday was absolutely stunning in its flight from reality condemning Iran while it's been "official" Washington as the primary perpetrator-along w/ his host Saudi Arabia is responsible for what Trump said, "fueling the sectarian conflict & terror in the world". He said, "Above all, America seeks peace-not war". Not true. America seeks war, not peace, something Trump couldn't acknowledge.
SHARE Wednesday, December 16, 2015 A possible light at the end of the tunnel in Syria?
There appears a possible light @ the end of the tunnel in Syria, this after a 3 1/2 hr meeting in Moscow yesterday between Sec'y of St. Kerry & Russian Pres. Putin. After the meeting it was announced an int'l conference will be held in NY on Friday. Afterward Kerry made clear the Assad must go mantra was a non starting position & the US stands ready to work w/ Russia. This could be the diplomatic opening to ending the crisis.
(4 comments) SHARE Tuesday, January 14, 2020 US mischief in Iranian region contributed to Ukraine airliner being downed byIran missile
The latest on the Ukraine airliner downed by an Iranian missile was caused by "human error", this from Iran Pres. Rouhani. "The Iranian Republic of Iran regrets this disastrous mistake." He's called for a special probe & a special court to try the case. This AM arrests were made. Though the US is not directly culpable in the incident its complicity is its mischief in the region forcing the Iran military to be on high alert.
(14 comments) SHARE Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Burns, Novick, PBS documentary found misleading the American public
The Ken Burns, Lynn Novick PBS documentary on the Vietnam war misleads the American public. It justifies US escalation of the Vietnam war in retaliation against North Vietnam over the Gulf of Tonkin Incident". In actuality the "Incident" ,which never occurred, was a false flag operation perpetrated by the US. The escalation of the war was unjustified US aggression.
(19 comments) SHARE Wednesday, March 29, 2017 A US war with nuclear armed Russia just got more ominous
Perhaps it was inevitable US war w/Russia ominously about to come to pass in Syria. W/ Mad Dog Mattis as Defense Sec'y & HR McMaster as Nat'l Security advisor, both anti-Moscow hardliners the risk of a clash w/ Moscow just increased. As Mike Whitney sees it, "Either Russia ceases its operations in E. Syria or the US agrees to w/draw its US backed forces...there's going to be a collision between two nuclear armed adversaries."
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, May 20, 2014 Putin and China Reach Tentative Oil and Gas Deal Worth a Trillion Dollars
Earlier today Russia & China reached a tentative trillion dollar gas &oil deal in Shanghai w/only the asking price left to be finalized. The NY Times portrayed it as a failure to reach agreement but this needs to be seen as only the beginning of what is sure to be increased trade & development ties between the two countries. It remains to be seen the response taken by the US to Russia & China drawing ever closer together.
(5 comments) SHARE Friday, June 24, 2016 Russia and China aren't the threat; we are.
The US since the end of WWII thru its actions in the world has become the most sinister entity in the world. It's not put that way by our politicos or the corp. MSM who have indoctrinated, propagandized & insulated the people from the horror the US state commits beyond our borders. So most support our wars, drone strikes & aren't affected by our killing innocents, collateral damage. Russia & China aren't the threat; we are.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, July 22, 2014 Israeli's "Cheer, Whoop and Whistle" as Bombs Rain Down on Palestinian's in Gaza
In an article originally published in the Guardian titled "Israeli's Gather on Hillsides to Watch and Cheer as Military Drops Bombs on Gaza" by Harriet Sherwood, she relates "groups of Israeli's gather each evening on hilltops close to the Gaza border to cheer, whoop & whistle as bombs rain down on" Palestinian's while some Israeli's take in the "festivities" & cheer. It's unconscionable.
(3 comments) SHARE Friday, June 28, 2013 Retired General James Cartwright Named by Justice Department as "Person of Interest"
Obama's Justice Dep't just named retired General James Cartwright the former Joint Chiefs Vice Chairman & former part of Obama's inner circle as a person of interest for allegedly leaking info about Stuxnet the secret cyberwarfare virus that attacked Iran's computers controlling the enrichment of uranium. Look @ Stuxnet for what it truly was; an act of war on another country. Cartwright knew it & why he may have leaked it.
(9 comments) SHARE Monday, November 7, 2011 Nationwide General Strike Called for November, 28
"Citizens for Legitimate Government" is calling for a nationwide gen'l strike on Nov.28. The rationale is the Congressional super committee is due to call for deep cuts in Medicare, Medicaid and Soc. Sec. as part of an austerity package . We will be forced to pay for the failures of the capitalist class which the two political parties are simply two levers by which the capitalist class controls the political process in the U.S
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, April 13, 2016 There are times the gauntlet must be thrown down. This is one of those times.
Endless war befouls America as others see us as the greatest threat to world peace. America's decision makers don't want peace just hegemony over the world. Most Americans see this as part of the corruption that pervades our political system though most people believe they are powerless to do anything about it. But something is being done. "Democracy Spring" & it's happening right now in DC. The gauntlet has been thrown down.
(30 comments) SHARE Friday, February 26, 2010 Could the Far Right Be Incited to Go From Raucousness to Violence?
Ever since last summers town hall "meetings" descended into rowdy "shout downs" by aggrieved and often incoherent right "wing nuts", there persists a nagging uneasiness that their verbal diatribe (vituperation?) could be incited and turn into physical violence.
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, September 30, 2011 Ah, Who Won The Cold War?
Vladimir Putin will again seek the presidency of Russia. No big surprise. He has no opposition and remains popular w/ the people. W/ his stature he even speaks openly of social inequality, violence, corruption, feelings of injustice and vulnerability that Russian people feel. Empathetic words the people in the U.S. should be hearing from their reps w/ action to work on their peoples plight. Who was it that won the cold war?
(13 comments) SHARE Tuesday, October 4, 2016 "We are on the brink of war with Russia"
Madness reigns. How else to put it considering the vitriol coming from the west & specifically from the US demonizing Russian Pres Putin & nuclear armed Russia. This is simply insane. Last week Joint Chiefs Chairman Marine Gen'l Joe Dunford said, "We are on the brink of war with Russia" in Syria. A war w/ Russia in Syria could escalate into a nuclear conflagration. This is a most dangerous time.
SHARE Sunday, August 8, 2010 Hysteria and Intolerance in America
The protest sign read, "Mosques Are Monuments to Terrorism." It was displayed at a proposed site for a new mosque in Temecula, CA. led by a "Tea Party" group. One woman said, "I learned that in 20 years"we will be overtaken by Islam, and their goal is to get the Congress and the Supreme Court to see Shariah implemented.It's a political gov't and 100% against the Constitution." So much for religious tolerance by these Americans
(14 comments) SHARE Wednesday, October 12, 2011 Occupy Movement About to Erupt in Solidarity on College Campuses
Tom'w some 90 plus colleges nationwide will hold solidarity protests in support of Occupy Wall Street. What began Sept.17 in Zuccotti Park in N.Y. is fast spreading across America and now college campuses to join & rebel against the collusion of the political and corporate oligarchs that have transformed our representative democracy into a plutocracy that serves their interests to the detriment of the 99% of the people.
(42 comments) SHARE Thursday, January 24, 2019 Just another US-fomented coup this time in Venezuela
Yesterday Trump recognized Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido as the countries interim President. In response the legitimately elected gov't of Nicolas Maduro broke all diplomatic relations with the US giving all diplomats 72 hrs. to leave the country. Last night Sec'y of State Mike Pompeo said the US stands w/ Guaido & does not recognize the Maduro regime as the gov't of Venezuela. It's just another US fomented coup.
SHARE Friday, May 14, 2010 Minerals Management Services Gave Permission for BP to Drill Without Getting Required Permits
"The federal Minerals Management Service gave permission to BP and dozens of other oil companies to drill in the Gulf of Mexico without getting the required permits"" they routinely overruled its staff biologists and engineers who raised concerns about safety and environmental impact of certain drilling proposals in the gulf"and those scientists said they were regularly pressured by agency officials to change their findings.
(3 comments) SHARE Monday, March 11, 2019 US culpability in cyber attack of Venezuela's electrical power grid?
Has there been a cyber attack on Venezuela's electrical power grid occurring since Thursday all over the country? There's no proof of US culpability but it has conducted cyber warfare & did so w/a computer virus on Iran in 2010. Considering US sanctions, rejecting Maduro as the legitimately elected president & supporting the un-elected Juan Guaido as president, the US has been interfering in the internal affairs of Venezuela.
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, April 22, 2016 Putin is serving notice, Russia will defend itself against US and NATO aggression
The headline in the NY Times read, "Russia Bolsters Its Submarine Fleet & Tensions W/ the US Rise". It all but accused Putin's Russia of "prowling" off the coasts of Scandinavia, Scotland, the Mediterranean & the North Atlantic. The only problem Putin's prowling is just a response to the US &NATO prowling to the edge of Russia's borders. Putin is serving notice Russia will act to defend itself against US & NATO aggression.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, August 12, 2019 The ruling elite and its control of America
There is a deep undercurrent roiling this country splintered & disconnected. There is no mutual respect between right & left. Too busy squabbling. A perfect illustration of divide & conquer tactics by the ruling elite. One thing right & left can agree on. Our electoral system is completely corrupt & controlled by the ruling elite. They are the beneficiaries. As long as that system remains in place nothing will change.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, November 4, 2013 Sports in America, Playing is supposed to be Fun
Sports may or may not be a religion in America but one would be hard put to deny its significance for many people. It's a mania from rec. sports to top level college & the pros. W/ that mania come the parents & coaches & their affect on the players. Some parents & coaches are overly critical & demeaning. They've forgotten playing sports are supposed to be fun, not drudgery.
(5 comments) SHARE Monday, July 15, 2013 U.S. Bullying Latin American Countries Offering Asylum to Snowden with "Lasting Consequences" that "Won't Go Away"
Hardly unexpected, the U.S. is putting on a full court press on countries in Latin America that have offered asylum to Edward Snowden pressuring them not to grant it. According to a State Dep't official letting Snowden into Latin America would have "lasting consequences". What they would be weren't made specific yet it seems clear reprisals would be forthcoming if any gov't defied the U.S. in granting asylum to Snowden.
(9 comments) SHARE Sunday, July 18, 2010 Senate Republicans: "Unemployment Benefits a Disincentive to Find Work", What It Says About Them and Us
Senate Republicans are concerned over the rising deficit and believe continued unemployment benefits for the long term unemployed are a disincentive to find work. These congressional Grinch's are willing to let people who are in desperate straits fall into the abyss of destitution. This callousness says we have lost something in America. Too many have lost our selves, become hollow and impassive to the reality in our midst.
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, August 14, 2010 Secretary of Defense Gates Defense Savings Just a Bait and Switch
Defense Sec'y Gates says he wants to save $10 billion in the next four years by reducing spending on civilian contractors and put the savings into weapons systems rather than reducing the federal deficit. Au contraire, the entire bloated Defense Dep't budget needs to be pared to the bone, is completely unnecessary and out of sync relative to the terrorism threats we face.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, February 19, 2020 What's happening in Idlib Province Syria could explode into a major war
A pledge of NATO is coming to the defense of a member if they are attacked. NATO member Turkey borders Idlib, Syria where terrorists remain. Of late 12 Turkish troops were killed by Syrian army forces advancing in Idlib. Turkish Pres. Erdogan retaliated downing 2 Syrian army helicopters. Erdogan says he'll attack Syrian & Russian planes unless the Syrian army halts its advance into Idlib. This could escalate into a major war.
(4 comments) SHARE Monday, May 20, 2013 Nearly 600,000 Wounded Vets Claims for Disability Suffered in Iraq and Afghanistan Wars "backlogged" for Months
There's a big controversy concerning the Dep't of Veterans Affairs where nearly 600,000 wounded vets of the Iraq & Afghanistan wars are having their claims for disability compensation "backlogged" for over 125 days. These wounded vets don't want to hear about the antiquated system now overwhelmed by their claims. They expect their claims be acted on swiftly & w/o red tape. They are right.
(3 comments) SHARE Wednesday, July 16, 2014 Benjamin Netanyahu, the Dick Cheney of Israel
According to an Israeli reporter, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu knew w/in 24 hrs. the 3 Israeli boys kidnapped in the West Bank were dead but to the public "maintained the fiction it hoped to find them alive as a pretext to dismantle Hamas' West Bank operations. It was, simply put, a lie". The episode brought back memories of VP Dick Chaney knowingly lying to the public using the media to spread his falsehoods.
SHARE Wednesday, May 31, 2023 F-35 fighter jet program comes under harsh review in latest GAO report
The Government Accounting Office latest report released yesterday indicated "the F-35 program continues to experience schedule delays, cost growth, & late deliveries" despite each plane costing "some $80 million and beset by numerous issues". Despite the GAO report the Defense Department has installations in all 50 states providing jobs and no politico in those states is going to be critical of the DOD.
(4 comments) SHARE Thursday, February 21, 2019 The US doesn't "care two hoots about what the world thinks".
When it comes to US machinations in the world how horrendous can they get? Quoting Michael Walton's "The Deep Hurt: Lessons From American Coups", "There is little pretence that the US is engaging in bully politics of 'might is right'. They don't care two hoots about what the world thinks. They do not give a damn about self-determination of all countries & peoples". How horrendous before the world stands up to the bully?
(4 comments) SHARE Monday, July 23, 2012 "Justice" for Bradley Manning?
Bradley Manning is to go on trial for "aiding the enemy" allegedly for supplying WikiLeaks documents the web site subsequently leaked. Under the law it must be shown the defendant had the intent of harming the U.S. The defense will show Manning had no such intent. If there is to be justice for Bradley Manning it is clear he never had intent to harm the U.S. Manning's conviction would be a supreme injustice.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, April 10, 2013 North Korea Does Not Pose a Nuclear Threat to the U.S.
N.Korea's newest leader Kim Jong Un has been making "threatening" comments this past month about sending missiles that could hit the U.S. mainland & the U.S. has reacted with predictable alarm. But Un like his predecessors is all bluster & bravado. The idea that N. Korea would preemptively launch a nuclear strike aimed @ the U.S. knowing his country would be incinerated in retaliation makes the idea absurd. It won't happen.
(9 comments) SHARE Wednesday, December 20, 2017 What's coming from the Trump crowd regarding North Korea is simply madness
War w/ N. Korea could be imminent. From reports the US conducted joint training exercises w/ S. Korean forces to practice removing nuclear weapons from N. Korea. From Trumps Nat'l Security Advisor H.R. McMaster, referring to N. Korea, "We're out of time w/this problem". "The US is ready to compel the denuclearization of N. Korea" & "w/out the cooperation of that regime". What's coming from the Trump crowd is simply madness.
SHARE Sunday, April 10, 2011 The Hypocrisy of U.S. Military Withdrawal From Iraq
On Friday Sec'y of Defense Gates suggested troops could remain in Iraq for years. The U.S. had no intention of completely w/drawing. Gates' suggestion confirms our real intentions. Iraq was a contrived hoax perpetrated on the American people, successfully marketed like beer and car ads to those gullible enough to believe such propaganda. That marketing success seems proven considering most Americans seem to tolerate our wars.
SHARE Saturday, July 2, 2022 With its special military operation now in its 5th month in Ukraine Russia is winning the war
With its special military operation now into the 5th month in Ukraine Russia is winning the war. Eastern Ukraine, the Donbass w/Luhansk & Donetsk militaries working in tandem w/the Russian military has secured most of the territory from Kharkov in the northeast to Mariupol on the Sea of Azov to Kherson & Odessa on the Black Sea. It appears these mostly Russian speaking areas aren't about to be ceded back to the Kiev regime.
(4 comments) SHARE Wednesday, October 21, 2015 Putin's actions in Syria, Do you really want to mess with us?
Vladimir Putin's move into Syria "startled" the US w/ him saying w/ his actions-no words necessary-"Don't mess w/ us" or better, "Do you really want to mess w/us?" With his brilliantly conceived military moves in Syria he's changed the equation forcing reality onto the US that its notions of regime change is unacceptable & will be countered.
(5 comments) SHARE Thursday, December 10, 2015 Syria upping the ante reportedly ready to deploy S-300 surface to air missiles to defend its air space
It's been reported Syria is ready to deploy the S-300 air defense system, a surface to air missile supplied by Russia giving Syria control of its territory w/ the capability to shoot down any intrusive warplane or missile w/out warning. That sure ups the ante. But Syria is a sovereign state & under int'l law it's been attacked illegally. Does it not have the right to further defend against any hostile force attacking it?
(24 comments) SHARE Saturday, May 16, 2015 What to make of Kerry meeting with Putin in Sochi, Russia?
There may have been a positive development this past week between the US & Russia w/ Sec'y of State Kerry traveling to Sochi, Russia & meeting w/ Pres. Putin. A telling remark by Kerry, "The Minsk 2 agreement was the only way forward & that he would strongly caution Poroshenko against the idea of renewing military operations" in Ukraine. Could this be the beginning of an era of cooperation dampening new cold war fervor?
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, September 22, 2023 European President Ursula von der Leyen insinuates it was Russia that dropped atomic bombs on Japan in 1945
Yesterday at the Atlantic Councils Global Citizens Awards affair European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in her speech insinuated it was Russia that dropped those atomic bombs on Japan August, 1945. She also made no mention of the US in her speech-which we all know was the actual perpetrator to that horror.
(14 comments) SHARE Monday, September 4, 2017 The Trump crowd can't see the forest for the trees
Why has negotiation become the plague to the Trump administration when it comes to N. Korea? There is no other way short of war, even nuclear war to deal w/ the North. Trump tweets threats, "locked & loaded" & "fire & fury" don't phase N.Korean leader Kim Song-Un. Former Chief White House strategist Steve Bannon said it right, "There's no military solution here, they got us". The Trump crowd can't see the forest for the trees.
(14 comments) SHARE Thursday, January 15, 2015 Why are so many veterans of our wars committing suicide?
Why are so many veterans of our wars committing suicide? Maybe some can't reengage w/ the superficial, indifferent disconnected world they've been thrust back into returning home compared w/ the shared life & death ordeal they faced each day relying on the men next to them just to survive in war. Maybe it was PTSD, joblessness, divorce, feeling discarded after serving. Maybe they believed it was all for nothing?
(11 comments) SHARE Sunday, July 24, 2016 Putin,"The world is being pulled in an irreversible direction"
Washington continues to provoke Russia w/ recent NATO troop exercises in Poland & the Baltic states & in May placing ABM missiles in Romania. Russian President Vladimir Putin explains such ABM missiles can become offensive missiles aimed directly @ Russia "done simply by switching the software" further saying "the world is being pulled in an irreversible direction", meaning nuclear war.
(9 comments) SHARE Thursday, January 11, 2018 Climate change deniers, who are these people?
Climate change deniers. Who are these people? Seemingly anti-intellectual, distrust scientific evidence, reject evolution, creationists who believe the Earth is 10,000 yrs. old. Many are fundamentalist Christians, take the bible literally, interpret the Book of Revelation w/ the end days, Armageddon & the 2nd coming of Christ. For them why worry about climate change when there's the 2nd coming of Christ & they'll all be saved.
(20 comments) SHARE Saturday, September 4, 2010 There is a Crisis in this Country
There is a crisis in this country. The crisis is how our democracy functions, how it is influenced and dominated by big moneyed and special interests. Its continued existence is why we are at a crisis stage. Only citizen funded and publicly financed elections will make our legislators beholden to the people. It is THE one reform that can save us from ourselves for our current system is unredeemable.
(4 comments) SHARE Friday, February 5, 2010 The "Madness" of Drone Warfare
There is a certain "madness" that now reigns with our use of drones in conducting our war with terrorists. President Obama has dramatically escalated the use of drones in Pakistan, a country we are not at war. These attacks have killed and maimed countless innocents. This escalation into Pakistan elicits hardly a murmur by our media and the American people. Something is terribly wrong in America.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, November 13, 2012 Republican Party of Ideologues Remain in Complete Denial after Election
It's been a week since the presidential election & the backbiting recriminations among the Repubs. have been going on nonstop ever since. Reality doesn't seem to enter the equation w/ these people. They're a party of old white men, a dying demographic, anti immigration, anti Hispanic, anti gay, anti women, anti gov't, anti taxation & climate change deniers w/ the changing demographic of today's America lost on them.
(17 comments) SHARE Wednesday, June 8, 2011 We Can No Longer Remain Passive and Indifferent, It is Time for Collective Action
Where is the collective unity of purpose in this country? Millions suffer from the excesses committed by the financial industry. There are pockets of resistance and collective action notably in Wisconsin. It needs to happen across the country, yet passivity and indifference remains the norm. Too many fail to realize these corporate plutocratic forces if left unchecked will engulf them in the eddy they seem oblivious to.
(27 comments) SHARE Wednesday, April 26, 2017 What's it mean to be a good American today?
What's it mean to be a good American today? Be conservative, liberal, belief in God, a flag waving "patriot", extol our military? How about individuals & alternative web sites refusing to accept the conventional wisdom or jump on the bandwagon & reject the "official" versions of events? Are they good Americans? The US provokes country's refusing US hegemony. What about those who oppose such policies. Are they good Americans?
(21 comments) SHARE Monday, August 13, 2012 Obama/Biden or Romney/Ryan, Does it really matter?
So Romney picked Ryan as his #2 in November. The harsh reality is the candidates & running mates of either major party make no difference. The ultimate policy decisions of endless war, unnecessary defense spending, secret Justice Dep't memos giving legal cover to whatever the Pres. does, corp. influence over the electoral process &political agenda favoring those interests doesn't change regardless of which major party gets in.
(6 comments) SHARE Tuesday, October 24, 2017 The dollar as the world's reserve currency being challenged with more countries trade by-passing the dollar
The dollar as the world's reserve currency is being challenged. More &more countries are by-passing the dollar & trading in their own currencies. Such de-dollarization could have a major divestment impact on the dollar remaining as the world's reserve currency as China, Russia, Iran, Venezuela are all by-passing the dollar & trading in their own currencies.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, December 1, 2015 We need to take our country back
We need to take our country back. It's been systematically hijacked, usurped by the massive financial, military/industrial & energy behemoths that completely controls the political process, writes the laws, regulations, oversight & enforcement to the benefit of those interests. They underwrite the campaigns of politicos in a system of legalized bribery. Only w/ meaningful campaign finance reform can this corruption be ended.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, September 13, 2011 A Corporate "Culture of Fraud"
Yesterday Maxim Healthcare Services guilty of fraud in submitting $61M in false claims for services to the fed'l govt's Medicaid program from 1998 to 2009 settled for $150 M. Maxim had rec'd $2 billion in reimbursements during that time. Investigators found mgrs. and workers repeatedly modified time sheets and documents to cover up the fraud that became common practice creating a "culture of fraud". That is what's troubling.
(8 comments) SHARE Friday, July 8, 2016 Who would be more dangerous, Hillary or the "Donald"?
If these times were "normal", which obviously they are not, Donald Trump would be seen as a self important, egotistical buffoon, ridiculed as such & long gone from the scene. Hillary Clinton would easily be seen as war monger who could never be trusted with her finger on the nuclear button. Yet these are the major presumptive nominees for POTUS. In the final analysis who would be more dangerous, Hillary or the "Donald"?
(4 comments) SHARE Tuesday, March 3, 2015 Germany, the Linchpin to prevent a new war in Europe
Germany & France oppose the US sending lethal weapons to the Ukraine gov't. Germany's Merkel & France's Hollande met in Moscow w/ Pres. Putin desperately seeking an end to the Ukraine crisis. A new ceasefire was brokered in Minsk but may not hold. New weapons to Kiev could be the red line Putin will not accept. Germany must follow its own nat'l interests, defy US as they are the linchpin to prevent a new war in Europe.
(3 comments) SHARE Tuesday, March 24, 2015 American MSM Journalism's Descent into Orwellian Dystopia
Sadly, American MSM journalism has descended into Orwellian dystopia, yet remains the primary source of "news" and "information" seen and read by the American people. So it can't be dismissed and ignored as irrelevant. It must continually be exposed as the fraud that it is.
(3 comments) SHARE Wednesday, August 2, 2017 Germany and EU blast latest sanctions against Russia, vow "countermeasures"
This morning Pres. Trump signed into law new sanctions approved by Congress against Russia. German & EU officials blasted the sanctions as against international law, interfering in strictly European business affairs & called for "countermeasures." W/ sanctions just signed into law today we'll have to wait to see what actually happens in the coming days & weeks.
(3 comments) SHARE Tuesday, October 5, 2010 We Need to Break Up the Mega Corporations
What are the big corporations good for? Other than lining their pockets and keeping investors happy it is hard to see their societal benefit. We are in a new "gilded age" w/ monopoly's preventing competition or taking over competitors. The original idea of a corp. in the U.S. was to benefit the public and cause no public harm. The corp. titans are not benefitting the public and are causing public harm.They need to be broken up
(6 comments) SHARE Tuesday, April 7, 2015 So how should we "really" refer to these United States of America?
So how should we refer to these United States of America? A banana republic? An oligarchic plutocracy? Both fit quite admirably w/ what we've become. Truth & honesty is what we're indoctrinated w/ yet we're a country imbued w/ dishonesty & lying. From the pronouncements of "official" Washington to our so called "independent" MSM & how it's all dispensed to the people, it's all the same BS.
(3 comments) SHARE Friday, February 9, 2018 Most Americans don't know war
A week ago the Pentagon released its Nuclear Posture Review primarily against Russia. Eerily there doesn't seem to be any alarm from the American public on the imminent peril this "Review" puts them in. Maybe people in America have become nonchalant, unconcerned @ the prospect of nuclear war. Why? Most Americans don't know war first-hand. They have no direct connection to war. So it doesn't elicit cause for alarm.
(3 comments) SHARE Tuesday, May 30, 2017 Americans escape from reality
It's a reoccurring nightmarish observation seeing "official" Washington's mindset operating under the illusion of its own exceptionalism acting against its "enemy" adversaries Russia, China, Iran & N. Korea. Country's rejecting US hegemony are portrayed as enemies & its leaders demonized & a new cold war started to justify the $trillion a year in defense spending. Yet most Americans escape from this dangerous state of affairs.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, May 1, 2018 The use of "bunker buster" bombs is an escalation in the Syrian conflict
Last night "bunker buster" bombs hit a Syrian Army base north of the city of Homs killing some 20 Syrian Arab Army soldiers & Iranian troops among them. No country claimed responsibility for the attack but Israel & the US have those weapons. Make no mistake, if confirmed, the use of bunker busters by the Israeli's coordinating w/the US is an escalation in the Syrian conflict. It could lead to a hot war w/ Russia.
(10 comments) SHARE Saturday, August 3, 2013 Cacophony from U.S. Politicos over Russia Granting Asylum to Snowden Nothing but Bluster
The cacophony from the White House & two Senators the past few days over Russia granting asylum to Snowden is all bluster. Press Sec'y Carney intoned the summit between Obama & Putin could be cancelled. From Sen. Shumer, "Each day Snowden is allowed to roam free is another twist of the knife. Sen.McCain said it was a slap in the face to all Americans. Nice try boys but Putin's holding all the cards & he isn't intimidated.
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, October 10, 2014 The New War in Iraq and Syria, American "Boots on the Ground" soon?
When it comes to conflicts in much of the world, official Washington tends to destabilize those conflicts; the latest being the American air war in Iraq & now Syria against the Islamic State. "Dear Leader" Obama assured us it won't include American "boots on the ground". But if history of US military engagement since the end of WWII is any guide, we'll see American escalation & American boots on the ground in Syria & Iraq.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, March 3, 2014 Ultimately, The Breakup and Partition Of Ukraine May Be the Only Viable Solution to Ending the Crisis
The mornings headline read, “Obama under pressure to rein in Russia. On Friday he said there would be costs if Russia entered Ukraine militarily. On Saturday Russian troops took complete control of the Crimea peninsula. Ultimately there is nothing the U.S. can effectively do short of doing the unthinkable & initiating a war against another nuclear power. A breakup & partition of Ukraine may be the only viable solution.
(30 comments) SHARE Saturday, December 17, 2011 So What Exactly Are We Supposed To Do?
Next November Americans face a dilemma. Focusing on the presidency will there be a real choice to make? Do we consider any of the woebegone Republicans or consider reelecting Barack Obama who has betrayed those who elected him in 2008? Or do we choose some 3rd party candidate? Or lastly will an overwhelming majority of the people just sit on the sidelines? So what exactly are we supposed to do?
(3 comments) SHARE Monday, May 20, 2019 Israel is an apartheid state, nothing to do with anti-Semitism, denying the Holocaust or being anti-Jewish
Gaza Palestinian's have been protesting each Friday @ its border fence w/ Israel since March 2018. Israeli snipers have killed hundreds & wounded thousands of unarmed protesters often indiscriminately. In the West Bank the mostly Orthodox Jewish settlers see Palestinian's as squatters confiscating their land w/impunity. The Jewish settlements then protected by the IDF. Such practices reveal Israel is an apartheid state.
(7 comments) SHARE Tuesday, December 17, 2019 Americans, indifferent, detached from what their government is doing in the world
What characterizes many (most?) Americans is their indifference, detachment from what their gov't is doing in the world. Our wars & the atrocities we commit are hidden from public view. All done against "enemies" we must remain vigilant against to protect & defend ourselves. To challenge any of this "messaging" is denounced as fake news, conspiracy theory or Russian interference.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, November 20, 2018 End the provocations against Russia and China which could lead to war, a war the US cannot win
The US has a multitude of problems & issues from the demise of domestic manufacturing & loss of working class, middle class income jobs to climate change & endless war. The one issue that takes precedence since it could preclude all life on Earth is a US war w/ nuclear superpowers Russia & China. The US cannot win such a war w/ Russia & China. Only the people can prevent such a war demanding US leaders come to their senses.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, September 10, 2013 World's Oldest Constitutional Democracy Saved from Committing Self Inflected Wound on Itself by Ex KGB Head Putin
Last week @ the G20 economic conference in St Petersburg, Russia, Pres. Vladimir Putin in a private discussion w/ Pres. Obama suggested a plan to diffuse the crisis in Syria. He'd have Syrian Pres. Assad turn over his chemical weapons stock to the U.N. Yesterday Obama bought into Putin's idea thus saving Obama & the U.S. from committing a self inflected wound on itself by forestalling an attack on Syria.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, November 21, 2017 Trump and North Korea, as precarious as it gets
Is the Trump administration planning a military first strike on N. Korea? Apparently some in the administration are in favor while others are opposed. It would be an insane exercise. N. Korea would retaliate. Even w/ conventional weapons hundreds of thousands would die in N. Korea, Seoul but Japan as well. It's impossible to know what the unpredictable Trump will do. This is how precarious things have gotten in the world.
(11 comments) SHARE Wednesday, July 28, 2010 Yesterday Was a Sad Day For This Country
Yesterday was a sad day for this country. The House had the opportunity to stop the war in Afghanistan in its tracks. Instead it voted to continue to fund the war approving the $58.8 billion war funding bill. So this unnecessary war escalated by Obama will drone on literally and figuratively. And make no mistake; this is Obama's war, just like Viet Nam was Lyndon Johnson's war. It is Viet Nam Redux.
(3 comments) SHARE Wednesday, June 13, 2012 Supreme Court to Discuss "Citizens United" Tomorrow in Light of Montana Supreme Court Challenge
The Supreme Court will meet behind closed doors on Thursday because the Montana Supreme Court earlier this year refused to strike down a 100 year old state ruling banning corporate money in state elections. The Montana ruling was appealed in light of SCOTUS ruling in "Citizens United" v/s FEC" in 2010. SCOTUS could write a summary opinion justifying Citizens was correct or meet in the fall & reconsider their 2010 ruling.
(4 comments) SHARE Wednesday, October 8, 2014 A New Russian ICBM Development?
According to Paul Craig Roberts' article, "Washington Is Destroying The World", OPEDNEWS, Oct.7, 2014, "Russia has developed supersonic ICBMs that can rapidly change trajectory & can not be shot down by any defense system." Will this development revive MAD, mutually assured destruction, the nuclear standoff in the cold war avoiding a nuclear conflagration or will Washington continue to pursue a 1st strike nuclear capability?
(4 comments) SHARE Friday, December 30, 2016 Absolute madness has gripped "official" Washington
The nonstop demonizing of Russian Pres. Putin & nuclear armed Russia is absolute insanity. Madness has gripped official Washington w/ their arrogant exceptionalism believing Russia will eventually accept US hegemony or crumble under neo-con regime change. Trump is coming to power in 3 weeks. He says he wants to work w/ Putin but neo cons want no detente reset w/ Russia. The question is can Trump prevail over them?
(14 comments) SHARE Tuesday, July 9, 2019 Why Americans remain in denial over what their country is doing in the world
Why do many/most Americans seemingly remain in denial or oblivious to what their country has done or is doing in the world? Possibly to avoid cognitive dissonance, a psychological term indicating a "mental discomfort experienced by a person...triggered by a situation in which a person's belief clashes w/ new evidence perceived by the person". So they avoid the new evidence that could turn their world upside down.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, November 8, 2013 FAA Sets Plan for Allowing Domestic Drones by 2015
The FAA just published a 74 page plan whereby law enforcement agencies, businesses, universities & hobbyists can begin flying drones in the U.S. by 2015. Has the public been considered, polled & a dialogue initiated between the gov't & the people before drones become operational in the U.S.? No. Do we still believe we're not living in a surveillance state? Think again.
(20 comments) SHARE Tuesday, August 11, 2015 Is there any doubt we are complicit in the wrongful path our country has taken?
Is there any doubt we are complicit in the wrongful path our country has taken? Are we not indifferent to our wars, occupations, torture, indefinite detention, a $trillion in defense spending, a financial industry run amok whose machinations created the 2008 great recession, an electoral system completely taken over by billionaires that has Repubs & Dems beholden to them. So are we complicit? Right up to our eyeballs.
SHARE Thursday, December 15, 2011 Obama Extols Virtues of Arab Spring while Pentagon Trains Security Forces to Crush It
As President Obama has extolled the virtues of the people's uprisings in the Arab Spring he has also continued to authorize the Pentagon to train the security forces w/in these autocracies to crush the protest demonstrations. This reeks of sheer hypocrisy particularly coming from the lips of Mr. "change you can believe in".
(10 comments) SHARE Monday, October 30, 2017 Too much evidence points against the government's claim
The recently released secret government papers on the assassination of President Kennedy just reiterates the government's theory of Lee Harvey Oswald as the lone gunman. Too much evidence points against the government's claim, particularly the evidence of multiple shots fired heard by multiple witnesses plus the bullet hole in the windshield of the president's vehicle...
(4 comments) SHARE Monday, September 10, 2012 The Presidential Debates, Why 3rd Party Candidates Can't Get In
The 2 major party conventions are now history. Next up are the 3 presidential debates. They draw some 60 million viewers. They are run by the Commission on Pres. Debates & solely controlled by the Democratic & Republican parties. A 3rd party to debates must get at least 15% support across major polls which prevents their participation & guaranteeing a duopoly of a 2 party system precluding a serious 3rd party challenge.
(17 comments) SHARE Thursday, July 2, 2020 A system devious in its deception, ingenious in a nefarious way
In the US the people have the right to vote but the electoral system has become so corrupt the peoples vote is irrelevant. Big money interests select who runs for office, underwrite their campaigns & once elected enact legislation, regulations, oversight & enforcement to benefit those interests. The American people need to demand an electoral system un-corrupted by moneyed interests so the peoples agenda could be implemented.
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, April 1, 2023 Trump indicted yesterday, what's next?
As we know Trump was indicted yesterday by Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg. We're in uncharted waters here as no president or former president has ever been indicted. Trump is currently living in Florida but is supposed to appear Tuesday in New York to face charges against him. We'll have to wait and see what happens. Trump has asked his followers to protest this indictment. It remains to be seen what actions they may take.
SHARE Tuesday, April 25, 2023 President Biden in a video this morning announced his intention to run again in 2024
President Biden in a video this morning announced his intention to run again in 2024. Former President Trump had earlier made it known he would run again. In polls the American voters don't want either man to run. Despite the voters' wishes the presidency will likely go to an octogenarian or a criminal type who thus far has been able to outlast the courts convicting him.
(6 comments) SHARE Tuesday, April 13, 2010 We are in a Massive Unemployment Crisis in this Country
There is a desperate need for 1930's type stimulus programs; WPA, CCC, worker cooperatives, employee owned and operated factories et al. Our unemployment level is really closer to 20%. Initially, short term deficit spending will be needed for large scale job creation. Long term, cutting the defense budget is crucial to providing the resources for full employment.
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(3 comments) SHARE Sunday, December 15, 2013 Another Provocation by the U.S. in the South China Sea?
There was another incident off the China coast where an American cruiser had to avoid a Chinese ship that came w/in 200 yds forcing the cruiser to take evasive action.The Chinese ship was accompanying China's only aircraft carrier in the S. China Sea.American officials called the Chinese action particularly aggressive.China responded peering into Chinese waters is a practice treating China as an enemy.Which country is correct?
SHARE Monday, June 12, 2023 NATO just started its largest air force exercises in its history
Apparently NATO has started the largest air force exercises in its history. They're being held in Germany, Netherlands & Czech Republic. The focus is to optimize & expand cooperation between its members w/ plans to model a NATO Article 5. This clause lies @ the heart of the bloc where an attack on one would constitute an attack on all of them.
(3 comments) SHARE Thursday, January 25, 2018 China's BRI, Belt and Road Initiative, US not included. Why?
Many people in the US have become aware of China's BRI, Belt & Road Initiative--An ambitious plan of high-speed rail networks from China westward all the way to Portugal. It also includes maritime routes thru Malaysia & Indonesia. It's a massive infrastructure investment by China & most pointedly does not include the US. That's because the US is a war economy. It has no interest in massive domestic infrastructure development.
(14 comments) SHARE Saturday, September 10, 2016 The "Tyranny of 9/11" and the challenge to "The "official" Story"
Tom'w marks the 15th anniversary of 9/11. Many terrible consequences have been brought about since that fateful day. John W. Whitehead's, "The Tyranny of 9/11, The Building Blocks of the American Police State A-Z" & Paul Craig Roberts, "The Tide is Turning, The Official Story is Now Conspiracy Theory" do much to challenge the "official" story of that day but also what has happened to our so called "democracy" ever since.
(3 comments) SHARE Thursday, November 2, 2023 Israel committing genocide in Gaza
What the Israeli's are doing in Gaza is the indiscriminate killing of innocent people. When people are killed indiscriminately that is genocide. Gaza is an open air prison. The people can't escape. The Israeli's are preventing water, food & fuel from entering the enclave & have cut off internet service presumably to prevent news of its atrocities from being revealed to the world.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, April 19, 2017 US military confrontation with North Korea averted for the present, carrier task force now headed for the Indian Ocean
According to "Defense News" a carrier the Trump administration announced as heading for the Korean peninsula in response to N.Korea's ballistic missile tests is heading for the Indian Ocean 3500 miles away from N.Korea. Considering all the bombast we heard lately about a show of force to confront Korean leader Kim Song un maybe sanity occurred in the Trump crowd & a potential military confrontation is averted for the present.
(2 comments) SHARE Saturday, November 28, 2015 "Things" heating up over Turkey's downing Russian jet fighter in Syria
"Things" are heating up over Turkey's downing a Russian jet fighter last Tuesday in Syria. One "thing" seems clear, the attack was a pre-planned attack carried out by Turkey. Another "thing" it's hard to imagine Turkey acted w/out US foreknowledge. One other "thing" seems certain; Russia will take direct action against Turkey. Pres. Putin won't announce his action beforehand but Turkey's provocation won't go unpunished.
(3 comments) SHARE Tuesday, May 26, 2015 Memorial Day, celebrating America's orgy of war
America's celebratory orgy of war otherwise known as Memorial day has come & gone. Of course they're only "good" wars fought by the indispensable country. Funny though it's not looked @ in the same way by others who see us mostly as aggressors. Keeping the world unstable is the modus operandi of the US all done to perpetuate & preserve the $trillion in defense spending each yr that goes to the benefit of the rich & powerful.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, March 17, 2023 Are we heading for nuclear war?
There was a time sanctions, embargoes, provocations, war games inevitably led to war among the belligerents. That was before the advent of nuclear weapons. The world could survive such a catastrophe. That is no longer the case particularly if nuclear weapons superpowers engage in a war and a countries very existence is threatened.
(21 comments) SHARE Friday, November 16, 2012 "Let's be very clear where the onus lies".
"Let's be very clear where the onus lies." That's from the State Dep'ts Mark Toner accusing Hamas of instigating Israels air assault on Gaza that is ongoing. As usual in all matters relating to the Palestinians & Israel, the U.S. always places the onus on the Palestinians who provoke Israel. But it is Israel that continues its oppression over the besieged & occupied Palestinians w/ U.S. support. That's where the true onus lies
(5 comments) SHARE Thursday, December 4, 2014 Absolute Insanity
It's absolute insanity for the US to provoke war with Russia. Yet this morning the US House passed a resolution, H.Res 758 which former congressman Dennis Kucinich describes as a "Green Light" to war w/ Russia. The rational mind wouldn't contemplate a potential nuclear war w/ Russia. But apparently to the irrational mind threatening & provoking a nuclear armed Russia is on the table; never mind that it's absolute insanity.
(5 comments) SHARE Wednesday, February 22, 2017 "The Deep State is the big story of our time"
Since the firing of Michael Flynn as Trump's Nat'l Security Advisor the Deep State's been in the news. Mike Lofgren 3 yrs ago on Bill Moyers & Co author of Anatomy of the Deep State said, There is another gov't concealed behind the one visible @ either end of PA. Ave, a hybrid entity, the American Deep State, relentlessly entrenched that allows them to escape the consequences of their ineptitude. Prescient words 3 yrs later.
(3 comments) SHARE Monday, May 16, 2016 It's hard to reconcile being an American and what America is perpetrating on the rest of the world
It's hard to reconcile being an American & what America is perpetrating on the world. Only fools accept the propaganda notion of our doing "good in the world" as if all the coups, assassinations, wars, occupations, renditions, detentions, torture & killing of innocents is "done to keep us safe." The endless war on terror was concocted as the new enemy replacing Communism all to justify outrageous unnecessary defense spending.
(4 comments) SHARE Monday, November 13, 2017 Crazies "running the asylum" in Saudi Arabia, Israel and the US
Ominous developments have occurred in Saudi Arabia. Mohammad bin Salman, heir to the Saudi throne, purged his rivals in the Saudi hierarchy, consolidating his power. This occurred after Houthi rebels in Yemen fired a missile north of Riyadh blaming Iran for supplying the weapon, calling it an act of war. Lebanese PM Saad Hariri visiting Riyadh resigns, announcing it on Saudi radio blaming Hezbollah causing a rise in tensions.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, October 31, 2014 According to Northrop Grumman, "When the world calls for commitment it stands with our warfighters to defend America"
A recent ad poster had the word "Commitment" & next to it the name "Northrop Grumman,when the world calls for commitment, Northrop Grumman stands w/ our warfighters to defend America". What "world calls for US commitment"? Surely not Iraq & Syria. It's only official Washington that goes to war unnecessarily against "enemies" it conjures up but since there's no real imminent threats to America no need to use our "warfighters".
SHARE Monday, September 21, 2015 Twisting the Facts
Friday's headline in the NY Times read, "US Begins Military talks w/ Russia on Syria". Reporter Michael Gordon put it, "the Obama administration reached out to Moscow" giving the distinct impression the White House initiated the idea when in fact it was Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov who made the proposal to US Sec'y of State John Kerry over the phone on Tuesday. It's a twisting of the facts making it appear it was a US idea.
(4 comments) SHARE Thursday, August 6, 2015 Is Rebellion Possible in this Country?
Is rebellion possible in this country? Certainly there have been protests by African Americans against police who often get exonerated after committing murders, growing resistance to fracking operations, the Keystone XL pipeline, labeling of GMO foods, environmental protests et al. Then there was the great recession of 2008 created by the malevolence of the financial industry. Rebellion was justified; it didn't happen.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, September 23, 2019 There has never been a time clear headed diplomacy is necssary yet so lacking in "official" Washington
Yemen's Houthi's recently sent drone missiles targeting Saudi Arabia's oil pipelines & refineries. W/out evidence the US blames Iran & threatens military action against them. Iran rejects the accusations but warns any military violation of Iranian airspace will result in a retaliatory strike. Clear headed diplomacy is necessary. Yet there has never been a time such a lack of this capacity is @ hand in Official Washington.
(3 comments) SHARE Thursday, March 17, 2011 The Rebellion We Need in America
One can identify w/ the people in Tunisia and Egypt who have thrown off their shackles and successfully rebelled against and removed their dictators. Rebellion has a way of renewing the spirit. We in America are in need of our own rebellion and renewal of our spirit. The rebellion begun in Wisconsin needs to broaden nationally for us to regain our dignity against the powerful forces that dictate in America.
(10 comments) SHARE Friday, July 6, 2018 Are the American people incurious?
Are the American people generally incurious over what its gov't does in its name in foreign affairs? Whether its initiating unnecessary wars to killing innocents in drone attacks or initiating coups in foreign countries it appears the American people do remain generally incurious to this reality? And if Americans are incurious of what it's gov't is doing in its name...that is deadly.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, September 12, 2018 A catastrophe may be about to happen in Syria that could bring a wider war
A catastrophe in Syria could happen. Russia's been warning about terrorists in Idlib initiating a chemical attack then blame it on the gov't of Pres. Bashar Assad. The US, Britain, France, say they'll launch a missile strike against Syrian gov't installations if chemical weapons are used. If Iranian & Russian military are killed & Russia has satellite images of US ships launching those strikes it could retaliate. Then what?
(4 comments) SHARE Friday, August 11, 2017 Trump "locked and loaded" to what end?
There's been 3 days of nonstop hyperventilating by Trump, his administration & the MSM over the "Donald's" war of words w/ N. Korea. This morning Trump tweeted we're "locked & loaded". On Tuesday it was "fire & fury" should N. Korea act unwisely. N. Korea leader Kim Jong-Un responded he'd place an "enveloping fire around Guam & Trump let out a "lode of nonsense" about fire & fury. So it goes. What's the end game?
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, April 5, 2023 US military having difficulty meeting recruiting goals now about to allow obese people previously ineligible to enlist
The US military is having difficulty meeting its recruiting goals so it's easing those struggles by allowing obese people previously ineligible to enlist. Yet US Air Force Recruiting spokeswoman Leslie Brown stated, "I can't stress enough, we're not lowering our standards". How can an official recruiting spokeswoman go on record completely contradicting the new recruiting standards by saying we're not lowering our standards?
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, August 27, 2019 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu knows he can act with impunity
In 3 weeks Israel holds new elections. Last April's elections produced no majority. No new gov't could be formed but Benjamin Netanyahu remained the PM till next month's election. He's become more belligerent since April, annexing the Golan Hgt's, sent missiles into Syria, drone strikes into Lebanon & air strikes into Iraq. It's an old tactic riling up the public's natl'ism. Let's hope teh tactic fails & a new PM gets elected.
(5 comments) SHARE Tuesday, August 26, 2014 The Seeming "Disconnect" of the American People
There seems to be an astounding "disconnect" with the American people. Oh they're connected alright w/ their cell phones, IPODS & whatever new electronic gadgetry that emerges from the tech industry. But the question is connected to what beyond friends, family, music, games? They seem to be disengaged from what's happening around them; much less what's happening in America & the world.
(18 comments) SHARE Friday, January 18, 2013 Dennis Kucinich Joining Fox News as a "Contributor", Some Thoughts
As we now know former Congressman Dennis Kucinich has joined FOX NEWS as a regular "contributor". This is an outfit that spews propaganda lies and disinformation with total disregard for the truth. What was Kucinich thinking in throwing his hat in with this lot?
(4 comments) SHARE Friday, January 13, 2017 Trump's latest "art of the deal", capitulation to the deep state
It was probably inevitable. The idea Trump had the moral courage to w/stand the onslaught of the deep state was expecting too much. As Finian Cunningham relates Trump conceded Russia probably hacked the election & "That seeming turnaround by Trump signals the 'Donald' is being tamed to toe the 'official' Washington line." Does it matter who is Pres of the US, Repub or Dem ? Both are under the hegemony of the deep state.
(8 comments) SHARE Tuesday, August 6, 2019 Any connection between "official" Washington's hatred's and violence with the hatred of those committing mass shootings?
With the mass shootings in El Paso & Dayton it might be appropriate to consider a source behind them; namely hatred. Hatred of immigrants, minorities, blacks, browns, Muslims, a boss on the job, a teacher. What about official Washington's hatred of its enemies & the violence it commits against them? Could there be a connection between Washington's hatred's & violence & the hatred's of those committing these mass shootings?
(4 comments) SHARE Tuesday, September 14, 2010 It Is Time for a Moratorium on Foreclosures
Of all the measures recommended to ameliorate the ravages of this recession one that is most urgent and doable is for this president and Congress is to implement an immediate moratorium on foreclosures by banks. The continuing spectacle of millions losing their homes for no fault of their own is itself UN American. A foreclosure moratorium is the right thing to do.
SHARE Thursday, March 24, 2011 Huge Job Discrimination Lawsuit Against Wal-Mart to be Heard Tuesday by Supreme Court
On Tuesday the Supreme Court is to hear a class action job discrimination lawsuit against Wal-Mart representing 2 million women. The merits of the case seem obvious, but is no slam dunk. Wal-Mart deserves a comeuppance for its practices but the Court's right ward drift is not encouraging for the plaintiffs. Maybe we'll be surprised, but don't bet the farm considering the current makeup of this Court.
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, March 30, 2015 Failure to Honor "Negotiated" Agreements, an "Official" Washington Specialty
Negotiations w/ Iran over its nuclear program are supposed to be concluded tom'w. It's unlikely to happen. Even if an agreement is reached w/ Obama it probably won't be worth the paper it's written on. Any diplomatic pact w/Iran has to be app'd by a 2/3 vote in the Senate. W/ 47 of these yahoos writing a letter to Iranian leader Ayatollah Kamenei saying they'd reject any deal w/Iran any agreement is likely dead in the water.
SHARE Tuesday, November 19, 2019 Pompeo, Israeli settlements no longer "inconsistent" with international law
Yesterday Sec'y of State Mike Pompeo declared US policy toward settlements in the Israeli occupied West Bank are no longer "inconsistent" w/ international law. The West Bank is Israeli occupied territory. It is unambiguous. Under international law it is illegal for an occupying power to build anything in occupied territory. Therefore under international law it is illegal for Israel to build settlements in the West Bank.
(6 comments) SHARE Wednesday, May 7, 2014 To All People in Ukraine, The US Regime Cares Not a Wit About You
The new cold war the US gov't has declared on Russia & Vladimir Putin is unnecessary mischievousness cooked up by Washington claiming Putin is attempting to reconstitute the old Soviet Union. It's a pretext built on neo-con fantasy which is in control in Washington. As for the people in Ukraine they need to realize the imperialist US gov't cares not a wit about them. They're just pawns in the US scheme w/Putin in its sights.
(6 comments) SHARE Friday, October 4, 2013 The Ultimate Game Plan of the National Security State, Endless War
Endless war is the ultimate end game plan of the U.S. Nat'l Security state. Better to have war, drone strikes, JSOC raids, proxy wars by mercenaries & private Pentagon contractors & the endless war on terror rather than to pursue peace which is the last thing it wants. Peace means no justification for the unnecessary trillion in defense spending. It's also better to keep the people in fear wanting security @ any cost.
(22 comments) SHARE Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Putin changed the equation, changed the balance of power in the world. Is the US listening?
Something significant occurred on March 1 that hasn't received the attention it deserves in the US. Russian Pres. Putin gave an address to the Russian Fed'l assembly. In it Putin changed the equation, changed the balance of power in the world revealing new weapons systems neutralizing the US attempt of full spectrum dominance of the world. He said they exist & work really well & no plans to attack anybody. Is the US listening?
(3 comments) SHARE Thursday, September 22, 2022 Things are about to change militarily and politically in Ukraine
Things are about to change militarily & politically in Ukraine. Militarily Russian Pres. Putin announced a mobilization of 300,000 military reservists to be sent to Ukraine. Politically four referendums are to be held this weekend in Lugansk, Donestsk & regions of Kherson & Zaporozhye. All w/ the intent of voting to join the Russian federation.
(7 comments) SHARE Monday, August 27, 2018 The visceral hatred of Trump, it's become surreal
We know Trump. He's a self important narcissist & reactionary tweeting blowhard. His policies, sanctions, trade wars are counter-productive & hurt the American people. Much of it knee jerk reactions rather well thought out decisions. But the visceral hatred of Trump is total among liberals & Dems. Even when he's the statesman meeting N.Korea's Kim Jong-Un or meeting w/Russia's Pres. Putin he's denigrated. It's become surreal.
(10 comments) SHARE Tuesday, January 22, 2013 Will Harry Reid and the Senate Democrats Reform the Filibuster Today?
Obstructionism & arcane procedural rules have long characterized the U.S. Senate. In particular it's the filibuster rules where it takes 60 votes to end a filibuster or worse just the threat of waging one is all it takes for any member to obstruct & halt proceedings. Today Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid & the Democrats can do the right thing & vote to reform this subversion of democracy.
(5 comments) SHARE Tuesday, June 6, 2017 An earth shaking election with worldwide implications
On Thursday Britain's vote for a new prime minister. The current PM is Conservative Party head Teresa May whose party may win but not get the 326 seat majority threshold for her to continue as PM. In such case a new coalition gov't would have to be formed w/other minority parties. Labour's Jeremy Corbyn if he comes in a close 2nd could step in the breach, unite w/ other minority party members & make a run for the PM himself.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, July 12, 2016 Today Bernie betrayed his supporters trust
Today Bernie Sanders formally endorsed Hillary Clinton for president saying he'll "do everything I can to make certain that she will be the next president of the US". In April he called Clinton "unqualified" to be president. What changed that now makes her qualified? Is this not a betrayal of Bernie's supporters? I guess it was all campaign rhetoric. This is a sellout of the 1st order. Bernie betrayed his supporters trust.
(3 comments) SHARE Monday, April 9, 2018 The worst may be yet to come
Over the weekend there's been horrific pictures & videos circulating the MSM forwarded by the white helmets the supposed humanitarian aid workers in Syria depicting a chemical attack on civilians in E. Ghouda suburb of Damascus blaming the Syrian gov't of Pres. Bashar Assad. Only the white helmets are not humanitarian aid workers but embedded only in areas the terrorists control who stage manage atrocities & then blame Assad.
(6 comments) SHARE Tuesday, November 29, 2022 Do US defense industry workers have a conscience about those killed by the weapons they make?
We're all aware the US in particular has supplied $billions of dollars of weapons to Ukraine. What about the people who make those weapons. Do they consider what happens with the weapons they make are used to kill people? Do those defense industry workers have a conscience about those being killed by the weapons they make? Or is it just a good paying job?
(7 comments) SHARE Tuesday, March 17, 2015 Netanyahu, No Establishment of a Palestinian State
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu is desperate to retain power. Appealing to the extreme Israeli right before today's elections he uttered publically what no PM in Israel's history ever said publically namely there will be no establishment of a Palestinian state. The truth is out in the open, Israel has never entertained such an idea. And it doesn't matter who "wins" these elections, the Palestinian's will continue to lose.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, October 23, 2019 Putin and Erdogan sign agreement ending Turkish invasion of Syria against the Kurds
Yesterday's agreement signed by Russian Pres. Putin & Turkey Pres. Erdogan should be considered a game changer, a major turning point in the Syrian war. Erdogan agreed to end Turkey's invasion into NE Syria against the Kurdish militia's he sees as terrorists. Those militia's will move from the border area deeper into Syria. The agreement solidified Russia as a key player diplomatically as well as militarily in Syria.
(3 comments) SHARE Sunday, April 25, 2010 China's Naval Buildup, a Threat?
The American military has "concerns" over China's naval buildup. China has become the worlds leading exporter. Its interests have expanded w/ its economic clout. It is only natural that it seeks a naval fleet that protects those interests. The world's oceans are no longer a "private pond" exclusively for American naval power. Yet one gets no sense that China is presenting a belligerent threat to the U.S. or its navy.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, June 5, 2023 It appears the long awaited Ukrainian counteroffensive has begun
It appears the long awaited Ukrainian counteroffensive against Russian forces in the country has begun. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense "owing to air strikes & artillery fire the Ukrainian forces incurred significant losses." The Ukrainian General Staff provided no comment only there'd been 29 combat clashes in the Donetsk & Lugansk regions in the last 24 hours. They accused Russia of spreading false information.
(5 comments) SHARE Monday, June 17, 2019 The F-35, Design flaws mean plane might suddenly tumble out of control and crash
It shouldn't come as a surprise Lockheed Martin's F-35 stealth fighter continues to have problems. The latest revelation. If a new F-35 "has to climb @a steep angle to dodge an enemy attack, design flaws mean the plane might suddenly tumble out of control & crash". Yet "Pentagon officials plan to declare an end to the testing phase of the F-35's development sometime in late 2019 & clear the fighter for mass production."
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, November 14, 2011 It's Only Just Begun
The occupy movement is less than 2 months old. The ideas, problems and issues that have arisen from it have spread across the country and connected w/ so many who can easily identify w/ the underlying ills that spawned it. The movement is challenging the plutocracy of oligarchs, the gilded age it represents and its reign of impunity. The revolution demanding that be overcome has just begun.
SHARE Monday, March 14, 2011 The Real "Dracula" within Our Midst
The political craziness heard lately w/ a possible gov't shutdown, the debt, deficit crisis are pure hokum. The crisis exists because of our defense budget and wars. It is all unnecessary w/ no credible threats imminent or otherwise to justify these expenditures. It is a system run amok, devoid of reality, corrupt and rigged. It is our real "Dracula" that needs to be stabbed in the heart.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, February 25, 2020 A US war with China or Russia, insanity on steroids
A hot war with China or Russia? Is that in our future? It may be if US Sec'y of Defense mark Esper is to be believed. At the recent Munich Security Conference Esper citing Dep't of Defense Nat'l Defense Strategy said, "We are now in an era of Great Power Competition with our principal challengers being China, then Russia, and that we must move away from low intensity conflict and prepare once again for high intensity warfare".
SHARE Friday, February 27, 2015 Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu One of the Most Dangerous Men in the World Today
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has to be considered one of the most dangerous men in the world today. In defiance of Pres. Obama, he'll speak before a joint session of Congress next week as well as the AIPAC convention where he intends to drum up support for an Israeli attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. And he knows he can attack w/ impunity because he'll still have the support of Congress which makes him so dangerous.
(22 comments) SHARE Thursday, January 26, 2023 Unmistakable escalation of war in Ukraine as Biden announces US will send 31 Abrams tanks to Kiev regime
Yesterday saw a significant development in the war in Ukraine. Pres. Biden announced the US will send 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. Other EU countries announced they too would send their tanks to the Kiev regime. It appears there is an unmistakable escalation by the US & its European allies in support of Ukraine. The war is not about to end soon & negotiations to end it seem dead in the water.
(13 comments) SHARE Friday, November 1, 2019 What if Dems impeachment vendetta against Trump backfires and gets him re-elected. Who will they blame for that?
The Dems have thrown down the gauntlet, using Trump's phone call to Ukraine Pres. Zelenskyy in July as the basis for his impeachment. Trump is horrible, a self important narcissist who conducts policy by tweets which often contradict what he tweeted previously. The Dems have been apoplectic since Trump was elected. But what if their impeachment vendetta backfires & Trump gets re-elected. Then who will they blame for that?
SHARE Tuesday, March 10, 2015 A not so Veiled Threat to Iran
Ah the chutzpah of the Repubs believing they have a mandate after last yrs. elections giving them control of both houses of Congress. The latest ploy is 47 Senate Repubs writing an open letter the Iranian's saying any deal Obama makes w/o legislative approval could be revoked by the next prez w/ "the stroke of a pen". But it's a not so veiled threat to Iran for committing the unforgivable sin of not succumbing to US hegemony.
(3 comments) SHARE Friday, October 21, 2011 The Essence Of The Occupy Movement, "redress Of Grievances"
Regarding the occupy movement, things are beginning to coalesce. The 1st amendment of the Constitution states the "right of the people to peaceably assemble and petition the government for a redress of grievances". So the rebellion in the streets is just that. Next to come is the "petition for a redress of grievances". That's where it all seems headed.
(6 comments) SHARE Friday, October 26, 2012 No End to U.S. Military's Global Misadventures
Despite all the military's failures (Viet Nam), stalemates (Korea), debacles (Iraq) & wheel spinning in Afghanistan it's now hailed as the finest fighting force in the history of the world. That is @ odds w/ reality. Now w/ special ops deployed &/or training foreign proxy fighters seemingly everywhere there seems no end to the U.S. military's global misadventures.
(4 comments) SHARE Wednesday, May 13, 2015 When people come to a point where they have nothing to lose, they will lash out at their oppressor
It becomes apparent when people come to a point where they have nothing to lose they will lash out, become violent & destructive toward their oppressor or anything they associate w/ that oppressor. This occurred in the unrest in Baltimore. The slogan by protesters in the streets, "No justice, no peace" needs to be heeded by all authorities lest there be a summer of violence. This is a national crisis, not just a local one.
(10 comments) SHARE Saturday, June 18, 2011 The Syrian Peoples Rebellion, They Are On Their Own
You have to feel for the Syrian people up against the relentless brutality of Bashar Assad. They continue to resist and refuse to back down against Assad's crack down that has killed hundreds, perhaps thousands. It is impossible to predict the political outcome in Syria, but at this point the reluctant conclusion from here is the people are on their own. That's the unfortunate reality.
(9 comments) SHARE Saturday, July 15, 2017 "Innocence is complicity"
"Innocence is complicity" a quote from a old Chris Hedges column writing about Americans. We're a nation of many who see themselves as innocent, never mind complicit. That would require reflection. After the Snowden revelations came out revealing the NSA's electronic surveillance of Americans it didn't matter if it was illegal & un-Constitutional. To many Americans it was, "I haven't done anything wrong so why should I worry."
SHARE Friday, September 30, 2022 In June NATO conducted deep sea exercises in the Baltic Sea near Bornholm Island using underwater vehicles
Interesting news of late has been released regarding the gas line damage to Nord Stream 1 & 2 as being sabotage. In June, 2022 NATO conducted "Exercise Baltic Operation 22" in the Baltic Sea deploying Unmanned Underwater Vehicles near Bornholm Island the site where explosions & gas leaks occurred according to Danish & Swedish authorities. An immediate investigation is called for particularly in light of these revelations.
(5 comments) SHARE Wednesday, June 29, 2016 Perpetuating endless war is America's growth industry
Perpetuating endless war is America's growth industry. Produce endless war against endless enemies. Not to win. That would be the last thing we want. That would mean peace, no more enemies & no more war. Now Russia & China are depicted as enemies but they pose no real threat to America. They'd prefer cooperation & peaceful economic development w/ America & the world but won't buckle under US hegemony. So what's it to be?
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, June 16, 2010 The Mineral Find in Afghanistan, Justification to Remain Indefinitely!?
According to American officials, Afghanistan has been found to have "nearly $1 trillion in untapped mineral deposits including iron, copper, cobalt, gold and lithium. To this observer there are alarm bells ringing that this mother lode "find" justifies our continued presence to remaining indefinitely, just there to help the Afghan people. If I were an Afghan I would beware of this "friend" selling potential riches for me.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, December 1, 2021 "JFK Revisited: Through the Looking Glass", a synopsis
Oliver Stone's latest documentary, "JFK Revisited: Through the Looking Glass" is now available on Showtime. Most significant was Stone sequencing the events before & after the assassination of JFK. It reveals the "official" Warren Commission Report version doesn't hold water. Too many eye witness accounts, the Zapruder film contradict the Commissions assertion Lee Harvey Oswald was the lone assassin.
(4 comments) SHARE Wednesday, April 15, 2015 A Nuclear Deal with Iran was probably scuttled yesterday
A final nuclear deal w/ Iran was probably scuttled yesterday as Senate Repubs & some Dems forced Obama to relent giving Congress an unprecedented role voting on an int'l diplomatic accord BEFORE it is reached. Iran demands all sanctions be lifted the day a deal is signed, a position pretty definitive & non negotiable. Washington seems oblivious all too ready to issue its own ultimatums well before the June 30 deadline.
(8 comments) SHARE Saturday, October 30, 2010 The True Meaning of the Latest Foiled Terrorist Plot
The latest terrorist plot was foiled by keen intelligence and cooperative efforts between countries, in essence good police work. So let's applaud all the responsible civil authorities for a job well done. Terrorist plots can often be foiled w/ good police work. But our wars in Muslim countries only compound and increase the radical Muslim terrorist plots against us, not lessen them. That's the absurdity that needs to end.
(6 comments) SHARE Sunday, August 7, 2016 Fascism masquerading as a democracy
Fascism is usually connected historically w/ Italy's Benito Mussolini, Spain's Francisco Franco & Germany's Adolph Hitler. Though unique all were right wing dictatorships, interconnected w/ the country's business interests, exercised absolute control over the media, backed by the military, prolific use of the flag & organized religion was complicit or kept silent. Today one country fits that criteria, the good ole US of A.
(10 comments) SHARE Sunday, July 30, 2017 Fissures in the western alliance
New US sanctions to be imposed on Russia voted on by the House, next by the Senate & most assuredly signed into law by Pres. Trump are being balked @ by Germany & France. They recognize such sanctions impact them directly in their trade & energy sectors w/ Russia. In June German Chancellor Merkel put it this way, "We Europeans must take our destiny in our own hands". Clearly there's fissures in the western alliance.
(6 comments) SHARE Wednesday, November 17, 2010 We "Good" Americans of Today, Like the "Good" Germans of the 1930's and 40's
Most Germans after W.W.II pleaded ignorance to the atrocities committed by the Nazis. What of us Americans today and our acknowledgement of our gov'ts engaging in atrocities? Do we not give our tacit approval by our silence in the face of this abuse of the rule of law? We should be condemning of our leaders and what this country is doing here and around the world. Our silence, passivity and timidity are morally reprehensible.
SHARE Monday, April 13, 2015 Iran, All Sanctions Lifted on 1st Day of Nuclear Deal, US, Six Months to Lift Sanctions
As to the recent nuclear talks w/ Iran & the P5&1,Iran's president Hassan Rouhani on Thursday put it succinctly, "We will not sign any agreement, unless all economic sanctions are totally lifted on the first day of the implementation of the deal". In response US Energy Sec'y Ernest Moniz, himself in on the talks, gave a "ballpark" figure of 6 months to lift the sanctions. Not exactly how the Iranian pres. put it. Stay tuned.
(8 comments) SHARE Tuesday, March 10, 2020 The Coronavirus, panic and hysteria already starting to take place in America
As to the coronavirus it appears there's panic and hysteria already taking place in America. It's just the beginning.The sense is it's only going to get worse. So what to do? Stay home, avoid others, don't leave the house, wear a mask (apparently won't help). How about this idea. For now live your life, wait and see and go from there.
(21 comments) SHARE Wednesday, June 3, 2015 The Mirage of the USA Freedom Act Protecting American's 4th Amendment Constitutional Rights
President Obama just signed into law the USA Freedom Act essentially prohibiting the NSA from bulk collection of phone records whose storage now shifts to the phone companies. But it's just tweaking the NSA's more blatant excesses giving the "appearance" it is being brought under control by our politicos & making it "appear" they're doing something to protect American's 4th amendment constitutional rights. It's all a mirage.
(4 comments) SHARE Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Netanyahu speaking before his adoring fawning minions in Congress
Last night said it all; congress giving a thundering ovation to Benjamin Netanyahu, the PM of the US, ah Israel. It was as if a conquering hero returned & gloated in the presence of his adoring minions. Yet it was a glaring reminder how political theatre is what congress is all about. As for last night w/ Israeli elections 2 wks. away it was a nothing more than a stump speech hoping to play well w/ the Israeli electorate.
SHARE Friday, June 23, 2017 "Interesting bromides" that entered the "American political lexicon"
What may have we become as a people? Have we changed using what writer Jacob Hornberger says are "interesting bromides" as when we say to American soldiers, "Thank you for your service", "defending & protecting our country"? Because it's neither defending & protecting our country. Iraq & Afghanistan didn't invade our country. It should be "Thank you for your killing." The real service we do is killing people. Lots of people.
(5 comments) SHARE Wednesday, September 13, 2017 Cannon fodder to the "deep state"
To the deep state in America winning conflicts-most of which it initiated-isn't necessary. It doesn't care about winning & losing, the expansion of terrorism, hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing their war torn countries or even US military killed in futile battles. They are but cannon fodder to the sociopaths that put them in harm's way. Are we too not cannon fodder to that deep state, propagandized to support our wars?
(3 comments) SHARE Sunday, October 24, 2010 The Indelible American Stain in Iraq Revealed by "Wikileaks"
Iraq has been pretty much out of the news in recent months. However the latest Wikileaks disclosure of 300.000 classified documents relating to the extent of so many indiscriminate killings committed by private contractors done w/ impunity and no fear of accountability is quite revealing. These latest revelations have the Pentagon blasting the whistle blower but their every utterance just makes them look more perverse.
(3 comments) SHARE Friday, July 29, 2016 Charlatans all
The political conventions are over w/ each party's charlatan now formally in place. Clinton & Trump will spend the next 3 months in character assassination saying he, she is unfit to be the next president. No one w/ integrity has a chance of being elected much less nominated in our 2 party duopoly, beyond redemption & incapable of reform. Only a 3rd party rejecting corp. control could transform the current corrupt system.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, January 2, 2018 Nader: "As long as the contented classes are not upset the system is in lock, like connecting gears"
Ralph Nader was recently interviewed by Chris Hedges. Here's a few excerpts. Nader "feared that the population was so effectively anesthetized by mass culture that it might not rise up against the elites. The US has developed a society...living in virtual reality...wallowing in text messages". He worries "as long as 10 to 15% of the American people are well off" and the contented classes aren't upset, the system is in lock."
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, August 12, 2020 Russian Military: Any Missile Launched at Russian Territory Will Be Met With Nuclear Retaliation
The Russian military issued a warning. Any incoming ballistic missile launched at Russian territory will be met with a nuclear retaliation because there is no way of knowing whether the missile is a conventional or nuclear warhead. To put it bluntly, a missile attack on Russian soil will bring a nuclear retaliatory strike on the aggressor as Russian orbiting satellites will detect precisely where a missile attack was launched.
SHARE Thursday, November 14, 2019 Have we lost sight of what's important?
What to make of some things lately in the MSM, internet & social apps i.e. This thing over sexuality. That designating a men's & women's room discriminate against transsexuals use of the rest room of their preference. Now there shouldn't be discrimination against anyone however they want to depict themselves. But is choice of a potty a critical issue? There are real problems facing this country. Potty use isn't one of them.
(4 comments) SHARE Friday, April 25, 2014 Are The Neo-Con Crazies In Charge In Washington?
Are the neocon crazies in charge in Washington? W/Ukraine in the news there's the drumbeat by the US media whipping up hysteria demonizing Russian Pres. Putin for creating the instability in Ukraine. Are the neocons & the corporate media preparing the nation for a war w/Russia using Ukraine as the pretext? A sane person would say "No way go to war w/Russia". But neocons don't represent sanity & they seem to be in charge.
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, October 18, 2019 Dems pushing for Trump's impeachment reeks with hypocrisy
The political saga of Dems pushing for Trump's impeachment reeks w/ hypocrisy. Sure the "Donald" is corrupt but so are those gunning for him. We know the majority of Dems & Repubs are in the pocket of the big corps, special-interest groups, Israeli Lobby that underwrite the politicos electoral campaigns. So let's spare us the Dems' uproar over Trump's phone call to Ukraine Pres. Zelensky.
(6 comments) SHARE Sunday, June 16, 2013 Snowden's Whistleblowing of NSA Creating "worldwide debate" according to Glenn Greenwald
Ed Snowden, the systems administrator who we now know worked for private contractor Booz Allen Hamilton on a secret NSA surveillance project is so computer competent his whistleblowing of the NSA's secret data mining surveillance operations are posing an existential threat to the whole NSA type surveillance edifice. It's causing worldwide debate & not a minute too soon.
(9 comments) SHARE Wednesday, April 1, 2020 We've had virus epidemics before, none were used to shut down the country as is done now
Even with the coronavirus if we in America are supposed to be living in a free society then why are we being dictated to and made fearful by our federal and state governments as if we live in an authoritarian regime? The fact is we've had other virus epidemics before. They've never been used as a reason to shut down the country as is done now.
(4 comments) SHARE Tuesday, February 27, 2018 Keeping the world unstable
Former CIA official John Stockwell put it, "It is the function of the CIA to keep the world unstable & to propagandize and teach the American people to hate, so we will let the establishment spend any am't of money on arms." Considering the nuclear posture review & the $1.2 trillion modernization of nuclear weapons to keeping the world unstable against N.Korea, 17 yr. war in Afghanistan, coup in Kiev, Stockwell's right on poin
(4 comments) SHARE Sunday, April 5, 2020 With the coronavirus so pronounced, there is information overload. Question-what to believe
W/Covid-19 the primary focus now everywhere in the world & particularly the US where the disease has become so pronounced there is a question; what to believe? It's information overload. Those infected, recovered, tested, treatments, remedies, vaccines. What's the truth? Are there exaggerations? Some scientists are questioning the coronavirus panic contradicting the official narrative of the MSM & the need for a lockdown.
(7 comments) SHARE Saturday, October 4, 2014 America's "Gestapo" like State
Here's a quote by historian Sheila Fitzpatrick describing the Nazi Gestapo, "The mission of the Gestapo expanded steadily from 1933 onward, 'political criminality' was given a much broader definition & most forms of dissent & criticism were gradually criminalized. The result was that more laws & law like measures were put on the books". Substitute 1933 w/ 9/11/01 & she could be describing what's happened in America.
(11 comments) SHARE Monday, January 7, 2019 "Official" Washington, madness prevails
Consider the latest shenanigans in "official" Washington. It's not hard to conclude the goings on show madness prevails. How else to describe the Fed'l gov't shutdown. Trump blames the Dems. They blame him. On the int'l front Trump's back & forth on the troop w/drawal in Syria. Then his tariff war w/ China along w/ freedom of navigation provocations in the S. China Sea. Call it the new normal. What could possibly go wrong?
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, August 18, 2010 The Rise of America's "Shadow Army"
Hamid Karsai wants all private security contractors out in four months. They have been implicated in the killing of innocent civilians. Karsai didn't mention the "shadow army" of private contractor mercenaries fighting a proxy war in Afghanistan and responsible for killing many innocents. They are the Pentagons de facto army. Sadly, this is a background story most Americans are unaware of.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, September 5, 2018 Liberation of Syrian people in Idlib may have begun
Yesterday the Russian air strikes struck al Qaeda positions in Idlib Syria. This could be the 1st phase liberating Syrians held hostage by US backed proxy jihadists. Friday the presidents of Russia & Turkey meet w/ the Iranians in Tehran presumably over the final assault on Idlib. Washington is none too pleased w/ Trump advisor Bolton saying if chemical weapons are used we will respond strongly. This is precarious as it gets.
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, July 13, 2023 US approves nuclear capable F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine
Yesterday, US Nat'l Security Advisor Jake Sullivan confirmed the transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov responded, "We gave informed the nuclear powers-the US, UK and France-that Russia can't ignore the ability of these aircraft to carry nuclear weapons" and "this may lead to catastrophic consequences."
SHARE Saturday, November 11, 2023 Hamas attack in Israel October 7 and getting it to overreact has succeeded getting the world to condemn Israel
It's quite possible Hamas surprise attack in Israel on October 7th where 1400 Israeli's were killed over 240 hostages taken was intended to get the Israeli's to overreact kill thousands of women and children indiscriminately so the world would condemn Israel. At this point it might be safe to say Hamas has succeeded and achieved its aim.
SHARE Tuesday, April 28, 2015 Baltimore violence, "I don't agree with what's happening, but I can understand it"
Baltimore turned violent yesterday after the funeral of Freddie Gray who died in police custody last week. That incident sparked protests thru-out the week then escalated w/ 100's of black HS age students clashing w/ police, rock throwing, police cars set afire, rampaging, looting then setting many fires last nite. It's a blind lashing out for the abuses they suffer @ the hands of police that began last summer in Ferguson, MO.
(10 comments) SHARE Thursday, April 5, 2012 Two Chameleon's in the Offing
Now that the chameleon Mitt Romney has all but secured the Repub. nomination the real presidential electoral season is about to begin. But after seeing what policy's Obama adopted in office as opposed to what he articulated in his 2008 campaign one wonders if there are 2 chameleons running? We desperately need a 3rd party alternative to the two party duopoly because a Dem or a Repub in the White House is essentially the same.
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, February 15, 2018 Is nuclear war in our future?1
How do the American people deal w/ those in charge who are criminally insane in "official" Washington? The latest madness is the Nuclear Posture Review a blueprint for nuclear war thou it purports to lowering the threshold for a nuclear conflagration. It's a call for the development of low yield nuclear warheads & such weapons be deployed in action. That could also lower the threshold to strategic weapons of mass destruction.
(5 comments) SHARE Monday, May 4, 2020 Was the US lockdown and shutdown of the country over Covid-19 justified?
As we enter the almost two month lockdown over Covid-19 in the US, the millions initially projected to die from the virus has been drastically revised downward to some 250,000 worldwide & up to 100,000 in the US. A question arises were the measures undertaken by gov'ts, the lockdown, businesses required to close, schools closed. Throughout history there's never been a lockdown over a virus epidemic. Was it all justified?
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, August 15, 2017 Upcoming Russian military exercises a prelude to invading a NATO country? Simply absurd
In less than a month Russia & Belarus will conduct defensive military exercises routinely scheduled every 4 yrs. & w/in their own territory. In the West they're depicted as an exercise in intimidation, destabilizing, a cover for skullduggery. Russia's Foreign Minister Lavrov says, "accusations these exercises are anything more than defensive preparations are nonsense". As a prelude to invasion of a NATO country? Simply absurd.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, January 7, 2020 FUBAR writ large in the Pentagon
Yesterday Marine Gen'l Will Seely wrote on DOD letterhead, In deference to Iraq sovereignty the US will be repositioning forces to "ensure the movement out of Iraq". W/in hrs of letter sent to Iraqi Defense ministry Sec'y of Defense Esper said, "There's no decision to leave Iraq. Period." Joint Chief Chairman Mark Milley said, letter Seely sent was only a draft. Releasing it was a "mistake". How's that for snafu writ large.
SHARE Wednesday, January 29, 2020 To the Palestinian's accepting Trump's "Deal of the Century" would be accepting Israel's boot on their neck forever
Yesterday Trump unveiled his "Deal of the Century" proposal for a Palestinian state in the West Bank, Gaza & two areas in the Negev Desert to be ceded by Israel as part of the "Deal". The Palestinian's rejected it out of hand w/ protests in Gaza & the West Bank. To the Palestinian's it appears accepting it would be tantamount to accepting Israel's boot on their neck forever.
SHARE Wednesday, October 2, 2019 Bolton hasn't faded into the sunset, the MSM just embraced him as a new found friend
Somehow one knew Trump's former NS Adviser John Bolton wouldn't just fade into the sunset. He was @ the Center for Strategic & Int'l Studies blasting Trump seeking a middle ground in N. Korea saying Kim Jong-un couldn't be trusted & a war was necessary. Incredibly the MSM lapped it up embracing Bolton as a new found friend. Embracing the war monger Bolton? The best way to put it, "The enemy of my enemy is now my friend".
SHARE Tuesday, December 10, 2019 So where are "things" domestically and internationally three weeks from the new year?
So where are things domestically & internationally as we're 3 wks from the new yr? here we seem consumed w/ the House Dems impeachment of Trump. They know the Repub Senate won't convict him & they will reveal the Dems weren't on moral high ground when they went after Trump. Internationally endless wars will continue, regime change,, sanctions on countries that refuse US hegemony over them, provocations, a trade war w/ China.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, August 20, 2019 Democrats focus on Trump won't sway his base. It might even broaden it and get him reeleted next year
On Sunday Rep. Illan Omar tweeted, "Could we take back our democracy if 1.7 million Americans marched for it?" The target & marching for it against Trump by connecting w/ Hong Kong protests. What Omar & Dems don't point out the original protests were over a bill allowing the extradition of criminal suspects to mainland China has been suspended. The protests are now to incite violence & get China to shut down the protests.
(5 comments) SHARE Monday, May 2, 2011 Osama bin Laden is Dead, Now What?
So Osama bin laden is dead; now what? Does it mean the war on terror is over? We can pack up and leave Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen? End indefinite detention and torture? Now embark on peaceful pursuits, rebuild our economy w/ the peace dividend and stop our endless and wars and occupations? Regrettably, bin Laden's death will change nothing. There are no real threats out there. That's an illusion foisted upon us since 9/11.
(3 comments) SHARE Wednesday, December 18, 2013 Federal District Judge Richard Leon's Ruling Opposing the NSA's Intelligence Gathering Practices
Yesterday Fed'l District Court Judge Richard J. Leon's ruling questioned the NSA's intel gathering practices whether they were illegal & violated the Constitution putting the onus on the Obama administration to show why the agencies surveillance program is justified. Judge Leon gives one hope sanity, conscience, integrity & respect for the rule of law still exists in @ least one high gov't official.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, March 27, 2020 Anti-malarial drug Chloroquine in studies in China effective in treating Covid-19 patients
According to French microbiologist Raoult citing 2 different studies from China revealed the anti-malarial drug chloroquine was effective in treating Covid-19 patients. In clinical trials of the drug w/over a 100 patients shows it prevents worsening pneumonia, improves results of radiological exams leading to the elimination of the virus & shorter duration of the disease. No side effects observed. And it's readily available.
SHARE Thursday, November 7, 2019 It's time for European nations break free of the US yoke around their necks since the end of WWII
France, the UK & Germany need to uphold the 2015 nuclear agreement w/Iran despite the US w/drawal from the deal last yr. Iran has begun enriching uranium beyond what it agreed in the 2015 deal. Iran has said it would return to the deals limits if the Europeans uphold their end of the deal. They are independent sovereign nations. It's time they acted like it & break free of the US yoke around their necks since the end of WW II.
(9 comments) SHARE Saturday, July 24, 2021 Taking on the ruling elite
Patrick Lawrence wrote, "Don't you know there's a war on?" saying "the extent to which most Americans are utterly oblivious to what goes on in the world around them is not short of astonishing". Too many Americans have succumbed to "official" Washington's propaganda we've all been subjected to. It's long past time we transcend those lies and begin to see the truth.
SHARE Wednesday, October 26, 2011 The Forces of Repression Attempting to Suppress Occupy Movement
The forces of repression are attempting to suppress the occupy movement. Yesterday police lobbed tear gas at Occupy Oakland protesters. Their repressive tactics will only harden the resolve of the protesters and gain more sympathizers appalled at police attacking innocent people. They are protesting against fundamental wrongs, injustices and basic unfairness which most people identify with. This movement is not going away.
(4 comments) SHARE Wednesday, November 29, 2017 North Korea fires ICBM higher and longer than previous launches
Yesterday N. Korea fired an ICBM that flew higher & longer than previous such launches landing in the Sea of Japan. It was the North's first missile test in over 2 months. In the interim the US has sent 3 carrier task forces off the Korean Peninsula, flown B-1 bombers over S. Korea & conducted joint military exercises w/ S. Korea & Japan. It feels like a tinder box waiting to explode.
SHARE Wednesday, January 8, 2020 What Trump didn't address in speech this morning after Iranian missile strikes in Iraq early yesterday
Pres. Trump delivered a speech this AM after Iran sent missiles attacking 2 separate American base facilities in Iraq early yesterday. He announced no retaliatory strikes except new sanctions on Iran. What Trump didn't address. The missile strikes were accurate. They intended to hit American base facilities yet avoid casualties. Iran showed restraint, compassion in delivering the strikes yet saw no benefit in killing anyone
SHARE Friday, April 28, 2023 Yesterday two US military Apache helicopters crashed in Alaska during a training session. Another crashed in February
Yesterday two US military Apache helicopters crashed in Alaska during a training session. Another Apache also crashed in Alaska in February. In March two Blackhawk military copters collided near Ft. Campbell, KY killing 9 soldiers. Why are these military helicopter mishaps occurring during training sessions? These are hardly missions in a war zone much less in war games.
(12 comments) SHARE Saturday, May 2, 2015 Six police charged in death of Freddie Gray, from Baltimore Fraternal Order of Police, "They have done nothing wrong".
The death of Freddie Gray while in the custody of police has gripped the country. We now know the 6 officers in the police van w/ Gray have been charged by Baltimore States Att'ny Marilyn Mosby w/ crimes ranging from murder to manslaughter. The key element for her to act was the medical examiners report Gray's death was a homicide. Her action brought cheers thruout the city. The people have to believe justice is being served.
SHARE Friday, September 14, 2012 Anti American protests in Muslim World Provoked by Egyptian born American Coptic Christian
This weeks protests continue in the Muslim world over a video made by an Egyptian born American citizen & Coptic Christian named Nakoula that was derisive of the Prophet Muhammad. These protests have nothing to do w/ the Arab Spring. They were intentionally provoked w/ the hope of tainting all Muslims as radical jihadists & terrorists. This was the work of a hateful anti Muslim American crackpot.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, July 25, 2017 Shenanigans in the Senate
So what's the latest political maneuverings over on Capitol Hill? Ah yes the Republican Senate considering the overhaul of Obama care. Some Republicans aren't going along w/the shenanigans. But rest assured regardless whether something does get passed the private health insurance companies will continue their stranglehold on health care in this country even though most people want a Medicare for all system.
(10 comments) SHARE Thursday, April 25, 2013 A Possible Motive Behind the Boston Marathon Bombings
Ever since the Boston Marathon bombings the motives of the 2 brothers allegedly committing this crime has been baffling. Yesterday, the younger brother wrote during interrogation the older brother was upset by the U.S. wars in Iraq & Afghanistan & his anger was the motivation to plant 2 homemade bombs along the race route. So is the killing of Muslim innocents in U.S. wars the motive behind the bombing of innocents in Boston?
SHARE Thursday, June 6, 2013 New Secret Surveillance Order, Orwell's Fictional "1984" in Reality
A secret court order signed by a FISA judge requires Verizon w/ tens of millions customers "to provide the NSA w/ daily information on all telephone calls by its subscribers w/in the U.S." The Center for Constitutional Rights says it requires no level of suspicion & does not require a showing of probable cause. This secret order is just data mining w/o cause or suspicion & clearly unConstitutional.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, February 22, 2022 Putin signs treaty recognizing Donetsk and Lugansk as sovereign states sends Russian troops there as part of treaty
Yesterday Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin signed a treaty w/the two leaders of the breakaway republics of Donetsk & Lugansk recognizing them as sovereign states. As part of the treaty he ordered Russian peacekeepers & Russian military into the two republics. Putin recognized the 2014 Minsk agreements had failed prompting him to take the
action he did. For sure the crisis in Ukraine is not over. The next chapter has just begun.
SHARE Friday, June 23, 2023 Absolute hypocrisy on the part of "official" Washington
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken after robust discussions w/ Chinese President Xi Jingping wants Beijing to press N. Korea to engage in dialogue and end its dangerous behavior. The question is which country allied with Washington could get it to engage in dialogue and end its dangerous behavior?
(3 comments) SHARE Friday, August 19, 2016 Has the "Deep State" overplayed its hand?
What's it gonna take for the US people to get past the "Deep State" indoctrination they've been subjected to, recognize it as such & demand change? There is a realization from both left & right things are not so shiny from sea to shining sea. There's a fierce undercurrent of political consciousness w/ many Bernie supporters going w/ Green Party candidate Jill Stein; maybe the start of a political revolution in this country.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, October 14, 2015 Putin's gamble succeeding in Syria?
It's been two weeks since Russian Pres. Putin seized the initiative in Syria sending in his jet fighters flying sorties & attacking terrorist enclaves in the war torn country. In response nothing but bloviating from US officials. "There will be consequences for Russia";"Obama should retaliate". Could it be Obama realizes the futility of his campaign to fight IS & Putin's move could begin to end the terrorist threat in Syria?
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, April 17, 2017 The seeming disconnect of the American people of a nuclear conflagration and the US perpetrating the unthinkable
Pres. Trump has sent a carrier task force toward the Korean Peninsula over N.Korea's recent ballistic missile tests. Sec'y of St. Tillerson said "the policy of strategic patience has ended" w/ the "military option on the table". Such US provocations have brought the world to the present crisis. What is most unsettling is the seeming disconnect of the American people to the real possibility of the US committing the unthinkable.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, February 8, 2023 Source claims US sabotaged Nord Stream pipeline in the Baltic Sea last September
Seymour Hersh the prize winning investigative journalist has revealed from sources "with direct knowledge of operational planning" it was the US that sabotaged the Nord Stream pipeline in the Baltic Sea last September. The White House rejected it as "utterly false".
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, September 28, 2022 Regarding the consensus of sabotage to the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines a thorough investigation must be conducted
As to the severe explosive damage to the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines which occurred on Monday in the Baltic Sea off the coast of the Danish island of Bornholm there appears to be a consensus it was sabotage. At this point a thorough investigation is called for presumably to be conducted by Denmark as it was its territory where the pipelines were allegedly sabotaged.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, September 29, 2021 The Pentagon considering using Russian military bases
The Pentagon is considering using Russian military bases in Central Asia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan. Pentagon Sec'y Austin speaking before the Senate said, "Pres. Putin offered to provide assistance" when Putin met w/ Pres. Biden in Geneva last June. The one task that makes sense is for the US military to help secure the "stans" border w/ Afghanistan helping to prevent ISIS, K terrorists infiltrating from there.
SHARE Saturday, August 12, 2023 Biden this week referred to China's leaders as "bad folks" who do :bad things", not exactly a call to improve relations
At a fundraiser this week in Utah President Biden called Chinese President Xi Jinping's government as being in "trouble". That Beijing's economy was a "ticking time bomb". Biden said, "They got some problems. That's not good because when bad folks have problems, they do bad things". How Biden's comments on China are intended to improve relations w/ that country is simply baffling.
(5 comments) SHARE Tuesday, November 15, 2011 Incredible, First Oakland Then Occupy Wall Street Shut Down
Early this AM police raided OWS & forcibly removed protesters sleeping in tents. Dozens of arrests were made. Earlier Monday police closed down the Occupy Oakland encampment arresting 33 there. What these authorities fail to understand is their actions will only galvanize protesters resolve to continue their protests which are based on ideas, problems and issues which can't be destroyed by dismantling their encampments.
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, August 16, 2014 More Orwellian Newspeak
Last week Pres. Obama stated repeatedly, "No ground forces will be sent" to Iraq. Now that "unequivocal" statement has morphed into he's "considering" a rescue operation using American troops. Forget considering it's all but a done deal. Just a little Orwellian "Newspeak", the usual double talk fed to the American people by their gov't.
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, September 25, 2014 Obama and his Nobel "Peace" Prize
"Code Pink", the group @the forefront of the antiwar, anti-drone movement will hold a candlelight vigil tonight outside the White House asking Pres. Obama to return the Nobel Peace prize he was awarded in 2009. W/ his new war in Iraq & Syria his retaining the Nobel Prize for peace is an insult & affront to what the prize is supposed to represent, more in tune w/ Orwell's "war is peace" illogic in his dystopian "1984" novel.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, January 3, 2020 It's not a good time to be an American on foreign soil because of something their government perpetrated on Iran
Last night Pres. Trump ordered the drone assassination of Iran Major General Qassim Suleimani traveling in a convoy outside Iraq's Int'l airport. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamanei promised "Harsh revenge" warning revenge awaits the criminals who stained their hands in his blood". It's not a good time to be an American on foreign soil because of something their gov't perpetrated then blamed it all on Iran.
(6 comments) SHARE Tuesday, March 15, 2011 President Obama Countenances the Torture of Bradley Manning, That Says All We Need to Know About This President
Some positions taken by presidents show who they truly are. W/ regard to Bradley Manning Obama knows Manning has been held for 9 months, in solitary for 23 Hrs. a day, forced to remove his clothes every nite, forced to stand naked at attention each morning. Forced nudity is a form of torture. The president has countenanced torture w/ regard to Manning. That's all we need to know about the character of the man in the W.H.
SHARE Friday, April 30, 2021 US antagonism toward Russia and China is escalating, Is the US planning war with the world's other nuclear superpowerers
Where is the mutual respect by the US toward Russia & China, the world's two other nuclear superpowers? It seems there isn't any. Here's two countries capable of annihilating the US in a nuclear weapons retaliatory strike. Yet observing US antagonism toward these countries it appears the US has plans for war w/ Russia & China. Thus preventing the US initiating war w/them is priority #1, a war that could easily turn nuclear.
SHARE Tuesday, August 10, 2021 Insanity prevails in Oregon government
Oregon Governor Kate Brown late in July signed a bill suspending the requirement for high school seniors in the state to be proficient in reading, writing & math supposedly to aid "students of color". The Democrat legislature overwhelmingly supported the move. How do the parents of students of color feel about this? Were they consulted? It appears the gov & her Dem colleagues somehow became insane enacting such legislation.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, September 22, 2021 What AUKUS, the Australia, UK, US deal is really about
AUKUS the acronym for Australia, United Kingdom, United States agreement for the US & UK to provide 8 nuclear powered submarines to Australia. This deal scraps the 2016 contract between France & Australia for 12 diesel driven subs to be built in Australia from a French design. What AUKUS is really about? Further containment of China w/ Aussie nuclear subs about to be prowling around the periphery of China & N. Korea.
(3 comments) SHARE Friday, April 15, 2016 Hypocrisy of Hillary's supporters
Since the Supreme Court's 5-4 decision in Citizens United Democrats have seen it as the root of political evil. But Clinton's Democratic supporters now defend Hillary raking in millions in corporate campaign cash & corporate speeches. This is simple hypocrisy revealing her supporters have no core beliefs.
(3 comments) SHARE Friday, June 2, 2017 Is Europe with France and Germany in the lead beginning to take an independent course away from "official" Washington?
Pres. Putin visit this week w/ new French Pres. Macron may have serious implications. Macron wants improved relations w/ Russia taking an independent course away from Washington. He said, "Nothing can be tackled w/out dialogue w/ Russia" over Syria & Ukraine. Germany's Merkel said, "We Europeans must take our destiny in our own hands". Is Europe w/ France & Germany in lead taking an independent course away from Washington?
SHARE Friday, August 19, 2022 US gives Ukraine go ahead to attack Crimea
The US has given Ukraine the go ahead to attack Crimea & the Kerch Bridge that connects the peninsula w/ the Russian mainland. Ukraine & the US reject Crimea becoming part of Russia making it fair game to be attacked. Up to now the Russian military in Ukraine has not targeted Pres. Zelensky or his entourage. If he is successful in attacking Crimea all bets are off whether they will come under attack in retaliation.
(12 comments) SHARE Monday, February 14, 2011 Where is Our Revolutionary Fervor?
18 days of revolution may be over in Egypt as the nuts and bolts of hammering out a real democracy have just begun. The army's Supreme Council has taken steps toward that end, disbanding parliament, suspending the constitution and calling for free and fair elections. Egypt's people's revolution was visceral, raw and passionate. Where is our revolutionary fervor? What would it take for us to rebel in America?
(5 comments) SHARE Friday, May 20, 2011 Obama is Right on the Mark, "Israel Must Accept 1967 Borders"
In Obama's speech yesterday he said Israel must use the 1967 borders as the starting point of negotiations w/ the Palestinian's. He was right on the mark. Netanyahu and the Israeli's may object calling them "indefensible". But those borders are the only legitimate starting point. Only the U.S. is capable of bringing Israel to its senses. Obama set the tone. The question. Will he remain committed to take his words all the way?
(4 comments) SHARE Friday, January 6, 2017 War mongers extraordinaire
Senators John McCain & Lindsey Graham traveled to Ukraine during the holiday break & proclaimed, "2017 will be the year of offense" against Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin. They claim, "Our fight is not w/ the Russian people but w/ Putin". However, since over 80% of the Russian people support Putin any war against Putin is a war w/ Russia. And make no mistake these two war mongers are pushing for war w/ Russia.
SHARE Tuesday, May 2, 2023 In America it's profit over people
In America it's profit over people. Profit over people is standard operation procedure in just about every significant industry in America. The reality today it's a government of the big moneyed interests, by those interests and for those interests. Certainly not a government of, by and for the people.
(5 comments) SHARE Tuesday, September 28, 2010 "Targeted' Assassination by the CIA, Where is the Legal Authority?
Earlier this year the Obama administration authorized the CIA to target and kill Anwar al- Awlaki an American born Muslim cleric, hiding in Yemen. Since the 1970's Congress officially banned the CIA from engaging in targeted assassinations and coups. Just where is the legal authority for the administration to authorize the CIA to engage in any type of targeted killing, much less the targeting of a U.S. citizen?
(20 comments) SHARE Monday, July 13, 2015 The Greek People, "We have nothing to lose", from Tsipras betrayal
The Greek people voted 61 to 39 rejecting austerity by the EU, ECB & IMF. PM Tsipras had urged them to do so. On Friday he betrayed the peoples vote, put forth a new austerity package of reduced pensions, higher taxes & reduced gov't spending which the Greek parliament app'd. The new austerity package was what the troika had been demanding & they app'd it this morning. Only the Greek people had nothing to lose. Not so Tsipras.
SHARE Friday, April 24, 2015 Obama's apology, genuine? Plus officials warped, cavalier response to America's Drone Wars
Yesterday Pres. Obama gave a "command performance" apologizing for the deaths of an American & an Italian killed by a CIA drone strike in Pakistan in January. Genuine? Why did it take 4 months? We're told & expected to believe he knew nothing until last week. Why did it take a week to go before the TV cameras? Why not go the day or night he heard about it? Did he need to "prep" for a week to make it appear he was "distraught"?
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, August 5, 2017 Is palace intrigue about to end with no nonsense John Kelly as Trump's Chief of Staff?
On Monday Trump named retired General John Kelly as his new Chief of Staff. Kelly is a no nonsense guy. He told people they'd have to go thru him to see the president. Previously anyone went into the Oval Office anytime they wanted. Obviously Kelly got Trump to agree such practices would end before taking the job. W/ all the palace intrigue in this White House an adult might bring some sanity where none existed before.
(3 comments) SHARE Tuesday, May 13, 2014 This American Empire, It Too Will Collapse
As with all empires this American one will eventually fall and most Americans will be taken by surprise. For all its hubris, American exceptionalism, the sense of entitlement and the idea of it being the "indispensible country" won't save it from the trash heap of all other empires long since gone. Such illusions may contribute, even hasten that inevitable collapse.
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, April 9, 2020 The Covit-19 virus, Bernie capitulating and Biden the Democratic nominee this November against Trump
Yesterday Bernie Sanders quit his campaign for the Dems pres.nomination betraying his followers a 2nd time & supporting Joe Biden. One day the Covit-19 pandemic will end in the US as happened yesterday in Wuhan, China where it all began. Wuhan opened up spectacularly, people congregating, trains running, shops open. This will happen in the US & Trump, like it or not will be seen as the leader who beat the virus in the US.
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, July 20, 2019 The hope, Trump has a moment of lucidity and avoids war with Iran
Hardly a day goes by w/out an incident involving Iran. The latest had Iran intercepting two British tankers in the Strait of Hormuz detaining one then releasing the other. Other incidents have occurred. The US claimed it shot down an Iranian drone flying too close to a US Navy ship while the Iranian's denied any of its drones were missing. The worry is a miscalculation of the intent of an adversary unleashing a new hot war.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, December 13, 2017 America, plutocracy not a democracy
We don't have a democracy in the US. We have a plutocracy, gov't of, by, and for the rich & big corporate interests. There is no real difference between the Democrat & Republican parties. Both are beholden to the big moneyed interests. Is it any wonder the laws, regulations, oversight & enforcement benefit those interests? Our entire electoral system is irredeemable, beyond reform & needs to be scrapped.
(3 comments) SHARE Thursday, January 26, 2012 Fidel Castro on the Republican Candidates, "The greatest competition of idiocy and ignorance that has ever been"
Say what you will about Fidel Castro, but the ex Cuban leaders description of the Republican candidates running for the presidency was priceless and on target saying they represent, "The greatest competition of idiocy and ignorance that has ever been." He was right on the mark. It seems unimaginable that one of this cast of characters could actually be the next president.
(12 comments) SHARE Tuesday, August 19, 2014 Police "Protecting the Public"; Not
The murder of Michael Brown gunned down by police in Ferguson, MO. has drawn int'l attention. China, Iran, Russia among others gave the sanctimonious US a dish of its own medicine pointing out the hypocrisy of the US condemning others while its own house is in disorder. The murder of a black teenager is hardly an anomaly in post civil rights America & protests by the people reveal a justifiable anger @ official wrongdoing.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, March 9, 2010 AIG, Goldman Sachs,the Fed and Treasury, Shenanigans, Skullduggery and Incestuous Ties?
Shenanigans, skullduggery; the incestuous ties between AIG, Goldman Sachs, the Treasury and the Fed reeks of insider type dealings require further scrutiny. The inner workings and relationships of these private and public officials is suspect making for a system easily gamed and manipulated by "insiders." New law needs to be enacted closing legal loopholes that allow these incestuous ties to remain legal.
(2 comments) SHARE Saturday, July 14, 2012 Barclays and LIBOR, Just the Tip of the Iceberg
The Barclay's Bank scandal over LIBOR that affect some $800 trillion in interest rates is just the tip of the iceberg of the financial fraud hitting the headlines. In fact its all the big banks gaming the system with their manipulations and tentacles reaching into every segment of society, not only in America, but the world.
SHARE Friday, May 24, 2013 The President's Speech Yesterday, Will His Policies and Actions Conform with His Rhetoric?
Regarding the President's speech yesterday on counterterrorism at the National Defense University; will his rhetoric be of substance & conform to the actual policy and actions he takes? Otherwise it will be just empty hot air. Based on the history of actual policy and actions taken by this president extreme skepticism is in order whether his speech will be anything more than rhetoric.
SHARE Thursday, October 13, 2022 Biden administration releases National Security Strategy naming Russia and China as primary adversaries
Yesterday Jake Sullivan Pres. Biden's Nat'l Security Adviser was tasked to release the 1st Nat'l Security Strategy of the administration. The document names Russia & China w/ "authoritarian governance & our most pressing strategic challenge". We'll "compete w/ China while constraining Russia". To a reporter he insisted "we are not seeking competition to tip over into confrontation or a new cold war". It sure sounds like it.
SHARE Thursday, July 21, 2022 Ukraine in denial of reality
Ukraine is losing the war yet Ukraine leaders keep bloviating its intention to attack Crimea & the Kerch Bridge connecting the peninsula w/Russia. Former Russian Pres. Dmitry Medvedev said "If the Ukrainian leadership really decided to attack the peninsula the day of judgment will come to them simultaneously-a swift and hard one". A Ukraine attack on Crimea and/or the Kerch Bridge will force Russia to act swiftly & harshly.
SHARE Monday, April 1, 2013 The Extortion and Blackmail of Egypt by the IMF
Egypt is in the news having a crisis on fuel and food. A fuel shortage has sent food prices soaring. Supposedly U.S. officials say Egypt must raise taxes and subsidy cuts before receiving a $4.8 billion loan from the IMF. Pres. Morsi has resisted the IMF deal. Maybe he realizes the "cure" of austerity measures on the backs of the people would only worsen their plight. What the IMF is doing is called extortion and blackmail.
SHARE Wednesday, October 4, 2017 Premise: Israel has never intended there be a separate Palestinian state
Premise: Israel since its inception in 1948 has never intended there be a separate Palestinian state. Facts on the ground show the reality. As more & more Palestinian lands are confiscated with Jewish settlements increasing in the West bank to over 400,000 settlers the idea of a separate Palestinian state being established becomes an almost far fetched proposition.
(4 comments) SHARE Thursday, April 28, 2022 Is there free speech in America?
Is there free speech in America? The 1st amendment protects freedom of speech. Pres. Biden thru the Dep't of Homeland Security has deemed "disinformation" must be fought. What constitutes "disinformation" anyway? What the gov't says? A true democracy allows for the free flow of information. We're a democracy w/ the 1st amendment protecting freedom of speech or a fascist dictatorship restricting what is allowed to be said.
(4 comments) SHARE Tuesday, April 5, 2011 Resurrecting Military Commissions, A Flawed Idea and Disregard for the Rule of Law
Yesterday Attorney General Eric Holder announced Khalid Sheikh Mohammad the alleged master mind of 9/11 would be tried by a military commission rather than in civilian court. These commissions are a flawed idea. What about evidence obtained by torture? Will it now be permissible? The use of these commissions show how far down the road we have traveled in disrespect for the rule of law.
SHARE Monday, August 29, 2022 Biden is reneging on his promise to wipe out all student debt
Pres. Biden announced last Wednesday the fed'l gov't would implement student loan forgiveness up to $10,000 for borrowers earning less than $125,000 a yr. up to 20,000 for Pell Grant recipients, reduce interest & cap income based payments @ 5% of income. Lest we forget Biden's campaign platform promised to wipe out all student debt. This doesn't come close. Biden is reneging on his promise.
SHARE Tuesday, November 15, 2022 Russia preparing a massive offensive soon to be unleashed in Ukraine?
As to the war in Ukraine the Russians have been evacuating troops & civilians from Kherson city across the Dnieper river to the eastern side. Western MSM depict the retreat as a Russian defeat. This may be a serious miscalculation. Once the ground freezes in December the Russian army could unleash a massive offensive on Kherson & beyond. A decisive blow against the Kiev regime that could finally end the war.
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, May 17, 2019 Venezuelan Embassy raided by Washington DC police
Yesterday the doors of the Venezuelan Embassy in Washington were smashed by DC police barging in & arresting the four remaining peace activists who were invited by embassy personnel in early April after all diplomats were ordered out by Trump. The raid was a clear violation of the Vienna convention of 1961 making embassy's inviolable unless the host nation was invited to enter by the gov't of the embassy. That wasn't the case.
SHARE Wednesday, June 10, 2020 An ominous sign of what's to come?
This morning there was a picture of protesters tearing down a statue of Christopher Columbus in Richmond,VA. Byrd Park setting it on fire & throwing it in a nearby lake. From the time of Columbus America was built on genocide of the indigenous peoples & on the backs of blacks brought here as slaves. That's our true legacy. Not the fabricated one we were indoctrinated w/notthe land of the free & the home of the brave hyperbole.
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, December 16, 2010 Today's Civil Resistance Action Outside The White House
A 1000 people braved the cold and the snow w/ some 200 making the decision to get arrested protesting the wars in Iraq/Afghanistan. They hoped their action today would be a catalyst for other civil resistance actions to take place across the country, that these actions mushroom and 1000's more Americans pick up the challenge initiated by veterans to stop the wars. They hoped today was just the beginning.
SHARE Wednesday, June 17, 2020 Realistic police reform and accountability, not there yet
Much has occurred since George Floyd's murder by police in Minneapolis. In particular the public's perception of police accountability for the brutality they commit. They're often exonerated. Widespread protests has resulted. Yet police are needed to combat violent crime & community patrols aren't qualified to handle it. Police reform is possible if elected officials & community groups meet to form a realistic plan of action.
(7 comments) SHARE Saturday, February 13, 2016 Crime, Inc
The way the US acts in the world should be referred to as Crime, Inc. It's become the most sinister entity on earth. Most sinister because what it does is under the guise of bringing freedom & democracy to others using the Constitution & the rule of law as a fig leaf cover but betrays w/ impunity. From illegal wars, false flag ops, coups, assassinations, torture. The US has "earned" the ignominy it has wrought on the world.
(6 comments) SHARE Thursday, May 16, 2013 Police State Tactics of Obama's Justice Department
The Justice Department's seizure of Associated Press reporter's phone records reveals the Obama administrations true intent which is to intimidate & cow truth tellers from exposing secret gov't actions & wrongdoing to investigative reporters. These are police state tactics, not something unilaterally exercised by the Executive branch in a Constitutional democracy.
(5 comments) SHARE Wednesday, September 21, 2016 Misrepresenting the facts
Less than 2 weeks ago Sec'y of State Kerry & Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov worked out a cease fire plan for Syria. That plan was shattered when US planes bombed a Syrian army base outside of Deir Ezzor last weekend killing some 60 elite army troops & wounding over a 100. The Syrian gov't accused the US of a deliberate attack. The US called it an "accident". Finian Cunningham called it"a deliberate act of murderous sabotage".
(1 comments) SHARE Sunday, November 7, 2010 Charles Ferguson's "Inside Job", Required Viewing by All Americans Left and Right
"Inside Job", the documentary film by Charles Ferguson on the 2008 financial meltdown should be required viewing by all Americans so there is no mistaking who the perpetrators were (and are) behind our current economic misery. What Ferguson presents is no mystery. It just shows the absolute need for the Justice Dep't to arraign the culprits and bring them to justice. Something that would be embraced on the left and the right.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, October 4, 2011 Occupy Wall Street Protests Spreading, There's a Need to Focus on the Core Issue, Money in Politics
Occupy Wall Street protests are spreading. The phenomenon has no end in sight. To have real impact the demands must be more focused. All the issues are interconnected and have one thing in common at their core; corporate and special interest money. It has usurped the electoral process controlling everything of consequence. The #1 necessity is removing money from politics and needs to be the focus of all the protests.
SHARE Friday, June 24, 2022 Russia's special military operation in Ukraine is a watershed event; there's no going back to how things were
Biden has surrounded himself w/ neo-cons that inhabit the State Dep't. This collection of war mongers is stuck in the cold war era. Russia's special military operation is a watershed event. There's no going back to the way the world operated prior to this event. We're in a recession possibly heading for a depression. The FED raised interest rates intending to curb inflation yet many financial gurus see things getting worse.
(4 comments) SHARE Tuesday, June 5, 2018 Rebellion in America? Not likely
There was rebellion in America in the late 1960's and early 70's on college campuses against the US war in Vietnam. Today there are serious activists protesting the environment, fracking, oil & gas pipelines et al but the protests remain single issue, siloed, separate from one another rather than interconnected & focused on their common adversary the elitist, imperialist, corporatist & elected gov't felons in charge in the US.
(4 comments) SHARE Tuesday, September 8, 2015 The current domestic "tranquility", the calm before the storm?
Chris Hedges writes, "The Real Enemy Is Within", that "Militarists & war profiteers are our greatest enemy...there will be no genuine democratic, social, economic or political reform until we destroy our permanent war machine". The question; is how the destruction of our permanent war machine is to be done? That's the conundrum. It isn't that people don't know the evils Hedges speaks of. Many do; it's how to destroy it.
(3 comments) SHARE Friday, October 12, 2012 Panetta, "U.S. Facing Possible Cyber-Pearl Harbor", No mention of U.S. Initiating Cyberwarfare
Defense Sec'y Panetta warned we're possibly facing a cyber Pearl Harbor from hackers in China, Russia & Iran that could disrupt the nations power grid, transportation & financial networks. What he didn't say was the U.S. initiated cyberwarfare on Iran's nuclear program w/ the Stuxnet worm damaging centrifuges enriching uranium. So now others are defending themselves? But it's hypocritical when the U.S. has been the aggressor.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, March 20, 2015 Netanyahu on Tuesday, "There will be NO Palestinian State", on Thursday, "It just wasn't possible now"
It never ceases to amaze what will emerge from the dissembling "mouth that roared", the just reelected prime minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu. After stating unequivocally on the eve of Tuesday's Israeli elections, "There will be no establishment of a Palestinian state" on his watch, two days later he's "clarifying" it w/, "It's just wasn't possible now". The man has no shame.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, October 22, 2012 Obama Officials to New York Times, Iran/U/S. Agree to One-on-One Negotiations after Presidential Election
It was probably an election ploy but yesterday Obama administration officials leaked to the NY Times the administration had reached a mutual agreement in principle w/ Iran on direct one-on-one negotiations. Simply put, if the madness of war w/ Iran can be averted by one-on-one talks the world can be saved from another unnecessary atrocity from being committed.
(14 comments) SHARE Wednesday, June 15, 2016 Trump vs Clinton, "Horror vs Horror"
It's become obvious there's no need to wait for the Repubs & Dems convention extravaganza's this July. It's the "Donald" & the "Hillerator", Trump v/s Clinton, the two most hated candidates to lead their party's ever. Trump is despised by his own party & Clinton though supported by a majority of women is despised by many (most?) others in America. It's "Horror v/s Horror" this November.
(1 comments) SHARE Sunday, June 23, 2019 Pilots sue Boeing over MAX 737, knowingly put profits ahead of safety
A published account by RT has Boeing being sued by 400 pilots "trained to fly the 4th generation 737 MAX aircraft". They accuse Boeing of hushing up known concerns about the glitch ridden equipment installed in the jets. The lawsuit says, "Boeing engaged in an unprecedented cover up of the known design flaws of the MAX 737, placing corporate profits ahead of the lives of pilots, crews & the general public.
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, July 22, 2023 Ukraine starting to use cluster munitions targeting a region in Russia after the US approved delivery of these weapons
Ukraine has started to use cluster munitions targeting a region in Russia. Early this month the US authorized the delivery of these weapons to Ukraine. Earlier this week Ukraine sent a drone strike targeting the Crimean Bridge damaging a section of the roadway. Maybe the Ukrainian's have changed tactics as its counter-offensive has stalled and decided to attack Russian regions with longer range munitions.
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, October 28, 2023 Did US troops take an active part in the Israeli invasion of Gaza last night?
A non US or western news agency called the Tasnim News Agency has reported that US troops took part in the IDF invasion of Gaza last night. No US main stream media has reported US troops took part in the assault. If it turns out the Tasnim account is correct it would mean this conflict has entered a significant new phase. Who knows where it could lead.
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, November 5, 2015 America the (not so) beautiful
It's becoming clearer by the day, the US is the most dangerous political entity in the world today. It is the most insidious, hiding behind the veneer of democracy, the Constitution & the rule of law trumpeting those virtues while disregarding them w/impunity. Incredibly most in America have bought the charade still spouting, "We're the greatest". Meanwhile the rest of the world sees us as the greatest threat to world peace.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, May 17, 2023 There seems to be a sort of madness taken hold in this country in the form of indignation and resentment by many people
.A sort of madness seems to have taken hold in this country. It's in the form of indignation, resentment of a sort by people. Many (most?) are indignant over what they perceive as lies by their government and the main stream media. They simply don't trust what they're being told in the pronouncements made by the government and the MSM .
SHARE Tuesday, May 17, 2011 We Are at War All Over The World
Leave no doubt; we are at war all over the world. A classified executive order AQN Ex Ord or Al Qaeda Network Executive Order was signed by then Sec'y of Defense Donald Rumsfeld in 2004 and now expanded by Pres. Obama. It allows "US Special Forces to move to denied areas or countries beyond official battle zones and to operate lethally and unilaterally in any country around the globe. We are at war everywhere.
SHARE Tuesday, February 4, 2014 NSA's Bleating over Snowden Revelations Continue to Ring Hollow
Here’s some of the latest bleatings from the NSA. In a snit the agency is on the counterattack blaming Snowden for US banks, defense, telecom & other large institutions being vulnerable to foreign cyberattacks. But the NSA’s whining is falling on deaf ears. Everyone now knows the NSA is the INITIATOR of cyberwarfare w/ credibility next to zero. So the idea of the agency doing right by the people is rejected out of hand.
(5 comments) SHARE Monday, September 11, 2017 It's 9/11 once again and questions abound 16 years later
It's 9/11 once again though 16 years later since that fateful day. Most Americans probably don't think about it having absorbed it osmosis like only to have it dredged up each anniversary. But like the Kennedy assassination 9/11 has been studied, analyzed & "official" findings produced. Yet like Kennedy subsequent "unofficial" findings elicit questions that challenge the "official" version of 9/11.
(4 comments) SHARE Thursday, May 2, 2013 Indeed, "Why are we doing this?"
Guantanamo has been in the headlines lately as detainees have staged a hunger strike that began in February. It has caused the Pres. to say, "It's not sustainable. The notion that we're going to keep 100 individuals in no mans land in perpetuity made no sense. Why are we doing this?" Action on his part is what is needed. Close Guantanamo, charge & try detainees or release them. It would be the right thing to do.
(5 comments) SHARE Monday, August 6, 2012 Authoritarianism Masquerading Behind a Fig Leaf of Democracy
The Obama administration intentionally discloses secret kill lists while the Senate Intel committee wants prosecution of the leakers. It's still big brother tactics & broadening of the Nat'l Security state wrapped in deceptive packaging under the guise of defending against terrorists, a façade masquerading behind a fig leaf of democracy, the Constitution & the rule of law, all as they're being shredded.
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, August 20, 2018 1953 CIA led coup in Iran, "an act of international banditry"
Yesterday marked the 65th year since the August 19, 1953 CIA led coup in Iran that toppled the legitimately elected government of Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh. A crime John Wight bluntly describes, "was by any measure, an act of international banditry that continues to cry out for just redress", this from his "RT" article, "1953 Iran coup-a crime authored by London and Washington".
(4 comments) SHARE Monday, May 17, 2021 Genocide by the apartheid Israeli regime
What Israel has been doing since its inception in 1948 is the systematic genocide of the Palestinian's. US support of Israel gives it license to commit this atrocity knowing it can act w/ impunity. All the world recognizes Israel's apartheid policy against the Palestinian's. The world must continue condemning Israel as a pariah state boycotting it, forcing it to end its apartheid rule & force it to return to its 1948 borders.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, October 30, 2013 The NSA Bruised and Beleaguered Implicates its European "Partners"
The NSA battered from the latest disclosures of world wide snooping came out swinging yesterday w/ senior officials implicating their European intelligence partners saying they contributed "tens of millions telephone records in joint surveillance operations" w/ the Agency. It's a U.S. & Int'l house of cards where the immoral & unethical degeneracy of democratically elected gov'ts expose their true nature.
(3 comments) SHARE Monday, August 31, 2015 Ensconced in a cocoon, completely unaffected and oblivious
Chris Hedges article,The Great Unraveling focuses on the ravages of neo-liberalism & global capitalism in the US & the world, the vast inequality, wage stagflation, chronic poverty, factories closed, prisons overflowing are some of the depredations. What is stunning & disconcerting w/ the world crumbling are people w/ cell phones in hand, madly texting away seemingly ensconced in a cocoon, completely oblivious & unaffected.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, December 9, 2020 Will the American people wake up? They're just pawns to be used and abused by the ruling elites that control the country
Will the American people wake up to the reality they're just pawns to be used & abused by the ruling elite that control the country? They've been so indoctrinated w/ the land of the free & home of the brave lies to let themselves be open to an alternative narrative from the one they were taught would cause cognitive dissonance throwing the world they'd come to believe in upside down. It's hard to imagine that happening.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, April 16, 2021 A softer approach toward Russia?
W/ regard to Russia yesterday Pres. Biden told reporters, "Now is the time to de-escalate. The way forward is thru thoughtful dialogue & diplomatic process. The US is prepared to move forward constructively w/ that process". Last month he referred to Russian Pres. Putin as a killer. Now Biden's reaching out to Putin in a complete reversal of what he's been saying about him & Russia. Does he need Putin & Russia to help w/Iran?
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, August 1, 2014 The Gag-O-Meter Registered a Bit Higher With CIA Director Brennan "Apologizing" for Lying
The gag o meter registered a bit higher when reading about CIA Dir. John Brennan "apologizing" to Senate Intel Chair Dianne Feinstein for his boys hacking Senate computer files relating to its investigation into the CIA's conduct during the Bush era & its use of torture. If anything only a few underlings may get axed & prosecuted but for sure it won't include the likes of Brennan & other higher ups that authorized it all.
(4 comments) SHARE Friday, November 5, 2010 A Few Final Words on the Political Demise of Feingold and Grayson
A few final words on the election and the political demise of Representative Alan Grayson and Senator Russ Feingold. That they were considered mavericks tells much about the mostly sycophantic others that roam the halls of Congress. They didn't compromise w/ wrongheadedness or bad policy and were men of principle and conscience, all qualities sadly lacking in most of their colleagues. They'll be missed.
SHARE Friday, February 28, 2014 America, "Land of the 'not so' free and home of the brave"
Since the end of WWII & more so since 9/11 America has become an empire, exercising hegemony everywhere, conducts worldwide surveillance of all electronic communications, initiated cyberwarfare, started unnecessary wars & now justifies the assassination of American citizens deemed a threat & w/out due process. Though DoD ads gush the military is A force for good in the world its hardly in defense of the American people.
(7 comments) SHARE Monday, August 3, 2020 Why no skepticism of governments medical experts opinions on COVID-19?
Why is it people normally skeptical of what gov't & MSM experts say when it comes to COVID-19 they believe everything the gov'ts medical experts say? Was it fear @ the outset when told millions could die from the virus? Some 5 months later millions dying from the virus was a severely inflated number. To date some 157,000 have died in the US. The numbers were exaggerated. How about what else they may have exaggerated?
SHARE Wednesday, August 31, 2022 Shooting oneself in the foot
The EU has been dependent on Russia supplying its energy needs. Even during Soviet times they were never interrupted. Now w/ sanctions placed on Russia the EU countries are in dire straits as there is no real alternative available to offset Russian energy supplies. So the EU suffers. It needs to wake up rediscover its sovereignty take care of its needs as they alone see them. That can only happen by them shedding US hegemony.
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, January 30, 2014 The "Real" Political Corruption
A recent article in the NY Times entitled, “IT Only Seems That Political Corruption Is Rampant†was misleading pointing to graft & fraud as the corruption the public sees as rampant. The real political corruption is the legalized bribery of the entire political process sanctified by SCOTUS in their 2010 Citizens United ruling granting Corporations 1st Amendment right to make unlimited expenditures in political campaigns.
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, December 8, 2017 Insane thinking
It's a most precarious time w/ so many potentially calamitous events simultaneously happening in the world. A potential US war w/ N. Korea, Trump recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital & the resulting Muslim reaction w/ Hamas calling for a new Intifada against Israel, Trump rejecting the nuclear deal w/ Iran, calling it a state sponsor of terrorism & never before diplomacy so subordinated to military provocations.
(6 comments) SHARE Wednesday, July 5, 2017 Taking measures against an aggressive US war machine
N. Korea test fired an ICBM missile yesterday that according to them could reach Alaska & Hawaii. The initial US response came from the top US Gen'l in S. Korea Vincent Brooks saying, Self restraint is the only thing stopping war in Korea. But N. Korea has only developed its missile & nuclear arms as a deterrent against a US attack especially against a US war machine that has repeatedly attacked non nuclear regimes.
SHARE Tuesday, July 12, 2022 Absolute hypocrisy
Yesterday US Sec'y of State Antony Blinken speaking in Thailand said, "It's Russia challenging the rules based order. The existing rules are based on basic understandings, respect for sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity for human rights. What Blinken forgot to mention it's the US that's been the country above all others that disregards respect for sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity for human rights.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, October 23, 2023 As to the crisis in Gaza with the Israeli IDF ready to invade a maelstrom could be imminent
Looking @ the current geopolitical crises happening in the world it's hard to remember a time more explosive than the present one where things could unravel & escalate into a maelstrom. Especially in Gaza. The Israeli IDF seems poised to initiate a ground invasion into Gaza. If & when the IDF invades who knows what further escalation will occur not only from Hamas but also from Hezbollah, Iran & the rest of the Muslim world.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, November 1, 2022 Did former UK PM Liz Truss message Secretary of State Antony Blinken with "It's done" after Nord Stream explosions?
The latest speculation regarding the Nord stream explosions in September has former British Prime Minister Liz Truss supposedly messaging US Sec'y of State Antony Blinken w/ "It's done" minutes after the pipelines blew up. In June NATO conducted deep sea exercises near Bornholm Island where the explosions occurred, It seems too much of a coincidence NATO countries had nothing to w/ the pipelines being damaged.
SHARE Thursday, October 14, 2021 Not exactly the knowledgeable approach of a supposed enlightened democracy
S.W. Airlines is in the news. 1800 flights were canceled over the weekend. SWA execs blamed it on bad weather in Fla. SWA competitors flying similar routes had only minor cancellations. So what's w/ SWA? After Biden said company's w/over 100 employees must issue a vaccine mandate, SWA set a Dec. 8 deadline. Get the jab or be fired. That diktat didn't go over well w/the pilots. Many called in sick. No pilots, flights canceled.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, February 14, 2012 Orwell's "1984" in Reality
In America, most of us haven't been vigilant, We've gotten complacent, taken our democracy for granted, our standard of living a given; as Americans we're exceptional and entitled, the American dream. Meanwhile the forces of mega corporate greed and have usurped, corrupted and distorted that democracy and that dream. We've gotten distracted, been in denial and passively indifferent to what has been happening in our midst.
SHARE Monday, September 23, 2013 America in Distress, The Sinister Actions by the Government
America & Americans are not the government. The gov't has become a separate entity completely unto itself. The people are superfluous, necessary foils to that gov't providing a fig leaf of legitimacy & the impression we remain a republic, a constitutional democracy & a gov't of, by and for the people. Nothing can be further from the truth.
(3 comments) SHARE Friday, January 13, 2012 Madness Reigns with Obama's Threats to Iran
The U.S. is pushing Iran to the breaking point. Treasury Sec'y Geitner was in China pressing them to reduce import of Iranian oil. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE jointly assured China, Japan and S. Korea they would increase production if Iran oil supply was cut off. Obama official says, We mean to close down Central Bank of Iran, its largest revenue source. Obama seems intent on provoking unnecessary war w/ Iran.
SHARE Tuesday, August 22, 2017 "In the end we will win"
"In the end we will win". Those words from Trump last night when he went along w/ his generals & increased the number of troops in Afghanistan. The NY Times put it, "Trump accepted the logic that a big 'military' approach was needed to prevent Afghanistan from again becoming a launching pad for terrorism against the US". Ah yes the terrorism card always handy to scare Americans into believing terrorists are out to get them.
SHARE Monday, June 4, 2012 The Implications of Tomorrow's Recall Election in Wisconsin
Two months ago a state panel set tom'w as the date for the recall election of Gov. Scott Walker in Wisconsin. Walkers actions as governor taking on the public service unions & stripping them of their collective bargaining rights is really an assault on all working men & women. His recall will have nat'l implications.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, February 16, 2011 "Rome is Burning Folks, Didn't You Get the Memo?"
The revolts in the Arab world are all understandable. What underlies them is official tyranny and police state tactics against the people. The key has been the army. In Tunisia and Egypt the generals refused to fire on the protestors. Both regimes eventually fell. In America revolution isn't in the air. Oppression in the U.S. isn't widespread. Most people are comfortable. But "Rome is burning folks, didn't you get the memo?"
SHARE Wednesday, September 11, 2019 Bolton finally gone from the scene
Geopolitically, good news is rarely heard these days. Yet yesterday qualifies as one of those days. Trump's nat'l security advisor John Bolton was finally gone from the scene. Since last April when Trump named him as nat'l security advisor there's hardly been a day where news of Bolton brought any sense of relief some new US misadventure advocated by him was about to happen. Now he'll just be a sour footnote in history.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, October 10, 2023 Hamas assault on Israel, rebellion against its oppressor?
Hamas controls the gov't in Gaza. It conducted an assault against Israeli's attacking southern Israeli settlements last Saturday. Hamas has taken 100's of Israeli's hostage. Israel has responded w/ a massive retaliatory bombing attack on Gaza. But consider: the Palestinian's are an occupied people living under Israeli rule. So @ times they resist their captors w/ a violent armed assault. That is what happened on Saturday.
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, October 21, 2016 "All The News That's Fit To Print", Not
America once had a free press. In the early 1970's the Washington Post exposed the Nixon Watergate conspiracy unraveling the affair that got Nixon to resign in disgrace. That's ancient history. The Post has since become a neo-con propaganda rag & regime change booster. It's not just the Post. The entire MSM in America has become an "unofficial" organ of the state masquerading as a free press and a handmaiden of the state.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, October 28, 2015 A Geo-political Realignment in the World?
There may have begun a Geo-political realignment in the world when Russian Pres. Putin boldly sent his air force into Syria 4 weeks ago w/ his stated intent to destroy the Islamic state & al Qaeda terrorists in Syria. It's absolutely significant forcing the US to reconcile & come to terms it can't challenge the Russian's in the air in Syria w/out an incident that could lead to the unthinkable; war between two nuclear states.
(9 comments) SHARE Monday, October 3, 2011 Americas Descent Into Legal and Moral Degeneracy
Pres. Obama made good his threat to kill Anwar al-Awlaki, the American born Islamic cleric. There is no legal way to justify the official OK to kill an American, outside a war zone and w/o due process. If Awlaki committed crimes, he needed to be arraigned and prosecuted in a U.S. court of law. That didn't happen. This targeted killing of an American was a criminal act by the gov't and the official who authorized it.
SHARE Thursday, May 14, 2020 The China bashing, a war with the PRC on the horizon?
In the midst of the Covid-19 epidemic the Trump administration has China in its crosshairs. W/people in the US preoccupied w/the virus Trump's been hammering China for initiating & covering it up. Besides the virus China bashing continues w/the ongoing trade war, provocations in the S. China Sea, placing tactical nukes on submarines, threats of sanctions for receiving Iranian oil. What's the US intent? Eventual war w/ China?
SHARE Tuesday, August 7, 2018 Sanctions, war on the horizon with Iran
In the bizarro world of Trump renewed sanctions on Iran are "the most biting sanctions ever imposed. In Nov. they ratchet up yet another level. Anyone doing business will NOT be doing business w/ the US. I am asking for WORLD PEACE, nothing less". How does that translate into asking for world peace? It makes no sense. Iran may have a US gun pointed @ it but it won't capitulate & negotiate w/ US sanctions against them.
SHARE Wednesday, March 24, 2021 Where exactly are the foreign policy achievements expected when Biden replaced Trump?
Since Biden became president foreign policy wise it's been a disaster. No new wars but antagonisms a plenty. No return to the nuclear deal w/ Iran, Biden referring to Vladimir Putin as a killer, a supposed diplomatic summit w/ China in Alaska with Sec'y of State Blinken admonishing China's supposed genocide of Uighirs, affairs in Hong Kong, Taiwan,- military activities in the S. China Sea. Hardly improved foreign relations.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, August 8, 2012 An Autocracy with Secret "Legal" Memos Undergirding the Authority which "Caesar" Operates
In a truly free society laws calling for the indefinite detention &assassination of American citizens should be topics posed & debated by the candidates running for president. Such issues being ignored are a clear indicator of how we've transformed from a republic to an empire, the rule of law under the Constitution sacrificed for an autocracy w/ secret Justice Dep't memos undergirding the authority which "Caesar" operates.
SHARE Thursday, January 19, 2017 Defending your country?
According to "The Saker" the mission of the Russian armed forces is to defend Russia & "The specific political objective given to the Russian military is quite simple: to deter or repel any attack against Russia". What exactly is the American military's mission? In Iraq the American soldier was told Saddam Hussein had WMD's, the primary reason given for the invasion. None were found. Thus the US military mission was bogus.
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, April 18, 2020 "We have met the enemy and he is us"
The "news" from the corporate MSM even the alternative media seems all over the place. Sides taken denigrating others who disagree. There's no middle ground. It's a sort of myopic madness that's descended upon America. There's a sense of uncertainty during an unprecedented time w/ lives so disrupted. What's certain is humanity has had countless viruses & we've survived them all. Why should the Covid-19 virus be any different.
(6 comments) SHARE Wednesday, December 7, 2011 What to Make of Obama's Speech in Kansas?
Yesterday President Obama gave a speech in Osawatomie, Kansas. It seemed reminiscent of those inspiring speeches he gave in the 2008 presidential campaign. He is brilliant, eloquent and inspiring. That's why he was elected in 2008. But this is 2011 and he's up for reelection. Will he not say anything he thinks will help him get reelected? What are we to make of his inspiring speech yesterday?
(12 comments) SHARE Friday, March 23, 2018 Oh my god, John Bolton named Trump's new National Security Adviser
Trump just named John Bolton as his new Nat'l Security Adviser. Bolton wasn't an original signee to the 1990's Project for the New American Century-the neo-con blueprint to destroy Iraq, Syria then Iran-but his comments advocating regime change in all those countries makes him fully in line w/ the Project's signatories. Bolton will certainly be in Trump's ear. If Trump follows Bolton's recommendations that's recipe for war.
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, April 23, 2020 A perfect scenario to start a war with Iran
A US war w/Iran on the agenda again? Yesterday Pres. Trump aid, "I have instructed the US Navy to shoot down & destroy any & all Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships @ sea". It's the 1st time a US Pres. gave the order to fire on Iranian patrol boats. Scott Ritter says..."a war w/ Iran might be the only thing that can save US oil." People in the US are distracted w/ Covit-19. A perfect scenario to start a war w/Iran.
SHARE Saturday, January 20, 2018 Arguing over government shutdown, the old divide and conquer strategy by the white supremacist deep state
The fed'l gov't shut down @ midnight last night. We can argue who is to blame, the Dems or the Repubs. But it's all a big distraction, a ruse this "dysfunction" by our gov't witnessed by the people to get them bickering & arguing who is to blame. It's what the deep state wants, the old divide & conquer strategy to distract & deflect attention away from the real villains of this country the white supremacist elite deep state.
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, July 10, 2021 Taking a short stroll into some infamous US history
America was built @ the expense-exploitation of others. When the Constitution was ratified by 9 states 8 were slave states including N.Y. & N.J. as well as MD., Del., VA.,N.C., S.C., & GA. Only Mass., CT, R.I., N.H. & PA. were free states. So slavery was a dominant feature of most of the nation from its inception. Voting was for white men landowners, merchants, lawyers only. All women & landless white men were excluded.
(4 comments) SHARE Monday, January 20, 2014 The U.S. Needs "Enemies"
Here is a supposition, the U.S. needs “enemiesâ€. W/o enemies the U.S. could not justify the bloated defense spending, deploy over a 1000 military bases worldwide & have surveillance practices targeting everyone in America & the world. It makes no difference if the enemy poses a real threat as did the USSR in the cold war or now the fabricated war on terror invented by Bush; a never ending war against a never ending enemy.
(6 comments) SHARE Tuesday, June 22, 2021 In America why are the unvaccinated ostracized, cast as pariah's?
As to COVID those who have chosen not to be immunized are constantly bombarded w/ appeals to "Take one for the team, get the vaccine" something promoted by all MLB baseball teams. There's a concerted effort to get everyone vaccinated. It seems unrelenting. Most people in America probably believe it's un-American not to get the shot. The unvaccinated seem ostracized as pariah's. Is that fair? what happened to freedom of choice?
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, June 9, 2022 Russia says Kiev planning a false-flag chemical weapons attack in Ukraine and blame Russia
According to Russia's Ministry of Defense Ukraine is planning a false flag chemical weapons attack against civilians in Sumy, northeast Ukraine & blame Russia. At this time there is no way to confirm or deny such an attack is imminent. Kiev has yet to comment on the Russian allegations.
(3 comments) SHARE Friday, November 26, 2010 Tom Delay Convicted of Money Laundering, A Harbinger of Things to Come?
A Texas jury on Wednesday found ex House Majority Leader Tom Delay guilty of money laundering. Hopefully his conviction will spur more prosecutions of other hack politicians and their corporate and special interest backers that have corrupted the political process in their favor. Add in SCOTUS decision in "Citizens United" along w/ Delay's conviction and it shows why the current system must be completely overhauled.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, April 9, 2019 This is big
Chinese foreign Ministry spokesman said, "Latin American affairs are not a certain country's exclusive business, nor a certain country's backyard". A clear rebuke to Trump & his advisers telling Russia to get out of the country. Now Chinese troops are there. Not a formidable military presence but maybe enough to get the US to revise its plans for regime change."
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, June 1, 2022 "We're not going to become a party to the war" said US Representative to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield about Ukraine
"We're not going to become a party to the war", so said US Rep to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield about the war in Ukraine. The US has armed Ukraine w/ $billions of weapons now soon to include multiple rocket launchers that could hit Russia. The US is conducting a proxy war in Ukraine. When the US & EU ship weapons into Ukraine they become a direct party to the war despite dissembling they are not a party to the war.
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, August 15, 2020 The sad truth of US duplicity
Yesterday the US proposed before the UN Security Council snapback sanctions be placed on Iran that are due to expire in Oct. the Coucil rejected the US proposal. In 2018 Pres.Trump w/drew the US from the 2015 nuclear deal w/ Iran. Therefore the US is no longer a party to the deal. Yet after the Council vote US Ambassador to the UN Kelly Craft said, The US has every right to impose the snapback mechanism on Iran.
(3 comments) SHARE Wednesday, January 5, 2011 Republicans, aka Ruthless and Unscupulous
To be Republican is to have no inner core, no guiding principles, no ethics; no integrity other than win at all costs. Methods, no matter how unscrupulous or duplicitous, whatever strategy for the moment is employed, defeat of the opposition is all that matters. Repubs. are ruthless. Obama and the Dems. failed to comprehend the ruthlessness of their Repub. opponents. They and us are about to pay the price for their ineptness.
(3 comments) SHARE Wednesday, March 21, 2018 Judgment reached, no evidence required
The story out of Britain the last 2 weeks over the suspected nerve agent attack of former Soviet double agent Sergei Skripal & his daughter has PM Teresa may saying it's "highly likely Russia was responsible" & is "a direct act by the Russian state against our country". No evidence presented, just allegations & accusations. It's reminiscent of 1950's Mccarthyism, false allegations of people being Communist, no evidence req'd.
(3 comments) SHARE Wednesday, December 29, 2010 A Mean Spirited Mentality About to Take Control in the House
Republicans are about to regain control in the House. A priority is beefing up enforcement and getting tough on illegal aliens. These people have become convenient scapegoats of the xenophobic among us who suspect all non white "foreigners". Republicans would deport them all even though that is impossible. A path to citizenship for illegal aliens must be a priori to any real solution. This seems lost on most Republicans.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, January 22, 2014 Pessimism Stalks Peace Conference on Syria's Civil War
U.N. peace talks on Syria’s civil war begin today in Switzerland. Iran was asked to take part by U.N. Sec’y Gen’l Ban Ki-moon but after receiving pressure exerted by the U.S. he rescinded the offer. Iran has real influence over Syrian Pres. Bashar Assad & could have possibly helped to bring a cease fire that could begin to end the war. Instead U.S. mischief & myopia prevailed & these talks are likely to be still born.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, January 31, 2017 Trouble ahead in the South China Sea
Of the troubling aspects w/ Trump being president most troubling has to do w/ foreign policy & US provocations against China in the S. China Sea. The US protecting 'freedom of navigation" in the S. China Sea is a ruse for the US to insert itself in an area outside its sphere of influence. Now Trump's Sec'y of State designee Rex Tillerson said, "I would block access to the islands in the S. China Sea". There's trouble ahead.
(3 comments) SHARE Thursday, October 28, 2021 The January 6th insurrection, FBI agent provocateurs fomenting it?
As to the January 6th "insurrection" @ the Capitol building, it's become so politicized we may never know the truth of why it happened & who was behind it. There is a hypothesis put forward that has the FBI as the perpetrator behind the riot that day sending its own agent provocateurs to foment the insurrection. Something official Washington & its agencies have clandestinely & repeatedly engaged in.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, April 12, 2023 Some Republicans in Congress are pushing for a war with Mexico
According to Politico, some "US Republicans are increasingly warming to the idea of waging war against Mexico's powerful drug cartels" with a bill introduced in the House for Authorization the Use of Military Force (AUMF). Are these Republicans really pushing for a war with Mexico?
(3 comments) SHARE Wednesday, November 28, 2018 Ukraine Naval provocations against Russia at Kerch Strait
Last weekend an incident occurred in the Kerch Strait between Ukrainian Navy ships & the Russian Navy. Russia controls the Strait between Crimea & the Russian mainland. It separates the Black Sea from the Sea of Azov. Ships passing the Strait must notify Russian maritime officials before entering the Strait. The Ukrainian ships didn't & were detained by the Russians as aggressors. The US & Nato called it Russian aggression.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, November 15, 2023 Washington doesn't want to tie Israel's hands in its assault of Gaza
As to the current crisis in Gaza it could have been resolved many years ago if a truly independent sovereign Palestinian state had been established by the UN adjacent to Israel based on the pre-1967 borders. That never happened & the current crisis in Gaza has its roots in that failure. Now Washington doesn't want to tie Israel's hands in its Gaza operation.
(1 comments) SHARE Sunday, July 25, 2010 Bush Era Tax Cuts Due to Expire in December, This Falls Big Political Battle
The Bush tax cuts of 2001 and 2003 are due to expire at the end of the year. For Democrats it should be a no brainer, keep the cuts for the middle class while restoring taxes for the rich to pre Bush era levels. The rich pay less in taxes; have tax shelters, off shore tax havens, foreign bank acc'ts, reduced taxes on dividends, capital gains and estates. It's all but a free ride that needs to change.
SHARE Thursday, January 31, 2013 The Crisis in Egypt
Mohamed elBaradei, an Egyptian & former head of the U.N.'s IAEA nuclear inspection agency & now a rep. for a secular party in Egypt has along w/ other disparate opposition groups urged talks w/ Pres. Morsi hoping to quell the present turmoil in the streets. Hopefully Morsi will agree to a dialogue w/ these groups & they can reconcile Egypt's fractious internal divisions & avoid going the way of Syria into civil war.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, October 11, 2017 Some serious hyperventilating lately over Trump's mental stability
There's been some hyperventilating lately over Trump's mental stability w/ Sen. Bob Corker R. Tenn. saying the White House is "an adult day care center" to which Pres. "tweet" replied Corker "didn't have the guts" to run for reelection. Regarding Trump a group of 27 psychiatrists conclude,"the specific symptoms, the severity of the symptoms, an inability to accept facts, rage reactions...all these things are signs of danger."
(3 comments) SHARE Friday, September 25, 2020 We live in the most dangerous time in world history
We live in the most dangerous time in world history as the specter of nuclear war makes it so. During the cold war between the US and USSR there was a mutual understanding if either side initiated a nuclear war it would be annihilated in a retaliatory nuclear strike by the other. Now the US renounces nuclear arms control agreements. We're in uncharted territory, miscalculation, even an accident could bring a nuclear holocaust.
SHARE Monday, October 14, 2013 Memo to NSA Director General Keith Alexander, "There is No "Misunderstanding" of What the "Agency" Collects
NSA Director Gen'l Keith Alexander in a 90 minute interview insisted, "We followed the law, we follow our policies, we self report, we identify problems, we fix them". To which we must ask, "Was that before or after Ed Snowden's whistleblower revelations on the NSA's surveillance & data mining on all electronic communications of everyone in the world? To everyone except the NSA there is no misunderstanding of what it collects.
(4 comments) SHARE Monday, September 24, 2018 A stroke of genius
Putin & Erdogan establishing a demilitarized zone around Idlib Province Syria was stroke of genius. W/ Turkish troops along w/ the Russians patrolling the 12.4 zone to be fully operational by Oct. 15, the days of al Qaeda militants retaining control are numbered. They'll be no Syrian army attack on Idlib thus no justification for US retaliation & no humanitarian crisis which the US MSM assumed would happen.
(4 comments) SHARE Sunday, May 23, 2010 The Current Intrigue over the Sinking of a South Korean Warship in March
Details remain sketchy but in March a N. Korean submarine apparently sank a S. Korean warship killing 46 men. American intelligence analysts are accusing Kim Jong-il as authorizing the attack (w/ no clear evidence). Sec'y Clinton wants to force consequences on the North. But could this sinking be a tit for tat retaliation by the North over a S. Korean victory last November where a N. Korean ship was damaged w/ N. Koreans lost
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, September 4, 2015 Maintaining the veneer of a democracy
The West is @ a crisis crossroad. First w/ colonialism & exploitation now w/ coups, assassinations, false flag events, wars, occupations, torture, the crisis is exacerbated. Syria, Ukraine, the refugee crisis in Europe, a direct result of war in Africa & the Middle East. And in America overseeing these horrors sits the president, the "unitary executive", the dictator in charge, where the "veneer" of democracy is maintained.
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, July 3, 2010 Dilemma: Manufacturing Jobs Available, Not Enough Applicants to Fill Them, What To Do
An interesting phenomenon is occurring in the manufacturing sector of the U.S. It is one of the bright spots in the economy, adding jobs rather than shedding them. Yet a problem exists between the skill levels of many of the job applicants and the specialized needs of manufacturers. "The people that are out of work just don't match the type of jobs that are here, open and growing." What we need to do on the jobs front.
(3 comments) SHARE Wednesday, March 19, 2014 U.S. to Putin and Russia- Condemnation, Demonization, Threats and Stirring Up Hysteria
In lieu of Putin’s actions & annexing Crimea, after the people there voted to join Russia, we’re hearing VP Biden calling it a “land grab†& Sec’y of State Kerry alluding to it as reminiscent of the “buildup to WWIIâ€. It’s nothing of the sort. They’re just issuing threats, stirring up hysteria while condemning & demonizing Putin & Russia. The real danger to the world is the U.S., not Putin & Russia.
(2 comments) SHARE Saturday, February 4, 2017 Take your pick Russia, China and Iran, All in the cross hairs of US machinations
Take your pick, Russia, China & Iran. All are in the crosshairs of US machinations ranging from war like provocations @ their borders, fomenting internal dissent to bring regime change, hegemony over them or war. W/ Trump in the WH it's no different than if a Democrat was in charge. Nuances, bombast may be different but the ultimate strategy remains the same. The US needs enemies & Russia, China & Iran are the new enemies.
SHARE Thursday, November 17, 2011 The Occupy Movement, Energized and Determined More Than Ever
Things are evolving w/ the occupy movement despite crackdowns tearing down their encampments. At U.C. Berkeley 1000's massed at Sproul Hall, the site of massive protests in the 1960's against the Viet Nam war. Today w/ massive loans and few jobs a new generation has found its voice and in solidarity w/ OWS is energized and more determined than ever to push on and continue; far from being broken.
(8 comments) SHARE Wednesday, June 8, 2016 "Startling" US survey reveals public support for nuclear strikes
A July 2015 survey -recently published by the WS Journal asked, " Would the US drop the bomb again?"-revealed US public support for nuclear strikes. The survey used a fictional scenario mirroring Pearl Harbor. If Iran attacked a US aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf would the US public support a nuclear attack on an Iranian city killing 100,000 civilians. 59% backed using a nuclear bomb even w/ vast civilian casualties
(3 comments) SHARE Thursday, December 8, 2016 Lauding Dick Cheney, we've officially lost our moral compass
A bust of former VP dick Cheney has been unveiled in the US Capitol w/ Dubya Bush gushing, "For 8 years Dick stood by my side & always did what was right for our nation". No. Cheney is a war criminal who along w/ the rest of the Bush crowd should have been prosecuted for war crimes & authorizing torture. Lauding Cheney this way reveals we've officially lost or moral compass; a perfect example of where America has descended.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, June 6, 2022 Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez "talked the talk" but can she "walk the walk"?
On Friday Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called the US political system an oligarchy, saying our elections are bought, powerful lobbies have more say than everyday people, the presidency isn't determined by popular vote, difficult to defend we live in a democracy. A breath of fresh air? Well in contrast to her latest views she voted for the latest defense budget, opposes Medicare for all & forgiveness of student debt.
(4 comments) SHARE Friday, April 23, 2010 Can there be any doubt there is a need for "real" immigration reform in this country?
Can there be any doubt there is a need for "real" immigration reform in this country? There are probably 20 million illegal aliens here. These people often take the jobs "Americans" are unwilling to do. There is a duality to the problem of illegal immigration of which the extreme right and left offer no real solution. A middle course of elements of the extremes contains a solution. It is long past time for "real" reform.
(4 comments) SHARE Monday, October 8, 2018 Kavanaugh, the "fix" was in from the beginning
From the day Trump nominated Brett Kavanaugh to replace retiring Justice Anthony on the Supreme Court the "fix" was in. Repubs controlled the Senate & there was no way Senate Repub Majority leader Mitch McConnell was going to delay the vote on Kavanaugh's nomination despite the convincing testimony of Christine Ford before the Senate Judiciary Committee of Kavanaugh's sexual abuse while both were in high school in the 1980's.
(4 comments) SHARE Thursday, March 3, 2022 Some reasons why Putin attacked Ukraine
It is being simplistic to automatically condemn Putin & Russia for its attack in Ukraine. There have been ongoing attacks in Ukraine since the coup in Kiev in Feb. 2014 that forced legitimately elected Ukraine Pres. Viktor Yanukovych to flee the country. A coup that brought neo Nazi's into the post coup gov't. A coup the US abetted as a complicit enabler. It appears Putin means to rectify that US injustice his way.
(8 comments) SHARE Wednesday, April 27, 2011 What's Behind the Heckling at the Recent Congressional Town Hall Meetings?
What was the true meaning of the ire displayed at last weeks town hall meetings on the proposed budget? It was discovered the people's ire was engineered by leftist political PACS making the bleatings no different than those right wingers (underwritten by Karl Rove and the Koch Bros) who heckled at town hall meetings during the health care "debate". These meetings are pure vaudeville contributing no real debate on the issues.
SHARE Monday, July 11, 2011 Extremism, Endless War, Apathy and Passive Indifference
There are times the disenchantment feels overwhelming, that the forces of unnecessary endless war are endemic while the majority of people remain apathetic and passively indifferent. It makes one want to shout, "Don't you see; don't you realize what's going on?"
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, October 17, 2014 Latest Pentagon Folly, a $30 million Sanitized, Revisionist History of the Vietnam War
The Pentagon has launched a $30 million program to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War which Prof. Marjorie Cohn accurately depicts as a "$30 million program to rewrite & sanitize its history". The program focused on "honoring our service members who fought in Vietnam, but conspicuously absent is a description of the antiwar movement" while referring to the "My Lai massacre" as simply the "My Lai "incident".
(3 comments) SHARE Friday, November 1, 2013 NSA Director Alexander says, "There is nothing that anyone from the NSA has done that is wrong."
On Thursday NSA Director Gen'l Keith Alexander gave a talk @ the Baltimore Council of Foreign Affairs. Among his remarks he said, "There is nothing that anyone from the NSA or Cyber Command has done that is wrong". Not so Gen'l when it's been confirmed you lied before Congress. The questions is why haven't you been fired, charged w/ a felony & still allowed to give talks when its been confirmed you've been lying?
(16 comments) SHARE Saturday, March 26, 2022 A false flag chemical weapons attack in Ukraine and Russia is blamed?
Of late there's been accusations Russia could use chemical weapons in Ukraine. What's worrisome there could be a false flag chemical weapons attack & blame it on Russia. It happened in Syria. Obama sent missiles attacking the Syrian army after allegations were made the Syrian gov't ordered a chemical weapons attack on its people. The allegations proved false. How would Biden act if Russia was alleged to order such an attack?
(3 comments) SHARE Sunday, June 12, 2022 The Dems are going to get hammered in this years congressional elections over high food and fuel costs blaming Biden
The Dems are going to get hammered in this yrs Congressional elections. Dems & Repubs are @ each other's throats over guns & abortion yet inflation w/ its high food & fuel costs seem the critical concern of most people. All Biden does is blame Russia. Most people aren't buying that excuse. The capitalist system in America is failing the majority & the middle class is shrinking & we may be heading for an economic depression.
SHARE Thursday, December 29, 2022 Protecting the institution is paramount
Protecting the institution is paramount. Whether it's the NFL rejecting scientific evidence some of its former players were dying from concussion related injuries, Penn State U. failing to report the molestation of children by an ass't football coach or the Catholic Church ignoring some of their priests were molesting young children it's pretty much the same. They'll do & say what they do until their feet are held to the fire.
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, July 2, 2016 Morally Bankrupt, US will now disclose "bystanders" killed each year in drone strikes
The Obama adm. announced Friday airstrikes it has conducted outside conventional war zones have killed 64 to 116 civilian bystanders. "Bystanders" that's the NY Times word choice for innocents killed in drone strikes. Presumably its Obama's attempt @ transparency. For sure survivors of "bystanders" killed in Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia will now feel greatly relieved the practice will be disclosed. How's that for moral bankruptcy.
SHARE Monday, June 1, 2020 Some cops in Portland, Oregon knelt in solidarity with protesters, a huge step in the right direction
The police killing of George Floyd last Monday in Minneapolis has escalated in protests & violence nationwide. Some violence possibly incited by agent-provocateurs. It shouldn't be condoned. However, vocal protests in the streets are understandable when in most instances the cops are exonerated. Some cops in Portland, OR. knelt in solidarity w/protesters. Such a visible display by cops would be a step in the right direction.
SHARE Wednesday, March 26, 2014 Obama, No Military Force Against Russia over Crimea, To All Neo-Cons, That's Fait Accompli
Pres. Obama said yesterday the US wouldn’t use military force against Russia over its annexation of Crimea saying it wasn’t part of NATO & the alliance would use force only if a NATO country was being threatened. In other words it’s fait accompli. All the vitriol toward Putin we’ve been hearing is primarily symbolic gestures. Obama put the exclamation pt. on the whole matter by rejecting any military action.
(11 comments) SHARE Friday, June 19, 2015 "We're not worth the air they don't want us to breathe"
Dylann Roof the white suspect is now in custody for committing the mass murder of 9 black people @ the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C. That a white racist took it upon himself to gun down those who represent the people he hates in nothing new. One black man interviewed put it succinctly, "We're not worth the air they don't want us to breathe", referring to white people in Charleston How's that for an indictment.
SHARE Wednesday, June 24, 2020 Key words of our time, unpredictable and precarious
Two words depict our present time, unpredictable & precarious. Be it covid-19, unemployment,debt-national, personal, college loan debt, soon evictions of people unable to pay the rent, commercial bankruptcy, protests over the police murder of George Floyd,outcome of the presidential election, US provocations against nuclear superpowers just to name a few issues facing us. More unpredictable & precarious than any other time.
(3 comments) SHARE Thursday, January 31, 2019 It's astounding how blatant US machinations are regarding Venezuela
It's astounding how blatant US machinations are regarding Venezuela. Simply, overthrow the gov't of Pres. Maduro. A coup is taking place interfering in the internal affairs of a sovereign country. Russia among others support Maduro. However, Venezuela & Maduro are not Syria & Assad where Russia was officially invited to intervene. It's hard to see Russia intervening militarily in Venezuela even if they were invited by Maduro.
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, August 1, 2019 Trying to remain sane in the midst of a surreal "official" state of chaos
Persuading the propagandized. That's what some of us attempt in countering what the gov't & its MSM claim as fact. Many people seem closed off from anything that runs counter to what they've come to believe. Unless one is open to other views there often is outright resistance. Now we have domestic & foreign policy by tweet from a Pres. Trump. It's like trying to remain sane in the midst of a surreal "official" state of chaos.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, August 31, 2012 A Man Running for the Senate who "will accept no money for his campaign"
We're aware of the effect of money on politics, its influence on the agenda, the laws enacted & the moneyed interests that benefit. Daniel Geery running for Senator in Utah will accept no money for his campaign &says we should run our country on principles &good ideas w/ no taint of money influencing decisions decisions. Geery represents the true intent of the founders, the citizen/legislator serving the public as civic duty.
SHARE Thursday, November 4, 2021 Severe negative implications of Biden's vaccine mandate few are talking about
Biden is going full bore w/his vaccine mandate now extended to Jan.4. OSHA is slated to enforce the mandate. The question is does Biden have the authority to issue such a mandate w/out Congress enacting legislation on it? The American Trucking Ass'n says there's a historic shortage of truck drivers. ATA estimates a 1% loss of truck drivers will be massive & crippling to our supply chain & economy. Has Biden considered this?
(5 comments) SHARE Monday, January 9, 2012 Guantanamo, that "place of suffering and injustice"
Yesterday the NY Times published "My Guantanamo Nightmare" by Lakhdar Boumediene on his 7 yr detention there w/o explanation & why he was imprisoned even though he was innocent. Taken by rendition in 2002, & tortured he was released in 2009 after a SCOTUS decision and a Fed'l Court judge ruling in Wash, DC. His detention was a reprehensible act authorized by our gov't. The ordeal he describes is not what we should be about.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, October 28, 2016 "Full Spectrum Dominance", a mirage?
Full Spectrum Dominance, the Pentagon's plan to have military control over land, sea, air & outer space. Is it a mirage? It appears the plan has been effectively neutralized by Russia's advanced missile defense systems. Investigative journalist Pepe Escobar reports, "the Russian S-500 anti-missile system effectively seals Russia's air space". If so this effectively makes the Pentagon's Full Spectrum Dominance plan a mirage.
(1 comments) SHARE Sunday, November 28, 2010 With Sorrow and Foreboding, The Spectre of Endless War
On Friday the U.S. surpassed the USSR in longevity of each country's war in Afghanistan. This war is just the overt point of our commitment to engaging in an endless war on terrorism. For terrorism and terrorists are the new enemy (replacing Communism) that we must fight to the death everywhere. It is an unwinnable undertaking that will lead to our undoing.
SHARE Monday, December 5, 2011 The Occupy Movement, Highlighting the Excesses of Fraud, Inequality and Corruption
Though many occupy movement encampments have been forcibly removed this movement is more than pitching tents and retaining a plot of grass or concrete in a city plaza. It is the beginning of a revolutionary movement here for the long haul. It has highlighted severe problems and issues exposing the fraud, inequality and corruption perpetrated by the 1% over the 99%. It represents the chance to rescue and save this country.
SHARE Tuesday, October 21, 2014 Obama to Send Delegation to Geneva and Appear Before UN "Committee Against Torture"
Next month Obama must send a delegation to Geneva to appear before the "Committee Against Torture", the UN panel that monitors compliance w/ the UN treaty banning "cruel, inhuman & degrading treatment". The administration hasn't done so in the almost 6 yrs. of Obama's presidency. Anyway, where was the committee after the Abu Ghraib videos went viral on the Web in 2004? They clearly revealed the US was torturing detainees.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, October 20, 2021 What world is the Biden administration living in?
Yesterday Sec'y of Defense Lloyd Austin was in Kiev, Ukraine denouncing Russia & its affairs w/ that country i.e. Russia started the war in Ukraine, Russia is the obstacle to a peaceful resolution, Russia must end its occupation of Crimea, stop perpetrating the war in eastern Ukraine, end its destabilizing activities in the Black Sea. It's not Russian activities in Ukraine responsible for destabilizing Ukraine. It's the US.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, March 7, 2023 NY Times quoting US officials say pro-Ukrainian group sabotaged Nord Stream pipelines no American nationals involved
The New York Times quoting anonymous US officials told the paper, "Unspecified intelligence suggests a pro-Ukrainian group sabotaged the Nord Stream pipelines in Sept. 2022 & no American or British nationals were involved. Yet Pres. Biden last Feb. said, "If Russia attacks Ukraine there will no longer be a Nord Stream 2. We will bring an end to it. I promise you we'll be able to do it". That's pretty explicit w/no ambiguity.
SHARE Wednesday, December 14, 2022 Merkel admits Minsk cease fire agreements of 2014-15 were meant for Kiev to buy time, not be implemented
A week ago in an interview w/ Zeit magazine former German Chancellor Angela Merkel admitted the Minsk cease fire agreements of 2014-15 to settle the war in Eastern Ukraine was meant for Kiev to buy time & become stronger. The accord was never meant to be implemented. It was a ruse. The point here being agreements reached w/European gov'ts & the US w/ Russia & its Donbass allies don't seem worth the paper they're written on.
SHARE Saturday, June 11, 2011 "Old Soldiers Never Die, They Just Fade Away", and Some Not So Gracefully
Sec'y of Defense Robert Gates is retiring, apparently not so gracefully. The old cold war warrior threw a few bomb lets at NATO yesterday accusing them of relying too much on the U.S. for Europe's defense and not doing enough in Afghanistan. Bah, humbug. Both Gates and NATO are cold war anachronisms, irrelevant and unnecessary. Both are in need of being placed on the scrap heap.
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, May 21, 2011 Obama to Netanyahu, A Picture Worth a Thousand Words
President Obama looked none too happy sitting opposite Israeli PM Netanyahu yesterday in the White House. The ice we saw was all too apparent, but Obama stood his ground w/ his implacable Israeli counterpart. He set the tone in his speech on Thursday and followed through on Friday. He needs to stay committed and get the Israeli's to accept the 67' borders as the legitimate starting point for negotiations w/ the Palestinians.
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, April 4, 2014 SCOTUS Rulings First with Citizens United, now McCutcheon are The Smoking Guns Revealing a Completely Broken System
Many thought SCOTUS outdid themselves in 2010 ruling in favor of Citizens United. They did one better ruling in favor of McCutcheon. Citizens unleashed the flood of corp. $ McCutcheon will let individuals like the Koch Bros. insure the stooges they select get elected. These rulings are the smoking gun revealing the broken system & why getting big money out of the electoral process requires amending the constitution.
(24 comments) SHARE Wednesday, June 30, 2010 The Supreme Court's Majority Ruling Restricting State and Local Government's Ban on Firearms
Monday's 5 to 4 ruling by the Supreme Court restricting states and local gov'ts from enforcing their gun control laws furthers the folly of a citizen carrying a gun is legal and appropriate, even in today's often violent urban settings. It's as if the law enforcement authorities of our large cities are unknowledgeable in a matter they deal w/ daily. The Court's majority is living in a fictionalized past.
(4 comments) SHARE Wednesday, July 22, 2015 A Day of Reckoning is Coming
A day of reckoning is coming. The signs are everywhere. Whether it's a horrific economic dislocation similar to the '30's depression affecting most of the people, a new world war or an environmental catastrophe, a reckoning is coming. Yet these are ALL man-made phenomena & thus avoidable.The solutions are known, but not taken. It all depends whether we take the appropriate actions necessary to prevent the calamity.
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, August 22, 2020 US willing to cripple UN Security Council
Scott Ritter's latest, "US willing to dismantle UN security Council to put pressure on Iran" is a detailed acc't to what the US is up to regarding Iran, the 2015 nuclear deal Trump reneged on in 2018 & UN snap back sanctions if Iran wasn't complying. Now official Washington is ready to do anything to get the snap back sanctions implemented even if US allies Britain, France&Germany oppose US intentions, as they did a week ago.
(6 comments) SHARE Monday, September 17, 2012 Netanyahu's Influence Peddling into the U.S. Presidential Election
It's less than 2 months before the U.S.pres. election & Israel's P.M. Benjamin Netanyahu is on the Sunday morning political talk show circuit pushing Obama to establish red lines against Iran's nuclear program which he openly rejected last week. It's a clear attempt by Netanyahu to influence the election. It may be legal but it is irresponsible for the media to allow such foreign meddling so close to the November elections.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, September 18, 2018 A step back from the brink in Idlib,Syria
Yesterday Russian Pres. Putin & Turkish Pres. Erdogan agreed on a demilitarized zone of 20 kilometers-12.4 miles- separating Syrian troops from al Qaeda militants in Idlib Province, Syria. Russian & Turkish troops will enforce the zone. All military arms & ammo are to be removed. Idlib people will be allowed to enter the zone then go to other areas of Syria. At least it's a step back from the brink of an expanded war in Syria.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, May 1, 2017 A dystopia in real time
To the US gov't we the people are the enemy. Surveillance camera's everywhere, the ubiquitous If you see something say something to make us fearful of would be terrorists. All meant to keep tabs on us & w/ electronic surveillance of our phones & computers we're under constant surveillance. As for gov'ts explanation of nat'l & int'l incidents, "official" lies have become the natural order of things; a dystopia in real time.
SHARE Tuesday, May 16, 2017 Neo-McCarthyism writ large over the American political landscape
With all the harrumphing coming from the corporate MSM over Trumps firing of FBI Director James Comey last Tuesday & some Senate Dems likening it to the Nixon/Watergate era calling for a special prosecutor something about the whole affair came off as deliberately skewed. It's neo McCarthyism writ large over the American political landscape but there's no Edward R. Morrow to set the present dystopia straight.
SHARE Wednesday, September 27, 2017 It's more than Trump's racist tweets
Racism is evident in Trump's S.O.B. tweets against NFL & NBA players. But it's more than Trump's racism in America. For whites we're also the privileged descendents of the white supremacists who committed genocide of the indigenous peoples as well as brought slavery to this continent. How many white Americans would openly admit to the privilege they have just being born white in America? We're in need of some honest dialogue.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, November 9, 2012 U.S. Drones in Persian Gulf Provoking Iran?
According to the NY Times "Iran Fired on Military Drone in First Such Attack." Two Iranian planes shot @ the drone in the Persian Gulf reportedly over int'l waters just 16 miles from the Iranian coast. But isn't flying drones perilously close to Iranian territory an unnecessary provocation? Could the drone operator 1000's of miles away have miscalculated & actually flown over Iranian territory?
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, January 30, 2015 Netanyahu to speak before joint session of Congress, his "domestic audience"
Yeah it's a bit of old news, House Speaker John Boehner inviting Israeli PM Bibi Netanyahu to speak before congress giving him the bully pulpit to voice the threat-nonexistent-Iran poses not just to Israel but the world & his attempt to try & scuttle the current P5plus1 negotiations w/ Iran. But remember, this is the Israeli PM we're talking about; the US is his "domestic territory". Let's not quibble. Boehner surely didn't.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, August 14, 2018 Crazed American war-makers
In Finian Cunningham's latest article,"War or Peace" he surmises "the American regime be abolished or replaced w/ something truly democratic. If not disaster could be our fate." Peace is problematic considering the tentacles of the military/industrial/political complex reach deep into every significant institution in America, where people's livelihoods are dependent on them being complicit w/that complex.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, December 21, 2011 Thousand's of Women in Cairo March in Protest Against Egyptian Military's Brutality of Women
Yesterday saw 1000's of Egyptian women marching in downtown Cairo over the military's brutal treatment of women. The catalyst for the revolt was the beating and stripping of an Egyptian woman on Saturday w/ pictures of the brutal assault going viral over the net. Two questions abound; could this women's march improve their plight and could it help increase pressure on the military to cede power to civilian authority?
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, May 8, 2019 They truly are mad
Trump's Nat'l Security Adviser John Bolton just days ago ordered the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group to the Middle East "to send a clear & unmistakable message to the Iranian regime that any attack on the US interests or those of any of our allies will be met w/unrelenting force". Is this the prelude to war w/ Iran? There doesn't seem to be any entity in "official" Washington capable of stopping this mad rush to war w/Iran.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, March 21, 2017 Unsubstantiated allegations aplenty, verifiable facts zero. Basically it's trust us
Yesterday FBI Dir. Comey & NSA Dir. Rogers testified as witnesses before the House Intel Committee on "Russia's active interference waged against our 2016 pres. election. Unsubstantiated allegations aplenty; verifiable facts zero. Specifics are classified & issues can't be discussed. Basically it's trust us. This from an NSA that lies as a given & conducts illegal electronic surveillance of everyone including all Americans.
SHARE Sunday, May 24, 2020 A way the country could be fundamentally changed
We're living in a potentially revolutionary time in this country. The people know instinctively neither the Democrats or Republicans represent their interests. The people would support a progressive coalition not aligned w/ the two major parties if one existed. If there was a progressive majority in Congress representing the will of the people and their interests, the country would be fundamentally changed.
(18 comments) SHARE Saturday, July 24, 2010 When It Comes To Greed, There Is No Shame
When it comes to greed, there is no shame. That's the reaction from this end when reading about a gov't report released Friday regarding Wall St. bonuses of $1.6 billion paid by co's who were bailed out by the gov't. This was not a new revelation but seeing the names of some of the most egregious (AIG, Goldman) renewed the disgust one felt when these revelations first came to light.
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, December 18, 2014 US diplomatic relations with Cuba restored, Embargo remains in place, only act of Congress can end it
By now we're all aware the US & Cuba renewed diplomatic relations. It took 18 months of secret negotiations yet completed w/ a simple phone call by Obama & Cuban Pres. Raul Castro. Yet the US embargo of Cuba remains in place requiring an act of Congress to end it. No small hurdle to overcome. Repubs. said it was a very bad deal & Dems. may join them opposed to ending the economic, commercial & financial blockade.
(3 comments) SHARE Thursday, June 3, 2021 The political brouhaha over transathletes competing against females. Let's get real
On Tuesday Florida Gov. Ron De Santis signed legislation prohibiting biological males from competing in female sports. He said, "We're going to go based on biology, not ideology. Girls are going play girls sports & boys are going to play boys sports." He's correct. Simply put biologically born males @ puberty become physically bigger, stronger, quicker, faster than biologically born girls @ this stage of development & beyond.
(2 comments) SHARE Sunday, December 29, 2013 Two Contradictory Rulings on the NSA's Surveillance Methods, Probably Headed to the Supreme Court
Less than 2 weeks ago US District Court Judge Richard Leon ruled against the NSA's collection of meta data calling it Orwellian & probably unconstitutional. On Friday US District Court Judge William Pauley found the NSA's meta data methods constitutional & didn't violate the 4th Amendment. W/ these 2 contradictory rulings & expected 34appeals the final outcome is probably headed to the Supreme Court.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, March 25, 2019 It's a multi-polar world yet US clings to the illusion it's a single polar world under its dominance
In a move to assert its sovereignty Italy inked a deal w/ China's Pres. Xi joining China's Belt & Road initiative. The US was not pleased. A spokesman said, " We are skeptical of the Italian gov'ts endorsement it may end up harming Italy's global reputation. He earlier tweeted, "No need for Italian gov't to lend legitimacy to China's vanity project". So condemn it as nothing more than Chinese vanity. It's almost laughable.
SHARE Tuesday, September 3, 2013 War Monger Bloviating This Week in Washington
Be prepared for a weeklong charade of war monger bloviating in Washington w/ a full court press by the Obama administration on the Congress for them to vote & give the president cover in sending a missile strike "message" to Syrian Pres. Bashar Assad over his alleged chemical weapons use last week. It still won't be legal & a clear violation of the U.N. Charter. Syria didn't attack the U.S. & is no imminent threat to the U.S.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, December 7, 2010 A Sign of Things to Come
Yesterday Barack Obama cut a deal with his Republican opponents agreeing to extend the Bush era tax cuts for the rich in order to get unemployment benefits about to end for two million extended for a year. This apparently was Obama's idea of bi partisanship. It was a harbinger of what to expect the next two years; a weak president unwilling to take on the Republicans. That bodes ill for the country.
SHARE Tuesday, September 13, 2022 Is Blinken looking to scupper a renewed nuclear deal with Iran?
As to restoring the 2015 nuclear deal w/ Iran Sec'y of State Blinken said, "Iran's response to EU proposal is a step backward & prospects for an agreement unlikely". Iran wants the IAEA to drop its investigation into undeclared uranium traces @ Iranian sites. Couldn't these traces come from Iran enriching uranium beyond what was in the 2015 deal? What's the big deal? Is Blinken looking for an excuse to scupper a deal w/ Iran?
SHARE Saturday, January 30, 2010 What the President "Unwittingly Revealed" Wednesday Night
As the president gave his "State of the Union" address, one recalls why he was elected last year. His use of the word, "should", when he spoke of health care, rings in the head of this observer. As he referenced Americans losing their health care insurance, he said, "I will not walk away from these Americans. And neither should the people in this chamber." Does this "unwittingly reveal" his own responsibility, culpability?
SHARE Monday, June 1, 2015 A powder keg in the South China Sea with Washington all too ready to light the fuse
China issued a 9,000 word white paper last week revealing a military strategy of active defense while pledging close int'l cooperation & not attacking unless we are attacked. This comes as the US is dispatching military planes & ships w/in 18 kilometers of the artificial islands China built in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. The situation is volatile. A US provocation could happen forcing China to defend itself.
SHARE Thursday, January 19, 2012 A Call to Amend the Constitution and Reverse Citizens United
The Maryland State Legislature is about to send a letter to the U.S. Congress calling for a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United. The Congress needs to act responsibly and forward an amendment for ratification by the states. The corporate usurpation of the electoral process in this country must be ended. The Citizens United ruling by SCOTUS must be repealed.
(6 comments) SHARE Wednesday, November 14, 2012 They are not "Heroes"
In America our media has engaged in extolling our military so often as "heroes" they present it as almost shocking when those heroes all too human frailties are discovered & their "heroism" becomes tarnished over tawdry sexual escapades. Now we're titillated by a former general's sexual indiscretions as if his fall from grace is an issue. The real issue is our unnecessary war mongering & that's not even in the conversation.
(10 comments) SHARE Wednesday, December 12, 2018 Are 75% of Americans ignorant of what its government has done in its name in world affairs?
A late November Gallop poll has 75% of Americans believing the US "has a special responsibility to be a leading nation in world affairs". What does this mean? Leading how? A "leading" nation initiating coups, wars, overthrowing legitimately elected gov'ts? Are 75% of Americans ignorant of what its gov't has done in in its name in world affairs?
SHARE Friday, March 20, 2020 Impact of coronavirus in US, we're already in a recession
Where are "things" headed 2 weeks after the coronavirus was taken seriously in the US? A $trillion dollar proposal is in the Senate w/ a $1200 payment to individuals, assistance to businesses large 7 small & tax cuts. Good news is in China no new cases reported. bad news Italy, 627 deaths in last 24 hrs. w/total dead 4032. Stocks down, oil @ 423.70. Not reported by MSM but w/most business shut down we're in a recession.
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, January 12, 2012 A Dangerous Game Israel and the U.S. are Playing with Iran
A car bomb killed an Iranian nuclear scientist in Tehran yesterday. Iran accused the Israeli's and the US. Both denied their involvement. Sec'y Clinton insinuates Iran must end its provocative behavior, yet what countries are exhibiting the provocative behavior? It's a dangerous game Israel and the US are playing. What may happen if Israel and the US push Iran to the breaking point?
(4 comments) SHARE Wednesday, October 12, 2016 US continuing allegations against Putin and Russia
The Obama administration is accusing Russia of cyber-crime trying to disrupt the US pres. election accusing Russia of a hacking campaign to interfere w/ elections alleging Moscow is trying to influence the outcome of the election. All unsubstantiated & no evidence given. It's meant to divert attention of Washington's complicity in illegal wars, covert subversion of foreign states & systematic collusion w/ terrorist networks.
SHARE Tuesday, January 21, 2020 Was cyberwarfare involved in downing of Ukrainian Airliner Flight 752?
"There is much still to explain about the downing of Ukrainian Airlines Flight 752, according to Philip Giraldi's article, Who Targeted Ukrainian Airliner Flight 752?, Iran Shot It Down But There May Be More To The Story. He hypothesizes..."cyberwarfare carried out by the US & possibly Israeli gov'ts" involving elements that have yet to be explained including electronic jamming & the planes transponder being turned off.
(4 comments) SHARE Wednesday, October 6, 2021 Why is censorship of content by Facebook, Google, Apple, Amazon and other internet platforms be permitted?
Frances Haugen, the former Facebook product manager is being unofficially anointed as a "whistleblower" by the N.Y. Times & the Democratic party. She & they are calling for more censorship of misinformation, dangerous content, targeting highly disliked figures aka the "Donald" Trump, repression of dissent et al. The vital question is it legal for them to exercise such censorship?
SHARE Tuesday, November 17, 2015 Madness reigns in the West caused by its own doing
In response to Friday's terrorist attacks in Paris French Pres. Hollande yesterday said , "France is @ war". He's sent French planes to bomb IS HQ in Raqqa, Syria & dispatched its aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to sail into the Persian Gulf. What he didn't do is request NATO to send ground forces to invade Syria risking the unthinkable pitting the US against Russia. Madness reigns in the West caused by its own doing.
(12 comments) SHARE Wednesday, September 19, 2012 Time to End the Lesser of Evil Choice for President
The presidential election is 7 weeks away. To Mitt Romney 47% of the people are dependent on gov't. believe they're victims, entitled to health care, food, housing & the gov't should give it to them. "My job is not worry about these people." Pres. Obama meanwhile is running for reelection on the unspoken premise "Would you rather have Romney as president? This is the lesser of evils choice that needs to come to an end.
(6 comments) SHARE Friday, August 24, 2012 U.N. Secretary General Going to Iran despite U.S. and Israeli Objections
Ban Ki Moon the Sec'y Gen'l of the U.N. is going to Iran next week to attend the summit mtg. of the 120 nation non aligned movement over U.S. and Israeli objections. Israeli PM Netanyahu says "Your visit will grant legitimacy to a regime that is the greatest threat to world peace &security". But that's shear propaganda. It is the U.S. and Israeli policy's & actions that pose the greatest threats to world peace & security.
SHARE Wednesday, February 5, 2020 Trump's State of the Union address, theater of the absurd
Last night Trump gave his State of the Union address best described as theater of the absurd. He first honored Juan Guaido self proclaimed pres. of Venezuela, the imposter to succeed Pres.Maduro in a US inspired coup. Never happened. Trump then honored Rush Limbaugh giving him the Pres. Medal of Freedom further tarnishing its reputation to recognize someone's distinguished service to the country. A mostly unforgettable night.
SHARE Friday, June 11, 2021 Let's get to the core of "things" as they really are
Let's get right to the core of "things" as they really are & have nothing to do w/optimism or pessimism, just reality. The reality is US actions in the world reveal it as a criminal enterprise. Criminal in that it has initiated illegal wars & occupations, assassinations, coups, false flag attacks, color revolutions, embargoes, sanctions, provocations against any country that refuses to fall under its hegemony. That's reality.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, December 1, 2014 Russia "demonized", suspected behind anti fracking protests
The NY Times published a story denouncing Russian natural gas giant Gazprom of funding anti fracking protests that helped shut down an initial fracking operation by Chevron in a small town in Romania. No proof was given of Gazprom's underwriting the protests other than speculation, fueled by "Cold war-style suspicion" and "Russian meddling" which environmental groups denounce as a "frenzy of paranoia". Paranoia, indeed!
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, November 22, 2011 The Scene of Despicable Police Behavior at UC Davis
The events @ the Univ. of Cal. Davis have gone viral. Students sitting arm & arm w/ heads down were pepper sprayed indiscriminately by 2 cops as if the students were cockroaches. Increasingly on college campuses authorities are overreacting and resorting to brutal tactics to quell protests. It will do nothing but galvanize the resolve of demonstrators to continue w/ protests which will grow in sympathy on other campuses.
(3 comments) SHARE Tuesday, February 24, 2015 Does Collective Insouciance Reign in America?
How else to put it; collective insouciance-w/out a care-seems to reign in America. As to the problems, issues & events in America & the world most seem oblivious while texting away furiously on their smart phones they're immersed in. They seem in an insular cocoon where the reality happening around them, to say nothing of the world has no place in their insular world.
(4 comments) SHARE Wednesday, November 7, 2012 The Interminable Presidential Extravaganza is Over. Obama Wins a 2nd Term. What Now?
Well the interminable presidential extravaganza finally ended & Obama won a 2nd term. Apparently progressives in swing states swallowed hard & voted for the lesser evil. We face many problems & issues. Is Obama up to the task? Now freed up w/ no more elections will a transformational presidency be able to emerge? Could a reincarnation of FDR happen? Or is that expecting a miracle, like Moses parting of the Red Sea?
(3 comments) SHARE Tuesday, March 6, 2018 The ball is clearly in the US court for direct talks with North Korea
Yesterday concluded bilateral talks w/ N.Korean leader Kim Jong-un & S. Korean envoys. They said the North was willing to denuclearize & Kim said he'd suspend all nuclear & missile tests while engaged in talks. The South sent the envoys to Washington to apprise Trump. Hopefully to get him to agree to open ended negotiations w/ the North w/out preconditions. The ball is clearly in the US court for direct talks w/ North Korea.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, February 18, 2022 Where is the evidence behind US allegations of Russia about to invade Ukraine?
There continues to be this constant drumbeat by US officials of Russia about to invade Ukraine. From Pres. Biden, Sec'y of State Blinken, Nat'l Security Advisor Sullivan to US Ambassador to the UN Linda Greenfield it's all the same a Russian invasion. Meanwhile Russian even Ukrainian officials dismiss thee US warnings of imminent attack as hysteria. No evidence is ever presented confirming the US allegations yet they continue.
SHARE Wednesday, March 30, 2016 What is the US doing in the South China Sea?
What is the US doing in the S. China Sea? Supposedly to keep the shipping lanes open. It's just an updated version of gunboat diplomacy. The exceptional US believes its navy has the right to traverse sea lanes everywhere. The S. China Sea islands has been a local dispute for decades between China, Viet Nam, Philippines, Malaysia & Brunei. Now the US has put itself squarely into the dispute upping the ante potential for war.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, August 2, 2021 House in recess without considering consequences of eviction moratorium expiring
As we know the eviction moratorium expired on July 31 as the Congress left town on a 6 weeks recess w/out extending it. Millions of families are in jeopardy of being tossed out in the street evicted from their homes. That's unconscionable. what will happen to them? Where are they going to go? homeless shelters? Tent cities?
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, January 17, 2011 "Stuxnet", The Latest Cyber Warfare Weapon
"Stuxnet" is the latest cyber warfare weapon; a computer worm developed by the Israeli's and the Americans that has been successful in the sabotaging Iran's nuclear centrifuges for enriching uranium. This sabotage will likely heighten Iran's resolve and sense of urgency to gain nuclear weapons capability. It will likely make the U.S. more vulnerable to cyber attack in retaliation.
(8 comments) SHARE Wednesday, April 2, 2014 As Expected, Continuing Bluster from NATO with Russia not in "Compliance with International Law"
Yesterday NATO suspended all practical & military cooperation w/ Russia & ordered plans to increase its military presence in Eastern Europe. It’s mainly bluster & response to Crimea joining Russia & Russian troops conducting training exercises near the southern & eastern border of Ukraine. But the idea of Russia invading a NATO country is a fantasy of the cold war era yet something the US media seems intent to resurrect.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, April 9, 2014 Typical Old Cold War "Red" Baiting Rhetoric, Blame Putin and Those "Ruskies" For All The Turmoil in Ukraine
The latest protests in the eastern Ukraine cities of Donetsk, Luhansk & Kharkiv has Sec’y of State Kerry referring to them as “Russian provocateurs & agents…determined to create chaos†& a “pretext for military interventionâ€. It’s typical old cold war “red†baiting tactic by the US fomenting hysteria depicting Putin & those “ruskies†behind all the turmoil in Ukraine.
(7 comments) SHARE Friday, August 20, 2010 Roger Clemons Indicted on Perjury Charges. Is this What the Justice Department Should be Focusing On?
The headline read, "Roger Clemons Indicted on Perjury Charges". Is this what the Justice Dep't should be focusing on? There have been some pretty heinous decisions made by some really bad people and as a result of those decisions people were killed, maimed and tortured. The Bush/Cheney mob perpetrated an illegal war based on lies. Why haven't they been indicted? What Clemons did is a petty sideshow in comparison.
SHARE Saturday, May 14, 2022 NSA says it wants to "build trust and confidence"
The NSA has claimed new encryption standards in the US will be "unbreachable" even by its own spies. And "there will be no back doors" i.e. how they get into new computers sold before they're delivered to the buyer. And they'll do this voluntarily to "build trust and confidence". Ed Snowden in 2013 revealed the NSA spies on every electronic communication of everyone in the world, including Americans. Trust the NSA? Not likely.
(35 comments) SHARE Wednesday, March 21, 2012 There is Nothing Heroic in Fighting a Morally, Ethically and Illegal War
When war is morally, ethically and legally wrong, as our wars in Afghanistan and Iraq are, our soldiers are just the lethal end of those wrongful wars. They are not heroes. They are pawns of the officials who chose to authorize those wars. The only heroic position is to choose not to engage in unnecessary and wrongful war. There in nothing heroic in fighting such wars.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, February 14, 2022 The opioid crisis in America, what's going on?
There is an opioid crisis in America w/ fentanyl, OxyContin, heroin, cocaine & meth overdoses as the main causes. Apparently health insurers often refuse to pay for treatment. The US is the only 1st world country that doesn't have a gov't sponsored health care system. HMO's not approving drug rehab isn't helping to abate the drug crisis. They're only exacerbating it.
(4 comments) SHARE Monday, January 23, 2017 Trump formally withdraws US from TPP
Today Pres. Trump formally withdrew the US from the TPP, Trans-Pacific Partnership. The NY Times called it "a drastic reversal of decades of economic policy" essentially condemning Trumps action. How about the Democrats that have been against the TPP since Wikileaks released the text of the secret deal in October, 2015? Will they now join the Times in condemning Trump over w/drawing from the TPP or will they support his move?
(10 comments) SHARE Tuesday, August 31, 2010 Responsible Republican - The Ultimate Oxymoron
A good definition of the word oxymoron would be responsible Republican. The idea of a responsible Republican just doesn't exist. Republicans are intransigent, obstructionists, reflexively opposed to government. Democrats may be spineless and weak kneed, but recognize the need for government. Republicans contribute nothing to effective government and the legislative process, just cutting taxes, the sine qua non of their beliefs
SHARE Friday, January 4, 2013 Senate Filibuster Reform Vote Delayed Until January 22
Keep your eye on Jan.22. That's the date Senate Democrats could amend the filibuster rule by a simple majority 51 votes. Though Senate rule changes must be voted on the opening day of business yesterday's session didn't end as Maj. Leader Harry Reid put the day in recess thus allowing the 1st day to rollover. Let's hope Senate Dems. exercise some Mojo & vote to reform the filibuster on the 22nd.
(7 comments) SHARE Monday, August 11, 2014 A Most Dire Question, How to Prevent the Real War to End All Wars? Part II
The American people when polled recently said they want no more war in Iraq. To that acknowledgement "dear leader" Obama authorized air strikes in Iraq last Thursday. As for the American people they are thoroughly disregarded & dismissed out of hand by a president & gov't that act in their name. Even w/ Iraq in chaos from the seeds we have sown there, it's the crisis in Ukraine that has ominous implications for the world.'
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, July 22, 2016 Is there any doubt things are politically "surreal" in the US
Is there any doubt things are politically "surreal" in the US. The people running for president from the two major parties are the two most hated candidates ever nominated. Is that not surreal? Trump VS Clinton, is that not a surreal nightmare dream? The political process in the US is a joke where voting for the lesser evil is the primary basis for most people to vote.
(6 comments) SHARE Wednesday, May 23, 2018 Bolton is to diplomacy what a wrecking ball is to demolition
If the summit between Trump & N.Korean leader Kim Jong-un doesn't come off on June 12 in Singapore blame should be put on Trump's nat'l security adviser John Bolton. He said the Libyan model should be the template for negotiating the denuclearization of N.Korea. that was where Libyan Pres. Qaddafi gave up his nuclear materials to the US as a good faith gesture in 2003 only to murdered by US proxies in 2011. Kim isn't buying.
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, April 16, 2011 Qaddafi Found Using Cluster Bombs in Libya, What About U.S. Doing the Same in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Yemen
Yesterday came news that Qaddafi dropped cluster bombs in Misurata, Libya. The Int'l Convention on Cluster Munitions banned there use. Qaddafi wasn't a signatory but neither is the U.S. The real news was more about our NOT acknowledging the use of cluster bombs in our wars rather than just learning Qaddafi using them against his own people.
(3 comments) SHARE Thursday, March 16, 2017 Is US openly making plans to assassinate N.Korean leader Kim Jong-Un? If true it's madness on steroids
According to reports from Tyler Durden Zero Hedge the White House is making plans to take out N.Korean leader Kin Jong-Un including both military force & regime change. US policy makers have become mad. Who knows what Kim will do if he & his country are about be attacked by the US? He just might preemptively attack S. Korea, release a nuclear missile on Japan. Have the insane planners in official Washington thought about that?
SHARE Wednesday, June 14, 2017 Resistance aplenty to May continuing as PM
Yesterday was the opening day of the new parliament in Britain since the election on June 8. No business was conducted. Teresa May as PM must deliver the Queens speech to the MP's in the house on June 19 & they must give her a majority vote for her to continue as PM. May is negotiating w/ the N. Ireland DUP asking for the 10 seats they won to give her a 328 seat majority. It's not a done deal & the speech could be delayed.
(1 comments) SHARE Sunday, February 18, 2024 Russian journalist has requested to interview President Biden
Russian journalist Dmitry Kiselyov has requested to interview US Pres. Joe Biden. Kiselyov reasoned "Russians would appreciate the opportunity to hear Biden's take on how to stabilize the international situation, restore trust, and renew cooperation between the US and Russia amid the crisis ties between the two powers." But Biden's invested so much in money & weapons supporting Ukraine he's unlikely to grant such an interview.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, August 6, 2014 A Most Dire Question, How to Prevent the Real War to End All Wars?
A most dire question at the moment; how to restrain the US from its headlong rush to provoke war w/ Russia? Of course it's all insane but what countries will have the courage to reject US machinations for provoking war and prevent it from happening. All Europe knows war first hand. So do the Russians. Not so the American people. The hope may very well reside w/ Germany, France & others who know the horror of war.
SHARE Friday, December 10, 2021 Which countries are sovereign, truly their own masters?
When it comes to sovereignty which countries are truly their own masters? The US of course, Russia, China, India, Iran, Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Bolivia, N. Korea. Notice all except for the US are considered & demonized as enemies of the US. Also notice no European country is listed as sovereign & for good reason. They're all part of the EU & NATO where the US has diktat over foreign policy.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, November 20, 2015 Killing all alleged suspects in Paris attacks, a tell tale sign "official" narrative is suspect
It's been a week since the terrorist attacks in Paris. The official narrative remains, it was European, Islamic jihadists. Now all dead including the alleged mastermind Abdelhamid Abaasoud killed in a raid Wed. morning north of Paris. One would think for a thorough investigation of the crime attempts to capture alleged suspects would be preferable. Killing them all is a tell tale sign the official narrative is itself suspect.
SHARE Friday, September 1, 2023 "We're getting our monies worth"
Delusion seems to reign in the US Senate if Senator Richard Blumenthal D-CT is an example of its current makeup. He wrote in the Connecticut Post 8/28/23, "Ukraine is at the tip of the spear, fighting for independence & freedom". The US is "getting our monies worth w/out diversion or misappropriation of American aid". He forgot Ukraine is a corrupt country w/ $millions of military hardware stolen & sold on the black market.
(3 comments) SHARE Sunday, May 2, 2010 Demonstrations Nationwide Protest against New Arizona Law
The front page photo in Sunday's N.Y. Times showed thousands demonstrating in Los Angeles and over 70 other locations nationwide. They were far larger than originally anticipated as the new Arizona law was the rallying cry "transforming them into something akin to a civil rights movement with a national profile." This is a national problem requiring a federal solution. Arizona's law is the siren call for Congress to act.
(7 comments) SHARE Friday, July 16, 2010 The Travesty of Goldman Sachs Settlement with the SEC
On Thursday, Goldman Sachs, the Wall Street financial giant paid a $550 million fine in a settlement of the civil fraud case brought by the SEC. As part of the deal, Goldman did not admit to the SEC's allegations of wrongdoing. This was a case that screamed to be heard in open court. That is betrayal of the people's interests in favor of the interests of the plutocracy.
SHARE Saturday, June 10, 2017 With Tuesday's vote in the House of Commons looming, Teresa May remaining as prime minister is certainly precarious
What happened in Britain when people voted for a new prime minister? No party reached the 326 seat threshold. Teresa May's Conservative party got only 318 MP's elected so there's a hung parliament. But as the sitting PM as is protocol May went to Queen Elizabeth to present what's called the Queen's Speech". Then on June 13 May asks the new parliament to approve it for her to continue as PM. That's certainly not a done deal.
SHARE Monday, March 20, 2023 20 years ago today George W. Bush invaded Iraq never receiving UN Security Council approval making it an illegal act
On this date 20 years ago US Pres. George W. Bush illegally invaded Iraq based on the premise Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein had WMD's & was in league w/ terrorists. Yet Iraq had no WMD's all destroyed by UN inspectors in the 1990's. As for Saddam in league w/ terrorists he & they were mortal enemies. Also Bush never received UN Security Council authorization making the invasion an act of aggression.
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, December 1, 2011 Britain's Strike over Extended Austerity Measures: "We're being made to pay for the mistakes of others"
Yesterday in Britain, hundreds of thousands of public service workers took to the streets protesting extended austerity measures against them. "All we want is what is our contractual right. The crisis was caused by the bankers, we're an easy target. We're being made to pay for the mistakes of others". That's the basic meaning behind yesterday's strikes in Britain and the occupy movement in the U.S.
SHARE Wednesday, November 2, 2011 A Consciousness Raising Development In The Occupy Movement
Retired military and police have begun their own occupy groups in solidarity with the occupy movements all across the country, realizing as they do the military and the police are also part of the 99% represented by the occupy movement protests.
(5 comments) SHARE Wednesday, November 16, 2011 Is It Any Wonder Newspapers are Dying?
The lead article in the NY Times read, w/ their encampments dismantled, their outposts gone will the occupy movement wither? "No way" say the protesters. So why the withering question? It's just part of their vacuous reporting, the obsession w/ objectivity & refusing to question the authority's legitimacy in abridging the rights of the protesters to peaceably assemble. Is it any wonder newspapers are dying?
(3 comments) SHARE Tuesday, May 11, 2021 US Coast Guard fires warning shots at Iranian military ships off coast of Iran
Apparently yesterday a US Coast Guard ship fired warning shots at Iranian military ships in the Strait of Hormuz off the Iranian coast. When did the US Coast Guard become part of the US Navy? Never mind operating in Iranian waters. Isn't the US Coast Guard only supposed to guard US waterways? Isn't the Coast Guard part of the Navy only in a time of war? We're not at war with Iran. What's going on here?
SHARE Friday, May 6, 2022 Trump and the Democrats betrayal of the working class
Democrats still fail to understand why Trump appealed to so many & voted for him in 2016 & 2020. In'16 he simply wasn't the hated Hillary. He lost to Biden in 2020 yet garnered over 74 million votes. Dems became apoplectic over him rather than facing the truth; they had abandoned & betrayed the working class starting in the 70's & those people never forgave the Dems betraying them by sending their jobs to 3rd world countries..
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, May 29, 2020 Rage and violence in Minneapolis over the police killing of George Floyd
Things seem ready to boil over police killing of George Floyd last Monday. Last night protesters in Minneapolis torched police headquarters forcing police to vacate in their squad cars. Protests have occurred in NYC & LA over the killing of Floyd. Considering police being exonerated over these killings these past few years, no justice, no accountability, people are capable of rage & violence. That's what we're seeing now.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, October 7, 2011 Yesterday, "Freedom Plaza" Protest Action in Washington, D.C.
Yesterday began the October 2011 protest at Freedom Plaza in D.C. As in N.Y. and around the country the people are saying, "We are here, we are going to be heard, we are not going to be ignored, things will not continue as they have; we demand things change". For the present it's enough to gather and show solidarity. These protests need to coalesce around overturning the electoral process usurped by money in politics.
SHARE Wednesday, July 3, 2013 U.S. Bully Tactics Behind Bolivian President's Plane Being Forced to Land in Vienna, Snowden Not Aboard?
The intrigue surrounding the Edward Snowden saga continues unrelentingly. Portugal, France, Italy & Spain believed Snowden was on the plane from Moscow carrying Bolivian Pres. Evo Morales back to La Paz. They refused to let Morales plane to enter their airspace. The plane was forced to land in Vienna. Snowden was not onboard.
(16 comments) SHARE Saturday, April 14, 2018 Trump backed himself into a corner, he had to launch a missile strike on Syria to back up tough talk
Let's face it Trump backed himself into a corner. He had to launch a missile strike on Syria to back up his tough talk earlier in the week accusing Pres. Assad of an alleged chemical attack killing his own people. Significantly no Russian military facility was hit. The strikes caused limited damage & no deaths. They did nothing to change the situation on the ground. All Damascus has been liberated & Assad is winning the war.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, May 21, 2021 No peace until Israel ends its apartheid rule over the Palestinian's
Egypt mediated a cease fire last night between Israel and Hamas ending Israel's bombardment of Gaza and Hamas sending rockets into Israel. But a cease fire isn't peace. There will never be peace until Israel like South Africa before it ends its apartheid rule over the Palestinian's.
SHARE Monday, November 21, 2016 Trump's going to be president, get over it
Trump becoming president is the reality & Hillary not elected is a good thing. Resets in domestic & foreign policy are coming. All the diseased rhetoric of the campaign is over. Trump working w/ Putin on Syria appears to be in the works. TPP appears dead & Trump may dump NAFTA. As to Russia & China a much needed detente may be forthcoming dispelling a possible nuclear confrontation. Something under Hillary could have happened.
SHARE Friday, April 15, 2011 We "Just Don't Care Enough"
During economic good times in America despite greed and excess the people would never rebel. One thought only a severe economic dislocation could bring that about. Well we've had that great dislocation but it's been uneven. Many are not in dire straits. Many remain snug, disconnected and unsympathetic to the plight of those that have been devastated. The reality is "we just don't care enough".
SHARE Wednesday, July 14, 2021 Looking at some of the volatile situations in the world today
There are many volatile situations in the world a spark could ignite any one of them which could spread & become a firestorm. Think Syria, Iran, the Persian Gulf & Strait of Hormuz, Gaza, Palestinian West Bank, Jerusalem, provocations in the S. China Sea, Taiwan Strait, Black Sea war games, Ukraine, just to name a few. How can these volatile situations be resolved?
(4 comments) SHARE Wednesday, November 10, 2021 Trust the US or Iran?
Trust is something earned. W/ nations trust is determined by the actions a country takes on the world stage. W/ regard to the US & Iran which country is trustworthy? The US initiated a coup in Iran in 1953, reneged on an int'l agreement, places harsh sanctions & provokes Iran by prowling the Persian Gulf in a freedom of navigation ploy. Iran took American embassy personnel hostage in its 1979 revolution. Trust the US or Iran?
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, October 31, 2011 The Ruse Of Withdrawal From Iraq
President Obama announced the complete w/drawal of U.S. troops in Iraq by the end of the year. Now days later the U.S. is to expand military ties w/ the Gulf Cooperation Council including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE and Oman, all dictatorships under the sway of the U.S. So much for w/drawal from Iraq & what Sec'y of State Clinton refers to as a region freed from outside interference on a pathway to democracy.
SHARE Thursday, February 19, 2015 NSA Exposed, Hiding Spying Software Deep Inside Hard Drives
According to Reuters a Moscow based security software maker, "Kaspersky Lab" recently discovered the NSA was hiding spying software deep w/in hard drives made by top computer manufacturers. The program is closely linked to "Stuxnet", the NSA cyber weapon that infected Iran's uranium enrichment facility in 2010 the cyber attack that initiated the cyberwarfare we're currently seeing unleashed all over the world.
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, March 9, 2018 Trump accepts"invitation" to meet face to face with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un
Today it was learned N. Korean leader Kim Jong-un "invited" President Trump to meet face to face w/in two months. The two S. Korean envoys that met w/ Kim on Monday & then dispatched to Washington to convey details of that meeting delivered Kim's invitation to Trump. Immediately upon hearing the invitation Trump accepted it.
(4 comments) SHARE Friday, February 17, 2023 The war in Ukraine continues one week short of a year with no end in sight
The war in Ukraine continues one week short of a year w/ no end in sight. For Russia the war is an existential crisis a life & death struggle to exist as a people. Russia is winning the war. It's final outcome won't be something the US & Ukraine will easily swallow. Not w/ Russia as the likely victor & the primary one dictating the final terms.
(7 comments) SHARE Monday, June 20, 2011 Are We Desperate Enough in America to Have a Successful Rebellion?
W/the rebellions in the Arab world to have any chance for success the people have to be desperate and determined not to go back to passive submission and fear of the dictator and his regime. In America there are people who are desperate and in dire straits. But most Americans stand apart from this desperation of others, too disjointed, isolated and removed. There is no unanimity of purpose. Rebellion here is highly unlikely.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, September 28, 2015 Putin to the rescue again
Russia began sharing military intelligence w/ Syria, Iran & Iraq in the fight against ISIS in Syria. This after Russia recently increased its military aid to Syrian President Assad's beleaguered forces. According to the NY Times the US was left "scrambling" & "jolted the White House". So what. Russia's Pres. Putin doesn't need to get clearance from the US hegemon in order to provide coordination to his allies fighting ISIS.
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, April 10, 2017 Waiting for the next shoe to drop
Now that President Trump has puffed out his chest w/ the MSM doing its part in triumphalism over his missile attack in retaliation for Syrian President Bashar Assad's alleged sarin gas attack last week, it just feels like waiting for the next shoe to drop. Oh sure this could be a one-time strike-a flexing of muscles & nothing more, @ least for now. But who knows what the "Donald" will do next?
SHARE Monday, August 4, 2014 Israel and its Apologists
Israel & its apologists are living in complete denial. They are living in a parallel universe separated & alienated from most people in the world. Most see the current Israeli military assault on Gaza as the brutal killing of innocents. Apologists of Israel see it as defending the Israeli people. But most people are in sympathy & solidarity w/ the Palestinians which sees the IDF slaughtering innocent & defenseless people.
(5 comments) SHARE Wednesday, January 10, 2018 Reflections on Iranian protests, assessing potential for conflict with US, Israel and Saudi Arabia
What's really going on w/ the protests in Iran? It's not exactly clear. The Iranian people have legitimate grievances. Reports have inflation @ some 40% & youth unemployment above 30%. There's been suspicion of agent-provocateurs stirring up crowds to commit violence but no real confirmation. So Iran has internal problems but is not a threat to the US, Israel & Saudi Arabia. Not so these countries voicing threats against Iran.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, March 9, 2011 The Glass of Indignation Spilling Over in Wisconsin Beginning to Happen Nationwide
The glass of indignation that had been brewing and filling finally spilled over, caused by the zealous overreach of the tyrannical, corrupted governor in Wisconsin. The catalyst was his denial of collective bargaining w/ public service unions. In solidarity w/ those protesting in Wisconsin is a sentiment growing nationwide.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, October 23, 2018 Trump says Russia and China need to "come to their senses". No it's the US that needs to come to its senses
We've reached an Orwellian state of affairs when Trump says Russia & China need to "come to their senses", regarding their nuclear arsenals or "we will build it up", the US nuclear arsenal. He intends to w/draw from the 1987 INF treaty when thousands of nuclear weapons were destroyed by the US &USSR. By his w/drawing from the INF it's the US needing to come to its senses expanding rather than reducing its nuclear arsenal.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, January 29, 2013 The World's Greatest Threat
American militarism & the nat'l security state that has evolved since 9/11 & the gov'ts methods of instilling propagandized fear in the American people are all means used to justify the policies & expansion of that nat'l security state. It's Fascism wrapped in the mantle of freedom & democracy making it the most insidious form of authoritarian despotism.
(2 comments) SHARE Saturday, December 21, 2013 Group of 27 Senators in Misguided Bipartisanship Introduce Legislation for New Sanctions on Iran
27 senators including 14 Dems joined w/ 13 Repubs in some misguided bipartisan effort introduced legislation for more sanctions on Iran. Maj. Leader Harry Reid hasn't called for a vote in the full Senate & Obama has vowed to veto the bill. 10 other Dem Senators wrote Reid warning new sanctions would undermine the prospects for a final deal w/ Iran. A final deal w/ Iran must not be scuttled naysayers.
(2 comments) SHARE Sunday, July 31, 2022 US "playing with fire" if Speaker Pelosi travels to Taiwan
On Friday Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi left Washington on a trip to Asia w/ stops in Singapore, Malaysia, S. Korea & Japan. A possible trip to Taiwan wasn't on the planned itinerary. If she does visit Taiwan it shouldn't be taken lightly. China sees her trip to Taiwan as a distinct provocation against their sovereignty. Chinese Pres. Xi told Pres. Biden the US "was playing w/ fire". So why challenge China in this way?
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, March 13, 2014 Trust, Honor, Respect, Integrity, Not Synonymous with the Government in America
Trust, honor, respect, integrity, being truthful as well as searching for the truth are important words to live by. Unfortunately these words do not apply, have no connection to or in any way synonymous with our government in America.
(4 comments) SHARE Tuesday, December 15, 2015 How did we the people become insouciant "sheeple"?
How did we the people become "insouciant sheeple"? Firstly ending the military draft in 1973 after we left Viet Nam. At the hgt. of the war in 67 to 73, resistance, defiance, protests, demonstrations were the order of the day on college campuses. No longer. Ending the draft of college age men & women, that were @ the heart of the Vietnam war resistance, meant after '73 they have no personal stake in resisting our wars.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, November 14, 2018 The US ready to initiate a cold war with China?
VP Mike Pence traveling to Singapore intimated to a reporter the US is ready to initiate a cold war w/ China, that the US is "in strong position" to escalate its trade war w/ China w/ no intention to cede its influence in Asia. Meanwhile Trump's Nat'l Security Adviser John Bolton warned the US will up its naval presence in the S. China Sea which China sees as a provocation & it's not about to rollover & submit to US bullying.
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, October 28, 2013 Wolf in Sheeps Clothing, Goldman Sachs as the Corporate Good Samaritan
Goldman Sachs was in the news reportedly having given 1.6 billion in philanthropy since 2008 hoping to be seen as the corporate Good Samaritan. Lets not be deceived by this charitable giving. It's a con game committed by corporate thieves, a smokescreen of seeming civic goodness to deflect attention away from its primary enterprise making billions any which way it can including outright fraud.
(4 comments) SHARE Wednesday, October 26, 2016 Throwing off the shackles
Considering US belligerence in the world since 9/11 it is something to behold Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte announcing in a state visit to China, "Your honors, in this venue, I announce my separation from the United States...both in military and economics also". Duterte's declaration throwing off the shackles of US hegemony is reminiscent of our own descendants throwing off the shackles of British colonialism in 1776.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, November 7, 2018 So we had an election yesterday, now what?
We had an election yesterday w/ Dems capturing the House & the Repubs retaining the Senate. But does it matter who is in the majority? The status quo doesn't change. The major policies & actions of official Washington remain in place. Why? the Dems & Repubs are all in on it. We're a war based economy. Hot, cold, win, lose it doesn't matter. All that's needed are enemies. Contrived ones will do. It's all to serve unending war.
(3 comments) SHARE Thursday, January 6, 2022 Why does "official" Washington need to deny any role in Kazakhstan rioting?
Rioting, looting even beheadings of law enforcement officers has occurred in Kazakhstan. Protests began last Sunday over rising fuel prices then escalated violently where the country's president requested its collective security organization to intervene. Russia as part of the bloc last night sent in military peacekeepers to help quell the unrest. Official Washington has denied any involvement. Why the need to issue a denial?
SHARE Wednesday, October 26, 2022 Russia adamant Ukraine intends to detonate a "dirty bomb"
The big news item in the last week has been talk of a "dirty bomb" being detonated in Ukraine. It uses conventional explosives but also contains radioactive nuclear waste creating radiation exposure to people in the area of the explosion. The Russians are adamant Kiev is intent on detonating such a device. Yet on Monday the foreign ministers in the US, UK & France rejected Russia's claims as "transparently false allegations".
(5 comments) SHARE Wednesday, October 10, 2012 Does U.S. Policy Contribute to Taliban Extremism?
Yesterday a 14 yr. old Pakistani girl was shot in the head by a masked Taliban gunman. The reason: she advocated for girls education. A Taliban spokesman said, She was a symbol of Western culture, her crusade for education rights an obscenity. Most Pakistani's condemned the attack. It shows Pakistan has wide ethnic & sectarian divides. Though the U.S. was not connected to the attack, our policy connects to Taliban extremism.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, December 10, 2014 Senate Intel Committee Report, CIA Tortured, How about those who authorized it? No Comment
The Senate Intel Committee finally got around to releasing a nearly 6 yr. old study of the CIA's role in using torture against suspects "between 2002 & 2008 that led to false confessions, fabricated information & produced no useful intel about imminent terrorist attacks. As to who authorized torture; nothing said. That's the real travesty in the whole torture scenario; those who authorized it have never been held to account.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, April 5, 2021 Why no skepticism of governmental pronouncements in this time of the covid pandemic? Part II
We know the government in the United States lies to its people. Why was there so little skepticism of what the government and particularly Dr. Fauci-who became the government's guru-said about COVID? In particular people who are normally skeptical about what their government says and does were now seemingly trusting that government when it came to following its dictates on COVId?
SHARE Monday, August 20, 2012 Pakistan's Security of Nuclear Arsenal in the News after Taliban Attack
The news out of Pakistan has Taliban fighters attacking an air base north of Islamabad suspected of housing nuclear weapons. The attack was repelled & Pakistan denied nuclear weapons were present. The buzz in the U.S. MSM remains; how secure are Pakistan's nuclear weapons? It's an official U.S. obsession. It's a propaganda canard yet if there's any validity to this why hasn't there been a nat'l discussion & debate over it?
SHARE Tuesday, October 16, 2018 An eerie quiet that's come about
There's a sort of eerie quiet come about. Kavanaugh got confirmed but it remains to be seen what effect he'll have on the Court. A US destroyer almost collided w/ a Chinese warship in the S. China Sea. Big trouble if US provocations continue here. Trump to initiate new oil sanctions on Iran starting Nov.4. Who knows what might happen. The Dow took a 1300 point plunge last Thurs. A harbinger of things to come? Eerily quiet.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, June 4, 2014 The Crazed in Washington
Pres. Obama was in Poland yesterday pledging $1 billion for Central & E. Europe to stand against Russian "aggression". W/ all NATO members in attendance & those newest in the east jittery in unison dreading a Russian attack on them, it's all a trumped up fantasy. Putin has no designs on them. The real provocateur is the US hoping to provoke Russia in Ukraine w/NATO as the fig leaf disguising US plans for war w/ Russia.
SHARE Friday, April 20, 2018 A truly inauspicious time fast approaching
May 12 is the deadline for the US to recertify the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Trump wants the deal "fixed" by then or he'll w/draw the US. Iran says it won't renegotiate the deal. Though unrelated to Iran deal Trump has agreed to meet w/ N. Korean leader Kim Jong-un in late May or June. However if Trump reneges on the Iran deal how would that effect his meeting w/ Kim? Would they even meet? May & June a truly inauspicious time.
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, July 11, 2014 Lethal Recriminations Fly in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank
As to the latest Middle East bloodletting; this time it's again w/the Israeli's & the Palestinians. Recriminations started over murders by each side, Hamas lobbing rockets into Israel & the Israeli's bombing Gaza. The fact is as long as Israel conducts a brutal apartheid rule over the Palestinian's Israel will have no peace. Apartheid didn't work in South Africa & it won't work against the Palestinian's.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, April 19, 2022 Biden to run again in 2024?
Apparently Pres. Biden has told former Pres. Obama his intention to run again in 2024. A source for "The Hill" said, I believe he thinks he's the only one who can beat Trump." If he gets the Dems nomination in '24 he'll be 82. Another drawback inflation is the worst since the 1970's. Then there's the Nov. congressional elections which the Dems could take a big hit. Biden & Trump in '24? American politics is in the abyss.
SHARE Tuesday, July 31, 2018 Trump's impetuous whirlwind of unpredictability
Each day one wakes up wondering what the latest tweet from Trump will bring. The latest has him threatening to shut down the Fed'l Gov't. Then he wants to grant a $100 billion tax cut on capital gains. Trump's immigration & border wall excesses are unnecessary. So are his threats, provocations, sanctions. A whirlwind of unpredictability the perfect distraction deflecting att'n away from the military/industrial/security complex
(19 comments) SHARE Tuesday, March 27, 2012 The Warped and Surreal Sympathy in the U.S. for Sgt Bales
The latest atrocity committed by our military in Afghanistan has taken a surreal turn in the U.S. Karilyn Bales, the wife of Sgt Robert Bales, the man accused of massacring 17 Afghan women & children, has let herself be interviewed by NBC's Today Show. There's something warped about all this when the media interviews the wife of a presumably cold blooded killer & shows it on Nat'l TV. Where's the sympathy for the victims?
SHARE Wednesday, April 13, 2022 In America everything is blamed on Putin
It's becoming surreal. Pres. Biden in Iowa yesterday promoting a 5% increase in ethanol to gasoline. While making a speech in an Iowa barn he gets hit w/ bird poop below his left lapel. Yet his handlers can't even admit the obvious insisting it was corn splatter that hit the prez. Biden calls Russian Pres. Putin a war criminal. His attack in Ukraine meant to exterminate Ukrainians. Everything in America is blamed on Putin.
(5 comments) SHARE Friday, December 10, 2010 The American Experiment is at a Critical Juncture
The American experiment that began 234 years ago is at a critical juncture. We have become an empire w/ only the trappings of a republic remaining. The new "Rome". Ironically it could be rectified. What is written in the Declaration and the Constitution are the ways and means to reclaim our country and restore the idea of, by and for the people. That can only happen by the people. Do we have the will and courage to do it?
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, July 9, 2012 Corporations Funneling Millions to Tax Exempt Non Profits Avoiding Disclosure
In American politics big money has long been a dominant factor influencing the electoral process. Since SCOTUS decision in Citizens United in 2010 corporations are now donating millions in secret funneled thru non profits & social welfare groups, not req'd to report their donors, and technically not political orgs. but in reality are sham charities not promoting social welfare but est'd for winning elections.
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, September 2, 2021 Is the US headed for eventual war with China?
Is the US headed for war w/China? A nuclear superpower capable of destroying the US in a retaliatory nuclear strike. That reality should put to rest any idea of provoking China. Yet the US continues to provoke China & Russia whether it was the crowd of the crude Trump, articulate Obama or the current one whose occupant ought to be in an old age rest home. They all provoked China & Russia w/out considering the consequences.
(3 comments) SHARE Wednesday, July 30, 2014 The Militarization of Sport in America
There was a time before every pro baseball game there would be the playing of the "National Anthem" & people stood up. Well that modest fanfare is over; today its game commentators, PA announcers & Jumbotrons celebrating our "heroes" in the stands & giving them a standing O. Come the 7th there's the inevitable "God Bless America". It's more &more like lock step obedience, everything but the straight arm salute & Heil Hitler.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, February 21, 2023 The US is pushing the envelope with Russia with no end in sight
The US is pushing the envelope with Russia with no end in sight. Russia is not Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria or Libya. It is a nuclear weapons superpower capable of inflicting nuclear annihilation on the US if Russia's existence as a country is threatened. This seems lost on the neo-con leadership in Washington.
(11 comments) SHARE Saturday, May 1, 2010 Criminal Charges Against Goldman May Be In The Offing
Things are heating up on the suspicious trading allegations against Goldman Sachs as federal prosecutors are in the early stages of bringing criminal charges against the Wall Street titan. A federal case must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Cutting "King Goldman" down to size will be no easy task. But there's more to it than that with suspect tentacles reaching into the halls of Congress. Who is investigating them?
SHARE Wednesday, September 20, 2017 Trump's speech at the UN yesterday was completely Orwellian
Trump's speech at the UN yesterday was completely Orwellian, over the top and upside down. The topper or nadir was Trump's "our respect for sovereignty" of other nations. The US doesn't respect the sovereignty of other nations. It is the grand master for undermining any regime that refuses to submit to US hegemony.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, July 20, 2020 The election of Biden could result in the US returning to the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran
The election of Biden could result in the US returning to the nuclear deal signed by Obama, Britain, France, Russia, China & Germany w/ Iran in 2015. Trump reneged on the deal in May, 2018. The others wanted to save the deal but all unsuccessful. Though not an endorsement of the otherwise woeful Joe the US returning to Iran nuclear deal should be seen as a potentially positive result of a Biden victory in November.
(13 comments) SHARE Friday, October 9, 2020 The fundamental issue going unaddressed in this country, an electoral system corrupted by big moneyed interests
These are trying times w/ COVID, a coming presidential election along w/ a fractious electorate. Yet a fundamental issue goes unaddressed in this country. An electoral system corrupted by big moneyed interests. It's the standard "pay to play" in all elections whether local, state & federal. All our other problems & issues won't be addressed adequately as long as our corrupted electoral system remains in place.
(3 comments) SHARE Monday, June 3, 2013 Sunni, Shiite Sectarian Bloodletting, No End in Sight
The sectarian civil war in Syria is escalating ferociously as 1000's of Shiite & Sunni Muslims beyond Syria's borders have joined the fray. Lebanese Shiite leader of Hezbollah openly declared his military support of the Assad gov't. In Iraq the sectarian bloodletting of Sunni's & Shiites has brought that country close to renewed civil war. It's hard to imagine the sectarian bloodletting abating anytime soon.
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, January 3, 2014 The "Chickens" are Coming Home to Roost in Iraq
The “chickens†are coming home to roost is a metaphor explaining the sectarian bloodletting in Iraq. The “chickens†are the consequences that must be laid @ the feet of the Bush administration that invaded in 2003, disbanded the Sunni army, dismissed the civil service which encouraged al Qaeda to enter the country & instantly created the insurgency against the Americans & later the Shiite gov't we helped to install.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, January 7, 2014 The U.S. and Iran, The Possibilities
The enmity that has existed between the US & Iran may be coming to an end. The sectarian rift between Sunni & Shiite Muslims is such the civil war in Syria could spread to Iraq & Lebanon. There’s an increasing recognition by the Obama administration a stable Iran could be an important diplomatic interlocutor in the increasingly unstable Middle East. How’s that for irony.
(6 comments) SHARE Monday, November 18, 2013 Another Potential Boondoggle for "Big Pharma"?
This week a controversy has developed over a new set of guidelines published by the Amer.Heart Ass'n & College of Cardiology for lowering cholesterol along w/a calculator meant to assess risks. Two Harvard Med.Sch.Profs took issue w/the report w/ their data showing the calculator over predicting risk by 75 to 150% saying overestimation of risk will lead to considerable overprescription, (a potential boondoggle for Big Pharma).
SHARE Thursday, December 23, 2021 In light of recent tensions over Ukraine Washington and Moscow confirm meeting scheduled for early January
Lately there have been allegations made by US & western MSM that Russia is massing its troops & intends to invade Ukraine early in the new year-which Russia has vehemently denied. To the rescue come Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov & US Sec'y of State Antony Blinken each announcing Washington & Moscow will hold talks scheduled for early January. Let's hope the talks are fruitful & bring detente between them.
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, April 15, 2013 The Republican Party as Now Constituted is a Dinosaur
Republicans met in Hollywood last week attempting to map a path to a resurgence but couldn't agree what that path would be. Many insisted it was Romney causing them to lose & all that was needed was a change in tone. How does one change the tone of opposition to same sex marriage when the assembly appr'd a resolution defining marriage as only a union between a man & a woman. The Repub. party as now constituted is a dinosaur.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, July 2, 2014 "Who are those guys?"
Regarding SCOTUS ruling in the "Hobby Lobby" case; the majority ruled in favor of the family owned corporation whereby a closely held for profit corporation run by religious families can't be required to pay for contraceptive coverage of their female employees. It's clearly discriminatory toward women but apparently not to the five reactionaries in the Court's majority.
SHARE Saturday, December 3, 2016 Why did it have to be this way?
W/ all the indignation over the Washington Post resorting to McCarthesque scare tactics naming 200 web sites as presenting "fake news", disseminating propaganda or useful idiots of the Russians one may ask why did it have to be this way? It didn't. We have a constitution w/ freedom of the press. But today we have a free press in name only. It's now an unofficial organ of the state presenting only the gov'ts version of events.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, June 18, 2018 Simply unconscionable
Where else in the world, besides America would we see a frightened, screaming child being wrenched away from the arms of their parent, then taken away, placed in some detention facility while the parent is hauled off as an illegal alien to be deported? It is simply unconscionable.
SHARE Monday, April 4, 2022 The US leading a new world order?
Pres. Biden recently speaking @ a business roundtable said, "Now is a time when things are shifting & there's going to be a new world order out there, & we've got to lead it". If the old world order @ least since the end of WWII which the US has led in the sinister wrongs it has committed is any indication of its prowess the world will be better off w/out the US leading any new world order.
SHARE Monday, August 30, 2021 The US withdrawal from Afghanistan, a "screw the pooch" fiasco
In the old movie The Right Stuff about NASA's astronaut space program a scene between Gus Grissom played by Fred Ward & Gordon Cooper played by Dennis Quaid where Cooper says to Grissom I guess they're saving the best for last whereby Grissom replied I guess so hot dog. Just be sure you don't screw the pooch when it's your turn in the space capsule. Let's face it. The US w/drawal from Kabul has been a screwing the pooch fiasco
SHARE Wednesday, November 9, 2011 The Broader Implications of Yesterday's Vote in Ohio Repealing Limits to Collective Bargaining
Yesterday voters in Ohio repealed a bill limiting collective bargaining by 62 to 38%. It's an issue raised in the occupy movement. What's unknown is whether the gen'l population makes the connection that limiting collective bargaining is synonymous w/ and interconnected w/ the larger class war by the 1% against the 99% that spawned the occupy movement. If not, it's the leap of consciousness that needs to occur w/ the people.
(4 comments) SHARE Tuesday, December 8, 2015 "Things" looking ominous in Syria
Things look ominous in Syria. All the world's antagonists are engaged making it so ominous. Russian Pres. Putin was recently described as a paper tiger for not retaliating over Turkey downing a Russian jet fighter in Syria. It was a provocation. Putin refused to take the bait so now he's a paper tiger? Putin's actions in Syria have been defensive & legal under int'l law. But make no mistake Turkey's action won't go unpunished.
(3 comments) SHARE Tuesday, December 18, 2018 Trump is just the symptom, it's the system that's diseased
It isn't much of a stretch to say the US political system is broken, that it serves the interests of the big corporations, Wall Street, the military/industrial/political complex, AIPAC & Israeli interests et al. is well known. What it doesn't serve are the interests of the people. Today everything is about Trump. But he's just the symptom. It's the system that's diseased.
(4 comments) SHARE Wednesday, April 24, 2019 Madness in the US Senate
The Senate has a bill titled, "Defending American security from Kremlin Aggression Act", introduced in the Senate that..."require the Sec'y of State to determine whether the Russian federation should be designated as a state sponsor of terrorism & whether Russian sponsored armed entities in Ukraine be designated as foreign terrorist organizations". A bipartisan measure revealing these people have gone completely off the rail.
(2 comments) SHARE Saturday, July 23, 2011 We the People Need to Confront Our Present Political State of Affairs
The corporatists and their lackey's in Congress have the country by the throat. Our current electoral system must be confronted and overthrown. We just can't continue to vote for those they nominate and control. The system is rigged w/ outrageous sums of corporate largesse that corrupts the electoral process to benefit them. It must be replaced w/ a people funded, publicly financed electoral process on all levels of gov't.
(5 comments) SHARE Wednesday, January 28, 2015 Glorifying the Brutality We Commit in Our Wars
The film American Sniper grossed $105 million the 1st weekend of release. It's no surprise. Glorification of our wars can be big box office. But aren't the droves of Americans drawn to American Sniper not in deep denial to the reality of what America has become; a country seen as the greatest threat in the world by most others, yet many Americans now seem to have descended into glorifying the brutality we commit in our wars.
(3 comments) SHARE Tuesday, May 8, 2018 Trump reneges on Iran nuclear deal
A few minutes ago Pres. Trump pulled the US out of the P5&1 nuclear deal w/ Iran. All the reasons he gave for reneging on the deal were bogus. The IAEA inspectors as an integral part of the agreement certified on multiple times Iran was in full compliance in all terms of the deal which the US had agreed to in 2015. Every complaint Trump gave for withdrawal falls completely outside the parameters of the deal the US agreed to.
SHARE Thursday, November 20, 2014 It is the pivotal role of the US and its support of Israel's policies that created the revenge killing of Israeli's
There is no excusing the brutal killing of innocent Israeli Jews in Jerusalem on Tuesday by two Palestinian cousins. But when Palestinian's are brutalized for decades by a brutal Israeli occupier such revenge type killings will occur. The facts are these: It is the pivotal role taken by the US & its unequivocal support of Israel's apartheid rule, policies & actions that create the revenge type killing of Israeli Jews.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, February 14, 2017 Playing with Fire
Today neo-cons, R2P liberals & their neo-liberal fellow travelers are playing w/ fire using combative rhetoric, unsubstantiated allegations, lies, demonization, military provocations, threats of a blockade against Iran. China & Russia are strategic allies. A military attack on one would bring the others to their defense. China & Russia are nuclear powers capable of annihilating the US. It is madness to threaten them or Iran.
(2 comments) SHARE Saturday, December 16, 2023 The Pentagon recently failed its 6th consecutive audit. Yet it will still get the funding even if it fails the audit
The Pentagon recently failed its sixth consecutive audit. It's the largest recipient of funds the Congress approves and the president signs off on each year. Yet its ability to accurately account where the money goes has never passed an audit. Does it matter? The Pentagon knows, regardless of whether it passes or fails an audit it will still receive the funding each year.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, October 29, 2014 "Indoctrination" in America
In America freedom of the press has become a fig leaf for the MSM to hide behind. Now big corporations own the media, control its content & support the gov'ts policies & actions. Add in the corps. usurping the electoral process it makes for a perfect circle of "legalized" corruption. The purpose; rally up & "indoctrinate" the people w/ propaganda to get them to support the gov'ts policies & actions.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, February 28, 2017 Defense spending edifice premised on "threats" and "enemies", without them the edifice collapses
The White House has called for a $54 billion increase in defense spending. Details could possibly come tonight by Trump to a joint session of Congress. Is this what we need a nonsensical increase to an already bloated defense budget against contrived "enemies" that pose no threat to the US? The whole defense spending edifice the Deep State has erected is premised on "threats" & "enemies". W/out them the edifice collapses.
(3 comments) SHARE Thursday, November 1, 2018 Pompeo, China needs to "behave like a normal nation" and "respect international law"
Yesterday Sec'y of State Mike Pompeo said, China needs to "behave like a normal nation"...& "respect int'l law". This administration has no shame moralizing to ANY nation not behaving normally & not respecting int'l law. The supreme irony; since the end of WWII it is the US that has completely ignored int'l law, not behaving as a normal nation, instead being the bully against any nation that didn't follow US Diktat.
SHARE Friday, May 27, 2022 The basic premise of the US today is the need for "enemies". Real or imagined. It doesn't matter.
The basic premise of the US today? It's an empire with the need for "enemies". Real or imagined. It doesn't matter. With "enemies" the empire can justify the nearly $trillion dollars spent each year for the weapons industry. World peace would disrupt the basic premise need for "enemies". That's the worst thing that could happen to the empire. W/out "enemies" the bloated expenditure on weapons each year couldn't be justified.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, September 15, 2021 Trust the government?
There have been watershed events that changed the course of history. The JFK assassination & 9/11 are such events. Each had "official" investigations. Multiple investigations later, official or otherwise, put into question the conclusions reached by the official versions. The result? Trust in our gov'ts pronouncements has never been lower.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, August 31, 2016 Colin Kaepernick's protest
As we know San Francisco 49er QB Colin Kaepernick refused to stand for the nat'l anthem before a game w/ the Green Bay Packers. Wanting to draw att'n over the killing of young black men gunned down by police & their later exoneration he stood by the courage of his convictions & refused to stand. He's unleashed a hornet's nest of knee jerk patriotic indignation. So what. Consciousness raising of the issue needed to be done.
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, June 9, 2014 When Fantasy Met Reality in Wisconsin
A little over a week ago in Wisconsin two 12-yr-old girls stabbed another 12-yr-old girl 19 times with the intent to kill her; all this over a fictional internet character they fantasized as real and to prove it had to kill their best friend. Even Rod Serling couldn't have come up with this one. Luckily the girl survived the attack & is recovering in the hospital. This could only happen in America.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, November 17, 2014 Just another "enemy" to our government
According to the lead article in Sunday's NY Times, "The fed'l gov't has significantly expanded undercover operations w/ officers from @ least 40 agencies posing as business people, welfare recipients, political protesters & even doctors or ministers". To the gov't everyone is a potential suspect so even your doctor or minister could turn out to be a fed'l agent. We the people are just another "enemy" to our gov't.
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, November 3, 2011 "Occupy Oakland Shuts Down Port", Clashes with Police Occur Late Last Night
Yesterday Occupy Oakland shut down the nations 5th busiest port w/ 3,000 protesters at the port gates. In the AM hours protesters entered a nearby vacant bldg. declaring it part of their encampment. This action brought riot police w/ batons hurling tear gas canisters. Some were thrown back at the police. 60 arrests were made. In Oakland though calm returned an uneasy truce remains between the police and the protesters.
(2 comments) SHARE Sunday, January 4, 2015 Name any national problem and issue in contemporary America where a real solution has been carried out?
Name any nat'l problem & issue in contemporary America where a real solution has been carried out? From health care, gun control to the environment among the issues facing America real solutions are found wanting. Solutions are known but big money-corporate, individual, special interest & dark money from anonymous sources control the entire electoral, political process & agenda preventing any real solutions from being enacted.
SHARE Wednesday, August 3, 2011 Egypt, Example to the World
Today,former Former Egyptian strong man, Hosni Mubarak is to face charges of corruption and the killing of demonstrators.
With this act Egypt is showing the world its leaders are not above being held accountable for their crimes. In retrospect, Egypt's act shows how far the U.S. has fallen into disrepute by not holding the Bush Administration accountable for its unjustified war in Iraq and its authorization to torture.
(4 comments) SHARE Thursday, December 15, 2016 Trust the CIA?
All the buzz from gov't & the MSM has Russia interfering w/ the presidential election helping Trump get elected. It's all attributed to a secret CIA report then leaked to the MSM. The only problem there's no evidence to substantiate Russia interfered w/ the election. So it's trust the CIA. The CIA lies as part of its makeup. Yet Dems & Hillary supporters are ready to overthrow the election over unsubstantiated CIA claims.
(6 comments) SHARE Wednesday, October 21, 2020 The social unrest roiling the country, the perfect scenario the ruling elite want keeping the focus away from them
There's is little doubt social unrest is roiling this country. Whether from the left or right it seems ready to explode. It is the perfect scenario the ruling elite want. It keeps the focus away from them. The unrest serves to distract the majority of people from realizing it's the ruling elite that needs to be their focus & be dislodged from power. Not the divisive issues of the right & left that pit them against each other.
(5 comments) SHARE Sunday, June 20, 2010 The Loophole from Hell; House Bill Likely to Exempt NRA from Disclosure Rules to Political Campaigns
The House is about to create an enormous loophole in their disclosure bill to rein in the power of special interests by exempting from the reporting requirements the NRA. There is no honest way to put it other than to say some office holders have accepted legalized bribery from the NRA and avowed to act to protect their benefactor. This goes to the heart of our dysfunctional political system.
SHARE Friday, February 3, 2012 An Ominous Foreboding, Israel vs Iran, Part 2
The war of words with Israel and Iran got ramped up a notch w/ Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak declaring, "Time is running out for stopping Iran's nuclear advance, whoever says later may find that later is too late." Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei responded if a military strike is carried out Iran "has its own tools" it would use "if necessary" in retaliation. Israel attacking Iran remains an ominous foreboding.
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, March 3, 2012 Netanyahu and AIPAC, Beating the War Drum to Attack Iran
Israeli P.M. Netanyahu and AIPAC are beating the drum for Israel to attack Iran's nuclear facilities. All U.S. intelligence agencies agree Iran ceased developing a nuclear bomb in 2003. No matter; Israel appears intent to attack. Pres. Obama is to meet w/ Netanyahu. Only he can make it clear the U.S. will not support Israel and will prevent Israel from attacking Iran. The question is, will he?
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, July 31, 2013 Main Stumbling Blocks in Palestinian/Israeli Conflict Won't be Overcome in Latest Round of "Peace Talks"
Palestinian & Israeli negotiators were in Washington Mon. & Tues. supposedly to begin a new round of peace talks. Yet polls show majorities of Palestinians & Israeli's believe nothing will come from the talks. In truth, the main stumbling blocks in this 46 yr. old saga (since the 67' war) rests solely w/the policies & actions of Israel w/unwavering support of the U.S. which won't be overcome in this latest round of peace talks
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, June 29, 2018 Trump to meet with Putin in Helsinki July 16
Trump is to meet w/ Russian Pres. Putin in Helsinki July16. Coupled w/ Trump's summit w/ N.Korean Leader Kim Jong-Un in June he's on his own diplomatic mission few saw coming. But then there's Trump alienating allies in Europe seceding from the Iran nuclear deal, threatening countries w/ sanctions if they trade w/ Iran & then the policy of separating children from their parents @ the Mex. border. It's all rather quixotic.
(6 comments) SHARE Friday, January 22, 2016 Maintaining instability all over the world, the ultimate US subterfuge
Since the end of WWII, the US has engaged directly in multiple hot wars, a 45 yr. cold war w/ the USSR, clandestinely in numerous countries using CIA trained & armed proxies, initiated coups, assassinations, drone strikes in the war on terror; quite the chilling resume. The point being all this militarist mayhem & misadventures against "enemies" belie the ultimate aim & outcome of US policy, maintain instability in the world.
SHARE Thursday, August 11, 2022 Provocations and sanctions against any country that resists US hegemony seems to be the essence of US foreign policy
Provocations & sanctions against any country that resists US hegemony seems to be the essence of US foreign policy. Sanctions against Russia since its incursion into Ukraine have boomeranged w/ inflation, food & fuel @ 40 yr. highs in the EU, Britain & the US. Also the US reneges upholding its agreement accepting Taiwan as part of China by its political ass'n w/ US officials as well as sending advanced weaponry to the island.
SHARE Monday, April 23, 2012 A Culture of Corruption
According to the NY Times WalMart has been involved w/ a vast bribery case over its subsidiary Walmart de Mexico. A 2005 memo described an orchestrated campaign of bribery all over the country. After an internal probe WalMart's leaders shut it down & accepted a white wash inquiry that concluded no evidence of bribery. This after the original inquiry confirmed evidence of bribery. WalMart may be implicated in illegality.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, August 16, 2021 The Taliban capture Kabul, in full control of Afghanistan
Yesterday in Afghanistan the Taliban took Kabul much sooner than expected. Yesterday the Taliban flag flew over the capital. Meanwhile US military helicopters were furiously evacuating US embassy personnel reminiscent of US helicopters evacuating embassy personnel as Saigon fell to the N. Vietnamese in 1975. Now Afghanistan the graveyard of empires sees the US as the latest empire vanquished by the indigenous Afghan Taliban.
(5 comments) SHARE Saturday, February 13, 2010 Barack Obama, A Squandered Opportunity and a Failure in Leadership
It is excruciating to continue to hear Barack Obama extol bipartisanship with the Republicans. His belief that working with the other side is fundamental to governing is astonishing. He has gone to extraordinary lengths to embrace them. But they are in lockstep opposition to everything. Obama was elected on a mandate for "change." That seems all but squandered. It didn't have to be this way.
(7 comments) SHARE Monday, November 10, 2014 A 90 year old man just cited for feeding the homeless in public, a practice he's done for decades
Last week a 90 yr old man was cited for feeding the homeless in public violating a recently passed ordinance in Ft. Lauderdale, FLA. He's been feeding the homeless roasted chicken & potatoes in this way for decades. Now he faces 2 months in jail & hundreds of dollars in fines. Apparently 57 cities have also limited or banned public feeding. Has Ayn Rand type greed, stinginess & lack of compassion taken over the country?
SHARE Wednesday, February 6, 2019 Pope Francis acknowledges sexual abuse of nuns including sexual slavery of nuns by priests
Yesterday Pope Francis responded to a question about sexual abuse of nuns including sexual slavery of nuns by priests w/ the Pontiff responding the Vatican is "working on it". One wonders what's behind the sexual aberrations of some of its clergy. Could it be some of the Church's edicts? How about celibacy? Could it be behind this sexual deviancy?
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, March 10, 2011 The Ultimate Irony that Plagues Republicans
Repub. state senators in Wisconsin last nite voted on Gov. Walker's measure to restrict collective bargaining w/ the public service unions. They revised Walker's original bill by omitting the financial provisions that allowed a vote w/o a quorum. It was a maneuver technically legal but seen as unethical by many i.e. they "pulled a fast one". Their retribution will be petitions for their recall and in 2012 the recall of Walker.
SHARE Tuesday, June 29, 2021 Biden orders US military airstrikes at the Syria-Iraq border
On Sunday the US military conducted airstrikes against facilities used by Iran backed militia groups in the Iraq-Syria border region. Sec'y of State Blinken claimed they were necessary & appropriate. The Iraqi gov't called the airstrikes a blatant violation of sovereignty. Syrian Pres. Assad never invited the US military into his country. Such US military actions are illegal & there's nothing legal that can justify them.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, August 15, 2011 "Coddling the Super Rich"
Warren Buffett says he and his super rich friends are "under taxed and coddled" by a rich friendly Congress. That is astounding truth telling on his part. But what Buffett is admitting is well known by most people in this country. The truth is we are no longer a representative democracy. We are a plutocracy of oligarchs w/ our elected officials' stooges representing the rich.
(4 comments) SHARE Wednesday, March 8, 2017 WikiLeaks exposes CIA Cyber Warfare Tactics
WikiLeaks just released the CIA's uses of "malware, viruses, trojans" which appears an extension to the machinations it's been conducting since its inception in 1947 as successor the war time OSS. Considering the assassinations, overthrowing legitimately elected gov'ts, training & arming mercenary jihadists in Syria, the question begs what reason to justify its continued existence. There aren't any. It should be abolished.
SHARE Friday, February 5, 2021 Secretary of State Tony Blinken said, Our commitment to Israeli security is sacrosanct it has a free hand to do anything
The US is Israel's primary defender. Israel acts w/impunity knowing it has Congress & US presidents behind it. It commits genocide against the Palestinian's in Gaza, steals their land in the West Bank evicts them as squatters then allows Jewish settlers to build illegal settlements on the stolen land. US Sec'y of State Antony Blinken said, "Our commitment to Israel's security is sacrosanct". That means Israel has a free hand.
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, February 3, 2022 White House now saying Russian invasion of Ukraine is not imminent
The White House thru spokeswoman Jen Psaki just explained the alleged Russian invasion of Ukraine wasn't "imminent" saying it was sending an unintended message. "I think it sent a message that we weren't intending to send". Then why send it in the first place? Imminent means about to happen. Russia said they had no intention of invading Ukraine. The WH saying the invasion was imminent was just deceiving the American people.
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, May 14, 2011 The Sudden Resignation of George Mitchell as American Mid-East Envoy, What It Says
Yesterday it was announced that American Mid-East envoy George Mitchell was resigning his post effective in one week. Mitchell famous for brokering the peace deal in N.Ireland in the late 90's presumably was expected to achieve a similar result w/ Israel and the Palestinian's. In frustration he abruptly resigned. In truth he had no chance to succeed in the Mid-East to begin with.
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, August 20, 2015 Have we reached the point of no return?
Is humanity's plight possible extinction thru abrupt climate change or that other potential calamity nuclear war? And all w/ the haunting irony it was all avoidable. War is not instinctive, hereditary in the DNA, something we're born w/ & can't be avoided. As to the environmental calamity have we reached the point of no return & our eventual extinction by not acting when the consequences of the climate crisis became known?
SHARE Wednesday, April 15, 2020 Governors using Constitutions 10th Amendment in dispute with Trump claim they decide how to proceed in their states
The Constitutions' 10th Amendment states, "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or by its people." W/ the US in the midst of the Covit-19 pandemic, there's an ongoing dispute between Trump & some state governors who use the Amendment as their guide saying they decide how to proceed in their state & not the President.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, October 2, 2015 Putin to the rescue again, Part II
The geopolitical center of attention in the world today is Syria particularly w/ Russian Pres. Putin's actions on Syria changing the equation. He recently bolstered Syrian Pres. Assad's military sending planes &other armaments to Assad's beleaguered forces & coordinating military intel w/ Syria, Iraq, Iranian ground forces. Putin's actions jolted the White House but his actions seem intended to turn the tide against IS.
SHARE Friday, August 28, 2020 Too bad US pro sports will end its protests of police brutality. They could've had a real impact in changing the society
What American professional athletes in basketball, baseball, football & hockey have done over the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin is remarkable. By shutting down their play they've taken a moral, ethical stance of unity against racial brutality by police in this country. Too bad they're all about to cave & start playing again. They could have had a real impact changing the society.
SHARE Wednesday, July 7, 2010 U.S. Charities Use Tax-Exempt Funds for West Bank Expansion
It appears American based charities are funding questionable and illegal settlement activities in the West Bank. This is in complete contradiction to supposed U.S. policy which according to Obama is against all West Bank settlement expansion. So just what exactly is our policy?
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, November 6, 2014 "Pushed beyond the tolerable with nothing left to lose rebellion comes easy"
According to Lorraine Swartz, a researcher & political analyst regarding the people in Saudi Arabia, "They have not yet been pushed beyond the tolerable. There is a key & social factor to any revolution. Once people have nothing to lose rebellion comes easy". As for America it remains to be seen whether most people will ever feel "pushed beyond the tolerable & believe they have "nothing left to lose" & rebellion comes easy".
SHARE Monday, December 22, 2014 An Example of Society's Civil Breakdown
Is it a surprise 29 yr. old Ismaayl Brinsley murdered 2 NYC cops on Saturday? And probably for no other reason than they were uniformed cops. It was a brutal murder & a tragedy for their families. From the "Instagram" Brinsley posted, "They take 1 of ours lets take 2 of theirs" referring to the killing of Mike Brown & Eric Garner w/ no indictments of the police quite probably became the catalyst for the Brinsley murders.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, November 28, 2016 Stepping back from the brink
Two positive things can be said of Trump ascending to the presidency. His saying he could work w/ Russian Pres. Putin & he doesn't support regime change in Syria. So the likelihood of a nuclear confrontation is diminished. A Clinton presidency would have been a prescription for continuing endless war & eventual confrontation w/ Russia & China. That not occurring has the world stepping back from the brink of nuclear war.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, January 19, 2022 To "official" Washington Russia invading Ukraine seems a foregone conclusion, just a matter of time
What Sec'y of State Antony Blinken just said to US embassy staff in Kiev reads like Russia invading Ukraine is a foregone conclusion, just a matter of time. Because of the buildup of Russian forces on the Ukraine border Russian Pres. Putin on short notice could take aggressive action. Meanwhile Russia maintains it has no plans to invade Ukraine & its military moves on its territory is an internal matter & no concern to others.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, January 12, 2015 Millions march in Paris over Charlie Hebdo massacre, though skepticism over "official" version is justified
Yesterday a million people, including world leaders marched in Paris over the Charlie Hebdo massacre committed last week. "Officials" say the perpetrators were 3 Muslim terrorists killed in a separate incident. The revulsion to the crime by people is palpable. But what if the "official" version of events is not exactly what the gov't says it is? Certainly there's been no investigation confirming it. Skepticism is justified.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, July 16, 2010 Israel Seems to Exist In Its Own Parallel Universe, Not the One the Rest of the World Inhabits
An Israeli military investigation of the Gaza bound flotilla incident 6 weeks ago found the naval assault justified. It seems to reside in its own parallel universe detached from the terrible realities it creates while the rest of the world recoils against its illegal actions. It is like South Africa during apartheid, defending the indefensible. The area is a tinder box waiting to explode. Israel must be brought to yield.
SHARE Monday, August 16, 2010 "Gates Sees Afghan Progress", Are We Missing Something Here?
The headline read, "Gates sees Afghan Progress." Is this a cruel joke? Are we missing something here? Along with General Petraeus pointing to "pockets of progress" and Gates' myopia what we have here is a two pronged PR offensive that's tired and worn out. It's taken from the same playbook that was used in Viet Nam. Just because these two flacks spout "progress" doesn't make it a veritable truth. It isn't gonna happen folks.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, July 18, 2018 Falsely juxtaposing history with the present
Since Trump's summit w/ Putin on Monday it's been all Trump all the time. Now he's reversing himself blaming Russia for interfering w/ the election after cozying up to Putin that had Repubs become apoplectic over his comments w/ the Russian leader. That detente w/ Putin may have been accomplished by Trump is absolutely lost in the murky fog generated by the MSM. It's as if Trump was being Neville Chamberlain appeasing Hitler.
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, December 15, 2014 Reaching the Depths of Depravity
The long knives are out criticizing the Senate intel Committee's report of the CIA's torture of suspects. The Sunday talk shows were littered w/ such guests but numero uno was former VP Cheney defending & deflecting whatever host Chuck Todd threw @ him;it was app'd by the DOJ, was legal, waterboarding isn't torture, rectal hydration was done for medical reasons, it worked. I'd do it again in a minute. How's that for depravity.
SHARE Saturday, March 31, 2012 Recall Election of Wisconsin Gov. Walker Set for June 5
In Wisconsin, a state panel set June 5 as the date for the recall election of Gov. Scott Walker. The significance of this recall election can not be overstated. Walker became infamous for his direct assault on public service unions & their right to collective bargaining. The outcome of this recall will say a lot on where we're headed, not only in Wisconsin, but nationally.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, October 24, 2012 "Isolationist Sentiment" favored by the American People, Are Obama/Romney Listening?
Isolationism & avoiding foreign entanglements was once the favored view of a majority of the American people. After 8 yrs. in Iraq, 11 yrs. in Afghanistan & counting along w/ a long recession Americans are once again having isolationist sentiment. Considering both Obama & Romney in Monday's debate advocated continuing engagement in more foreign entanglements is there disconnect between them & the American people?
(4 comments) SHARE Thursday, November 13, 2014 "Enemies" and war are the elements that sustain the US war machine, without "enemies" the whole edifice would collapse
"Enemies", real or contrived along with wars they produce are the necessary elements to sustain & justify the war machine in this country. Then w/ fear laced propaganda convince the population to support & fight against the "enemies" official Washington & complicit MSM convince us is the "enemy" we must defend ourselves against. Without "enemies" the whole edifice would crumble & collapse.
SHARE Friday, July 10, 2020 China in the crosshairs?
According to several sources the US Navy has 2 aircraft carrier groups about to conduct round the clock war games tom'w in the S. China Sea. Coincidentally, China had long planned to conduct its own war games this weekend. Putting adversaries in close proximity is inherently dangerous. What's the chances of an incident, an accident occurring w/ sailors killed. A reciprocal response by the other? The situation could unravel.
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, January 8, 2015 Economic Inequality in the U.S.
Economic inequality is the current economic reality in the US, comparable to the age of the robber barons in the 1890's. Incomes have been flat since the 1970's. Much of it has to do w/ the demise of domestic manufacturing w/the means of production taken to 3rd world countries, plant closures, job outsourcing & downsizing so many good paying middle class jobs have disappeared. For many the American dream has become a chimera.
(9 comments) SHARE Monday, January 1, 2024 USA Boxing to allow "men who transition to female to fight against biological women"
USA Boxing will now allow "men who transition to female to fight against biological women under certain conditions"..."this policy is to provide fairness and safety for all boxers". What USA Boxing is forgetting it's a biological fact when males reach puberty they are bigger, stronger, quicker, faster than biological females. Sex change operations and hormones won't change that biological fact.
(2 comments) SHARE Saturday, July 2, 2011 Ideological Extremism on the Left as well as the Right
All ideology is dangerous, whether it be from the right or left. By its nature it is extreme with no room for dissent and for those who disagree. The world is complicated with no easy solutions. And that goes particularly for anything that springs from the extremes on the right or the left.
(5 comments) SHARE Thursday, June 13, 2019 Early this morning two oil tankers attacked in Gulf of Oman
This morning 2 oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman were apparently attacked causing explosions, damage to hulls,on fire &adrift w/sailors rescued. This after 4 ships were damaged off coast of the UAE last month. To date no evidence found though Pentagon immediately accused Iran. Trump's nat'l security adviser weighed in saying the attacks were mines "almost certainly" from Iran. Sec'y of State Pompeo accused Iran for todays attack
SHARE Friday, January 22, 2010 The United States of "Corporate" America
On Thursday, the Supreme Court, in a landmark 5 to 4 decision essentially decreed there is no limit to corporate funding of elections. The implications could not be more clear. It is the corporation that reigns in America. Thursday will be our day of infamy if "We the People" remain passive in the face of the tyranny the Court decreed with its decision to open the floodgates of corporate largesse corrupting our elections.
SHARE Wednesday, October 3, 2012 U.S. Contemplating Clandestine Special Ops Raid in Libya over Benghazi Mission Attack
According to unnamed officials the U.S. is considering operations to kill or capture militants implicated in the attack on the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya saying the gov't is too weak to question alleged attackers. But if recent U.S. actions are any guide, it won't matter if we kill a few Libyans, guilty or innocent. Our policy is attack & kill first. If we subsequently find out later they're innocent so be it.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, July 1, 2013 With a "Friend" like this, who needs enemies?
Reactions continue thru out the world over the NSA's surveillance activities. Outrage was sparked in the EU, particularly in Germany when the magazine Der Spiegal told of the NSA tapping EU offices in Washington, Brussels & at the U.N. The European commissioner for justice & fundamental rights said, "Partners do not spy on each other". Not the U.S. which sees enemies everywhere; "allies" & enemies alike.
(6 comments) SHARE Tuesday, July 27, 2010 Just Where Are We With Obama 18 Months Into His Presidency?
Just where are we with Obama some 18 months into his presidency? Have we experienced "change you can believe in?" In policy, has there been a significant difference between him and his predecessor? Were our expectations of him too great, so mesmerized by his eloquence it obscured the lack of experience and indecisiveness. When we look at his handling of the issues, they do not draw high marks for leadership and competence.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, January 18, 2012 Overturning "Citizens United", The Quintessential Need of this Country
Saturday marks the 2nd anniversary of the Citizens United ruling handed down by the Supreme Court. It gave corps. 1st amendment rights to spend unlimited money to support or defeat candidates for office. The ruling is the greatest threat to our democracy. As Frederick Douglas said, "Power cedes nothing without a demand". There is no more important demand the people can make than demanding the overturn of Citizens United.
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, July 20, 2015 Misanthropes in High Places
A mad neo-con led deviancy has captured "official" Washington driving US militarism since the cold war ended. American acquiescence permits Washington do anything it wants, wars, torture, drone strikes. Though not a classical conspiracy there is a collusion of the military, defense contractors & politicos. Although not a classical conspiracy they're like minded misanthropes who've usurped the reins of power in this country.
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, February 28, 2019 Summit collapse squarely on Trump and US failure to negotiate with Kim
Trump & N. Korean leader Kim Jong-un met for round two negotiations earlier today in Hanoi but nothing was signed. No agreement on anything. Trump intimated it wasn't a "good thing" to be signing anything. Kim wanted the sanctions lifted against his country. Trump the self described deal maker couldn't do it w/out Kim giving up his nuclear program, the very thing that prevents the US from attacking N. Korea. Kim wasn't buying.
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, November 7, 2016 "Allegations" without factual evidence
In America when the gov't alleges anything w/out factual evidence or evidence later found to be false it means the gov't was up to something. The 1965 Tonkin Gulf Incident was portrayed as American navy ships being attacked by N. Vietnam. It never happened. Yet the incident was the primary basis for expanding the Vietnam war. The same w/ Sec'y of State Colin Powell @ the UN in Feb. 2003 alleging Iraq had WMD. They had none.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, October 17, 2011 Worldwide Protests in Solidarity with Occupy Wall Street
This weekend saw 1000's demonstrating all over the world in solidarity w/ Occupy Wall Street. They are identifying w/ OWS because they too are dealing w/ the effects of a globalized financial system that serves big moneyed interests at the expense of the people who face harsh austerity measures while the banksters are bailed out. This is basic unfairness, easily identified w/ for 1000's to rally around everywhere in the world.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, January 21, 2015 What is the Hope for America on this 5th Anniversary of SCOTUS "Citizens United" Ruling?
Today marks the 5th anniversary of the infamous "Citizens United" decision handed down by SCOTUS that has given rise to an avalanche of big corporate money flooding & corrupting the electoral process in America. Over these past 5 yrs. efforts continue calling for an amendment to the Constitution overturning Citizens & replace the current broken system w/ a publically financed system for all elections.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, May 17, 2010 The American Military's Secret Network of Private Spies
A secret network of private contractor spies operating in Pakistan and Afghanistan has just been revealed. It was approved by General Patraeus in Jan. 2009. The contractors were supposed to supply only broad information but some Pentagon officials said the operation morphed into traditional spying activities. Army rules do not allow hiring contractors for spying. A clearly illegal program; why did it exist in the first place.
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, January 27, 2022 US rejects in writing Russia's security concerns
Last week Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov & US Sec'y of State Blinken met in Geneva & the latter said the US would provide a written response to Russia's security guarantees Russia sent to the US & NATO in December. Lavrov said "there was no positive response" provided by the US pointing out the document failed to address these points. Russian Pres. Putin was said to be assessing the document contemplating his response.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, March 11, 2014 The West's Demand to Maintain the Territorial Integrity of Ukraine Ignores the Ethnic Realities on the Ground
The people of Crimea are set to vote Sunday on a referendum to join the Russia. Sanctions against Russia are being discussed but w/the EU dependent on Russian natural gas the threat is muted. Diplomacy will eventually come into play to end the Ukraine crisis but for now its shadow boxing diplomacy. The west maintains the territorial integrity of Ukraine is a must but this ignores the ethnic realities on the ground.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, January 31, 2012 Obama Defends Drone Strikes
Yesterday Pres. Obama conducted a virtual interview w/ 5 people defending his use of drones in Pakistan saying they were very precise, precision strikes, carefully targeted, not used willy nilly and is respectful of the sovereignty of nations where drones strikes are conducted. The president's defense of the use of drones is full of absurdities, an insult to our intelligence and mere "newspeak" something out of Orwells "1984".
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, March 14, 2013 A New Pope is Chosen, Does it Matter Who It Is?
Yesterday Jorge Mario Bergoglio (Pope Francis) was chosen as the new pontiff to lead the church. Would it have mattered who the next pope would be? The church has been its own wordt enemy & is tainted institution. The cover up of priests molesting young boys is int"l in scope w/ church leaders complicit in covering it up. It's hard to imagine the church ever recovering & looked upon as a respected & moral institution.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, September 17, 2014 It is Irredeemable
The gov't in America captured by neo-con ideology is insane, a mad malignant scourge that is the greatest threat in the world. Most Americans haven't come to that conclusion. Most others in the world have come to that conclusion w/ the war on terror, bombing, drone & missile attacks killing innocents, torture, wars & occupations. There is no denying this sordid history. As for reform, however well intended, it is irredeemable.
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, May 19, 2022 Criticizing Putin's invasion of Iraq, no I mean Ukraine, former President Bush admits invasion of Iraq was unjustified
Yesterday while giving a speech criticizing Putin's invasion of Ukraine former Pres. Bush said, "The result is an absence of checks & balances in Russia & the decision of one man to launch a wholly unjustified & brutal invasion of Iraq-I mean Ukraine" saying his mistake was because "I'm 75". Finally he admits his invasion of Iraq was unjustified. Yet he's never been held to account for the worst offense a country can make.
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, February 23, 2012 "Yes Justice Kennedy, We The People See The Corruption"
At a protest rally today outside the Supreme Court a sign read, "Yes Justice Kennedy, we the people see the corruption". That's a direct reference to Kennedy's assertion in "Citizens" that "independent expenditures by corps. do not give rise to corruption & the appearance of influence or access will not cause the electorate to lose faith in this democracy". Yes it will and the corruption is all too evident.
SHARE Wednesday, June 26, 2013 U.S. Bluster and Hubris Having No Impact on Russia's Putin or China
Which countries leaders have been more forthcoming regarding Ed Snowden's whistleblowing saga; the U.S. making threats to Russia & China for refusing to extradite him back to the U.S. to face charges of espionage & theft or Russian Pres. Putin saying Snowden is a human rights activist fighting for the spread of information & the Chinese Peoples Daily saying Snowden's fearlessness tore off Washington's sanctimonious mask?
(2 comments) SHARE Sunday, May 9, 2010 G.M.s Repayment of "TARP" Money Not What it Appears
G.M.s repayment of "TARP" money is not what it appears. Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa discovered when he queried Treasury, they "confirmed that the money G.M. used to repay its bailout loan had come from the taxpayer-financed escrow account held for the automaker at the Treasury." So the truth of the matter is G.M. repaid nothing. It just robbed Peter (escrow) to pay Paul (bailout).
SHARE Friday, November 6, 2020 Sometimes people get divorced over irreconcilable differences, that may be the case for our irreconcilable US states
Biden hasn't been declared the victor yet it's become clear he's won. Trump may not concede take his case to the courts challenging results in some states but he's got little chance to overturn the election in his favor. Questions abound? Now what? Will Trump's followers gracefully accept him losing or overreact. What's clear the divisions of the people politically have never been this extreme probably since the Civil War.
(4 comments) SHARE Friday, February 12, 2021 EU may push for new sanctions on Russia, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov says Moscow would consider giving up relations
There's growing tensions & current brouhaha over the alleged nerve agent poisoning of Russian opposition figure Sergei Navalny who claims Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin ordered it. That's how the EU & US see it. Russia vehemently denies any involvement. The EU may ask for new sanctions on Russia. The west, EU & US have become completely anti Putin. That's the perception from western MSM given to people in the US & Europe.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, December 22, 2020 Increased US military provocations against Iran. Why now?
There's been increased US military provocations against Iran. A nuclear sub entered the Persian Gulf escorted by two guided missile destroyers. Then Israel just sent one of its subs thru the Suez Canal purportedly headed for the Persian Gulf. Earlier this month the US sent two B-52 bombers as a "deterrent" against a possible terror attack in Iraq supported by Iran. Why now all the increased military provocations against Iran?
(7 comments) SHARE Saturday, March 16, 2013 A War Crime That Will Live in Infamy
March 20, 2013 is the 10th anniversary of Bush's invasion of Iraq. It was built on deception & lies. Saddam Hussein no had WMD as former nuclear inspector Scott Ritter reiterated time & again. It had been destroyed by Ritter & the other nuclear inspectors in the early 1990's after the 1st Gulf war. The invasion of Iraq was a war crime executed by war criminals & never brought to justice. A war crime that will live in infamy.
SHARE Friday, December 17, 2021 Senate Bill designates Russia as "state sponsor of terrorism
On Wednesday six US senators introduced a Bill named the GUARD act "Guaranteeing Ukraine's Autonomy by Reinforcing its Defense". It authorizes $450 million in military financing & significantly designates Russia as a "state sponsor of terrorism". Did they realize this escalates the strained relations w/ that country bringing us near the unthinkable. A nuclear confrontation that could bring nuclear war & total annihilation.
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, January 27, 2017 Trump's latest "art of the deal", we build it, you pay for it
After Pres. Trump signed an exec. order for construction of a wall w/ Mexico, they're having none of it. Mex. Pres. Enrique Nieto was to meet Trump next week but canceled the meeting when Trump insisted Mexico pay for the wall. The idea of Mexico having to pay for a wall entirely on the US side of the border is a bit of chutzpah to begin w/. Not for Mr. art of the deal himself, it's we build it you pay for it. Ah maybe not.
(4 comments) SHARE Friday, May 6, 2011 The Current Debate Over The Use of Torture
W/ the killing of Osama bin Laden has come a renewed debate on the value of torture. Former Justice Dep't lawyer John Yoo and his ilk believe waterboarding et al conducted by interrogators got them to find bin laden and develop a plan to take him out. Many former CIA and FBI interrogators strongly disagree on the value of its use. Officially we don't torture. That's pure propaganda. We do it on a grand scale.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, May 15, 2018 Europe's moment of truth
Today foreign ministers from the UK, France & Germany are to meet in Brussels w/ the foreign minister of Iran a week after Trump pulled the US from the Iran nuclear deal. This may be Europe's moment of truth. All three European signatories to the Iran deal-along w/ Russia & China-said they would honor the deal even without the US. We'll see.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, March 30, 2010 Could the Far Right Be Incited to Go From Raucousness to Violence? Part II
This past week has seen an increase in the number and severity of incidents, mostly surrounding the health care legislation just signed into law. These incidents were aimed primarily at house Democrats who voted for the final bill. This phenomenon is not going to fade into oblivion any time soon. They are increasingly dangerous and taking things into their own hands. There's blood in the water and these sharks
SHARE Wednesday, May 22, 2013 Hypocrisy from Oklahoma Senators Inhofe and Coburn in Wake of Tornado Striking Constituents in Moore, Oklahoma
Both U.S. senators from Oklahoma, Sen. James Inhofe & Sen. Tom Coburn in January voted against the supplemental appropriations bill that was targeted for the victims of Hurricane Sandy that tore into N.Y & N.J. Now comes the monster tornado that ripped thru Moore, Okla. on Monday & now they're both singing a different tune w/ disaster striking their constituents in Okla.
SHARE Tuesday, September 17, 2019 Today's snap election in Israel, a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whether he remains or is booted out
Today there's a snap election in Israel. The reason: Israel had a gen'l election in April but Benjamin Netanyahu's party didn't capture a majority in the Israeli Knesset to form a new gov't as no minority party would agree w/ Netanyahu to form a coalition gov't requiring today's snap election. Israel being a parliamentary type gov't the people don't directly elect a new PM. But make no mistake. This a referendum on Netanyahu.
SHARE Wednesday, August 25, 2010 This Could Only Happen in America
This could only happen in America. A federal judge issued a temporary injunction halting all stem cell research. He called into question the legal basis of Obama's order allowing all stem cell research be permitted w/o restrictions. Congress on their return should enact legislation to legally allow all stem cell research to continue. It should be their first order of business.
(5 comments) SHARE Monday, November 19, 2012 Legitimate Criticism of Israeli Policy and Action is Not Ant-Semitism
Branding anyone who criticizes present day Israeli policy & actions as being anti-Semitic is an unjust accusation. It is a ruse to deflect honest criticism, a camouflage to hide behind that wrongfully defends Israel from being legitimately criticized. The continuing Israeli military air campaign over Gaza is aggression. It needs to be seen & condemned as such. That's not anti-Semitism. It is the truth.
SHARE Tuesday, July 10, 2018 We are the privileged descendants of our ancestors genocide and stealing of the indigenous peoples lands
"How will YOU_DE-colonize our world, a question asked @ the "Making Peace With Earth" conference held @ the Omega Institute last weekend. Its focus, 'Colonization means loss of culture, lands, rights, marginalized status being forgotten in nat'l narrative of the indigenous people. The genocide & stealing of their lands. Are we not the privileged descendents of the brutality initiated by our ancestors on the indigenous peoples?
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, November 29, 2010 The Latest WikiLeaks Disclosure, a Reaction and Reflection
The latest WikiLeaks disclosure of secret American diplomatic cables should be seen as their providing a public service. The disclosures are raw and unvarnished, not the sanitized news of the corporate owned main stream media. When so much of our governments dealings are shrouded and cloaked in secrecy the truth begs to be revealed. Thank you WikiLeaks.
(3 comments) SHARE Saturday, August 13, 2011 Obama "Confers" with CEO's to Jump Start Weak Economy and Reduce Unemployment, Please!
Yesterday the president conferred w/ the CEO's of Xerox, Johnson & Johnson, American Express, US Bancorp, Wells Fargo et al to "jump start a weak economy and reduce the jobless rate. As if this cast of characters and their mammoth corps. didn't contribute to the great recession. But now we're to expect they offered real solutions to the nation's economic woes. Please!
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, November 10, 2011 A Near Term Disaster In The Making
IAEA Director Yukiya Amano claims in U.N. report on Iran that details intelligence and IAEA research shows Tehran working on all aspects of research toward making a nuclear weapon. The British Gov't believes Israel will attempt a preemptive strike sooner rather than later before Christmas or early next year. Any attack on Iran will prove disastrous w/ no positive outcomes from such an unnecessary and unprovoked attack.
SHARE Tuesday, May 10, 2011 The Continuing Controversy Surrounding the Killing of Osama bin Laden
The controversy over killing Osama bin laden continues. Pakistan is embarrassed that bin Laden was ensconced under their noses, red faced the American raid went completely undetected. But Pakistan according to the country's ambassador to the U.S. Husain Haqqani says we are offended at the violation of sovereignty by the raid. Haqqani is right. The raid was a violation of Int'l law. But so what, we reign we rule. Any questions?
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, August 16, 2013 At The Heart of the Conflict in Egypt, No Legitimacy in Ousting a Legitimately Elected President in a Military Led Coup
Wednesday's crackdown by the interim gov't in Egypt against the supporters of deposed Pres. Morsi resulted in hundreds killed nationwide. There appears to be a return of brutal Mubarak type militarism & repression. W/ the military led coup of Morsi on July 3rd & brutal crackdown since the fact remains there is no legitimacy in ousting a legitimately elected president w/ a military coup which goes to the heart of the conflict.
SHARE Saturday, January 22, 2011 One Year after "Citizens United"
Yesterday was the anniversary of the infamous Citizens United ruling by the Supreme Court. What SCOTUS did w/ "Citizens" was to sanctify the complete takeover of the political process by big moneyed corporate and special interests all but drowning out the interests of the people. An amendment to the Constitution is needed reaffirming we are a nation of, by and for the people, not of by and for the corporation.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, March 30, 2012 Poland, Respect for the Rule of Law and its Constitution
Unlike Pres. Obama who declared," We can't look back", Poland charged the former head of intelligence w/ aiding the CIA in setting up a secret prison in Poland. A.Bodner, VP of the Helsinki foundation based in Warsaw, Poland said, We try to take our Constitution seriously & try not to forget there was a manifest violation w/in the country's borders. In Poland they are affirming the rule of law. If only that were so in the U.S.
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, December 23, 2010 Official Secrecy is Eating at the Core of Who We Are
Official secrecy is eating at the core of who we are. It is a cancer. Revelations such as by WikiLeaks expose that secrecy. How many of us would have had the courage of doing what Bradley Manning did, what Julian Assange is doing, what Daniel Ellsberg did 40 years ago. What does it say about the people who disparage and condemn these men for their acts of bravery and conscience?
(9 comments) SHARE Monday, January 11, 2016 Is the US beholden to the Saudi regime for its financial and economic survival?
There's been unexpected "fallout" of Saudi Arabia executing Saudi Shiite cleric al-Nims by the NY Times & the Wash. Post both calling it "dangerous sectarian policies & reckless regime, barbarity & actions that blatantly fan sectarian hatreds". But US policy is deeply entwined w/ Saudi Arabia. According to Finian Cunningham, "In short, the US is beholden to the Saudi regime for its financial & economic survival".
(3 comments) SHARE Monday, September 6, 2010 We Seem To Be At War With Ourselves
We seem at war with ourselves. Is it just cultural and political that hasn't translated itself into a societal breakdown? Maybe it has always been a house divided, never healed from the time Lincoln spoke those words warning as he did it can not stand. The extremes seem irreconcilable. The cold war ended 20 years ago. There are no real external threats against us. W/no real enemies we've turned the sights onto ourselves.
SHARE Monday, June 17, 2013 Snowden to The Guardian, NSA and British Secretly Intercepted World Leaders Communications at 2009 Conference
The latest treasure trove of NSA surveillance activities passed on to The Guardian by Ed Snowden has British Intelligence working directly w/ the NSA to eavesdrop on world leaders @ 2009 London conferences. They secretly tapped diplomat communications before Group of 8 industrial conferences and intercepted the communications of then Russian President Dmitri Medvedev; all approved by the FISA Court & shared w/ Congress.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, April 20, 2011 America, Reform, Rebellion or Both
Reform or rebellion; which is most needed in America? The country has become a plutocracy of, by and for the rich and powerful, the U.S. of Corporate America. The people need to rebel against both the Dems. & the Repubs. Both are equally corrupt and beholden to big moneyed and special interests. An untainted and uncorrupted people's party, of right and left, needs to be formed to truly represent the will of the people.
(3 comments) SHARE Thursday, March 29, 2012 Lunacy Wrapped in the Mantle of Sanity
According to Mitt Romney Russia is our N0.1 geopolitical foe. Some things just won't die. Russian Pres. Medvedev upon hearing Romney's remarks said on Russian TV All U.S. Pres. candidates should use their head, consult their reason & look @ their watch. It's 2012, not the mid 1970's. How ironic to get straight talk from a Russian Pres while we Americans only get it from our pres. when its inadvertently picked up by an open mic
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, November 30, 2020 Closing the schools has been a travesty
A sound decision has been made to reopen preschools & elementary schools on Dec. 7 in New York City. CDC Director Robert Redfield says school is the "safest" place for children to be. Dr Fauci said yesterday schools ought to be opened as data reveals the virus spreading among children is rare. Why aren't schools opened nationally Including middle & high schools? Closing schools has been a travesty from the beginning.
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, February 24, 2022 Putin launches military operation in Ukraine calling it a "peacekeeping operation" to de-militarize & de-Nazify Ukraine"
Early this AM Russian Pres. Putin launched "A Special military operation in Ukraine calling it a "peacekeeping operation" in the Donbass to "demilitarize & de-Nazify" Ukraine. The Russian Defense Ministry reported Ukraine's military infrastructure was targeted w/ Russia taking out Ukraine's air defenses & air force w/ precision attacks" all over Ukraine. It's hard to know exactly the full extent of Putin's military move.
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, April 19, 2010 Gates' (not so) Secret Memo to the President
A secret memo from Defense Secretary Gates became known over the weekend. It was described as "a wake up call". Essentially, the U.S. would ensure Iran would not acquire a nuclear capability. But attacking Iran would be catastrophic. All for what purpose and to what end; preventing a "potential" Iranian nuclear weapon? We've embarked ona stategy of endless war and hegemony; not what the signers of our Constitution had in mind.
(2 comments) SHARE Saturday, August 28, 2010 From the Director of the Office of Drug Control, 'I ended the war on drugs'; Who knew !
Gil Kerlikowske, the director of the Office of National Drug Control said," I ended the war on drugs, if you didn't know this was over." Apparently, the Obama administration has been to say the least obscure in "Promoting a focus on prevention and treatment rather than just arrest and incarceration." A lot more has to be seen and authenticated to know if it's fact based on reality, not just rhetoric.
(8 comments) SHARE Monday, July 16, 2018 Trump and Putin summit in Helsinki
Trump is in Helsinki meeting w/ Russian Pres Vladimir Putin. We need to get past corporate MSM talking heads spouting Trump's a stooge of Putin. Let's get real. Any summit between the leaders of the world's two superpowers is a good thing. Besides the nuclear issue there's Syria, Ukraine, N.Korea, Iran. The summit won't resolve these issues. But it could bring detente, an ongoing dialogue & curtail the demonizing of Putin.
SHARE Wednesday, August 7, 2013 Obama Sends Republican Senators McCain and Graham as "Emissaries" to Egypt, Military Government Rejects Their Ultimatum
Pres. Obama sent 2 Repub. senators namely John McCain & Lindsey Graham as his "emissaries" to Egypt to bring calm to the country while simultaneously issuing an ultimatum to Egypt's military coup leaders; move toward democracy or the U.S. cuts its aid. The threat was rejected. ALL competing sides in Egypt see Obama interfering in Egyptian affairs so it doesn't matter what messenger boys McCain & Graham say.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, April 14, 2014 Ultimatum by Post Coup President of Ukraine to Protesters in Eastern Ukraine Came and Went with No Clashes
Yesterday the post coup president of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov issued an ultimatum to the protesters in eastern Ukraine deciding “to carry out a large scale anti-terrorist operation w/ the use of armed forces of Ukraineâ€. The ultimatum w/ this morning’s 9AM deadline came &went w/out any gov’t forces clashing w/protesters occupying gov’t buildings in eastern Ukraine towns & cities. For now its wait & see.
(11 comments) SHARE Wednesday, March 6, 2019 There are serious fissures in the US strategy for total hegemony over the world
An honest look @ official Washington's policies & actions reveal they're mostly interference in the internal affairs of other countries. Be it provocations, wars, regime change operations, electronic surveillance of friends&foes alike the US is meddling in the internal affairs of other countries in one form or another. But there are serious fissures in US strategy for total hegemony. That's what blatant interference will do.
SHARE Friday, May 30, 2014 US Government Policy and Actions Create Terrorist Threat to US Citizens Traveling Throughout the World
The State Dep't recently updated what it called its "Worldwide Caution" alerting travelers of "the continuing threat of terrorist actions&violence against US citizens&interests thru out the world". It's not hard to decipher considering we swagger our way all over the world imposing ourselves on others. Of course what the State Dep't didn't say was the terrorism it warned about was created by its own govt's policies & actions.
SHARE Thursday, February 12, 2015 Newest Gambit Out of White House to Congress, Nothing Can Be Taken At Face Value
The newest gambit that's surfaced out of the White House has Obama sending Congress a formal request to fight ISIS to include "associated forces" & "contain no geographic limitations", ban the use of "enduring offensive ground forces" & limit the engagement to 3 yrs while asking Congress to restrict the Cmdr in Chief to wage new wars. It's all bogus, nothing changes; endless war remains the order of the day.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, December 27, 2010 The Surreal Quality of the Af/Pak War
The headline read, "Taliban Fighters Appear Quieted in Afghanistan", (as if this was a major development). Earlier this year Obama announced a drawdown of troops starting in July 2011. He now conducts an evaluation, saying troops and war will continue into 2014. The reality is the war is unwinnable. What are we fighting for? The American people want us out. There is a surreal quality to the whole enterprise.
(3 comments) SHARE Tuesday, February 3, 2015 The most disturbing element of "official" Washington, its insidious nature
The most disturbing element of "official" Washington is its insidious nature, never presenting an honest accounting of anything of significant consequence to the people. The "truth" or @ least a close proximity is always hidden. What's reported by the gov't & its complicit corporate MSM is deception, distortion of the facts on the ground, misinformation or outright lies. It's all completely inscrutable & cannot be trusted.
(4 comments) SHARE Tuesday, June 28, 2011 Michele Bachmann for President, Say What?
Michele Bachmann just jumped into the Repub. presidential field this weekend. Against all abortion, same sex marriage et al she joined w/ the other woebegone field of non descript Repubs. Sadly it is not just Repubs. but also spineless Dems. who are the other face of our corrupted politics. Both are beholden to big corporate and special interests. It doesn't matter who wins or loses in our current corrupted political process.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, July 3, 2018 Some trumped up "patriotism" for this 4th of July
On this 4th of July holiday do we really need to have major league baseball players wearing stars & stripes on their uniforms, sox & hats? It's as if baseball has become an adjunct of the defense-war-dep't w/ all these promotions emulating some sort of trumped up patriotism. There was time when all you had was the Nat'l Anthem & that was it. Not any more.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, October 30, 2012 The "Myth" of America
The myth of America, our exceptionalism, the indispensible nation, earlier manifest destiny & now the need to protect us w/ the war on terror, is the latest myth foisted on Americans. Others hate our war on terror related wars & occupations, drone attacks that kill innocents, our resort to torture. Too many Americans are in denial of the terrible consequences our policies inflict on others, these crimes against humanity.
(3 comments) SHARE Saturday, June 8, 2013 The Obama Administration Comes Out Swinging in Defense of Data Mining of Americans
The Obama crowd,on the defensive since Wednesday's Guardian newspaper revelation that Verizon is req'd to give the NSA all their call logs of Americans, came out swinging yesterday defending the data mining operation w/ the president seeming to allude 100% security was possible stating "You can't have 100% security & also 100% privacy & zero inconvenience". That's pure propaganda hype. There's no such thing as 100% security.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, May 14, 2012 The $2 Billion Folly at JP Morgan
Last week, JP Morgan bank suffered a $2 billion trading loss on credit derivatives, the same type financial deal @ the heart of the 2008 financial meltdown. If Glass/Steagall was still the law and not overturned in 1999 this trade would never happen. It's the latest wakeup call requiring the 1933 law be re-enacted.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, June 19, 2013 U.S. Corporate Media, Government Officials "Say it", We "Print it", Ergo It Must Be True
The gov'ts propaganda mill is @ full throttle. Yesterday, NSA Chief Alexander came before the House Intel Committee saying more than 50 potential terrorist events was foiled by the Agency's programs since 9/11. Where is the evidence & if true could these plots been prevented by legal investigative means w/o the NSA's snooping? No evidence was given. But the to corp. media, gov't officials "say it", we "print it" ergo it's true
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, March 7, 2014 Crimean Authorities Vote to Secede from Ukraine, Popular Referendum Set for March 16
In a fast moving political development authorities in Crimea voted for secession from Ukraine, join Russia & conduct a voter referendum in Crimea on March 16. Pres. Obama condemned the referendum as against int’l law. Considering the U.S. violates int’l law w/ impunity it’s a bit ludicrous to condemn others. There’s been too much bluster & ultimatums. It’s time for realistic diplomacy to end the crisis in Ukraine.
SHARE Monday, November 24, 2014 US charade negotiations with Iran
Today's deadline for a nuclear deal w/ Iran has been extended 7 months. It came as no surprise. But any "hang up" for a deal lies squarely w/ the US what w/ the bloviating nonsense the US needs "reassurance" that Iran won't break out & produce a nuclear weapon in some "sneakout" move-as if the US wouldn't know such a development was occurring. One wonders if the US has any intention of making a deal w/ Iran?
(4 comments) SHARE Monday, July 23, 2018 War of words escalating between Trump and Iran
The war of words has escalated between Trump & Iranian Pres. Rouhani w/ Trump tweeting, "NEVER, EVER THREATEN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AGAIN OR YOU WILL SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES...this after Rouhani had said, "Do not play w/ the lion's tail or else you will regret it'. Beyond this war of words Europe holds the key. If they capitulate to US threats & stop buying Iran's oil a US confrontation w/ Iran is all the more likely.
SHARE Wednesday, July 17, 2013 Is There Any Wonder Why Cyber Hacking Against U.S. Interests is Growing?
U.S. universities are reporting millions of hacking attempts from China. Then there's the cyberattacks on U.S. corps. Obama complained to China of organized cybertheft of trade secrets.The Chinese pointed to revelations of American spying. Recall it was the U.S. & Israel that initiated cyberwarfare in 2010 disabling Iranian computers controlling the enrichment of uranium.Any wonder why its happening against U.S. interests now?
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, December 30, 2011 There is No Turning Back
Our gov't in the U.S. & the electoral process that has so corrupted it must be dealt w/. It has been usurped by rich corporate & special interests making it a gov't beholden to a plutocracy of oligarchs no longer representative of the people. It must be overturned by the states & the people calling for a new Constitutional Convention to rectify the "long train of abuses & usurpations" we have long endured.
(3 comments) SHARE Monday, May 2, 2016 The "extraordinary sense of loss from war."
What sets apart Russians and Americans? With regard to Russia author Gilbert Doctorow writes, "Every family in the country lost members to the WWII effort. Every one. This extraordinary sense of loss from war is something that sets Russian consciousness apart from American consciousness". Most Americans have been spared that extraordinary sense of loss from war. That may be why we tolerate & accept so much war.
(1 comments) SHARE Sunday, June 13, 2010 Obama and the Republican Naysayers in Congress
Republicans in Congress have been uniformly resistant to everything this president has proposed saying no to any Obama initiative. To them this great recession began the day Obama took office. This in no way exonerates Democrats for it was under Bill Clintons watch deregulation of the financial industry became enshrined. But Obama could benefit by rereading FDR and how he dealt w/ Republican resistance in leading this nation.
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, October 15, 2010 The Foreclosure Crisis Fiasco
The AG's in all 50 states are questioning the validity of foreclosures in their states. With lawsuits challenging the legality of many foreclosures, B of A and JP Morgan Chase have halted foreclosures in all 50 states, with GMAC doing it in 23 states. It is all a symptom of their continued wanton ways of greed inspired recklessness. The financial industry seems to have learned nothing from the meltdown it perpetrated in 2008.
(1 comments) SHARE Sunday, October 17, 2010 Iraq is Back in the News
Iraq is back in the news. Many of the "awakening" members, the indigenous Sunnis who, appalled by al Qaeda's indiscriminant killing of innocent Iraqi's(and who turned against former allies), have decided to rejoin the insurgency believing they have become marginalized and excluded by the Shiite majority. So much for Gen'l Petraeus' surge to bring political reconciliation among Iraq's divisive sectarian and ethnic factions.
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, December 6, 2018 Some truths of what "Poppy" Bush and other POTUS have done in our name
Yes it's the holiday season w/ family get-togethers. It was also the season for the Black Friday shopalooza. Yet w/ the passing of Poppy Bush & all the platitudes tossed his way by the MSM-which of course didn't reveal he was a war criminal along w/ all other POTUS did during their tenure. It's horrific what POTUS does in our name. It shouldn't take much imagination to wonder why so many others in the world hate us.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, May 10, 2010 The New Face of Radical Islamic Jihadists is Anwar Al-Awlaki, The American Born Muslim Cleric
The new face of radical Islamic Jihadists is Anwar Al-Awlaki, the American born Muslim cleric. He was far from radical in his early preaching. The radical conversion occurred, "As the American authorities rounded up Muslim men after 9/11, and he had grown furious. However, raids in March 2002 on Muslim institutions and community leaders in Virginia"he led a chorus of outrage,noting that some of the targets were moderates.
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, December 22, 2011 House Republicans Latest Installment of "Theatre of the Absurd"
Yesterday House Republicans refused to sign onto the 2 month extension of the existing payroll tax cut, yet Speaker Boehner says w/ a straight face, "We are the party of lower taxes for the American people". It's hard not to roll ones eyes. To this crowd of buffoons, "up is down" and darkness is light". It's just the latest installment of House Repubs. non fiction production of the theatre of the absurd.
SHARE Tuesday, December 3, 2013 The Miserly Republicans Being Mean Spirited or Just Another Form of Political Distraction
The latest mean spiritedness of the Republicans has them ready to cut food stamps & cut fed'l unemployment benefits after Christmas. But before casting the Repubs as simply soul less, let's be fair. Democrats also contribute to overall dysfunction. In fact dysfunction is built into the system serving as a useful distraction away from the corporatists who control the political agenda & most of the Congress beholden to them.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, September 28, 2011 Parody; The Imitation of Serious Work That Prevails in the House
Parody, the imitation and ridiculing of serious work describe this Congress, particularly in the House. Madness reigns there and renewed threats to shut down the gov't continue. It's become the new normal. Sadly it also includes the Dems. and this president. This "imitation of gov't" that prevails resembles a fabricated world, devoid of reality or better an insane world masquerading as reality.
SHARE Wednesday, June 20, 2012 Protests Against the Military Coup in Egypt, Acquiescence of the "Quiet" Coup in the U.S.
Yesterday in Tahrir Sq. people gathered to protest against SCAF, the military council's coup restricting powers of a new president, the dissolving of parliament w/o any supervision or oversight. While in the U.S. there's been a quiet coup accomplished by the military/industrial/political complex & the other corporate oligarchs, all w/the passive acquiescence & apparent compliance of the American people.
(3 comments) SHARE Saturday, September 18, 2010 Are There Financial Industry Fingerprints on Warren's Appointment "Not" to "Head" of Bureau of Financial Protection?
What does one make of Obama naming Elizabeth Warren to "oversee" the creation of a new agency to "regulate banks, lenders and credit card agencies" instead of nominating her to head the new "Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection"? It smells too much like an insider's deal with financial industry fingerprints all over it. Score another victory of Wall Street over Main Street.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, February 23, 2011 The Fortress Like Siege of Tripoli by Qaddafi, a Humanitarian Rescue May be Needed
As to the revolts in the Arab world outside interference was unnecessary and unwanted. That is until now in Libya w/ Qaddafi. Yesterday he was unapologetic vowing to show no mercy describing his opponents as cockroaches. He holds Tripoli and its citizens in fortress like siege, murdering scores of innocents. A humanitarian rescue of Tripoli by an outside force (UN or Arab League) may be in order.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, September 14, 2011 The Anniversary of 9/11, Some Final Reflections
9/11 has been seared into the nation's conscience and we've just been inundated w/ a glut of homilies and replays of that fateful day 10 years ago. Yet the true legacy of 9/11 is our flight from and denial of reality that continues to this day. We're a nation that's lost its way, a flailing giant that is dangerous to other nations. Domestically a nation that's supremely dysfunctional with many people divorced from reality.
(1 comments) SHARE Sunday, October 9, 2011 Freedom Plaza Action in D,C. An Update
The October2011.org has been an eclectic group of young and old, from all parts of the country drawn together over the current plight of our country. The grievances are many w/ as many issues as there are people. It is all too apparent our system is broken and systemic change is req'd. This people's movement now all over the country is having and will continue to have deep implications for the future of this country.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, April 2, 2018 With John Bolton soon to be in Trump's ear it's hard to imagine anything more ominous
Numerous articles have appeared decrying the appointment of John Bolton as Trump's National Security Adviser. Bolton's views particularly on Iran are worrisome w/ Trump next month needing to waive economic sanctions on Iran as part of the 2015 P5&1 nuclear deal w/Iran. W/ Bolton in Trump's ear he might w/draw from the deal. If Trump reneges on Iran will there still be the summit between Trump & N. Korea's KimJong-un in May?
SHARE Sunday, November 25, 2012 Protests in Egypt over President Morsi's Decrees, The View from Here
In Egypt new Pres. Morsi issued decrees assuming new powers sidestepping the courts freeing him of judicial oversight. All judges were app'd by deposed Pres. Mubarak. Still protests & clashes erupted thru out Egypt. Morsi said I'm working to achieve political & economic stability. I am careful to allow strong opposition that will strictly monitor me. The question is can he be believed?
(3 comments) SHARE Saturday, August 21, 2010 Mideast Peace Talks Back On, Hamas Not Invited to the Table
"Mideast peace talks back on". Israel's Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority Pres. Abbas are to begin direct peace talks in Washington toward a final settlement of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Yet Hamas, the legitimately elected Palestinian political entity is not at the table. How do you achieve a lasting settlement leaving out one the entities in the dispute? How can it possibly succeed?
(2 comments) SHARE Sunday, April 4, 2010 Obama to Open Offshore Areas to Oil and Gas Drilling for First Time; That is Not a Misprint
Obama is to open offshore areas to drilling for first time. Obama is doing exactly what Bush wanted to do. There is no need to add additional drilling rights just to placate the oil barons. It shows how little difference there is between the parties. Our two party system is broken. Both parties' are beholden to their corporate backers, not the people's interests. That includes Barack Obama.
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, February 13, 2014 President Obama, Restore the WPA and Get People Back to Work
This countries greatest need is getting people back to work. Our massive unemployment & underemployment are a nat’l disgrace. Obama needs to take a page from the FDR playbook & reestablish an updated version of Roosevelt’s 1930’s WPA. It could cement his legacy & give meaning to his now tarnished “change you can believe inâ€.
(5 comments) SHARE Friday, September 9, 2011 Obama's Stimulus Plan, Dead on Arrival
The old Obama inspirational rhetoric was on display last nite, addressing Congress on a $447 billion stimulus plan. Unfortunately this is Sept, 2011 not Jan. 2009. The Repubs. control the House. It's unimaginable for this group of Repubs. to agree on this proposal. It's dead in the water and Obama knows it. Last nite was strictly a relection ploy to blame the Repubs for rejecting it.
(6 comments) SHARE Tuesday, January 12, 2010 The U.S. is at a Critical Juncture
The U.S. is at a critical Juncture in its history. Our democracy is being challenged, even usurped by forces from within that have misused their influence and threaten its very foundation.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, March 29, 2016 "Democracy Awakening", God knows we need it
Thousands of "mad as hellers" will be coming to Washington Apr.16,17 to launch "Democracy Awakening" a nationwide mobilization to halt big money's control of a our political system. Most people recognize our representative democracy has been replaced by a plutocracy of oligarchs whose political toadies are selected & elected to do their bidding. Graft is out in the open; no longer a "Gov't from the Consent of the governed".
SHARE Sunday, February 12, 2012 Republicans in Complete Dissonance with Their Candidates
The Repubs. are acting w/unusual dissonance on who will oppose Obama in Nov. Yesterday Romney wins ME. w/ Ron Paul 2nd. Last Tues. Rick Santorum took CO., MO., & MN. A week ago Romney took Fla. w/ Gingrich winning a week earlier in S.C. It's like a tragic, comic opera w/ the Obama crowd snickering @ the farce. But it's all chimera, a $billion extravaganza w/ no meaningful alternative. Obama proved that in his 1st term.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, April 30, 2014 Torn and Tattered
Today our constitution is torn & tattered w/the gov't becoming a law unto itself drafting secret Justice Dep't memos "legalizing" actions by the president that are clearly unconstitutional. It's usurpation by the exec. branch & abdication by Congress of its mandated authority to preserve & protect the constitution. As for the so called free press in America its become nothing more than a megaphone trumpeting gov't propaganda.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, November 24, 2010 "Gunboat Diplomacy"
On Tuesday the N. Koreans fired artillery shells killing two S Korean soldiers and wounding 18 others. The North said it was responding to "provocative" artillery fire by the South which it maintains was only firing "test shots" as part of a naval exercise in the area. Why does S. Korea conduct such exercises in this area? Why is the U.S. sending a carrier task force to the area? That can hardly diffuse a volatile situation.
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, January 18, 2016 Sanctions lifted on Iran, diplomacy worked
The US & the EU finally lifted economic sanctions on Iran releasing some $100 billion of its assets. Int'l inspectors confirmed Iran's compliance w/ the nuclear deal signed last July. In reality the sanctions were bogus to begin w/. Iran wasn't developing a nuclear weapons program that was confirmed by all 17 US intel agencies in 2008 that Iran ceased all such activities in 2003. But this showed diplomacy w/ Iran could work.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, January 26, 2010 The Upcoming State of the Union Address and the Intended Freeze
On Wednesday, the president will give his State of the Union address "to signal his seriousness about cutting the budget deficit."
The freeze will cover domestic agencies but "...exempt the budget for the Pentagon".
It is the sacrosanct defense budget, that really rankles this observer. The Defense budget is what needs to be drastically reduced, not the domestic programs that serve the people.
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, January 22, 2021 Biden's unity pitch alongside cabinet choices of warmongers and coup inciters
It's a couple of days into the new Biden administration & despite his call for unity in his inaugural speech the chances of Trumps voters joining in Biden's unity pitch is a naive fantasy. Trumps supporters remain angry. His 2nd impeachment voted by the House won't help. As to foreign affairs particularly worrisome are Biden's cabinet choices veteran war hawks & coup inciters. That doesn't bode well to end our endless wars.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, July 5, 2013 In Retrospect Morsi Never had a Chance to Succeed
All revolutions including Egypt are messy affairs. Pres. Morsi now removed in a coups by the military faced conditions & roadblocks preventing any chance for success. The people w/ a newly found voice helped to get the authoritarian Mubarak to step down. Now it's popularly elected Morsi forced out by millions in the streets. Can any elected Egyptian pres. stabilize the country & be supported by the people? Answer? Unknown.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, January 25, 2012 The President's Address, Soaring Rhetoric Doesn't Match The Reality
Last night the president gave his State of the Union address. It had lots of soaring rhetoric, reminiscent of his campaign in 2008. But this is 2012 and the presidents' actual performance these past 3 years reveals the reality doesn't match the rhetorical magic. Three years later and the sales pitch is tattered sounding too good to be true.
(2 comments) SHARE Saturday, September 28, 2013 The Latest Poster Boy for Congressional Grandstanding and the Threat to Shut Down the Government Again
In the U.S. almost complete gov't dysfunction is the norm, lately evidenced by Senator Ted Cruz R. TX 23 hr. grandstand act on the Senate floor threatening to shut down the gov't over Obama's new health care law about to take effect on Tuesday. This shutdown only hurts people directly, furlough innocent gov't workers, shut fed'l offices, nat'l parks & hurt nearby businesses. The people's representatives in action.
SHARE Wednesday, January 19, 2011 Foreclosures Stymied in Maryland
In Maryland mortgage servicer GMAC dismissed all robo-signed foreclosures in 250 cases. The state court system made clear courts can conduct audits for problematic foreclosure paperwork and toss cases if documents are robo-signed. As a result GMAC said it will re-file cases "to assure all home preservation options were exhausted"; something that would not have happened w/o holding them to account for their illegal practices.
SHARE Tuesday, June 11, 2013 Edward Snowden's Greatest Fear, "Nothing will be done."
Ed Snowden said regarding the NSA's surveillance, "My greatest fear regarding the outcome for America is nothing will be done & people won't fight to change things." A poll taken after the NSA leak became known, 56% found it acceptable for the NSA to conduct the surveillance of millions of Americans & 41% found it unacceptable. Most Dems & Repubs strongly support the NSA. Snowden's fear may be realized. Nothing will be done.
SHARE Friday, January 7, 2011 Pentagon Under Duress; Must "Squeeze" its Gargantuan Budget
According to Defense Sec'y Gates, "The White House has ordered the Pentagon to "squeeze" almost all growth from its spending over the next five years". It is to "squeeze" its gargantuan budget because of extreme fiscal duress felt by the U.S. Gov't. Cuts would am't to $15 billion per year or 1.5% out of the trillion dollar defense budget. Pass the crying towel for the duress the Pentagon must be under.
SHARE Monday, October 21, 2013 JP Morgan in the Crosshairs of Federal Prosecutors and a Criminal Investigation in California
JP Morgan was in the headlines yesterday w/ a tentative settlement fine of $13 billion over sale of mortgage backed securities before the 2008 recession. A huge number but in perspective less than 1% of the banks well over $trillion in assets. In the meantime fed'l prosecutors in California have launched a parallel criminal investigation so jail time could be in the offing for some of JP Morgan's masters of the universe.
(3 comments) SHARE Tuesday, April 2, 2019 Resorting to anything
It seems the US will resort anything to overthrow Venezuelan Pres. Nicolas Maduro. The latest US ploy was having its self appointed interim Pres. Juan Guaido traveling in a motorcade thru a Maduro supported area of Caracas where his gov't police were seen protecting Guaido. He came there "because the US wanted him to get arrested to create a provocation". The Venezuelan cops wouldn't bite; they protected the coup leader.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, June 15, 2011 We Americans Are in Need of Deep Reflection and Soul Searching
We Americans are in need of deep reflection and soul searching. We have tolerated abuses, been exploited by the plutocrats who reign w/ impunity, propagandized and plied w/ lies and dissembling by our elected officials who are hand maidens for the moneyed interests who underwrite their campaigns. Members of both parties have been so corrupted. We must demand their resignation and the end of this corrupted electoral system.
(6 comments) SHARE Sunday, February 26, 2012 Genuflecting Before AIPAC
Next Sunday AIPAC will hold its annual confab in D.C. Israeli P.M. Benjamin Netanyahu will speak before the group. This outfit wields extraordinary power and influence over the Congress assuring there is no debate of Israeli policy. Activist group Code Pink will be there in D.C. protesting AIPAC, its influence in Congress and rejecting the call for Israel to attack Iran. Let's join in and support the Code Pink led protest.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, September 10, 2014 "Wary of a War Vote"
Pres. Obama says, "he has the authority he needs to take action against the Islamic State" in Iraq & Syria. As for that "esteemed" body on Capitol Hill & them legally authorizing Obama's new war- something specifically written in the Constitution solely granting the Congress the authority to declare war- it won't happen. Congress long ago ceded that authority to the executive branch.
SHARE Thursday, August 27, 2015 The next contender in the presidential sweepstakes?
Harvard Law professor Lawrence Lessig will decide to make a presidential bid for the Democratic nomination if he receives $1million in donations by Labor Day. He says he'd resign one day after being elected after enacting a single bill which he calls the Citizen Equality Act w/3 parts: equal right to vote, equal representation & citizen funded elections. It's quirky & hard to imagine people buying it even if they agree w/ him.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, August 29, 2011 Super PAC's Corrupting the Electoral Process, A Brave New World
It's a brave new world out there folks, one that makes a mockery of we the people. Every candidate in the upcoming presidential sweepstakes will have Super PAC's indirectly underwriting their campaigns w/ no monetary limits on how much they can raise or spend. Our electoral process has been hijacked by deep pocketed financial interests and made legal by SCOTUS in Citizens United v/s FEC.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, September 21, 2011 Propaganda and Misinformation on the Palestinian Request for Statehood by the U.N.
The Palestinians are about to request statehood recognition by the U.N.The request is an act of desperation as the Israelis refuse to negotiate a peace deal w/them. Israel an occupying power since 1967 acts w/ impunity and in violation of the borders set by the U.N. mandate of 1948. Propaganda and misinformation by the American media keep too many Americans in the dark about Israeli policy oppressing the occupied Palestinians.
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, January 24, 2022 Discrimination edict in Washington, D.C.
Washington D.C. requires people to show a vaccination card in order to eat in their restaurants. This gov't decree is clearly a case of discrimination. What about people who choose not to be vaccinated? Are they not being discriminated against? What's the diff between black people refused service in restaurants during the Jim Crow era in the south & now people refused service w/out showing a vac card to eat @ a DC restaurant?
(3 comments) SHARE Monday, March 21, 2011 The Case For the U.N. Approved Intervention in Libya
After dithering for weeks the UN Security Council approved a no fly zone over Libya w/ other military measures (but no invasion) to protect the Libyan people who are under attack by Qaddafi's forces. The rebellious opposition WANTED Western support in their fight to topple Qaddafi. Let's hope U.S. involvement in Libya is benevolent and supportive of the Libyan people and not a smokescreen w/ hegemonic and imperialist aims.
(8 comments) SHARE Thursday, January 24, 2013 Female Fodder for the War Machine, Ban to be Lifted on Women in Combat
Sometime today Defense Sec'y Leon Panetta will announce the lifting of the ban on women in combat. It's long overdue & correct. But the question is, why now? It certainly wasn't just to give women "equal opportunity".
SHARE Monday, November 2, 2015 Obama sends 50 Special Ops troops to Syria, "advisers" nothing more than "human shields"
President Obama announced Friday he is sending 50 special ops troops to Syria to "advise" local forces fighting ISIS. Independent writer, Finian Cunningham put it succinctly, "US special ops are being used as 'human shields' to curb Russian airstrikes against anti-gov't mercenaries...to forestall Russian successes in wiping out Washington's regime change assets in Syria." Cunningham's analysis is on the mark.
(8 comments) SHARE Monday, July 28, 2014 Israeli Jews and Jews Everywhere
How can there be sympathy for the Israeli people when they overwhelmingly support Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. A poll of Israeli Jews showed more than 8 in 10 were satisfied w/ Netanyahu. As to Jews outside of Israel, how in good conscience can you sit there silently & not condemn the killing of innocent Palestinians by the Israeli gov't? Your silence makes you complicit to innocent people being slaughtered. Live w/
that.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, March 11, 2013 The Targeting of an American for Assassination
On Sunday NY Times reporters Mazzetti, Savage & Shane did some real investigative reporting, interviewing 3 dozen "current and former legal & counterterrorism officials & outside experts" & doing a thorough job investigating the death of American Muslim cleric Anwar al Awlaki & the legal justifications the Obama Justice Dep't used to justify killing an American citizen in a drone missile strike in Yemen on Sept. 30, 2011.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, July 19, 2013 Bogus Charge of "Aiding the Enemy" Upheld by Miliatry Judge Lind Against Bradley Manning
Yesterday Judge Lind upheld the charge of "aiding the enemy" against Bradley Manning which could bring a life sentence w/ no chance of parole. Him being in a military brig for life would be a supreme injustice. In the 70's Daniel Ellsberg was completely exonerated w/ all charges dropped for leaking the Pentagon Papers. Now Manning faces a possible life sentence for revealing the truth. It shows how far our gov't has descended.
(4 comments) SHARE Tuesday, June 23, 2015 Removing the Confederate Flag would be the proper gesture but it's still nothing more than that
The confederate flag could be removed in front of the state house bldg in Columbia, S.C. Gov. Haley called on the state assembly to consider removing it. That requires a 2/3 vote in each house & it's unclear whether the votes are there. Now in the aftermath of the slaughter of 9 @ the Emanuel AME church last week the gov is pushing for its removal. Though removing the flag is a proper gesture it's still nothing more than that.
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, January 21, 2012 Insanity Masquerading as Sanity
Weeks into the Republican primary season and there's no discussion by the candidates of the real issues and problems facing the American people. Nothing on the widening income gap and wealth inequality between the 1% and the 99%, the lack of jobs, the foreclosure crisis, the growth of the poor and the decimation of the middle class. This crowd seems completely detached from the reality most people in America are facing.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, July 1, 2014 Chaos Central
Much of the turmoil in the Middle East seems a cauldron of chaos. The civil war in Syria, ISIS taking over Mosul&other Sunni areas of northern&western Iraq. Then there's the Palestinian's suffering under apartheid rule of Israel, disarray in Libya, the coup in Egypt returning military rule. Yet chaos central resides outside the Middle East in none other than the US gov't as its policies & actions underlie much of the chaos.
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, January 28, 2021 US Iran in stalemate on returning to the 2015 nuclear deal
The Biden administration is demanding Iran comply w/ the 2015 JCPOA nuclear deal which Trump reneged on in 2018 before easing sanctions on the country. Iran has increased its level of enriched uranium considerably above the limits required in the 2015 deal as it sees it's no longer bound by those limitations. Iran demands the sanctions be lifted before it will return to the deal. Thus the current stalemate.
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, February 18, 2021 Walking into a minefield
That slavery of black people brought here in chains was wrong in America as well as elsewhere is a no brainer. Reparations to descendants of former slaves is being considered by the Biden administration. At least calling for a study of reparations. How would it be determined whose to pay the reparations? The thing is paying reparations for past wrongs sounds like a good idea. However It would be like walking into a minefield.
SHARE Thursday, February 24, 2011 The Heartening Resistance to Tyranny in Wisconsin
It is heartening to see thousands in Wisconsin massing against Gov. Scott Walker's attempt to kill collective bargaining w/ the public unions in his state. It is important Walker's union busting be beaten back in Wisconsin as a message to other Governors that the people oppose their union busting methods. Wisconsin is the front line. In solidarity, the protests need to spread to other cities and states.
SHARE Monday, February 28, 2011 The Rebellions in the Arab World and in Wisconsin, Sililarly Motivated against Tyranny
There is a connection between the Arab world's rebellion and Wisconsin's for it's about opposing tyranny of corrupt rulers. The uprisings in the Arab world are against dictators w/ rampant corruption, nepotism and cronyism. Wisconsin's is about a corrupted Gov. Walker's attempt to destroy public service unions and deny collective bargaining and favor his anti union financial backers. All the populist rebellions are related.
(9 comments) SHARE Saturday, March 5, 2016 So what to make of the "Donald"?
So what to make of the "Donald" in the latest edition of America's pres. nomination sweepstakes? Neo-cons, Repub. party elites, even Mitt Romney denounced Trump in a Thurs speech saying it would be a disaster if for the Repub party if he gets the nomination. But on Friday rank & file Repub. party voters reacted to Romney & party elites telling them what to do. One 71 yr. old said," You can't tell me who to vote for. Please."
SHARE Monday, August 30, 2010 Leaving Iraq a Soldier Yelled, 'We Won, It's Over, America We Brought Democracy to Iraq' ; Not Hardly
An American soldier yelled, "We won. It's over. America we brought democracy to Iraq". His well intentioned effusiveness was more than slightly off the mark. Iraq held an election for a new Prime Minister 5 months ago. The result remains in limbo. The rudderless gov't has emboldened terrorists increased killing of innocents. Many Iraqi's have expressed they were safer under Saddam. That is the legacy we have wrought in Iraq.
SHARE Thursday, November 15, 2012 Israeli Air Assault on Gaza Severely Tests 1979 Peace Agreement between Israel and Egypt
W/impunity Israel sent an air assault into Gaza yesterday killing the Hamas military commander. The assault continues. In response Egypt's Pres. Morsi w'drew his ambassador to Israel. Mubarak is gone & Morsi is the freely elected Pres. of the Egyptian people. The 1979 peace agreement between Israel & Egypt could be severely tested w/ this Israeli assault. Gaza is a tinder box Israel created & its assault could ignite it.
(2 comments) SHARE Sunday, September 12, 2010 It's Hard to Feel Encouraged
It's hard to feel encouraged. We seem fractured in ways beyond the Islamophobia of the pastor in Florida and the resistance to the Islamic center to be built in N.Y.C. The real fracturing in this country is the depth of corporatism infecting and influencing everything. The people's interests suffer. Citizen funding and public financing is only the chance for their interests and candidates to be placed on a level playing field.
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, January 16, 2014 Coming Tomorrow, "The Spirit of Reform"
According to unnamed aides & intelligence sources President Obama on Friday will announce new guidelines on the NSA’s surveillance operations but won’t end or seriously limit the agency’s bulk collection of American’s telephone records. Call it the “spirit of reform†while not altering gov’t surveillance operations in any substantial way.
SHARE Saturday, March 5, 2011 The Perpetrators of Our Tyranny and Corruption
The Arab world has been ruled by the tyranny of dictators and their corruption. In the U.S. the perps of our tyranny and corruption are elected officials, big business moguls in finance, military/industrial, health ins., big Pharma, big oil or wear Supreme Ct.robes. The first volleys of the battle have been over public service unions and collective bargaining. It's really about the soul of the country,people or corporations.
(10 comments) SHARE Friday, March 9, 2012 The Coming Use of Drones in Our "Friendly Skies"
The FAA is about to choose 6 areas of the country to test drones &then OK them to operate countrywide. Is this type surveillance monitoring necessary in our supposed free society? Is it legal? It seems we've become enamored w/ cyber screen directed warfare that simulates a video game. We've lost our moral equilibrium. Use of drones anywhere is a form of madness while propaganda stokes unnecessary fear in the American people.
SHARE Sunday, April 8, 2012 Pre- Conditions for Negotiation or an Ultimatum to Iran?
In the AM news, "U.S. Defines It's Demands For Iran Talks", NY Times. In essence before we begin talks over your nuclear program Obama says this is your last chance, dismantle nuclear facilities, halt production of uranium fuel & ship existing stockpiles out of the country. These are not preconditions for negotiations, they're ultimatums. Less bluster & diplomacy w/ Iran would calm the atmosphere & bring a real settlement.
SHARE Friday, August 23, 2013 A Tragedy Come Full Circle
The Arab Spring so promising in Egypt almost 3 yrs. ago has ended w/ the military releasing Hosni Mubarak from prison. This has to bring disgust to the protesters who put their lives on the line & were the catalysts behind the military removing him from power. It's a contemptuous spitting in the face of the Egyptian people by Gen'l al Sisi who had Mubarak's released & a sure sign the military is the preeminent power in Egypt.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, October 22, 2010 The "Legal" Money Laundering Operation Conducted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is a major player influencing the campaigns of those running for Congress. Most of its donors are big corporations which coincide w/ lobbying to benefit those interests. The Chamber is engaging in a legal money laundering operation that is corrupting the election process. Only a constitutional convention to amend the Constitution can specifically eliminate corp.money from corrupting our elections.
SHARE Friday, September 23, 2011 Justice For The Palestinians at the U.N.
Today the Palestinians present their case for statehood and recognition at the U.N. Security Counsel. It is all about justice long overdue for the Palestinian people. The Palestinians have endured occupation by the Israeli's since the 1967 war. That occupation must not be permitted to continue. Justice for the Palestinians and statehood recognition by the U.N. is the just thing to do.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, April 20, 2010 The "Grand Dragon" of them all to Face Charges for Security Fraud
The "grand dragon" of them all, Goldman Sachs is about to face charges for "securities fraud". The S.E.C. claims the bank created and sold a mortgage investment that was secretly intended to fail. This suit may be the tip of the iceberg to reveal all the sleaze bag operations by the "banksters." This is at the heart of Americans lost faith in their government. Maybe there can be hope after all if Goldman can be held to account
SHARE Monday, May 7, 2012 Why Authorizing Unnecessary Wars and Putting Our Military in Harm's Way is Unforgivable
Chris Hedge's "Truthdig" article, "The People's Bishop" is an interview w/retired Episcopal Bishop George Packard & an acc't of his earlier life experience as a platoon commander in Viet Nam in 1969, the brutalizing & unforgiving nature of the killing during the ambushes he led that still haunts him to this day. It's why those who authorize our unnecessary wars & put our military in harms way unnecessarily are unforgivable.
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, May 29, 2010 BP, Liar "Extraordinaire"
BP, liar "extraordinaire"; incompetent, distorter of facts, propagandist, amoral, can best describe this big oil behemoth. Their "Top Kill" procedure resumed after it had stopped pumping the night before but not before creating the impression earlier in the day that it was working. We should remain skeptical and wary. As yet they have not stopped the flow. That's according to BP's CEO of exploration and production.
SHARE Wednesday, July 21, 2010 Will the SEC Charging Fraud by Financial Institutions Actuall Bring Them to Trial?
Mary L. Shapiro, the Chairwoman of the SEC told reporters there are "a number of cases coming out of the financial crisis"involving Wall Street firms, banks and other financial institutions." Will she allow these cases to go to trial or is the SEC looking to settle out of court (like it did with Goldman Sachs) and permit these companies to deny fraud as part of their settlement agreement?
SHARE Thursday, April 29, 2010 The Ultimate Israeli Obstacle to Peace with the Palestinians
The ultimate Israeli obstacle to any peace accord with the Palestinians rest with Israel's holy warriors, the messianic Jewish settlers in the West Bank. They believe, "The holy Torah prohibits taking part in any act of uprooting Jews from any part of our sacred land." The Palestinians see that same land as theirs. Sadly, the ongoing reality says continued conflict between the antagonists is inevitable.
(7 comments) SHARE Friday, January 11, 2013 The Truly "Unhinged" Are at the Ready
The truly unhinged are @ the ready. James Yeager the CEO of a Tennessee company specializing in weapons & tactical training in reaction to possible gun control measures by the Obama administration posted on Youtube & Facebook, "I'm not letting anybody take my guns! If it goes one inch further I'm going to start killing people." Hopefully Yeager's type rant won't deter new gun regs from being enacted.
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, October 17, 2013 Falling on Their Sword, Repubs. Concede The Obvious
The Repubs decided to fall on their sword, accept the inevitable & vote to reopen the gov't. Not before causing unnecessary harm to fed'l workers, nat'l park employees & businesses that were directly impacted by the madness on Capitol Hill where a small handful of zealots held the country hostage to its arcane beliefs. The absurd nonsense is over for now that is until the next fiscal deadline & the tea party crazies try again.
(5 comments) SHARE Saturday, March 27, 2010 The False Promise of Yesterday's Reduction in Nuclear Arsenals
As to yesterday's nuclear warhead agreement between the U.S. and Russia the reaction from this quarter is, "So what!" Reducing nuclear weapons arsenals from 2250 to 1550 nuclear warheads means only in a nuclear conflagration the rubble of the world would bounce only 2 - times rather than five. These weapons have no offensive purpose. There must be bold thinking beyond the box. Yesterday was a political "feel good" moment.
(7 comments) SHARE Wednesday, March 14, 2012 Ex VP Cheney, Persona Non Grata in Canada
It seems ex VP Cheney's scheduled "talk" in Toronto in April was suddenly cancelled citing "safety concerns". Last Sept. in Vancouver touting his memoir, "In My Time", he was holed up in the bldg. as demonstrators objected to his being there. Funny how his presence isn't appreciated up there considering he openly boasted authorizing torture & water boarding of suspects. At least they know a war criminal when they see one.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, March 30, 2010 Obama has a "Growing Vexation" with Hamid Karsai
President Obama made a secret visit to Afghanistan over the weekend, met with President Karsai and expressed "growing vexation" with the man, particularly over "corruption." Karsai is corrupt. He is a product of our making, a quisling and a puppet. Once we leave he will be overthrown. Only Afghans can sort out their country's future. It is only American hubris and arrogance that believes we can defy afghan history's lessons.
SHARE Friday, April 27, 2018 Kim and Moon meeting yesterday was just the beginning
Yesterday N. Korean leader Kim Jong-un met w/ S.Korean Pres. Moon @ the demilitarized zone separating the two Korea's. Though significant it was only the foundation to build on when Kim meets Trump in late May or early June. Trump's summit w/ Kim is what really matters. Because the results of that summit holds the key regarding the future of entire Korean Peninsula. Yesterday's summit between Kim & Moon was just the beginning.
SHARE Thursday, March 17, 2022 Biden standing on morally questionable high ground
Yesterday Pres. Biden when asked by a reporter whether Russian Pres. Putin was a war criminal initially said "No." When asked by the journalist to clarify the question Biden then said, "Oh I think he is a war criminal". It's amazing when a US president presents himself as being on moral high ground when in fact it's the US committing more war crimes killing more innocent people than any regime in the history of the world.
SHARE Tuesday, December 14, 2010 Just Where Do Most Americans Reside Politically?
Just where do most Americans reside politically? Last months election was a referendum against Obama. In 2006 it was referendum against Bush. Our electoral process is broken controlled by corporate largesse. The people must rebel against this tyranny and demand people financed elections w/ representatives accountable to the people that elect them. It is the only way to restore our democracy.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, August 6, 2010 What Will It Take America?
What will it take to stir the American people into action, get us out of our collective lethargy, our passivity in the face of what is happening and get our country on a path of renewal? The Congress is all but dysfunctional, polarized and partisan. What is needed is citizen funded elections. Most people recognize that the country is severely off track. Citizen funding of elections is the chance to put it back on track.
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, May 11, 2012 Same-Sex Marriage, It Should be a Right, End of Story
So Obama finally came out & openly endorsed gay marriage saying, "Same sex couples should be able to get married". Woo, woo. This what constitutes as an issue in America. Like abortion, it should be a no brainer, a given where adults can choose their own lifestyle, w/ whomever partner they select as a simple right in a free society & fully recognized by the state.
(2 comments) SHARE Saturday, April 6, 2019 The US bully must be faced, its actions halted sooner rather than later
On Friday in its latest move against Venezuelan Pres. Nicolas Maduro the US put sanctions on companies its heads & 35 tankers delivering oil to Cuba. It appears the US is getting desperate w/ its schemes to oust Maduro. But Russian Pres. Putin is having none of it & appears the key country against US depredations in Venezuela. The US bully must be faced, its actions halted sooner rather than later. The world is watching.
(3 comments) SHARE Tuesday, February 25, 2014 Cutting Defense Spending, a Shell Game Masquerading as Something Substantial
The Obama administration just proposed a budget that includes downsizing the Army, Marines, retire the A-10 jet fighter & mothballing 1/2 the Navy’s 22 cruisers. If one looks @ what’s being cut & what is being expanded as in the entire F-35 Strike Fighter program, bringing 32 Littoral Combat ships on line & expanding special ops, it’s really a shell game masquerading as something substantial in cutting defense spending.
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, May 2, 2019 The "Fanatic" in Trump's ear
In "official" Washington is there anyone more fanatical than Trump's nat'l security adviser John Bolton? Bolton is probably the most dangerous man next to a president since Dick Cheney to "Dubya" Bush. Each sidled up to their moronic "superior" knowing they could manipulate them into following their advice. Cheney got Bush to invade Iraq in 2003. Now we have Bolton in Trump's ear on Iran, Venezuela & N. Korea. Very worrisome.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, November 18, 2020 The US may be playing with fire
The US may be playing w/ fire. Earlier this week the US sent a "test object" launched from the Marshall Islands in the Pacific which an ICBM successfully intercepted off the coast of Hawaii. What this test has done is reduce the time for leaders to consider the possibility of error before giving the order to launch a counter strike. Response time is the critical factor so if there is an error it can be detected in time.
(3 comments) SHARE Wednesday, November 23, 2011 Panderers to the Far Right
The Republican panderers to the far right running for their party's nomination were at it again last night in their latest inconsequential debate on national security. What they all do is appeal to and stoke peoples fears, talking about terrorists w/ nuclear bombs and striking U.S. cities. They are totally disconnected and removed from the real concerns of people in this country. These panderers have nothing to offer.
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, April 19, 2013 Democrats as well as Republicans in Need of Serious Overhaul
No, the Democrats didn't hold a meeting in Hollywood last week. That was only the Republicans fumbling in the dark. But Democrats shouldn't be so smug because Obama got re-elected and realize they too are in need of a serious overhaul.
(3 comments) SHARE Monday, July 29, 2013 Massacre of Egyptian People by the Military on Saturday, Sniper Fire Used with Most Shot in the Head and Chest
During the Arab Spring uprising in Egypt that sparked the ouster of Hosni Mubarak in Feb. 2011 the Egyptian military refused to fire on the Egyptian people. Now w/ the coup of Pres. Morsi on July 3 the military killed over 60 Islamist supporters of Morsi w/in days of his ouster & then Saturday the military massacred over 72 more people using sniper fire. It's hard to imagine a worse scenario.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, January 28, 2013 Mary Jo White Nominated to Head SEC, New Tough Enforcement a "Hope and a Prayer
NY Times columnist Gretchen Morgenson writes," Pres. Obama appeared to send a message that Washington was finally going to get tough w/ financial wrongdoers" w/ the nomination of Mary Jo White to head the SEC. "Tough enforcement has been pretty much AWOL on his watch. Maybe White can change that w/ a new aggressive approach". Obama has been mostly AWOL in getting tough w/ the banksters. Whites nomination is a hope & a prayer.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, June 20, 2014 Obama in Iraq Echoing Kennedy in Viet Nam?
In a move reminiscent of Pres. Kennedy in the early days of US engagement in Viet Nam Pres. Obama is sending 300 military advisers to Iraq to "take the fight" against the Sunni Islamist "terrorists". Kennedy said on Sept.2 1963 "we can send our men there as advisers against the "Communists". Replace "advisers" in Viet Nam w/ the advisers in Iraq & Communists for terrorists & are we heading for a repeat of the Viet Nam debacle?
SHARE Friday, July 18, 2014 It's No Longer Our Father's Military
To all men & women in the US military. When you joined you took an oath to defend the Constitution & the country from all enemies, foreign & domestic. Your intentions were honorable. But its no longer like WWII where our fathers joined up & served honorably fighting & dying to overthrow Nazi Germany & Japan. That time is over. Now it's ALL wars of choice defending the interests of the big corporate parasites, not the people.
SHARE Tuesday, September 23, 2014 "Made in America"
Yesterday US planes & missiles were launched on Islamic State targets officially expanding the war into Syria. Yet what is one to make of US military entanglement into Syria's civil war? Why & what are we doing? One thing is for sure; we have brought havoc to the Muslim world;all of it "Made in the USA". We hardly manufacture anything in America nowadays but "Made in America" is now our stoking the flames of war in the world.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, June 12, 2018 Trump and Kim Jong-un meet in Singapore
Pres. Trump & N.Korean leader Kim Jong-un met yesterday in Singapore. In a statement Trump committed to provide security guarantees to N.Korea & Kim his unwavering commitment to complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Trump later said he'd suspend military exercises on the Korean peninsula. As a follow-on negotiations Sec'y of State Pompeo & Nat'l Security Adviser Bolton are to meet next week w/ N.Korean officials.
(3 comments) SHARE Monday, March 8, 2010 We're Supposed to be a Nation Guided by the Rule of Law
We're supposed to be a nation guided by the rule of law but not considering the political negotiations and the trial venue of Khalid Sheik Mohammad. Republicans want him tried in a military tribunal rather the civilian federal trial in N.Y. (originally announced by A.G. Holder) only to have that venue scuttled when the pressure was on. If you believe in your initial decision why is back sliding and political games necessary?
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, April 27, 2012 Mixed Messages Coming from Israel on Iran
Israel's top commander, Gen'l Benny Gantz said, Iranian leaders are rational actors & would decide not to build a nuclear weapon. P.M. Netanyahu countered, he would not count on Iran's rational behavior. Gantz later said, There's no distance between his views and the P.M. But it appears the Israeli leadership is hardly in lockstep w/ regard to Iran. Maybe sanity will prevail & any attack on Iran will be permanently shelved.
SHARE Tuesday, March 30, 2010 Leave it to the French to Chide us over Our Health Care Debate
Leave it to the French to chide us over our recent health care "debate." French President Sarkozy speaking at Columbia University said, "The very fact that there should have been such a violent debate"is something astonishing to us." Well it should be "astonishing" to us. It was a travesty that degenerated into a spectacle, was an embarrassment and a disgrace. Want to guess regulating the financial industry will be?
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, August 12, 2010 Petraeus on Afghan War, "We need more time". Well so much for next July's Drawdown of Troops
This Sunday on "Meet the Press" Gen'l Petraeus will deliver his assessment on the war in Afghanistan and his belief "that the counterinsurgency strategy has not been given enough time to succeed." Well so much for Obama's July 2011 drawdown of troops. Petraeus will all but bury that idea w/ his planned media blitz starting Sunday.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, March 5, 2021 Biden made returning to nuclear deal with Iran a centerpiece of his campaign. What's happened?
Biden made returning to the 2015 nuclear deal w/ Iran a centerpiece of his campaign. Now he's thrown a roadblock in the way telling Iran it must take the 1st step & stop enriching uranium beyond limits set in the deal. Iran is adamant. It was the US that w/drew. It is up to the US to abide to the original deal & drop all sanctions on Iran. Only then will it return to the limits set in 2015.
SHARE Wednesday, February 27, 2019 Trump and Kim in Hanoi, to discuss what?
President Trump & North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met Wednesday night in Hanoi. Formal talks are set for tomorrow. To discuss what? North Korea giving up its nuclear weapons? Formally end the Korean war-that ended w/ a truce in 1953? End all US sanctions on the North? Remove all US troops from South Korea? End US war games off the Korean peninsula? All the above? We'll have to wait & see.
(4 comments) SHARE Wednesday, March 10, 2021 The arbitrariness of enforcement measures to COVID
There's been an arbitrariness of enforcement measures to COVID we've had to endure. With no nat'l leadership taking the reins @ the outset medical experts issued the edicts & most state officials jumped on the bandwagon. Now some state governors have lifted restrictions, businesses, bars & restaurants fully operational. Official statistics indicated deaths, new cases were down. So they took the initiative & opened things up.
SHARE Monday, December 31, 2012 Drone War in Pakistan Spur Militant Reprisals
Yesterday the NY Times gave an acc't of the American conducted drone war in Pakistan from the local tribesmen perspective w/ videos of militant reprisals against CIA paid informants & their execution by militants. Yet it's the use of drones that cause the reprisals. Eliminate the drones & there's no reason for the deadly reprisals.
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, November 21, 2013 JPMorgan says it "Routinely" Overstated the Quality of Mortgages and Kept Investors in the Dark
On Tuesday, JPMorgan settled a $13 billion civil suit brought by the gov't. As to its financial conduct in selling toxic securities to investors the bank said it routinely overstated the quality of the mortgages sold to investors. Hardly; the bank knew exactly what it was doing. It didn't alert investors to any flaws in the securities backed by mortgage loans that didn't meet underwriting guidelines it knew to be faulty.
SHARE Wednesday, March 23, 2011 The Arab "Spring" has Nothing to Do with Terrorism Revealing the Sham of Our Wars and the War on Terrorism
U.S. foreign policy is marked by perplexity and indecisiveness born of confusion. We profess freedom and democracy while exercising hegemony and imperialism. The Arab "spring" rebellions have NO links to terrorism revealing our war on terrorism as a contrived sham. U.S. policy makers need to reflect and reconsider WHY we need to continue our wars and WHY we need to fight an endless war on terrorism. It all should end.
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, December 30, 2010 The Height of Hypocrisy
The Obama administration is "expressing alarm" that thousands of political separatists and Taliban insurgents have "disappeared" at the hands of the Pakistani security forces and may have been tortured or killed. The irony of our moral outrage is astounding considering our own culpability in doing the very same thing. How can we condemn others when we are committing the same human rights offenses? It's the height of hypocrisy.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, October 26, 2010 Does it Really Matter Which Party Comes Out Ahead Next Tuesday?
According to the latest polls, one week from today, the Republicans are poised to recapture the House majority and possibly the Senate. But does it really matter who is elected in the coming elections and which party sits in the majority in Congress? It really makes no difference. Not while big moneyed and special interests reign and exert control over both parties. They are the real masters manipulating the strings.
SHARE Sunday, January 9, 2011 Is Sec'y of Defense Gates Insinuating a New Arms Race and a New Cold War with China?
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said yesterday the Pentagon is "stepping up investments in a range of weapons, jet fighters and technology in response to the Chinese military buildup in the pacific." Well so much for defense spending cuts. Is Gates insinuating a new arms race and a new cold war with China?
(4 comments) SHARE Wednesday, July 13, 2011 A Game of Chicken, Who is Going to Blink First?
Is it a game of chicken, this debate over the debt limit crisis? It's typical of the dysfunction that reigns in Washington. Maddening yet understandable as the real joke is on the people for acquiescing and tolerating this charade. We need to push for citizens backed publicly financed elections to serve the interests of the people and not serve the plutocrats who are holding court in the current debt limit debate.
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, November 15, 2010 This is America, We Don't Do What Makes Sense
There are things we need to do in this country. But politically we are too timid and risk averse (Democrats) resistant and obstructionist (Republicans), divided, polarized and dysfunctional. In the face of this "official" ineptitude people are mad as hell incoherent and yelling "tea partiers" or passive others in denial and avoiding the reality around them. There's a name for this and it's called lost.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, February 18, 2011 Clinton and Gates Preaching "Restraint"
Preaching "restraint", Sec'y of State Clinton and Defense Sec'y Gates urged Bahraini officials to halt the violence and initiate political "reforms" to satisfy the protestors. Their statements are pure political posturing. What ALL Arab protests have in common is they ALL want their leaders to step down, not "reforms" by these regimes. ALL these rebellions are beyond that now (too little, too late).
SHARE Wednesday, December 11, 2013 The Contradictory Verbal Hyperbole of U.S. Diplomacy with Iran
Since a temporary diplomatic pact was reached w/Iran weeks ago freezing its nuclear program in exchange for easing sanctions minefields aplenty has arisen. Sanctions hawks in Congress, the AIPAC led Jewish lobby & Israel are dead set against any permanent agreement. Thus far the Obama administration has prevailed. It remains to be seen whether it can keep a tether on Congress or Israeli PM Netanyahu & get a final deal w/Iran.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, January 23, 2013 Will Harry Reid and the Senate Democrats Reform the Filibuster Today? (UPDATE)
Obstructionism & arcane procedural rules have long characterized the U.S. Senate. In particular it's the filibuster rules where it takes 60 votes to end a filibuster or worse just the threat of waging one is all it takes for any member to obstruct & halt proceedings. Today Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid & the Democrats can do the right thing & vote to reform this subversion of democracy. (UPDATE)
SHARE Friday, January 24, 2014 How Many of These People are Progressive Change Agents Working for the Public Good?
In contemplating the current plight of our country it brought to mind questionable behavioral characteristics of some of its people. From creationists, climate science deniers to those who feel entitled & exceptional or liberal apologists, how many are also progressive, reform minded, change agents working for the public good? Are they a minority or represent the majority?
(3 comments) SHARE Tuesday, February 5, 2013 "Sig Heil", Barack Obama
Yesterday Obama's lawyers made public a "white paper" asserting killing an American citizen is lawful if "an informed, high level official" of the gov't decides the target is a high ranking figure in al Qaeda & poses an imminent threat. This can't be reviewed & restrained by the courts. The courts have no role. In other words trust us. So much for due process & the rule of law; that's strictly up to "der fuehrer" Barack Obama.
SHARE Friday, September 7, 2012 Defending the Indefensible
Human Rights Watch released a report entitled Delivered into enemy hands: U.S. led abuse & rendition of opponents to Qaddafi's Libya. It details how the CIA capturing Libyan's in Pakistan detaining & questioning them & sending them back to Qaddafi's Libya. One described being waterboarded. The CIA wouldn't comment. The bottom line: No Justice Dep't prosecutions of Bush torture authorization because Obama continues the practice
SHARE Wednesday, June 1, 2016 Post Memorial Day, America sowing seeds to breed survivors vowing revenge against those who killed their loved ones
Memorial day has come & gone & good riddance to all the patriotic banalities associated w/it. It smacks of a day to extol our military rather than a solemn occasion to honor those fallen. On Memorial day announcers extol those defending our freedom. They're not defending our freedom & far from bringing freedom & democracy they're sowing seeds to breed survivors vowing revenge against those who killed their loved ones.
SHARE Sunday, December 19, 2010 Our Time and Decline Into Moral Bankrupycy
There are times our politics and policies of this country leaves one felling distressed and asking rhetorically, "Is this what we've become?" Our unnecessary wars, resort to torture and our incapacity to hold the perpetrators to account smacks of moral bankruptcy that coincides with our descent into financial indebtedness leading us to economic insolvency. We need to rebel against the forces that are leading us to ruin.
(3 comments) SHARE Saturday, December 15, 2012 This Could Have Happened Anywhere in America
This may be hard for Americans to admit at this time but yesterday's massacre in that Connecticut elementary school could have happened anywhere in America. It should be a wake up call and a time to reflect once we get past the immediate grief and sorrow for the parents of those little kids who were senselessly murdered by a deranged 20 year old gunman.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, October 6, 2015 Shifting the blame
As if the US atrocity of bombing a Doctors w/out Borders hospital in Afghanistan wasn't so horrible it gets compounded by responses from US officials. "The hospital may have been collateral damage; Afghan forces requested the strike"-as if US advisers weren't in on calling the strike. This was an AC-130 attack gunship, that hit the hospital & this after the hospital gave GPS coordinates days before so they wouldn't get hit.
SHARE Saturday, August 20, 2011 The President on Martha's Vineyard in the Lap of Luxury Hammering Out a Jobs Package
After a bus tour in Iowa the president is now vacationing on Martha's Vineyard where he'll be golfing, reading and swimming in the lap of luxury. And oh yes meeting w/ his advisors to map out a jobs package to boost the economy. His instincts have completely abandoned him not recognizing the wrongful perception he conveys being in such posh surroundings while so many are suffering.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, February 18, 2014 Negotiations With Iran Resume Today, Failure to Reach a Permanent Deal Should Not Be An Option
Diplomatic negotiations between the P5+1 & Iran resume today in Vienna. These talks are crucial for world peace & avoidance of an unnecessary catastrophic war. Should these talks be crippled this would be a strategic blunder by the U.S. Failure to reach a permanent deal w/ Iran should not be an option. A deal is there to be made but only if the U.S. is willing to make it happen.
SHARE Wednesday, July 11, 2012 Syrian Crisis Escalating, Kofi Annan's Diplomatic Efforts with Iran Unacceptable to the U.S.
The Syrian uprising against the Assad regime has escalated over 16 months. Former U.N. head Kofi Annan's diplomacy has not ended the crisis. Yesterday he met w/ the Iranian Foreign Minister & said Iran should be involved in seeking a peaceful solution to the Syrian crisis. No way said the Obama administration. From here nothing will happen to Assad until after the U.S. presidential election.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, October 7, 2013 Is There a New Political Money Bonanza on the Horizon?
On Tuesday SCOTUS is to hear arguments in McCutcheon v FEC, a case calling for lifting spending limits by individuals to candidates & political parties during an election cycle. If approved by the Court as was done w/ Citizens United in 2010 where corporate donations savaged the electoral process in its favor it would mean another potential money bonanza to the Republican & Democrat stooges inhabiting the halls of Congress.
SHARE Monday, May 23, 2011 Was There Equivocation and Backsliding by Obama Yesterday at AIPAC Confab?
So was there equivocation and backsliding by Obama yesterday at the AIPAC confab? On Thursday he said explicitly, "Israel must accept the 1967 borders" as the starting point of negotiations w/ the Palestinians. Yesterday he said Israel must be able to defend itself and the map that existed before 6/4/67 will look different than the day the war began. He mustn't retreat from insisting the '67 borders are the starting point.
SHARE Monday, June 10, 2013 Edward Snowden, A Man of Conscience and a True American Patriot
Until Edward Snowden openly revealed himself in a 12 minute video interview that he was the whistleblower exposing the NSA's data mining of Americans, he was just another unknown analyst in the NSA's cyber snooping world. Snowden will now forever be associated w/ the likes of Bradley Manning & Daniel Ellsberg as men of conscience, true American patriots needing to expose their gov'ts wrongdoing.
SHARE Friday, April 13, 2012 Ozzie Guillen and the Professional Sports Culture, Some Thoughts
Ozzie Guillen, the mgr. of the Fla Marlins will never be confused w/ being a choir boy. Recently he said, I love Castro, a lot of people wanted to kill him for 60 yrs. but the M.F. is still here. So he gets suspended for 5 days & Bud Selig the baseball commissioner says his remarks have no place in our game. But really why do we expect our big time sports figures be robots w/o opinions or just corp. shills hawking BB shoes etc
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, August 19, 2013 U.S. Not Trusted As Honest Power Broker to Defuse Political Conflict in Egypt
It's difficult to sort out the truth from reports on the violence & political instability now consuming Egypt between the Muslim Brotherhood & the interim gov't. One thing does seem certain as revealed in Sunday's NY Times, "How U.S. Push To Defuse Egypt Ended In Failure." The U.S. is not a trusted power broker & even threats to end the 1.5 billion in annual aid to the military is summarily rejected by the interim gov't.
(5 comments) SHARE Wednesday, August 17, 2011 The President on the Road in Iowa Attacking Republicans, Finally
Obama is on a bus tour in Iowa touting infrastructure improvements, extending the payroll tax and ratifying pending trade agreements. Repubs. call it a glorified campaign swing (true enough) but they're like Pavlov's dog automatically reacting to whatever he says or does. Purportedly he's now in a combative mode attacking Repubs. for standing in way of economic growth and fighting for the needs of people. Where's that been?
SHARE Tuesday, September 15, 2015 So what to make of the Jeremy Corbyn phenomenon across the "pond"?
So what to make of the "phenomenon" across the "pond" where the British Labour Party elected Jeremy Corbyn as its new leader? It was never believed he had a chance to win. Nonetheless party members voted for Corbyn w/ almost 60% of the vote. After his victory he put it this way, "The people of Britain are fed up w/ injustice & inequality". No longer a "backbencher" in the House of Commons he should be a force to contend w/.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, July 10, 2013 The Slide into Moral and Ethical Degeneracy
James Comey former deputy att'y general in Bush II administration has been nominated by Pres. Obama to become FBI director. Before the Senate Judiciary Committee he was asked why he signed the memo allowing waterboarding, sleep deprivation & other enhanced interrogation techniques in 2005 when now he says he was against them. So why sign the memo approving torture if you so opposed it? He said, I'm not sure I did it right.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, May 4, 2010 "BP's Chief Executive says We're 'Absolutely Responsible'...well sort of
BP's Chief Exec.said his company was "absolutely responsible" for thousands of barrels of oil gushing into the Gulf of Mexico. Well sort of as he issued the qualifier saying "this is not our accident", naming "Transocean Ltd." as the company that operated the rig that exploded and sank. Taking full responsibility w/out implying "others" are really to blame is what you do today. "It's really someone else's fault.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, February 3, 2010 Moving Khalid Shaikh Mohammad's Trial out of NewYork is a Terrible Idea
On Friday, the Obama administration decided to move the trial of the 9/11 plotters out of New York City. This is a terrible idea and sends the wrong message.
We must not run scared of terrorists. Their intention is to sow fear in people and get our government to overreact and justify our wars in Islamic countries. Moving this trial out of New York City plays right into the hands of al Qaeda.
(2 comments) SHARE Sunday, August 29, 2010 Karsai Dismisses Prosecutor Pursuing Official Corruption, A Diversion in the Overall Scheme of Things
It is not surprising to learn President Karsai of Afghanistan dismissed the prosecutor investigating corruption charges of Karsai's senior government officials. Corruption is endemic in Afghanistan from the president on down. When official corruption goes uninvestigated in the U.S., why should we expect it be done in a country we invaded and occupy?
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, February 2, 2011 Today Saw a Violent Turn of Events in Cairo
This afternoon saw a dramatic turn of events in Cairo. Pro Mubarak forces w/batons and rocks clashed w/ anti Mubarak protestors. The pro Mubarak forces were actually police and security personnel. The army is the one institution that remains respected by the Egyptian people. To resolve the crisis the Egyptian generals need to give Mubarak an ultimatum to step down voluntarily or be physically removed.
SHARE Tuesday, February 11, 2014 The Law Has Become Whatever They Say It Is
The Obama administration has purportedly been mulling the idea of the military or the CIA killing an American citizen (not exactly a new phenomenon) in Pakistan. As for the suspect in the X- hairs we don’t know his identity, what he’s being accused of or what evidence has been compiled against him. For all the secret intrigue surrounding this man hunt it still comes down to the administration conveying the words; Trust us.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, November 12, 2010 "Amerika, Inc", What We Need to Do
"Amerika, Inc.,"(OPEDNEWS.com, November 9, 2010)was an outline describing the corporatism in America, how the tentacles of the corporate state reached everywhere; an insidious, malevolent presence masquerading as benevolent. Meanwhile SCOTUS ruling in Citizens v/s FEC unleashed big corp. and special interests cash to overwhelm the electoral process. We are @ a precipice and need to amend the Constitution repealing this ruling.
SHARE Friday, December 9, 2011 The Height of Hypocrisy, Clinton and the W.H. Casting Aspersions and Moral Indignation over Russian Elections Fraud
Last Sunday Russia held elections condemned as fraudulent by int'l & Russian observers. The W.H. and Sec'y Clinton jumped into the act claiming we speak out when rights are violated and we have a strong commitment to democracy and human rights. What about democracy and human rights abuses on the American people? It's hypocrisy to be morally indignant & cast aspersions when your own house is littered w/ the same violations.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, November 4, 2014 So once again, it's election day in America
So once again it's election day in America; meant to do exactly what? We've heard all the "pitches" before but since big money has usurped the electoral process & exerts a stranglehold over the political agenda all for its sole benefit, voting under these circumstances will not bring change. That won't happen until big money is removed from the electoral process & public financing of all elections is enacted.
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, July 9, 2015 The Greek Referendum Vote, a Watershed Event Against Austerity Placed on the Backs of the People
With the Greek people voting 61 to 39 against harsh austerity measures keeping them in perpetual debt slavery they are saying they won't accept debt relief that keeps them in endless debt peonage. The people have spoken; harsh austerity measures placed on the backs of people is unacceptable, saying to the EU, ECB and the IMF, "We have nothing to lose" by openly rejecting them.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, September 24, 2010 The Republican "Pledge to America", What Else is New
As to the Republicans "Pledge to America", even their tea party brethren are saying it's full of "platitudes", its "patronizing" and "there's nothing concrete in it". To put this "thing" in proper perspective the "Pledge" is meant to "Cut, freeze, repeal, limit, prohibit and rein in' government. Not exactly a positive formula for real effective governing.
(5 comments) SHARE Monday, November 28, 2011 Pakistan Enraged over U.S. Strikes Killing Pakistani Soldiers
Yesterday rage swept Pakistan denouncing U.S. aircraft striking two Pakistani military posts and killing 24 soldiers. Pakistan called it an unprovoked act of aggression. In Washington a senior official called the incident "extremely murky". Not to the Pakistanis. They believe we don't respect their sovereignty and want us out of their country completely as yesterdays protests clearly demonstrated.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, November 11, 2015 Veterans Day, no longer the Armistice Day admonition there be no more war
Some things come to mind this Veterans Day. It was first commemorated as Armistice Day in 1918 @ the signing of armistice w/ Germany ending WWI. A day to herald peace after the "war to end all wars", meant to honor the dead but also the admonition there be no more war. W/ WWII and Korea Armistice Day didn't fit any longer & changed to Veterans day in 1954. Now it's a day to extol our military even as we fight endless war.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, September 18, 2020 Trump's call for a 1776 Commission a nonsensical stroll to negate the truth of our history
Yesterday Trump announced what he called the 1776 Commission an initiative to counter what he says is "The left wing rioting & mayhem" that "are the direct result of decades of left wing indoctrination in our schools." He would prefer the whitewashed version he himself was taught. His latest patriotic buffoonery is just another campaign ploy presumably to attract undecided voters. At this stage are there any undecided voters?
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, June 4, 2010 Israel Defiant, "We Have Nothing to Apologize For"
Israel's defiant, "We have nothing to apologize for" over its high seas hijacking of a humanitarian flotilla reveals as much as anything its insular attitude toward the world and its descent into being an apartheid state. It believes it alone can flaunt international law and the world can do nothing about it. Israel must abide by international law. They are not above the law.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, June 6, 2012 Some Post-Mortem Thoughts on Wisconsin Recall Election
Repub.Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin won his recall election yesterday by 53 to 46% over Dem. Tom Barrett. How did Walker pull this off so handily? Was it the overwhelming am't of money he had to spend? Was it the turnout? Some 38% of the vote for Walker came from members of a union household, voting against their self interest. Were too many of the electorate ill informed, susceptible to propaganda or just true believers?
(3 comments) SHARE Saturday, June 19, 2010 Petraeus,"July 11 is not the date when U.S. heads for the exits" in Afghanistan. Is that a surprise?
Gen'l Patraeus stated to the House Armed Services Committee, "July 11 is not the date when the U.S. heads for the exits" in Afghanistan. Is this a surprise? Obama's avowal to start w/drawing from Afghanistan in 2011 was baseless chimera. If we do not act and force our gov't to heed us and right the wrongs it is committing in our name, it'll take a whole lot more than "God bless America" to save us from our ignominious downfall
SHARE Wednesday, June 23, 2010 Is this Obama's Harry Truman Moment?
Is this Obama's Harry Truman moment? Truman believed in the chain of command and the president was the supreme commander of the armed forces. At the height of the Korean War McArthur was not respecting the office of the presidency. Truman fired him. Obama is facing a similar moment w/ McChrystal and his staff openly mocking the president and his advisors, indicating their insubordination. Does Obama know what he needs to do?
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, July 5, 2010 Oh No, Biden in Iraq to Unravel the Tangle in Iraqi Election
On Saturday, V.P. Biden visited Iraq hoping he could assist to unravel the tangle that persists four months after the Iraqi elections over who has the legal authority to form the new government. This should come as no surprise. But to expect Biden to help w/ the political reconciliation of the Iraqi's is laughable. We being part of the ultimate political solution in Iraq is American hubris. We need to get out of the way.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, August 1, 2012 U.S. Political Madness and Obsession with Iran
U.S. madness & obsession w/ Iran's nuclear program went further yesterday as the president issued an executive order & congressional leaders met agreeing to tighten sanctions on Iranian shipping of oil & other products. Iran is affected by the sanctions but refuses to be cowed into submission. But as the screws tighten on Iran, incidents, accidents are likely to occur, the chances of averting a catastrophe w/ Iran grow slimmer
(12 comments) SHARE Tuesday, May 29, 2012 Horrific Massacre of Women and Children by Assad Regime
On Friday more than a 100 women & children were massacred in Houla, Syria. This was genocide by the Assad regime. This massacre may be the horrific event and catalyst compelling the U.N. Security Council to authorize a significant peace keeping intervention in Syria. The country is on the verge of sectarian inspired civil war. Does the world just sit by idly and let it happen?
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, November 27, 2013 Who is Provoking Who?
On Monday the U.S. sent two B-52 bombers over airspace in the E. China Sea an area claimed by China to be w/in its protected air defense zone. China announced on Saturday anyone flying into the zone req'd them to file a flight plan, radio frequency or transponder info. The U.S. refused to & says China's claim is inflammatory & destabilizing. The bigger question is who is provoking who w/B-52 bombers flying off the China coast?
(3 comments) SHARE Wednesday, August 10, 2011 The Recall Elections in Wisconsin, What They Say for Wisconsin and the Country
Yesterday Wisconsin held a recall election for six Repub. state senators. Four were reelected thus Repubs. retain the majority in the state senate. It's a sad day for teachers and other unionized members in Wisc. and the country. It should send a chill to all Democrats in Wisconsin and nationwide. Yet in polls the majority of people reject both parties, the tell tale sign they don't believe Dems. or Repubs. represent them.
SHARE Friday, September 16, 2011 An Ominous Foreboding at the U.N. Next Week
Next week Mahmoud Abbas, Pres. of the Palestinian Authority is to address the U.N. and ask for Palestinian membership and statehood be granted by that body. The U.S. is expected to veto the request. Granting the Palestinians full membership in the U.N. is the Just thing to do. A U.S. veto will lead to a plethora of unexpected consequences none of them good leading to greater instability in the region and the world beyond.
SHARE Monday, June 23, 2014 Truth Telling and Lies
Yesterday Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said, "The US is seeking an Iraq under its hegemony & ruled by its stooges". Meanwhile Sec'y of State John Kerry mouthed, "The US would like the Iraqi people to find leadership that is prepared to represent all the people in Iraq that is prepared to be inclusive & share power". Need we guess which quote is the truth & which is propaganda?
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, February 26, 2021 Biden orders missile strike on Syria
Trump's been gone since Jan 20th. Expectations rose the Biden administration would bring a breath of fresh air, restore order in US foreign affairs the crass Trump scorned in so many ways. Now we hear Biden ordered a missile strike on Syria last night. Where was his legal authority? Trump had previously ordered missile strikes on Syria. Where was his legal authority? What's changed? Nothing. The deeds & actions are the same.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, December 21, 2010 Dysfunction Run Amok in the Senate
When polled the American people give low marks (low teens) to the work of Congress. The Senate w/ its filibuster rule is beyond the pale when it comes to being dysfunctional. The filibuster is teh main roadblock in the Senate. Its use has become the tyranny of teh minority. It demands to be amended and can be by simple majority vote as the new Congress opens in January. It should be the first order of business in the Senate.
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, March 12, 2011 The Gauntlet has been Thrown Down and the Challenge is Being Met
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's signing into law the end of collective bargaining against the public service unions is seen by them as an act of war. The protestors see him and his Repub. cohorts as corporate backed lackeys doing the bidding of their deep pocketed corporate sponsors. The demonstrators vow renewed resistance, court challenges, petitions for recall, strikes and boycotts. The gauntlet has been thrown down.
SHARE Saturday, July 28, 2012 Just What Country is Threatening the Other?
Yes the Iranian's are beefing up their defenses in the Persian Gulf. But the idea that there's an Iranian threat to the U.S. Navy is farcical. It's the U.S. that placed 2 carrier groups in the Gulf. So in response Iran expanded its fleet of fast attack boats, subs, anti ship missiles and military drills. What was Iran supposed to do, just cower in fear of the bully menacing them and squeezing them w/ economic sanctions?
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, September 28, 2012 Who is this Man at the U.N. with Crude Illustration in Hand?
Israeli P.M. Netanyahu spoke at the U.N. Gen'l Assembly yesterday. He held a crude illustration of a bomb w/ a fuse depicting Iran's nuclear development reiterating his demand for red lines to trigger military action if Iran refused to halt its nuclear program. It is Netanyahu talking aggression. Israel & the U.S. have nuclear weapons, not Iran. Exactly who is threatening who?
SHARE Monday, February 4, 2013 Protect The Church At All Costs
Protect the church @ all costs. That would represent the true official policy of the Catholic Church. Recently the Archdiocese of L.A. released 12,000 pgs. of once confidential personnel files of over a 100 priests accused of abuse after an L.A. judge ordered them released. It revealed once again the intentional cover up policy exercised by church hierarchy of priests molesting children.
SHARE Tuesday, August 24, 2010 America's Path of Ignoble Ignominy
One should be appalled at our government's policies, the preemptive and unnecessary wars, our resort to torture, some of the more despicable acts we have descended to use. Our republic has become an imperialistic hegemonic tyrant. Can we reclaim our government and our country from the ruinous, ignoble and ignominious path we have been traveling? Let's hope it isn't too late.
SHARE Tuesday, February 23, 2010 All the "Best Ideas" on Health Care Reform, Not.
It boggles the mind when Obama said he wanted all the "best ideas" on health care and no proposal for a single payer Medicare type reform plan. Say what you want this is sleight of hand hypocrisy. "Reconciliation" is the only way health care reform can be enacted, yet the one plan that would be transformational health care reform is still left out in the wilderness. It didn't have to be this way.
SHARE Sunday, April 29, 2012 The Diplomatic Imbroglio with Pakistan
The U.S. is currently in a diplomatic imbroglio w/ Pakistan over the U.S. missile strike that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers in November. The U.S. called it an accident but the Pakistani's weren't buying it. They closed the main U.S. supply routes leading into Afghanistan & they want an apology before considering opening the routes. The U.S. has refused & thus the diplomatic impasse.
SHARE Friday, June 8, 2012 Obama Ramps Up CIA Drone Strikes into Pakistan
Barack Obama again unleashed the CIA to ramp up drone strikes into Pakistan. The Pakistanis refuse to reopen supply routes of U.S. supplies thru Pakistan into Afghanistan. The Obama crowd is miffed that the Pakistani doctor who fingered the whereabouts of Osama bin Laden to the CIA was just sentenced to 33 yrs. in prison. In retaliation Obama orders more drone strikes into Pakistan; sheer madness prevails.
(2 comments) SHARE Sunday, July 11, 2010 Sadly, We are the Silent Partners and Enablers to our Own Undoing
The acquiescence to our wars today is disturbing and unsettling. There is no draft of the age group that was the primary source of campus protest during the Viet Nam war. There was self interest to the many that objected and resisted the war. Today there are no mass protests on our campuses. We remain detached and unengaged to the terrible reality our gov't is committing in our name. We are turning our backs to it.
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, January 13, 2011 Legimate Reasons for Julian Assange to Worry about Extradition to Sweden
Lawyers for Julian Assange said they would oppose his extradition to Sweden because he might subsequently face illegal rendition to the U.S., risking imprisonment at Guantanamo Bay or even the death penalty. He has legitimate reasons to worry.
SHARE Monday, June 18, 2012 Military Coup in Egypt
Yes there was a presidential election this weekend in Egypt w/ the Muslim Brotherhood's candidate Mohamed Morsi the projected winner. But w/ his likely victory SCAF, the military council now in charge, acted preemptively issued an interim constitution granting itself broad power over the gov't, power to control the prime minister, lawmaking, the nat'l budget w/o supervision or oversight. Such a declaration is a military coup.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, December 3, 2012 Pentagon about to Deploy over 1400 Spies Overseas
The Pentagon's DIA, Defense Intelligence Agency, in the past focused on battlefield issues. It's about to expand worldwide & engage in CIA type undercover espionage against terror & emerging "enemies" like Iran, N.Korea & China. Is the world the new battlefield? What if such "enemies" are overblown, contrived or imagined? Such sane questions are not asked.
SHARE Wednesday, August 21, 2013 New Facial Scanning Surveillance System Revealed
A new surveillance system BOSS (Biometric Optical Surveillance System) is being developed under a contract to a military contractor by Homeland Security to screen crowds & automatically identify people by their faces. Not quite ready for prime time (est. some 5 yrs. down the road) it will add to the gov'ts surveillance arsenal further making a mockery of the Constitutions 4th Amendment against unreasonable searches & seizures.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, June 17, 2014 The Catalyst That Spawned All The Current Mayhem
Lately much is being made of the radical, Sunni Islamist takeover of Mosul, Iraq's 2nd largest city 220 miles north of Baghdad. Let's remember, the current mayhem in Iraq began w/ Bush invading & occupying the country in 2003 & is the primary catalyst that spawned the chaos we're witnessing now. These Sunni extremists weren't even in the country before then.
SHARE Tuesday, January 12, 2021 Storming the Capitol January 6th, Trump inciting them to take action now Congressional Dems grandstanding on the matter
Since the storming of the Capitol on Jan. 6th there's been much said of what it was. Also what Trump did arousing his supporters to take action that day. For sure those who stormed the Capitol should be held to account. The rest were legally protesting. It wasn't a riot. W/a 6PM curfew & more police on the scene order was restored. Further grandstanding by Congressional Dems on the matter will only serve as gasoline on a fire.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, August 27, 2013 U.S. About to Act with Impunity and Attack Syria
Yesterday Sec'y of State John Kerry, over an alleged gas attack by the Assad gov't, laid the groundwork for Pres. Obama to attack Syrian gov't forces & installations. All this w/out confirmed evidence in hand. Even w/ U.N. inspectors in Syria investigating & conducting tests (which could take weeks) U.S. gov't spokesmen say "it's too late to be reliable". Expect a U.S. air attack before U.N. inspectors confirm their findings.
SHARE Monday, September 26, 2011 "Surprise, surprise", Or is It?
"Surprise, surprise", or is it? In interviews some of Obama's most loyal supporters who previously gave $10, $25 or $50 over weeks and months may not be giving any more. Whether its "disappointment, not standing up to Republicans, being bewildered". He's not the transformational figure many expected. The hope and change he elicited in 2008 didn't happen. Change can only occur from the actions of the people to make that happen.
SHARE Tuesday, October 19, 2010 A New Case Brought Against Ashcroft as Attorney General
SCOTUS has agreed to hear a case directed at John Ashcroft when he was the AG of the U.S. An American, Abdullah al-Kidd was arrested in 2003, detained, shackled, held in security cells, had his passport taken and told he couldn't leave the country. An FBI agent erroneously told a magistrate Kidd bought a one way ticket (he had a round trip ticket) and was illegally held for 16 days. Kidd's case against Ashcroft is worthy.
(6 comments) SHARE Sunday, June 6, 2010 The Continuing Nightmare Saga of BP
The continuing saga that is the BP oil gushing disaster in the Gulf, we hear daily such drivel as "Things are going as planned"we're encouraged". As "dark clouds of escaping gas and oil continue to swirl around the cap" (in seeming contradiction) we get BP saying "the device should capture the vast majority of crude flowing from the damaged well." This is what you get when PR replaces competence and actual deeds being done.
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, July 9, 2010 Obama and Netanyahu Make Nice at the White House
Obama and Netanyahu make nice at the White house. Did the two heads of state discuss anything substantive? According to reports the Israeli flotilla raid was not discussed, the siege of Gaza wasn't brought up, Israel's undeclared nuclear arsenal remained in the closet and Israeli settlement expansion wasn't even mentioned. This was a snooze, a congenial photo-op. In essence it was a joke.
(1 comments) SHARE Sunday, January 30, 2011 ElBaradei to Mubarak, "Step Down, What We Have Begun Cannot Go Back"
Speaking from a megaphone before hundreds of thousands in Tahrir Sq. in central Cairo, Mohamed ElBaradei said, "We have a key demand for the regime to step down and a new era to start. What we have begun cannot go back." It remains to be seen what his words elicits from Mubarak. He clings to power and has yet to realize Egypt has reached the point of no return to his remaining in power.
SHARE Saturday, November 16, 2013 "Assurances"
We spy every which way technologically possible w/ the NSA intercepting all electronic communications from phone to internet to "back doors" in software sold to businesses & as we now know even to the personal cell phone conversations of German Chancellor Angela Merkel to which the Obama administration has "assured" German officials in the future "her conversations will be safe". Oh yeah!
SHARE Tuesday, February 16, 2016 When the country has been on the path to hell, what other hope is there?
With Antonin Scalia having departed the scene what does this portend for SCOTUS & the country? Even before Obama selected a nominee the Repubs denounced any choice the prez makes saying they'll do anything to prevent him, her being confirmed. W/ all this nonsense about to happen the bottom line is getting a 5th member app'd that can help begin to undo the damage of the Roberts Court, particularly overturning Citizens United.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, January 4, 2011 Tomorrow is D-Day in the Senate
Tomorrow marks the opening session of the new Congress whereby all rules changes governing how the Senate operates, including the filibuster, can be amended by a simple majority vote. The current use of the filibuster by the Republicans has meant tyranny by the minority to kill any measure before it can come up for a vote. This must not continue. This basic reform needs to happen tomorrow.
SHARE Saturday, April 10, 2010 The "Vietnamization" of the Afghan Conflict
To the Taliban, we are the enemy they will use any tactic necessary to defeat and we endanger the Afghans who side with us. As our strategy is to "compensate" or "hire" local Afghans, the whole thing smacks of "Vietnamization" which was an abysmal failure. The Vietnamese outlasted us. The same will happen in Afghanistan and ironically, the Taliban are showing up to collect cash from the US Marines to fund IEDs.
(7 comments) SHARE Monday, March 5, 2012 Why Does Limbaugh's Buffonery Get The Attention It Does?
Is everything emanating out of the mouths of politicos or a blowhard radio commentator news worthy of MSM attention? Rush Limbaugh accused a Georgetown U. law student of being a slut, prostitute and feminazi because she told a House committee she wants health ins. co's to cover contraception. What he said was slanderous & maybe worthy of being sued. But why give his vituperation legitimacy by making it front page news?
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, November 13, 2015 Is it really the "Call of Duty"?
Today on a DC Metro train there was a 4'x6' poster proclaiming something called a "Call of Duty" championship. A video game for "Mature 17+, Blood & Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Drugs". It's about torture, dismemberment, brutality is everywhere. So this what it may be coming down to: no military draft to contend w/ young people are getting enticed w/video games simulating real war.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, March 20, 2012 The Insanity of an Attack on Iran
The NY Times reported today on a classified war simulation conducted earlier this month that an Israeli strike on Iran would lead to a wider regional war, which could draw in the U.S. & leave 100's of Americans dead. Iran poses no real threat to the U.S. or Israel. The entire attack on Iran scenario is contrived & unnecessary that defies all reason. An attack on Iran is simply insane.
SHARE Wednesday, December 1, 2010 WikiLeaks Reveals Uranium Left in Unprotected Storage in Pakistan
As the WikiLeaks cables are parsed the ones on Pakistan are most revealing. A cable exposed uranium in unprotected storage that could be used for a dirty bomb. It was agreed to be removed by the U.S., but now Pakistan refuses saying the Pakistani press would report the transfer as Pakistan allowing the U.S. to take away its nuclear weapons. Our presence in the area prevents what should be a simple removal of deadly uranium.
SHARE Friday, May 25, 2012 Gutlessness and Hypocrisy
The Bush era tax cuts are about to expire @ the end of the year & both Dems. and Repubs. are falling all over themselves to extend cuts (Dems. only for the middle class; Repubs. including the rich). It's all gutlessness and hypocrisy. They all know all too well the rich are not paying their fair share & tax cuts for the rich should never have been enacted in the first place.
SHARE Thursday, September 10, 2020 The eviction crisis starting to happen in America
There's a Jimmy Dore video titled, "Evictions Crisis While Dems & Republicans Do Political Theater". It shows a sheriff in Houston, TX. evicting families from their apts. unable to pay the rent because they're out of work. Seeing people tossed out of their homes is rough viewing but necessary. It makes one ask what sort of country would let such a travesty happen? What's a gov't good for if it can't protect its people in need?
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, September 30, 2010 Barack Obama, "Stick with Me" ; Ah, Not so Fast
Barack Obama was out on the hustings the other day at the U. of Wisconsin pleading with his college age audience to "Keep believing that change is possible. You've got to stick w/me; you can't lose heart." Two years after his election, those words don't have the same ring to them. Obama and the Dems. had an election mandate they squandered. If they lose in November consider it a self inflicted wound.
(3 comments) SHARE Monday, October 11, 2010 "War? Oh yeah, that!"
In this country, going to war "is" the most difficult decision a president (and Congress) has to make. That is the conventional (unofficial) "wisdom" of pundits and people alike. Maybe we need to revise that "wisdom" and substitute the word "was" for "is". To the average American it seems, "The war? Oh yeah, that." So those running for Congress don't bring up the war. Why should they. Nobody cares.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, May 26, 2010 The Current Intrigue over the Sinking of a South Korean Warship in March, Part 2
For the apparent sinking of a S. Korean warship by a torpedo from a N. Korean submarine, S. Korea suspended all trade with the North. New military exercises (w/ the U.S.) were announced and the South would no longer allow N. Korean vessels to cross its maritime boundaries. China is being pressed by Sec'y of State Clinton to join the chorus and condemn the N. Koreans. Are we trying to provoke Kim and the North into a hot war?
SHARE Friday, October 25, 2013 "Everybody Does It"
Everybody does it; the simple refrain of many over the revelations of NSA snooping by whistleblower Ed Snowden. The latest has German Chancellor Angela Merkel's cell phone tapped by the NSA. She reacted furiously & called Obama on the monitoring. The White House response, "We're examining our intel practices". Nonsense. These are self inflicted wounds & no amount of dissembling is going to restore trust in the U.S. gov't.
SHARE Thursday, March 3, 2011 The Ongoing Obscenity of Our Wars and the War on Terrorsim
There has been little mention of our wars and the war on terrorism juxtaposed to the rebellions in the Arab world. The revolts have been nonsectarian, grass roots and non-ideological, completely unrelated to fundamentalist, jihadist terrorism. Our wars and the war on terrorism are a ruse, a fantasy perpetrated and concocted by neocons and cold war warriors. They are an ongoing obscenity.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, June 10, 2011 We Can No Longer Remain Passive and Indifferent, It is Time for Collective Action, Part 2
On Oct. 6, 2011, the 10th anniversary of the Afghan war, a people's coalition will occupy "Freedom Plaza" in Wash., DC. The October2011.org invites all people to commit and join in being there. This is our "Tahrir Sq." moment, to peacefully resist and oppose the plutocrats who have usurped this country for their benefit and interest. The people must be in solidarity to restore our country to being of, for and by the people
SHARE Saturday, February 12, 2011 The Exultation in Egypt
The Egyptian people deserve their moment of glory vanquishing their oppressor Hosni Mubarak. Thirty yrs. of official repression seemed cleansed in the people's exhilaration at what they accomplished. This was a grassroots non ideological, non sectarian leaderless rebellion. The U.S. would do well to pull back and let this revolution evolve and be solely determined by the Egyptian people.
SHARE Thursday, September 3, 2020 Trump and Cuomo threats and accusations
Are things unraveling politically? It seems so. Trump threatens to w/hold fed'l funds to" jurisdictions that permit anarchy, violence & destruction" namely NYC, Portland, Seattle & DC. NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo responded, "Is that a threat? He can't have enough bodyguards better an army to walk down streets in New York". New Yorkers don't want anything to do w/ him." What dialogue there is has descended into threats & accusations.
SHARE Monday, August 5, 2013 Reaping What We Are Sowing
Last week the Obama administration announced the closing of some embassies in the Middle East, N.Africa & East Asia. It extended the closings to next weekend supposedly over a possible al Qaeda plot. But it's U.S. policies initiating drone strikes, night raids & the killing of innocents that are behind attacks of revenge taken against the U.S. in retaliation. We are reaping what we are sowing.
SHARE Tuesday, January 5, 2021 Why no skepticism of governmental pronouncements in this time of the covid pandemic?
We know the US gov't lies to its people. The same w/the MSM. Iraq had no WMD. IAEA inspectors found none & former nuclear inspector Scott Ritter said all Iraqi WMD was destroyed after the Gulf war in the 1990's. Yet in this time of the Covid pandemic people who would normally be skeptical of all gov't pronouncements believe everything they're being told by gov't authorities & the MSM is the unadulterated truth about it. Why?
SHARE Monday, January 4, 2016 What to make of Saudi Arabia cutting all diplomatic ties with Iran? An escalation, but no game changer
What to make of Saudi Arabia cutting all diplomatic ties w/Iran? This after Iranian's sacked the Saudi embassy in Tehran in reaction to the Saudi regime executing a Shiite sheikh along w/46 others. The countries oppose each other over Yemen & opposite sides in the Syrian conflict. Though the executions & storming of the Saudi embassy is an escalation it's no game changer, not while the Saudi's remain a staunch ally of the US.
SHARE Saturday, April 13, 2019 The "empire" strikes back
By now most people have seen the video of Wikileaks founder and publisher Julian Assange being forcibly dragged from the Ecuadorian Embassy in London by the police. Let's not mince words. This is a travesty of injustice instigated by "official" Washington because Assange published acc'ts of Washington's wrongdoing, embarrassed the machinations of its ruling elite bringing their vendetta against him. It's a sad day in America.
SHARE Wednesday, January 16, 2013 Mali: Another Quagmire in the Making?
Five days ago French Pres. Hollande sent war planes into Mali to repel Islamist militants advancing to the capital Bamako. Islamists are late comers to the strife in Mali coming in after taking part in the civil war in Libya. But w/ the Malian army demoralized the Islamists have set out to establish Sharia Law & take over the entire country. So enter the French but is this a new quagmire in the making?
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, May 10, 2013 American Policies and Actions Creating Greater Resentment Worldwide
We are creating more Jihadists in the Muslim world w/our killing of innocents. Al over the world people object to our military bases (over a 1000) in their communities. Okinawa has suffered rapes & assaults by American military personnel creating bitter resentment toward the American military base presence. W/our drones killing innocents we will have more people taking revenge against us. Hatred of U.S. policies is rampant.
SHARE Monday, February 7, 2011 The Spirit of the Egyptian Revolution
The spirit of the Egyptian revolution connects with our own founding fathers as expressed by those protestors in Tahrir Square. It needs teh chance to flower which can only happen once Mubarak leaves the scene. It is up to the Egyptian army to make that happen. Peacefully and doing it so Mubarak can leave with "dignity".
(3 comments) SHARE Friday, April 16, 2010 Facts Don't Get in the Way with This "Crowd".
Facts don't get in the way with this "crowd". The "crowd" is of course the "tea partiers" who celebrated their 1st anniversary yesterday. "We have to take the country back by taking the money back they take from us," one exclaimed. No tax money for gov't. No schools, police, fire departments, roads and bridges. It's all completely incongruous. There are serious problems facing this country. The tea partiers haven't a clue.
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, August 22, 2011 Hypocrisy Runeth Over in Wisconsin and Ohio
Of late the Republican governors in Wisconsin and Ohio, Scott Walker and John Kasich respectively, recently discovered the idea of compromise w/ the opposition and their states public unions over collective bargaining. Early on each took on the unions w/ a vengeance intent on ending collective bargaining. It's all a ruse, a smokescreen that belies their true nature shown unmistakably in their early days of self deluded glory.
SHARE Friday, May 27, 2011 Escalating Tensions between Pakistan and the U.S.
The Pakistani gov't has told the Obama administration to reduce the numbers of troops in the country and has ordered the closing of 3 military intelligence centers. The moves by Pakistan must be seen as their reasserting their sovereignty and independence of the U.S. after suffering the indignity of not being in on raid to kill Osama bin laden.
SHARE Thursday, April 15, 2010 Why Weren't all the Rest Invited?
The two day summit in Washington focused on combating nuclear terrorism. Only 47 heads of state were invited. Why weren't the rest invited? Conspicuously absent were Iran, N. Korea and Israel. This was a direct snub of the two "demonized" nations, enhancing their suspicions of the U.S. and its intentions. Sanctions don't work. A chance was missed for an umbrella agreement with all countries, including the two we despise.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, November 1, 2010 The True Meaning of the Latest Foiled Terrorist Plot, Part 2
Terrorism doesn't operate in a vacuum. There has to be catalyst to bring it about. Our wars in Muslim country's create new terrorists and compound and increase the terror against us. Parenthetically, we need to deter attacks against innocent Americans using timely intelligence and cooperative efforts between civil authorities. Something we didn't do prior to 9/11 as told by Lt. Col. Shaffer in his book "Operation Dark Heart."
(3 comments) SHARE Tuesday, May 28, 2013 Just What Country Initiated a Cyberattack?
This morning there was a corp. media acc't on a critical issue that exclusively focused on our enemies but excluded any mention of U.S. engagement on the same issue. The issue concerned potential cyberattacks on the U.S. power grid. What was missing from the corp. media acc't was the U.S. initiating cyberwarfare on the Iranian nuclear program. It seems others will not sit idly by especially when we're initiating cyberwarfare.
SHARE Wednesday, January 26, 2011 Thousands Demonstrate in Egypt Calling for President Mubarak to Step Down
Yesterday, 1,000's of Egyptians were in the streets of Cairo (and other cities) chanting and marching against the regime of President Hosni Mubarak calling for his ouster. The people are keenly aware of what has transpired in Tunisia and believe "if it can happen in Tunisia it can happen here." Violent clashes continued into the night w/the foreign ministry saying it will crack down on protestors. Cairo is absolutely quiet.
SHARE Thursday, July 5, 2012 The "Sorry" State of American Diplomacy
Sec'y of State Clinton told Pakistani gov't officials she was "sorry" for the deaths of 24 Pakistani soldiers killed in American air strikes in November. As a result Pakistan reopened the supply lines into Afghanistan. It wasn't the formal apology Pakistan had demanded but it was the best the Obama admin. could come up w/. They can't appear weak in the face of right wing attacks. Such is the state of our diplomacy. "Sorry".
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, October 1, 2010 What are the Chances for a Peace Agreement Between The Palestinians and Israel?
Just what are the chances for a peace agreement between the Palestinians and Israel? Only the U.S. has the power and influence to compel Israel to end the conflict. Since the U.S. will not exercise its power and influence on Israel, what is the basis for believing a negotiated settlement and peace w/ the Palestinians is going to happen? Based on the past, the prospects are not good to not a chance.
SHARE Thursday, January 20, 2011 Self-Immolation Spreading to Egypt, Street Level Protests Called for Next Tuesday
When a poor but highly educated Tunisian vegetable trader self-immolated himself 3 weeks ago, his act became a spark that brought down the Tunisian ruler and his gov't. Lately some Egyptians have followed the lead of the Tunisian man and self-immolated themselves. Opposition leaders in Egypt are calling for street level protests next Tuesday. It remains to be seen what began in Tunisia will bring to Egypt and beyond.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, June 20, 2014 Is Obama in Iraq Echoing Kennedy in Viet Nam?
In a move reminiscent of Pres. Kennedy in the early days of US engagement in Viet Nam Pres. Obama is sending 300 military advisers to Iraq to "take the fight" against the Sunni Islamist "terrorists". Kennedy said on Sept.2 1963 "we can send our men there as advisers against the "Communists". Replace "advisers" in Viet Nam w/the advisers in Iraq & Communists for terrorists & are we heading for a repeat of the Viet Nam debackle?
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, July 20, 2012 The Catalyst for a Middle East Conflagration Rests with Israel's Obsession with Iran even with Syria in the Headlines
Syria may be on the verge of a civil war w/ the assassination of 3 high ranking gov't officials by the rebels in Damascus. They control border crossings w/ Iraq & Turkey. 1,000's of Syrians have fled into Lebanon. But Assad has not backed down firing rockets in a Damascus suburb. Yet as bad as the situation is in Syria it won't be the catalyst for a wider Mid East conflagration. That rests w/ Israel & its obsession w/ Iran.
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, January 29, 2016 Little "things" we encounter each day
How about those little annoyances we encounter each day. People talking on cell phones loudly in public, being tailgated while driving, getting ticketed from an unknown surveillance camera, TV's on everywhere, making a call and getting the answering machine w/the innocuous "Our menu has changed" rather than a real person answering the phone, particularly if it's a doctor's office. Have these people been outsourced as well?
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, March 15, 2016 Day of reckoning for Bernie and the "Donald"?
Today is a sort of day of reckoning for Bernie Sanders & even Donald Trump w/ primaries in Ill., Ohio, Fla., Missouri & N.C. Bernie needs to win Ill. & Ohio to have any chance @ winning the Dem. nomination. As for Trump he's stirred a hornet's nest among neo-cons, Repub. insiders, corp. big wigs & Super PACS spending millions to derail him from winning enough delegates & capturing the nomination. It's that sort of a day.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, April 18, 2016 A truly revolutionary issue, get money out of politics
The only time the country was revolutionary was July 4, 1776 w/ the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Today there is no less a need. There's been radical movements thru-out our history women's suffrage, civil rights, necessary but not revolutionary changing the way gov't was run, favoring the moneyed interests. But there's one issue truly revolutionary, demand big money out of politics. That would change everything.
SHARE Thursday, May 9, 2013 The American Legacy in Iraq
Sunni-Shiite bloodletting has increased dramatically in Iraq. Shiite Gov't security forces raided & killed 50 Sunni protesters near Kirkuk two weeks ago. Enraged Sunni's retaliated by bombings of Shiite areas & Shiite worship sites. Dashed Sunni hopes & unfulfilled Shiite gov't promises to them have created this chasm, part of the American legacy in Iraq. The sectarian civil war in 2006 may happen again.
SHARE Monday, July 22, 2013 The Government has Become the Real Life Sequel to the Fictional "The Godfather" and Why Leaks are Flourishing
Obama has pursued leakers w/ a vengeance, more than all other administrations combined. Ex Dir. Of Nat'l Intelligence Dennis Blair & AG Eric Holder seem to agree leaks were flourishing because the gov't was too passive in addressing them. Not so. Leaking is flourishing because of the gov'ts massive engagement in illegal activities & leaker's conscience won't let them remain silent knowing what they know about gov't wrongdoing.
(2 comments) SHARE Saturday, August 6, 2011 It is Time to Help the Syrian People
Scores of brave and innocent people are being indiscriminately killed by the regime of Bashir Assad. These are clearly crimes against humanity and genocide, not some sanitized "collateral damage". Outside intervention by the world is called for. The Syrian people would embrace it.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, April 17, 2012 Dripping with Hypocrisy
Yesterday, the UN Sec Council denounced N. Korea's failed attempt to place a satellite in orbit stating it was a cover to test ballistic missile technology. This is typical demonization from those that already have the rocket capability. Yet is it any wonder countries like N.Korea reject the exclusivity and hypocrisy of those w/ the technology that provides them security from being preemptively attacked & want it themselves?
SHARE Wednesday, November 13, 2013 "People with Noble Intentions"
Former NY Times Exec. Editor Bill Keller when recently queried about the Bush administrations request in 2004 not to publish an article about its secret program to eavesdrop on Americans w/out a warrant (yet published 13 months later)now says, "The story looks prescient. We now know that people w/ noble intentions can run way out of bounds". What people w/ noble intentions in the Bush crowd is he referring to?
SHARE Wednesday, June 25, 2014 "Unaffected"
At times one reaches a conclusion & makes a hypothesis: It is most people in America don't want to face reality particularly when it comes to their government's malevolent policies & actions. They'll feel too disturbed, made to feel uncomfortable & feel badly. So for them it's better to avoid unpleasant reality. It's easier that way.
SHARE Saturday, January 29, 2011 Mubarak's Days as Egypt's Strongman Seem Numbered
When demonstrations began in Egypt on Tuesday it was too early to predict the people's cry for Pres. Mubarak to step down. The protests have continued despite a gov't crackdown and curfew. Yesterday he called in the army and fired his cabinet. The crowds were having none of it. The key is the army. Many soldiers were relaxing and talking w/the demonstrators and inviting them to take pictures. Mubarak's days could be numbered.
SHARE Friday, September 21, 2012 Mitt Romney, The Gift that Keeps on Giving
Ever since the Romney video relegating 47% of the American people as being moochers & freeloaders went viral earlier this week, his talking head apologists have been working non stop dissembling what he meant. Despite their contortions & verbal jujitsu this Romney white elephant just grows in size. Romney is the gift that keeps on giving seemingly all but handing the election to Barack Obama.
SHARE Monday, April 5, 2010 The Continuing Sordid Saga within the Catholic Church
Can there be any doubt left that the molestation of children by priests and its cover up goes squarely to the feet of Pope Benedict XVI when he was Cardinal Joseph Ratsinger who headed the "Congregation of the Faith" the office directly responsible for taking action (or not) against known pedophile priests. The "infallible" pope is personally knee deep and complicit in this scandal that won't go away.
SHARE Wednesday, April 28, 2010 Call Their Bluff, Let'em Filibuster
On Monday, the Republicans voted to filibuster and block legislation on the overhaul of the financial system from reaching the Senate floor for debate. Reid and Democrats ought to call the Republicans bluff and let McConnell and friends actually filibuster. If Congress's deliberations on financial reform end in just a slap on the wrist, then our political system is the core problem preventing real reform.
SHARE Tuesday, December 20, 2011 Reflecting on Some of the Happenings of this Momentous Year
W/ the year ending there's a sense of wanting to reflect on this momentous year. It began last December when a Tunisian fruit seller self immolated himself and started a revolt by humanity against the forces of repression not just in Tunisia & the Arab world, but in Wisconsin, Greece, OWS and America, now w/1000's massing in Russia. People announcing, "We're here!" No longer in silence to the repressive forces over them.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, August 10, 2010 Democrats November Strategy, Run Against Bush
Democrat's strategy in the upcoming elections is to "warn that giving Republicans control of Congress would be akin to reelecting Bush." Hmm. The last time anyone looked "W" was in Texas and not running for anything. The Dems. want to scare their true believers and wayward progressives w/ images of Bush believing they'll come flocking back. The Dems. are in for a spanking in Nov. and they have nobody to blame but themselves.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, March 29, 2013 Of All the Industrialized Democracies Only in America is This a Controversy
Only in America would the country's highest court have difficulty in accepting same sex marriage & strike down the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act that recognizes only the marriage of opposite sex couples for more than 1,000 fed'l laws & programs. Today the Justices are meeting behind closed doors. Justice Kennedy may hold the key vote. Let's hope he joins the 4 open minded Justices & does the right thing.
SHARE Friday, July 13, 2012 Baltimore City the Catalytic Force in Bias Suit Won Against Wells Fargo
Yesterday Wells Fargo settled a bias suit for $175 million brought by the City of Baltimore. It rec'd $7.5 M, $125 M went to borrowers nationwide & $50 M to Baltimore & 7 other communities. In context the $175 M is a pittance compared w/ the bank making $16 billion in profit last yr. A slap on the wrist fine while admitting no wrongdoing & nobody goes to jail.
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, November 20, 2010 Phantom Threats and Other Absurdities
President Obama is in Portugal for the NATO summit. On Friday NATO agreed to build a mobile anti missile system to defend all NATO countries from an attack. But there can be no system developed that can defend against a "MIRV", the multiple independently targeted reentry vehicle. NATO agreed to system that can never succeed. That's the absurdity that was reached yesterday.
SHARE Thursday, February 25, 2016 What real war reporting is all about
What real war reporting is all about, journalist Robert Fisk's, "On The Front Line With the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Battling Outside Aleppo".
(1 comments) SHARE Sunday, August 1, 2010 "Rattling the Taliban", Targeting Its Leaders
"Rattling the Taliban" is the latest U.S. strategy in the Afghan war i.e. the targeted killing of Taliban leaders. It supposes kill the leaders and the rest will lay down their arms; thus a winning ploy to end the war. Winning some battles in Viet Nam didn't change the outcome of that war. Targeting Taliban leaders won't change the outcome in Afghanistan. July was the deadliest for U.S. troops in 9 yrs.of war. Bring them home
SHARE Tuesday, September 25, 2012 Free Speech - A Universal Concept or Only a Western Value?
The UN Gen'l Assembly is meeting today. Free speech is @ the heart of the agenda. Two questions prevail; is free speech a universal concept or is it only a Western concept clashing w/ the sectarian & cultural values of the Muslim world? The cultural values are irreconcilable but can be resolved by the mutual respect of differences.
(4 comments) SHARE Monday, December 17, 2012 Let's not ask, "Why did God let this happen"?
Adam Lanza massacred 20 first graders, 6 adults & his mother w/ a semi automatic military type assault rifle. As Gov. Dan Malloy of Connecticut said, "You don't hunt deer w/ these things". Many people asked "Why did God let this happen"? God had nothing to do w/ it. The killer was an adult member of contemporary American society. Any questions or answers begin & end there.
SHARE Tuesday, August 3, 2010 Israel Moves To Deport Children of Invited Workers
On Sunday, Israel initiated a policy to deport the children of guest workers,who were "young, born in Israel, speak Hebrew and have never seen the native countries of their parents. Incredibly, this new policy is aimed at the kids of foreign workers who were invited to work in Israel. This latest ruling smacks of ham handedness, reactionary myopia and irrational fear, further solidifying Israel's place as a stand alone nation.
SHARE Tuesday, June 1, 2010 Israeli Naval Action on the High Seas
Israel seems to have committed an illegal act at sea by boarding boats clearly not military and in international waters heading for Gaza. Intercepting ships on the high seas is against int'l maritime law. Where did they constitute a threat to Israel? If int'l law is to have any meaning at all it must include Israel which should not be given special dispensation by the U.S. if it is found in the wrong.
SHARE Wednesday, April 17, 2019 Tit for tat or danger in the making?
Pres. Trump has put Iran's Revolutionary guard on its terrorism list. Yesterday Iran's parliament reciprocated & put US Central Command on its terrorist organization list. Tit for tat? Maybe. But any US or proxy attack on Iran would surely have the Iranian's blocking & preventing all oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz creating a worldwide oil & economic crisis. A disaster in the making unless the US can be deterred.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, April 6, 2016 A class of people who deserve our utmost respect
Respect. It's not a word often heard much these days. But there's a class of people who deserve the utmost respect, American veterans who have spoken up & come out against war. These veterans don't see themselves as "heroes". One put it this way, "How many innocent people have been killed since 9/11? Throwing out words like 'heroes' does a disservice to the experience of veterans & all the innocent people killed since then."
SHARE Thursday, March 25, 2010 The Coming Iraq Upheaval
Look for a potential "earthquake" to erupt in Iraq. It won't register on the Richter scale. This will be a political "earthquake" that could shake the tenuous calm of the country. Iraq held a parliament election some weeks ago. There have been charges of fraud leveled by current Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. He warns of a risk to return to the bloodshed that ripped the country asunder. It should not come as a surprise.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, March 12, 2024 The FAA hires people with severe intellectual and psychiatric disabilities including commercial airline pilots
Apparently the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) "has placed a special emphasis on hiring employees w/ a severe intellectual disability, as well as vision & psychiatric disability. These include vacancies for the role of airline pilot and air traffic control specialist. It's well meaning not to discriminate against people in many-most instances but we need to draw the line somewhere. Airline safety being one of them.
(2 comments) SHARE Saturday, December 22, 2012 NRA Defiant and Combative as Ever
Yesterday the NRA's VP Wayne La Pierre gave us their defiant & combative response to the Connecticut massacre. Have armed volunteer guards in the schools financed & trained by the NRA. He said, "The only thing that stops a bad guy w/ a gun is a good guy w/ a gun". Of course no proposals to ban assault weapons. The NRA represents lunacy. Time to dismiss the rants of the NRA & ban these weapons.
SHARE Thursday, October 24, 2013 The Mean Spirited Lady of Baltimore
Mean spiritedness toward the homeless, addicted, unemployed or those simply hungry has been in the local Baltimore news lately though couched behind a façade of phony public rectitude & made into "a safety issue". One City Council woman is on a crusade to rid the city of "this atrocious behavior". America has changed in many ways & toward the poor mercilessly & w/out empathy.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, September 8, 2010 Islamophobia Run Amok
What to make of Pastor Jones of the "Dove World Outreach Center", an evangelical Christian Church in Gainesville, Fla. Jones wrote "Islam is the Devil" so his philosophy is known. Lately he has made known his plan to set afire copies of the Koran celebrating 9/11. Here is man whose thought process is warped and distorted. To those who remain silent and acquiesce to his planned act become his enablers and good Americans not.
(3 comments) SHARE Thursday, March 31, 2011 The Handwringing Over Our Support for the Rebels in Libya
There has been much handwringing over Obama's decision to support the rebellion in Libya. Perhaps it goes w/the territory. U.S. entry into ANY armed conflict raise suspicions as to our true motives in Libya. But Qaddafi has been ruthless in killing his own people. The U.S. entry into Libya along w/ Britain and France was and is a humanitarian effort supporting the people's rebellion in Libya. It was the correct thing to do.
SHARE Monday, November 22, 2010 Afghanistan, Viet Nam Redux
During the recent U.S elections the Afghan war was hardly mentioned. To most Americans the war is pretty much out of sight and out of mind. NATO announced the war will continue into 2014. The Taliban responded w/drawal of foreign forces is necessary, that Afghans are not ready to tolerate foreign invasion and occupation of their country. The truth is they are correct and will outlast us. The Afghan war is Viet Nam war Redux.
SHARE Monday, September 24, 2012 Straight Talk from an Unlikely Source
It's not often we get a country's leader speaking the truth. But there was Egypt's Pres. Mohammad Morsi saying "Successive American gov'ts purchased w/ American taxpayers money the dislike, if not the hatred of the people of the region. It's up to the U.S. to repair relations w/ the Arab world even when it conflicts w/the west. The U.S. is a gov't of smoke & mirrors. You won't get straight talk from either Obama/Romney brands.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, January 2, 2013 North Korean Leader wants end to "Confrontation" with South Korea
There might be light @ the end of the tunnel in relations between N. and S. Korea. S.Korea's new Pres. Park Geun-hye spoke of decoupling humanitarian aid from politics & wants a summit meeting w/ new N.Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Yesterday he spoke of ending the confrontation w/ S.Korea. Can the U.S. exercise some benign neglect toward N.Korea & let the two new leaders conduct bilateral negotiations w/o U.S. interference?
SHARE Wednesday, February 10, 2010 The Upcoming Bipartisan Health Care "Summit:" Am I Missing Something Here?
The president announced on Super Bowl Sunday a plan to hold a bipartisan "summit" on health care. The starting point would be the proposals that passed in the House and the Senate. He said he didn't want to "start over" but he wanted, "All the best ideas" on health care "and to move it forward." Will single payer, Medicare reform proposal be on the "Summit's agenda? If not, this will be a bipartisan gab fest and grandstanding
SHARE Tuesday, July 14, 2015 A deal with Iran finally reached
This morning the P5+1 reached a deal w/ Iran over its nuclear program along w/ lifting oil & economic sanctions on that country. The next rigmarole will have Congress taking 60 days to review the deal then vote on it. If as expected they reject the deal Obama has said he'd veto the legislation then Congress would need a 2/3 super majority to overturn the veto. That's unlikely to happen.
SHARE Wednesday, January 20, 2010 The Ongoing Protests in Iran
Tears swept over this reader as he read an account of the recent protests in Iran. An "amazing turnaround has happened; that fear has evaporated among many of those who have joined the opposition. The protests "were entering a new phase.
The protesters are on the right side of history.
Harshness against Iran at this time will be a critical error that would surely turn out badly for the people of Iran as well as us.
SHARE Sunday, September 19, 2010 The Possibility for the Most Unlikely of Coalitions
Our politics are broken and dysfunctional. Most people see big moneyed and special interests bankrolling and controlling our electoral and political process. It is the one issue we all, right and left, can agree on. By instituting a people's financed electoral system demanded by a coalition of the left and the right could fix that broken system. The challenge is getting that coalition together.
SHARE Saturday, October 2, 2010 Iraq Set to Name al-Maliki to 2nd Term as P.M. with Support from Radical Shiite al Sadr
Seven months after the election, Iraq to name Nuri al-Maliki to a 2nd term as P.M. The stalemate was broken when followers of Moktada al Sadr, the radical Shiite cleric, decided to support al-Maliki. The news of Sadr's support sent shivers of alarm thru official Washington. But we broke Iraq and now lament its latest political outcome. Real political reconciliation remains uncertain if not impossible in Iraq;that is our legacy
SHARE Sunday, January 24, 2010 Barack Obama, too little and Too late?
Within two days of Scott Brown's victory in Massachusetts, the White House gets ex Fed chief Paul Volcker out of the closet and embraces his ideas calling for regulation of Wall Street. Suddenly regulation of the "banksters" is front and center on the agenda. Could it be "politics" that causes the White House to realize they had better listen to the people? Is it too little and too late?
SHARE Friday, September 17, 2010 The Potential for a Political Backlash from the Right
Republicans and their tea party cohorts have been salivating at the prospect of a rout over the Democrats in November. With the results of Tuesday's primaries it isn't going to be the can't miss sure thing they thought it would be. Even Karl Rove said of Christine O'Donnell's primary victory in Delaware for Biden's old Senate seat that she makes "nutty" statements. That does not make for a Republican renaissance.
SHARE Tuesday, May 3, 2011 It's a Question of Pakistani Sovereignty
Let's be clear; it is good that Osama bin Laden is dead. He was a menace, responsible for killing thousands of innocent people. That he was killed by U.S. Special forces and buried at sea raises no questions here. What is questionable is the operation to get bin Laden was done w/o prior Pakistani agreement and authority. Pakistan is a sovereign country making the operation illegal. We have no respect for the rule of law.
SHARE Wednesday, October 2, 2013 The U.S. "Government", Sinister, Insane and Mean Spirited, Take Your Pick
Sinister, insane, mean spirited; take your pick. Our "gov't" aka the military/corporate/political complex is a cabal of intersecting & overlapping interests exercising control of this country. The shutdown of the fed'l gov't is just the latest instance of the "gov'ts" mean spirited insanity. And since 9/11 the sinister initiation of wars based on lies, a contrived war on terror reveals an unhinged "gov't" beyond redemption.
SHARE Friday, September 10, 2010 Leave Iraq to the Iraqi's
We supposedly ended our combat phase in Iraq only to see the "trainers" we left behind get engaged militarily w/in days of the w/drawal. So much for ending combat. Biden's in Iraq advising and consulting trying to get the quarreling factions to end the stalemate for a new Prime Minister and form a new gov't. Nice try Joe. We didn't learn w/ Viet Nam. Same w/ Iraq. No stable outcome is possible while we remain.
SHARE Monday, November 11, 2013 French Scuttle PreliminaryDeal with Iran
French Foreign Minister Fabius publically criticized an apparent deal w/ Iran over its nuclear program reached by the U.N.'s P5+1 contradicting the earlier French position agreeing to the deal in prior negotiations. Iran Pres. Rouhani responded negatively saying sanctions, threats, contempt & discrimination won't intimidate the country. Let's hope the French refusal isn't a deal breaker. Negotiations resume Nov. 20 in Geneva.
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, January 18, 2024 The UN Security Council never voted to attack Yemen making US and UK airstrikes illegal under international law
The US and UK attacking the Houthi's in Yemen w/ airstrikes and naval bombardments was never authorized by the UN Security Council and is therefore illegal under international law. These attacks just reveal the hubris arrogance of the US and UK that believe they can do anything and they'll never be held accountable for their actions. That's the unfortunate reality in the world wherever US actions are involved.
(1 comments) SHARE Saturday, July 31, 2010 Intelligence Insider Descibes Insidious Pressure on Intel Analysts in Run Up to War in Iraq
A former Nat'l Intelligence officer insider described how and why the intelligence used to justify the war in Iraq was "cooked". From an insiders perspective he described the insidious pressures put on intelligence analysts by the Bush/Cheney crowd to produce the "evidence" supporting their politically motivated case to justify and go to war. It renewed the disgust toward the whole unholy enterprise that was Bush/Cheney.
(1 comments) SHARE Sunday, March 21, 2010 America, Americans and Terrorism
A high level U.S. counterterrorism official regarding al Qaida and the failed Christmas Day bombing attempt is quoted as saying, "The lesson al Qaida likely took was that jeez, the damn bomb didn't go off and the Americans are still going out of their minds." Why is this so? Is it our American "exceptionalism", our sense of "entitlement"? Whatever it is, our actions, policies, wars and occupations are making things worse.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, September 22, 2010 Tomorrow's Republican "Governing Agenda", A Formula for Governing Not
Tomorrow House Republicans will unveil something called a "governing agenda", reminiscent of their 1994 "Contract with America" hoping this new ploy will bring a similar result this November as happened 16 years ago. It will bring nothing new to the table, just a repackaged, reconstituted list of nonsense appealing to their choir. Hopefully most people will see through the charade as so much pontificating hot air.
SHARE Wednesday, June 23, 2010 Any Truth in the Times Square Bombers Guilty Plea and Statement?
The Times Sq. would be bomber pleaded guilty to all 10 counts against him. He will spend the rest of his life in prison. In a most curious and animated fashion he described himself as a "Muslim warrior, stating, "We will be attacking the U. S. as long as the war continues referring to U.S. troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, drone strikes in Pakistan and the targeting of militants in Somalia and Yemen. Any truth to his statement?
SHARE Friday, October 14, 2011 Shutdown of OWS Averted, Cleanup and Clear Out Ruse Cancelled This Morning
The latest on the OWS occupy movement was the cancellation this AM of the cleanup of Zuccotti Park by Mayor Blumberg that would have effectively shut down and ended the OWS occupation. The cleanup of the Park was a ruse, an excuse to shut down the protest occupation. Such attempts by authorities to evict by using cleanup & clear out tactics are going to fail. The occupy movement's time has come.
SHARE Monday, October 1, 2012 Some Political Machinations Surrounding the Upcoming Elections
Let's look @ some of the machinations surrounding the upcoming elections. The only ones elected are Dems. or Repubs. Almost all funded by deep pocketed individuals or Corps. Polarization is exacerbated & a useful device perpetrated by big corporatist paid appeals to get people to focus on divisive social issues rather than real issues facing the country. Debate rules preclude3rd party participation. All to keep 2 party control
SHARE Friday, August 30, 2013 The White House, The President "Can Go It Alone" in Attacking Syria
Unable to achieve a "coalition of the willing" w/ the British Parliament yesterday nixing Prime Minister David Cameron's plea for Britain to join the U.S. in attacking Syria, the White House now says, "Obama can act alone". Mind you, there's no legal basis for the president to do this just simply he can do it. What else is there? Nothing.
SHARE Thursday, April 7, 2011 The Budget Impasse and the Looming Government Shutdown, Political Grandstanding at its Worst
A gov't shutdown looms tom'w as House Republicans, Senate Democrats and the President play budget roulette. These 11th hour shenanigans are no surprise. But our budget woes were caused by the financial industry whose meltdown created the great recession. Yet nothing is said or done in the current budget impasse and debate that gets the banksters to pay for the budget woes they created.
(2 comments) SHARE Friday, June 15, 2012 Court Dissolves Freely Elected Parliament in Egypt, a Coup in the Making?
Yesterday the Egyptian Supreme Court dissolved the recently elected parliament. Notably all the Court's members were appointed during Hosni Mubarak's reign. All int'l monitors overseeing those parliamentary elections declared they were fair. It's hard to dismiss the actions by the Court & supported by the interim military council gov't as anything but a coup & attempt to restore the old regime minus only Mubarak himself.
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, May 30, 2013 Redundant CIA Drone Strikes Won't End The Resistance
So much for Pres. Obama's speech last week where he announced new restrictions on drone strikes. Yesterday's CIA drone strike in Pakistan killing a suspected Taliban leader should put to rest any truth to his words. These redundant drone strikes, even the killing of insurgent leaders won't end their resistance against us. It'll just steel the resolve of that resistance.
SHARE Friday, July 8, 2011 Justice for the Palestinians in the Face of Israeli Intransigence
In September, the UN Gen'l Assembly is likely to recognize a Palestinian state. Israel and the U.S. are vigorously opposed. Currently a peaceful flotilla mission in support of Gaza is embargoed in Greece. It all comes down to justice for the Palestinians. Israeli intransigence and its apartheid policies perpetuate the resistance against it. It needs to be brought to its senses.
SHARE Wednesday, July 27, 2011 Madness Reigns in the Halls of Congress and the White House
Madness reigns in Congress and at the White House. The blather by both sides in the current debt crisis mania leaves one slack jawed. Are they and we living in the same country? The duplicity of the Repubs. is astounding. Meanwhile the President stands ready to accommodate the far rights wishes and savage the social safety net of the country. Who represents the people in this game? It's a charade perpetrated by our our Reps.
(2 comments) SHARE Monday, March 12, 2012 Nothing New in the Latest Atrocity by Americans in Afghanistan
We've all heard by now the American Sgt. who went on a shooting rampage in the middle of the night in Afghanistan killing 16 civilians as they slept, mostly women & children. A local Afghan said it best," Americans have never respected our culture and we will never be secure while the Americans are here". It's long past time for our politicos to declare victory & get out of there. Expect more atrocities until we finally leave.
SHARE Wednesday, September 25, 2013 Are We Getting Ahead of Ourselves Hoping for a Diplomatic Breakthrough Between the U.S. and Iran?
Are we getting ahead of ourselves hoping for a diplomatic breakthrough between the U.S. & Iran? From their addresses yesterday Pres. Obama & Iranian President Hassan Rouhani speaking @ the U.N.'s annual Gen'l Assembly meeting it appears possible Iran & the U.S. may be on the verge of conducting serious diplomacy over an impasse that began w/ the CIA coup of Iran's democratic gov't in 1953 & which Obama admitted to yesterday.
SHARE Tuesday, March 16, 2010 The Onus of Education In This Country is Wrongly Placed
The president wants to scrap Bush's "No Child Left Behind" laws on public schools. Obama's plan would keep the math and reading tests but eliminate the pass fail school grading system. It's "new wine in old bottles". As long as the focus of education and the onus of responsibility and accountability remains on the teacher, the principal or the school rather than where it should be (and once was) on the student.
(2 comments) SHARE Tuesday, May 27, 2014 A Memorial Day Extravaganza of Triumphalist Militarism, Some Thoughts
It sure was a Memorial Day extravaganza of ultra militaristic propaganda put on by the corp. media & particularly @ major league baseball games w/ the corp. flaks doing their best to make sport & American militarism are synonymous. We sure didn't hear the "fearless" MSM citing Congress for shortchanging the VA & the inadequate care afforded to vets. That would've interfered w/ the flag waving triumpalism we saw ad nauseam.
SHARE Friday, April 2, 2010 The "Afghan Follies" - Karsai's Fit of Pique at the U.S. and Obama
President Karsai accused the U.S. of "massive interference" in last Augusts' vote for president in Afghanistan. Obama's admonishment of Karsai on corruption apparently created his fit of pique. It was all quite laughable at first reading, but the war in Afghanistan is deadly serious. It is the latest misadventure of the American empire. Afghanistan has become Obama's Viet Nam "ignoring history and condemned to repeat it."
SHARE Saturday, April 9, 2011 Posturing and Blaming the Only Victors in Last Nights Budget Agreement to Keep Government Doors Open
A stop gap measure keeping the governments doors open was agreed to last night. But it's a sad commentary ALL parties are to blame for the shameless grandstanding we were forced to endure. The budget crisis may have been temporarily averted but there was nothing magnanimous coming from either side. Posturing and blaming was the only victor in this squabble.
SHARE Wednesday, September 5, 2012 The Sheer Hypocrisy of Our Diplomacy vis-a-vis the Actions We Take in Reality
Sec'y of State Clinton was in Beijing yesterday to meet w/ Chinese leaders. She said, "We are committed to building a cooperative partnership w/ China". The Chinese aren't buying it. As one Chinese writer put it, "the U.S. is a sneaky troublemaker in the South China Sea, sitting behind some nations & pulling the strings." In reality the U.S. goal is to contain China & contrive to make it our enemy even as China poses no threat
SHARE Tuesday, January 14, 2014 The Presidential Task Force on the NSA, A Diversionary Tactic Not Meant to Uncover All The Wrongdoing
The presidential task force looking into the NSA’s data mining operation concluded there’s no evidence the snooping prevented any terrorist attack. Even so the investigation wouldn’t go near the question of whether the NSA violated the Constitution. This commission, like all others before it, was a sideshow, a diversionary tactic, wasn’t thorough & complete & not meant to uncover all the NSA’s wrongdoing.
SHARE Wednesday, December 19, 2012 Mirroring What America has Become
Based on reports from Dems. in Congress, many state governors & mayors, new legislation banning assault weapons used in the Connecticut massacre are about to placed on the legislative agenda. But banning these weapons is only part of the problem. The real problems are a society in love w/ guns, movies & video games glorifying brutality & killing & American actions abroad. These massacres mirror what America has become.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, March 2, 2010 Obama and The Democrats
What can one say; President Obama and the Democratic Party reached its zenith with his election along with their huge majorities in Congress. But never has a president and his party squandered a mandate as these Democrats. The "sharks" in the water are hungry waiting to feast on the carcass that is likely to be the Democrats in November. It didn't have to be this way.
SHARE Wednesday, May 2, 2012 America, Circa, May 2012
This week was the 1 yr. anniversary of the killing of Osama bin Laden. The American people in polls agree Obama did the correct thing in taking Osama out. Those polls didn't ask if he had the legal authority or if killing him rather than capturing him & prosecuting him for his alleged crimes were legal. To most Americans, the end, killing Osama justified the means. To them it's "Sieg Heil, Obama".
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, May 4, 2012 The "Dracula" That Won't Die
The U.S. continues to build an ABM system in Poland & Romania. It won't work & never will work; the modern day version of the Maginot Line. It's an American fantasy, an illusion fed by military/industrial/political propaganda; the Dracula that won't die.
SHARE Friday, July 6, 2012 SCOTUS Overturning Montana Law is the Catalyst for a Constitutional Amendment
Last week the Supreme Court refused to review the 100 year old law in Montana banning corporate money in that states elections saying their 2010 Court ruling upholding Citizens United applied to Montana as well. SCOTUS ruling overturning the Montana law needs to be the catalyst bringing about a Constitutional amendment overturning Citizens and supersede SCOTUS monumental error.
SHARE Friday, March 23, 2012 Congress and Ethics Reform, a Complete Contradiction
Yesterday Congress sent an ethics reform bill to the president for his signature. It was intended to clamp down on insider trading but the House gutted its most significant provision, political intelligence selling of legislative action to traders on Wall Street. This attempt @ ethics reform is laughable. Sen. Durbin of Ill. said it best 2 yrs ago when he said of the big financial interests, "And frankly they own the place."
SHARE Wednesday, November 3, 2010 The Underlying Basis for Voter "Discontent"
Yesterday Repubs. gained the majority in the House. The Dems. retained the majority in the Senate. It wasn't a Dem. bloodbath. Discontent was the main theme but w/ broad disagreement as to cause following party lines. The one issue that cuts across right and left and is the basis of their discontent is corporate and special interest money that controls our election process. It's the one issue that right and left can agree on.
SHARE Tuesday, April 10, 2012 Hypocrisy Writ Large
An agreement was signed between Gen'l Allen, the American commander in Afghanistan, & Afghan Defense Minister Wardok on night raids, relegating American troops to a supporting role & bring the raids under Afghan authority. Now all raids would be led by Afghan troops w/ American intel, military & air support. Wardok said this was the "wish of the Afghan people." This is a complete ruse. Afghans don't want any night raids.
(3 comments) SHARE Wednesday, November 21, 2012 The Key for Every Significant Problem and Issue We Face, Controlling the Political Agenda
SCOTUS ruling in Citizens United OK'd a gusher of big money to influence & overwhelm the electoral process w/ over $6 billion in this last election. Big money controls the electoral process & underwrites the campaigns of most Dems. & Repubs who control the political agenda. It's why Citizens must be overturned, get big money out of politics, level the playing field & get a majority of progressives elected to control the agenda
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, January 7, 2013 Ex CIA Operative the First to be Sentenced for Leaks to Reporter
On Jan.25th John C. Kiriakou a former CIA analyst & operative will be sentenced to 30 months in prison for revealing the name of a covert CIA officer to a reporter. He did it inadvertently believing the officer had retired saying "If I'd known the guy was still under cover I would never have mentioned him". No matter. He's a convenient scapegoat for the Obama administration to intimidate gov't whistleblowers & reporters.
SHARE Thursday, December 2, 2010 FTC Favors 'Do Not Track' Mechanism Protecting Privacy of Internet Users
The FTC is in favor of consumer privacy to let people decide whether they want their internet browsing and buying habits monitored. It recommended a "do not track" mechanism similar to the Nat'l "do not call" registry. An online ad exec. said a gov't controlled do not track mechanism would cause significant economic harm to the industry. It's in the lap of Congress. Good luck for the privacy of the consumer in the Congress.
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, December 13, 2012 Some Corporate Media "News" and Deciphering Its Truer Meaning
The corporate media "news" or just another example of it being a mouthpiece for U.S. government propaganda which does little to keep the people properly informed or increase their understanding of the government's true Machiavellian purposes.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, January 14, 2013 Ban Assault Weapons? To the Gun Crowd that means "Lock and Load"
VP Biden heading a new gun control commission is to recommend new proposals to the president tom'w. But in America as always "follow the money." The NRA has tons of it & many in Congress are beholden to it. Any ban on assault weapons will likely have the NRA's imprint & won't be a great impediment to gun owners. It'll still be lock & load good buddy & be prepared.
SHARE Friday, March 16, 2012 The Crumbling American Presence in Afganistan
As to the continuation of our disastrous war in Afghanistan; the Taliban hold all the winning cards. They see the American presence crumbling; atrocities committed by the American military on innocent Afghans; drone attacks that kill innocents, our burning Korans. But politics rules the day in America. The war is a lost but will continue even as we commit more atrocities against innocent Afghans. A quagmire like Viet Nam.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, September 17, 2013 The "Rampage" at Washington Navy Yard yesterday, a perspective
As to the rampage yesterday @ the Washington Navy Yard where ex Navy man Aaron Alexis shot & killed some 13 people one thing is for sure, atrocities against innocents have proliferated in America. They're not yet commonplace but America is a violent culture & gives rise to the types of massacres we saw in D.C. yesterday.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, February 4, 2011 Is This the "Day of Departure" for Mubarak?
Today in Egypt millions are mobilizing calling this "the day of departure" for Mubarak to step down. Yesterday he told a reporter he" was fed up being president" but afraid to step down over the "chaos it would create" once he leaves. He remains in denial failing to see the turmoil will continue until he leaves. All Arab gov'ts are trembling, not knowing the outcome of the rebellion in Egypt and w/in their own countries.
SHARE Monday, April 12, 2010 At least "someone" is admitting they were wrong
At least "someone" is admitting they were wrong. That "someone" is Alan Greenspan. He testified at Phil Angelides "Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission" hearings last week. He admitted some culpability but blamed affordable housing mandates "Fannie and Freddie and their large scale purchases of securities backed by sub prime mortgages. To Angelides, Greenspan had the ability to regulate products entering the markets,you didn't.
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, December 17, 2015 Mistrial declared in Baltimore
A mistrial was declared yesterday in Baltimore for one of the police officers charged in the death of Freddie Gray while in police custody. Protests occurred immediately after the verdict was announced. One protester put it, "We want justice & we're just not going to get it". One thing seems clear w/this mistrial verdict of a black man dying while in police custody; the perception racial injustice is alive & well in America.
SHARE Tuesday, December 27, 2011 U.N. Helpless in the Face of Syrian Government Atrocities
The Arab League in an agreement w/ the Assad Gov't sent observers into Syria on Monday. The task is to monitor pledges made by Assad to w/draw troops & tanks from city streets & release political prisoners. Meanwhile videos show bloodied bodies lying in streets & tanks firing in residential areas of Homs over the weekend. Assad is committing crimes against humanity & the U.N. has been powerless to act.
SHARE Monday, June 11, 2012 Is Obama's "Tough" Guy Image Making Backfiring?
There's a developing story w/ some intrigue involving the Obama W. House over NY Times articles reporting on the Stuxnet computer worm disrupting Iranian centrifuges enriching uranium & secret kill lists drawn up by Obama & his advisors to assassinate suspected terrorists in Pakistan, Yemen & Somalia. Other than the public being informed on the Machiavellian machinations inside the W.H. the rest is dissembling & grandstanding.
SHARE Friday, November 2, 2012 Doing "Business" is All that Matters
To our contemporary American big business moguls all that matters to them is doing business even if the way they conduct that business often brings harm & misery to fellow Americans by domestic manufacturing closures & outsourcing of jobs. Yet conservatives embrace them as patriots & extol them as job creators in complete denial w/ today's reality. Only in America.
SHARE Tuesday, December 5, 2023 The US must join with the other members of the UN Security Council and bring a cease fire in Gaza
The Israeli siege of Gaza resumed after a 4 day truce ended w/ an exchange of Hamas held hostages & Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. To end this war the US must join w/ other members of the UN Security Council, demand a cease fire, bring the belligerents to the table & establish a two state solution of a sovereign Palestinian state including the West Bank & Gaza adjacent to Israel. And provide a UN peace keeping force.
SHARE Wednesday, August 29, 2012 The Complete Irrelevancy of the National Political Party Conventions
There are many issues facing this country which won't be mentioned @ the Repub. or Dem. Conventions. These extravaganzas are irrelevant, the choices already decided. But both parties offer pseudo choices as all the significant political agenda & issues are basically decided in favor of the corporate oligarchs which underwrite both party's candidates & regardless of which party controls the W.H. or controls the Congress.
SHARE Tuesday, July 9, 2013 In Retrospect Morsi Never had a Chance to Succeed, Part II
As we know the Egyptian army staged a coups deposing legitimately elected Pres. Mohamed Morsi. Coups that overturn legitimately elected presidents & prime ministers (think Iran in 1953 & Chile in 1973) bring terrible consequences for the people. Yesterday more than 50 people were massacred by the army. It's hard to imagine a worse scenario unfolding in Egypt w/ its current descent into societal breakdown & possible civil war.
SHARE Tuesday, January 3, 2012 The Coming Caucus and Primary Charade
The Iowa caucuses are beginning, then the N.H. primary. It's all a charade. None of the Repubs. running articulate the real problems & issues facing the majority of people. But neither does Barack Obama. Our current electoral process and those in office are so corrupted by big moneyed interests all our elections do is insure the interests of the 99% will continue to go wanting.
(2 comments) SHARE Saturday, June 12, 2010 Obama and Abbas Meeting at the White House, Nothing more than a feel good exercise
President Obama met w/ Palestinian leader Abbas at the W.H. on Wednesday. The president pledged some $ 400 million in aid for the Palestinian territories, which includes Gaza. But this meeting was no more than a feel good exercise. Abbas has no official standing in Gaza. Gaza is blockaded. How can there be a peace process w/out bringing Hamas to the bargaining table? Peace can occur only when Israel decides to negotiate.
SHARE Monday, June 13, 2011 Money Talks Louder than Wasted Lives
The administration is about to open internal debate on troop w/drawal from Afghanistan. According to polls, most Americans annoyance w/ the war was the drain it is having on resources and expense driving the federal deficit. In past wars it was casualties driving the public's discontent. What's going on? If $ signs are more important than human suffering because of war, then our values have become warped, twisted and deformed.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, July 30, 2012 Romney in Israel Issuing Threat to Iran
Romney was in Israel on Sunday touting his foreign policy chops w/ a foreign policy aide intimating Romney was ready to support a unilateral military strike by Israel on Iran. Romney hasn't seen a war he doesn't like & wants one w/ Iran. Meanwhile Obama, the assassinator in chief wants another 4 years to further distance himself from Mr. change you can believe in. Yet there is no other choice that has a chance to win.
SHARE Wednesday, October 6, 2010 "Flawed" Foreclosures Run Amok
A mortgage moratorium is being called for. It is about using "flawed" procedures in the processing of foreclosures. The "flawed" process had notarizations signed BEFORE the legal documents were written and some w/ "wildly different signatures, from the SAME EMPLOYEE." The attitude seemed to be "nobody is looking over our shoulder". There seems to be no association to the idea fraud is being committed. That is moral bankruptcy.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, May 9, 2012 "Occupy", What it Articulated and Exposed, What's the Next Step?
So where is the "occupy" movement headed? How will it evolve and what impact will it make down the road? It certainly isn't dead. It's an idea you can't kill by physically removing it. For sure "occupy" articulated and exposed the rot w/in our corporate dominated plutocratic state. It's the next step that is unknown; for "occupy" and the majority of people to take (or not).
SHARE Tuesday, February 22, 2011 Qaddafi Next in Line to Fall?
Qaddafi has been more brutal in Libya sending in militia, mercenaries, war planes and helicopters to gun down protestors. His killings have emboldened the protestors. Fissures to his rule are evident. If the military opts to side w/ the protestors his downfall may follow what happened with Mubarak in Egypt and Ben Ali in Tunisia.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, October 16, 2012 Madness in the Guise of Sanity
Why is there a need to expand U.S. military spending when there isn't an enemy now or on the horizon capable of challenging the U.S. militarily? The last challenger, the USSR ceased to exist in 1991. Terrorists and the war on terror have become the new bogeyman, yet have no army's, navy's, ships, planes, no country or people to defend. It's U.S. policy madness masquerading in the guise of sanity.
SHARE Monday, November 25, 2013 The "Usual Suspects"
What can you expect from the usual suspects? Led by Israeli PM Netanyahu & Repubs in Congress they denounced the diplomatic deal w/ Iran calling it a bad deal w/ Rep. Tom Cotton, R-Ark. saying it was the equivalent of Neville Chamberlain's appeasement of Hitler in 1936. Oh my! The deal is preliminary & a 1st step & a long way from finality. Let's hope diplomacy continues to overcome these usual suspects.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, March 30, 2011 Dilemma: We Seem Hell Bent on Destroying One Another, Finding a Way Out
As progressives we believe we're in tune w/ the problems and issues facing the world. We must guard against a tendency to condescend as if "we" know and "others" don't. There's only one planet we ALL have to share. We need to find a way to live in basic respect, cooperation and harmony w/ each other as opposed to being hell bent on destroying one another.
(9 comments) SHARE Monday, February 20, 2012 Iran Cuts Off Oil Shipments to Britain and France
Iran moved to end oil shipments to Britain & France. It's mostly symbolic but comes on heels of increased rhetoric by Israel to attack Iran's nuclear facilities, the coming embargo of Iran's oil by the E.U. and increased economic sanctions on the country. Iran has called for resumption of talks w/o preconditions. That seems the most rational course & could temper the overheated war rhetoric.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, March 6, 2012 Dissembling Rules the Day Between Obama and Netanyahu
Yesterday Pres. Obama & Israeli PM Netanyahu could hardly contain their distaste for one another. The issue, Iran. Both dissembled their reasoning for an attack on Iran w/ Obama saying sanctions are working, he has Israel's back, doesn't bluff, he'd act militarily, while Netanyahu countered, When it comes to Israel's security it has the sovereign right to make its own decisions ; each disguising their true intentions.
SHARE Monday, May 21, 2012 "A facade of unity"
Today ends the NATO confab in Chicago, a "façade of unity" on the war in Afghanistan. Yesterday thousands marched in the streets chanting, "No NATO, no way. Hey,hey, ho ho, NATO has got to go". Somehow declaring victory after more than 10 years of war, engaged in a hopeless quagmire and w/drawing as soon as possible isn't acceptable or appropriate in this day & age.
SHARE Monday, March 7, 2011 The Indignities and Humiliations the People Suffer from the Tyrants in Their Midst
In the revolutions in the Arab world the people suffered the same humiliations and indignities at the hands of their rulers. In Wisconsin it's been the indignity and persecution suffered by public union employees at the hands of a tyrannical Scott Walker, the Koch Bros. financed governor. We must not let the combined forces of corrupted officials and their big corporate backers to snuff out our freedom and democracy.
SHARE Wednesday, December 23, 2015 Throngs at the mega mall, is this what Christmas giving is all about?
Just a short word on America's favorite pastime, shopping at the mall. And this being Christmas that all American creation the mega mall is filled with Christmas shopping madness. Is this what Christmas giving is all about?
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, February 5, 2010 Holder was Right to Charge "Underwear Bomber" as a Federal Crime
Let's give credit where credit is due. Eric Holder's decision to prosecute the "underwear bomber" suspect as a federal crime was the correct decision. Despite Republican objections, wanting as they do to have all terrorist suspects held as enemy combatants and in indefinite detention without being charged. He has been charged, will be prosecuted and brought to justice, fairly and legally.
SHARE Monday, June 24, 2013 Edward Snowden Still in Moscow? Requests Asylum in Ecuador
Ed Snowden flew out of Hong Cong a day after the U.S. issued an extradition request to the Hong Cong gov't to send Snowden back to the U.S. to face espionage & theft charges. In light of the U.S. move Snowden requested asylum in Ecuador. He was scheduled to leave this AM for Havana but he was not onboard. Whether he remains incognito @ the Moscow airport terminal is still a mystery. But he had to act swiftly & leave Hong Cong.
SHARE Thursday, January 9, 2014 A Time of Posers and Posturing
We live in a time of posers & posturing certainly not problem solvers when it comes to our lawmakers. It’s all meant to be this way; harrumph about the other side, threaten a filibuster, create a distraction & keep things riled up. It’s all part of a process to serve the true masters, the giant corps. the big banks, Big Pharma & the like w/ laws & regs to benefit them & let peoples issues go unresolved.
SHARE Tuesday, February 1, 2011 Over two Million in Cairo Demand Mubarak to Step Down
Two million people gathered peaceably in Tahrir Sq. today demanding Mubarak step down. People say they will remain in the square until he does step down. The military announced last night the army will not use force against citizens staging protests to force Mubarak to step down. Economically the country is at a standstill. Mubarak's situation is untenable. He is the only one left in Egypt that hasn't reached that conclusion.
(1 comments) SHARE Monday, December 10, 2012 The Post-Revolutionary Turmoil in Egypt
Revolutions & the aftermaths tend to be messy affairs; witness the current post revolutionary turmoil in Egypt. How it can be resolved w/o it descending into civil war is anyone's guess. Should that occur it won't be because of Morsi's decrees which he has rescinded. The likely catalyst would come from the disparate minority opposition that couldn't abide by the majority that elected Morsi.
(1 comments) SHARE Wednesday, June 9, 2010 Israel Rejects International Probe of Raid on Aid Flotilla
Israel says no to calls for an international probe. It prefers its own probe of the deadly raid that killed nine people on the aid flotilla that was headed to Gaza. This is myopic and smacks of trying to hide something. Wouldn't it be in Israel's interest to have an int'l commission exonerate (if that were to be the probes findings) from any wrongdoing on their part? Something seems clearly amiss in their thinking.
SHARE Tuesday, April 27, 2010 Justice for Goldman Sachs!?
In E-mail messages Goldman Sachs provided to the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Senator Levin, the head of the Committee said," The 2009 Goldman Sachs annual report stated that the firm did not generate enormous net revenues by betting against residential related products. These emails show that in fact Goldman made a lot of money betting against the mortgage market." Goldman needs to be held to account.
SHARE Wednesday, April 21, 2010 Reform Advocates Sometimes Come From Strange Places
Reform advocates sometimes come from strange places. Senator Blanche Lincoln (D. AR.) is such a person. She introduced a bill preventing banks from trading derivatives directly, the "toxic" type of derivatives at the heart of the financial crisis. The present climate for "real" financial reform is a rare circumstance. The majority of people hate the big banks. Legislators are playing w/ fire if they give the banksters a pass.
SHARE Wednesday, May 23, 2012 The Sanity of Diplomacy with Iran Replacing the Insanity of War?
Maybe talk of war w/ Iran over is ending. Iran met w/ IAEA chief Yukiya Amano in Tehran agreeing to allow inspections of secret military facilities, particularly Parchin, an Iranian R & D facility producing high explosives presumably to end speculation of their use in a non existent Iranian nuclear weapon. The U.N. Security Council is meeting w/ Iran today. Maybe the sanity of diplomacy is replacing the insanity of war w/Iran.
(3 comments) SHARE Wednesday, February 22, 2012 Restoring Our Democracy
Our democracy has lost its way. It has been usurped & corrupted by big moneyed forces that have turned it into plutocracy. Yet we do have a Constitution. At times laws or Supreme Court decisions are wrongheaded, but they can be overruled and overturned. The Citizens United ruling by SCOTUS resulted in a flood of unlimited money corrupting the electoral process. That must be ended. It is the key to restoring our democracy.
SHARE Thursday, January 11, 2024 There is a dearth of leadership that courses through the Biden administration
There is a dearth of leadership that courses through the Biden administration. The Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was AWOL for three days without anyone in the administration knowing his whereabouts including the president. That's a serious shirking of his duties. He should be fired.
SHARE Tuesday, May 24, 2011 In Case You Missed this...
In case you missed this, a researcher @ Johns Hopkins U. did a study involving college deans who were req'd to swab their hands in sanitizer before and after graduations. He was consumed that "scary pathogens stuck to the dean's hands & was all he could think about" after seeing them shake hands w/ graduates. Result of study: only one pathogen per every 5,209 on someone's hand. Exactly why such an inane study to begin with?
SHARE Saturday, March 20, 2010 Reform in America
In these United States of America, how is it possible to enact any real reforms? Some minor regulations and oversight will be enacted but to expect major reform is to live in fantasyland. The mega corporations are too interconnected and entangled in the legislative and electoral process to cede away their influence and dominance. It is left to wary skeptics, grass roots activists that keep alive our ideals of freedom.
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, September 4, 2012 And Now, the Democratic "Snoozathon" in Charlotte
And now the Democratic Nat'l Convention in Charlotte. Probably not as shallow as the Repub. extravaganza in Tampa w/ more people of color & more feeling of your pain. Too bad it's all for naught & irrelevant. Though the party's attendees don't mirror each other, their party's policy making does & that's ultimately where the rubber meets the road.
(2 comments) SHARE Thursday, April 29, 2010 The Republicans Caved, Now What?
Call it what you like, but the Senate Republicans caved in to the inevitable and sent the financial reform package to the full Senate for debate. Let's hope the ultimate reform package of the financial industry has some teeth. It is a crucial test of our current representative democracy. Can the people's representatives enact effective laws, regulations, oversight and enforcement of the financial industry? Stay tuned.
(2 comments) SHARE Wednesday, January 24, 2024 Getting money out of politics specifically out of the electoral process is the core issue that must be rectified
Recent polls in the US reveal over 75% adults say the country is heading in the wrong direction. At the core of the problem is big moneyed interests controlling the electoral process. They determine who is to run for office, who gets elected all to the benefit of those interests. Big money must be made illegal in the electoral process. Without this fundamental change nothing will change the direction of the country.
SHARE Thursday, February 16, 2012 The Super Pac Extravaganza of 2012
Let the big donors to Super Pacs give as much as they want in this granddaddy of all presidential money sweepstakes that goes to the highest bidder. Then maybe this type of campaign funding will have reached a level of such outrageous preposterousness for the American people to finally say enough and demand our elections not go the highest bidder and the progenitor of this legalized corruption Citizens United, be overturned.
SHARE Wednesday, August 22, 2012 Political Campaign Lunacy
The story surrounding Rep. Todd Akins comments that "Legitimate rape rarely causes pregnancy" has been THE top political story these past few days. Why? In a serious democracy an Akin candidacy would be an afterthought & not occur in the first place. A political campaign would focus on real issues &problems w/ legitimate proposals, not the sensationalism and lunacy of an Akin.
SHARE Tuesday, May 7, 2013 Israel Injects Itself into Syria's Civil War
Israel injected itself in Syria's civil war bombing suspected targets near Damascus purportedly missiles the Israeli's said could be sent into Lebanon & into the hands of Shiite Hezbollah. But the chances of any retaliation by Syria or Hezbollah are unlikely. Israel undertakes such actions knowing no real retaliation can be mounted against it save for attacking Iran's nuclear facilities, the worst scenario that could happen.
SHARE Friday, January 1, 2010 Death of Civilians Ignite Protests in Afghanistan
There were demonstrations, protests, and the burning in effigy of President Obama over the alleged killing of civilians in Wednesday in Afghanistan. Are we not creating new insurgents bent on revenge against us and our continuing presence.
SHARE Wednesday, May 16, 2012 A Coalition with Deep Fissures
NATO is meeting in Chicago on Sunday, a summit of sorts, supposedly to reaffirm their commitment to the Afghan war until the end of 2014. But deep fissures in the NATO coalition are growing. They're only there to placate the U.S. Pres.Sarkozy of France lost to Hollande who pledged to w/draw all troops. Even in the U.S. support for the war is only 27%. This absurd war needs to end now.
SHARE Thursday, November 4, 2010 The Republican Party of "NO" Claim Tuesday's Victory Gave Them a "Mandate"; Not So!
Incredibly, the Republicans are claiming Tuesday's election result has given them a "mandate". Rejection of the party in power does not automatically make for a "mandate" by the other party. The party of "no" won big on Tuesday because the economy remains in the dumper and the Democrats failed to "deliver the goods".
(1 comments) SHARE Tuesday, October 9, 2012 Policy Making on "Autopilot"
Tom Engelhardt writes, "the last decades of military failures, standoffs & frustrations should be apparent to Washington, the limits of power evident w/ military power a bust again & again yet our policymakers rely ever more on military first responses to global problems. It's the equivalent of Tourette's Syndrome, tics that happen because they can't help but happen & no longer can be altered. They can't help themselves."
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, December 20, 2012 This Doesn't Happen in Contemporary America
Yesterday Army officials announced they'd seek the death penalty against Sgt Bales on charges he murdered 16 Afghan civilians outside an Army outpost in S. Afghanistan. Bales civilian defense att'y accused the Army of taking the focus off their culpability & errors they made saying it was a system failure. All true but those high gov't officials who put Bales & the military in harms way unnecessarily are never held accountable
SHARE Wednesday, August 28, 2013 "Proportional Response, Anyone?
In response to gas attacks in Syria attributed to the Assad gov't, yet unconfirmed, the White House is seeking a "medium" level military strike "just muscular enough not to get mocked, just enough to be more than symbolic" on Syrian gov't installations. No prior legal authorization by Congress or the UN will be sought. But its just another terror like military act by the US gov't disguised as a "humanitarian intervention".
SHARE Tuesday, July 17, 2012 Disclose Act Fails, Political Donors Remain Undisclosed
Yesterday the Senate failed to pass the Disclose Act. It req'd 60 votes but was filibustered by all Republicans. Another vote was called & failed today. Failure to pass the Disclose Act is a part of the ongoing calamity stemming from SCOTUS ruling in Citizens United creating the gusher of big bucks swamping the electoral process. W/out a Constitutional amendment overturning Citizens its democracy for sale to the highest bidder
SHARE Wednesday, March 20, 2013 Humbled Politically Repub. Leaders Eying Immigration Reform
The Repubs. were humbled politically in the last Pres. election. Now Repub. party poobahs are starting to recognize demonizing Hispanics & calling for deportation of millions are all non starters & a one way ticket to political oblivion. Their new found wisdom is political opportunism. Plus Repub. rank & file will resist any immigration reform that smacks of amnesty & anything leading to citizenship for those here illegally.
SHARE Monday, July 18, 2011 Some Mid July Musings
Some mid July musings. Was it always this way in America? Something seems different. There's a disconnect and indifference to those in need. It shouldn't be this way.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, May 18, 2012 Mixed Messages on Iran
Two months ago Obama warned loose talk of war w/ Iran could accelerate its development of a nuclear weapon & now is not the time for bluster. Defense Sec'y Panetta & military chief Dempsey said specific plans of attacking Iran isn't something to talk about. Yet to the Israeli bar ass'n Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro said the necessary planning to use military force has been done & is ready. Why the mixed messages on Iran?
SHARE Friday, January 22, 2010 What really happened on Tuesday?
Tuesday's election was a game changer. The people are in a no nonsense mood. The Democrats had their "bell" rung; they got what they deserved. They and the president had no one to blame but themselves. "Business as usual",when you control all the levers of power is clearly a lack of leadership. That the message sent loud and clear; take heed or else your time is short.
SHARE Friday, July 23, 2010 BP, "Cost Cutting Was Not a Factor"
In hearings conducted by federal investigators in Louisiana on Thursday they "pressed their case that BP cut corners and made decisions that compromised safety in order to save money and time." BP spokesman John Guide responded, "Cost cutting was not a factor." Well so much for honesty, integrity and truth telling from this crowd. BP deserves all the derision and contempt coming its way. They've certainly earned it.
SHARE Wednesday, October 20, 2010 "Talks" about "Talking" in Afghanistan
There are reports of "talks" about "talking in Afghanistan. Some periphery Taliban are in "talks" with Karsai to end the war. Significantly, Mullah Omar the Taliban cleric who led Afghanistan and the Pakistani ISI intelligence service that supports most of the Taliban were intentionally excluded. This war won't end w/ periphery figures doing the negotiating. Talks must include all the factions, including those we most despise.
SHARE Tuesday, January 25, 2011 There's a bit of the Tunisian in All of Us
There's a bit of the Tunisian in all of us. Few of us may be Tunisian Arab but there is kinship w/ those ready to sacrifice themselves, uphold their dignity and self respect in open defiance against a gov't official's humiliation that explicitly revealed the states contempt for its people. The revolution in Tunisia has changed the political landscape in the Arab world. Maybe it can show a better way for other Arab states.
SHARE Wednesday, September 7, 2011 Panetta, "Keep Troops in Iraq Beyond Deadline"
Sec'y of Defense Leon Panetta wants up to 4,000 troops in Iraq beyond the December deadline for total w/drawal. Is this a surprise? We're told it's for training purposes only. A few trainers get killed and then there's the demand for more troops. Any echoes of Viet Nam here? Iraq is just one example of America losing its way. Sadly it hasn't mattered whether a Dem. or a Repub. sits in the Oval Office or who controls Congress.
SHARE Friday, June 25, 2010 Obama, "Change in personnel, no change in policy." An opportunity gone wanting.
Pres. Obama did what he needed to do yesterday acting decisive in firing Gen'l McChrystal who acted stupidly, with arrogance and hubris. Obama named Gen'l Petraeus saying, "This is a change in personnel, not a change in policy". Too bad as Petraeus will inherit a failed policy. Afghanistan is an unnecessary war. Changing the general in charge won't matter. Our continued presence is absurd.
SHARE Sunday, June 27, 2010 Can We Let The Indigenous Participants in the Af/Pak War Forge a Peace Deal?
Despite the recent focus on the fait of Gen'l McChrystal much more has been happening behind the scenes in the Af/Pak war. Leaders of the Pakistani intelligence and the military are working to broker a peace deal incorporating elements of the Taliban in a post war settlement. Can we get out of the way and let the indigenous participants in the Af/Pak arena forge a peace deal? Are we willing to let it happen?
SHARE Tuesday, February 28, 2012 Some Truths Behind the Afghan Peoples Latest Uprising
That longest running American led skirmish in Afghanistan is back in the news. A few American military non coms became overly ambitious and threw Qurans into burning trash pit. Word spread & 1000's of Afghans became incensed, violently protested & an Afghan security officer killed the 2 American security officers he had been working with. It's quite simple; the Afghans want us out of their country.
SHARE Friday, March 22, 2013 Obama in Israel, So What has Changed?
Pres. Obama was in Israel the past 3 days. The highlight of his stay was the speech he gave yesterday to a group of youthful Israelis which greeted him warmly. The youth may want a 2 state solution w/ the Palestinians but there elders rule. Since 1967 no Israeli gov't has considered a Palestinian state next to Israel. If the Israelis were serious it would have happened long ago. Obama's trip to Israel won't change anything.
SHARE Thursday, May 6, 2010 The Failed would be Times Square Bomber, a Comment
As far as one can tell there hasn't been an overreaction to the failed would be Times Square bomber. Authorities were able to nab him before he left the country. It shows what effective police work and cooperation among federal agencies can do. He was involved in criminal activity, caught and charged as such. Terrorists are criminals and should not require a military response, invasions, occupations and killing of innocents.
SHARE Monday, March 26, 2012 The "Non" Nuclear Security Summit
Yesterday Pres. Obama attended something called the Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul Korea. He was tough w/ veiled threats to N.Korea and Iran & presidential using words like courage, dignity and opportunity. But it was really election year politics cloaked as a trip to deal w/ nuclear security. Real nuclear security would have nuclear disarmament & eliminating these weapons @the top of the agenda. It was not on the table.
SHARE Thursday, May 27, 2010 The Effect of Unrelenting Pressure on Pakistan
As evidence mounts, the failed Times Sq. bomber was trained by the Pakistani Taliban. In meetings w/ Pakistani President Zardari the U.S. is exerting more pressure on his government to "control militants." This will do nothing to reduce the terrorism of these militants but will only serve to destabilize the Pakistani government. The Times Sq. would be bomber is a likely harbinger of more attacks against us in the future.
(1 comments) SHARE Friday, March 12, 2010 Solving Our Problems
We know what our problems are but the forces of big moneyed and special interests' influence and dominance of the process prevents real reform. It is a cancer we have permitted to exist. Unless this cancer is excised from the political process our problems and the issues we face will remain unchanged.
SHARE Friday, February 26, 2010 Yesterdays "Summit", Grandstanding and Political Theatre
Surprise, surprise; yesterday's "summit" was nothing but political theatre and grandstanding. Did anyone expect the obstructionist Republicans to contribute something? Nothing changed. The process of "reconciliation" will be the way some version of what will be called health care "reform" will be enacted. Reluctantly, we must face the reality it will be the best one can expect from this president and this Congress.
(1 comments) SHARE Thursday, May 13, 2010 "Winning The Hearts and Minds"
Shootings of Afghan civilians by American and NATO forces have spiked sharply this year. They are a major reason civilian casualties in Afghanistan are soaring. These "shootings inflame Afghans. So much for General McChrystal "guidelines" to put in place measures to reduce civilian casualties. This was supposed to win the hearts and minds of the Afghan people. That clearly has not happened.