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Hello

This site’s been created in the hope that knowledge is power, and the
certainty that ignorance is its antithesis.   It’s mainly a compilation
of information and insight from various sources that I thought worth
passing along.

I’ll be tossing in my overvalued two cents, as well (denoted
by asterisks).   That said, I’d like to think I’m smart enough to know
what I don’t know, and that I’ll make that clear when necessary.

I’m happy to hear from folks.   Disagreement is welcome, but only if
it’s civil.  You can be as vociferous as you wish, but personal attacks
will simply be flushed as soon as they’re apparent.

Let’s do the mensch thing.

Make sense?   If so, you can leave a comment here, or reach me via email at unlikelysource@gmail.com, on Twitter at @aspiringmensch, or at my Facebook page at https://facebook.com/unlikelysource.

And a note on DEMOCRACY NOW! posts:

I may be stating the obvious, but it’s a good idea to check the DN!
Headlines every weekday.

There’s a link to them at the top right of each segment I post, or of
course you can go directly to the program site at https://www.democracynow.org on those days when nothing is posted.

And in addition to what’s here, I occasionally receive responses to my comments at sites such as Common Dreams, The Real News Network and the FAIR Blog, which I reply to.

If you’re interested in those, just click on the page link and search on “Doug Latimer” in the comments section to read them.

Thanks for visiting.   I hope you’ll find it worth your while.

—————–

ADDED 10/27/11 —  THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES page, where I park aphorisms et alia that I think are worth their own separate space.

See if you agree.

—————–

5/10/15 — Lately, I’ve been including a good bit of health and nutrition intel here, and I do see it intimately related to the other issues extant.

The posts on the duplicity and venality of food and medical corps provide obvious parallels, but I also want to focus on what we can do to improve our health, as we can’t follow our principles as assiduously as we’re obligated to if we’re not in the best condition we can be.

That said, I want to be clear that I’m no expert in these fields.  I’m trying to learn, and unlearn, what I need to do to be healthy.  In doing so, I may wander down some dead ends.  I present this information with the entreaty that you accord it both serious consideration and scrutiny.

What makes seeming sense today may be disproved tomorrow.  What appears outlandish in the present could well be validated in the future.

I hope what I pass along will be of benefit to you.

—————–

* Do what your conscience demands

And your courage allows

And never be satisfied with the limits of either *

 

 

 

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September 2018

9.21

Millions of Women Join Forces in Brazil to Fight Back Against ‘Misogynist” and ‘Truly Fascist’ Presidential Candidate
“We need everyone to pull together to stop this disaster happening to our country”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/09/21/millions-women-join-forces-brazil-fight-back-against-misogynist-and-truly-fascist
—

National Organization for Women (NOW)
Christine Blasey Ford: “I Thought He Might Inadvertently Kill Me.” Dr. Christine Blasey Ford Deserves Justice

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/09/21/christine-blasey-ford-i-thought-he-might-inadvertently-kill-me-dr-christine
—

The Real News Network
Alt-Right March for Israel, Human Rights Activist Smeared as Anti-Semitic
In Canada, Dimitri Lascaris called on B’Nai Brith to disavow a white supremacist who called for Trudeau’s execution. He then found himself accused of being an anti-Semite

https://therealnews.com/stories/alt-right-march-for-israel-human-rights-activist-smeared-as-anti-semitic
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Suing Over Israeli Nuclear Coverup That’s Allowed $222 Billion in Funding

http://accuracy.org/release/suing-over-israeli-nuclear-coverup-thats-allowed-222-billion-in-funding
—

Democracy Now!
The Business of Punishment: How Forced Prison Labor Has Generated Revenue Since the Colonial Era

*Profit will always find its way to depravity

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/20/from_convict_labor_to_private_prisons

9.20

‘Evil’: Worst Fears Realized as ICE Arrests Dozens of Family or Guardians Attempting to Retrieve Children From Detention
“If they can’t separate families, then lock them up, gut asylum standards, and, now, arrest family members who come forward to sponsor loved ones”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/09/20/evil-worst-fears-realized-ice-arrests-dozens-family-or-guardians-attempting-retrieve

How Does Trump ‘Even Sleep at Night’? Cuts to Cancer Research, Head Start, and Women’s Shelters Among $226 Million Diverted to Pay for Child Detention
“If you wrote this plot into a movie, I would have said it was over-the top”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*No unrest for the wicked

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/09/20/how-does-trump-even-sleep-night-cuts-cancer-research-head-start-and-womens-shelters

Advocacy Groups Vow to ‘Protect the Protest’ as Government and Corporations Challenge First Amendment Rights
“If you go after one of us, you’re going to hear from all of us”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/09/20/advocacy-groups-vow-protect-protest-government-and-corporations-challenge-first
—

3.4 Million Chickens, 5,500 Hogs Killed in Florence’s Flooding
“This was an unprecedented storm with flooding expected to exceed that from any other storms in recent memory.” And millions of animals have already paid the price.
by Lorraine Chow

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/09/20/34-million-chickens-5500-hogs-killed-florences-flooding
–

Heavy-Handed Industry Maneuver to Crush Soda and Grocery Taxes Is on Oregon Ballot
by Rebekah Wilce

https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2018/09/06/heavy-handed-industry-maneuver-to-crush-soda-and-grocery-taxes-is-on-oregon-ballot
—

The Real News Network
Chicago Hotel Workers Strike for Decent Health Care
Chicago’s UNITE HERE union is engaged in one of the largest labor actions in the city in decades, for a new contract for service workers at 30 hotels, with simultaneous strikes at 26 of these. We speak to the Local 1 strike captain, Q Rivers

*The execrable hypocrisy of the “hospitality industry”

https://therealnews.com/stories/chicago-hotel-workers-strike-for-decent-health-care
—

Petition
Free Press
Puerto Ricans Deserve Better
Urge the FCC to Investigate the Communications Crisis in Puerto Rico

https://act.freepress.net/sign/internet_fcc_pr_investigate
—

Democracy Now!
Blasey Ford Lawyers: Kavanaugh’s Background Check Must Include FBI Probe into Attempted Rape Claims

*Don’t ask
Don’t tell
Don’t know
Don’t care

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/20/blasey_ford_lawyers_kavanaugh_s_background

Right-Wing Network Spent Millions to Portray Questions for Kavanaugh on Abortion as “Anti-Religious”

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/20/right_wing_network_spent_millions_to

South Carolina Prisoners Were Left in Cells as Florence Descended. Why Weren’t They Evacuated?

*And apparently no one from “the free press” asked the governor about the prison situation, either.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/20/south_carolina_prisoners_were_left_in

American Prison: Shane Bauer Traces History of U.S. For-Profit Prisons from Slavery to Today

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/20/american_prison_shane_bauer_traces_history

9.19

As Collins Appears to Side With Kavanaugh Over Assault Allegation, Group Issues Warning: Women Won’t Forget
“If it’s truly Senator Collins’ intention to side with Brett Kavanaugh over Dr. Blasey Ford, she will never again be able to claim the mantle of an ally to women or survivors”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Of course, Collins has been “able to claim the mantle of an ally to women” in large measure due to many of these self same “feminist” orgs’ bestowing it upon her, same as Her Royal Clinton.

Call it “the sound of silos”.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/09/19/collins-appears-side-kavanaugh-over-assault-allegation-group-issues-warning-women

Corporate Tech Giants Invited, But Consumer Advocacy Groups Shut Out of Senate Hearing on Data Privacy
“The absence of consumer representatives all but ensures a narrow discussion, focused on policy alternatives favored by business groups”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/09/19/corporate-tech-giants-invited-consumer-advocacy-groups-shut-out-senate-hearing-data
—

Why Women Don’t Report Sexual Assault
Delays should never be used to discredit accusers like Christine Blasey Ford
by Jill Richardson

*Shaming
Blaming
Maiming the victim

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/09/19/why-women-dont-report-sexual-assault
–

Plutocrats Are Planning a Stealth Coup
How will American democracy resist their twisted goal of one-dollar, one-vote plutocracy?
by Leo Gerard

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/09/19/plutocrats-are-planning-stealth-coup
—

Fight for $15
Workers need our voices now

https://fightfor15.org/s-petition/joint-employer-comment-petition/?utm_campaign=LowPay
—

The Real News Network
10 Years Since Lehman Brothers Bankruptcy – Did the Economy Really Recover? (1/2)
The Lehman Brothers bankruptcy was the largest in U.S. history and unleashed a financial meltdown. The banks were saved but not people’s debt, savings or homes. Michael Hudson looks at the economic instability that we continue to live in

https://therealnews.com/stories/10-years-since-lehman-brothers-bankruptcy-did-the-economy-really-recover-pt-1-2

10 Years Since Lehman Brothers Bankruptcy – Did the Economy Really Recover? (2/2)

*A rigged economy

And a pigged economy

https://therealnews.com/stories/10-years-since-lehman-brothers-bankruptcy-did-the-economy-really-recover-pt-2-2

Jair Bolsonaro: Brazil’s Far-Right Version of Trump Leads the Presidential Race
We update our profile of Jair Bolsonaro, who is leading in the presidential race in opinion polls, now that Workers Party candidate Lula da Silva was forced out of the race on corruption charges. Michael Fox reports

*You see these sociopaths and their popularity with so many, and you realize the limits of evolution.

https://therealnews.com/stories/jair-bolsonaro-brazils-far-right-version-of-trump-leads-the-presidential-race

Biofuels: An Eco-Friendly Alternative to Fossil Fuels?
While biofuels, such as ethanol, are often touted as being environmentally friendly and renewable, they have many negative consequences that more than make up for their benefits, says Rachel Smolker, co-director of Biofuelwatch

*It ain’t a lack of energy options

It’s a plethora of energy stock options that elites wet dream of profits from.

https://therealnews.com/stories/biofuels-an-eco-friendly-alternative-to-fossil-fuels
—

FAIR
‘When Governments Fail to Take Action, They Step In’
CounterSpin interview with Jamil Dakwar on the International Criminal Court
by Janine Jackson

https://fair.org/home/when-governments-fail-to-take-action-they-step-in
—

Democracy Now!
Rev. Barber: North Carolina Has Two Storms—Florence & the Policies That Keep People in Poverty

*This is why this program can really get on my sodding wick

To prop a two faced SOB like Al Gore in the midst of a story about the misery inflicted upon the poor that the Clinton Administration (“End welfare as we know it” [tm]) contributed so greatly to.

The cognitive dissonance is deafening.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/19/rev_barber_north_carolina_has_two

9.18

Facebook Job Ads That Let Employers Exclude Women Are Clear Civil Rights Violation, Says ACLU
“We can’t let gender-based ad targeting online give new life to a form of discrimination that should have been eradicated long ago”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/09/18/facebook-job-ads-let-employers-exclude-women-are-clear-civil-rights-violation-says
—

Fight for $15
McDonald’s: No. More. Harassment.

*No “special sauce” can render this perversity palatable

Help McDonald’s workers who’ve experienced sexual harassment on the job

https://fightfor15.org/s-petition/sh-canvassing-call-rsvp
—

The Real News Network
Bolton Mobilizes the Coalition of the Willing – This Time for Syria
John Bolton warns of joint action in Syria, calling on the UK and France to join. Talk of regime change. The excuse: weapons of mass destruction. Sounds familiar?

*Rallying ’round the false flag

https://therealnews.com/stories/bolton-mobilizes-the-coalition-of-the-willing-this-time-for-syria

How Global Warming and Arctic Ice Melt Intensifies Hurricanes
Arctic ice melt, due to global warming, not only intensifies hurricanes, but also steers them in previously uncommon directions, which is why Hurricane Florence hit the Carolinas, says Prof. Jennifer Francis

https://therealnews.com/stories/how-global-warming-and-arctic-ice-melt-intensifies-hurricanes
—

FAIR
‘The Rule Is Designed to Deter People From Reporting’
CounterSpin interview with Alyssa Peterson on campus assault rules
by Janine Jackson

https://fair.org/home/the-rule-is-designed-to-deter-people-from-reporting

Morning Edition’s Think Tank Sources Lean to the Right
by Jordan Holycross and Olivia Riggio

*”Despite this … “

Or perhaps because of it?

After all, you wouldn’t want a liberal audience leaning further to port, if you’re N oticeably P andering to the R ight

Would you?

https://fair.org/home/morning-editions-think-tank-sources-lean-to-the-right
—

Democracy Now!
Intercept Report Reveals Senate Ignored Federal Court Employees Willing to Testify Against Kavanaugh

*Hopefully Kavanaugh’s canned, and it would be a bonus if Feinstein’s political calculating led to her losing a primary challenge to someone with a smidge more integrity, which unfortunately is about all we can expect.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/18/intercept_report_reveals_senate_ignored_federal

Immigrants Seeking Shelter After Hurricane Florence Fear Deportation as FEMA Shifts Funds to ICE

*The ill wind after the whirlwind

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/18/immigrants_seeking_shelter_after_hurricane_florence

9.17

Free Press Advocates Alarmed by US Government’s “Terrifying” Secret Rules for Spying on Journalists
“It makes me wonder, what other rules are out there, and how have these rules been applied?”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/09/17/free-press-advocates-alarmed-us-governments-terrifying-secret-rules-spying

Melting Permafrost Projections Reveal Paris Climate Goals at Risk: Study
“We have to prepare ourselves for the possibility that we may never get back to safer levels of warming”
by Andrea Germanos, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Nature doesn’t negotiate

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/09/17/melting-permafrost-projections-reveal-paris-climate-goals-risk-study

Internet Howls After Learning Trump Will Soon Be Able to Send Text Alerts to Every Single US Resident
Sorry. No opting out.
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*I’ve never owned a cellphone, and I’ve never believed in psychic powers

But now I have to wonder …

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/09/17/internet-howls-after-learning-trump-will-soon-be-able-send-text-alerts-every-single
—

Cooking the Books in the Trump Universe
Could Donald Trump be a one-man version of either Enron or Lehman Brothers, someone who cooked “the books” until, well, he imploded?
by Nomi Prins

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/09/17/cooking-books-trump-universe
–

The UN and Military Recruiting in the US
by Pat Elder

https://www.elderforcongress.org/the-un-and-military-recruiting-in-the-us.html
—

The Real News Network
Chevron Arbitration Ruling Against Ecuador ‘Completely Off Base’
A secret corporate arbitration panel in the Hague ruled that Ecuadorean courts’ $9.5 billion judgement against Chevron for environmental damages is illegal and should not be enforced. We speak to the plaintiffs’ lawyer Steven Donzinger about the ruling

https://therealnews.com/stories/chevron-arbitration-ruling-against-ecuador-completely-off-base

Arms Manufacturers In UK Classrooms
Andrew Smith discusses how schools in the UK involve the arms industry to teach school children about weapons manufacture and trade. BAE Systems invests tens of millions of pounds in order to improve its image in the eyes of school children

https://therealnews.com/stories/arms-manufacturers-in-uk-class-rooms

US-Europe Alliance Will Outlast Trump, No Matter What He Does
Trump’s erratic behavior towards allies is causing pundits in the US and abroad to worry about the future of the Transatlantic Alliance between the US and Europe. The concern is misplaced, however, says CEPR’s Mark Weisbrot

https://therealnews.com/stories/us-europe-alliance-will-outlast-trump-no-matter-what-he-does
—

Petition
Animal Hope in Legislation
Make LA Fur Free – The Los Angeles City Fur Ban

https://www.change.org/p/the-los-angeles-city-fur-ban-make-los-angeles-fur-free
—

FAIR
‘This Is an Unprecedented Level of Secrecy and Non-Transparency’
CounterSpin interview with Richard Kim on Brett Kavanaugh
by Janine Jackson

https://fair.org/home/this-is-an-unprecedented-level-of-secrecy-and-non-transparency
—

Democracy Now!
As Blasey Ford Alleges Kavanaugh Assaulted Her, Will Senate Repeat Mistakes Made with Anita Hill?

*I have no reason to doubt Dr. Blasey Ford, but regardless, this bastard’s record should disqualify him from anything other than the disapprobation of anyone with an ounce of humanity.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/17/dr_blasey_ford_alleges_kavanaugh_tried

Facebook Censors a ThinkProgress Story on Kavanaugh After a Conservative Site Calls It “Fake News”

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/17/facebook_censors_a_thinkprogress_story_on

Will Kavanaugh Overturn Roe v. Wade? SCOTUS Nominee’s Confirmation Is About “Life and Death for Women”

*And if he’s not confirmed, who will replace him, and how will the Dems play it?

History gives very little cause for optimism.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/17/will_kavanaugh_overturn_roe_v_wade

Botham Jean’s Family: Are Dallas Police Smearing His Reputation to Protect Officer Who Killed Him?

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/17/botham_jean_s_family_are_dallas

9.14

Facebook Condemned for Empowering Right-Wing Magazine to “Drive Liberal News Outlets Into the Ground”
What do you achieve when you let the Weekly Standard operate as a fact-checker for one of the internet’s most powerful platforms? “You achieve bullshit.”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/09/14/facebook-condemned-empowering-right-wing-magazine-drive-liberal-news-outlets-ground

‘What in Blazes Was Dianne Feinstein Thinking?’: Senator Under Fire for Concealing Accusations Against Kavanaugh
Feinstein “made an absolute disaster of things”
by Andrea Germanos, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Feinstein and ilk’s “resistance” is a joke that the Republicans no doubt find hilarious.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/09/14/what-blazes-was-dianne-feinstein-thinking-senator-under-fire-concealing-accusations

As Florence Makes Landfall, Poorest Once More Likely to Suffer Most From Storm’s Destruction
“These disasters drag into the light exactly who is already being thrown away,” notes Naomi Klein
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/09/14/florence-makes-landfall-poorest-once-more-likely-suffer-most-storms-destruction
—

Democracy Now!
Over 100 Indigenous Activists Decry California Gov. Jerry Brown’s Market-Based Climate Solutions

*Ever get the feeling that Big Greenies like Miller are more comfortable in the company of pols and policy wonks than of folks on the frontlines?

What does that tell you?

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/14/over_100_indigenous_activists_decry_california

A Debate on Geoengineering: Should We Deliberately “Hack” Planet Earth to Combat Climate Change?

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/14/a_debate_on_geoengineering_should_we

9.13

‘Major Victory’ as Top Court Says UK Snoopers Charter Violates EU Convention on Human Rights
“This sends a clear message: Similar programs, such as those conducted by the NSA, are incompatible with human rights”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/09/13/major-victory-top-court-says-uk-snoopers-charter-violates-eu-convention-human-rights

Since ‘Citizens United,’ Just 15 Groups Account for 75 Percent of the $800+ Million in Dark Money Spent on US Elections
“Policy ideas and candidates’ positions should be promoted by organizations who are proud to be engaged in our public arena, not secretive front groups designed to deceive voters, hide donors, and deploy deceptive tactics”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/09/13/citizens-united-just-15-groups-account-75-percent-800-million-dark-money-spent-us
—

Why John Bolton Really Hates the International Criminal Court
When Bolton expresses his desire to “strangle the ICC in its cradle,” what he really means is he wants US troops to be able to murder babies in their cradles with impunity
by Brett Wilkins

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/09/13/why-john-bolton-really-hates-international-criminal-court
–

Pipeline in Hurricane Florence’s Potential Path Poses Added Danger
Southwest Virginians fear that Florence may exacerbate the threats from a different, manmade hazard
by Barbara Gottlieb

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/09/13/pipeline-hurricane-florences-potential-path-poses-added-danger
—

Amnesty International
A Year on from Hurricane Maria, New Evidence Shows How Puerto Ricans Were Denied Essential Water

*Apparently Killer Clown was disinterested in a photo op tossing them into the crowd.

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/09/13/year-hurricane-maria-new-evidence-shows-how-puerto-ricans-were-denied-essential

Physicians for Human Rights
Suu Kyi’s Denials Will Not Erase Crimes against Humanity Committed by Myanmar Military

*Her feet of clay are soaked in blood

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/09/13/suu-kyis-denials-will-not-erase-crimes-against-humanity-committed-myanmar
—

The Real News Network
California Energy To Go 100% Sustainable by 2045. Is It Enough?
Miya Yoshitani of the Asian Pacific Environmental Network says California Governor Brown must do more than sign SB100 to curb climate change and protect vulnerable communities

*Half steps hamstring long strides

https://therealnews.com/stories/california-energy-to-go-100-sustainable-by-2045-is-it-enough
—

Democracy Now!
NC Lagoons Hold Billions of Gallons of Hog Feces. The Hurricane May Blast That Waste into Waterways

*The execrable alchemy that transforms pig shit into profit

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/13/nc_lagoons_hold_billions_of_gallons

Big Coal Put Toxic Coal Ash in Unlined Dirt Ponds—Now a Hurricane is Heading Directly Toward Them

*Never let anyone tell you that crime doesn’t pay

But these criminals never do

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/13/big_coal_put_toxic_coal_ash

Trump’s Friends Get Rich Off Oil Boom as Industry Limits Info on Pipeline Worker Injuries & Deaths

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/12/trump_s_friends_get_rich_off

9.12

Tens of Thousands of People Raising Money to Defeat Collins If She Votes for Kavanaugh Is Not “Bribery,” Say Her Opponents, It’s Democracy
“The idea of Susan Collins attacking an effort by 35,000 small dollar donors as bribery is politics at its worst…Unlike Supreme Court judges, senators do not enjoy a lifetime guarantee of their seat; they are accountable to the people”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*So if she votes against Kavanaugh, she gets a free pass in 2020 from these people, and can continue to vote for exploitation and empire?

I fully understand the threat he poses on many fronts, but is this the most constructive strategy to defeat his nomination?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/09/12/tens-thousands-people-raising-money-defeat-collins-if-she-votes-kavanaugh-not
—

The Wealth Hiding in Your Neighborhood
From country farmland to big city skyscrapers, absentee billionaires may be hiding wealth in your town — and driving up your cost of living
by Chuck Collins

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/09/12/wealth-hiding-your-neighborhood
–

There’s at Least One More Ugly Battle Brewing in Syria
Hundreds of thousands may be displaced
by Vijay Prashad

*Only the dead know peace

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/09/12/theres-least-one-more-ugly-battle-brewing-syria
—

Fight For $15
McDonald’s Workers Nationwide Go on First-Ever Strike Against Sexual Harassment

*Sleaze amid the grease

—

The Real News Network
Trump Abandons All Pretense of Being a ‘Fair Broker’ in the Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Gideon Levy explains that the US is doing everything to disempower, humiliate and weaken Palestinian representation. Contrary to common belief, the US is not doing the State of Israel any favors

https://therealnews.com/stories/trump-abandons-all-pretense-of-being-a-fair-broker-in-the-israel-palestinian-conflict

The Economy Under Trump: Business Optimism Combined with Inequality
Trump’s Chair of Economic Advisors presented a glowing analysis of how business optimism and investment boomed with Trump’s election. But what do these figures mask and how accurate are they? We take a closer look at the data with PERI’s Gerald Epstein

*Doodoo economics

https://therealnews.com/stories/the-economy-under-trump-business-optimism-combined-with-inequality
—

FAIR
Establishment Media Shy Away From Claims of Perjury by Kavanaugh
by Justin Anderson

*Closing the curtains as “Democracy Dies in Darkness”

https://fair.org/home/establishment-media-shy-away-from-claims-of-perjury-by-kavanaugh

‘Maverick’ Media Use McCain Funeral to Shore Up US Imperialism
by Gregory Shupak

*If they don’t believe their propaganda, they’re complicit in war crimes

If they do, they’re dangerously deranged and should be committed to appropriate asylums.

In either instance, they’re a profound menace to the people of this country and the world.

https://fair.org/home/maverick-media-use-mccain-funeral-to-shore-up-us-imperialism
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
“Climate Change Supercharging” Hurricanes

http://accuracy.org/release
—

Democracy Now!
A New Form of Slavery? Meet Incarcerated Firefighters Battling California’s Wildfires For $1 An Hour

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/12/a_new_form_of_slavery_meet

Amika Mota Fought Fires as a Prisoner For 53 Cents/Hour. Now Free, She Can’t Work as a Firefighter

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/12/amika_mota_fought_fires_as_a

Death on the Dakota Access: Oil & Gas Boom Generates Dangerous Pipeline Jobs Amid Lax Regulations

*The nightmares that fuel pipe dreams

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/12/death_on_the_dakota_access_oil

9.11

As 1.5 Million Flee Hurricane Florence, Worries Grow Over Half Dozen Nuclear Power Plants in Storm’s Path
“Flooding-prone Brunswick Nuclear Plant among rickety old Fukushima-style reactors in likely path of Hurricane Florence”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/09/11/15-million-flee-hurricane-florence-worries-grow-over-half-dozen-nuclear-power-plants

Fueled by Floods, Storms, and Drought Made Worse by Climate Crisis, Global Hunger Levels Rise for Third Straight Year
“The inescapable fact is that climate change is now leaving people around the world without enough to eat”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/09/11/fueled-floods-storms-and-drought-made-worse-climate-crisis-global-hunger-levels-rise
—

Medicare for All and the Myth of the 40% Physician Pay Cut
A single payer system works by cutting administrative waste, not doctors’ income
by Dr. Carol Paris

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/09/11/medicare-all-and-myth-40-physician-pay-cut
–

A Perfect Storm in the Making for 17 Years: A Reflection and Call to Action
What could have happened if more Americans had heeded the alarm bells that community advocates were ringing about the dehumanization of entire groups of people, rather than capitulating to fear and tacitly accepting discriminatory policies?
by Deepa Iyer

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/09/11/perfect-storm-making-17-years-reflection-and-call-action
—

The Real News Network
Leaked Clips from Censored Documentary on Israel Lobby Reveal Attacks on US Activists
Excerpts of the censored Al Jazeera undercover film on the Israel lobby in the US have started to be leaked. The Electronic Intifada’s Ali Abunimah and the Grayzone Project’s Max Blumenthal explain how these clips show the Israeli government backing attacks on American pro-Palestinian activists and Black Lives Matter

https://therealnews.com/stories/leaked-clips-from-censored-documentary-on-israel-lobby-reveal-attacks-on-us-activists

Jackson Rising: An Interview with Kali Akuno (1/2)
We sat down with Kali Akuno, director of Cooperation Jackson, at the Fearless Cities conference to discuss the challenges of movement building in Jackson, Mississippi

https://therealnews.com/stories/jackson-rising-an-interview-with-kali-akuno-1-2

Far-Right Gains in Swedish Election, Continuing European Trend
The far-right and anti-immigrant party, Sweden Democrats, increase their share of the vote from 13 to 18 percent, while neither of the two major party alliances, of the center-left and of the center-right has enough votes to form a government on its own. We analyze the result with Ali Esbati, an Iranian-Swedish member of parliament

https://therealnews.com/stories/far-right-gains-in-swedish-election-continuing-european-trend
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Major Attack on Syria Approaching?

*And “#TheResistance” will patriotically applaud Killer Clown’s “presidentiality” as they rally ’round the false flag

http://accuracy.org/release/major-attack-on-syria-approaching

9.10

While Staying Out of NY Governor’s Race, Sanders Endorses Zephyr Teachout and Jumaane Williams
“The progressive movement today is transforming American politics from coast to coast. This Thursday, New York state voters can take us a major step forward.”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*St. Bernard dances around the big dawg again

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/09/10/while-staying-out-ny-governors-race-sanders-endorses-zephyr-teachout-and-jumaane

Days After Endorsing Cuomo, NYT Calls His Party’s Anti-Semitism Smear Against Cynthia Nixon ‘Nearly as Sleazy as It Gets’
“This is an attack not only on my children and my character, but on all New Yorkers”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*So, if Cuomo is “lying about her position on Israel”, does that mean Nixon agrees that BDS is “racist” and “xenophobic”?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/09/10/days-after-endorsing-cuomo-nyt-calls-his-partys-anti-semitism-smear-against-cynthia
—

Holding the Line on Torture
One organization at a time
by Rebecca Gordon

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/09/10/holding-line-torture
—

The Real News Network
New ‘Poison Papers’ Leak: EPA Knew About Many Dangerous Toxins, But Kept Quiet
A new leak in the series of documents known as the “poison papers,” which were provided by whistleblower William Sanjour, show that unless regulatory bodies such as the EPA have real political backing, they will not act in the public interest. We speak to Jonathan Latham of the Bioscience Resource Project

*Regulators aren’t “forced” to collude with killers. They may not have the political capacity to take decisive action, but they can alert the public to the dangers. That they don’t implies a culture defined by more than a lack of power, don’t you think?

https://therealnews.com/stories/new-poison-papers-leak-epa-knew-about-many-dangerous-toxins-but-kept-quiet
—

Petition update
Please Support the Opoids & STOP Pain Initiative Act, H.R. 4734/S. 2260!
by James Myers

https://www.change.org/p/1863400/u/23245578

This News Reporter States that Hot Mailboxes are Not Good for Medications – Neither are Hot Trucks
by Loretta Boesing

https://www.change.org/p/13377302/u/23243865
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
“Kavanaugh Lied Under Oath About Memos I Wrote”

http://accuracy.org/release/kavanaugh-lied-under-oath-about-memos-i-wrote
—

Democracy Now!
Arundhati Roy on Hindu Nationalism, the Deadly Kerala Floods & the Lifting of India’s Gay Sex Ban

*Re Roy’s comments on comparisons between Killer Clown’s and the BJP’s bases, much attention has been focused on working class whites, downplaying the role of middle class and upper middle class whites in his “election”, and thus placing primacy on economic desperation, rather than the fear and loathing of “the other” that pervades all those social strata.

It ain’t an “either/or”, is it?

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/7/arundhati_roy_on_hindu_nationalism_the

9.7

Chided for Working Against It as President, Obama’s Backing of Medicare for All Called ‘Thrilling’ Shift
“This headline would have been politically unthinkable just a few years ago. Grassroots organizing and kitchen table conversations have changed the tide on Medicare for All”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Do seven words constitute “vocal support”?

What’s the over/under on how many more will exit Dear Misleader’s mouth?

Regardless, I know which way I’m wagering.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/09/07/chided-working-against-it-president-obamas-backing-medicare-all-called-thrilling

What’s Taking So Long? Internet Defenders Demand Gov. Jerry Brown Sign California Net Neutrality Bill ‘Without Delay’
“Protecting access to the internet is critical to our democracy. We expect Gov. Brown to be on the right side of history”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*”We expect Gov. Brown to be on the right side of history.”

And just what method of empirical analysis would justify that faith?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/09/07/whats-taking-so-long-internet-defenders-demand-gov-jerry-brown-sign-california-net
—

The Apathy in the Media Regarding Brett Kavanaugh Is a National Scandal
Normally, a Supreme Court nominee apparently committing perjury during a confirmation hearing would be explosive news that’s covered extensively
by Julie Millican

*”You’d think the press would be interested in covering it.”

There’s a world of difference between “would” and “should”.

The corpress makes that distinction clear every single goddamn day.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/09/07/apathy-media-regarding-brett-kavanaugh-national-scandal
–

Why the Left Should Embrace Debt Forgiveness
It would assuredly receive enthusiastic backing from the tens of millions of Americans who are shackled to enormous debts incurred through spending on healthcare and higher education, both of which are considered basic human rights in nearly every developed nation except for the United States
by Scott Remer

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/09/07/why-left-should-embrace-debt-forgiveness
–

Wholesale Crimes
Terracide—meaning the total destruction of the earth-system—next to which the common crimes committed by isolated individuals pale in magnitude
by Victor Wallis

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/09/07/wholesale-crimes
—

Southern Poverty Law Center
SPLC Statement on Loss of Medicaid Benefits to Thousands of Arkansans

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/09/07/splc-statement-loss-medicaid-benefits-thousands-arkansans
—

The Real News Network
Activists Arrested for Blocking Boeing Arms Plant Speak Out Against Yemen War
To protest the US-Saudi war on Yemen, peace activists blocked a Boeing weapons facility in Missouri with a bus — a symbol of the 40 Yemeni children on a school bus massacred by Saudi Arabia with a US-made bomb. The anti-war protesters speak with TRNN’s Ben Norton

*”And that’s just, that’s the U.S.”

https://therealnews.com/stories/activists-arrested-for-blocking-boeing-arms-plant-speak-out-against-yemen-war

Thousands to Rally for Climate, Jobs and Justice
San Francisco organizer Antonio Diaz and New Orleans organizer Anne Rolfes say that people will take to the streets on September 8 because rhetoric is not enough to fight the climate crisis

*We need zero emissions, and what we get from the mealy mouths of the Browns are Nero emissions.

https://therealnews.com/stories/thousands-to-rally-for-climate-jobs-and-justice

Democrats Are Engaging in ‘Kabuki Theater’ in the Kavanaugh Hearings
In the hearings to confirm Brett Kavanaugh as a new Supreme Court justice, Democrats are mostly focusing on hypothetical questions instead of questioning him on his record and releasing his documents. This is an inflection point in US democracy, says law Prof. Francis Boyle

*Why?

Because the Demorats know the bastard will rule for their corporate donors and the security state, and they’ll get to righteously rail about him in their fundraising emails?

https://therealnews.com/stories/democrats-are-engaging-in-kabuki-theater-in-the-kavanaugh-hearings
—

Petition
No more kids with cancer: clean up the Santa Susana Field Lab
by Melissa Bumstead

https://www.change.org/p/no-more-kids-with-cancer-clean-up-the-santa-susana-field-lab
—

FAIR
By Inviting and Disinviting Bannon, New Yorker Fell Into Its Own Trap
by Justin Anderson

*Torquemada had to decline his invite to the religious tolerance panel, owing to his status of advanced decomposition.

https://fair.org/home/by-inviting-and-disinviting-bannon-new-yorker-fell-into-its-own-trap

‘Punitive Discipline Policies Have Proven to Be Destructive to Children’
CounterSpin interview with Karen Dolan on racial and economic justice in education
by Janine Jackson

https://fair.org/home/punitive-discipline-policies-have-proven-to-be-destructive-to-children

‘Voters Have to Remain Vigilant to Make Sure They Are on the List’
Transcript of CounterSpin interview with John Powers on voter suppression
by Janine Jackson

https://fair.org/home/voters-have-to-remain-vigilant-to-make-sure-they-are-on-the-list
—

Democracy Now!
As 400+ Children Remain Separated From Parents, Trump Admin Wants to Detain Kids Indefinitely

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/7/as_400_children_remain_separated_from

9.6

‘Gitmo for Children’: Trump Administration Reveals Plan to Imprison Families With Kids Indefinitely
“Locking up children indefinitely is cruel and heartless, even for the Trump administration. It is nothing less than an assault on child safety and fundamental human dignity”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Let freedom ring

Hollow

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/09/06/gitmo-children-trump-administration-reveals-plan-imprison-families-kids-indefinitely
—

Why Defending Indigenous Rights Is Integral to Fighting Climate Change
Historic conference asserts Indigenous peoples’ rights as a climate change solution
by Jade Begay and Ayşe Gürsöz

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/09/06/why-defending-indigenous-rights-integral-fighting-climate-change
—

Center for Food Safety Calls for Court Decision on GE Labeling Delay
Consumer group seeks court ruling in response to USDA’s failure to issue GE food disclosure rules

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/09/06/center-food-safety-calls-court-decision-ge-labeling-delay
—

The Real News Network
When Sea Turtles and Fisherman Collide
Ecologically sustainable fishing communities and marine life can coexist, great community-level efforts are underway to maintain their livelihood, says Bryan Wallace, senior scientist with Conservation Science Partners

https://therealnews.com/stories/when-sea-turtles-and-fisherman-collide

Los Angeles Teachers Prepare to Strike: An Organizing Drive Long in the Making
LA teachers voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike, should contract negotiations fail. Each side accused the other of illegal tactics. However, teachers say this is not mainly about wages, but about improving children’s education. Jane McAlevey explains

*Competing with the Catholic Church for worst child abusers

https://therealnews.com/stories/los-angeles-teachers-prepare-to-strike-an-organizing-drive-long-in-the-making
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Will the Public See Incriminating Kavanaugh Documents?

*The Dems are “serious” about posturing and performance art

http://accuracy.org/release/will-the-public-see-incriminating-kavanaugh-documents
—

FAIR
Thomas Friedman’s Crazy Poor Economics
by Jim Naureckas

*Friedman’s a dab hand at burying any past (or present, or future) that contradicts his corroded conception of how the world should work, isn’t he just?

https://fair.org/home/thomas-friedmans-crazy-poor-economics
—

Democracy Now!
The Kavanaugh Cover-up? Role in Torture & Domestic Spying Policy Remains Unknown As Papers Withheld

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/6/the_kavanaugh_cover_up_role_in

No, You Are Not Part of the Resistance: A Response to Trump Official Who Penned Anonymous NYT Op-Ed

*Screw the people … spot on

Screw the party … “Resistance!”

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/6/no_you_are_not_part_of

Arundhati Roy: The U.S. Is Growing Closer to India Militarily As Modi Expands Crackdown on Dissent

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/6/arundhati_roy_the_us_is_growing

“A Beautiful Moment”: Arundhati Roy Hails Indian Court Legalizing Gay Sex, Overturning Colonial Law

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/6/a_beautiful_moment_arundhati_roy_hails

9.5

Progressives Denounce Pelosi for Obsession With ‘Economically Illiterate and Politically Insane’ Pay-Go Rule
“Instead of vowing budget chastity, Democrats should be articulating an agenda that excites voters so that they can unleash the full power of the public purse on their behalf”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*The face that launched a thousand shipwrecks

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/09/05/progressives-denounce-pelosi-obsession-economically-illiterate-and-politically

Confirming Dangers of FCC’s Net Neutrality Repeal, New Study Shows Telecoms Throttling YouTube, Netflix, and Other Apps
“ISPs are happy to use words like ‘unlimited’ and ‘no throttling’ in their public statements, but then give themselves the right to throttle certain traffic by burying some esoteric language in the fine print”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/09/05/confirming-dangers-fccs-net-neutrality-repeal-new-study-shows-telecoms-throttling
—

Seven Ways to Build the Solidarity Economy
We can transform capitalism by encouraging the ‘better angels of our nature’
by Emily Kawano

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/09/05/seven-ways-build-solidarity-economy
–

Hunger: A Warning
Hunger, that constant sound inside the head of the poor, has to be silenced
by Vijay Prashad

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/09/05/hunger-warning
—

Environmental Working Group (EWG)
Local Limits on Spraying Monsanto’s Toxic Weed Killer in Parks, Playgrounds and Schoolyards Blocked by House Republican Farm Bill

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/09/05/local-limits-spraying-monsantos-toxic-weed-killer-parks-playgrounds-and

Amnesty International – USA
Guatemala: Discriminatory Law Puts at Risk the Lives and Rights of Thousands of Women, Girls and LGBTI People

*In Jesus’ name

Mayhem

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/09/05/guatemala-discriminatory-law-puts-risk-lives-and-rights-thousands-women-girls
—

The Real News Network
Roger Waters on Lionel Messi, Lana Del Rey and the BDS Movement
Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters called on Lana Del Rey to “do the right thing; coincidentally she did. Waters says such victories by the BDS movement have the potential to be a game-changer

https://therealnews.com/stories/roger-waters-on-lionel-messi-lana-del-rey-and-the-bds-movement

Why is Argentina Entering into a New Economic Crisis?
CEPR co-director Mark Weisbrot lays out the roots of Argentina’s latest economic crisis, which have to do with the government’s massive foreign borrowing spree, deepening austerity measures, and rising Federal Reserve interest rates

*Regarding “confidence”, we all know the origin of the term “con”, don’t we?

https://therealnews.com/stories/why-is-argentina-entering-into-a-new-economic-crisis

Can Environmentalists and Labor Unions Unite?
Baltimore union organizers and environmentalists team up to examine policies that would promote a sustainable future for workers and the planet

*Only mold grows in a silo

https://therealnews.com/stories/can-environmentalists-and-labor-unions-unite
—

Democracy Now!
Chaos Greets Kavanaugh Confirmation Hearing as Protesters & Dems Demand Postponement

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/5/chaos_greets_kavanaugh_confirmation_hearing_as

As Amazon Hits $1 Trillion in Value, Its Warehouse Workers Denounce “Slavery” Conditions

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/5/as_amazon_hits_1t_in_value

Winona LaDuke & Indigenous Canadian Activist Back Campaign to Stop SLAPP Suits That Silence Protests

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/4/winona_laduke_indigenous_canadian_activist_back

Exposed: Undercover Reporter at Amazon Warehouse Found Abusive Conditions & No Bathroom Breaks

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/5/exposed_undercover_reporter_at_amazon_warehouse

Sen Sanders Introduces BEZOS Act, Named for Amazon CEO, as Retailer Impoverishes & Mistreats Workers

*”Robots don’t complain”

Neither do humans hanging on by their fingernails

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/5/sanders_introduces_the_bezos_act_named

9.4

‘Walk Out!’: Progressives Disgusted as Democrats Fold at Brett Kavanaugh Hearing
“Why legitimate the process by participating?”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Butter knives plunged in our backs

(And Garland might look good compared to the alternative

But so would a desiccated turd.)

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/09/04/walk-out-progressives-disgusted-democrats-fold-brett-kavanaugh-hearing
—

Is the Government Planning to Surveil Keystone XL Protesters?
Indigenous communities, in particular, have been historically over-policed and subject to unwanted governmental surveillance, with the surveillance of the Dakota Access Pipeline Spirit Camp one of many examples
by Jacob J. Hutt

*Recall that Killer Clown’s tiny hands weren’t tweeting from the Oval Office the first go ’round.

That was on Dear Misleader’s watch.

Brutality is a bipartisan affair.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/09/04/government-planning-surveil-keystone-xl-protesters
—

The Real News Network
What Does The Intercept’s NSA Leak Say About Russian Vote Hacking?
With Reality Winner sentenced to five years behind bars, The Intercept’s Jim Risen joins Aaron Maté to discuss the NSA leaker’s harsh sentence and what the document she revealed actually says. Is there solid evidence of Russian vote hacking?

*”I’m gonna take my ball and go home.”

That’s the kind of reasoned stance that should surely convince anyone of the righteousness of one’s argument, wouldn’t you agree?

Some people’s kids …

https://therealnews.com/stories/what-does-the-intercepts-nsa-leak-say-about-russian-vote-hacking

Kaepernick NFL Collusion Case Moving Ahead; Trump at the Center
An arbitrator ruled that a collusion hearing on the NFL preventing Colin Kaepernick from playing can move ahead. Trump’s divisive fingerprints are all over this case

*If a settlement would preclude exposure of owner collusion

How does that fit “within the context of social justice”?

https://therealnews.com/stories/kaepernick-nfl-collusion-case-moving-ahead-trump-at-the-center
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Kavanaugh: “Stakes are Astronomical”

*The party “leadership” should threaten any Dem who votes for this blackguard with excommunication.

Dream on, MacDuff …

http://accuracy.org/release/kavanaugh-stakes-are-astronomical
—

Democracy Now!
Indigenous Activists Win “David vs. Goliath” Victory as Court Rejects $4.5B Trans Mountain Pipeline

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/4/indigenous_activists_win_david_v_goliath
—

Natural Approaches for Preventing & Treating Cancer in Dogs and Cats
by Ty Bollinger

https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/cancer-in-dogs-and-cats

9.3

Healthy Babies at Risk, Warn Experts, as Trump Fearmongering Drives Immigrant Families Off Nutrition Assistance Program
“Even without any official order banning immigrants and their US-born children from utilizing life-saving services, the rumors are already traumatizing families”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/09/03/healthy-babies-risk-warn-experts-trump-fearmongering-drives-immigrant-families
—

US Cuts to UNRWA Point to the Dark Future Being Readied for the Palestinians
There is a deeper and darker agenda afoot than simply reviving failed negotiations or pandering to the Trump administration’s well-known antipathy towards international institutions
by Jonathan Cook

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/09/03/us-cuts-unrwa-point-dark-future-being-readied-palestinians
–

Victory! California Passes Net Neutrality Bill
California’s fight is a microcosm of the nation’s. Net neutrality is popular across the country
by Katharine Trendacosta

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/09/02/victory-california-passes-net-neutrality-bill
—

The Real News Network
Does Russia Benefit If The U.S. Is Weak? Q&A (5/6)

*A sinister symbiosis

https://therealnews.com/stories/does-russia-benefit-if-the-u-s-is-weak-qa-pt-5-6
—

Petition
Fair Pay for People with Disabilities: Pass the TIME Act
by Kayla McKeon
National Down Syndrome Society

https://www.change.org/p/fair-pay-for-people-with-disabilities-pass-the-time-act
—

Infrared Sauna Benefits for Cancer & Other Healing: What You Need to Know
by Ty Bollinger

*Who knows, but I thought it worth passing along

https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/infrared-sauna-benefits

August 2018

8.31

Trump’s Executive Order on Retirement Accounts Panned as ‘Cruel Joke on American Workers’
Republicans “will inevitably use this executive order as an additional excuse to cut Social Security”
by Andrea Germanos, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/31/trumps-executive-order-retirement-accounts-panned-cruel-joke-american-workers

‘Absolutely Repulsive’: After $1.5 Trillion Tax Giveaway to the Rich, Trump Cancels Modest Pay Raise for Federal Workers
“President Trump pushed through a tax scam that gave unprecedented handouts to billionaires and corporations—but believes it’s too expensive to pay hardworking federal workers a reasonable wage”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/30/absolutely-repulsive-after-15-trillion-tax-giveaway-rich-trump-cancels-modest-pay

‘Great Victory for Indigenous Communities Everywhere’: Canadian Court Rescinds Trans Mountain Approval
“This is the consequence of the unholy alliance between the federal government and corporations taking shortcuts through consultation,” declared Grand Chief Stewart Phillip. “My faith in the judicial system is somewhat restored today.”
by Jon Queally, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/30/great-victory-indigenous-communities-everywhere-canadian-court-rescinds-trans

Plan to Train Saudi Pilots on US Soil Undermines Pentagon Denial of Complicity in Yemen Carnage
“The U.S. is a willing participant in the Yemen genocide despite claims to the contrary”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Bombing civilians is as American as Agent Orange

I’m sure John McCain, rest his soul, would have approved.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/30/plan-train-saudi-pilots-us-soil-undermines-pentagon-denial-complicity-yemen-carnage
—

First Nations Celebrate Win Against Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion
Here’s how indigenous leaders pulled together a grassroots movement to resist the pipeline expansion
by Shannan Stoll

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/08/31/first-nations-celebrate-win-against-trans-mountain-pipeline-expansion
–

Catholic Support for War: Another Child Abuse Scandal
The Church cannot condemn child abuse by pedophiles and yet bless the government’s murder of children in its wars, if it wants to be consistent and faithful to Christ
by Brian Terrell

*Praise the Lord

And the ammunition

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/08/31/catholic-support-war-another-child-abuse-scandal
—

The Real News Network
Koch Brothers-Backed Conservative Archbishop Attacks Pope and “Homosexuals in the Church”
On the heels of the sexual abuse disclosures conservative archbishop accuses Pope of hiding sexual abuse and attacks “homosexual underground” in the Church. He is backed by the Koch brothers and other right wing Catholics

*Substitute Obama for Francis, and “birtherism” for sexual abuse accusations, and I think you have the same dynamic at play.

Francis’ charge, as was Dear Misleader’s, is to put an amenable face on a rancid institution. For Francis, this is the Catholic Church; for Obama, neoliberalism.

That both have truly vile opponents doesn’t cleanse them of their copious contradictions, and it’s a grave mistake to lose sight of those in a misguided attempt to support a facade of change.

As always, my entreaty is to place one’s faith in principles, and not personalities.

https://therealnews.com/stories/koch-brothers-backed-conservative-archbishop-attacks-pope-and-homosexuals-in-the-church

Who is Behind Nicaragua’s Turmoil?
This fourth part of the debate was cut out of the original debate due to length considerations. However we present the cut segment of the debate upon the request of Mary Ellsberg. It deals with the details of an analysis of who is responsible for the death of protesters in Nicaragua.

https://therealnews.com/stories/who-is-behind-nicaraguas-turmoil

Hezbollah Leader Nasrallah Calls Israeli Military Weak: He is Correct
Nasrallah’s sources in the Israeli media indicate a continuing erosion of the Israeli military edge in the region. Shir Hever discusses the implications

https://therealnews.com/stories/hezbollah-leader-nasrallah-calls-israeli-military-weak-he-is-correct
—

FAIR
‘We Would Be Opening the Heavens to War’
CounterSpin interview with Karl Grossman on the weaponization of space
by Janine Jackson

https://fair.org/home/we-would-be-opening-the-heavens-to-war

From Venezuela to McCain, Media and Human Rights Industry on Same Page
by Joe Emersberger

*Not knowing no better, many years ago I slapped an AI sticker on my car that I received for a donation.

I still have the car

The sticker, like any claim to a principled defense of human rights, has long since corroded.

https://fair.org/home/from-venezuela-to-mccain-media-and-human-rights-industry-on-same-page
—

Democracy Now!
Four Days in Occupied Western Sahara—A Rare Look Inside Africa’s Last Colony

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/31/four_days_in_occupied_western_sahara

8.30

Monsanto-Bayer: Eliminating the Name Will Not Erase the History
We will continue to reclaim citizens’ rights, as well as those of small and medium producers, who, despite being crushed by the current market mechanisms, are the only ones providing us with healthy and nutritious food
by Ruchi Shroff

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/08/30/monsanto-bayer-eliminating-name-will-not-erase-history
–

Dissent Is Being Muzzled Across Our Planet
The arrests of five activists in India is part of a dangerous trend that demands more attention and public outcry
by Vijay Prashad

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/08/30/dissent-being-muzzled-across-our-planet
—

The Real News Network
Does Washington Want a Korean Peace, or Colony?
With U.S.-North Korea talks at an impasse, the Trump administration’s colonial attitude toward the Korean peninsula is threatening the prospects for peace, says Tim Shorrock

*US sincerity?

A peace of shit

https://therealnews.com/stories/does-washington-want-a-korean-peace-or-colony

With Reality Winner Sentenced, Does The Intercept Owe Answers?
Reality Winner has been sentenced to five years for leaking an NSA document to The Intercept alleging a Russian cyber-operation targeting the U.S. voting system. Shadowproof’s Kevin Gosztola joins Aaron Maté to discuss major questions surrounding The Intercept’s handling of Reality Winner’s document.

https://therealnews.com/stories/with-reality-winner-sentenced-does-the-intercept-owe-answers

Will Putin Support Trump’s Plans for Iran? Q&A (3/6)
Part 3 of Paul Jay and Aaron Mate’s interactive discussion with viewers about the real reasons Trump should be considered a traitor by the American people – From a live recording on August 2nd, 2018

https://therealnews.com/stories/will-putin-support-trumps-plans-for-iran-qa-pt-3-6
—

Petition update
Mail Order Pharmacy Often Causes Delay in Treatments for Cancer Patients & Many Others
by Loretta Boesing

http://www.change.org/p/13377302/u/23205416
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Labor Day Today

http://accuracy.org/release/labor-day-today
—

Democracy Now!
“Mississippi Is Failing”: As Prisoner Deaths Reach 13 in August Alone, Advocates Demand Answers

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/30/mississippi_is_failing_as_prisoner_deaths

Update on Prison Strike Demanding End of “Slave Labor”: After 10 Days, Protests Spread to 11 States

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/30/update_on_prison_strike_demanding_end

8.29

Sparking More Calls for His Ouster, ‘Utterly Useless’ Chuck Schumer Cuts Deal With McConnell to Fast-Track 7 Trump Judges
“Is there a way to impeach Schumer?”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*I would say Schumer and ilk should switch parties

But how would you tell the difference?

(Yes, I know there’s a “difference”, however exiguous. Call it poetic license.)

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/29/sparking-more-calls-his-ouster-utterly-useless-chuck-schumer-cuts-deal-mcconnell
—

This School Year, Let’s Keep Kids in Classrooms
There are better ways to help students learn from their behavior than suspension and expulsion
by Daniela Aspiazu

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/08/29/school-year-lets-keep-kids-classrooms
–

DNC Superdelegates Have Been Tamed—But Millions of Democratic Primary Votes Are Still Vulnerable
If Berniecrats want millions of new voters, they need to win big in state primaries like New York’s upcoming September 13 vote
by Steven Rosenfeld

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/08/29/dnc-superdelegates-have-been-tamed-millions-democratic-primary-votes-are-still
—

American Federation of Government Employees
AFGE Statement on OPM EO Guidance

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/08/29/afge-statement-opm-eo-guidance
—

The Real News Network
Leak From Censored Israel Lobby Film Exposes Anti-Palestinian Operatives
The first leaked excerpt of Al Jazeera’s censored film on the Israel lobby in the U.S. claims to identify the funder behind the Canary Mission, an anonymous website devoted to smearing and silencing vocal supporters of Palestinian rights. We play a clip from the film and speak to Asa Winstanley of the Electronic Intifada, which exclusively revealed it

https://therealnews.com/stories/leak-from-censored-israel-lobby-film-exposes-anti-palestinian-operatives

Countries Alarmed Over Venezuelan Migration Forget History of Venezuela’s Acceptance of Migrants
As governments in Latin America hold emergency meetings to discuss how to curtail the influx of Venezuelans escaping their country’s economic crisis, they forget how Venezuela for the longest time took in economic refugees escaping other countries’ crises

https://therealnews.com/stories/countries-alarmed-over-venezuelan-migration-forget-history-of-venezuelas-acceptance-of-migrants
—

FAIR
WaPo Uses Photo of John McCain Next to Nazi to Praise His ‘Human Rights’ Work
by Ben Norton

*Maybe they meant “human whites supporter” … ?

(And don’t we all love Chris Murphy?)

https://fair.org/home/john-mccain-human-rights-ukrainian-nazi-photo-washington-post
—

Democracy Now!
Top Student Loan Watchdog Resigns over Trump Admin Doing Bidding of Predatory Lenders

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/29/top_student_loan_watchdog_resigns_over

Meet Crystal Mason, the Black Texas Mother Facing 5+ Years in Prison for Voting in the 2016 Election

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/29/meet_crystal_mason_the_black_texas

8.28

‘I Don’t Want to Lie to Myself Anymore’: Calling Macron’s Timid Steps on Climate Inadequate, French Environment Minister Resigns in Protest
“We strive to maintain an economic model that is responsible for all these climatic disorders,” declared Nicolas Hulot
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Can we measure the impact on global warming of the hot air from hypocrites?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/28/i-dont-want-lie-myself-anymore-calling-macrons-timid-steps-climate-inadequate-french

Eyeing Landmark Verdict in Roundup Cancer Case, Vietnam Demands Monsanto Be Held Liable Over Agent Orange
“We believe Monsanto should be responsible for compensating Vietnamese victims of Agent Orange for the damages caused by the company’s herbicides”
by Andrea Germanos, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/27/eyeing-landmark-verdict-roundup-cancer-case-vietnam-demands-monsanto-be-held-liable
—

No One Ever Remembered a Teacher for Raising Standardized Test Scores
“I just wanted you to know that you taught me how to write. If it wasn’t for you I never would have made it anywhere. I just wanted to thank you so much for everything you did for me.”
by Steven Singer

*Are you creating cogs

Or cognition?

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/08/27/no-one-ever-remembered-teacher-raising-standardized-test-scores
—

Environment America
Hearing Today on Toxic Algal Outbreaks: Will Senators Call for Reducing Pollution?

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/08/28/hearing-today-toxic-algal-outbreaks-will-senators-call-reducing-pollution
—

Democracy Now!
1968 DNC Protests, 50 Years Later: Organizers Recall Coalition Building & Running Pig for President

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/28/1968_dnc_protests_50_years_later

8.27

A Private Investigator on Living in a Surveillance Culture
Can we be forgotten anymore?
by Judith Coburn

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/08/27/private-investigator-living-surveillance-culture
–

Hurricane Season Not Only Brings Destruction and Death But Rising Inequality Too
Populations that are privileged in terms of education, race or homeownership gain wealth in the aftermath of natural disasters, exacerbating already wide economic inequities
by Junia Howell

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/08/27/hurricane-season-not-only-brings-destruction-and-death-rising-inequality-too
–

Becoming Serfs
Income inequality in the United States has not been this pronounced in over a century
by Chris Hedges

*Do we want the exploitocracy to “do better” by us, or do we want to have the power to determine our own fate?

Do we want to be bought off, or do we want to buy in to the idea that no one should have the right to control our lives?

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/08/27/becoming-serfs
—

Center for Biological Diversity
Senate Urged to Block Super-Polluting Supersonic Flights Over U.S. Land
Bill provision would reverse decades-old ban

*Flights of fatal fancy

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/08/27/senate-urged-block-super-polluting-supersonic-flights-over-us-land
—

The Real News Network
US Government Admits It’s Making Fake Social Media Accounts to Spread Propaganda in Cuba
by Ben Norton

*Often imitated

Never duplicated

https://therealnews.com/columns/us-government-admits-its-making-fake-social-media-accounts-to-spread-propaganda-in-cuba

Kris Kobach’s Gubernatorial Campaign Hires White Nationalists
Kansas Republican Kris Kobach’s gubernatorial campaign hires white nationalists, giving momentum to the racist anti-immigrant movement and increasing their power in the GOP. We speak to Christina Lopez of Media Matters

*The DNCistas remain mum on this (aside perhaps from fundraising pitches to the party faithful) because to actually denounce this venom might alienate the all important “swing” voters, many of whom have some level of sympathy for it.

https://therealnews.com/stories/kris-kobachs-gubernatorial-campaign-hires-white-nationalists

Erik Prince’s Push to Privatize the Afghanistan War
Former Blackwater CEO Erik Prince is now lobbying to deploy mercenaries instead of the US military in order to bring the 17-year war in Afghanistan to an end. We discuss the proposal with Antony Loewenstein, author of “Disaster Capitalism”

*Any “success” for the empire will always be a fatal failure for the Afghans.

https://therealnews.com/stories/erik-princes-push-to-privatize-the-afghanistan-war

Rapid GDP Growth: Does Trump Deserve the Credit?
Trump and his supporters argue that the 2017 corporate tax rate cuts are spurring economic growth. Is there any truth to this? We discuss the real effects of the tax cuts with economics professor Gerald Epstein of UMass Amherst

*That trickle has a distinct odor

https://therealnews.com/stories/rapid-gdp-growth-does-trump-deserve-the-credit
—

Democracy Now!
Obit Omit: What the Media Leaves Out of John McCain’s Record of Misogyny and Militarism

*I dearly wish McCain actually had a maker to meet.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/27/obit_omit_what_the_media_leaves

Pope Asks Forgiveness for Clergy Sex Abuse Scandal as New Letter Says He Knew, But Failed to Act

*It’s frustrating, and sad, as with the previous segment on the Democratic Party, to witness this forlorn hope that a thoroughly corrupt institution – corrupt by its very nature – can somehow be rebuilt.

You can’t rebuild a house on a rotten foundation

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/27/pope_asks_forgiveness_for_clergy_sex
—

Is Coconut Oil Really a “Poison”?
by Ty Bollinger

https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/is-coconut-oil-healthy

What you need to know about coconut oil
According to a recent survey, 72% of Americans classify coconut oil as a “healthy food.” Here’s what the science says.
by Caitlin Dow

*As the song goes

“Two men say they’re Jesus
One of them must be wrong”

Keep in mind, though, that these are the folks who say GMOs are NBD.

https://www.nutritionaction.com/daily/fat-in-food/what-you-need-to-know-about-coconut-oil

8.24

After Verizon Throttling During Wildfire, California Firefighters Endorse Bill to Defend Net Neutrality
“Cable-and-phone-company greed is out.of.control,” said Free Press. “If you need proof, look no further than what just happened to the Santa Clara Fire Department.”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/24/after-verizon-throttling-during-wildfire-california-firefighters-endorse-bill-defend
—

The Real News Network
How Flint Was Gentrified Through its Water Crisis
Executive Producer Eddie Conway speaks with Flint resident and activist Abel Delgado on how the water crisis transformed his neighborhood

https://therealnews.com/stories/how-flint-was-gentrified-through-its-water-crisis

Big Tech Corporations Are Now Censoring Iranian Social Media Accounts – A Banned Student Journalist Speaks out
by Ben Norton

*An indelicious irony that in the name of “protecting democracy”, the polar opposite blows its chill winds across the cybersphere

https://therealnews.com/columns/big-tech-corporations-are-now-censoring-iranian-social-media-accounts-a-banned-student-journalist-speaks-out
—

FAIR
Distorting Past and Present: Reuters on Nicaragua’s Armed Uprising
by Joe Emersberger

*You don’t have to believe a gummint is pure as the driven snow to oppose US attempts to subvert it. By the same token, you shouldn’t ignore its very real contradictions – whether in Nicaragua or Venezuela or Brazil (before the soft coup), et alia.

Of course, the corpress will edit out most every contradiction of the opposition, and paint any “official enemy” in the worst light, but that doesn’t absolve us of the duty to see the situation in as clear eyed a manner as possible.

Doing so can elicit bile from both sides.

Nobody said intellectual honesty was a good way to make friends.

https://fair.org/home/distorting-past-and-present-reuters-on-nicaraguas-armed-uprising
—

Democracy Now!
17-Year-Old Helps Win Last-Minute Stay of Deportation For His Mom—Now She’ll See Him Start College

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/24/17_year_old_helps_win_last

8.23

Fossil Fuel Industry Evokes Fury for Seeking Taxpayer Funds for Protection Against Climate Crisis It Created
“Big Oil is asking tax payers to pay for protecting their refineries from sea level rise that they caused by keeping us addicted to oil? Yeah…no.”
by Jon Queally, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Applying “the Pottery Barn rule” to the planet

You broke it

You pay for it

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/23/fossil-fuel-industry-evokes-fury-seeking-taxpayer-funds-protection-against-climate

‘Take Her Name Out of Your Mouth’: Family of Mollie Tibbetts Tell Right-Wingers, Led by Trump, to Stop Exploiting Her Death for Racist, Anti-Immigrant Narrative
“We are not so fucking small-minded that we generalize a whole population based on some bad individuals. Now stop being a fucking snake and using my cousins death as political propaganda.”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*These hyper hypocrites care as much for Mollie Tibbetts as they do for the “unborn” once they are born.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/23/take-her-name-out-your-mouth-family-mollie-tibbetts-tell-right-wingers-led-trump
—

Feminist Principles and Michael Kimmel
by Robert Jensen

https://www.counterpunch.org/2018/08/23/feminist-principles-and-michael-kimmel
—

The Real News Network
Greece Exits its Bailout but Remains Shackled by Debt and Austerity
Former Greek MP Costas Lapavitsas says Greece has been reduced to a ‘weak and marginal Balkan economy’

https://therealnews.com/stories/greece-exits-its-bailout-but-remains-shackled-by-debt-and-austerity

The Battle Over West Virginia’s Coal Country
Trump and the EPA are rolling back coal regulations. In 2013, a group of students travelled to West Virginia to learn about the mountains—and communities—being split apart by the coal industry
by Nicole Fabricant

https://therealnews.com/columns/battle-west-virginia-coal-country

The End For Trump, Or A Dead End for Mueller? (1/2)
The convictions of Paul Manafort and Michael Cohen have led many of Trump’s media and political foes to declare the beginning of the end. Yahoo News correspondent and “Russian Roulette” co-author Michael Isikoff joins TRNN’s Aaron Maté to discuss

https://therealnews.com/stories/the-end-for-trump-or-a-dead-end-for-mueller-pt-1-2

The End For Trump, Or A Dead End for Mueller? (2/2)

https://therealnews.com/stories/the-end-for-trump-or-a-dead-end-for-mueller-pt-2-2

Banning Absurd Racist Alex Jones Threatens Us All
Digital media owners silenced the left; now it’s Alex Jones’ turn. How do we define the public commons when it’s all privately owned?

*I understand Strossen’s argument, but I also think that those who foment hate and violence toward the “other” and the oppressed and exploited should not have free reign to spew their bile. It has dire and deadly consequences.

I don’t have a clean and neat answer to this. There may not be one, but I do agree that the imposition of one from on high has its own fearsome fate to be frightened of.

https://therealnews.com/stories/banning-absurd-racist-alex-jones-threatens-us-all

Debate: Who Is Behind Nicaragua’s Turmoil? (1/3)
Recent months of deadly unrest in Nicaragua have fractured splits in the Sandinista movement, with critics accusing President Daniel Ortega of autocratic rule, and supporters accusing the opposition of attempting a US-backed soft coup. We host a debate between Dr. Mary Ellsberg of George Washington University and Max Blumenthal of the Grayzone Project

https://therealnews.com/stories/debate-who-is-behind-nicaraguas-turmoil-pt-1-3

Debate: Who Is Behind Nicaragua’s Turmoil? (2/3)

https://therealnews.com/stories/debate-who-is-behind-nicaraguas-turmoil-pt-2-3

Debate: Who Is Behind Nicaragua’s Turmoil? (3/3)

*Do you think the question posed in the segment title has been answered?

I don’t.

This was akin to listening to trial lawyers argue for their clients, trying to win a case, rather than getting at the truth of the matter.

I don’t support Ortega, or those who wish to topple his administration for their own nefarious aims. I support the aspirations of the people of Nicaragua for a better life – one they shape for themselves.

I’d hoped to have garnered intel here that would help me to better do so, but all the heat generated very little light for me.

https://therealnews.com/stories/debate-who-is-behind-nicaraguas-turmoil-pt-3-3
—

FAIR
That Facebook Will Turn to Censoring the Left Isn’t a Worry—It’s a Reality
by Alan MacLeod

*Was the Jones excision a feint to provide cover for attacking the intended targets?

And even given the dangers of corporate censorship, can a case be made for his being given the boot? Does the equation have to be an “either/or”?

https://fair.org/home/that-facebook-will-turn-to-censoring-the-left-isnt-a-worry-its-a-reality

‘Liberal’ MSNBC Runs All-Star Lineup of Awful Right-Wing Guests
by Justin Anderson

*Add to this the long list of valuable voices that have never set foot in an MSNBC green room.

https://fair.org/home/liberal-msnbc-runs-all-star-lineup-of-awful-right-wing-guests
—

Democracy Now!
Maya Little on the Fight Against Racist Confederate Statues (Part 2)

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/22/extended_conversation_maya_little_on_the

NC’s Sole Black Woman Historical Commissioner: Confederate Statues Don’t Belong at State Capitol

*I say this as a “son of the South”

The only “appropriate place” for these abominations is on the scrapheap of history.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/23/ncs_sole_black_woman_historical_commissioner

White Nationalism in the White House: Administration Faces New Revelations About Ties to Far Right

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/23/white_nationalism_in_the_white_house
—

Why Are Doctors Rushing Patients Into Conventional Cancer Treatments?
by Dr. Bita Badakhshan

https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/conventional-cancer-treatments-video

8.22

As Lanny Davis Begs Americans to Donate to ‘Scumbag’ Michael Cohen, GoFundMe ‘Truth’ Campaign Decried as Brazen Con Job
“Michael Cohen doesn’t need half a million dollars to help him ‘tell the truth,’ and he’s not a #Resistance hero. He’s an absolute scumbag who is telling the truth because otherwise he’ll spend the rest of his life in jail.”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Perhaps Madame Mayhem and The Slick Willie can spare some foundation smack for such a worthy “humanitarian cause”.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/22/lanny-davis-begs-americans-donate-scumbag-michael-cohen-gofundme-truth-campaign
—

The Other ’68: Black Power During Reconstruction
Recalling a time when the empowerment of the most oppressed in our society paved the way for other social struggles also gives weight to today’s slogan that all lives will matter only when Black lives matter
by Adam Sanchez

*Old times there that shouldn’t be forgotten

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/08/22/other-68-black-power-during-reconstruction
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Amazon and Pentagon

*Wiped from WaPo?

Ya think?

http://accuracy.org/release/amazon-and-pentagon
—

Democracy Now!
Meet Maya Little, UNC Student Whose Protest Ignited the Movement to Topple a Racist Confederate Statue

*I have nothing to add to Little’s eloquence.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/22/meet_maya_little_unc_student_whose

8.21

‘Scary’: After Abnormally Warm Winter, Arctic’s Strongest Sea Ice Breaks Up for First Time on Record
Ice that’s generally about 65 feet thick has become much thinner due to warming trends, allowing the unusually warm winds blowing through the region to push the ice apart
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/21/scary-after-abnormally-warm-winter-arctics-strongest-sea-ice-breaks-first-time
—

Public Citizen
100-Plus Corporate Executives Met With Trump Since Charlottesville Neo-Nazi Rally
Despite previously distancing themselves from the Administration, many companies have come crawling back

*”[C]owardice”

Or avarice?

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/08/21/100-plus-corporate-executives-met-trump-charlottesville-neo-nazi-rally

Latest WTO Case Challenging U.S. State Renewable Energy Policies Illustrates Why Global Trade Rules Must Change

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/08/21/latest-wto-case-challenging-us-state-renewable-energy-policies-illustrates-why
—

The Real News Network
Facebook Taps Militarist Think Tank Atlantic Council to Police its Content (1/2)
From Alex Jones to alleged Russian trolls, major internet companies are increasingly policing content on their platforms. Max Blumenthal of the Grayzone Project says the partnership between Facebook and the Atlantic Council highlights “the merger of the national security state and Silicon Valley.”

https://therealnews.com/stories/facebook-taps-militarist-think-tank-atlantic-council-to-police-its-content-pt-1-2

Russiagate Frenzy Targets Leftist Sites (2/2)
Russiagate has deepened the partnership between Washington and Silicon Valley, and leftist websites are among the first casualties. After falsely accusing an anti-white supremacist rally event page of being a fake, Facebook shut down the page of VenezuelaAnalysis.com for several hours without explanation. We speak to VA founder and TRNN host Greg Wilpert, as well as the Grayzone Project’s Max Blumenthal

https://therealnews.com/stories/russiagate-frenzy-targets-leftist-sites-pt-2-2

Over 2,000 Cities with Higher Lead Levels than Flint
Baltimore, Milwaukee, Chicago and Cleveland all have been victim to high lead and other toxins in the water. Eddie Conway and Eugene Puryear discuss the frustrations of citizens and the struggles to get clean water in communities of color

*Their wealth trumps our well being?

A lead pipe cinch

https://therealnews.com/stories/over-2000-cities-with-higher-lead-levels-than-flint

Authoritarian Patriarchy Is the Root of Sexual Abuse in the Church
A Pennsylvania grand jury report uncovers 70 years of sexual abuse of at least a thousand children by 301 priests. We speak to theologian Matthew Fox about the scandal’s causes and consequences

*The Catholic Church is like the Democratic Party

There’s all this nonsense about “saving its soul”

And there’s no soul to save.

As the man said, “Imagine … no religion”

What we have here is an utter lack of imagination.

Do we need a belief in an afterlife to compel us to do good in this one?

Isn’t being a mensch its own reward?

I get a moral chubby when I do what my conscience demands and my courage allows, and I have no need for fairy tales, or the fear of “hellfire and damnation”, as incentives for that.

Maybe I’m just weird that way.

https://therealnews.com/stories/authoritarian-patriarchy-is-the-root-of-sexual-abuse-in-the-church

Venezuela’s New Economic Program: Will it Stop Hyperinflation?
President Maduro is introducing a series of deep economic reforms, to put an end to hyperinflation and to re-start the economy. But this can only happen if faith is restored in the currency and if US financial sanctions come to an end, says CEPR’s Mark Weisbrot

https://therealnews.com/stories/venezuelas-new-economic-program-will-it-stop-hyperinflation
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Trump Overrides Minimal Protections in Yemen War

*A war without wanton hypocrisy is like a day without a drone attack

http://accuracy.org/release/trump-overrides-minimal-protections-in-yemen-war
—

Democracy Now!
National Prison Strike Begins: Prisoners in 17 States Demand End to “Slave Labor” Behind Bars

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/21/national_prison_strike_begins_prisoners_in

From Attica to South Carolina: Heather Ann Thompson on the Roots of the Nationwide Prison Strike

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/21/from_attica_to_south_carolina_heather

8.20

‘We Are Climbing Rapidly Out of Humankind’s Safe Zone’: New Report Warns Dire Climate Warnings Not Dire Enough
“Climate change is now reaching the end-game, where very soon humanity must choose between taking unprecedented action, or accepting that it has been left too late and bear the consequences”
by Jon Queally, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Will we face the future

Or be phased out of it?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/20/we-are-climbing-rapidly-out-humankinds-safe-zone-new-report-warns-dire-climate

As Arctic Warming Stalls Summer Weather, Study Warns of Intensifying ‘Very-Extreme Extremes’
“This is #climatechange, and the time to act on it is now”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Can we get our act together

Before the climate curtain falls?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/20/arctic-warming-stalls-summer-weather-study-warns-intensifying-very-extreme-extremes

Nearly Three Days Later, Jake Tapper Admits CNN “Fact Check” on Medicare for All Was, Uh, Not Factual
“Having now acknowledged the need for two corrections, he should consider whether he and the other people working on this understand the issue of Medicare for All well enough to appoint themselves as fact checkers”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*We need to stop conflating “misunderstanding” with misdirection.

The latter is the central function of the corpress.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/20/nearly-three-days-later-jake-tapper-admits-cnn-fact-check-medicare-all-was-uh-not

Any Invites for Victims of Wall Street Greed? 10 Years After Global Meltdown, Lehman Brothers Planning ‘Disgraceful’ Reunion
“People will be absolutely disgusted about this unacceptable and highly inappropriate gathering”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Party heart[lessl]y

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/20/any-invites-victims-wall-street-greed-10-years-after-global-meltdown-lehman-brothers
—

Saying Goodbye to Planet Earth
On the the dawn of the Anthropocene and how humanity has engineered our own march toward collective suicide
by Chris Hedges

*We were never as smart as we thought we were

Will we now see just how dumb we’ve been?

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/08/20/saying-goodbye-planet-earth
–

In Afghanistan, Our Need to Rethink the Institution of War
We’ve been thinking that we need armies to stop ‘terrorists’, but armies don’t stop ‘terrorists’. Instead, they give ‘terrorists’ reason to keep fighting
by Dr. Hakim

*There have always been those who stand for humanity

The question has always been if there will be enough

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/08/20/afghanistan-our-need-rethink-institution-war
—

Fight for the Future
Internet Activists Turn Up the Heat on Salesforce over Border Patrol Contract
New DropSalesforce.com campaign targets company with crowdfunded bus ads near its headquarters in San Francisco, calls on speakers and vendors to pull out of flagship Dreamforce conference

*“Salesforce prides itself on (its PR of) being a socially aware and responsible company”

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/08/20/internet-activists-turn-heat-salesforce-over-border-patrol-contract
—

The Real News Network
U.S. Court Delays Keystone XL Pipeline Construction by Ordering Environmental Review
Diana Best of Greenpeace USA says many obstacles remain to the completion of Keystone XL

*Will a pipe dream become a nightmare for its purveyors?

https://therealnews.com/stories/u-s-court-delays-keystone-xl-pipeline-construction-by-ordering-environmental-review

Lula da Silva: “Brazil is Undergoing a Right-Wing Coup”
The unraveling of Brazil’s social safety net, put in place by the PT, combined with the legislative manipulations and extreme neoliberal austerity, constitutes a right-wing coup, explains Mark Weisbrot of CEPR

https://therealnews.com/stories/lula-da-silva-brazil-is-undergoing-a-right-wing-coup

Revolution and the Third World: Exploring the Radical Ideas of Anti-Imperialist Economist Samir Amin
Samir Amin revolutionized economics by centering the Global South. TRNN’s Ben Norton explores the radical legacy of the Egyptian-French anti-imperialist Marxist with scholar Ali Kadri

https://therealnews.com/stories/revolution-and-the-third-world-exploring-the-radical-ideas-of-anti-imperialist-economist-samir-amin

New Information Reveals How Israel Covered-Up the Killing of Four Boys in Gaza
Shir Hever discusses the Intercept report, revealing that the Israeli military used an armed drone to kill four children playing football and injure four others. The Israeli investigation of the killing is exposed as a sham

https://therealnews.com/stories/new-information-reveals-how-israel-covered-up-the-killing-of-four-boys-in-gaza
—

Petition update
Medications can Lose up to 75% Potency In High Heat as This Reporter’s Investigation Indicates
by Loretta Boesing

https://www.change.org/p/13377302/u/23154364
—

Democracy Now!
Horror at TX Detention Center: ICE Guards Separate Fathers & Sons After They Had Just Been Reunited

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/20/horror_at_tx_detention_center_ice

In Memoriam: David McReynolds, the Gay Socialist Pacifist Who Twice Ran for President, Dies at 88

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/20/in_memoriam_david_mcreynolds_the_gay
—

Study May Spare Thousands of Breast Cancer Patients From Unnecessary Chemotherapy
by Ty Bollinger

https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/breast-cancer-unnecessary-chemotherapy

8.17

Jake Tapper’s Flawed ‘Happy Fact Check Friday’ on Medicare for All Widely Condemned
“Once again, the main impediment to the success of Medicare for All is actually liberals who are either stupid or dishonest about this stuff”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*I assume there are a few Canucks working in the stateside corpress.

Tapper and ilk might ask them how well their homeland’s healthcare system worked for them, and it.

Might … but won’t.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/17/jake-tappers-flawed-happy-fact-check-friday-medicare-all-widely-condemned
—

Sea of Tears: The Tragedy of Families Split by the Korean War
‘How can there be a half-century of separation between brothers and sisters, between parents and children?’
by Simone Chun

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/08/17/sea-tears-tragedy-families-split-korean-war
—

Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS)
Communities, Workers and Science Group Win Case Against EPA

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/08/17/communities-workers-and-science-group-win-case-against-epa
—

The Real News Network
Kris Kobach, Trump’s Top Vote Suppressor, Wins Kansas Primary
Kris Kobach is the frontrunner to become the next governor of Kansas after winning the Republican primary. And even though Kobach’s vote suppression efforts have faced legal setbacks, Trump’s stacking of the Supreme Court may soon hand him another victory, says investigative journalist Greg Palast

*Unless they can somehow tie this to Russia, the Dems don’t give a good goddamn, do they?

https://therealnews.com/stories/kris-kobach-trumps-top-vote-suppressor-wins-kansas-primary

After Attempted Killing of Indian Leftist Student Leader, Activists Accuse Government, Media of Incitement
Left-wing student leader Umar Khalid was shot at by a right-wing Hindutva extremist near India’s parliament. JNU Professor Jayati Ghosh says their school, the media, and the BJP government have incited this sectarian violence. Ben Norton reports

https://therealnews.com/stories/after-attempted-killing-of-indian-leftist-student-leader-activists-accuse-gov-media-of-incitement
—

Petition
Remove sub-Asian boxes on Census Form 2020! Stop racist anti-Asian anti-immigrant legacy!
by Swan Lee

https://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-united-states-remove-sub-asian-boxes-on-census-form-2020-stop-racist-anti-asian-anti-immigrant-legacy

Stand Up KC and Fight for $15
Shae Edwards Funeral Expenses

https://www.gofundme.com/shae-edwards-funeral-expenses
—

Can Keeping Your Baby Too Clean Lead to Leukemia?
by Ty Bollinger

https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/childhood-leukemia

8.16

‘Complete Joke’: Democrats Ripped for Totally Failing to Grill FCC Chair Ajit Pai Over Net Neutrality Cyberattack Lies
“There were many opportunities to talk about how the FCC misled the press and mistreated reporters. That should have been the story of this hearing, but they didn’t make Pai sweat nearly enough.”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*”Corporate Democrat” is a redundancy in terms

It’s akin to … I don’t know … “sleeping pajamas”.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/16/complete-joke-democrats-ripped-totally-failing-grill-fcc-chair-ajit-pai-over-net
—

The Workers Left Behind by the DNC’s Fossil Fuel Resolution
Why only a just transition framework will do
by Alycee Lane

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/08/16/workers-left-behind-dncs-fossil-fuel-resolution
–

The Trump-Media Logrolling
While the need for genuinely free sources of information is greater than ever, it is unclear to me if traditional newspapers can be part of the equation
by Sam Husseini

*Quite righteous, but “the seemingly perpetual U.S. government war machine” invaded Afghanistan before Iraq, if memory serves.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/08/16/trump-media-logrolling
–

The Right To Be Afraid
There’s something wrong here that our legal system is, apparently, incapable of addressing
by Robert C. Koehler

*Is it possible what was coursing through the killer’s mind wasn’t fear, but the prime directive

“No nigger’s gonna shove me to the ground and get away with it”?

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/08/16/right-be-afraid
—

Center for Biological Diversity
Analysis: Most Oil Wells Approved by Gov. Brown Are in Low-income Areas, Communities of Color

*If he does the right thing due to political pressure, rather than, say, a conscious conscience

How would that make him “a champion for the health and future of all Californians”?

Screw his “legacy”

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/08/16/analysis-most-oil-wells-approved-gov-brown-are-low-income-areas-communities
—

The Real News Network
Saudi-Canada Diplomatic Row Obscures Canada’s Support for the Deadly War on Yemen
Canadian Journalist Anthony Fenton Explains Canada’s Extensive Arms Sales to the Saudi Autocracy

https://therealnews.com/stories/saudi-canada-diplomatic-row-obscures-canadas-support-for-the-deadly-war-on-yemen

Genoa Bridge Disaster Plays Into Hands of Italy’s Far-Right
The death toll from a bridge collapse in the Italian city of Genoa has reached at least thirty-nine. The tragedy has ignited national frustration with crumbling infrastructure and economic austerity — and it’s Italy’s far-right that has taken most advantage. We speak to Steve Hellman, professor emeritus at York University.

*It’s not that there’s no “space” for a left alternative

It’s that, like Syriza, there’s no spine to truly stand as one.

https://therealnews.com/stories/genoa-bridge-disaster-plays-into-hands-of-italys-far-right
—

Petition
Public Citizen
Sign the Petition to Protect Workers from Rising Temperatures

https://action.citizen.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=13846
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
“Trump-Media Logrolling”

*The media elite enabled Killer Clown

For that alone, “enemy of the people” is an ironically apt label.

http://accuracy.org/release/trump-media-logrolling
—

Democracy Now!
Shocking Investigation Reveals Pennsylvania Priests Abused 1,000 Children and Covered Up the Abuse

*That an institution that blessed slavery, torture and genocide could be capable of this …

It just beggars the imagination, doesn’t it?

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/16/shocking_investigation_reveals_pennsylvania_priests_abused

“This Church Is a Criminal Enterprise”: Former Priest & Survivor Speak Out on PA Catholic Sex Abuse

*Don’t you know Francis and his cabal are in crisis mode, trying to suss how to PR this as much as possible?

And they’ll have all sorts of assistance from pols and the corpress, who’ll “false balance” this to death.

It’s not a matter of what the pope “has to do”

It’s a matter of his going down with the whole vile enterprise.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/16/this_church_is_a_criminal_enterprise

8.15

‘How Many More Women Have to Die?” Days After Lawmakers Reject Legalization Bill, Argentine Woman Dies From At-Home Abortion
“Secrecy saves no life. Secrecy kills.”
by Andrea Germanos, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/15/how-many-more-women-have-die-days-after-lawmakers-reject-legalization-bill-argentine

‘Belly Flop’: With Only One Percent of Leases Sold, Even Fossil Fuel Industry Understands Trump’s Offshore Drilling Plan Is Ridiculous
“Even corporate polluters aren’t buying what Zinke’s selling”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/15/belly-flop-only-one-percent-leases-sold-even-fossil-fuel-industry-understands-trumps

Glyphosate—It’s What’s for Breakfast: Study Finds Cancer-Causing Weedkiller in Popular Oatmeal, Cereals, and Snack Bars
Concerned that “President Trump’s lawless EPA” won’t take action to protect children from the chemical, EWG calls on companies to end use of glyphosate
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/15/glyphosate-its-whats-breakfast-study-finds-cancer-causing-weedkiller-popular-oatmeal
—

Friends of the Earth U.S. Applauds Canada’s Ban on Bee-Killing Pesticides, Urges EPA and Food Retailers to Follow

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/08/15/friends-earth-us-applauds-canadas-ban-bee-killing-pesticides-urges-epa-and-food
—

The Real News Network
Trump Explores Creating a Military Branch to Dominate Space
In violation of international accords, Trump wants to create a new branch of the military that will dominate the frontier of space with weapons

*Turning the heavens to hell

https://therealnews.com/stories/trump-explores-creating-a-military-branch-to-dominate-space

Right-Wing Reunion in Charlottesville, Portland and DC, Outnumbered by Anti-Racist
A year after Heather Heyer’s brutal murder, white nationalist rally in Portland and DC, but they are outnumbered by anti-racist opponents. We speak to Eugene Puryear.

*Violent resistance is a fraught choice

But turning the other cheek almost always results in another blow to the face

https://therealnews.com/stories/right-wing-reunion-in-charlottesville-portland-and-dc-outnumbered-by-anti-racist
—

Petition
Impeach Judge TJ Hauler for Giving a Sexual Abuser No Jail Time
by Emily Jansen

https://www.change.org/p/impeach-judge-tj-hauler-for-giving-a-sexual-abuser-no-jail-time
—

Democracy Now!
Parents of Murdered Parkland Student Joaquin Oliver on Using Art to Demand End to Gun Violence

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/15/parents_of_murdered_parkland_student_joaquin

John Carlos Frey: Deported Parents Say Trump Administration Is Still Separating Families at Border

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/15/john_carlos_frey_deported_parents_say

Military Cover-Up? 100s of Migrants Feared Dead in Mass Grave at AZ’s Barry Goldwater Bombing Range

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/15/military_cover_up_100s_of_migrants
—

Promising Early Cancer Tests Able to Detect Stage 0 Cancer
by Tony Isaacs

https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/tests-detect-stage-0-cancer

8.14

The Enemy Between Us: How Inequality Erodes our Mental Health
Inequality creates the social and political divisions that isolate us from each other
by Kate Pickett and Richard Wilkinson

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/08/14/enemy-between-us-how-inequality-erodes-our-mental-health
–

Terrified By ‘Hothouse Earth’? Don’t Despair — Do Something
This is our actual planet we’re talking about, the only place in the entire universe capable of supporting life as we know it
by Eric Holthaus

*I wouldn’t bet my money that we’ll survive

But I have no choice but to bet my life

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/08/14/terrified-hothouse-earth-dont-despair-do-something
–

Donald Trump, Gunrunner for Hire
The NRA and the gun industry in the global stratosphere
by William Hartung

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/08/14/donald-trump-gunrunner-hire
–

Real News, Fake News
Real Resistance, Fake Resistance
by Pat Elder

*Madame Mayhem’s makeup kit

https://www.elderforcongress.org/indivisible.html
—

ACLU Files Complaint With DHS Over Unfair Blacklisting of U.S. Citizen

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/08/14/aclu-files-complaint-dhs-over-unfair-blacklisting-us-citizen
—

The Real News Network
After Emerging From An Israeli Prison, Freedom Flotilla Captain Accuses Canada’s Government Of Complicity In A “Slow Genocide”
Human Rights Activist John Turnbull Describes How Israel’s Navy Hijacked a Peaceful Vessel in International Waters and Kidnapped its Passengers and Crew

https://therealnews.com/stories/after-emerging-from-an-israeli-prison-freedom-flotilla-captain-accuses-canadas-government-of-complicity-in-a-slow-genocide

Deadly Taliban Offensive Exposes US-Afghan Forces’ Disarray
As the death toll from a Taliban assault on the Afghan city of Ghazni passes 300, journalist and author Ahmed Rashid says the attack underscores the the ineffectiveness of the US-NATO-Afghan government coalition, and the urgent need for talks to end the nearly 17-year war

https://therealnews.com/stories/deadly-taliban-offensive-exposes-us-afghan-forces-disarray
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Turning Space Into a War Zone

*From Killer Clown to Darth Vader

http://accuracy.org/release/turning-space-into-a-war-zone
—

FAIR Counterspin
‘There is a Strong Reason for All Americans to Feel more Economically Insecure than they Did Before the Great Recession’
Janine Jackson interviewed Dedrick Asante-Muhammad about the racial wealth divide

https://fair.org/home/there-is-a-strong-reason-for-all-americans-to-feel-more-economically-insecure-than-they-did-before-the-great-recession
—

Democracy Now!
Historic Ruling Against Monsanto Finds Company Acted with “Malice” Against Groundskeeper with Cancer

*The money here ain’t jack for Monsanto

It’s the precedent, which will hopefully open the floodgates to their coffers.

We know no one will go to jail for this, but if execs’ income were dramatically affected along with the corp’s cash, we might see a shift in their sinister ‘tude.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/14/historic_ruling_against_monsanto_finds_company

How Monsanto Plants Stories, Suppresses Science & Silences Dissent to Sell a Cancer-Linked Chemical

*Do you fantasize about making these bastards drink a “cancer cocktail” on a daily basis?

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/14/how_monsanto_plants_stories_suppresses_science

40 Yemeni Children Dead by U.S.-Made Bomb? Outrage Mounts Over U.S. Role in Airstrike on School Bus

*Loopholes large enough to launch a missile through

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/14/40_yemeni_children_dead_by_a

AP Investigation: Behind the Scenes in Yemen, U.S.-Backed Saudi Coalition Is Working with al-Qaeda

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/14/ap_investigation_behind_the_scenes_in

8.13

Google Tracking User Data Even When ‘Location History’ Is Off: AP
New investigation by Associated Press shows how iPhone and Android users’ location data is still recorded even when they have been misled to believe it isn’t
by Andrea Germanos, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/13/google-tracking-user-data-even-when-location-history-ap
—

Alex Jones Is Far From the Only Person Tech Companies Are Silencing
Facebook, Twitter, Apple and other companies routinely silence voices in marginalized communities around the world that struggle to be heard in the first place, replicating their offline repression
by David Greene

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/08/13/alex-jones-far-only-person-tech-companies-are-silencing
–

As America Burns From Climate Change, Trump Officials Attend Denial Conference to Discuss Why Climate Change is Fake
Trump represents the last chance for the fossil fuel industry to wreck this planet
by Andy Rowell

*Flattened Earth Society

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/08/13/america-burns-climate-change-trump-officials-attend-denial-conference-discuss-why
—

The Real News Network
As Europe Goes Right, Some Cities Take a Different Path
At the Fearless Cities Conference, Barcelona en Comú’s Gala Pin says cities are the future of democratic governance

https://therealnews.com/stories/as-europe-goes-right-some-cities-take-a-different-path

Business Models of NSA & Companies Like Google Are About the Same? (1/2)
In a wide ranging discussion on global internet governance issues, Richard Hill explains that at the international level the US is deliberately structuring internet governance to ensure unrestricted corporate freedom and to favor its own surveillance apparatus, and largely denies certain internet services should be public services or public goods

https://therealnews.com/stories/business-models-of-nsa-companies-like-google-are-about-the-same-1-2

Can Big Internet Security Problems Be Fixed Retroactively? (2/2)
Cybersecurity, affordable internet access for all, market share concentration in US & Chinese internet giants, e-commerce and cross-border free flow of data, ownership of citizens’ collective data and the value-added of artificial intelligence are all material in a wide ranging discussion on global internet governance issues with Richard Hill

https://therealnews.com/stories/can-big-internet-security-problems-be-fixed-retroactively-2-2

Trump’s Trade War with China: Undermining China’s Dependence on Neoliberalism
The unexpected ascension of Donald Trump to the US presidency caught the Chinese leadership off guard, and his launching of a trade war against China is undermining its strategy for global dominance, argues Prof. Minqi Li

https://therealnews.com/stories/trumps-trade-war-with-china-undermining-chinas-dependence-on-neoliberalism
—

Petition
Chicago Votes et alia
Support Voting In Jail! Eligible voters should be able to vote

https://campaigns.organizefor.org/petitions/support-voting-in-jail-eligible-voters-should-be-able-to-vote

Stop Forcing Mail Order Pharmacy as Only Choice of Coverage & Monitor Package Temperature
by Loretta Boesing

*Nickel and diming us to death

https://www.change.org/p/attn-all-legistlatures-state-board-of-pharmacies-ban-mail-order-drug-mandates-from-all-health-insurance-plans-monitor
—

FAIR
Counterspin
‘The Vast Majority of Tipped Workers in America Suffer from Three Times the Poverty Rate of the Rest of the US Workforce’

https://fair.org/home/the-vast-majority-of-tipped-workers-in-america-suffer-from-three-times-the-poverty-rate-of-the-rest-of-the-us-workforce
—

Democracy Now!
Meet the Two Protesters Who Confronted Interior Sec. Ryan Zinke over Corruption & Climate Change

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/13/meet_the_two_protesters_who_confronted

Interior Sec. Zinke Blames “Radical Environmentalists,” Not Climate Change, as 100+ Wildfires Rage

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/13/interior_sec_zinke_blames_radical_environmentalists_not
—

Vaccine Damage: How to Minimize the Effects of Taking a (Forced) Vaccine
by Ty Bollinger

*For your consideration

I’m trying to suss this shit out for my own self.

https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/minimize-vaccine-damage

8.10

In Latest ‘Shameful Abdication’ of Duty to Students, DeVos Moves to ‘Unshackle’ For-Profit Colleges Peddling Useless Degrees
“There is no line Secretary DeVos won’t cross to pad the pockets of for-profit colleges”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/10/latest-shameful-abdication-duty-students-devos-moves-unshackle-profit-colleges

Progressives ‘Furious’ After Report of DNC Proposal to Reverse Ban on Fossil Fuel Donations
“Honestly, these people are bound and determined to deflate and demobilize their base,” declared author and activist Naomi Klein
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Old dog

Old tricks

What to do?

New party

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/10/progressives-furious-after-report-dnc-proposal-reverse-ban-fossil-fuel-donations

As DefCon Begins, Child Hackers Ready to Crack US Voting Systems (Because Adult Hackers Find It Just Too Easy)
“These websites are so easy to hack we couldn’t give them to adult hackers—they’d be laughed off the stage”
by Andrea Germanos, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Of course, if you built the machine, and your friends ask you nicely to futz with it, you don’t need to hack it, do you?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/10/defcon-begins-child-hackers-ready-crack-us-voting-systems-because-adult-hackers-find

‘Peak Dystopia’: Chicago Police Bolster Distrust With ‘Bait Truck’ Full of Nikes in Poor Black Neighborhood
Critics called the sting operation “an appalling display of misplaced priorities and a step backwards on the path to trust and legitimacy”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Would it seem a logical disconnect to you to try to “build trust” between an abuser and their victim?

Is the analogy apt?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/10/peak-dystopia-chicago-police-bolster-distrust-bait-truck-full-nikes-poor-black
—

US Editorials Called the Polish Immigrant Grandparents of Laura Ingraham ‘Undesirables’
Ingraham’s typical Know-Nothing pronouncements on immigration to the US
by Juan Cole

*Isn’t it depressingly ironic that many of the countries whose residents were deemed “undesirable” are today viciously xenophobic?

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/08/10/us-editorials-called-polish-immigrant-grandparents-laura-ingraham-undesirables
—

The Real News Network
New US Sanctions on Russia and Iran Raise Tensions, May Backfire
The US has imposed a new round of sanctions on Russia over the Skripal poisoning in Britain, despite the absence to date of evidence. This follows the reimposition of Iran sanctions following Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal. The sanctions will further bleed the targeted countries, but could they backfire? We speak to journalist and best-selling author Max Blumenthal

https://therealnews.com/stories/new-us-sanctions-on-russia-raise-tensions-plummet-hopes

Berkeley Police Dept Persecutes Counter-Protesters Who Opposed Far-Right Rally
In an unusual move, the Berkeley Police Department made public the mug shots and names of counter-protesters they arrested, who had come to oppose a far-right demonstration. Was this an effort to intimidate leftists and to favor the far-right? We discuss the action and implications with UC law professor Veena Dubal

*Do I need to point out which party dominates gummint in Berkeley and the Bay Area in general, and that some of the pols enabling this cop crap may have been protesters back in the day?

https://therealnews.com/stories/berkeley-police-dept-persecutes-counter-protesters-who-opposed-far-right-rally
—

FAIR
Laundering a Massacre By Labeling It a ‘Clash’
by Adam Johnson

*More fun with words

“Provocation” by the oppressed

“Reaction” by the rulers

https://fair.org/home/laundering-a-massacre-by-labeling-it-a-clash

8.9

The Knife in Iran’s Back: Trump Reinstates Sanctions, Opening the Door to Chaos in Asia and Europe
China, Russia and Turkey have already indicated that they will not buckle to U.S. pressure
by Vijay Prashad

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/08/09/knife-irans-back-trump-reinstates-sanctions-opening-door-chaos-asia-and-europe
–

The Ferguson Effect: Why Wesley Bell’s Primary Victory in St. Louis Matters
As we move toward the midterm elections of 2018, we would do well to pay attention to the continued influence of the movement for Black lives on local elections and on the changing face of criminal justice reform in America
by Frank Leon Roberts

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/08/09/ferguson-effect-why-wesley-bells-primary-victory-st-louis-matters
–

Poverty, Violence, and Spiritual Wildfires
We’ve chosen, over the last half century, to perpetuate violence rather than take a complex, value-transforming stand against, or beyond, it
by Robert C. Koehler

*If there were profit to be made in ending poverty …

But, of course, that’s what makes it possible

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/08/09/poverty-violence-and-spiritual-wildfires
—

Food & Water Watch
As Trump Seeks to Frack California, Gov. Brown Must Finally Resist

*Brown will do what’s best for Brown, which means he’ll have to believe that doing the wrong thing will cost him more than doing what’s right.

I guess that’s as succinct a definition of “politician” as any, innit?

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/08/09/trump-seeks-frack-california-gov-brown-must-finally-resist

Earthjustice
Court Slams EPA Failure to Protect Children and Farmworkers From Toxic Pesticide
EPA ordered to ban chlorpyrifos within 60 days

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/08/09/court-slams-epa-failure-protect-children-and-farmworkers-toxic-pesticide
—

The Real News Network
Greece’s Government and Creditors Downplay Austerity’s Effects in ‘National Tragedy’ Wildfires
Greek journalist Aris Chatzistefanou says austerity has degraded Greece’s ability to manage threats to public safety

https://therealnews.com/stories/the-roots-of-greeces-wildfire-crisis-climate-change-austerity-and-historical-neglect
—

Democracy Now!
$1 An Hour to Fight Largest Fire in CA History: Are Prison Firefighting Programs Slave Labor?

*If you’re holding out a carrot with a stick in your hand, that can’t be considered “voluntary”.

Inmates shouldn’t have to risk their lives to improve their lot. Firefighter training can be provided without exposing prisoners to possibly deadly consequences.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/9/1_an_hour_to_fight_largest
—

Cheerios Nutrition: Is This Popular Food Actually Healthy for Kids & Adults?
by Deborah Oke

*Cereal killer

https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/cheerios-nutrition

8.8

Confirming Kavanaugh Is Not Affirming Democracy
Based on Kavanaugh’s own past decisions, of affirming, and likely expanding, constitutional rights of corporations at the expense of human rights, and limiting our ability to protect our ecosystem from further plunder and outright collapse
by Kaitlin Sopoci-Belknap and Greg Coleridge

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/08/08/confirming-kavanaugh-not-affirming-democracy
–

Why We Need More Women Involved in Creating Environmental Policy
A new study shows female economists are more likely to support environmental policies than their male counterparts
by Lucy Goodchild van Hilten

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/08/08/why-we-need-more-women-involved-creating-environmental-policy
—

Drug Policy Alliance
Stark Racial Disparities and Disturbing Growth in Washington D.C. Marijuana Arrests Despite Legalization
While possession arrests remain low, alarming growth in marijuana distribution arrests and public consumption charges

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/08/08/stark-racial-disparities-and-disturbing-growth-washington-dc-marijuana-arrests

Food & Water Watch
FDA Investigating Possible Link Between Factory Farms and Tainted Lettuce

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/08/08/fda-investigating-possible-link-between-factory-farms-and-tainted-lettuce
—

The Real News Network
Israel is Turning From a Security State to a Private Security State
TRNN’s Shir Hever discusses his book on the privatization of Israeli security, the role of the Palestinian Authority as a subcontractor, and the international impact of Israeli security firms

*Should we be optimistic about the possibility of a “political solution” similar to that in South Africa?

We might ask the non white residents of that land just how well that’s worked out for them.

https://therealnews.com/stories/israel-is-turning-from-a-security-state-to-a-private-security-state

Why Are Progressive Online Media Outlets Not Questioning Russiagate? Q&A (4/5)

*It seems entirely appropriate, when referring to Maddow and ilk, to place “progressives” in scare quotes, don’t it?

https://therealnews.com/stories/why-are-progressive-online-media-outlets-not-questioning-russiagate-qa-pt-4-5
—

Petition
Get harmful chemicals out of sunscreen
by Arabella Hubbauer

https://www.change.org/p/get-harmful-chemicals-out-of-sunscreen
—

FAIR
The Deficit That Will Eat the Budget and Other Ever-Popular Scare Stories
by Dean Baker

*Deficit spin-ding

https://fair.org/home/the-deficit-that-will-eat-the-budget-and-other-ever-popular-scare-stories
—

Democracy Now!
Do Historic Victories & Tight Races in Primaries Mean Dems Could Retake Senate & House in November?

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/8/do_historic_victories_tight_races_in

8.7

‘Terrifying’: Poll Shows 43% of Republicans Think Trump Should Have Power to Shutter News Outlets for ‘Bad Behavior’
In an apparent win for the president’s hostile rhetoric, nearly half of Republicans also agree with his claim that “the news media is the enemy of the American people”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*If obfuscation and fabrication in service to our exploiters is evidence of an “enemy”, then the corpress qualifies in spades.

That, of course, is not what has Killer Clown’s knickers in a twist, is it?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/07/terrifying-poll-shows-43-republicans-think-trump-should-have-power-shutter-news

New Scorecard Shows Only 12 House Democrats Have Fully Embraced Game-Changing Progressive Agenda
“In today’s tumultuous world, it is important for all Americans to know exactly who in Washington is standing up for our most essential needs: a clean, livable environment, quality universal healthcare, and a more just, equitable society for all”
by Jon Queally, staff writer
Common Dreams

*There are 78 reps in the “Progressive Caucus”

Do the math

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/07/new-scorecard-shows-only-12-house-democrats-have-fully-embraced-game-changing

Did Saudis Just Threaten Canada With 9/11-Style Attack for Crime of Criticizing Their Atrocious Human Rights Record?
“If you represent a kingdom which brought forth the majority of 9/11 attackers, don’t use a plane flying into a tower in North America when you have a disagreement with Canada. It doesn’t help.”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Given that corpress fawning over bin Salman, don’t expect a fraction of the outrage aimed at Killer Clown’s interaction with Putin to be directed at this object of his bromantic affection.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/07/did-saudis-just-threaten-canada-911-style-attack-crime-criticizing-their-atrocious

A ‘Hothouse’ Future for Humanity: Scientists Behind Terrifying Climate Analysis Hope They Are Wrong
“This is, by far, the biggest political issue in the world. It is the one thing that will affect everyone on the planet for centuries to come. Why isn’t everyone shouting it from the rooftops?”
by Jon Queally, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Tweeting may have replaced fiddling, but our Nero is dead set that far beyond Rome burns.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/07/hothouse-future-humanity-scientists-behind-terrifying-climate-analysis-hope-they-are
—

ACLU
Call For An End To The Trump Administration’s No-Abortion Policy for Immigrant Teens

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/08/07/call-end-trump-administrations-no-abortion-policy-immigrant-teens

Fight for $15
Protect home healthcare workers’ rights

https://fightfor15.org/s-petition/2018-08-06-cms-comment-collection
—

The Real News Network
Israeli Commandos Brutally Attack Freedom Flotilla Activists in International Waters
Indigenous leader Larry Commodore returns to Canada after being released from an Israeli prison

https://therealnews.com/stories/israeli-commandos-brutally-attack-freedom-flotilla-activists-in-international-waters

The Truth About the 2008 Financial Meltdown and How it Contributed to Trump’s Rise (1/2)
What is the truth behind the 2008 financial collapse, why was no one prosecuted and how did Obama’s not prosecuting the “banksters” and strengthening Glass Steagal lead to Trump in the White House? Economist Bill Black joins us bring clarity to this mystery

*It’s a mystery to me why anyone with an ounce of unmoldly brain matter can’t suss why pols of either major persuasion cover for corporate connivance.

How about you?

https://therealnews.com/stories/the-truth-about-the-2008-financial-meltdown-and-how-it-contributed-to-trumps-rise-pt-1-2

The Truth About the 2008 Financial Meltdown and How it Contributed to Trump’s Rise (2/2)

*The DNCistas don’t so seemingly politically stupid things because they’re fools, but because it fulfills their function within the electoral duopoly.

Given the enforced ignorance of the American public, you need only a slightly less awful option to give the illusion of choice.

And an illusion is essentially all it is, isn’t it?

https://therealnews.com/stories/the-truth-about-the-2008-financial-meltdown-and-how-it-contributed-to-trumps-rise-pt-2-2

Is Trump Being Tough on Russia? Q&A (3/5)
Watch Part 3 of Paul Jay and Aaron Mate’s interactive discussion with viewers about the controversy over Trump’s visit to Helsinki – From a live recording on July 18th, 2018

*In a different world, would we wish the US to confront Russia over its (actual) sins?

That world would necessitate an American gummint willing to first cast the beam out of its own eye, wouldn’t you say?

https://therealnews.com/stories/is-trump-being-tough-on-russia-qa-pt-3-5

Baltimore Organizers Say Climate Justice Is Also Health, Housing, and Transit Justice
The Baltimore People’s Climate Movement says that climate isn’t just an issue for our natural world; it also impacts our infrastructure and most vulnerable communities

https://therealnews.com/stories/baltimore-organizers-say-climate-justice-is-also-health-housing-and-transit-justice
—

Democracy Now!
Documenting Hate: New Doc Lays Bare the Violent White Supremacy that Exploded in Charlottesville

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/7/documenting_hate_new_doc_lays_bare

New Charlottesville Doc Exposes Neo-Nazi Leaders & Their Ties to U.S. Military & Weapons Contractors

*Think about this

You have nonviolent protesters being surveilled, infiltrated and prosecuted “to the fullest extent of the law”, while these vicious bastards are treated with kid gloves, if touched at all.

Why?

Because the former are a threat to power

The latter are a force multiplier for it.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/7/new_charlottesville_doc_exposes_neo_nazi

Mother of Heather Heyer, Killed 1 Year Ago: Everyone Needs to Pick Up the Baton & Stand Against Hate

*It’s vital to hear the stories of folks like Susan Bro, who remind us that humanity persists in the face of all the forces arrayed against it.

Acts of conscience may not lead to victory

But they are never in vain

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/7/mother_of_heather_heyer_killed_1

Portland Protest Shows New Far-Right Trend: Multiethnic Groups with Fascist Heroes Like Pinochet

*You’d think someone like Thompson would suss just why “law enforcement” enforces the law selectively here, but he apparently doesn’t, and that’s concerning, to say the least.

None so blind …

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/7/portland_protest_shows_new_far_right

Activists Nationwide Aim to Disrupt GEO Group Today for Profiting Off Jailing & Separating Families

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/7/activists_nationwide_aim_to_disrupt_geo
—

20 Questions for your Oncologist
Do you know the right questions to ask?
by Chris Wark

https://squareone.chrisbeatcancer.com/20q-e?affiliate=78

8.6

‘Why Elect Progressives? THIS’: Shredding of Social Safety Net Blamed as Bankruptcies Soar for Older Americans
“None of this is a bug. These are features of an economy that transfers massive wealth to the very top, by hollowing out the middle class”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*What happens when one party plays hardball

And the other serves up hanging sliders

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/06/why-elect-progressives-shredding-social-safety-net-blamed-bankruptcies-soar-older

In Bid for ‘Dystopian’ Surveillance Power, Facebook Asking Big Banks for Customer Data
“How much more of your personal existence are you willing to give up to continue to be a sieve of your data for a multi-billion dollar corporation?”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*”All your database are belong to us”

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/06/bid-dystopian-surveillance-power-facebook-asking-big-banks-customer-data

‘Glut of Overpriced Apartments’ Has Made Rents Fall for Rich, Soar for Poor in Cities Nationwide
In some U.S. metro areas, rents for low-income residents have increased by more than 40 percent since 2011, new data shows
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/06/glut-overpriced-apartments-has-made-rents-fall-rich-soar-poor-cities-nationwide
—

The American Sea of Deception
While we’ve never seen anything on Trump’s psychotic scale, the problem of U.S. presidential deception goes way back in American history
by Paul Street

*Mythplaced national pride

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/08/06/american-sea-deception
–

What are the responsibilities of pro-feminist men in the Michael Kimmel case?
by Robert Jensen

https://www.feministcurrent.com/2018/08/06/responsibilities-pro-feminist-men-michael-kimmel-case
—

Alliance for a Green Economy
After Perry Visits FitzPatrick and Touts Nuclear Subsidies in NY, Groups Call on Cuomo to Exempt Renewable Energy Purchasers From Subsidizing Failing Nuclear Plant
Nuclear subsidies have already cost New York ratepayers about $650 million

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/08/06/after-perry-visits-fitzpatrick-and-touts-nuclear-subsidies-ny-groups-call-cuomo
—

The Real News Network
Does the Russiagate Narrative Protect Those with Power and Influence? Q&A (Pt 2/5)
Watch Part 2 of Paul Jay and Aaron Mate’s interactive discussion with viewers about the controversy over Trump’s visit to Helsinki – From a live recording on July 18th, 2018

*Look beyond the circus clown to the ringmasters

https://therealnews.com/stories/does-the-russiagate-narrative-protect-those-with-power-and-influence-qa-pt-2-5

Is LeBron James Writing the Playbook for Quality Public Schools?
Khalilah Harris discusses LeBron James’ I Promise School opening with Jose Vilson, National Board-certified teacher and founder of EduColor. She also visits a Baltimore area community school and makes connections to the purpose of education in a democracy facing deep economic inequality

https://therealnews.com/stories/is-lebron-james-writing-the-playbook-for-quality-public-schools
—

Democracy Now!
Venezuelan Pres. Nicolás Maduro Targeted in 1st Assassination Attempt by Drone Against Head of State

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/6/venezuelan_pres_nicolas_maduro_targeted_in

8.3

Earth’s Carbon Concentrations Have Soared to Levels Not Seen in 800,000 Years
One NOAA oceanographer warns that even if humanity “stopped the greenhouse gases at their current concentrations today, the atmosphere would still continue to warm for next couple decades to maybe a century”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Time’s running out

But we can’t

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/03/earths-carbon-concentrations-have-soared-levels-not-seen-800000-years

‘Insidious’: Emails Show Trump White House Lied About US Poverty Levels to Discredit Critical UN Report
With its attempt to falsify statistics and whitewash uncomfortable facts about poverty in America, the White House once again demonstrated its “contempt” for the poor, one critic argued
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Another effluent episode in this make your own reality show

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/03/insidious-emails-show-trump-white-house-lied-about-us-poverty-levels-discredit

‘An Insult to Our National Wildlife’: Trump Reverses Ban on GMOs and Bee-Killing Pesticides in Refuges
“Industrial agriculture has no place on public lands dedicated to conservation of biological diversity and the protection of our most vulnerable species”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/03/insult-our-national-wildlife-trump-reverses-ban-gmos-and-bee-killing-pesticides

Demanding Rahm’s Resignation, Anti-Violence Protesters Shut Down Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive in March to Wrigley Field
“#ResignRahm: End the Tale of Two Cities. Justice for ALL Chicagoans!”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*The emphemerality of celebrity solidarity

The day the music didn’t die

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/03/demanding-rahms-resignation-anti-violence-protesters-shut-down-chicagos-lake-shore
—

Stop Meat Companies from Rigging the Grass-fed Market
The deceptive use of “Product of U.S.A.” in labeling imported beef hurts ranchers, consumers, and the environment
by Ben Lilliston

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/08/03/stop-meat-companies-rigging-grass-fed-market
–

Trump’s Farmer “Bailout,” Explained
And what we really need to do to get agriculture back on track
by Patty Lovera

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/08/03/trumps-farmer-bailout-explained
–

Witnessing Coal’s Death March
“Whether it’s coal to Asia, coal waste to oil, coal to plastics, or coal to rainbows and unicorns, that coal is mined from the bones and the lungs of people who can never be fairly compensated for their injuries or their lives”
by Vernon Haltom

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/08/03/witnessing-coals-death-march
—

Democracy Now!
A Slaughter in Silence: How Trump’s “America First” Policy Enabled Ethnic Cleansing in the DRC

*Can we pay more attention to the “Killer”, and less to the “Clown”?

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/3/a_slaughter_in_silence_how_trumps

Body of Olivia Lone Bear Found in N. Dakota as Native Women Face Crisis of Murders, Disappearances

*As is the case in so many other areas of the world, the blood flows along with the oil

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/3/body_of_olivia_lone_bear_found

8.2

‘We Need Healthcare Champions, Not Puppets’: Docs Expose Big Pharma’s Scheme to Turn Democratic Candidates Against Medicare for All
“Democrats running in a primary election will say they support ‘Medicare for All,’ but what do they say to lobbyists behind the scenes?”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/02/we-need-healthcare-champions-not-puppets-docs-expose-big-pharmas-scheme-turn

40 Senate Democrats Join GOP to Send $717 Billion Military Spending Bill to Trump’s Desk
“Not one op-ed or editorial or talking head on cable news will ask ‘how will we pay for it?’ Funding for bombs, guns, military bases, warships, fighter jets is simply factored in. Like gravity or entropy, it just is.”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*There’s never a gridlock on the war chest

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/02/40-senate-democrats-join-gop-send-717-billion-military-spending-bill-trumps-desk
—

Empire in Decline, Really? The American War Machine Continues to Grow
Everything the Trump administration does is geared toward intimidation and war
by Vijay Prashad

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/08/02/empire-decline-really-american-war-machine-continues-grow
—

The Real News Network
The Privatization of Puerto Rico’s Public Schools Has Begun
Teacher and union activist Noelanie Fuentes Cardona says Puerto Rico’s Democratic governor and Betsy DeVos have teamed up to introduce charter schools and online schools to the struggling island

*The vultures circle, and so must the ring of solidarity

https://therealnews.com/stories/the-privatization-of-puerto-ricos-public-schools-has-begun

On Renewable Energy, Maryland Misses the Mark
Patrick Woodall of Food and Water Watch tells Dharna Noor that Maryland’s renewable energy policies are “cleanwashing” dirty energy sources like trash incineration and wood burning

*”Cleanwashing” is literally chicken sh-i-t, innit?

https://therealnews.com/stories/on-renewable-energy-maryland-misses-the-mark
—

Democracy Now!
Rob Nixon: Gov’t Inaction on Climate Change Is “Slow Violence” That Hits World’s Poor the Hardest

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/2/rob_nixon_govt_inaction_on_climate

8.1

NYT Magazine’s #LosingEarth Receives Scathing Reviews From Climate Action Movement
Critics argue the full-issue feature by the prominent publication “suppresses important facts, covering up how organized climate denial created our current predicament”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Why no mention of Barack “All of the above” Obama, Jerry Brown, Justin Trudeau or any of the other “climate heroes” who played “good cop” to arrest any truly potent policies to stave off the abyss?

The answer to that question ironically may justify Rich’s proclaimed pessimism. It’s up to us to prove him mistaken, but we can’t do so by ignoring the sins of our “allies”.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/01/nyt-magazines-losingearth-receives-scathing-reviews-climate-action-movement

‘Racist Imbecile’ Trump Pushes Federal Voter ID by Claiming You Need Identification Just to Buy Stuff at Stores
Not since George H.W. Bush in 1992 has a president so obviously not been to a grocery store in his adult life
by Jon Queally, staff writer
Common Dreams

*But you don’t have to show it when you buy politicians

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/08/01/racist-imbecile-trump-pushes-federal-voter-id-claiming-you-need-identification-just
—

The Real News Network
Extreme Heat Could Make One Third of Planet Uninhabitable
Climate scientist Michael Mann says that, under a business-as-usual scenario, the mass displacement of vulnerable populations could trigger an unprecedented national security crisis

*So, rather than frame this as an apocalypse for the people most directly affected by it, their rational reaction to climate change is presented as a “national security threat” to others – namely, the “developed” world – and “the national security community” is referenced as a corroborating source

You know … the same good folks who protect the system that produced this horror show.

Gotta love “alternative media” …

https://therealnews.com/stories/extreme-heat-could-make-one-third-of-planet-uninhabitable

Sanders’ Plan to Eliminate Bail Could Hit Corporate Roadblock
Local advocates who have fought to eliminate bail at the state level say the well-funded bail lobby will fight to keep a system that monetizes criminal justice

https://therealnews.com/stories/sanders-plan-to-eliminate-bail-could-hit-corporate-roadblock

General Elections in Zimbabwe: Results Uncertain, but 70 Percent Turned Out to Vote
From the ousting of Mugabe to the unprecedented voter turnout for this election, it is clear that the people are engaged and demanding change says Prof. Horace Campbell

https://therealnews.com/stories/general-elections-in-zimbabwe-results-uncertain-but-seventy-percent-of-eligible-voters-turnout
—

FAIR
‘Those Who Are Targeted Know What the State’s Agenda Has Been’
CounterSpin interview with Maha Hilal on Islamophobia
by Janine Jackson

https://fair.org/home/those-who-are-targeted-know-what-the-states-agenda-has-been

Reporting on Medicare for All Makes Media Forget How Math Works
by Justin Anderson

*When it comes to doing the math on taxing the wealthy, for the corpress, 2 + 2 always equals “Too much”

https://fair.org/home/reporting-on-medicare-for-all-makes-media-forget-how-math-works
—

Democracy Now!
A Threat to Global Democracy: How Facebook & Surveillance Capitalism Empower Authoritarianism

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/1/a_threat_to_global_democracy_how
—

Nutrition Action
A leading researcher explains the obesity epidemic
One explanation: Extra calories from cheap, convenient, ultra-processed foods have increasingly flooded the food supply

*Left out of this is the impact of manipulative marketing, as well as the corporate sociopathy of “Profit über alles” that is its inspiration.

https://www.nutritionaction.com/daily/diet-and-weight-loss/a-leading-researcher-explains-the-obesity-epidemic

July 2018

7.31

Socialism on the Rise as Americans Seek Out Bold, Humane Alternatives to the Brutality of Trump and Capitalism
“Socialism is no longer a dirty word in the U.S.”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Let’s not confuse “socialism” with social democracy, which is what “democratic socialists” advocate – not an end to capitalism.

If the goal is for every human being to lead a dignified life – not to mention have a planet on which to do so – then the exploitation that defines the profit system has to end

And it will, one way or another. Our task should be to ensure it does so in a way that doesn’t take us all down with it.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/31/socialism-rise-americans-seek-out-bold-humane-alternatives-brutality-trump-and
—

Lawyering Up on Immigration in the Trump Era
Immigrants are uniquely vulnerable to efforts to undermine the rule of law
by Joy Moses and Richard Rodriguez

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/07/31/lawyering-immigration-trump-era
—

The Real News Network
Ahed Tamimi’s Bravery Exposes Israeli, US Cowardice
Palestinian teenager Ahed Tamimi is free after eight months in an Israeli prison. While her bravery in confronting occupying Israeli soldiers has been celebrated around the world, Western media outlets have gone to great lengths to portray her as an aggressor. We speak to Ali Abunimah of the Electronic Intifada

https://therealnews.com/stories/ahed-tamimis-bravery-exposes-israeli-us-cowardice

Israel’s Unrelenting Killings, Siege Try to Crush Gaza’s Protests
Israeli forces have shot dead three more Palestinians, including an 11-year old boy, protesting in Gaza’s Great March of Return. We speak to Ali Abunimah of The Electronic Intifada

https://therealnews.com/stories/israels-unrelenting-killings-siege-try-to-crush-gazas-protests
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Even Koch-Backed Think Tank Finds Medicare for All Would Cut Health Care Spending

*Facts and fudged figures

http://accuracy.org/even-koch-backed-think-tank-finds-medicare-for-all-would-cut-health-care-spending

Manafort Trial Begins

*Padlocking the Russiagate

http://accuracy.org/release/manafort-trial-begins
—

Democracy Now!
“Quiet Skies”? Boston Globe Exposé Reveals TSA Is Secretly Surveilling Thousands of U.S. Travelers

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/31/quiet_skies_boston_globe_expose_reveals

7.30

Despite Ban and New Labels, Study Reveals ‘Large-Scale Illegal Presence’ of GMOs in India’s Food Supply
“We were shocked to know the scale in which GM foods have penetrated the Indian market”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*The question to be posed to GMO “anti-alarmists” such as the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is

If GM foods are safe, why would their producers engage in these deceptions?

You always need to follow the money, and listen for the lies.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/30/despite-ban-and-new-labels-study-reveals-large-scale-illegal-presence-gmos-indias
—

The Real News Network
Venezuela Introduces New Measures to Halt Hyperinflation: Will they Work?
Venezuela’s hyperinflation is now exceeding 200% per month. President Maduro plans to introduce a new currency that is tied to Venezuela’s oil basket, but will the measures work and how has inflation affected the general population? We discuss these issues with Cira Pasqual Medina of Venezuelanalysis.com and TRNN’s Greg Wilpert

https://therealnews.com/stories/venezuela-introduces-new-measures-to-halt-hyperinflation-will-they-work

Obama Joins Club of the Super-Rich – Defends Global Capitalism in Lecture
Prof. Leo Panitch and Paul Jay discuss Obama’s Mandela lecture; Obama wants the impossible – a world where the super-rich give up “a little” and there is no massive inequality

*Perhaps Dear Misleader misleads himself, and I could give a rat’s ass less.

It makes no difference to the exploited and oppressed how their antagonists see themselves, how they rationalize their vicious behavior.

If you believe that somehow Obama and ilk will ever be anything more than poster persons for posturation, then you are indeed an all day “sucker”.

https://therealnews.com/stories/obama-joins-club-of-the-super-rich-defends-global-capitalism-in-lecture

International Afro-Latina Day 2018: Celebrating Culture, Centering Healing (1/2)
The 2018 U.S. Afro-Latina Day conference focused on survivors of sexual assault and strategies for healing through sisterhood, artistic expression, and fellowship across generations

https://therealnews.com/stories/international-afro-latina-day-2018-celebrating-culture-centering-healing-1-2

The Role the US Played in Reversing Latin America’s ‘Pink Tide’
A mere ten years ago almost all countries in South and Central America had left or center-left governments in office. Now only a handful remain. How did this happen? We speak to CEPR’s Mark Weisbrot about how Under Secretary of State Thomas Shannon might have described to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo the US effort to help bring this change about

*Tossing democracy on the grill at this “backyard” barbeque

https://therealnews.com/stories/the-role-the-us-played-in-reversing-latin-americas-pink-tide

Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Socialism – RAI with A. Buzgalin (12/12)
On Reality Asserts Itself, Prof. Alexandr Buzgalin says the conditions for socialism did not exist in the 1920’s but now they do, but there will be many zigs and zags getting there – with host Paul Jay

*We’ve always had a problem of “artificial intelligence”

We need a exponential uptick in the real thing.

https://therealnews.com/stories/artificial-intelligence-and-the-future-of-socialism-rai-with-a-buzgalin-12-12

Israel-Palestine’s Toughest Questions Have Simple Answers
We speak to Jamie Stern-Weiner, editor of “Moment of Truth: Tackling Israel-Palestine’s Toughest Questions”, which brings together dozens of prominent experts to discuss how peace can be achieved

*I’d have hoped that this would be an expanded segment, as often is the case with other topics of no greater significance.

As far as “the question” is concerned, no one should pretend that a two state “solution” has any relation to justice, any more than it did in South Africa.

We can argue about what’s “practical” and “pragmatic”, but I’d proffer that history is littered with the remains of compromises agreed to as “the lesser evil”, only to discover that modifier to be of next to no moment.

https://therealnews.com/stories/israel-palestines-toughest-questions-have-simple-answers
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Israel Seizes Gaza Flotilla Boat, Another on the Way

http://accuracy.org/release/israel-seizes-gaza-flotilla-boat-another-on-the-way
—

Democracy Now!
Noam Chomsky: U.S. Must Improve Relations with Russia and Challenge the Expansion of NATO

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/30/noam_chomsky_us_must_improve_relations

Noam Chomsky: Survival of Organized Human Life is at Risk Due to Climate Change & Nuclear Weapons

*”Me first” may well become “Me last”

With the push of a button

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/30/noam_chomsky_survival_of_organized_human

Noam Chomsky Condemns Israel’s Shift to Far Right & New “Jewish Nation-State” Law

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/30/noam_chomsky_condemns_israel_s_shift

Amid Deadly Israeli Crackdown on Gaza Protests, Chomsky Says U.S. Must End Support for “Murderers”

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/30/amid_deadly_israeli_crackdown_on_gaza
—

Is your seltzer habit harming your teeth?
Sparkling water has all the bubbly and none of the sugar of soda. But is there a downside?
by Caitlin Dow

https://www.nutritionaction.com/daily/what-to-eat/is-your-seltzer-habit-harming-your-teeth

7.27

‘Unprecedented’ Heat Wave Fueling Arctic Fires Made More Than Twice as Likely by Climate Change: Analysis
“The logic that climate change will do this is inescapable—the world is becoming warmer, and so heat waves like this are becoming more common”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/27/unprecedented-heat-wave-fueling-arctic-fires-made-more-twice-likely-climate-change
—

U.S. PIRG
One Year After Discovering Its Breach of Your Data, Equifax Still Hasn’t Paid a Price
Consumers should protect themselves with credit freezes

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/07/27/one-year-after-discovering-its-breach-your-data-equifax-still-hasnt-paid-price
—

The Real News Network
Ex-Obama Officials Shill, and Bill, for Big Tech’s Pentagon Deals
As Google faced an internal employee revolt over its involvement in the Pentagon’s drone warfare program, the Obama-veteran firm WestExec stepped in to help. The case highlights the deep ties between the tech industry and government officials, says Yasha Levine, author of “Surveillance Valley: The Secret Military History of the Internet.”

https://therealnews.com/stories/ex-obama-officials-shill-and-bill-for-big-techs-pentagon-deals

Many Russians Think Climate Change is Propaganda to Weaken Their Economy – RAI with A. Buzgalin (11/12)
On Reality Asserts Itself, Prof. Alexandr Buzgalin says Russian oligarchs find an oil based economy too profitable to consider transitioning away from it – with host Paul Jay
Does the Cohen Tape Spell Trouble for Trump?

*A “green” economy is better than the present “black” one, to state the bleeding obvious, but if it’s run on the same principles, will it do anything other than slow our headlong rush toward the abyss?

It’s not simply what’s produced and not produced, but who makes those decisions.

An “green” exploitocracy will still seek to maximize profit, and so will never deal with this crisis in a manner that will avert catastrophe, will it?

https://therealnews.com/stories/many-russians-think-climate-change-is-propaganda-to-weaken-their-economy-rai-with-a-buzgalin-11-12

Longtime Donald Trump fixer Michael Cohen has released a recording of him and Trump discussing the financing for a hush money deal with Karen McDougal. Allan Lichtman of American University, author of “The Case for Impeachment,” says that Trump’s “war on women is coming back to haunt him.”

https://therealnews.com/stories/does-the-cohen-tape-spell-trouble-for-trump
—

FAIR
The Utility of the RussiaGate Conspiracy
New McCarthyism allows corporate media to tighten grip, Democrats to ignore their own failings

*A useful tool to forge “useful fools”

https://fair.org/home/the-utility-of-the-russiagate-conspiracy
—

by Alan MacLeod
Democracy Now!
Chomsky Criticizes “Autocratic” Nicaraguan Government, Urges Ortega to Call for New Elections

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/27/chomsky_criticizes_autocratic_nicaraguan_government_urges

Noam Chomsky on Mass Media Obsession with Russia & the Stories Not Being Covered in the Trump Era

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/27/noam_chomsky_on_mass_media_obsession

7.26

139 House Democrats Join GOP to Approve $717 Billion in Military Spending
“How are they going to pay for this? Oh wait, that question only gets asked when it comes to social programs that benefit the working class.”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*”[H]e has no legal authority to use military force without explicit approval from Congress”

Which, of course, he will be granted, with plenty of Israelophile Dems cheering him on.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/26/139-house-democrats-join-gop-approve-717-billion-military-spending
—

Trump Has Found a Way to Make Enemies of Breastfeeding Mothers
Trump bends over backward to help profit-hungry infant formula industry
by Vijay Prashad

*Killer Clown’s only the latest ringmaster for this circus of callous and calamitous commodification.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/07/26/trump-has-found-way-make-enemies-breastfeeding-mothers
–

Amazon’s Face Recognition Falsely Matched 28 Members of Congress With Mugshots
The false matches were disproportionately of people of color
by Jacob Snow

*“[P]rofound negative unintended (?) consequences”

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/07/26/amazons-face-recognition-falsely-matched-28-members-congress-mugshots
–

Trump’s Dirty Money
Now that Trump has improbably failed all the way up to the White House, Russian money may well be the cause of his political demise
by John Feffer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/07/26/trumps-dirty-money
–

How European Workers Coordinated This Month’s Massive Amazon Strike—And What Comes Next
“We Are Humans, Not Robots”
by Rebecca Burns

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/07/26/how-european-workers-coordinated-months-massive-amazon-strike-and-what-comes-next
—

The Real News Network
Cuba’s New Draft Constitution: Institutionalizing Revolution and Reversing Personalization
Cuba’s National Assembly passed a new draft constitution, to replace its existing Soviet-era constitution via national referendum in a few months. Many changes are in the works, including the recognition of private property and gay marriage. But will it mean real change? We discuss the constitution with Prof. Liz Dore and James Early

*I think there’s a tension in US elite circles between those who want “regime change” the old fashioned way – via sanctions, subversion and violence (if “necessary”) – and those who seek to erode the imperfect (to put it mildly) socialism that exists in Cuba via “the market”, while making a pretty penny (many many) for themselves in the process.

https://therealnews.com/stories/cubas-new-draft-constitution-institutionalizing-revolution-and-reversing-personalization

The Flint Water Crisis: Detroit is Where it all Began
Eddie Conway speaks with Rev. David Bullock about how the largest municipal bankruptcy in the world gave birth to a public health crisis

https://therealnews.com/stories/the-flint-water-crisis-detroit-is-where-it-all-began
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Wall St. Gouging Billions on Electric Bills

*WTF?

Or, maybe more accurately, F*u*ck the watts

http://accuracy.org/release/wall-st.-gouging-billions-on-electric-bills
—

FAIR
The Sanctification of NATO
by Gregory Shupak

*N othing so much
A s a
T ip to
O rwell

https://fair.org/home/the-sanctification-of-nato

Tronc to Daily News: Drop Dead
by Ari Paul

*Extra! Extra!

Read less about it!

https://fair.org/home/tronc-to-daily-news-drop-dead
—

Democracy Now!
Despite Today’s Court-Ordered Deadline, More Than 900 Migrant Children Remain Separated from Parents

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/26/despite_todays_court_ordered_deadline_more

Iraqi-American Pediatrician Mona Hanna-Attisha on the Trauma of Child Separation & the Travel Ban

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/26/iraqi_american_pediatrician_mona_hanna_attisha

As Death Toll Rises in Flint, Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha on Her Fight to Expose Lead Poisoning in City

*If there’s any justice in this world …

Well, there ain’t … not here … so never mind.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/26/as_death_toll_rises_in_flint

7.25

AMLO and Trump: NAFTA Best Friends Forever?
“A progressive agenda and the current NAFTA are incompatible”
by Sujata Dey

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/07/25/amlo-and-trump-nafta-best-friends-forever
—

The Real News Network
Africa is a Creditor to the World
Capital flight from Africa, especially the illicit kind, is a far larger drain on the countries of the continent than previously thought, and exceeds foreign loans and investment flows. PERI’s Leonce Ndikumana discusses his research findings

https://therealnews.com/stories/africa-is-a-creditor-to-the-world

Why Does the West Hate Putin? – RAI with A. Buzgalin (10/12)
On Reality Asserts Itself, Prof. Alexandr Buzgalin says the West doesn’t like Putin defying the American world order, but this does not make Russia a progressive country – with host Paul Jay

*In response to Buzgalin’s ending invitation, “enemies of our enemies” have a disturbing historical habit of voiding that qualifier.

https://therealnews.com/stories/why-does-the-west-hate-putin-rai-with-a-buzgalin-10-12

Saudis Buy Former UK Prime Minister Blair for $12 Million
Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of the UK and an architect of the Iraq War, is a mercenary that Saudi Arabia hired to present themselves as modernizers and cover for their invasion of Yemen, says Medea Benjamin, the author of “Kingdom of the Unjust: Behind the U.S.-Saudi Connection”

*It’s not that the corpress “bought” the bin Salman bullshite

It’s that they sold it.

https://therealnews.com/stories/saudis-buy-fmr-uk-prime-minister-blair-for-12-million

From the Gaza Freedom Flotilla: Norwegian Socialist Politician Calls for Sanctions on Israel
Mikkel Gruner, member of the city council of Bergen, Norway, says Europe has reached a “watershed” moment for Palestinian rights

https://therealnews.com/stories/from-the-gaza-freedom-flotilla-norwegian-socialist-politician-calls-for-sanctions-on-israel
—

Petition
Stop Defense Distributed From Releasing Downloadable Guns
by AJ Rubin

https://www.change.org/p/stop-defense-distributed-from-releasing-downloadable-guns
—

FAIR
‘The Haitian Government Has Lavished Privileges Upon Themselves’
CounterSpin interview with Jocelyn McCalla on Haiti’s uprising
by Janine Jackson

https://fair.org/home/the-haitian-government-has-lavished-privileges-upon-themselves

‘Disability Issues Tend to Be Put on a Back Burner’
CounterSpin interview with Andrew Pulrang on disability and the election
by Janine Jackson

*Disabling our empathy

https://fair.org/home/disability-issues-tend-to-be-put-on-a-back-burner
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Myths of Pakistani Election

*Contrast Ahmad’s assessment with that of Tariq Ali

https://therealnews.com/stories/tariq-ali-no-real-choice-at-the-ballot-box-for-the-people-of-pakistan

http://accuracy.org/release/myths-of-pakistani-election
—

Democracy Now!
Profit Over Grizzlies: Trump Admin Tries to Gut Endangered Species Act for Oil & Mining Interests

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/25/profit_over_grizzlies_trump_admin_tries

Trump’s War on the Environment, from Attacking California Fuel Standards to Destroying Public Lands

*Killer Clown

A natural disaster

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/25/trumps_war_on_the_environment_from

As Heat Wave Sweeps the Globe, New Study Warns of Deadly Link Between Rising Temps and Suicide

*What else should be expect from suicidal policies?

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/25/as_heat_wave_sweeps_the_globe

“Why Abolish ICE Doesn’t Go Far Enough”: Oscar Chacón on the Roots of Trump’s Immigration Crackdown

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/25/why_abolish_ice_doesnt_go_far
—

How some supplements interfere with medications
It’s not only certain foods that can spell trouble
by Lindsay Moyer
Nutrition Action

https://www.nutritionaction.com/daily/dietary-supplements/how-some-supplements-interfere-with-medications

7.24

‘Putin’s War on America’ Is Nothing Compared With America’s War on Democracy
Missing from this media hysteria is the question of who will protect U.S. elections and purported “democracy” from the unmentionable malign influence of U.S. oligarchs
by Paul Street

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/07/24/putins-war-america-nothing-compared-americas-war-democracy
—

Food & Water Watch
New Report Exposes “Cleanwashing” in California: State Renewables Program Includes Dirty, Polluting Energy Sources
California gets a C in renewable energy from advocacy group

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/07/24/new-report-exposes-cleanwashing-california-state-renewables-program-includes
—

The Real News Network
Julian Assange’s Asylum to be Rescinded
Since Julian Assange is now an Ecuadorian citizen, President Moreno must protect his rights, says Alfred de Zayas, former UN independent expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order

https://therealnews.com/stories/julian-assanges-asylum-to-be-rescinded

Michael Hudson: Argentina’s New $50 Billion IMF Loan Is Designed to Replay its 2001 Crisis
The recently elected neoliberal government of Mauricio Macri has decided to seek a $50 billion IMF credit line, which will only enable more capital flight for the upper class and greater unpayable debt for the rest of the population, says economist Michael Hudson

https://therealnews.com/stories/michael-hudson-argentinas-new-50-billion-imf-loan-is-designed-to-replay-its-2001-crisis
—

Democracy Now!
“Bring the War Home”: The Long History of White Power and Paramilitary Violence in the United States

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/24/bring_the_war_home_the_long

7.23

To Make Sure They Know ‘The Internet Is Keeping Score,’ Net Neutrality Defenders Ramp Up Pressure on House Lawmakers
New “scorecard” lets constituents know which members of Congress stand with big ISPs and which back net neutrality
by Andrea Germanos, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/23/make-sure-they-know-internet-keeping-score-net-neutrality-defenders-ramp-pressure
—

We Shouldn’t Take the Bait on ‘Catch and Release’
People are not fish, and using a phrase, even one with the valence of a humane practice, serves to dehumanize the human beings being led away in handcuffs
by Stacy Sullivan

*Language is a virus to which humans have little immunity

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/07/22/we-shouldnt-take-bait-catch-and-release
–

Inside WikiLeaks: Working With the Publisher That Changed the World
Like its work or not, WikiLeaks is an independent media organization that doesn’t have to rely on traditional media to publish its scoops
by Stefania Maurizi

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/07/22/inside-wikileaks-working-publisher-changed-world
–

Is Artificial Intelligence Too Dehumanizing to Succeed?
Giving corporations powerful technology to intrude even more deeply into the personal lives of consumers and employees and then analyze that data for financial gain is a dangerous combination
by Tom Valovic

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/07/21/artificial-intelligence-too-dehumanizing-succeed
—

Oil Change International
Report: Public Finance for Energy in Africa Focuses on Fossil Fuels, as Key Energy Access Solutions Are Left Behind

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/07/23/report-public-finance-energy-africa-focuses-fossil-fuels-key-energy-access
—

The Real News Network
Crown Prince of UAE has an Army of Private Military Contractors
Antony Loewenstein: War crimes are rampant among military contractors – they work off the books, work that is illegal and with much looser rules of engagement. Who are they accountable to?

https://therealnews.com/stories/crown-prince-of-uae-has-an-army-of-private-military-contractors

Why is Putin so Popular When People Are so Poor? – RAI With A. Buzgalin (9/12)
On Reality Asserts Itself, Prof. Alexandr Buzgalin says under the slogans “liberal democracy” and “market capitalism” there was delivered chaos and crime; Putin stands for traditional Russian values and culture, social order and making Russia great again – with host Paul Jay

https://therealnews.com/stories/why-is-putin-so-popular-when-people-are-so-poor-rai-with-a-buzgalin-9-12

Is Putin’s Rule a Dictatorship? – RAI with A. Buzgalin (8/12)
On Reality Asserts Itself, Prof. Alexandr Buzgalin says while Putin heads a powerful state, this is not a system of one man rule; more than 100 billionaires and a stratum of top bureaucrats have political power – with host Paul Jay

*Meet the new bosses

Literally just the same as the old bosses

https://therealnews.com/stories/is-putins-rule-a-dictatorship-rai-with-a-buzgalin-8-12

Is Trump Implementing the ‘Bannon Strategy’ by Courting Russia?
Prof. Gerald Horne examines the Trump-Bannon objectives of forming an alliance with Russia to isolate China and Iran, while Democrats spin out of control in their attacks against Trump

*This segment screams for a followup for Horne to expand on his theorem, which is SOP for many TRNN pieces, and yet all we get is Peries’ trenchant allusion to “a crazy week”.

Is an “Urf” in order here?

https://therealnews.com/stories/is-trump-implementing-the-bannon-strategy-by-courting-russia
—

FAIR
ACTION ALERT: It’s Been Over a Year Since MSNBC Has Mentioned US War in Yemen
Why is the No. 1 outlet of alleged anti-Trump #resistance completely ignoring his most devastating war?
by Adam Johnson

*#TheResistance to revealing a wretched reality

https://fair.org/home/action-alert-its-been-over-a-year-since-msnbc-has-mentioned-us-war-in-yemen

Key Fact Obscured in Immigration Coverage: MS-13 Was Made in USA
by Justin Anderson

https://fair.org/home/key-fact-obscured-in-immigration-coverage-ms-13-was-made-in-usa

7.20

With Much Focus on Russian ‘Troll Farms,’ Oxford Study Shows Social Media Misinformation Campaigns Are ‘Big Business’ Worldwide
“In emerging and Western democracies, data analytics and political bots are being used to poison the information environment, promote skepticism and distrust, polarize voting constituencies, and undermine the integrity of democratic processes”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Plenty of black pots and kettles to go around, eh?

So how’s about let’s drop the hypocrisy and focus on cleaning up the kitchen to keep anyone from cooking up these dirty dishes?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/20/much-focus-russian-troll-farms-oxford-study-shows-social-media-misinformation
—

The Real News Network
Putin is Anointed King, but Big Capital has the Real Power – RAI with A. Buzgalin (7/12)
On Reality Asserts Itself, Prof. Aleksandr Buzgalin says after the chaotic ’90s, the Russian oligarchs needed a stronger central state to defend their class interests, but Putin’s individual power should not be exaggerated – with host Paul Jay

https://therealnews.com/stories/putin-is-anointed-king-but-big-capital-has-the-real-power-rai-with-a-buzgalin-7-12

Israel Legislates Apartheid into Law
TRNN’s Shir Hever explains that Israel’s new Law of the Nation-State makes it impossible to pretend that Israel is a democracy. Unequal rights are recognized by the government as the essence of the state

*A sham with no shame

https://therealnews.com/stories/israel-legislates-apartheid-into-law

Tariq Ali: “No Real Choice” at the Ballot Box for the People of Pakistan
Corruption keeps growing like cancer in Pakistan. This, combined with military repression and ongoing terror attacks from the Islamic State, means Pakistanis will see a continuation of the status quo, says Tariq Ali

https://therealnews.com/stories/tariq-ali-no-real-choice-at-the-ballot-box-for-the-people-of-pakistan

All Charges Dropped Against J20 Defendants, But Many Still Struggle To Heal
by S.J. Harper

*What if “progressives” had shown the same outrage and support for these folks as they have for children and their parents at the border?

It’s the same system, and it has to be confronted on all its fronts.

https://therealnews.com/columns/all-charges-dropped-against-j20-defendants-but-many-still-struggle-to-heal
—

FAIR
Calls to Abolish ICE Get Cold Shoulder on Newspaper Opinion Pages
by Jordan Holycross

*There is “a time-honored tradition” on immigration policy

And it bears a striking resemblance to this “aberration”.

https://fair.org/home/calls-to-abolish-ice-get-cold-shoulder-on-newspaper-opinion-pages

Sam Husseini Locked Up for Committing Journalism in Public
by Janine Jackson

*”Journalists” question bona fides of journalist

https://fair.org/home/sam-husseini-locked-up-for-committing-journalism-in-public
—

Democracy Now!
Migrant Children Detained in Shelters Being Drugged, Told Not to Hug, Forced to Bathe in Sinks

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/20/migrant_children_detained_in_shelters_being

Salvadoran Mother Reunited with 3-Year-Old Son Says He Shows Signs of Trauma & Aggressive Behavior

*Separations that may never be resewn

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/20/salvadoran_mother_reunited_with_3_year

Psychologists: Migrant Parents Reunited with Detained Children Must Brace for Trauma & Long Recovery

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/20/psychologists_migrant_parents_reunited_with_detained

7.19

Amnesty International USA
Iraq: Security Forces Deliberately Attack Peaceful Protesters While Internet is Disabled

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/07/19/iraq-security-forces-deliberately-attack-peaceful-protesters-while-internet
—

The Real News Network
Shock Without the Therapy: A New Russia is Born in Chaos and Plunder – RAI with A. Buzgalin (6/12)
On Reality Asserts Itself, Prof. Alexander Buzgalin says the collapse of the Soviet Union was followed by the rise of billionaire oligarchs as the “free market” led to the impoverishment of the people – with host Paul Jay

https://therealnews.com/stories/shock-without-the-therapy-a-new-russia-is-born-in-chaos-and-plunder-rai-with-a-buzgalin-6-12

British Labour Party’s Anti-Semitism Document: Criticizing Israel Is not Anti-Semitism
Moshé Machover discusses the advances and limitations of the Labour Party’s document on anti-Semitism, which represents an important step forward to diffuse an issue that has become an artificial controversy designed to undermine Jeremy Corbyn

https://therealnews.com/stories/british-labour-partys-anti-semitism-document-criticizing-israel-is-not-anti-semitism

What the Trump-Putin Summit Means for Syria (2/2)

*So you’ve got one group of warmongers stoking Russophobia and playing with nuclear Armageddon

And another group of warmongers trying to enlist Putin in setting the Middle East aflame.

If we could only get them to kill each other, and leave the rest of us the f-u-ck alone.

https://therealnews.com/stories/what-the-trump-putin-summit-means-for-syria-pt-2-2

What the Trump-Putin Summit Means for Syria (1/2)
New talk of US, Russian, and Israeli cooperation likely means a return to the status quo with the Assad regime in power, as Washington and Tel Aviv double down on targeting Iran and its proxies, says As’ad AbuKhalil

https://therealnews.com/stories/what-the-trump-putin-summit-means-for-syria-pt-1-2
—

Petition
Block Ohio House Bill 658
The Ohio legislature is about to make the lives of LGBTQ youth much harder. Ohio House bill 658 would require teachers, counselors, and medical professionals to inform parents if their child is transgender or gender non-conforming
by Margaret Meehan

https://www.change.org/p/john-kasich-block-ohio-house-bill-658
—

FAIR
Email Hacking Was ‘Pearl Harbor,’ Helsinki Presidency’s ‘New Low’: Welcome to the United States of Amnesia
by Janine Jackson and Jim Naureckas

*I’d add “invading Afghanistan” to that litany of horrors, as a reminder that “the good war” had nothing to do with “justice”, and everything to do with ringing in “A New American Century” ™.

https://fair.org/home/email-hacking-was-pearl-harbor-helsinki-presidencys-new-low-welcome-to-the-united-states-of-amnesia

Action Alert: Tell NYT Not to Present Center-Right as ‘Left’
by Adam Johnson

*When Killer Clown fêted the beheader bin Salman, there were no cries of “Treason!” at his deference to such darkness

Only approving appraisals and puff pieces aplently.

But the Saudis are our allies …

And what does that tell you about “the betrayal of American values” on both sides of the aisle?

https://fair.org/home/action-alert-tell-nyt-not-to-present-center-right-as-left

Haitian ‘Mobs’ and ‘Mayhem’—or an Uprising?
by Jane Regan

*Riot in joy over your team’s Super Bowl victory

You’re a fan.

Rise in anger over your lives’ losses

You’re a felon.

https://fair.org/home/haitian-mobs-and-mayhem-or-an-uprising
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Shock at Trump’s Putin Treatment, But Netanyahu Gets a Pass

*The selective definition of “sinister”

http://www.accuracy.org/release/shock-at-trumps-putin-treatment-but-netanyahu-gets-a-pass
—

Democracy Now!
Deadly Suicide Bombing in Pakistan Ahead of Election Marred by Crackdown on Activists, Journalists

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/19/deadly_suicide_bombing_in_pakistan_ahead

7.18

World’s Artificial Intelligence Experts Sign Pledge Aimed at Averting ‘Dystopian Future With Robots Flying Around Killing Everybody’
Experts warn autonomous weapons “could become powerful instruments of violence and oppression” and “easily spark an arms race” worldwide
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Musk and Google

Paragons of principle

Oy gevalt …

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/18/worlds-artificial-intelligence-experts-sign-pledge-aimed-averting-dystopian-future
—

The Capitalism/Racism Partnership
Revulsion is building towards the smokescreens of hypocrisy, racism, and nationalism barely masking capitalism’s ongoing failure to provide the jobs and incomes people need
by Richard Wolff

*The New Deal didn’t confront capitalism

It made a bargain with it, which saved it, and which it spent the following decades decimating.

As the man said

“Capitalism cannot reform itself; it is doomed to self-destruction.”

Can we doom it to oblivion, and raise a socioeconomy based on our better angels in its place?

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/07/18/capitalismracism-partnership
–

Warner Slack—Doctor for the People Forever
Dr. Slack, in his pioneering, brilliant humane work, always focused on the lives of the American people whom he served in the millions, directly and indirectly
by Ralph Nader

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/07/18/warner-slack-doctor-people-forever
—

Institute for Agriculture & Trade Policy
Big Meat and Dairy Companies are Heating up the Planet: New Report
A new report shows how the world’s 35 largest meat and dairy companies are pursuing growth strategies that will increase their emissions and derail global efforts to prevent dangerous climate change

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/07/18/big-meat-and-dairy-companies-are-heating-planet-new-report
—

The Real News Network
India’s Far-Right Government Honors Convicted Killers Who Lynch Muslim Meat Traders
An elite Harvard-educated minister from India’s ruling Hindu nationalist party BJP, Jayant Sinha, put garlands around the necks of convicted killers who lynched a Muslim meat trader. Journalist Sidharth Bhatia emphasizes that the upper class is the political base for the rising far right

https://therealnews.com/stories/indias-far-right-government-honors-convicted-killers-who-lynch-muslim-meat-traders
—

Democracy Now!
Debate on Political Crisis & Violent Deaths in Nicaragua: Camilo Mejía vs. Julio Martinez Ellsberg

*Well, that resolved nothing, did it?

If you want to know what’s happening in the game, you don’t ask the cheerleaders.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/18/debate_on_political_crisis_violent_deaths

Four Years After Eric Garner’s Killing in Police Chokehold, His Family Still Seeks Accountability

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/18/four_years_after_eric_garners_killing
—

When foods and drugs don’t mix
A leading expert explains how the wrong combo could dampen a drug’s effect…or deliver a heftier dose
by Lindsay Moyer
Nutrition Action

https://www.nutritionaction.com/daily/what-to-eat/when-foods-and-drugs-dont-mix

7.17

As Bezos Becomes Richest Man in Modern History, Amazon Workers Mark #PrimeDay With Strikes Against Low Pay and Brutal Conditions
“The message is clear—while the online giant gets rich, it is saving money on the health of its workers”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Work in the shop till you drop

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/17/bezos-becomes-richest-man-modern-history-amazon-workers-mark-primeday-strikes
—

The Real News Network
Obama Abandoned Palestinian Rights, Will Ocasio-Cortez?
Ali Abunimah of the Electronic Intifada discusses Barack Obama’s abandonment of Palestinian rights and why, after recent comments that drew concern, new progressive star Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez should be encouraged to defend them

*Is that a bus I hear in the distance?

I guess we’ll know by the time November rolls around, won’t we?

https://therealnews.com/stories/obama-abandoned-palestinian-rights-will-ocasio-cortez

“Inhuman”: Israeli Bombing Kills 2 More Children in Besieged Gaza
After weeks of fatal attacks on Palestinian protesters in Gaza, Israel has launched one of its worst airstrikes in years, killing two teenagers and wounding at least 25 people. We speak to Ali Abunimah, co-founder of the Electronic Intifada

https://therealnews.com/stories/inhuman-israeli-bombing-kills-2-more-children-in-besieged-gaza

Paul Jay on Trump-Putin and the Real Threats to Democracy
Whether the Kremlin meddled in the U.S. election or not, the hyper-focus on Russiagate overlooks bigger threats: Russian elites to the Russian people, and U.S. elites to the American people, says Paul Jay

*All this neo Cold Warring is taking the joy out of pissing on Killer Clown

And I’d call *that* akin to “treason”, y’know?

https://therealnews.com/stories/paul-jay-on-trump-putin-and-the-real-threats-to-democracy
—

Petition
Public Citizen
Sign the Petition to Protect Workers from Rising Temperatures

https://action.citizen.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=13846
—

FAIR
Voters Shift Left—Thanks to Social Media?
by Jim Naureckas

*The bubble the corpress is concerned about is the one that will burst if we start thinking for ourselves, and acting for others.

https://fair.org/home/voters-shift-left-thanks-to-social-media

Child Separation Coverage Focused on Beltway Debate, Not Immigrant Voices
by Jordan Holycross

https://fair.org/home/child-separation-coverage-focused-on-beltway-debate-not-immigrant-voices
—

Democracy Now!
Meet the Reporter Dragged from Trump-Putin Press Conference for Trying to Ask About Nuclear Treaty

*An inspiring display of journalistic solidarity in this “age of a threatened free press”

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/17/it_wasnt_a_protest_sam_husseini

Debate: Is Trump-Putin Summit a “Danger to America” or Crucial Diplomacy Between Nuclear Powers?

*An unhinged Russiagate …

Works for me

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/16/debate_is_trump_putin_summit_a_danger

7.16

As White House Declares Summit a Success, Sanders Rips Trump-Putin Presser as ‘Embarrassing Spectacle’
“Today is a good day for Putin and the oligarchs in Russia. It is a bad day for people in the United States and all over the world who believe in democracy and who are trying to understand what world our idiot president lives in”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*This coming from one whose outrage at “interference in our elections” by the Clintonistas during the primary has been conspicuously absent.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/16/white-house-declares-summit-success-sanders-rips-trump-putin-presser-embarrassing

Journalist Wielding “Nuclear Weapon Ban” Sign Forcibly Ejected From Trump-Putin Presser
“I want to ask about nuclear weapons,” said Sam Husseini, communications director of the Institute for Public Accuracy, as he was removed from the event
by Common Dreams staff

*As IPA is considered “a Russian agent” (or at best a “dupe”) by the corpress, I don’t envision “journalistic solidarity” on the horizon.

Maybe Killer Clown has a perverted point on that “enemy of the people” meme.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/16/journalist-wielding-nuclear-weapons-ban-sign-forcibly-ejected-trump-putin-presser

Tenants Accuse ‘Predatory’ Kushner Real Estate Firm of Exposing Families to Cancer-Causing Dust Then Forcing Them Out
“They made the building as unlivable as possible so they could get everyone out of there,” says one former tenant
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*This is far bigger than Kushner, and Daddy in law’s dereg is designed to make goddamn certain it’s yuuuuge nationwide.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/16/tenants-accuse-predatory-kushner-real-estate-firm-exposing-families-cancer-causing
—

PBS Series,“The Vietnam War,” Receives Emmy Nomination. Should It?
If Americans are convinced that their stiff-upper-lip brand of silence in the face of collective murder is the true face of patriotism, then we are condemned as a nation to follow the path of empires that preceded us
by Doug Rawlings

*History is most often written to ensure its repetition

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/07/16/pbs-seriesthe-vietnam-war-receives-emmy-nomination-should-it
–

The War on Assange Is a War on Press Freedom
The ruling elites, who refuse to accept responsibility for profound social inequality or the crimes of empire, have no ideological veneer left to justify their greed, ineptitude and pillage
by Chris Hedges

*When this unhinged Russiagate springs back on the “progressive” groupings that have lined up behind this noxious narrative, they may find allies at a premium.

What goes around, dear …

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/07/16/war-assange-war-press-freedom
–

New York Times Uses Old Tricks to Distort Israel’s Latest Attacks on Gaza
Distort the timeline to try and blame the Palestinians
by James North

*A more sincere slogan

“All the news that’s printed to fit”

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/07/16/ny-times-uses-old-tricks-distort-israels-latest-attacks-gaza
—

Amnesty International USA
Afghanistan: Record High Civilian Casualties Make Returns Unjustifiable

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/07/16/afghanistan-record-high-civilian-casualties-make-returns-unjustifiable
—

The Real News Network
Was the Trump-Putin Meeting Constructive or a “Capitulation”?
Norman Solomon argues against condemning the meeting, saying reducing tensions between nuclear powers is constructive. Paul Jay asks if there is a hidden agenda that’s not so peaceful

*Do you think the Dems really care about “winning”, other than the presidency, and maybe the Senate? What do they gain from it, from their own self interested point of view?

More to the point, what do their corporate funders get out of a “blue wave”?

https://therealnews.com/stories/was-the-trump-putin-meeting-constructive-or-a-capitulation

Trump, Putin and the Iran Agenda
Paul Jay and James M. Dorsey analyze the Helsinki meeting and the “Grand Bargain with Russia” pushed by Saudi Arabia, UAE and Israel

*Machinations amidst the murder

https://therealnews.com/stories/trump-putin-and-the-iran-agenda

“I Returned from Vacation to Find the Soviet Union had Collapsed” – RAI with A. Buzgalin (5/12)
On Reality Asserts Itself, Prof. Alexander Buzgalin says that he returned from a vacation in the countryside to find Gorbachev was arrested, Yeltsin was leader and the Soviet Union was no more – with host Paul Jay

https://therealnews.com/stories/i-returned-from-vacation-to-find-the-soviet-union-had-collapsed-rai-with-a-buzgalin-5-12

Turning Power into Money, the End of the Soviet Union – RAI with A. Buzgalin (4/12)
On Reality Asserts Itself, Prof. Alexander Buzgalin says that many Communist Party leaders supported Gorbachev’s perestroika reforms, but what they really wanted was to drop restrictions on accumulating great wealth – with host Paul Jay

https://therealnews.com/stories/turning-power-into-money-the-end-of-the-soviet-union-rai-with-a-buzgalin-4-12

Executive Coaching: Does It Increase Productivity and Growth?
Claims that coaches and consultants for corporate executives boost productivity and profits turn out to be completely false. White collar criminologist Bill Black takes apart the example of Nortel Networks

*Pimping producing the Patriots

When you’ve birthed the Browns

https://therealnews.com/stories/executive-coaching-does-it-increase-productivity-and-growth

Has Mueller Caught the Hackers?
Special Counsel Robert Mueller has indicted 12 officials with the GRU, Russia’s main foreign intelligence agency, for allegedly meddling in the 2016 election, including hacking Democratic Party emails. Case closed? Author and investigative journalist Michael Isikoff of Yahoo News joins TRNN’s Aaron Mate to discuss

*Well, Isikoff managed to keep his knickers out of a twist this go ’round, as opposed to his pissy performance in the previous segment, but he still clearly holds anyone who disputes the “iron clad” evidence of Russkie rapscallionismo in low regard.

That’s his prerogative, but it doesn’t speak well to affirmation of an open mind on this matter, does it?

Be that as it may, whatever the reality here, and my sense is it will remain obscured in the same manner as 9/11 or the Kennedy assassination, what I think we have to keep in the forefront of our tiny little minds is that this is being used to gin up Cold War 2.0 by the neocons and their Democratic lapdogs, and to avert criticism of that party’s neoliberal addiction and the role it played in Madame Mayhem’s “loss” to Killer Clown.

The fallout from that will impact this country and the wider world far more gravely that anything in which Guccifer and friends may have colluded (which at whatever level pales in comparison to US skullduggery abroad, including the Yeltsin coup de mâitre).

https://therealnews.com/stories/has-mueller-caught-the-hackers

Trump’s Real NATO Agenda? More Money for War
As prominent US media and political figures warned that he might dismantle NATO, President Trump wrapped up the summit by bragging that he had convinced allied members to spend more on the military. We speak to Bill Hartung, Director of the Arms & Security Project at the Center for International Policy

https://therealnews.com/stories/trumps-real-nato-agenda-more-money-for-war
—

FAIR
Can Truth Survive Trump? WaPo Fails to Ask How Well Truth Was Doing to Begin With
by Dean Baker

*Is “Democracy Dies in Darkness” an admonition

Or an aspiration?

https://fair.org/home/can-truth-survive-trump-wapo-fails-to-ask-how-well-truth-was-doing-to-begin-with

7.13

With ‘Carefully Calculated Strategy’ to Slash Safety Net Underway, White House Claims War on Poverty ‘Largely Over’
New Trump administration report calls for imposing work requirements for federal benefits programs, which anti-poverty advocates warn would harm poor Americans
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Whatever sincere efforts have been made in the “War on Poverty”

They have always been eclipsed by those in an earnest war on the poor

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/13/carefully-calculated-strategy-slash-safety-net-underway-white-house-claims-war
—

Trump’s Visit Marks the Start of Shock Doctrine Brexit
The radical right want a no-deal Brexit so they can force Britain into a disaster capitalist trade deal with the USA
by Adam Ramsay

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/07/13/trumps-visit-marks-start-shock-doctrine-brexit
–

America’s New Revolutionaries Show How the Left Can Win
The little-known history of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s victory in a New York primary hints at the coming transformation
by George Monbiot

*There will never be “a genuinely populist Democratic party”, as Sanders’ calculations here clearly attest to, and I hope that reality will be realized right damn quick by anyone truly committed to an end to the toxic circus that defines politics in these here United States.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/07/13/americas-new-revolutionaries-show-how-left-can-win
–

“Medicare-for-all” Means Something. Don’t Let Moderates Water It Down.
Centrists want to co-opt the phrase and apply it to something weaker than a single-payer system
by Tim Higginbotham and Chris Middleman

*New name

Same old snake oil

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/07/13/medicare-all-means-something-dont-let-moderates-water-it-down
—

The Real News Network
President’s UK Visit ‘An Opportunity for British People to Unite’ Against Trump
President Trump’s visit to the UK caused important upheavals both in British politics and society, when over 250,000 took to the streets against his visit. Thomas Barlow, of Real Media, talks about the visit’s impact

https://therealnews.com/stories/presidents-uk-visit-an-opportunity-for-british-people-to-unite-against-trump

Success and Mutation in the Soviet Union – RAI with A. Buzgalin (2/12)
On Reality Asserts Itself, Prof. Alexander Buzgalin says the threat of European fascism propelled the militarization and bureaucratization of the USSR

*Part 3 was posted yesterday with this title, due to an error on the site’s part.

https://therealnews.com/stories/success-and-mutation-in-the-soviet-union-rai-with-a-buzgalin-2-12

The Real News Network
Rightward Shift in Latin America Spelling End of Regional Integration
The Union of South American Nations – UNASUR – was an ambitious project to integrate South America not just on economic terms, but also on political and social terms, but the rightward drift in Latin America is leading to its dissolution, with the unfortunate help of Ecuador’s government, where its headquarters are, says former foreign minister Guillaume Long

*I’m no expert on Ecuador, to put it mildly, but I have read a number of what I consider reputable accounts of incidents of repression by the Correa government against indigenous peoples, and for Wilpert to exclude that from his conversation with Long is irresponsible journalism. You can decide for yourself as to the validity of these reports; they’re listed in my followup comment on the previous segment.

CONAIE may indeed be a bad actor here, but ignoring these actions in the context of an interview with someone who obviously wouldn’t be an objective source on the contradictions of the Correa administration doesn’t speak well for an commitment to “the real news”, to my mind.

https://therealnews.com/stories/rightward-shift-in-latin-america-spelling-end-of-regional-integration
—

Democracy Now!
Meet the Activist Who Called Piers Morgan an “Idiot” for Criticizing Anti-Trump Protests in Britain

*If Sarkar is indeed a communist, it would be a rare sighting indeed of one on this program, wouldn’t it?

And good on her for “losing [her] patience” with such a fatuous fart.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/13/meet_the_activist_who_called_piers

Will Parents Separated from Their Children at the Border Be Forced to Separate Again to Win Asylum?

*Sadism as “security”

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/13/will_parents_separated_from_their_children

7.12

Global Climate Movement Celebrates as Ireland Set to Become First Country to Fully Divest From Fossil Fuels
“Countries the world over must now urgently follow Ireland’s lead”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/12/global-climate-movement-celebrates-ireland-set-become-first-country-fully-divest

By Exploiting and Mismanaging Public Pensions, Wall Street Has Cost Taxpayers $600 Billion Over Last Decade
“Most people (including policymakers) still have no idea that skimming fees off public employees’ retirement savings has become one of the largest sources of profits for Wall Street moguls”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Is it that policymakers “have no idea”

Or that they want to ensure we don’t?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/12/exploiting-and-mismanaging-public-pensions-wall-street-has-cost-taxpayers-600

Notorious War Profiteer Erik Prince Refuses To Give Up Dream of Mercenary Takeover of Afghan War
The billionaire’s pitch comes as the White House is reportedly “preparing for a government-wide appraisal” of the war strategy
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*A massacre isn’t a “blunder”

But language is a virus

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/12/notorious-war-profiteer-erik-prince-refuses-give-dream-mercenary-takeover-afghan-war

Confirming Progressive Fears, Facebook’s “Trustworthy” News Project Is Chock-Full of Fox News
Fox News is “the only news network that is a part of the Facebook-funded project to have a show on Facebook Watch every day of the week”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/12/confirming-progressive-fears-facebooks-trustworthy-news-project-chock-full-fox-news

Walmart Patents “Big Brother-Style” Surveillance Technology to Eavesdrop on Workers’ Conversations
One labor expert warns “there’s a lot of potential for misuse,” where a supervisor might determine, “as a cashier you’re too friendly, you’re talking too much, and therefore not moving people along, so let’s penalize you”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*”[I]t can actually ‘lead to this opposition feeling, where employees view the employer not as benevolent, but as dictators. And it can impact that attitude toward the higher-up and can lead to resistance.'”

Gee … that sounds like a good thing, doesn’t it?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/12/walmart-patents-big-brother-style-surveillance-technology-eavesdrop-workers
—

Universal Voting Dissolves the Obstacles Facing Voters
U.S. voter turnout, not surprisingly, is lower than in any other Western country
by Ralph Nader

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/07/12/universal-voting-dissolves-obstacles-facing-voters
—

The Real News Network
Success and Mutation in the Soviet Union – RAI with A. Buzgalin (2/12)
On Reality Asserts Itself, Prof. Alexander Buzgalin says the threat of European fascism propelled the militarization and bureaucratization of the USSR

*Market fetishism is a literal buying into the system, isn’t it?

https://therealnews.com/stories/success-and-mutation-in-the-soviet-union-rai-with-a-buzgalin-2-12

NATO Shields U.S. From Its Military Adventures
It is the U.S. that needs NATO, which allows the US to bypass the UN Security Council and engage in military adventures abroad, while keeping a safe distance across the Atlantic, says Eirik Vold of the Red Party of Norway

*I imagine Killer Clown will hang tariffs like a sword of Damocles over Europe to induce them to “Buy American” – be it guns or gas – and NATO will continue its Cold War redux.

https://therealnews.com/stories/nato-shields-u-s-from-its-military-adventures

Arrest Warrant for Ecuador’s Ex-President Correa: Based on “No Evidence”
The prosecution of ex-president Rafael Correa is a blatant attempt to prevent the return of Correa to Ecuador, as the country’s most prominent opposition leader, says former foreign minister Guillaume Long

*I must sound like a broken record, but I feel obliged to caution that we can oppose these sinister subversions of democracy without making their targets out to be shining martyrs to same.

Personalities are mutable

Principles aren’t

https://therealnews.com/stories/arrest-warrant-for-ecuadors-ex-president-correa-based-on-no-evidence
—

FAIR
Immigration Story Missing Context of Hunger and Freedom
by Jane Regan

*Great irony in quoting Jefferson’s defense of “freedom of movement”, as Euros moved across the continent in a tsunami of brutality and exploitation in order to “establish new societies”.

Irony still lies in their descendants’ fear and loathing of those whose ancestors had every reason to dread the “rapists and murderers” “infesting” their lands in the name of “freedom”.

https://fair.org/home/immigration-story-missing-context-of-hunger-and-freedom
—

Democracy Now!
Tens of Thousands of Protesters to Welcome Trump with Orange Baby Blimp for His First U.K. Visit

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/12/tens_of_thousands_of_protesters_to

7.11

Claims That ICE Agents Were ‘Just Following Orders’ Won’t Save Them From Liability for Children’s Suffering, Legal Scholars Warn
“While such employees may say they were ‘just following orders,’ their highest command is to uphold the Constitution. This overrides any contrary decision from ICE or even Trump himself.”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/11/claims-ice-agents-were-just-following-orders-wont-save-them-liability-childrens

Rigged: New Report Details How Combined $5.1 Trillion in Tax Cuts by Bush, Obama, and Trump Went Mostly to Nation’s Richest
“When people demand specifics on how to pay for expansions to social insurance, income supports, and public investments, seems like part of the answer is just ‘we could stop doing this”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/11/rigged-new-report-details-how-combined-51-trillion-tax-cuts-bush-obama-and-trump

While Trump Sets World on Fire, Former Obama Officials Blasted for Profiteering From “The Inferno”
New reporting in Huffington Post shows how former Obama officials are taking advantage of the revolving door
by Andrea Germanos, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Rats remaining on a stinking ship

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/11/while-trump-sets-world-fire-former-obama-officials-blasted-profiteering-inferno

‘New Walled Order’ for Migrants Worldwide as Governments Criminalize Compassion and Erect Barriers to Basic Services
“Every human being, especially people fleeing conflict and insecurity, should have unhindered access to basic human rights, in particular the right to protection, health care, education, and social services, at any phase of their journey”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/11/new-walled-order-migrants-worldwide-governments-criminalize-compassion-and-erect
—

After an ‘Educator Spring,’ Teachers Storm Elections
By taking their cause to the streets and then to the ballot box, teachers have made education a top election issue – not just in states, like North Carolina, where walkouts occurred – but also in states, like Florida, where they didn’t
by Jeff Bryant

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/07/11/after-educator-spring-teachers-storm-elections
—

The Real News Network
Russia and Saudi Arabia to Form an Alternative to OPEC?
The world is in a slow energy transition to renewables, which has made it difficult for OPEC to maintain price stability. This transition lies at the heart of Saudi Arabia and Russia’s efforts to find new ways for stabilizing oil prices, says Prof. Timothy Mitchell

https://therealnews.com/stories/russia-and-saudi-arabia-to-form-an-alternative-to-opec

Ukraine President’s Adviser Writes ‘Heil Hitler’ Neo-Nazi Symbol on Facebook
by Ben Norton

https://therealnews.com/columns/ukraine-presidents-adviser-writes-heil-hitler-neo-nazi-symbol-on-facebook

Growing Up in the USSR – RAI with A. Buzgalin (1/12)
Prof. Alexander Buzgalin joins Paul Jay on Reality Asserts Itself. Born two years after the death of Stalin, he talks about growing up in the Soviet Union

https://therealnews.com/stories/growing-up-in-the-ussr-rai-with-a-buzgalin-1-12

Trump’s Supreme Court: Capitalism and Democracy Can No Longer Coexist
Trump’s Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh pushes the Supreme Court towards defending a far-right corporate state, says Henry A. Giroux, the author of ‘American Nightmare: Facing the Challenge of Fascism’

https://therealnews.com/stories/trumps-supreme-court-capitalism-and-democracy-can-no-longer-coexist
—

Petition
Color Of Change
Tell Amazon to stop doing business with racist hate groups!

*Certain to be front page news in the Washington Post

When pigs fly (instead of becoming President)

https://petitions.signforgood.com/StopAmazonRacistHateGroups
—

FAIR
In Wake of AMLO Victory, US Media Fear Chavismo and Hope for ‘Business-Friendly’ Change
by Gregory Shupak

*Here’s hoping corpress fears prove well founded, but I’m not putting scared money on it just yet.

https://fair.org/home/in-wake-of-amlo-victory-us-media-fear-chavismo-and-hope-for-business-friendly-change

Mental Illness Serves as Easy Scapegoat in Mass Murder Accounts
by Olivia Riggio

*Perhaps we should search for signs of mental illness in those who perpetuate this irresponsible coverage?

Of course, it could just stem from the profit motive, and you can’t get much more “normal” than that, can you?

https://fair.org/home/mental-illness-serves-as-easy-scapegoat-in-mass-murder-accounts
—

Democracy Now!
As Trump Admin Misses Deadline to Unite Families, HHS Head Calls Jailing Kids an Act of “Generosity”

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/11/as_trump_admin_misses_deadline_to

Mark Weisbrot: Trump’s Threats to Invade Venezuela Are Part of U.S. Strategy of Regime Change

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/11/mark_weisbrot_trumps_threats_to_invade

A New Era of IMF Riots: Protests Force Haiti to Rescind Fuel Hikes

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/11/a_new_era_of_imf_riots

Nevada Plans to Kill Condemned Prisoner with Fentanyl & Drug Linked to Botched Executions

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/11/nevada_plans_to_kill_condemned_prisoner

7.10

Months After GOP Approved $1.5T Giveaway to Rich, Ocasio-Cortez Shreds Those Questioning How to Pay for Bold Proposals Like Medicare for All
As tweet goes viral, “I can’t get over how revolutionary these simple and obvious moral statements sound coming from a (soon-to-be) Democratic politician”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*A few synonyms for “radical”

Thorough, complete, total, comprehensive, exhaustive, sweeping, far-reaching, wide-ranging, extensive, across the board, profound, major

Works for me … so let’s embrace the goddamn word, and its implications, and hope to hell we can realize them

Because it’s our only hope.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/10/months-after-gop-approved-15t-giveaway-rich-ocasio-cortez-shreds-those-questioning

Endorsing ‘Violence and Extremism Among His Base,’ Trump Pardons Oregon Ranchers Who Inspired Right-Wing Militia’s Armed Takeover of Public Lands
“This pardon is a win only for those with no respect for life and basic decency”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*What are the Vegas odds on Dylann Roof?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/10/endorsing-violence-and-extremism-among-his-base-trump-pardons-oregon-ranchers-who
—

Human Zoos in the Age of Trump
Humans as “animals,” then and now
by Ariel Dorfman

*That concluding paragraph is very likely to be moot, as the same pathologies that led to those horrors are intent on ensuring there’s no one left to be appalled by the inhumanity of our present day.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/07/10/human-zoos-age-trump
—

The Real News Network
Israel Shuts Vital Crossing, But Gazans Will Not ‘Die in Silence’
Israel has intensified its crippling blockade of the Gaza Strip by closing the only crossing for commercial goods. Former Gaza health minister Dr. Basem Naim discusses the impact on a devastated health system and says that Palestinians will continue their weekly protests for freedom

https://therealnews.com/stories/israel-shuts-vital-crossing-but-gazans-will-not-die-in-silence

The Near Release of Brazil’s Lula
Judge Sérgio Moro intervened from vacation to ensure that former president Lula would not be released, says Brian Mier of Brasil Wire. We talk to him about the process by which Lula was almost released on Sunday and how authorities managed to prevent it – all in order to derail his new presidential bid

https://therealnews.com/stories/the-near-release-of-brazils-lula

As Brexit Throws UK Gov’t in Turmoil, ‘We See Only the Shadows’ of What is Really Happening
Prof. John Weeks talks about what is behind the Brexit maneuvering that has led to Boris Johnson’s and David Davis’s resignations from Theresa May’s cabinet and how this will affect the process by which the UK plans to leave the European Union

https://therealnews.com/stories/as-brexit-throws-uk-govt-in-turmoil-we-see-only-the-shadows-of-what-is-really-happening

How the Capitalist System Survives on Neo-Colonial and Imperial Exploitation (3/3)
Activist Baba Aye concludes his interview with TRNN’s Ben Norton, discussing the ongoing harms of colonialism and imperialism in Africa and the Global South, and how they are an integral part of the capitalist system

https://therealnews.com/stories/how-the-capitalist-system-survives-on-neo-colonial-and-imperial-exploitation-pt-3-3
—

Petition update
Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety
UP IN FLAMES! CarMax sells cars that are prone to catching on fire

*A hot deal from hell

https://www.change.org/p/2059055/u/22993964?utm_medium=email&utm_source=petition_update
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Kavanaugh and the Federalist Society

http://www.accuracy.org/release/kavanaugh-and-the-federalist-society
—

FAIR
‘They’ve Been Doing This Massive, Anti-Democratic Model of Education Reform’
CounterSpin interview with Wayne Au on Gates’ educational failure
by Janine Jackson

*”[T]hey believe they know what’s right”

Only in the sense of “what’s right” for an education system that serves their profit producing interest

Right?

https://fair.org/home/theyve-been-doing-this-massive-anti-democratic-model-of-education-reform

NYT Sees ‘Dystopia’ in Chinese Surveillance—Which Looks a Lot Like US Surveillance
by Jim Naureckas

*Hypocritical hyperopia

https://fair.org/home/nyt-sees-dystopia-in-chinese-surveillance-which-looks-a-lot-like-us-surveillance
—

Democracy Now!
Who Is Brett Kavanaugh? Inside the Right-Wing History of Trump’s Supreme Court Nominee

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/10/who_is_brett_kavanaugh_inside_the

“It’s a Very Scary Time for Women”: Cecile Richards on Brett Kavanaugh and the Future of Roe v. Wade

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/10/its_a_very_scary_time_for

LGBT & Healthcare Advocates Warn Kavanaugh Confirmation Could Mean End of Affordable Care Act

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/10/lgbt_healthcare_advocates_warn_kavanaugh_confirmation

ACLU vs. Trump: David Cole on the Fight to Reunite Children Separated from Parents at Border

*In an earlier segment, Cole seemed to guilt trip people for not voting for Madame Mayhem, and Richards and perhaps one or both of the other guests were lapdogs for her, and we saw the consequences of that.

I don’t know that Sanders would have won, and I’m certainly no Bernie Bro, but I’d like to think that he’d have appointed someone a bit better than Her Travesty.

It’s academic at this point, aside from the lessons hopefully learned, although certainly not by Cole and company.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/10/aclu_vs_trump_david_cole_on

7.9

UK Government Preparing for Anti-Trump Protests as “If London Was Burning Down”
“We need to show the world what millions of people in this country think of the bigotry and the hatred that he represents,” said one organizer
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/09/uk-government-preparing-anti-trump-protests-if-london-was-burning-down

As World Busts Heat Records, Study Warns Global Warming Could Be Twice as Bad Climate Models Project
“The carbon budget to avoid 2°C of global warming may be far smaller than estimated”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/09/world-busts-heat-records-study-warns-global-warming-could-be-twice-bad-climate

Just Who Is ICE Targeting? Journalist Claims His Arrest Retaliation for Critical Reporting
At the time of his arrest while covering a protest, “I was doing my work and nothing more, like any other journalist does,” says Manuel Duran
by Andrea Germanos, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/09/just-who-ice-targeting-journalist-claims-his-arrest-retaliation-critical-reporting
—

The Con of Diversity
Diversity in the hands of the white power elites—political and corporate—is an advertising gimmick
by Chris Hedges

*The hand wielding the knife may be of any color

But the cuts will always run red

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/07/09/con-diversity
–

Will the Price of Oil Collapse Within a Decade, Driven Off Cliff By Electric Vehicles?
A million electric vehicles on the road reduces demand for petroleum by roughly 16,666 barrels a day
by Juan Cole

*How does another intense global economic shock impact these projections?

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/07/09/will-price-oil-collapse-within-decade-driven-cliff-electric-vehicles
—

The Real News Network
France’s President Macron Tells Africans to Just ‘Move on’ After a Century of Murderous Colonialism (1/3)
France’s neoliberal President Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly told people in Nigeria, Algeria and beyond to just “move on” after a century of murderous colonialism. Activist Baba Aye speaks with TRNN’s Ben Norton about the ongoing harms of imperialism and neo-colonialism in Africa

https://therealnews.com/stories/frances-president-macron-africans-should-get-over-a-century-of-murderous-colonialism-pt-1-3

Neo-Colonialism Still Binds and Exploits Africa for Corporate Profits (2/3)
Activist Baba Aye continues his discussion with TRNN’s Ben Norton about French President Emmanuel Macron and the ongoing harms of colonialism and imperialism in Africa and the Global South

https://therealnews.com/stories/neo-colonialism-still-binds-and-exploits-africa-for-corporate-profits-pt-2-3

Is Capitalism In Crisis? Author of ‘Karl Marx’s Capital and The Present’ Responds
The fundamental proneness to crisis under capitalism was not overcome in the Golden Age of Capitalism, and crisis in the late 1960s ushered in an era of finance by opening new avenues for accumulating wealth and turning the illusory into real wealth, says C.P. Chandrasekhar

*The grand illusion

And the grim reality

https://therealnews.com/stories/is-capitalism-in-crisis-author-of-karl-marxs-capital-and-the-present-responds

Ukrainian Fascist Leader Speaks in US Congress, While Nazis Launch Racist Attacks
Journalist Max Blumenthal asked why a fascist leader was welcomed in the US Senate building. He discusses Andriy Parubiy, the founder of two neo-Nazi organizations and the chair of Ukraine’s parliament, and the violent white supremacist movement against Russia

https://therealnews.com/stories/ukrainian-fascist-leader-speaks-in-us-congress-while-nazis-launch-racist-attacks

Israel Is Arming Ukraine’s Blatantly Neo-Nazi Militia the Azov Battalion
A shocking new report in the Electronic Intifada reveals that Ukrainian neo-Nazis are using Israeli weapons to fight Russia. Journalist Max Blumenthal discusses the SS-wearing Azov Battalion, a neo-Nazi militia that uses Hitlerian symbols and is embedded in the National Guard of Ukraine, which also receives support from the US and Canada

https://therealnews.com/stories/israel-is-arming-ukraines-blatantly-neo-nazi-militia-the-azov-battalion

Explosive Report Shows Unchecked Sexual Assaults in Chicago Public Schools
Troy LaRaviere, challenger for mayor of Chicago, says understaffing and mismanagement at CPS and by Rahm Emanuel has resulted in unchecked sexual assault of Chicago Public Schools students

https://therealnews.com/stories/explosive-report-shows-unchecked-sexual-assaults-in-chicago-public-schools
—

Democracy Now!
CIA-Linked Military Contractor Used Arizona “Black Site” to Secretly Jail Dozens of Migrant Children

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/9/cia_linked_military_contractor_used_arizona

Human Rights Lawyer Jennifer Harbury on How Trump Is Punishing Cartels’ Victims—Not Its Members

*”[W]e’re all human beings”

Those responsible for these horrors qualify in little more than a biological sense.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/9/human_rights_lawyer_jennifer_harbury_on

From CIA-Backed Wars to Cartel Violence: Inside the Roots of the Refugee Crisis in Central America

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/9/from_cia_backed_wars_to_cartel

7.6

Insiders Admit Trump’s EPA Burying Cancer-Causing Chemical Study Unfriendly to Industry
New reporting in Politico adds further weight to claims of suppression of report on formaldehyde
by Andrea Germanos, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Carcinogenic collusion

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/06/insiders-admit-trumps-epa-burying-cancer-causing-chemical-study-unfriendly-industry

‘Hard to Fathom the Recklessness’: American Workers, Farmers at Risk as Trump Escalates Trade War With China
China immediately hit back with equivalent tariffs and slammed the Trump White House for “behaving like a gang of hoodlums”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/06/hard-fathom-recklessness-american-workers-farmers-risk-trump-escalates-trade-war

Team Internet Wins as California Bill Regains Key Net Neutrality Protections
Legislation that had been “eviscerated” just weeks ago sees key provisions restored—a development advocacy groups attribute to people power
by Andrea Germanos, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/06/team-internet-wins-california-bill-regains-key-net-neutrality-protections
—

Mexico’s Lopez Obrador Has to Stand Up to Trump
The newly elected Mexican president will have to prove that his promises to confront Trump are more than just rhetoric
by Miguel Guevara

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/07/06/mexicos-lopez-obrador-has-stand-trump
—

Center for Biological Diversity
Dozens of Small Business Owners, Religious Groups, Scientists Ask Supreme Court to Maintain Habitat Protections for Endangered Frogs

*Will the court be toadies for yet another corp?

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/07/06/dozens-small-business-owners-religious-groups-scientists-ask-supreme-court
—

The Real News Network
Germany’s Plan to Create Refugee Detention Centers ‘Is a Disaster’
In order to save her coalition government, Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel decided to introduce refugee centers along the southern border. However, the move could put an end to one of the European Union’s pillars: freedom of movement. Former Die Linke parliamentarian Annette Groth analyzes the situation

*Borderline sociopathy

https://therealnews.com/stories/germanys-plan-to-create-refugee-detention-centers-is-a-disaster
—

FAIR
‘Lots of Things That Impact Our Food System Come From the Farm Bill’
CounterSpin interview with Patty Lovera on the undercovered farm bill
by Janine Jackson

https://fair.org/home/lots-of-things-that-impact-our-food-system-come-from-the-farm-bill

‘Data Needs to Serve a Public Safety Purpose’
CounterSpin interview with Tracy Rosenberg on ICE’s corporate collaborators
by Janine Jackson

https://fair.org/home/data-needs-to-serve-a-public-safety-purpose
—

Democracy Now!
Meet the Mother Who Confronted Scott Pruitt & Urged Him to Resign—Three Days Later, He Did

*Wheeler for Pruitt

Pence for Trump

Until the immune system is sound, the pathogens will keep replicating

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/6/meet_the_mother_who_confronted_scott

7.5

‘Actions Speak Louder Than Words’: Prominent Group ‘End Citizens United’ Called Out for Backing Democrats Drowning in Corporate Cash
“If their organization only supported candidates who firmly pledged no PAC money, their contributions could breathe much-needed life into grassroots campaigns. Instead it looks more like an intentional obfuscation.”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Caught with their PR pants down

And their Slick Willies hanging out.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/05/actions-speak-louder-words-prominent-group-end-citizens-united-called-out-backing

After Popular Uproar, 20-Foot-Tall Angry Trump Baby Blimp Gets Okay to Fly Over London During President’s UK Visit
Not only is Trump “a big, angry baby with a fragile ego,” one organizer wrote, he is “also a racist demagogue who is a danger to women, immigrants, and minorities and a mortal threat to world peace and the very future of life on Earth”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Where does a gummint (a Labour one, no less) get off deciding what peaceful, unobstructive action is or isn’t “legitimate protest”?

Ain’t that straight up Killer Clown’s authoritarian alley?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/05/after-popular-uproar-20-foot-tall-angry-trump-baby-blimp-gets-okay-fly-over-london

EU Votes Down ‘Disastrous’ Copyright Proposal Aimed at Transforming Internet Into Virtual ‘Censorship Machine’
“The European Parliament has sent the copyright law back to the drawing board…Now let’s keep up the pressure to make sure we Save Your Internet!”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/05/eu-votes-down-disastrous-copyright-proposal-aimed-transforming-internet-virtual
—

The Real News Network
Trump Admin’s Roll-Back of Affirmative Action will Reduce Black Enrollment
Trump officials announced that schools and colleges should no longer use racial diversity as guideline for admissions. The consequence will be lower enrollment figures for people of color and a set-up for a new Supreme Court challenge to eliminate affirmative action entirely, says Kamau Franklin

https://therealnews.com/stories/trump-admins-roll-back-of-affirmative-action-will-reduce-black-enrollment

Fed Lets Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley Off Hook, Investors Profit Billions
Even though Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley failed the so-called ‘stress test,’ to determine whether these banks can weather a financial crisis, the Fed allowed them to pay billions in dividends and stock buybacks to investors. Former financial regulator Bill Black explains the consequences

*Should I hold my breath till the corpress and Dems go ape sh*i*t wild over “Deutschegate” … ?

https://therealnews.com/stories/fed-lets-goldman-sachs-and-morgan-stanley-off-hook-investors-profit-billions

Occupy ICE Protesters Camp Outside Philadelphia Office, Despite Police Repression
The growing Occupy ICE movement demands the abolition of the abusive War on Terror-era agency. In Philadelphia, protesters are camping outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office. Activists Tina Ngo and Jameson Rush stand in solidarity with immigrants, and speak about the violent repression by police.

https://therealnews.com/stories/occupy-ice-protesters-camp-outside-philadelphia-office-despite-police-repression
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
“Congress Welcomes an Actual Fascist as Nazi Violence Rages in Ukraine”

*Let freedom ring

Hollow

http://www.accuracy.org/release/congress-welcomes-an-actual-fascist-as-nazi-violence-rages-in-ukraine
—

Democracy Now!
Asylum Seekers Win in Court as Federal Judge Rules Against Indefinite & Arbitrary Detention

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/5/asylum_seekers_win_in_court_as

From Separating Families to Jailing Asylum Seekers, Trump Admin Accused of Criminalizing Migration

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/5/from_separating_families_to_jailing_asylum

As Gov’t Struggles to Reunite Families, Detained Mothers Are Organizing to Find Their Kids

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/5/as_govt_struggles_to_reunite_families

Concentration Camps in the U.S.: Andrea Pitzer Decries Tent Cities for Detaining Kids Without Trial

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/5/concentration_camps_in_the_us_andrea

7.4

Where Did Tax Benefits Trump Promised Average Americans Go? Straight to Big Oil, Big Pharma, and Their Crappy Insurance
“American families are seeing this tax cut law for what it is—a scam”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/04/where-did-tax-benefits-trump-promised-average-americans-go-straight-big-oil-big

‘I Can’t Afford That’: Trapped and Injured by Subway Car, Woman Begged Bystanders Not to Call Ambulance Due to Expense
“In the face of a grave injury, a series of calculations follow…This discord, between agony and arithmetic, has become America’s story, too”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Perhaps the Times could cease supporting a Democratic elite foursquare opposed to universal care (not coverage … care) to evince their fealty to same?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/04/i-cant-afford-trapped-and-injured-subway-car-woman-begged-bystanders-not-call
—

A Kiss For the Coach – Jim Jordan on the Mat
These “men” should not be in government. They don’t respect or feel a need to protect children.
by Bill C. Davis

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/07/04/kiss-coach-jim-jordan-mat
—

The Real News Network
The battle for Iran: Policy or regime change?
by James M. Dorsey

https://therealnews.com/columns/the-battle-for-iran-policy-or-regime-change
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Is NATO Obsolete? Does it Destabilize?

*I think it’s just to cover the cost of Killer Clown’s “salutes to the military”

(And himself).

http://www.accuracy.org/release/67652

7.3

Watch: Greenpeace Crashes Superman Drone Into Nuclear Power Plant to Expose Facility’s Dangers
“Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No… it’s a drone dressed up as Superman, exposing how vulnerable French nuclear power plants are.”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*A comic opera to forewarn of a tragedic fate

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/03/watch-greenpeace-crashes-superman-drone-nuclear-power-plant-expose-facilitys-dangers
—

The Real News Network
Most Ignored and Most Far-Reaching Supreme Court Ruling Yet: Anti-Trust Law Hollowed Out
A major Supreme Court ruling, Ohio vs American Express, was completely ignored by most media outlets, even though it will have potentially devastating repercussions for consumers in the so-called ‘platform economy’: Uber, Lyft, AirBnB, Facebook, etc. White collar criminologist Bill Black explains the consequences

*Was it ignored due to its being obscure

Or was it obscured to ensure it was just that?

https://therealnews.com/stories/most-ignored-and-most-far-reaching-supreme-court-ruling-yet-anti-trust-law-hollowed-out

Trump, Putin, and ‘Russian Roulette’
Michael Isikoff, chief investigative correspondent for Yahoo News and co-author of “Russian Roulette: The Inside Story of Putin’s War on America and the Election of Donald Trump,” joins TRNN’s Aaron Maté to discuss the evidentiary basis for claims of a Kremlin interference campaign in the U.S. and potential Trump campaign cooperation

*Is it telling that Isikoff becomes combative, dismissive and … I dunno … haughty when Maté presses him on the veracity of evidence?

If you’re dead solid certain of your sources, is that how you respond?

I’m just saying …

https://therealnews.com/stories/trump-putin-and-russian-roulette

Mexico’s AMLO Gets Massive Mandate to Stand Up to the US
As the center-left candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador wins the presidency by an overwhelming margin, Laura Carlsen and Alex Main talk about the election results, what this means for Mexico, and how it will affect U.S.-Mexico relations.

*Mañana … but history is not hopeful.

Y’know, TRNN made a big deal about interweaving climate change into all areas of its coverage.

Run a word search for it on this page.

https://therealnews.com/stories/mexicos-amlo-gets-massive-mandate-to-stand-up-to-the-u-s

Institute for Public Accuracy
If Catholic Anti-Nuclear Weapons Activists in North Korea or Iran Were Jailed

*Brave souls, but I have to point out that there are no nukes in Iran, nor any program to create them, and it’s dangerously remiss to imply otherwise.

http://www.accuracy.org/release/if-catholic-anti-nuclear-weapons-activists-in-north-korea-or-iran-were-jailed
—

Democracy Now!
Airport Worker “Heartbroken” Witnessing Waves of Migrant Children Silently Flown Around the Country

*Huddled masses yearning to breathe free

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/3/airport_worker_heartbroken_witnessing_waves_of

7.2

‘Vindictive and Cruel’: After Work Requirements Struck Down, GOP Governor Cancels Dental and Vision Medicaid Coverage for 460,000 in Kentucky
“After a federal judge blocked Kentucky’s gutting of Medicaid, which would throw 95,000 off coverage, the governor responded with a Trumpian tantrum”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/02/vindictive-and-cruel-after-work-requirements-struck-down-gop-governor-cancels-dental

After Long Career Bailing Out Big Banks, Obama Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner Now Runs Predatory Firm That Exploits the Poor for Profit
“Your economy, rigged to redistribute wealth to the top”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*The reality of “Hope and Change”

You keep hoping

They never change

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/02/after-long-career-bailing-out-big-banks-obama-treasury-secretary-tim-geithner-now

As GOP Pushes Overhaul, Conservationists Mobilize to Save ‘Endangered Species Act From Extinction’
“This bill is all about politics. It’s not about science. It’s especially not about better ways to conserve endangered species.”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/07/02/gop-pushes-overhaul-conservationists-mobilize-save-endangered-species-act-extinction
—

Timing of Kennedy’s Retirement Only Cements His Right-Wing Legacy
When it came to money and power, ‘moderate’ Justice Anthony Kennedy had always been an agent of the top one percent
by Larry Beinhart

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/07/02/timing-kennedys-retirement-only-cements-his-right-wing-legacy
–

America The Failed State
In the United States, ruling elites abjectly serve corporate power to exploit and impoverish the citizenry
by Chris Hedges

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/07/02/america-failed-state
–

The Tyranny of Politeness
The proper time and place to protest, they say, is always the time and place where they feel they can most easily ignore us. When we show up at their churches, homes, and country clubs, we are no longer constrained by their rigged rules.
by Mike Ervin

*A polite request has never yet removed a boot from a neck

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/07/02/tyranny-politeness
–

An Update for 2018: More Evidence That Half of Americans Are In or Near Poverty
The extreme level of inequality in the U.S. is battering the poor
by Paul Buchheit

*Poverty is immutable

As long as profit remains so

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/07/02/update-2018-more-evidence-half-americans-are-or-near-poverty
—

The Real News Network
Leftist Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador Wins Mexican Presidential Election
by Tamara Pearson

https://therealnews.com/columns/leftist-andres-manuel-lopez-obrador-wins-mexican-presidential-election

143 Million Climate Refugees by 2050
A World Bank report: Groundswell, warns of the worsening impact of climate change in three regions of the world. It could lead to a tremendous humanitarian crisis, says Kanta Kumari Rigaud, the lead author of the study

*The World Bank does it homework

But the damn neoliberal dog keeps eating it

https://therealnews.com/stories/143-million-climate-refugees-by-2050

Exclusive: Nurse Speaks Out Over Johns Hopkins’ ‘Anti-Union Campaign’
Hopkins nurse Kate Phillips says the hospital has prevented nurses from discussing the benefits of a union, and that the hospital faces a high attrition rate and low staff to patient ratios

https://therealnews.com/stories/exclusive-nurse-speaks-out-over-johns-hopkins-anti-union-campaign
—

Democracy Now!
Leftist Andrés Manuel López Obrador Wins Mexican Presidential Election in Landslide Victory

*Like any politician, he’ll have to be held to his words

And forced to go beyond them.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/2/leftist_andres_manuel_lopez_obrador_wins

“It’s a Humanitarian Crisis”: Texas Lawyer Describes Chaos, Terror of Family Separation at Border

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/7/2/its_a_humanitarian_crisis_texas_lawyer

June 2018

 

6.29

Citing ‘Deprivation’ They Would Cause, Federal Judge Blocks Kentucky’s Trump-Backed Medicaid Work Requirements
“Today’s win means that nearly 100,000 Kentucky residents will continue to be able to see their doctors, stay healthy, and take care of their families”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/06/29/citing-deprivation-they-would-cause-federal-judge-blocks-kentuckys-trump-backed

New Study Warns of Deepwater Horizon Disaster Long-Lasting Impact on Marine Life’s “Building Blocks”
“At the sites closest to the spill, biodiversity was flattened,” says the lead author
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*”Draining the swamp”

Straight into the sea

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/06/29/new-study-warns-deepwater-horizon-disaster-long-lasting-impact-marine-lifes-building

Aaack! New Analysis Shows Superbugs Lurking on Three-Fourths of U.S. Supermarket Meat
“The public shouldn’t have to wait until 100 percent of the bacteria found on meat on supermarket shelves are untreatable by antibiotics before the FDA takes strong action”
by Andrea Germanos, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/06/29/aaack-new-analysis-shows-superbugs-lurking-three-fourths-us-supermarket-meat
—

International Rescue Committee statement on EU Council Migration Summit

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/06/29/international-rescue-committee-statement-eu-council-migration-summit

Environmental Working Group (EWG)
Loophole Could Exempt Over 10,000 GMO Foods from Disclosure Law

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/06/29/loophole-could-exempt-over-10000-gmo-foods-disclosure-law
—

Petition
Parkland Student Calls for Adam Putnam’s Withdrawal from FL Office and Governor’s Race
by Spencer Blum

https://www.change.org/p/parkland-student-calls-for-adam-putnam-s-withdrawal-from-fl-office-and-governor-s-race

Petition update
Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety
PA Gov. signs “car dealer license to kill” legislation, backed by CarMax

*Would you buy a used car from these pols?

https://www.change.org/p/2059055/u/22946191
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Janus Decision: Why Does Labor Keep Losing?

*”We are caught in the devil’s bargain … “

http://www.accuracy.org/release/janus-decision-why-does-labor-keep-losing

Pogroms in Ukraine

*For bipartisan Russia bashers, apparently this doesn’t rise to the level of “dangerous incivility”

http://www.accuracy.org/release/pogroms-in-ukraine
—

Democracy Now!
DNC Chair Tom Perez on Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Upset Win & Obama’s Immigration Policies

*The insincerity and deceit ooze out of him like his sweat in the unforgiving Texas sun.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/29/dnc_chair_tom_perez_on_alexandria

6.28

In ‘Major Step’ Toward Making Democratic Party More Democratic, DNC Votes to Roll Back Power of Superdelegates
“Thanks to all of the incredible activism, superdelegates will soon be a thing of the past”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*”[C]ongratulated” … “applaud” … “praised” … ?

One card removed does not a stacked deck topple.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/06/28/major-step-toward-making-democratic-party-more-democratic-dnc-votes-roll-back-power
—

How America’s Wars Fund Inequality at Home
What happens when you put endless Pentagon spending on the credit card
by Stephanie Savell

*The treasure flows as freely as the blood

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/28/how-americas-wars-fund-inequality-home
–

Protest Isn’t Civil
Attacks on incivility are rooted more in preserving the status quo than in addressing ongoing harms and violence
by Vann R. Newkirk

*Clucking tongues in time with bashing heads

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/28/protest-isnt-civil
—

FAIR
Papers Insist ‘We Need’ Secret Gang Databases—Just Like We ‘Needed’ Stop & Frisk
by Josmar Trujillo

https://fair.org/home/papers-insist-we-need-secret-gang-databases-just-like-we-needed-stop-frisk
—

Democracy Now!
Justice Kennedy’s Resignation Opens Door for Far-Right Supreme Court & Overturning of Roe v. Wade

*A feckless and forlorn “liberalism” embodied by the DNCistas always opens the door to demagogues, with these predictable results. That they continue to swear their fealty to financialismo and the war profiteers is a sin no amount of faux “feeling of pain” will wash away.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/28/justice_kennedys_resignation_opens_door_for

In Janus Case, Court Issues Major Anti-Labor Ruling, Eviscerating Power of Public-Sector Unions

*Again, the Dems and labor “leaders” have done an efficacious job of dismantling on their own, and a case can be made for their being just f*ucking fine with that.

They’re part of the political/economic structure regardless, their stations assured, and that’s all they care about, if their actions (and lack of) are an indication.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/28/in_janus_case_court_issues_major

Meet an Immigration Lawyer Trying to Unite Migrant Families While Battling the Trump Administration

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/28/meet_an_immigration_lawyer_trying_to

Jennifer Harbury: Today’s Refugee Crisis Is Blowback from U.S. Dirty Wars in Central America

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/28/jennifer_harbury_todays_refugee_crisis_is

6.27

The Real News Network
Protests in Ramallah Challenge Abbas over Gaza
Yara Hawari of the Palestinian Policy Network says the Palestinian Authority is resorting to violence against its own people because it has lost its legitimacy, as it collaborates with the Israeli siege on Gaza

https://therealnews.com/stories/protests-in-ramallah-challenge-abbas-over-gaza

Institute for Public Accuracy
Recent Pentagon Increases Exceed Russia’s Entire Military Budget

http://www.accuracy.org/release/recent-pentagon-increases-exceed-russias-entire-military-budget-interviews-available
—

FAIR
WaPo’s Civility Fetish Delegitimizes Opposition to Trump
by Gregory Shupak

*This from an outlet unperturbed by the “incivility” of incinerated wedding parties or tortured “guests” of black sites

https://fair.org/home/wapos-civility-fetish-delegitimizes-opposition-to-trump

Why Venezuela Reporting Is So Bad
Review of Alan MacLeod’s Bad News From Venezuela
by Joe Emersberger

https://fair.org/home/why-venezuela-reporting-is-so-bad
—

Democracy Now!
Web Bonus: Psychologist Dana Sinopoli Warns Migrant Children Face “Systematic Traumatization”

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/26/web_bonus_psychologist_dana_sinopoli_on

SCOTUS Backs Muslim Travel Ban; Critics Liken It to Decisions on Segregation & Japanese Internment

*Judicial independence

From reason and common humanity

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/27/scotus_backs_muslim_travel_ban_critics

Federal Judge Orders U.S. to Reunite Migrant Children with Their Families After Separation at Border

*Perhaps Madame Pelosi should explain her views on “civility” to these children and their parents?

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/27/federal_judge_orders_us_to_reunite

A Critic of Neoliberalism & Drug War, Andrés Manuel López Obrador Poised to Win Mexico’s Presidency

*We can hope he wins, but recall Tsipras and Syriza.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/27/a_critic_of_neoliberalism_drug_war

6.26

‘Schumer and Pelosi Have to Go’: Democratic Leaders Under Fire for Urging ‘Civility’ in Face of Trump’s Vicious Agenda
“All of the liberal politicians and pundits who shouted ‘this is not normal’ for a year are now telling us to be civil to the people ripping apart families”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*I swear to someone else’s god, I look at that accompanying photo and I can’t imagine a more perfect image of clammy career politicians and corporate shills.

You couldn’t do better through Central Casting.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/06/26/schumer-and-pelosi-have-go-democratic-leaders-under-fire-urging-civility-face-trumps
—

Who Is Making a Killing on Killing?
The merchants of war who have shaped U.S. foreign policy since the end of WWII have a foothold so strong, the act of extracting ourselves from the war economy has become incredibly complex
by Jodie Evans and Andrew Behar

*War is bad business

Divest your sums

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/26/who-making-killing-killing
–

On Purpose, In Kabul
The U.S. government “made things worse rather than better”
by Kathy Kelly

*This is what “liberation” looks like in the fun house mirror of US foreign policy.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/26/purpose-kabul
—

Greenpeace Report: Trans Mountain “Oil Tanker Superhighway” Endangers Pacific Coast Marine Life, Communities and Billions in Economic Activity

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/06/26/greenpeace-report-trans-mountain-oil-tanker-superhighway-endangers-pacific-coast

Friends of the Earth
Kroger Releases New Policy to Limit Bee-Killing Pesticides on Garden Plants
Company must take immediate action eliminate toxic pesticides on food

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/06/26/kroger-releases-new-policy-limit-bee-killing-pesticides-garden-plants
—

The Real News Network
Is Flint Michigan’s Water Quality Really Restored?
Flint residents and activists argue Governor Rick Snyder’s claim of water restoration in Flint is based on flawed research as it excludes lead testing in schools

*Water under the bridge for the corpress

https://therealnews.com/stories/is-flint-michigans-water-quality-really-restored#

Mexico’s Economic Growth Failure: Decades in the Making
As Mexicans get ready to vote for a new president on Sunday, they will probably punish the political class that led the country into a 30-year economic slump. CEPR’s Mark Weisbrot analyzes Mexico’s economic performance and the prospects for its economic future after the election

https://therealnews.com/stories/mexicos-economic-growth-failure-decades-in-the-making

Ex-CIA Interrogator Trains ICE Agents in ‘Counterterrorism’ as They Terrorize Immigrants
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement pays a private security firm run by former top CIA interrogator Barry McManus to train ICE agents in intelligence and “counterterrorism.” TRNN’s Ben Norton speaks with investigative journalist Ken Klippenstein.

https://therealnews.com/stories/ex-cia-interrogator-trains-ice-agents-in-counterterrorism-as-they-terrorize-immigrants

US Gov’t Treats Dogs Better than Detained Immigrant Children
While the US Department of Homeland Security puts immigrant children in cages, Customs and Border Protection treats dogs to “plush double-sided sheepskin bedding” at a pet resort. TRNN’s Ben Norton speaks with investigative journalist Ken Klippenstein

*It’s a dog’s life

What else would you expect from sons of bitches?

https://therealnews.com/stories/us-govt-treats-dogs-better-than-detained-immigrant-children

US Gov’t Regime Change Machine Exacerbates Nicaragua’s Violent Protests
As Nicaragua’s leftist government faces a violent right-wing insurgency, journalist Max Blumenthal discusses with TRNN’s Ben Norton how the regime change machinery bankrolled by the US government’s National Endowment for Democracy boasted of “laying the groundwork for insurrection” against President Daniel Ortega

*I’m keen to hear Blumenthal’s take on the counter narrative from what I consider to be those who are utterly opposed to US intervention, yet feel Ortega has betrayed the spirit of Sandinismo.

As I’ve said before, we don’t have to feel a “leftist” gummint is Jesus on a stick to oppose internal and external attempts to overthrow it. Neither should we overlook its deep flaws in doing so.

https://therealnews.com/stories/us-govt-regime-change-machine-fuels-nicaraguas-violent-right-wing-insurgency
—

FAIR
‘AT&T Only Buys Time Warner Once in a Lifetime’
CounterSpin interview with Nilay Patel on AT&T/Time Warner ruling
by Janine Jackson

https://fair.org/home/att-only-buys-time-warner-once-in-a-lifetime

For WaPo, Subsidizing Bus Fare Is a Lot Like Giving the Rich $5 Trillion
by Gregory Shupak

*If only López Obrador (or Sanders) was as dangerous to the savage status quo as Killer Clown is to the rest of us.

https://fair.org/home/for-wapo-subsidizing-bus-fare-is-a-lot-like-giving-the-rich-5-trillion
—

Democracy Now!
Psychologist: Separating Children at the Border Creates Trauma Passed Down Through Generations

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/26/psychologist_separating_children_at_the_border

6.25

‘Most Important Surveillance Story You Will See for Years’: Report Reveals How AT&T Buildings Serve as Secret Hubs for NSA Spying
“AT&T has bent over backwards to help the U.S. government spy on essentially all internet traffic”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Your world. Delivered.

To Spook Central.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/06/25/most-important-surveillance-story-you-will-see-years-report-reveals-how-att

Detained Children Forced to Recite Pledge of Allegiance ‘Out of Respect’ for Country That Tore Them Away From Parents
“This is calculated sadism”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*The national disgrace of a disgraceful nationalism

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/06/25/detained-children-forced-recite-pledge-allegiance-out-respect-country-tore-them-away
—

Warning to US: Erdogan Has Used Same Techniques as Trump to De-Democratize Turkey
Erdogan’s rise as an authoritarian strong man is a key lesson to America about how Trump could move the US in a similar direction
by Juan Cole

*From a hollow democracy to an infested autocracy?

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/25/warning-us-erdogan-has-used-same-techniques-trump-de-democratize-turkey
–

Supreme Court’s Janus Ruling Will Hurt Children
The nation’s rightwing has taken a big swing at workers and unions, but kids will also be among those who get hit
by Jeff Bryant

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/25/supreme-courts-janus-ruling-will-hurt-children
–

The Soldier’s Tale: A Man Who Went to War and Realized His Side Was the Enemy
“I was blindly following orders. I was inflicting violence on the poorest people on earth. How is there any morality in that?”
by Chris Hedges

*A soul adrift in a sea of savagery

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/25/soldiers-tale-man-who-went-war-and-realized-his-side-was-enemy
–

Nicaragua at the Barricades… And a Crossroads
“We will always be confronted by U.S. power …”
by Rebecca Gordon

*I don’t pretend to have a firm grasp on all this, although I think Gordon has provided some valuable context.

What I do have is an unshakable conviction that our faith can only be placed in principles, and not blindly in parties or personalities or movements, which must be measured by how they align with those principles.

To do other is to yield to the comforting certainty of dogma, rather than persevere in the often exasperating search for truth.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/25/nicaragua-barricades-and-crossroads
—

Amnesty International USA
Syrian Refugees Must Not Be Abandoned by Jordan

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/06/25/syrian-refugees-must-not-be-abandoned-jordan
—

The Real News Network
General Motors Held Responsible for Abuses in its Plant in Colombia
A protest at the annual GM shareholders’ meeting in Detroit called attention to the fact that GM in Colombia regularly fires injured workers and fails to provide them with compensation. Frank Hammer, who recently visited the GM plant, reports on the protest and what is going on in Colombia

https://therealnews.com/stories/general-motors-held-responsible-for-abuses-in-its-plant-in-colombia

How Climate Change will Reduce Crop Yields and Spike Food Prices
A new study shows how climate change will impact global food security, particularly by reducing crop yields and increasing crop yield volatility. This, in turn, will have a strong effect on the prices of basic staples, particularly corn and rice. We speak Michelle Tigchelaar, one of the report’s authors

*No mention of how industrial and monocultural agriculture exacerbate the effects of climate change, or that even assuming two degrees isn’t reached, we’re still facing grave consequences, especially in the developing world.

https://therealnews.com/stories/how-climate-change-will-reduce-crop-yields-and-spike-food-prices

Why Is the Anti-War Movement Still So Weak Under Trump?

*The question was never really answered, was it?

But I think it’s based on a faulty assumption – that there was this powerful anti war movement fifteen years ago. Afghanistan was never really opposed, it being “the just war” for revenge against 9/11, and the opposition to Iraq faded fairly quickly after the invasion.

As for today, as internationally ignorant and apathetic as most Americans were at the beginning of the century, that phenomenon has metastasized in the intervening years, and while individual blame can be laid to some extent, the role of the corpress is key in coloring every conflict as a noble struggle in the ongoing War on Terror ™, with only the occasional mildest of qualms.

Of course, that includes America on the Jordan, and its “mowing the lawn”.

The last sustained anti war movement in the US ended with the cessation of the draft, which subdued a sense of a personal stake in imperialism and militarism. Reviving it will require either a commitment to solidarity with the victims – something that’s never occurred on a massive scale in this country, or any other – or the overcoming of the propaganda propagated by the military industrial complex and its courtiers in the fourth estate to realize how the war machine harms us at home and abroad.

If both were to be evinced in an enlightened self interest, we might have the makings of a truly formidable frente a la guerra.

Stranger things have happened, although examples escape me at the moment.

https://therealnews.com/stories/why-is-the-anti-war-movement-still-so-weak-under-trump
—

Democracy Now!
Undocumented Mother: Stop Separation of Migrant Children by Dropping Charges Against Their Parents

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/25/undocumented_mother_stop_separation_of_migrant
—

What Does an Iodine Deficiency Have to Do with Cancer?
by Dr. David Brownstein

https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/iodine-deficiency-cancer

6.22

‘This Is Censorship’: Trump’s War on Facts Continues With Muzzling of USGS Scientists
New directive, LA Times reports, requires scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey to get approval for media interviews from U.S. Department of the Interior for most cases
by Andrea Germanos, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/06/22/censorship-trumps-war-facts-continues-muzzling-usgs-scientists

“Slap in the Face” to Poor Americans: House GOP Passes Farm Bill Attacking Nation’s Hungriest Families
“This is just another attempt by Paul Ryan to pretend that the biggest problem with the federal deficit is lazy poor people, not the $1.5 trillion tax cut he and his colleagues just gave to the richest people in the country”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/06/22/slap-face-poor-americans-house-gop-passes-farm-bill-attacking-nations-hungriest

‘No Justice, No Sleep!’ Protesters Blare Audio of Crying Detained Children Outside DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen’s Home
“There’s a child snatcher living in Alexandria, Virginia”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*No rest for the wicked

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/06/22/no-justice-no-sleep-protesters-blare-audio-crying-detained-children-outside-dhs
—

Here’s the Story of How I Met Detained Minors on My Flight From Texas
“How old are you?” I asked in Spanish. “Sixteen,” she answered. “Did you come here with your families?” “Alone.” she said. “Are you scared?” I asked. “Yes.”
by Tim Wilkins

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/06/22/heres-story-how-i-met-detained-minors-my-flight-texas
–

Trump’s Get-Tough Policies Will Make the Border Crisis Worse
Nothing about Trump’s ‘zero tolerance’ approach is addressing the root cause of migration
by Ruth Conniff

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/22/trumps-get-tough-policies-will-make-border-crisis-worse
—

The Real News Network
Why the Freedom Flotilla Must Sail: A Conversation with Portuguese MP Bruno Dias
The President of the Portugal-Palestine Parliamentary Friendship Group Says the Oppressed People of Gaza Need Hope and Solidarity

*Did Dias sidestep on sanctions, and if he did, why didn’t Lascaris press him on it?

Inquiring minds want to know.

https://therealnews.com/stories/why-the-freedom-flotilla-must-sail-a-conversation-with-portuguese-mp-bruno-dias

The Billionaire Class is Not Fit to Rule – Paul Jay

*A righteous rant, but if you’re not speaking to the limits of #TheResistance – and I don’t mean the fauxniness from the DNCistas – to turn this ship (or sh*it) around, rather than simply cheerleading for it, there will be no there there.

We have to be clear eyed about what’s necessary, and “progressive change” – no matter how well intentioned – is a half step that will cause us to stumble into the abyss, if only in slower motion.

We have to think beyond the “possible”, to the essential, or we’re pissing into a climate charged übercane

And that’s the whole truth, as I see it.

https://therealnews.com/stories/the-billionaire-class-is-not-fit-to-rule-paul-jay
—

FAIR
WaPo Can’t Believe White Supremacist Senate Candidate Really Means It
by Janine Jackson

*Is there a difference between fanning the flames

And setting the fire?

https://fair.org/home/wapo-cant-believe-white-supremacist-senate-candidate-really-means-it

Clicks Over Ethics: Careless Coverage of Suicide
by Olivia Riggio

*Eyeballs over ethics

https://fair.org/home/clicks-over-ethics-careless-coverage-of-suicide
—

Democracy Now!
Immigrant Parents Search for Children Snatched by Gov’t at the Border, But Reunification Is Rare

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/22/immigrant_parents_search_for_children_snatched

Investigation: Substandard Medical Care in ICE Detention is Killing Immigrants, Endangering Lives

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/22/investigation_substandard_medical_care_in_ice

ICE Detention is “Soul-Destroying”: Eritrean Immigrant Dies by Suicide During Deportation

*Human Rights Watch is not the most reliable judge of the “world’s most oppressive governments”, but that doesn’t diminish the real fear Testfatsion had of being returned to Eritrea, or the inhumanity of doing so.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/22/ice_detention_is_soul_destroying_eritrean

6.21

Look Deeper: Child Detention and the US’s Paramilitary Politics Abroad
Amidst the justifiable horror evoked by US authorities’ criminal treatment of these children there is too little examination of the conditions that spur many of these mass migrations
by John Buell

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/21/look-deeper-child-detention-and-uss-paramilitary-politics-abroad
–

Jeff Bezos 1, Seattle Homeless 0. Now What?
Advocates are regrouping after city officials knuckled under to pressure from Amazon and repealed a tax on big employers
by Katie Wilson

*Bezos doesn’t have “more money than [he] knows what to do with”

He knows precisely what to do with it

And who to do it to.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/21/jeff-bezos-1-seattle-homeless-0-now-what
–

What Have We Become? What We Have Always Been
We are a nation that has, since its earliest days, stolen children from their parents
by Brett Wilkins

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/21/what-have-we-become-what-we-have-always-been
—

The Real News Network
Left Candidate Lopez Obrador Leads Mexican Presidential Race by an Insurmountable Margin
Mexico’s July 1 presidential election is likely to lead to a historic result as the center-left candidate Andrés Manuel Lopez Obrador leads the race by 25 percentage points over his closest rival. We talk to Laura Carlsen about the race, the murders of local candidates, and the impact of Trump’s immigration policy on the race

https://therealnews.com/stories/left-candidate-lopez-obrador-leads-mexican-presidential-race-by-an-insurmountable-margin

China Intensifies Efforts to Crush the Hong Kong Independence Movement
Edward Leung, Hong Kong’s most prominent independence activist, was sentenced to six years in prison for having organized protests that resulted in property damage. We speak to Prof. Sean Starrs and Polaris Tang of the City University of Hong Kong

https://therealnews.com/stories/china-intensifies-efforts-to-crush-the-hong-kong-independence-movement

Israel Kills 52 Syrian/Iraqi Anti-ISIS Fighters, as US Takes Aim at Iran
An air attack in eastern Syria killed 52 Syrian and Iraqi government-backed forces who were fighting ISIS. They blamed the US, but it said Israel is responsible. Max Blumenthal says this is part of a larger campaign to destabilize and fragment Syria and weaken its ally Iran

https://therealnews.com/stories/israel-kills-52-syrian-iraqi-anti-isis-fighters-as-us-takes-aim-at-iran

Trump’s Trade War with China: A Great Miscalculation
Trump and his advisors seem to be extremely ill-informed about the ways in which China can retaliate, even though the US can impose tariffs on more Chinese goods than China can impose on the US, says CEPR’s Dean Baker

https://therealnews.com/stories/trumps-trade-war-with-china-a-great-miscalculation

Erdogan Accelerates Attacks on Syria and Iraq in Lead-up to Turkish Election
Turkish President Erdogan is escalating military intervention in northern Syria and Iraq as the snap election approaches. Scholar Baris Karaagac says this is part of a political strategy to unite right-wing nationalist forces. It is also a continuation of a decades-long war on Kurds

https://therealnews.com/stories/erdogan-accelerates-attacks-on-syria-and-iraq-in-lead-up-to-turkish-election
—

Petition update
Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety
Help stop CarMax from getting away with selling unrepaired recalled cars with killer safety defects

https://www.change.org/p/2059055/u/22912050
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
“No Way to Treat a Child”

http://www.accuracy.org/release/no-way-to-treat-a-child

Ecosocialism — Interviews Available

*Capitalism is a rotten apple

And they can never be renewed

http://www.accuracy.org/release/67382
—

FAIR
Elon Musk’s Latest Brainstorm Takes Aim at Meddlesome Media
by Justin Anderson

*Cult of personality disorder

https://fair.org/home/elon-musks-latest-brainstorm-takes-aim-at-meddlesome-media
—

Democracy Now!
Trump Admin to Indefinitely Detain Migrant Families Together; No Plan to Reunite Separated Children

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/21/trump_admin_to_indefinitely_detain_migrant

GEO Group & Private Prisons Stand to Profit as Trump Pushes Indefinite Family Detention

*Killer Clown has always known how to make money from misery

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/21/geo_group_private_prisons_stand_to

Report from McAllen, Texas: No One Knows What Will Happen Now to Separated Migrant Children

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/21/report_from_mcallen_texas_no_one

Lawsuit Claims Detained Migrant Children Have Been Forcibly Injected With Powerful Psychiatric Drugs

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/21/lawsuit_claims_detained_migrant_children_have

Yemenis Accuse UAE Officers of Sexual Torture Inside Secret Prisons

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/21/yemenis_accuse_uae_officers_of_sexual

6.20

Telecom-Backed Democrat in California Just “Mutilated” Nation’s Strongest State Net Neutrality Bill
“These California Democrats will go down in history as among the worst corporate shills that have ever held elected office. Californians should rise up and demand that at their Assembly members represent them.”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/06/20/telecom-backed-democrat-california-just-mutilated-nations-strongest-state-net

Internet Pioneers Warn New EU Rules Would Turn Web Into “Tool for Automated Surveillance and Control”
As key legislative panel approves measure, experts say copyright directive poses an “imminent threat” to online users and the network itself
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Copyright infringement on freedom

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/06/20/internet-pioneers-warn-new-eu-rules-would-turn-web-tool-automated-surveillance-and

‘If Kids Don’t Eat in Peace, You Don’t Eat in Peace!’ Democratic Socialists Drive DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen Out of Mexican Restaurant
“We will not stand by and let Secretary Nielsen dine in peace, while she is directing her employees to tear little girls away from their mothers and crying boys away from their fathers at our border”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*And the punditocracy will cluck their tongues and fret over “the decline in civil discourse”

To which I say

“Go fornicate your own orifi.”

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/06/20/if-kids-dont-eat-peace-you-dont-eat-peace-democratic-socialists-drive-dhs-secretary

‘Womp, Womp’: Lewandowski Epitomizes Trump Team’s Cruelty After Told of Down Syndrome Child Separated From Her Mother
A distillation of “Trumpian cruelty,” said one. Among “the most inhumane moments I’ve ever seen,” said another.
by Jon Queally, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Make America Gag Again

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/06/20/womp-womp-lewandowski-epitomizes-trump-teams-cruelty-after-told-down-syndrome-child

The White House Didn’t Want You To Hear Stephen Miller’s Voice Defend Family Separation (And the NYT Said OK)
“Miller is orchestrating a systematic, criminal, human rights abusing, child abuse operation. Let the public hear his sick rationalization to understand how utterly evil this is”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*All the news that’s fit to print

(But apparently not to air without Killer Clown’s OK)

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/06/19/white-house-didnt-want-you-hear-stephen-millers-voice-defend-family-separation-and
—

The Vivid Dangers of Our Indifference to a Hellish World
What if ignoring the world’s problems was the most morally fucked thing a person could do?
by Tamara Pearson

*No lack of caring is ever without consequence

No act of conscience is ever in vain

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/20/vivid-dangers-our-indifference-hellish-world
–

ALEC’s Deadly Asbestos Agenda Benefits Koch Industries, Nationwide
The ALEC bill offered by DeGroot would mean that many victims would not live to see their day in court
by Don Wiener and Mary Bottari

*Greed is the greatest toxin

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/19/alecs-deadly-asbestos-agenda-benefits-koch-industries-nationwide
–

Scholastic Under Fire for Children’s Book Portrayal of Trump
Parents and teachers aren’t angry over what the new book says about the president, but rather what it leaves out
by Lornet Turnbull

*But every child loves (killer) clowns, don’t they?

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/19/scholastic-under-fire-childrens-book-portrayal-trump
–

Is War With China on the Horizon?
The Pentagon’s provocative encirclement of China
by Michael T. Klare

*”Imperialism?

That’s a copyright violation!”

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/19/war-china-horizon
—

The Real News Network
Bitcoin Does Not Protect Against Fraud
There is a common misconception that the cryptocurrency Bitcoin is safe and secure and will protect those who trade in it from fraud. However, as white collar criminologist Bill Black explains, Bitcoin is just as susceptible to fraud as any other type of transaction, and complacency makes the likelihood of fraud only greater

*The more things change …

https://therealnews.com/stories/bitcoin-does-not-protect-against-fraud

Trump Worsens US Immigration System’s Cruelty
By separating immigrant children from their parents, Trump has taken the “nightmare” of the immigration system under his predecessors and “put it into overdrive,” says professor and author César García Hernández

*Hard to square the reality revealed here with the claim that the US is “the standard bearer for the human rights tradition among Western nations”, but maybe I’m just being too Vulcan.

https://therealnews.com/stories/trump-worsens-us-immigration-systems-cruelty

Nicaraguan Opposition Suspends Negotiations: A Return to Violence? (1/2)
Following two months of protests and an estimated 170 dead, the violence briefly subsided, as opposition-government negotiations tried to resolve the situation. The opposition now says the government is reneging on commitments and will abandon negotiations. What led to this crisis and where will it go from here? We discuss the situation with Trevor Evans and Camilo Mejia

https://therealnews.com/stories/nicaraguan-opposition-suspends-negotiations-a-return-to-violence-pt-1-2

Nicaraguan Opposition Suspends Negotiations: A Return to Violence? (2/2)

*The Ortega gummint has contradictions galore, but that doesn’t mean the opposition is pure as the driven snow.

How’s that for not saying sh*it?

Okay, but I just don’t know enough to come to any kind of determination here, although I’d lean more to Evans’ analysis than Mejia’s.

I think we should keep an eye on how the corpress covers events. If we see a carbon copy of its smear campaign on the Maduro administration (which is no paragon of virtue, either), along with Killer Clown tweeting out insults aimed at Ortega, we can be certain that there are some bad hombres amongst the oppos as regards their intent towards the Nicaraguan people.

The Times will tell …

https://therealnews.com/stories/nicaraguan-opposition-suspends-negotiations-a-return-to-violence-pt-2-2
—

FAIR
‘The Black Athlete Has Been Involved in the Political Struggle From the Beginning’
CounterSpin interview with Howard Bryant on African-American athletes and activism
by Janine Jackson

https://fair.org/home/the-black-athlete-has-been-involved-in-the-political-struggle-from-the-beginning
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
New Paper: Big Banks Again Putting Taxpayers on Hook with Complex Trades

*Déjà srcu all over again?

http://www.accuracy.org/release/new-paper-big-banks-again-putting-taxpayers-on-hook-with-complex-trades
—

Democracy Now!
Remembering the My Lai Massacre: Seymour Hersh on Uncovering the Horrors of Mass Murder in Vietnam

*Don’t depend on Hersh to give you cogent context for the stories he’s done

But be glad he’s done them.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/20/remembering_the_my_lai_massacre_seymour

Investigative Reporter Sy Hersh: Working with Gene McCarthy’s Presidential Bid Shaped My Life Path

*I wonder if Hersh has ever considered that this “amazing man” was giving money to people in Latin America who were committing the same horrors there that were occurring in Southeast Asia?

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/20/investigative_reporter_sy_hersh_working_with

Sy Hersh: I Knew Richard Nixon Beat His Wife in 1974, But Did Not Report the Story

*”Do you know what I’m saying?”

No, I really don’t

But I do know that you’re a conceited bastard who’s a dab hand at rationalization, and that the hosts should have challenged you on it.

But this is “DN!”, so …

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/20/sy_hersh_i_knew_richard_nixon

Sy Hersh: Henry Kissinger Must “Count Burned and Maimed Cambodian & Vietnamese Babies” in His Sleep

*I don’t want to harp on this – Hersh has done a great deal of vital journalism – but he’s the king of cognitive dissonance, isn’t he?

The NYT is “a great newspaper”

And then he tells this tale of utter complicity with those it’s charged to hold to account?

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/20/sy_hersh_henry_kissinger_must_count

6.19

The Real News Network
Turkey’s Erdogan Allies with Fascists for Election, Repressing Leftists and Kurds
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan formed a coalition with the fascist party MHP for the upcoming snap election. TRNN’s Ben Norton speaks with scholar Baris Karaagac about Turkey’s economic ills, the AKP’s neoliberal nationalist policies, and the repression of the HDP, leftists and Kurds

https://therealnews.com/stories/turkeys-erdogan-allies-with-fascists-for-election-repressing-leftists-and-kurds

Far-Right Wins Presidency in Colombia: ‘A Frightening Result’
Ivan Duque, who is the candidate of former president Alvaro Uribe, won a solid victory for Colombia’s presidency and will probably take Colombia back towards civil war and internal repression, with the help of the US and other conservative governments, argues Manuel Rozental of PueblosEnCamino.org

https://therealnews.com/stories/far-right-wins-presidency-in-colombia-a-frightening-result

Israel Turns Gaza into ‘Arms Race’ Laboratory, While Palestinians Fly Kites (1/2)
As Israel mows down protesters in Gaza with brutal military technology, Palestinians respond creatively, with kites and balloons. Shir Hever discusses the hidden rift within the Israeli military

https://therealnews.com/stories/israel-turns-gaza-into-arms-race-laboratory-while-palestinians-fly-kites-pt-1-2

Israel Turns Gaza into ‘Arms Race’ Laboratory, While Palestinians Fly Kites (2/2)

https://therealnews.com/stories/israel-turns-gaza-into-arms-race-laboratory-while-palestinians-fly-kites-pt-2-2

After France Condemns Israel’s Killings in Gaza, French Police Obstruct Freedom Flotilla
Human Rights Activist Claude Leostic Accuses Emmanuel Macron’s Government of “Political Harassment”

*Calomnie

Duplicité

Hypocrisie

https://therealnews.com/stories/after-france-condemns-israels-killings-in-gaza-french-police-obstruct-freedom-flotilla
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Are Voters Fixing Voting? *Gerrymandering * Ranked Choice Voting

*Vote fixing is a quintessentially American entrée

No Russian dressing necessary

http://www.accuracy.org/release/are-voters-fixing-voting-gerrymandering-ranked-choice-voting

* ICE Contracts Former CIA Interrogator * Who Speaks? Bush and Obama Policy

*Killer Clown follows in his foil’s footsteps

http://www.accuracy.org/release/ice-contracts-former-cia-interrogator-who-speaks-bush-and-obama-policy
—

Democracy Now!
As Demonstrators Demand Nicaraguan President’s Resignation, Government Accuses Opposition of Coup

*So far we’ve had a repeat of “Rashomon” on this program, and I’d like to hear from some long time objective observers of Nicaragua who can give me the intel needed to make a rational judgment about the situation.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/19/as_demonstrators_demand_nicaraguan_president_s

Extended Conversation With Nicaraguan Government Minister Paul Oquist on Escalating Crisis

*See preceding comment

And Oquist’s officiousness here certainly doesn’t get me any closer.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/19/extended_conversation_with_nicaraguan_govt_minister

6.18

Cruel Separation of Families ‘Rooted in the Racism’ of Bannon, Miller, and Trump’s Xenophobic Base
As thousands of children are separated from their parents and detained, “proud racist” and senior adviser Stephen Miller is “setting immigration policy and using children as poker chips”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/06/18/cruel-separation-families-rooted-racism-bannon-miller-and-trumps-xenophobic-base

Study Shows 300,000 US Homes at Risk, $1 Trillion Price Tag as Rising Seas Trigger Chronic Flooding
Damage to homes in coastal areas could set off a domino effect—eroding property values, weakening tax bases, and affecting schools and infrastructure
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/06/18/study-shows-300000-us-homes-risk-1-trillion-price-tag-rising-seas-trigger-chronic
—

Florida Trial Lawyer Offers $100,000 Reward for Evidence That Corporations Are Behind Frivolous Lawsuits Against Corporations
“We know that big corporate interests have successfully attacked the credibility of our civil justice system by highlighting frivolous lawsuits. They do it so they can eliminate truly righteous lawsuits.”
by Russell Mokhiber

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/18/florida-trial-lawyer-offers-100000-reward-evidence-corporations-are-behind
–

What Does Poverty Feel Like?
The poor in America
by Beverly Gologorsky

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/18/what-does-poverty-feel
–

Why We Are Suing Ohio and Kansas
We CAN Reverse Purges
by Greg Palast

*Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not registered in Kansas anymore.

http://www.gregpalast.com/suing-ohio-kansas-can-reverse-purges
—

The Real News Network
Afghan Refugees Continue Daily Protest at Balikpapan Detention Center in Indonesia
Ehsanullah Sahil, a refugee from Afghanistan who is being held at the Balikpapan Detention Center in Indonesia, reports on the ongoing protests against miserable conditions at the center

https://therealnews.com/stories/afghan-refugees-continue-daily-protest-at-balikpapan-detention-center-in-indonesia

Trudeau Imposes Retaliatory Trade Tariffs Against the U.S.
It is in the long term interest of Canada to unravel the intertwined economy between the two countries, says Dimitri Lascaris

*Partners in posturing

Pope and premier

https://therealnews.com/stories/trudeau-imposes-retaliatory-trade-tariffs-against-the-u-s
—

Democracy Now!
Meet the Migrant Child Detention Center Whistleblower Now Speaking Out Against Family Separations

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/18/whistleblower_i_quit_my_child_detention

With Spotlight on Migrant Families Separated at the Border, Will Democrats Push to Abolish ICE?

*Will Dems prioritize prison stops over photo ops?

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/18/with_spotlight_on_migrant_families_separated

“Civilian Lives No Longer Matter”: Millions at Risk as Saudi-Led Coalition Attacks Yemeni Port City

*Brutality abroad is the most bipartisan of policies

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/18/civilian_lives_no_longer_matter_millions

6.15

On Prison’s 6,000th Day, Groups Demand Trump “Choose Justice Over Inhumanity” and #CloseGitmo
“It is outrageous that the U.S. government continues to perpetuate the myth of an ‘endless war,’ as a supposed justification for holding prisoners indefinitely”
by Andrea Germanos, staff writer

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/06/15/prisons-6000th-day-groups-demand-trump-choose-justice-over-inhumanity-and-closegitmo

Former Bank of Canada Head: Pipeline Protesters May Be Killed. So Be It.
“North American governments have shown the ‘fortitude’ necessary to kill indigenous people often enough that this is no idle threat,” warns Bill McKibben
by Andrea Germanos, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/06/15/former-bank-canada-head-pipeline-protesters-may-be-killed-so-be-it

‘Historic First’: Nebraska Farmers Return Land to Ponca Tribe in Effort to Block Keystone XL
“We want to protect this land,” said the tribe’s state chairman. “We don’t want to see a pipeline go through.”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/06/15/historic-first-nebraska-farmers-return-land-ponca-tribe-effort-block-keystone-xl
—

Why Project Maven Is the Litmus Test For Google’s New Principles
As AI technology advances, the question of who will be held accountable for associated human rights abuses is becoming increasingly urgent
by Rasha Abdul Rahim

*When you think about it, militarism has always been the epitome of artificial intelligence.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/15/why-project-maven-litmus-test-googles-new-principles
—

Ohio’s Junk Mail Trick Led The Supreme Court To Approve Jim Crow Vote Purge
by Greg Palast

*Republicans suppress the vote

And Democratic candidates depress it

http://www.gregpalast.com/ohios-junk-mail-trick-led-the-supreme-court-to-approve-jim-crow-vote-purge
—

The Real News Network
Colombia’s Choice: ‘Fascism’ or ‘Protest Vote Without Program’
As Colombians vote in the presidential runoff election this Sunday, they face a stark choice between the far right/fascist candidate Ivan Duque and the center left Gustavo Petro. Even though the center left has enough votes, infighting could very well keep Petro from winning, says Manuel Rozental of pueblosencamino.org

https://therealnews.com/stories/colombias-choice-fascism-or-protest-vote-without-program

Trump’s Trade Wars: An Opportunity to Refashion the Intellectual Property Regime?
One of the main arguments for imposing tariffs on China is that China is undermining the intellectual property of US companies. China can now either retaliate against US tariffs or take this opportunity to help redesign the international intellectual property system, says CEPR’s Dean Baker

https://therealnews.com/stories/trumps-trade-wars-an-opportunity-to-refashion-the-intellectual-property-regime

Seattle Buckles Under Corporate Pressure, Repeals ‘Amazon Tax’ to Fight Homelessness
Socialist City Councilwoman Kshama Sawant says that as long as corporate Democrats run government, we should expect them to buckle under Amazon’s and Starbucks’ pressure

*Let them eat cake

Al fresco

https://therealnews.com/stories/seattle-buckles-under-corporate-pressure-repeals-amazon-tax-to-fight-homelessness

Saudi Arabia Tried to Blame Doctors Without Borders for Bombing Yemen Cholera Treatment Center
by Ben Norton

https://therealnews.com/columns/saudi-arabia-tried-to-blame-doctors-without-borders-for-bombing-yemen-cholera-treatment-center
—

FAIR
‘Religion Cannot Be Used to Justify Discriminatory Conduct in the Marketplace’
CounterSpin interview with Jennifer Pizer on Masterpiece Cakeshop ruling
by Janine Jackson

https://fair.org/home/religion-cannot-be-used-to-justify-discriminatory-conduct-in-the-marketplace
—

Democracy Now!
Lawyer: Jeff Sessions’ Attacks on Migrant Domestic Violence Survivors Drags U.S. Back to “Dark Ages”

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/15/lawyer_jeff_sessions_attacks_on_migrant

6.14

Huckabee-Sanders Defends Ripping Children From Parents, Because It’s “Very Biblical to Enforce the Law”
“That is actually repeated a number of times throughout the Bible,” said the White House press secretary
by Jon Queally, staff writer
Common Dreams

*She may be misunderstanding the whole “Suffer little children” thing

And something tells me this touching outpouring of corpress concern might not have occurred two years previous.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/06/14/huckabee-sanders-defends-ripping-children-parents-because-its-very-biblical-enforce

How Can World’s Richest Man Jeff Bezos Give Back? Staffers at the Washington Post Think Decent Wages and Benefits Would Be Good Start
“All we are asking for is fairness for each and every employee who contributed to this company’s success: fair wages; fair benefits for retirement, family leave and healthcare; and a fair amount of job security”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Is it just me, or is anyone else brought up short when screwed workers, at WaPo or Walmart, use terms like “contributed to this company’s success”, sussing just what that “success” entails to the greater society?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/06/14/how-can-worlds-richest-man-jeff-bezos-give-back-staffers-washington-post-think
–

Children’s Detention Center Tour Reveals Trump Mural That Would Look ‘In Place In a Banana Republic’
“I have been inside a federal prison and county jails. This place is called a shelter but these kids are incarcerated.”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Scope that mural, and it’s clear that ain’t “history” that’s being taught, ese.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/06/14/childrens-detention-center-tour-reveals-trump-mural-would-look-place-banana-republic
—

Amnesty International USA
State of Palestine: Amnesty Staff Member Arbitrarily Detained and Tortured by Palestinian Security Officers

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/06/14/state-palestine-amnesty-staff-member-arbitrarily-detained-and-tortured
—

The Real News Network
AT&T – TimeWarner Merger: A Disaster for Consumers when Combined with Net Neutrality Repeal (1/2)
The argument that this merger, which will create one of the world’s largest media giants, is not anti-competitive lacks all basis in reality, says Jeff Cohen of RootsAction.org and FAIR

*”Vertical integration” = horizontal penetration

(Don’t make me spell it out)

https://therealnews.com/stories/att-timewarner-merger-a-disaster-for-consumers-when-combined-with-net-neutrality-repeal-pt-1-2

AT&T – TimeWarner Merger: A Disaster for Consumers when Combined with Net Neutrality Repeal (2/2)

*Screwed by a Slick Willie

(Okay … I spelled it out)

https://therealnews.com/stories/att-timewarner-merger-a-disaster-for-consumers-when-combined-with-net-neutrality-repeal-pt-2-2

Presidential Campaign in Mexico Gets Dirty
Anonymous phone calls are going out with messages warning that the leading candidate is a danger to the country. At the same time, political violence has claimed more than a hundred lives. Laura Carlsen reports from Mexico

*Dialing for dystopia

https://therealnews.com/stories/hecho-en-america-mexicos-presidential-campaign-gets-dirty
—

FAIR
Pundits Worry Threat of Nuclear War Is Being Reduced
by Gregory Shupak

*We tried to bomb you back to the Stone Age

But we did it because we care.

https://fair.org/home/pundits-worry-threat-of-nuclear-war-is-being-reduced
—

Democracy Now!
Trauma at the Texas-Mexico Border: Families Separated, Children Detained & Residents Fighting Back

*”Family values” for the investor vultures

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/14/trauma_at_the_texas_mexico_border

Residents on Both Sides of the Border Try to Help Asylum Seekers Illegally Turned Away by U.S. Gov’t

*I lift up my lamp

And bring it down on your head

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/14/residents_on_both_sides_of_the

As Detention Centers Hit Capacity, Trump Eyes Tent Cities on Military Bases to Jail Migrant Children

*”A step too far”

For PR

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/14/as_detention_centers_hit_capacity_trump

6.13

In ‘Historic Victory’, Maine Voters Demand Ranked-Choice Voting in Statewide Elections…Again
Reaffirming support for the system, Mainers are “leading the way in pro-democracy reforms, non-partisan reforms that level the playing field, that open the political process to more voices and more choice”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Ranked rather than rank

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/06/13/historic-victory-maine-voters-demand-ranked-choice-voting-statewide-electionsagain
—

The Democratic Party’s 2018 View of Identity Politics Is Confusing, and Thus Appears Cynical and Opportunistic
Given its rhetoric, how does the Democratic Party justify supporting white, male machine politicians over credible female challengers, LGBT people, and people of color?
by Glenn Greenwald

*Expecting the Democrats to act on principle is akin to assuming the Republicans will act on empathy

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/13/democratic-partys-2018-view-identity-politics-confusing-and-thus-appears-cynical
—

The Real News Network
Paul Jay on Trump’s Iran War Agenda and Liberals’ Korea Peace Panic
Paul Jay, Senior Editor of the The Real News, says that Trump’s North Korea diplomacy overshadows both his administration’s war-mongering on Iran and Koreans’ decisive efforts to make peace. Jay also discusses the partisan liberal angst over the prospect of reducing the U.S. military presence on the Korean peninsula

*The neocon game of Three country Monte

https://therealnews.com/stories/paul-jay-on-trumps-iran-war-agenda-and-liberals-korea-peace-panic

Incarceration Nation: How US Political Prisoners Live in Hellish Conditions
The US has 5% of the world’s population but 25% of its prisoners. TRNN’s Ben Norton speaks with Nino Brown, of the Jericho Movement and ANSWER Coalition, who says American political prisoners are ignored, while they try to survive on dirty water

https://therealnews.com/stories/incarceration-nation-how-us-political-prisoners-live-in-hellish-conditions

Defiant Trump Ignites Trade War with Canada and G-7 Allies
Citing national security issues to get around WTO rules, Trump ordered tariffs of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum imports from Canada and EU countries. William Black and Gerald Epstein discusses the implications of these tariffs on the different economies

https://therealnews.com/stories/defiant-trump-ignites-trade-war-with-canada-and-g-7-allies
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Yemen: “America’s Dirty War”

http://www.accuracy.org/release/yemen-americas-dirty-war
–

FAIR
Why Do US Media Only Worry About One Authoritarian’s Nukes?
Trump, Kim and American exceptionalism
by John C. O’Day

*Brandishing the beam in thine own eye

https://fair.org/home/why-do-us-media-only-worry-about-one-authoritarians-nukes
—

Democracy Now!
“Relic of Jim Crow Era”: Ari Berman on Supreme Court’s Decision to Uphold Ohio’s Voter Purge

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/13/relic_of_jim_crow_era_ari

Religious Leaders Shackled, Held in Jail Overnight, After Praying in Protest Outside Supreme Court

*What would Jesus do

And what would be done to Jesus if he did?

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/13/religious_leaders_shackled_held_in_jail

6.12

Putting Solar Panels in Pipeline’s Path, Campaign to Combine Power of Sun ‘With Power of the People’
Indigenous-led campaign that aims to block Keystone XL pipeline with solar arrays “models the massive overhaul our energy system needs to stop the worst of climate change”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/06/12/putting-solar-panels-pipelines-path-campaign-combine-power-sun-power-people

Speaking From Experience, Iran Warns North Korea Trump Could Scrap Agreement Before He Even Gets Home
“We are not optimistic about these talks,” an Iranian government spokesman said following the Trump-Kim summit
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Maybe if they jacked up the Nobel Prize award to what Killer Clown considers *real* money … ?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/06/12/speaking-experience-iran-warns-north-korea-trump-could-scrap-agreement-he-even-gets
—

A Just Dystopia: Climate Activism Must Include Planning for the Worst-Case Scenario
No matter how hard we organize, no matter how many “fossil fuel-free” resolutions we pass, no matter how often we march, we might still end up rushing inexorably toward climate change catastrophe
by Alycee Lane

*Our humanity has no expiration date

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/12/just-dystopia-climate-activism-must-include-planning-worst-case-scenario
–

Trump’s Astronomically Misguided ‘Space Force’
Plans to create a US ‘space force’ will take global militarisation to another level
by Belén Fernández

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/12/trumps-astronomically-misguided-space-force
–

If Trump Wants to Blow Up the World Order, Who Will Stop Him?
As horrified as we may be at Trump’s uncouth antics, it is important to understand the tectonic shifts underpinning them
by Yanis Varoufakis

*It’s gonna take a lot more than a neo New Deal to pull our fat from the fire

And if that’s “farfetched”, the world will end, not with a bang

But with a sizzle.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/12/if-trump-wants-blow-world-order-who-will-stop-him
–

Vaccines and the Liberal Mind
Instead of demanding blue-ribbon safety science and encouraging honest, open and responsible debate on the science, too many online outlets are silencing critics and shutting down discussion on this key public health and civil rights issue
by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

*Cognitive dissonance is not a copyrighted characteristic of conservatives

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/12/vaccines-and-liberal-mind
—

The Real News Network
US Movement for Single-Payer Health Care Grows with Historic NY Bill
As the demand for single-payer health care in the US becomes mainstream, the New York Health Act could lead the way. TRNN’s Ben Norton speaks with Ursula Rozum of Physicians for a National Health Program, who says NY state could soon adopt a universal system

https://therealnews.com/stories/us-movement-for-single-payer-health-care-grows-with-historic-ny-bill

Democracy Now!
Trump Vows to End “Provocative” War Games on Korean Peninsula After Historic Summit with Kim Jong-un

*For the US, under any president, to lecture another country on human rights is – I suppose the intellectualized term would be “risible” (I’d opt for “utter bullshit”) – and the elite harping on this is epitomic hypocrisy.

But that doesn’t mean that others with some street cred on the subject shouldn’t speak to it, within the context of supporting a valid peace agreement. The North Korean regime is indeed “a brutal dictatorship”, and many have and continue to suffer under it.

That can’t be set aside, and it can’t be “weaponized” to mine the road to peace on the peninsula, either.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/12/trump_vows_to_end_provocative_war

A New Day for the Korean Peninsula: Christine Ahn Hails Denuclearization Pledge & New Peace Process

*This is no dis to Ahn, who’s worked diligently for peace in Korea, but she did sidestep the human rights question (see previous comment), and while I realize the strategy for dealing with it is complicated, it isn’t to acknowledge that it exists, and has to be addressed, yet I’ve heard no one on “the left” who’s done so, and that leaves the field open for the warmongers to shed their copious crocodile tears about it, and accuse others of the hypocrisy they copyrighted long ago.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/12/a_new_day_for_the_korean

Prof. Bruce Cumings: U.S. Bombing in Korea More Destructive Than Damage to Germany, Japan in WWII

*It’s immensely frustrating to hear intelligent persons credit Killer Clown for any of this.

He says “provocative” today

And may well provoke tomorrow.

Please bear that in mind.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/12/prof_bruce_cumings_us_bombing_in

Rep. Ro Khanna: If U.S.-North Korea Summit Happened Under Obama, Democrats Would Be Cheering

*Is a conversion of North Korea into a clone of “pro-market” China the result we really want from this?

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/12/rep_ro_khanna_if_us_north

6.11

How Corporate Media Got the Trump-Kim Summit All Wrong
They have assumed that North Korea cannot live without nuclear weapons—without making any effort to understand North Korea’s strategy in regard to nuclear weapons
by Gareth Porter

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/11/how-corporate-media-got-trump-kim-summit-all-wrong
–

A Mile in Their Shoes: In Praise of Afghans Walking for Peace
Can the a recently declared cease-fire lead to negotiations and an end to the war?
by Kathy Kelly

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/11/mile-their-shoes-praise-afghans-walking-peace
—

The Real News Network
Embarrassing Defeat for the US in Its Efforts to Expel Venezuela from the OAS
At the OAS, 19 member states voted in favor, 4 against, and 11 abstained when the U.S. tried to have Venezuela sanctioned. The U.S. will not hesitate to bring tremendous pressure to bear on member countries to get its way in Latin America. We speak to CEPR’s Mark Weisbrot about the vote and how it came about

https://therealnews.com/stories/embarrassing-defeat-for-the-u-s-in-its-efforts-to-expel-venezuela-from-the-oas

A New Government in Ethiopia Promises Major Political Changes
Following three years of protests in Ethiopia, former Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn resigned in February and now a new government is taking over, which promises to recognize a peace treaty with Eritrea, possibly bringing a long period of tensions to an end. We speak to Glen Ford of the Black Agenda Report about Africa’s second most populous country

*I have a great deal of respect for Ford’s view on many issues, and he may be spot on here, as well – as far as he goes.

But there are other voices who raise questions about Eritrea’s “revolutionary” and “socialist” nature, insofar as its commitment to human rights is concerned, who are not aligned with the West, and I have wonder if Ford has a blind spot in this area.

I’m far from an expert, but it’s a common phenomena that anti-imperialists who righteously denounce US actions are often not as rigorous in their criticism of the victims of those acts as intellectual honesty would dictate.

That could be the case here.

https://therealnews.com/stories/a-new-government-in-ethiopia-promises-major-political-changes

‘Freedom Flotilla’ Heading for Gaza to Raise Awareness
We speak with Ron Rousseau, the second vice president of Canada’s Yukon Federation of Labor, who is on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, which is now heading south along the coast of France

https://therealnews.com/stories/freedom-flotilla-heading-for-gaza-to-raise-awareness

Livestock Industry Greatly Underestimates Carbon Emissions, Endangering Paris Climate Agreement
By greatly underestimating their greenhouse gas emissions, the livestock industry is placing the Paris Climate Agreement in jeopardy because we do not know just how big an impact this industry is having on climate change

https://therealnews.com/stories/livestock-industry-greatly-underestimates-carbon-emissions-endangering-paris-climate-agreement

Human Rights Watch Director Ordered Deported from Israel-Palestine (1/2)
TRNN speaks with Omar Shakir, the director of Human Rights Watch in Israel-Palestine, about his deportation order

https://therealnews.com/stories/human-rights-watch-director-ordered-deported-from-israel-palestine-1-2

Israeli Police Brutality Reaches New Extremes Against Israeli-Palestinian Protesters (1/2)
Jafar Farah, the head of the Mossawa Center for Equal Rights for Palestinian citizens of Israel, speaks to TRNN about how police shattered his knee and how what happened to him fits into more general colonial practices among the Israeli police

https://therealnews.com/stories/israeli-police-brutality-reaches-new-extremes-against-israeli-palestinian-protesters-pt-1-2

Israeli Police Brutality Reaches New Extremes Against Israeli-Palestinian Protesters (Pt 2/2)

https://therealnews.com/stories/israeli-police-brutality-reaches-new-extremes-against-israeli-palestinian-protesters-pt-2-2

Mexico’s Presidential Race: López Obrador has a 25% Lead, How Reliable are The Polls?
López Obrador of the MORENA party is polling at 51%, weeks before the July 1st election. We ask professor John M. Ackerman if such a lead is sustainable if PRI and PAN form an alliance to defeat him.

*You can always depend on Ackerman to paint AMLO’s actions in the best light, and I’d like to hear from others – perhaps from those “more radical sectors” – who have a more critical perspective on them.

https://therealnews.com/stories/mexicos-presidential-race-lopez-obrador-has-a-25-lead-how-reliable-are-the-polls

Canada Update: Doug Ford Becomes Ontario Premier in Waiting, Trudeau ‘Heads for the Hills’ for the G-7 Summit
TRNN correspondent Dimitri Lascaris analyses the Ontario election results and the G-7 Summit taking place in Quebec

*They deserve each other

We don’t

https://therealnews.com/stories/canada-update-doug-ford-becomes-ontario-premier-in-waiting-trudeau-heads-for-the-hills-for-the-g-7-summit
—

Petition
Stop targeting Trans* YouTubers!
by Emmett Roden

https://www.change.org/p/youtube-stop-targeting-trans-youtubers
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
North Korea: * Peace? * Hypocrisy of U.S. Nuclear Policy

http://www.accuracy.org/release/north-korea-peace-hypocrisy-of-u-s-nuclear-policy
—

FAIR
NYT Carries IDF Attack on Murdered Medic–Reveals It’s a Smear in 20th Paragraph
by Adam Johnson

*The only credulity extant here is that which the corpress fervently hopes we possess, and strives mightily to encourage.

https://fair.org/slider/nyt-carries-idf-attack-on-murdered-medic-reveals-its-a-smear-in-20th-paragraph

Anthony Bourdain: The Last Gasp of CNN’s Original Vision
by Sam Husseini

*Thought for food

https://fair.org/home/anthony-bourdain-the-last-gasp-of-cnns-original-vision
—

Democracy Now!
123 Deaths a Day: Inside the Public Health Crisis of Rising Suicide Rates in the United States

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/11/123_deaths_a_day_inside_the

6.8

Partisan Gerrymandering Could Soon Be Unconstitutional
Regardless of how the Supreme Court rules on two cases, anti-gerrymandering action at the state level is well underway
by Fran Korten

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/08/partisan-gerrymandering-could-soon-be-unconstitutional
–

Following the Money to Nowhere
New York diverts pollution trading funds to “highly questionable” programs
by Nikita Naik

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/08/following-money-nowhere
–

Killing the Myth of the Gig Economy
It seems the gig economy means much more to pundits than to workers
by Dean Baker

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/08/killing-myth-gig-economy
—

Direct Action Everywhere
Animal Rights Group Founder Arrested at Airport – Bail Set at $25,000
New felony charges for former law professor already facing decades in prison for animal rescue cases in Utah

*Crime of compassion

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/06/08/animal-rights-group-founder-arrested-airport-bail-set-25000

Amnesty International – USA
North Korea/US Summit: Horrific Human Rights Situation Must Not Be Ignored at Historic Meeting

*Killer Clown and his country have zero cred on human rights, so any mention of these signal sins would likely be met with utter derision by Kim.

Pots and kettles

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/06/08/north-koreaus-summit-horrific-human-rights-situation-must-not-be-ignored
—

The Real News Network
Argentine Soccer Team Cancels Match With Israel Over Gaza Killings
The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement enjoyed its greatest success when Argentina’s national soccer team decided to cancel its friendly match against Israel’s national team, in protest against the recent killings of protesting Palestinians. We speak to the award-winning Palestinian journalist Daoub Kuttab

https://therealnews.com/stories/argentine-soccer-team-cancels-match-with-israel-over-gaza-killings

Protesters in India Are Massacred as Environmentally Destructive Corporations Have Impunity
Police in India killed a dozen protesters in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, after 100 days of demonstrations against the mining corporation Sterlite. Journalist Kavitha Muralidharan tells TRNN’s Ben Norton how UK-based Indian parent company Vedanta Resources enjoys impunity, despite its role in environmental destruction, pollution, and violence like the Thoothukudi massacre

https://therealnews.com/stories/protesters-in-india-are-massacred-as-environmentally-destructive-corporations-have-impunity

US-Saudi-UAE War on Yemen Could Starve Millions of Civilians
As the UN warns 18.4 million Yemenis could soon face starvation, the US is considering more direct military intervention. Shireen al-Adeimi discusses with TRNN’s Ben Norton how a Saudi-UAE attack on the port city of Hodeida could lead to mass catastrophe

https://therealnews.com/stories/us-saudi-uae-war-on-yemen-could-starve-millions-of-civilians
—

FAIR
Media Treat Trump Administration’s Partisan Fear-Mongering as Objective ‘Government’ Report
by Adam Johnson

*When it comes to “fake news”, the corpress is far more a parrot than a ferret

https://fair.org/home/media-treat-trump-administrations-partisan-fear-mongering-as-objective-government-report
—

Democracy Now!
Israeli Military Pushes Misleading Video in Attempt to Smear Slain Palestinian Medic Razan al-Najjar

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/8/israeli_military_pushes_misleading_video_in

Kathy Kelly on Afghanistan: Destitution, Unemployment & Hunger Must Be Addressed to Achieve Peace

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/8/kathy_kelly_on_afghanistan_destitution_unemployment

6.7

After Countless Billions Lavished on Wealthy, Trump Plan Would Spike Rents of Poor Americans by 20%
“I saw public housing as an option to get on my feet,” says a pediatric assistant with four children. “But this would put us in a homeless state.”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/06/07/after-countless-billions-lavished-wealthy-trump-plan-would-spike-rents-poor

Seen as Undermining Bold Agenda, Progressives Rip Dem Leaders’ Embrace of ‘Absurd’ Pay-Go Rule
“The old guard of this pathetic, impotent party needs to retire or be voted out”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Growing the mensch deficit

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/06/07/seen-undermining-bold-agenda-progressives-rip-dem-leaders-embrace-absurd-pay-go-rule
—

This Is How Net Neutrality Will End
The fight is far from over
by Chad Marlow

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/07/how-net-neutrality-will-end
—

Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR)
Corporate Financed Clinical Trials Stifle Important Data

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/06/07/corporate-financed-clinical-trials-stifle-important-data
—

The Real News Network
Community Organizers Gear Up for a Political Fight for DACA
Phoenix, Arizona has been called “ground zero” in the fight by Latinos against harsh immigration laws, which have been separating families and sowing fear in an entire community

https://therealnews.com/stories/community-organizers-gear-up-for-a-political-fight-for-daca

Medicare’s Demise is Not Imminent, But Health Care Costs are Rising
The trustees of the Medicare and Social Security trust funds released their annual report, and the news was not good because shortfalls will come in eight years. However, it can be fixed, because the main problem is uncontrolled healthcare cost increases, says CEPR’s Dean Baker

*It ain’t that the AP “ought to know better”, but that its aim is to make damn sure you don’t.

https://therealnews.com/stories/medicares-demise-is-not-imminent-but-health-care-costs-are-rising
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Activist Just Back from Afghanistan as Ceasefire is Announced

http://www.accuracy.org/release/activist-just-back-from-afghanistan-as-ceasefire-is-announced

Is Google Really Ending its Military Contracts?

*Don’t be evil

(Unless it pays really well)

http://www.accuracy.org/release/is-google-really-ending-its-military-contracts

Truth Commission to Investigate 43 Missing Mexican Students

http://www.accuracy.org/release/truth-commission-to-investigate-43-missing-mexican-students
—

Democracy Now!
Trump Frees Alice Johnson; What About Thousands Still Serving Life for Nonviolent Drug Offenses?

*Perhaps Killer Clown saw a chance to show up Dear Misleader, which in this instance he richly deserved?

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/7/trump_frees_alice_johnson_what_about

Students Push to Oust Nicaraguan President Ortega as Death Toll Rises Amid Bloody Police Crackdown

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/7/students_push_to_oust_nicaraguan_president

The Country Is Crying: Nicaraguan Mother Demands Justice After Police Kill Her Son at Protest

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/7/the_country_is_crying_nicaraguan_mother

6.6

Toward A Truly Indigenous Peace in The Korean Peninsula
It’s time that American politicians, both Democratic and Republicans, give Koreans a chance to shape their own destiny
by Simone Chun

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/06/toward-truly-indigenous-peace-korean-peninsula
–

Slogan Voters – The Road to Political Masochism
Make America Great Again, Drain the Swamp, and Lock Her Up!
by Ralph Nader

*The blinding leading the blind

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/06/slogan-voters-road-political-masochism
–

A Climate Constitution in the Courts and the Streets
A stable climate system is quite literally the foundation of society, “without which there would be neither civilization nor progress”
by Jeremy Brecher

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/06/climate-constitution-courts-and-streets
–

The Colonization of Palestine: Rethinking The Term ‘Israeli Occupation’
Israel has already, and repeatedly, violated most conditions of what constitute an ‘Occupation’ from an international law perspective
by Ramzy Baroud

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/06/colonization-palestine-rethinking-term-israeli-occupation
–

War of Aggression: The Saudi & UAE Slaughter in Yemen Isn’t A Proxy Conflict With Iran
They are starving children under attack by filthy-rich monarchies wielding the most advanced weapons Britain and the United States have to sell
by Sheila Carapico

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/06/war-aggression-saudi-uae-slaughter-yemen-isnt-proxy-conflict-iran
—

The Real News Network
Blaming Banks or Government for Not Enforcing Their Side of the Bargain? (Swiss Referendum 3/3)
There is no easy monetary fix for the problems of modern capitalist economies, says Jo Michell, who argues that deep problems in the economy cannot be solved by trying to control the money supply, while nothing is stopping the government from ensuring money gets created for good purposes, including government services and infrastructure

https://therealnews.com/stories/blaming-banks-or-government-for-not-enforcing-their-side-of-the-bargain-swiss-referendum-3-3

Study: Humans 0.01% of World’s Biomass, Cause 83% of Extinctions
The world’s population of 7.6 billion humans represent only 0.01% of earth’s biomass, but contribute to 83% of extinctions and have caused domesticated mammals to represent the 60% of earth’s mammals

https://therealnews.com/stories/study-humans-0-01-of-worlds-biomass-cause-83-of-extinctions

California Progressive Alison Hartson Challenges Party Elite Dianne Feinstein
In California’s June 5th primary, Alison Hartson, a former public school teacher and political organizer, is challenging incumbent Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein from the left

https://therealnews.com/stories/california-progressive-alison-hartson-challenges-party-elite-dianne-feinstein
—

Petition
Peace Corps: Stop Dismissing Volunteers with HIV and Provide Better Health Care
by Campaigns Lab
United States of America

*Worth passing along, despite the naiveté about the Peace Corps’ “mission”

https://www.change.org/p/peace-corps-stop-dismissing-volunteers-with-hiv-and-provide-better-health-care

Petition
Defend Glendale & Public Housing Coalition
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey & MPHA, Don’t Auction Off Our Homes to the Highest Bidder!

https://campaigns.organizefor.org/petitions/minneapolis-public-housing-authority-don-t-auction-off-our-homes-to-the-highest-bidder
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Tenant Rights Ballot Measure Wins in San Francisco

http://www.accuracy.org/release/tenant-rights-ballot-measure-wins-in-san-francisco
—

FAIR
With Literal Nazis Running for Office, NYT Suggests Candidate’s Israel Criticism Is Antisemitic
by Adam Johnson

*For the corpress, the road to antisemitism has tellingly few right turns

https://fair.org/home/with-literal-nazis-running-for-office-nyt-suggests-candidates-israel-criticism-is-antisemitic

The Empire’s Media and the Quest for Veto Authority in the Americas
by Joe Emersberger

*A “backyard” barbecue of democracy

https://fair.org/home/the-empires-media-and-the-quest-for-veto-authority-in-the-americas
—

Democracy Now!
Naomi Klein: 4,645 Deaths in Puerto Rico from Hurricane Maria Were “State-Sponsored Mass Killing”

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/6/naomi_klein_4_645_deaths_in

“The Battle for Paradise”: New Intercept Doc Goes Inside Struggle over Puerto Rico’s Future

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/6/the_battle_for_paradise_new_intercept

Puerto Rico Is a “Playground for the Privileged”: Investors Move In as Homes Foreclose & Schools Close

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/6/puerto_rico_is_a_playground_for

Will Trumpism Come to Canada? Naomi Klein on the Most Important Canadian Election of Her Lifetime

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/6/will_trumpism_come_to_canada_naomi
—

Nutrition Action
How a multivitamin could help if you’re taking a common blood-sugar drug

https://www.nutritionaction.com/daily/dietary-supplements/how-a-multivitamin-could-help-if-youre-taking-a-common-blood-sugar-drug

6.5

‘God Bless Uh…..”: It Once Again Looks Like Trump Doesn’t Know Words to Song All Truly Great American Patriots Know By Heart
“What an embarrassing, shabby, low rent period of history this is”
by Jon Queally, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Echoes of the Nuremberg Rallies

And the response is to posture “more patriotic than thou” … ?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/06/05/god-bless-uh-it-once-again-looks-trump-doesnt-know-words-song-all-truly-great
—

Anonymous Snipers and a Lethal Verdict
We may never know the name of the soldier who killed Razan al-Najjar. But we do know the names of those who gave the order enabling him to kill her
by Amira Hass

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/05/anonymous-snipers-and-lethal-verdict
–

Civilians Paid A Very High Price for Raqqa’s Devastating “Liberation” by US-led Forces
Hundreds of civilians were killed: some in their homes; some in the very places where they had sought refuge; and others as they tried to flee
by Donatella Rovera and Benjamin Walsby

*I will never understand how you can present compelling evidence of wilful war crimes, and then label them “mistakes”

But I don’t work at a human rights NGO.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/05/civilians-paid-very-high-price-raqqas-devastating-liberation-us-led-forces
–

Minority Lawyers Hanging From Their Own Bootstraps
How law schools fail those who seek justice
by Erin L. Thompson

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/05/minority-lawyers-hanging-their-own-bootstraps
—

The Real News Network
Closer Turkey-Russia Relations Are Built on Fossil Fuels and Arms Sales (2/2)
Turkey has grown closer to Russia, despite their differences over Syria and NATO. Political analyst Ekrem Ekici says this growing alliance is based on natural gas exports and the sale of weapons systems like the S400

*Schemes amid screams

https://therealnews.com/stories/closer-turkey-russia-relations-are-built-on-fossil-fuels-and-arms-sales-pt-2-2

Turkey’s Erdogan Expands Militaristic Foreign Policy, Amid Economic Crisis at Home (1/2)
While Turkey suffers through a currency crisis, authoritarian President Erdogan is expanding his aggressive militaristic foreign policy in Syria and beyond. TRNN’s Ben Norton speaks with political analyst Ekrem Ekici, co-editor of Rupture Magazine

https://therealnews.com/stories/turkeys-erdogan-expands-militaristic-foreign-policy-amid-economic-crisis-at-home-pt-1-2
—

FAIR
‘Wealthy People Saw Puerto Rico Could Be Attacked’
CounterSpin Interview with Julio Lopez Varona on Puerto Rico’s predators
by Janine Jackson

https://fair.org/home/wealthy-people-saw-puerto-rico-could-be-attacked
—

Democracy Now!
“Hidden Horrors”: Reporter Debbie Nathan on Mass Trials & Kids Separated from Parents at the Border

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/5/hidden_horrors_reporter_debbie_nathan_on

6.4

For Minimum Decency, A Maximum Wage
Amid rising inequality, a new book argues, the notion of capping income has suddenly become politically plausible
by Sam Pizzigati

*What about mandatory minimums – but for corporate criminals?

What if slaps on the wrist became slams of cell doors?

Feckless fines became severe sentences?

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/04/minimum-decency-maximum-wage
–

The Trump Administration Is Splitting Up Families at the Border. Here’s What You Can Do About It.
#WhereAreTheChildren
by Claudia Flores

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/04/trump-administration-splitting-families-border-heres-what-you-can-do-about-it
–

The Slippery Slope of Dehumanizing Language
It’s long been used to justify violence and destruction of minorities
by Allison Skinner

*The point of this piece is indisputable, but to place the Doyen of Dehumanization on a par with his victims is false balance incarnate, and Skinner’s example is a heaping helping of fruit salad (apples and oranges, you see).

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/04/slippery-slope-dehumanizing-language
—

The Real News Network
Democracy in Crisis: The Brady Bunch
Prosecutors in the J20 case sanctioned by judge for failing to inform the defense about more than 60 videos and other evidence
by Baynard Woods

*Ignored by the corpress as much as targeted by the feds

https://therealnews.com/columns/democracy-in-crisis-the-brady-bunch

California’s High-Stakes Primary for Democratic Party’s Civil War
In California’s crucial June 5 primary, wealthy Democratic candidates and the state’s “top two” system are putting the squeeze on progressive hopefuls looking to move the party left in the November midterms. We speak to journalist and author David Dayen

https://therealnews.com/stories/californias-high-stakes-primary-for-democratic-partys-civil-war

Is Gaza Massacre a Turning Point for BDS and Anti-Occupation Activism? (3/3)
In the final part of our interview, Jewish Voice for Peace’s Rebecca Vilkomerson discusses coalition building within the Palestinian solidarity movement and using tactics like Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) to challenge the Israeli occupation

https://therealnews.com/stories/is-gaza-massacre-a-turning-point-for-bds-and-anti-occupation-activism-3-3

For a New Generation, Palestinian Rights Are No Longer Optional (2/3)
Whereas groups like the Anti-Defamation League have long defended Israeli government policies, a new generation of activists — young American Jews, college students, Black Lives Matter organizers — is standing up for Palestinian rights. Jewish Voice for Peace’s Rebecca Vilkomerson and TRNN’s Aaron Mate discuss

*Talking has to lead to walking, and I’d be wary of the appetite for exercise of the Sandersistas and some of these other groupings.

https://therealnews.com/stories/for-a-new-generation-palestinian-rights-are-no-longer-optional-2-3

After Gaza Massacre, Has Israel Lost Liberal American Jews? (1/3)
Rebecca Vilkomerson, Executive Director of Jewish Voice for Peace, discusses the American Jewish community’s growing disillusionment with Israel as it aligns itself closer with the Trump administration and massacres civilians in Gaza

https://therealnews.com/stories/after-gaza-massacre-has-israel-lost-liberal-american-jews-1-3

Are the Swiss Going To Revoke The Privileges of Private Banking? A Referendum In Switzerland (1/3)
As a proposal to strip banks of their ability to create money goes to vote in Switzerland, economist Jo Michell discusses the issues at stake and their relevance to all modern capitalist economies

https://therealnews.com/stories/are-the-swiss-going-to-revoke-the-privileges-of-private-banking-a-referendum-in-switzerland-pt-1-3

Grassy Narrows First Nation Afflicted by Mercury Poisoning, Study Finds
Mercury specialist Professor Donna Mergler discusses her new study on mercury poisoning in a First Nations community in Canada

https://therealnews.com/stories/grassy-narrows-first-nation-afflicted-by-mercury-poisoning-study-finds

Max Blumenthal Reveals Surveillance Program in Yemen Run by Cambridge Analytica Parent Company SCL Group
Journalist Max Blumenthal published documents showing how Cambridge Analytica’s parent company SCL Group ran a secret counter-insurgency operation in Yemen on behalf of a US-based military contractor, called Project Titania. The UK government likely contracted it, exploiting NGOs and spying on populations in the Middle East

https://therealnews.com/stories/max-blumenthal-reveals-surveillance-program-in-yemen-run-by-cambridge-analytica-parent-company-scl-group
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Protests Against Austerity Force Jordanian PM Out

http://www.accuracy.org/release/protests-against-austerity-force-jordanian-pm-out

“End This Russophobic Insanity”

*Russia to judgement day

http://www.accuracy.org/release/end-this-russophobic-insanity
—

Democracy Now!
“A Source of Positivity All the Time”: Remembering Palestinian Medic Razan al-Najjar, Killed by IDF

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/4/a_source_of_positivity_all_the

6.1

Following Worker Revolt, Google to End Drone Technology Contract with Pentagon
“Kudos to all the Google employees who forced the company’s hand on this”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/06/01/following-worker-revolt-google-end-drone-technology-contract-pentagon

Announcing North Korea Summit Back On, Trump Says Letter From Kim He “Didn’t Open” Is “Very Interesting”
Despite latest bizarre behavior from Trump, peace advocates call announcement “good news for diplomacy”
by Common Dreams staff

*Maybe if it was a video file

With topless pole dancers

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/06/01/announcing-north-korea-summit-back-trump-says-letter-kim-he-didnt-open-very

‘Like Talking to a Toddler’: Mother of School Shooting Victim Reveals How It Felt to Discuss Gun Policy With Trump
“In a normal presidency, this would be big/headline news, but with Trump, even for his supporters, such behavior is taken for granted. Baked in. Expected even. We shrug. We move on.”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Tiny hands

Tiny brain

Tiny soul

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/06/01/talking-toddler-mother-school-shooting-victim-reveals-how-it-felt-discuss-gun-policy

‘Not Just Morally Wrong—It’s Against the Law’: Keith Ellison Calls Out Elon Musk for Anti-Union Threats
In letter, congressman asks Musk if he’ll stop “threatening employees with retaliation for exercising federally protected rights”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Clean cars

Dirty dealings

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/06/01/not-just-morally-wrong-its-against-law-keith-ellison-calls-out-elon-musk-anti-union
—

Needed Now: A Real and Radical Left
Without a functioning left able to fight and do things for ordinary working and poor people, we will have nothing to defend and sustain our households, families and communities when the next big capitalist meltdown comes—an event that is due in the very near future
by Paul Street

*A real live honest to godless socialist on Common Dreams

Almost as rare as an organic veggie on Killer Clown’s gold rimmed china.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/01/needed-now-real-and-radical-left
–

What Fossil Fuels and Factory Farms Have in Common
Hint: They’re both issues of environmental injustice
by Wenonah Hauter

*We can’t stand for this load of cow shit

Literally and figuratively

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/06/01/what-fossil-fuels-and-factory-farms-have-common
—

The Real News Network
Unemployment at the Heart of Italy’s Economic Crisis
The Italian president calls on Five Star and Lega to choose another finance minister if they wish to form a government. Economist Bill Black and Mark Weisbrot discuss the political dynamics and the economic crisis

https://therealnews.com/stories/unemployment-at-the-heart-of-italys-economic-crisis
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
DNC Suing WikiLeaks: Part of the “Greatest Threat to Press Freedom”

http://www.accuracy.org/release/dnc-suing-wikileaks-part-of-the-greatest-threat-to-press-freedom
—

FAIR
Burying the One-State Solution in Palestine/Israel
by Gregory Shupak

*A single state of bloody mindedness

https://fair.org/home/burying-the-one-state-solution-in-palestine-israel
—

Democracy Now!
Origins of the Opioid Epidemic: Purdue Pharma Knew of OxyContin Abuse in 1996 But Covered It Up

*MIA in economics textbooks, this is how capitalism truly operates

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/1/origins_of_the_opioid_epidemic_purdue

“Pain Killer” Author Barry Meier on How West Virginia Became Ground Zero of Opioid Epidemic

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/1/pain_killer_author_barry_meier_on

Cities & States Sue Big Pharma, Targeting the Firms Who Profited from Peddling Addictive Opioids

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/6/1/cities_states_sue_big_pharma_targeting

Glenn Greenwald on Mueller, Chelsea Manning & New Martina Navratilova Doc with Reese Witherspoon

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/30/glenn_greenwald_on_mueller_chelsea_manning

May 2018

 

5.31

The Real News Network
The Limits of Police Reform: The Origins and Ends of the Police
Alex Vitale talks about his new book “The End of Policing,” which casts a skeptical eye on the liberal calls for police reform, and calls for us to stop asking police to solve a wide variety of social problems

https://therealnews.com/stories/the-limits-of-police-reform-the-origins-and-ends-of-the-police

Exposing the OAS’ Anti-Venezuela, Pro-US Bias and Right-Wing Hypocrisy
The Organization of American States (OAS) is a Cold War-era group that acts as a vehicle for US influence, opposing leftist governments in Latin America. Journalist Max Blumenthal challenged the OAS on its extreme anti-Venezuela bias and enlisting of right-wing pro-Israel lobbyists to demonize Nicolas Maduro

*Corpress credo

“Democracy dies in our darkness”

https://therealnews.com/stories/exposing-the-oas-anti-venezuela-pro-us-bias-and-right-wing-hypocrisy

Trump’s Pharma First Drug Plan
Trump’s plan for lowering the cost of drugs is to make citizens of other countries pay more for their drugs; it’s perverse, says economist Dean Baker

*Heaven forfend we call corps making money at the expense of our health and our lives “bad guys”

Or “anything” …

https://therealnews.com/stories/trumps-pharma-first-drug-plan

The New Sit-Ins
As incidents of racial profiling, discrimination, and police brutality are filmed in commercial spaces, activists re-invent the lunch-counter sit-ins of the 1960s

*If only Bull Connor had had adequate mental health care

Jesus …

https://therealnews.com/stories/the-new-sit-ins
—

FAIR
NYT’s ‘Economic Logic’ Ignores Italy’s Economic Reality
by Dean Baker

https://fair.org/home/nyts-economic-logic-ignores-italys-economic-reality

WaPo Editors: We Have to Help Destroy Yemen to Save It
by Adam Johnson

*Constructed engagement

https://fair.org/home/wapo-editors-we-have-to-help-destroy-yemen-to-save-it
—

Democracy Now!
John Bolton Names Professional Islamophobe & Bush Official Fred Fleitz to National Security Staff

*What these bastards “believe” is that a white Christian America should dominate the world.

Whether they actually believe their own conspiracy theories is largely immaterial.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/31/john_bolton_names_professional_islamophobe_bush

Palestinians Demand Human Rights & Medical Care in Fight to Break Israeli Naval Blockade of Gaza

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/31/palestinians_demand_human_rights_medical_care

5.30

Decrying Defaulted Loans of Deadbeat Corporations, One Million Indian Bank Workers Hold 48-Hour Strike
Rejecting banks’ excuses for paltry raise proposal, union leaders say ordinary employees shouldn’t have to pay to price for bad loans
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/30/decrying-defaulted-loans-deadbeat-corporations-one-million-indian-bank-workers-hold

‘No Such Thing as Cheap Meat’: New Global Index Shows Industry’s Failure to Combat Climate Crisis, Antibiotic Resistance
Index gauges how 60 suppliers, worth a combined $300 billion, are managing sustainability risks based on nine criteria
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/30/no-such-thing-cheap-meat-new-global-index-shows-industrys-failure-combat-climate
—

The Real News Network
US, NATO Militarizing Scandinavia as Anti-Russia Hysteria Grows
Journalist Eirik Vold says the United States and NATO are further militarizing Scandinavian nations, while claiming Russia poses a threat of war. US military presence is growing in NATO members like Norway, as non-members Sweden and Finland are being pressured to join

https://therealnews.com/stories/us-nato-militarizing-scandinavia-as-anti-russia-hysteria-grows

Italy’s Political Crisis & New Elections: An Opportunity for the Far-Right?
Italy’s president Sergio Matarella has thrown the country’s politics into turmoil when he rejected the parliament’s chosen prime minister and instead chose a former IMF economist, in order to save Italy’s standing in the European Union. But he seems to have miscalculated and provided an opening for the far-right, explains Prof. Steve Hellman

https://therealnews.com/stories/italys-political-crisis-new-elections-an-opportunity-for-the-far-right

Colombia Makes a Historic Shift in First-Round Presidential Vote

*So what is Petro’s platform, and how would it be affected by arranging a “frente amplio”?

https://therealnews.com/stories/colombia-makes-a-historic-shift-in-first-round-presidential-vote
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Corporations Are Profiting From Immigrant Detainees’ Labor

http://www.accuracy.org/release/corporations-are-profiting-from-immigrant-detainees-labor-interviews-available-on-twitter

Israel Stops Palestinian Freedom Flotilla

http://www.accuracy.org/release/israel-stops-palestinian-freedom-flotilla
—

Democracy Now!
Deadlier than Katrina & 9/11: Hurricane Maria Killed 4,645 in Puerto Rico, 70 Times Official Toll

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/30/deadlier_than_katrina_9_11_hurricane

Glenn Greenwald: Why Did ABC Ignore Roseanne Barr’s Hateful Tweets Against Arabs & Palestinians?

*I just wonder what ABC’s reaction would have been if Barr’s latest targets weren’t figures firmly ensconced in the Democratic firmament.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/30/glenn_greenwald_why_did_abc_ignore

39 Arrested Protesting Industrial Farm Supplying So-Called “Cage-Free” Eggs to Amazon & Whole Foods

*Machiavelli would envy this marketing

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/30/39_arrested_protesting_industrial_farm_supplying

Bred to Suffer: Glenn Greenwald on the “Morally Unconscionable” U.S. Industry of Dog Experimentation

*Will the size of our souls ever match that of our brains?

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/30/bred_to_suffer_glenn_greenwald_on

Glenn Greenwald on Julian Assange, Ecuador & Threats to Press Freedom

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/30/glenn_greenwald_on_julian_assange_ecuador

Greenwald: FBI Informant in Trump Campaign Once Ran CIA Spy Operation Helping Reagan Win in 1980

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/30/greenwald_fbi_informant_in_trump_campaign

Judge Rules Against Free Speech Claim by Immigrant Who Says His Activism Made Him Deportation Target

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/25/federal_judge_rules_ravi_ragbir_who
—

Why grapefruit doesn’t mix with some medications
by Lindsay Moyer
Nutrition Action

https://www.nutritionaction.com/daily/what-to-eat/why-grapefruit-doesnt-mix-with-some-medications

5.29

‘Immense Moral Cowardice’: Trudeau Trashed for Government Purchase of Climate-Killing Kinder Morgan Pipeline
“I hope Justin Trudeau knows that this decision is going to haunt him everywhere he travels in the world. Movements fighting for real climate action and Indigenous rights are everywhere.”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*For all those who swooned over this schmenge (with apologies to Robert Palmer)

A pretty face don’t make no pretty heart
(You shoulda) learned that, buddy, from the start

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/29/immense-moral-cowardice-trudeau-trashed-government-purchase-climate-killing-kinder
—

Tomorrow’s Terror Today: Pentagon Documents Detail Dystopian Dangers
Narco-corruption, ISIS 3.0, and the terror drone attack that never happened
by Nick Turse

*Nightmares conjured in dreams of dominance

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/05/29/tomorrows-terror-today-pentagon-documents-detail-dystopian-dangers
–

Gaza’s Great Return March Massacre: A Turning Point
Palestinians must mobilise and strategise to ensure that Israel’s latest assault will be its last
by Nada Elia

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/05/29/gazas-great-return-march-massacre-turning-point
—

FAIR
‘This Is Really an Effort to Undermine People’s Access to Birth Control’
CounterSpin interview with Kinsey Hasstedt on reproductive health restrictions
by Janine Jackson

https://fair.org/home/this-is-really-an-effort-to-undermine-peoples-access-to-birth-control
—

Democracy Now!
Meet Two of the Activists Behind Ireland’s Historic Vote to Repeal a Ban on Nearly All Abortions

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/29/meet_two_of_the_activists_behind

After Ireland’s Historic Abortion Vote, Calls Grow for Abortion Rights in Northern Ireland

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/29/after_irelands_historic_abortion_vote_calls

“Don’t Treat Us Like Animals”: Outrage Builds After Border Agent Kills Indigenous Guatemalan Woman

*The true terrorists at the border

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/29/dont_treat_us_like_animals_outrage

5.28

Shocker! Tax Cuts in Hand, CEOs Admit They Won’t Invest Record Profits in Worker Wage Hikes
“Of course the GOP tax scam didn’t help working people. CEOs would rather pay themselves than pay us.”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Please recall how the corpress accepted this farce at face value, and who’s willing to wager they will now highlight this haughty hypocrisy?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/28/shocker-tax-cuts-hand-ceos-admit-they-wont-invest-record-profits-worker-wage-hikes

EU Urged to Go Further to Save Trash-Filled Waters With New Proposed Plastics Ban
Conservationists celebrated the step but said the ban should “stretch to all single-use plastic products throughout the European Union”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/28/eu-urged-go-further-save-trash-filled-waters-new-proposed-plastics-ban

Thousands of Italian Women March Across Country. Demand: ‘My Body, My Choice’
’40 years on from the passing of Law 194, there is still a long road ahead of us’
by Common Dreams staff

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/26/thousands-italian-women-march-across-country-demand-my-body-my-choice
—

Memorial Day – 7 Facts Documenting Our Neglect of Millions of Veterans
Politicians who preach patriotism would do well to address these issues
by Bill Quigley

*A parade of hypocrisy

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/05/28/memorial-day-7-facts-documenting-our-neglect-millions-veterans
–

Keeping Fossil Fuels in the Ground is the Only Way to Save Polar Bears Ravaged by Climate Change
That’s why I’m working with the Brown’s Last Chance campaign to demand Jerry Brown stop new oil and gas drilling in California and devise a fair plan to phase it out entirely
by Kassie Siegel

*Greenwashing an ugly Brown stain

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/05/26/keeping-fossil-fuels-ground-only-way-save-polar-bears-ravaged-climate-change
–

Homily for the Slain
Memorial Day is a facade, a misrepresentation
by Camillo Mac Bica

*A Memorial Day sale of malignant mythology

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/05/27/homily-slain
–

Pro Patria Mori: The Old Lie
by Abby Zimet, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people living life in peace

You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope some day you’ll join us
And the world will be as one

– John Winston Ono Lennon

https://www.commondreams.org/further/2018/05/28/pro-patria-mori-old-lie
—

The Real News Network
After Trump Cancels Summit, Koreas Try To Save It (Pt. 2/2)
After cancelling his June 12th summit with Kim Jong-un, President Trump now says talks are still possible. We speak to journalist Tim Shorrock about North Korea’s overlooked and misunderstood concerns and how Mike Pence and John Bolton stand in the way of peace

https://therealnews.com/stories/have-bolton-and-pence-killed-us-north-korea-peace-pt-2-2

UK’s Labour Party Manifesto
While Britain’s Conservative government has taken definitive steps on Brexit, the Labour Party is no longer fighting the effort as a practical matter, but is looking to develop social democratic principles for the economy, says Professor John Weeks

https://therealnews.com/stories/uks-labour-party-manifesto

Have Bolton and Pence Killed US-North Korea Peace? (Pt. 1/2)
After cancelling his June 12th summit with Kim Jong-un, President Trump now says talks are still possible. We speak to journalist Tim Shorrock about North Korea’s overlooked and misunderstood concerns, and how Mike Pence and John Bolton stand in the way of peace

*Gun bloat diplomacy

https://therealnews.com/stories/have-bolton-and-pence-killed-us-north-korea-peace-pt-1-2
—

Petition
Russia Prosecutor General, investigate mass murder and torture of LGBT people in Chechnya
by Игорь Я.

https://www.change.org/p/russia-prosecutor-general-investigate-mass-murder-and-torture-of-lgbt-people-in-chechnya

5.25

Irish Women Turn Out in Droves to Repeal Constitutional Ban on Abortion
“This vote can change Ireland into a more caring, compassionate place”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/25/irish-women-turn-out-droves-repeal-constitutional-ban-abortion
—

The Real News Network
Activists Say Zero Waste is Not a Pipe Dream (2/2)
In the second part of their interview, representatives from Energy Justice Network describe concrete steps Baltimore could take to move toward zero waste

*Dealing with a load of garbage in more ways than one

https://therealnews.com/stories/activists-say-zero-waste-is-not-a-pipe-dream-2-2

Obama the Gentrifier? South Side Residents Resist Presidential Center Plans
Barack Obama wants to build his new Presidential Center in Chicago’s South Side, but is resisting calls to sign a community agreement that would protect residents from soaring rents and displacement. We speak to community activist Jawanza Malone

*Dear Misleader maintains his moniker

https://therealnews.com/stories/obama-the-gentrifier-south-side-residents-resist-presidential-center-plans

Sweden Scares Population with War Pamphlets amid Push to Join NATO
The Swedish government is distributing pamphlets warning of an impending war to all 4.8 million households, in what journalist Eirik Vold says is part of a larger propaganda campaign to convince the population to support joining NATO

https://therealnews.com/stories/sweden-scares-population-with-war-pamphlets-amid-push-to-join-nato

US Forces Complicit in Murder of Banana Farmers in Somalia
US Special forces are in Somalia to assist the African Union in fighting al Shabaab and to help stabilize the country, not to murder civilians. What is missing is any attempt at an internal reconciliation process or a political solution to the raging conflict, says Bill Fletcher

https://therealnews.com/stories/us-forces-complicit-in-murder-of-banana-farmers-in-somalia

US Supreme Court Ordered Desegregation, then Conservatives Worked to Demolish Public Education
In Part Two, author and historian Nancy MacLean discusses how Virginia pioneered voucher schools to thwart the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling

https://therealnews.com/stories/us-supreme-court-ordered-desegregation-then-conservatives-worked-to-demolish-public-education

Colombia’s Presidential Race Wraps Up: Leftist Has a Real Chance
Colombians will choose a new president in a first-round vote this coming Sunday. Gustavo Petro, the candidate of a coalition of left parties, has a good chance of making it to the run-off, but the obstacles to the presidency are still very large, says Prof. Mario Murillo

https://therealnews.com/stories/colombias-presidential-race-wraps-up-leftist-has-a-real-chance
—

Prevent Illinois from killing their police dogs
by Amanda Quinonez

*A putrid pot shot

https://www.change.org/p/prevent-illinois-from-killing-their-police-dogs
—

Democracy Now!
As Trump Pulls Out of N. Korea Summit, Women Activists Head to DMZ to Promote Korean Peace Process

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/25/as_trump_pulls_out_of_n

“It Is About Bloody Time”: Harvey Weinstein Assault Survivor Reacts to Arrest in NYC on Rape Charges

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/25/it_is_about_bloody_time_harvey

Bill Cosby Rape Survivor Says Black Women Face Disproportionate Pressure Not to Speak Out on Assault

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/25/bill_cosby_rape_survivor_says_black

Cuban Exile & CIA Agent Luis Posada Carriles Dies a Free Man in U.S. Despite Years of Terrorism

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/25/cuban_exile_cia_agent_luis_posada

5.24

‘John Bolton Must Be Stoked’: Experts Put Blame for Canceled North Korea Talks Squarely on Trump’s Top Warmonger
“We can’t forget that many in Trump’s administration, including his national security adviser and secretary of state, are thirsty for war”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*”I get a lousy million and a half for a Nobel?

Screw it.”

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/24/john-bolton-must-be-stoked-experts-put-blame-canceled-north-korea-talks-squarely

131 House Dems Help GOP Pass Massive Pentagon Budget That Includes Billions for Expanded Nuclear Arsenal
“Instead of a blueprint for peace and security, this NDAA continues the practice of endless war with no input or oversight from our congressional leaders,” lamented Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.)
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Democrazy in action

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/24/131-house-dems-help-gop-pass-massive-pentagon-budget-includes-billions-expanded

“People’s Climate Case”: Families Sue EU Demanding More Ambitious Action to Combat Climate Crisis
“If it is recognized by the court that climate protection is a human rights issue, then climate protection can be activated in the courts of all other jurisdictions in the world”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*A much broader canvas for “the art of the possible”

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/24/peoples-climate-case-families-sue-eu-demanding-more-ambitious-action-combat-climate
—

Does TSA Really Need a Watch List for “Unruly” Travelers?
The Transportation Security Administration’s new “secret watch list” is purportedly meant to protect airport security screeners. But it could easily turn into an “enemies list” of people the TSA will target at airports.
by Faiza Patel

*Smoke screening

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/05/24/does-tsa-really-need-watch-list-unruly-travelers
–

Empowering Kids Instead Of Arming Them
The more guns out there, the more dangerous the world is
by Robert C. Koehler

*A proposed addendum to that final sentence

“… and valuing others.”

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/05/24/empowering-kids-instead-arming-them
–

We’re Demanding The Government Come Clean on Surveillance of Social Media
Our government should be fostering, not undermining, our ability to maintain obscurity in our online personas for multiple reasons, including individual privacy, security, and consumer protection
by Hugh Handeyside

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/05/24/were-demanding-government-come-clean-surveillance-social-media
–

Will Teacher Uprisings Change Democrats?
Seeing an NC governor, of any party, standing with organized teachers during a strike action is unprecedented
by Jeff Bryant

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/05/24/will-teacher-uprisings-change-democrats
—

The Real News Network
US Sanctions on Iran and Venezuela: Illegal and Destructive
The Trump administration imposed new sanctions on both Iran and on Venezuela this week, which are both aimed at regime change, but in the case of Iran media and other countries are resisting them, while in Venezuela’s case they are not being questioned, explains CEPR’s Mark Weisbrot

*We’ll see how much “resistance” there is on Iran once the hefty duty flag waving and saber rattling begin in earnest.

https://therealnews.com/stories/us-sanctions-on-iran-and-venezuela-illegal-and-destructive

Democracy in Chains: The Radical Right’s Stealth Attack on American Democracy
In Part One, Nancy Maclean reveals Nobel prize-winning economist James M. Buchanan as the architect of the Koch Brothers’ secret campaign to undermine public education, unions, and to reshape America

*Putting their money where they want their mouthpieces to be

https://therealnews.com/stories/democracy-in-chains-the-radical-rights-stealth-attack-on-american-democracy
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
* Korea Policy: Disarm, Then Attack? * Saudi Bombing Yemen

http://www.accuracy.org/release/korea-policy-disarm-then-attack-saudi-bombing-yemen
—

Democracy Now!
Malkia Cyril on Facebook’s Civil Rights Audit & How Amazon Sells Facial Recognition Tools to Police

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/23/malkia_cyril_on_facebooks_civil_rights

NFL Bans National Anthem Protests On Same Day Video of Police Tasering of NBA Player is Released

*How about we question “patriotism”, and not whose view of it is blessed by the angels?

As the man said

“Imagine there’s no countries”

(And Aaron Rodgers likely wouldn’t have even gotten a ticket

But he might have been asked for his autograph.)

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/24/nfl_bans_national_anthem_protests_on

Volcano Lava Reaches Geothermal Plant and Pacific Ocean in Hawaii, Risking Public Health Disaster

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/24/volcano_lava_reaches_geothermal_plant_and

“The Tale”: Astonishing New Movie Tackles Filmmaker Jennifer Fox’s Reckoning with Child Sexual Abuse

*Fox made the decision not to out this person, which means he is still fêted as “a great man”, I assume. That she didn’t expose him decades ago may have meant that other girls were victimized.

That’s not to condemn her for that, but I hope that’s addressed in the second segment.

I have my doubts that it will be.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/24/the_tale_astonishing_new_movie_tackles

5.23

As Documents Reveal ‘Pervasive Abuse’ of Immigrant Children Under Obama, Fears It’s Even Worse Under Trump
Thousands of government records “provide a glimpse into a federal immigration enforcement system marked by brutality and lawlessness”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses

I’m feeling extra nasty today.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/23/documents-reveal-pervasive-abuse-immigrant-children-under-obama-fears-its-even-worse

Ruling Against ‘Pernicious and Unconstitutional’ Practice, Judge Says Trump Can’t Block People on Twitter
“We’re pleased with the court’s decision, which reflects a careful application of core First Amendment principles to government censorship on a new communications platform”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Thin skin gets a fat lip

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/23/ruling-against-pernicious-and-unconstitutional-practice-judge-says-trump-cant-block

Billionaire NFL Owners Rebuked for Announcing Fines for Teams If Players #TakeAKnee
The move comes after players across the league have locked arms, raised fists, and knelt during the national anthem to protest racial injustice
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*There’s an underlying assumption here that exercising one’s First Amendment rights has to be in some manner “patriotic” to be considered legitimate.

I find that odd in the context of a defense of same

But this is America, innit?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/23/billionaire-nfl-owners-rebuked-announcing-fines-teams-if-players-takeaknee

Huge Roaming Protests Aim to Make All of UK “No-Go Area” for Trump This Summer
Series of rallies and demonstration designed to make entire country a “no-go area” for U.S. president this summer
by Andrea Germanos, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/23/huge-roaming-protests-aim-make-all-uk-no-go-area-trump-summer
—

The Real News Network
Mexico’s Presidential Candidates Debate Strategies to Resist Trump
Sunday’s presidential debate in Mexico showed that as AMLO maintains his almost insurmountable lead, the other candidates are trying to copy his platform about raising wages and resisting Trump. John Ackerman reports from Mexico

https://therealnews.com/stories/mexicos-presidential-candidates-debate-strategies-to-resist-trump

Pompeo’s Message to Iran: Submit or Suffer (Pt. 2/2)
In announcing new demands and threats, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has made clear that the Trump administration will seek to threaten Iran into submission, says historian Eskandar Sadeghi of the University of Oxford

https://therealnews.com/stories/pompeos-message-to-iran-submit-or-suffer-pt-2-2

Serj Tankian: Armenia Protests ‘Changed the Face of the Country’ (Pt. 1/2)
Musician and activist Serj Tankian speaks with TRNN’s Ben Norton about the protest movement in Armenia, which ushered in a new government. He also criticizes the US government for refusing to recognize the Armenian Genocide.

https://therealnews.com/stories/serj-tankian-armenia-protests-changed-the-face-of-the-country-pt-1-2
—

FAIR
Promoters of Saudi Prince as Feminist Reformer Are Silent on His Crackdown on Women
by Adam Johnson

*That “60 Minutes” screenshot …

Never a hair out of place

Never a step out of line

https://fair.org/home/promoters-of-saudi-prince-as-feminist-reformer-are-silent-on-his-crackdown-on-women

Media Delegitimize Venezuelan Elections Amid Complete Unanimity of Outlook
by Alan MacLeod

*Rigging the notes

https://fair.org/home/media-delegitimize-venezuelan-elections-amid-complete-unanimity-of-outlook
—

Democracy Now!
The New COINTELPRO? Meet the Black Activist Jailed for Months After FBI Targeting & Surveillance

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/23/the_new_cointelpro_meet_the_black

Supreme Court Deals Blow to Workers’ Rights in 5-4 Decision Against Collective Action

*Injustice is a work related injury

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/23/supreme_court_deals_blow_to_workers

5.22

Humans Less Than 1% of Life on Earth, But Have Destroyed Half of Its Plants, More Than 80% of All Mammals
“It is pretty staggering,” said the lead researcher of the new study
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*From dominion to oblivion

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/22/humans-less-1-life-earth-have-destroyed-half-its-plants-more-80-all-mammals

‘User Manual for Authoritarian Surveillance’: ACLU Red Alert as Amazon Peddles Facial Recognition Tool to Police
“Once a dangerous surveillance system like this is turned against the public, the harm can’t be undone”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*No WaPo exposé extant, I’ll warrant.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/22/user-manual-authoritarian-surveillance-aclu-red-alert-amazon-peddles-facial

As Landmark Glyphosate Case Moves to Trial, Man Dying of Cancer to Have Day in Court With Monsanto
“We look forward to exposing how Monsanto hid the risk of cancer and polluted the science,” said plaintiff’s attorney
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/22/landmark-glyphosate-case-moves-trial-man-dying-cancer-have-day-court-monsanto

‘This Is Not Ok’: Guard Shoves Reporter as EPA Bars Multiple News Outlets From Water Pollution Event
“When the reporter asked to speak to an EPA public-affairs person, the security guards grabbed the reporter by the shoulders and shoved her forcibly out of the EPA building”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*The corpress is perfectly capable of not doing its job without being barred from ostensibly doing so.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/22/not-ok-guard-shoves-reporter-epa-bars-multiple-news-outlets-water-pollution-event
—

A Food Revolution: The Climate Case for a Factory Farm Ban
We need to take bold action over the next decade in order to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. This includes tackling the greenhouse gas emissions created by food production, including meat and other animal products
by Patty Lovera

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/05/22/food-revolution-climate-case-factory-farm-ban
–

Trump’s Authoritarian Grip Tightens
Changes implemented by the administration on every front add up to a frightening pattern
by Adele M. Stan

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/05/22/trumps-authoritarian-grip-tightens
–

Scourging Yemen
by Kathy Kelly

https://www.counterpunch.org/2018/05/22/scourging-yemen
—

National Nurses United
Nurses Condemn VA ‘Mission to Privatize’ Act, Urge Senate to Reject Endangering Healthcare for Veterans

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/05/22/nurses-condemn-va-mission-privatize-act-urge-senate-reject-endangering

Reprieve
Blair’s Comments Underscore Need For Independent Belhaj Inquiry

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/05/22/blairs-comments-underscore-need-independent-belhaj-inquiry
—

The Real News Network
Maduro Wins the Presidency in Venezuela – What Will the US Do Next?
Opposition candidate Henri Falcon cries foul. We speak with journalist Lucas Koerner of Venezuelanalysis.com, election observer Roger Harris, and Venezuela analyst Greg Wilpert about the legitimacy of the results, and what is next for Venezuela

*”Red points” and red herrings

https://therealnews.com/stories/maduro-wins-the-presidency-in-venezuela-what-will-the-us-do-next

Freedom Flotilla Sets Sail for Gaza after The Great March of Return
Activists Yudit Ilany and Heather Milton-Lightening explain why Israel’s blockade of Gaza must end

https://therealnews.com/stories/freedom-flotilla-sets-sail-for-gaza-after-the-great-march-of-return

Does Iron Fist Imperialism Benefit US Workers?
We speak to economist Gerald Epstein, who did the cost-benefit analysis of the US invasion of Iraq. He found that the US military adventure cost US workers approximately two trillion dollars

*”False consciousness”

And fallow consciences

https://therealnews.com/stories/does-iron-fist-imperialism-benefit-us-workers
—

Democracy Now!
British Royals Rebrand with Royal Wedding, but Critics Say White, Neoliberal Monarchy Needs to Go

*With apologies to Steely Dan

This is the real deal Royal Scam

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/22/royal_wedding_celebrated_black_culture_but

5.21

The Coming Collapse
It is impossible for any doomed population to grasp how fragile the decayed financial, social and political system is on the eve of implosion
by Chris Hedges

*The shit hits the fan

As the speed’s turned up

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/05/21/coming-collapse
–

The Shooting Statistics Are Clear: It’s Not Schools That Are Dangerous
Schools are the sites of fewer than 3 percent of students’ gun homicides; the other 97 percent occur somewhere other than school
by Mike Males

*The mote blinds to the beam

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/05/21/shooting-statistics-are-clear-its-not-schools-are-dangerous
—

Indigenous Environment Network
U.S. Supreme Court Will Hear Landmark Case Challenging World Bank Group Immunity
This will be the first time the Supreme Court will address the scope of international organizations’ immunity

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/05/21/us-supreme-court-will-hear-landmark-case-challenging-world-bank-group-immunity
—

The Real News Network
Asylum Seekers In Israel Confronting an Agonizing Future
Israeli courts deemed it legitimate for municipalities to shut off electricity and water services to African refugees, says David Sheen, an independent journalist based in Dimona, Israel

https://therealnews.com/stories/asylum-seekers-in-israel-confronting-an-agonizing-future

The Rich Have an Escape Plan – RAI with Rana Foroohar (5/6)
On Reality Asserts Itself, Ms. Foroohar says many wealthy people understand that the climate crisis, deep recession and war are real threats, but they believe “apres moi le deluge” [“after me comes the floods”]; the Financial Times columnist and author of “Makers and Takers” says many of the rich have escape plans, thinking “they can avoid the apocalypse” – with host Paul Jay

*Foroohar may “quot[e] Marx”, but she’s a committed capitalist who believes a more “rational” form of it is all that’s needed to step back from the abyss, such as spreading a green tablecloth over its rotting wood.

What is being described here is an addiction, to greed and power, that can’t be cured with “reform”. It’s also a manifestation of delusional thinking, which she shares in her refusal to entertain any option other than TINA, albeit dressing her up in “pragmatic” apparel.

(I’m gonna wear out the quote key, ain’t I?)

https://therealnews.com/stories/the-rich-have-escape-plan

Arms Industry Stocks Shoot up After Trump Withdraws from Iran Deal
As soon as Donald Trump withdrew the US from the Iran nuclear deal, and Israel bombed Syria, stocks of the top weapons corporations immediately increased. Author Andrew Feinstein says this sabotage of the JCPOA offers companies new opportunities for war profiteering

*Which flows faster

The money

Or the blood?

https://therealnews.com/stories/arms-industry-stocks-shoot-up-after-trump-withdraws-from-iran-deal

Arms Manufacturers Use Israel’s Massacres in Gaza to Test New Technology
As the Israeli military mows down unarmed Palestinian protesters, arms trade expert Andrew Feinstein explains how weapons companies use Gaza as a laboratory to test new products and rake in profits

*(So you know, if you’re experiencing déjà vu all over again with this comment, it’s due to TRNN placing this segment’s transcript with an earlier one featuring Feinstein, from May 15.)

Feinstein provides some useful intel, but his description of the Iran deal strikes me as naïve, in that, similar to Obama’s “opening” to Cuba, its primary purpose was to use “soft power” to effect US aims – economic carrots rather than militaristic sticks.

Of course, the threat of a catastrophic war that would do immense harm to those aims factored into the policy, as well, but to say Iran was a beneficiary – other than in a comparative sense regarding the consequences of a frightful alternative – or that it played any role in curbing an imaginary move toward a nuclear weapons program, is at odds with reality, in my view.

His contention that somehow the US is “trying to get rid of” terrorism likewise is muddle headed. Certainly the US wishes to manage it, but to boogie imperialistically, you need a reliable boogeyman as a dance partner, and the spectre of soulless fanatics fills the dance card just fine.

https://therealnews.com/stories/arms-manufacturers-use-israels-massacres-in-gaza-to-test-new-technology

Trump Admin Halts Investigation of For-Profit Colleges
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos’ decision to stop investigating for-profit educational institutions for fraudulent practices is yet another reason to believe that the Trump presidency is the most corrupt in US history, says former financial regulator Bill Black

*Schools of hyped schlocks

https://therealnews.com/stories/trump-admin-halts-investigation-of-for-profit-colleges
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Israeli and Gulf Collusion with Trump Team

*Wide open “Russiagate”

Closed and padlocked Israelgate

http://www.accuracy.org/release/israeli-and-gulf-collusion-with-trump-team
—

FAIR
Media Ignore Government Influence on Facebook’s Plan to Fight Government Influence
by Adam Johnson

https://fair.org/home/media-ignore-government-influence-on-facebooks-plan-to-fight-government-influence

‘The Idea of Storytelling Is Just Essential’
CounterSpin interview with Mark Trahant on the new Indian Country Today
by Janine Jackson

https://fair.org/transcript/the-idea-of-storytelling-is-just-essential
—

Democracy Now!
After Santa Fe HS Shooting, Texas Lawmakers Have “Focused on Anything But Guns”

*”[A] culture of violence” faulted by its fomentors

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/21/after_santa_fe_hs_shooting_texas

Soraya Chemaly on Mass Shootings: “Focus Should Be on Boys & Men Who Can’t Take No for an Answer”

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/21/soraya_chemaly_on_mass_shootings_focus
—

Nutrition Action
What exercise can do for your heart
We all know that exercise is good for the heart, but do you know how much to do and what benefits to expect?

https://www.nutritionaction.com/daily/exercise-for-health/what-exercise-can-do-for-your-heart

5.18

Congress Wants More Protections for Cops While Ignoring Police Reform
Giving hate crimes protections to police is “profoundly inappropriate” as “hate crimes laws are intended to extend protection to historically persecuted groups”
by Kanya Bennett

*You can’t reform rot

You can only remove it

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/05/18/congress-wants-more-protections-cops-while-ignoring-police-reform
—

The Real News Network
IDF Prepares to Kill More Peaceful Protesters in Gaza on Friday
May 17, 2018
Michael Omer-Mann, editor-in-chief of +972 Magazine, says the IDF does not care if you are protesting in peace or with violence; either way, if you are protesting you run the risk of being killed

https://therealnews.com/stories/idf-prepares-to-kill-more-peaceful-protesters-in-gaza-on-friday
—

FAIR
Call Them by Their Names
Why are corporate media protecting white people’s identities in racial bias incidents?
by Miranda C. Spencer

*And heaven forfend there would be any digging into the callers’ past for a possible “criminal history”.

That’s reserved for black and brown victims, innit?

https://fair.org/home/call-them-by-their-names
—

Democracy Now!
Trump’s EPA Doesn’t Want You to Know Chemicals in Teflon Are Poisoning Waterways & Firefighters

*The most toxic ingredient is greed

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/18/trumps_epa_doesnt_want_you_to

Whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg: Civil Disobedience Against Vietnam War Led Me to Leak Pentagon Papers

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/18/whistleblower_daniel_ellsberg_civil_disobedience_against

5.17

‘Black Mark in Our History’: Six Democrats Join GOP to Confirm Torturer Gina Haspel as CIA Chief
“This was never just about Gina Haspel. This is about a nation that claims constantly to be exceptional and morally superior showing the world in clear terms that it supports torture and will never hold its own accountable”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Haspel should have been rejected not because she wouldn’t uphold “American values”

But because she would.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/17/black-mark-our-history-six-democrats-join-gop-confirm-torturer-gina-haspel-cia-chief

As DRC Ebola Outbreak Reaches City, Trump’s Slashing of Global Health Funds Decried as ‘Crazily Short-Sighted’
The president asked Congress to cut funding to fight infectious disease epidemics hours before a new Ebola outbreak was declared in Africa
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/17/drc-ebola-outbreak-reaches-city-trumps-slashing-global-health-funds-decried-crazily
—

Trump: Making America Dread Again
“Let the buyer beware”
by Ralph Nader

*For the exploitocracy, Killer Clown is a man after their own missing heart.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/05/17/trump-making-america-dread-again
–

Palestine: Our History Haunts Our Future
When Palestinians fight for their national rights, we are called “terrorists.” When we demonstrate in non-violent ways and are killed by the occupying forces, we are called “suicidal”
by Samah Jabr

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/05/17/palestine-our-history-haunts-our-future
–

Neither cis nor TERF
by Robert Jensen

https://www.feministcurrent.com/2018/05/16/neither-cis-terf
—

Amazon Watch
Amazonian Leaders Call on California to Go Fossil Fuel-Free at Chevron’s Richmond Refinery
Bay Area environmental and indigenous organizations join protest to call attention to Chevron’s key role in causing destruction to people and planet

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/05/17/amazonian-leaders-call-california-go-fossil-fuel-free-chevrons-richmond-refinery
—

The Real News Network
Trump’s Jerusalem Move Caters to Religious Extremists
The opening ceremony of the US Embassy in Jerusalem featured billionaire Sheldon Adelson and prominent far-right evangelical Christian leaders John Hagee and Robert Jeffress. We discuss the alliance between Trump, Netanyahu, and far-right extremists in both the US and Israel with journalists Max Blumenthal and Dan Cohen

*Cults of psychopathic personality

https://therealnews.com/stories/trumps-jerusalem-move-caters-to-religious-extremists

‘There Is No Opposition in Israel’ as Netanyahu Massacres Gazans, Israeli Journalist Says
Renowned Israeli journalist Gideon Levy says “the victims of Gaza hardly touch anybody in Israel,” as the IDF mows down protesters. Hardline right-wing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has a stranglehold on politics, and the left barely exists

https://therealnews.com/stories/there-is-no-opposition-in-israel-as-netanyahu-massacres-gazans-israeli-journalist-says

Hot Picks from Tuesday’s Primaries with Blogger Howie Klein of DownWithTyranny
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is trying to discredit progressive candidates during this primary season, framing establishment candidates as moderates and progressives as “far left,” with the media’s cooperation, says Howie Klein of DownWithTyrannyblogspot.com

*So, is being “far left” a bad thing?

If you mean someone who susses the essential exploitative nature of capitalism and the inhumanity of imperialism, I’d take issue with that conclusion.

And if you use the above definition, Klein is spot on that no one in Congress (or pretty much any other office) fits that description.

https://therealnews.com/stories/hot-picks-from-tuesdays-primaries-with-blogger-howie-klein-of-downwithtyranny
—

Petition
Justice for Port Drivers
Home Depot: Respect Workers’ Rights

https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/home-depot-respect-workers-rights
—

FAIR
Blaming the Victims of Israel’s Gaza Massacre
by Gregory Shupak

https://fair.org/home/blaming-the-victims-of-israels-gaza-massacre
—

Democracy Now!
Meet Tarek Loubani, the Canadian Doctor Shot by Israeli Forces Monday While Treating Gaza’s Wounded

*Dr. Loubani is very brave, and very naïve, if he believes Trudeau will do anything more than handwringing for public consumption, and that that will be any “political price to pay” for that PR.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/17/meet_tarek_loubani_the_canadian_doctor

50 Years Ago Today: Catonsville 9 Burned Draft Papers with Homemade Napalm to Protest Vietnam War

*Some things done in Jesus’ name I imagine he’d be quite proud of.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/17/50_years_ago_today_catonsville_9

Planned U.S.-North Korea Peace Talks in Jeopardy as Trump Adviser Bolton Pushes for Regime Change

*A big stick disguised as an olive branch

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/17/planned_us_north_korea_peace_talks

5.16

 

While Many US Outlets Equivocate on Israel’s Massacre of Unarmed Palestinians, The Onion’s Piercing Satire Destroys IDF Talking Points and War Crime Apologists
The searing satire of headline writers at this outlet over the last two days have perhaps done more than most mainstream journalists to expose just how wantonly cruel the actions of the IDF have become and how ludicrous and vile the arguments of its defenders remain
by Jon Queally, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Many Deaths Due to Errant Iranian Rockets, Inquiry Finds

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/16/while-many-us-outlets-equivocate-israels-massacre-unarmed-palestinians-onions

A Dozen Google Employees Resign Over Pentagon Drone Contract as 4,000 Workers Demand End to Project
“At some point, I realized I could not in good faith recommend anyone join Google, knowing what I knew. I realized if I can’t recommend people join here, then why am I still here?”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/16/dozen-google-employees-resign-over-pentagon-drone-contract-4000-workers-demand-end
—

Trump-Obsessed Media Outlets Again Ignore Critical Net Neutrality News
As Democratic senators made a last-ditch effort to salvage net neutrality rules — which passed in the Senate — coverage by many media outlets is still nowhere to be found
by Dina Radtke

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/05/16/trump-obsessed-media-outlets-again-ignore-critical-net-neutrality-news
–

Boycott is Best Response to Illegal Israeli Killings
Ireland and EU complicit in enabling Israel’s violations of Palestinian rights
by Omar Barghouti

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/05/16/boycott-best-response-illegal-israeli-killings
—

The Real News Network
Israel Slaughters Unarmed Palestinian Protesters While Trump Admin. Shouts ‘Hamas!’
The Israeli military killed 60 and wounded 2,200 Palestinians protesters in one day, as Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner opened the US embassy in Jerusalem. Journalist Ali Abunimah says the Trump administration is misleadingly pointing the finger at Hamas to distract from Israel’s crimes

https://therealnews.com/stories/israel-slaughters-unarmed-palestinian-protesters-while-trump-admin-shouts-hamas

Italian Populist Parties About to Form “Highly Unstable” Government
The rightwing League and the progressive-populist 5-Star Movement are about to form a new coalition government in Italy. However, given the large number of differences between the parties and Silvio Berlusconi’s efforts to undermine the government, it might not last long, says Prof. Steve Hellman

https://therealnews.com/stories/italian-populist-parties-about-to-form-highly-unstable-government

Class and Corruption Take Center Stage in the Iraqi Election
Muqtada al-Sadr, the cleric known for organizing uprisings against the U.S. military and rejecting Iranian influence, led the Alliance of Revolutionaries for Reform to victory in Iraq. We speak to professor Sabah Alnasseri

https://therealnews.com/stories/class-and-corruption-takes-center-stage-in-the-iraqi-election

Democracy in Crisis: The Future of Journalism
by Baynard Woods

https://therealnews.com/columns/democracy-in-crisis-the-future-of-journalism
—

FAIR
NYT Edit Board Are Last Humans on Earth Who Believe US Neutral in Israel/Palestine Conflict
by Adam Johnson

*”Neutral” is the gear the corpress is stuck in on progress toward an honest view of US empirismo.

https://fair.org/home/nyt-edit-board-are-last-humans-on-earth-who-believe-us-neutral-in-israel-palestine-conflict

Writing Off Democracy in Venezuela, US Press and Politicians Dream of a Coup
by Alan MacLeod

*A democracy darkly wished dead

https://fair.org/home/writing-off-democracy-in-venezuela-us-press-and-politicians-dream-of-a-coup
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
50 Years After Catonsville: “Resistance Needed to End Empire”

http://www.accuracy.org/release/50-years-after-catonsville-resistance-needed-to-end-empire
—

Democracy Now!
Norman Finkelstein: Outrage over Israeli Massacre Shows Power of Nonviolent Palestinian Resistance

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/16/norman_finkelstein_outrage_over_israeli_massacre

Norman Finkelstein: Palestinians Have the Right to Break Free of the “Unlivable” Cage That Is Gaza

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/16/norman_finkelstein_palestinians_have_the_right

Koch Brothers-Backed Effort to Sabotage Unions Uses Secret “Tool Kit” to Encourage Members to Quit

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/16/koch_brothers_backed_effort_to_sabotage
—

Nutrition Action
Buyer beware: Ginkgo supplements often adulterated
Ginkgo biloba doesn’t prevent dementia or cognitive decline in older people, and doesn’t help boost memory in younger folks either, according to the best independent studies

https://www.nutritionaction.com/daily/dietary-supplements/buyer-beware-ginkgo-supplements-often-adulterated

5.15

‘Beyond Shameful’: Democrats Warner, Heitkamp, and Nelson Announce Support for Torturer Gina Haspel
There are now five Democratic senators “who have made clear they don’t give a shit about accountability for torture”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Scahill has it sussed.

“Credulous” people don’t engage in coverups.

These creeps are colluders, pure and simple.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/15/beyond-shameful-democrats-warner-heitkamp-and-nelson-announce-support-torturer-gina

‘This Is a Big Deal’: Fearing ‘Public Relations Nightmare,’ Pruitt’s EPA Blocked Release of a Major Water Contamination Study
Journalists, members of Congress, environmental and public health advocates, and water experts are all calling on the Trump administration to “immediately” release the report
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/15/big-deal-fearing-public-relations-nightmare-pruitts-epa-blocked-release-major-water

“All Those Babies Are Dead. All Those People Are Dead’: Eddie Glaude Jr. Apologizes for Injecting Heartfelt “Moralizing” into MSNBC Roundtable on Gaza Massacre
Journalist Glenn Greenwald called the segment “fascinating” to witness, “as it temporarily broke the primitive, simple-minded matrix for how US cable news talks about things like the Israeli massacre of Gazans”
by Jon Queally, staff writer
Common Dreams

*The sin of a sign of heart among the soulless

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/15/all-those-babies-are-dead-all-those-people-are-dead-eddie-glaude-jr-apologizes
—

Americans for Tax Fairness
Will Corporations Announce Any Benefits For Workers On This Week’s Earnings Calls?
Only 4.2% of American workers have seen one-time bonuses or wage hikes result from the new tax law. Which businesses getting tax windfalls will be next to share the wealth with U.S. workers?

*Rebate and switch

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/05/15/will-corporations-announce-any-benefits-workers-weeks-earnings-calls
—

The Real News Network
Arms Industry Stocks Shoot up After Trump Withdraws from Iran Deal

*Feinstein provides some useful intel, but his description of the Iran deal strikes me as naïve, in that, similar to Obama’s “opening” to Cuba, its primary purpose was to use “soft power” to effect US aims – economic carrots rather than militaristic sticks.

Of course, the threat of a catastrophic war that would do immense harm to those aims factored into the policy, as well, but to say Iran was a beneficiary – other than in a comparative sense regarding the consequences of a frightful alternative – or that it played any role in curbing an imaginary move toward a nuclear weapons program, is at odds with reality, in my view.

His contention that somehow the US is “trying to get rid of” terrorism likewise is muddle headed. Certainly the US wishes to manage it, but to boogie imperialistically, you need a reliable boogeyman as a dance partner, and the spectre of soulless fanatics fills the dance card just fine.

https://therealnews.com/stories/arms-industry-stocks-shoot-up-after-trump-withdraws-from-iran-deal
—

Petition
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network
Goodwill Industries International: Pay Disabled Workers a Real Wage

*The wages of ill will

https://www.change.org/p/goodwill-industries-international-pay-disabled-workers-a-real-wage
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Israel, Religious Bigotry and Liberation

http://www.accuracy.org/release/israel-religious-bigotry-and-liberation
—

FAIR
Media Can Tell Readers Who’s Killing Whom–When They Want To
by Jim Naureckas

*And they’ve been know to ascribe deaths to certain gummints under the most uncertain of circumstances, according to their malleability to US objectives.

https://fair.org/home/media-can-tell-readers-whos-killing-whom-when-they-want-to
—

Democracy Now!
Yanis Varoufakis on Iran Nuclear Deal Demise, US Trade Negotiations, Europe’s Far Right & Capitalism

*Varoufakis is a very intelligent, and I’d like to think, earnest person, and this is well worth the time invested, but in the end, he’s advocating for a reform of a system that can be made better, but can never be good.

For us to have a chance to survive, “better” won’t cut it. His enamorment of FDR’s New Deal, which was designed to save capitalism from itself, displays a resistance to a struggle for the “good”, even as he makes the case for it at times here.

The only way we will avoid the abyss is to make a leap of faith that will carry us over it.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/14/yanis_varoufakis_on_iran_nuclear_deal

Palestinians Mark 70th Anniversary of Nakba After Israel Kills 61 & Wounds 2,700 Protesters in Gaza

*Words are woefully inadequate, and the best I can muster is “grotesque”, in its most malignant context.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/15/palestinians_mark_70th_anniversary_of_nakba

Gazan Writer: Protesters Are Seeking Freedom from World’s Largest Concentration Camp

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/15/gazan_writer_protesters_are_seeking_freedom

For Palestinians, New U.S. Embassy Is a Symbol for Gaza Protests—But Mass Oppression Is Root Cause

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/15/for_palestinians_new_us_embassy_is

While U.S. Refuses to Blame Israel, Int’l Court Could Launch War Crimes Probe into Gaza Killings

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/15/while_us_refuses_to_blame_israel

5.14

With Haspel Confirmation Pending, Torture Opponents Target Fence-Sitters Flake, Heitkamp, and Others
“The Senate must #BlockHaspel. We can’t accept a #CIA leader who oversaw #torture and sought to destroy the evidence”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*It’s important to realize that every director has condoned torture in one manner or another, and if this bastard is blocked, whomever is approved will as well, no matter how “respectable” they may be.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/14/haspel-confirmation-pending-torture-opponents-target-fence-sitters-flake-heitkamp

At the Local and State Level, New Campaign Aims to Generate National Support for UN Treaty to Ban Nuclear Weapons
“Our campaign is about putting pressure on the U.S. government and the other nuclear nations to sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons”
by Jon Queally, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/14/local-and-state-level-new-campaign-aims-generate-national-support-un-treaty-ban
—

Israel Repurposes Nakba Myths to Justify Today’s Massacre in Gaza
The only legitimate struggle for Palestinians, it seems, is keeping quiet, allowing their lands to be plundered and their children to be starved
by Jonathan Cook

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/05/14/israel-repurposes-nakba-myths-justify-todays-massacre-gaza
–

Killing Gaza
Max Blumenthal and Dan Cohen’s powerful new film, “Killing Gaza,” offers an unflinching and moving portrait of a people largely abandoned by the outside world, struggling to endure
by Chris Hedges

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/05/14/killing-gaza
–

The Kindly 87-Year-Old Man Who Took All the Schoolkids’ Lunch Money
There seems to be no corporate recognition of the shameful act of taking decades of societal largesse and then doing everything possible to avoid paying for any of it
by Paul Buchheit

*All you can cheat Buffett

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/05/14/kindly-87-year-old-man-who-took-all-schoolkids-lunch-money
—

The Real News Network
Official Unemployment is at 3.9%? Economist Robert Pollin Says it is More Like 12%
Unemployment is low and standard economic theory says that when unemployment drops, wages should rise. However, the latest Department of Labor report shows that even though unemployment has reached historic lows at 3.9%, wages are not rising. Why? We explore the reasons with Prof. Robert Pollin

*Few of the fruits of our labor fall into our basket

https://therealnews.com/stories/official-unemployment-is-at-3-9-economist-robert-pollin-says-it-is-more-like-12
—

Media Debate Best Way to Dominate Iran
by Gregory Shupak

*A view both reasoned and all too rare

But what does Trita Parsi have to say?

(Easy enough to find out, innit?)

https://fair.org/home/media-debate-best-way-to-dominate-iran
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
As U.S. Moves Embassy, Israel Massacres Palestinians

http://www.accuracy.org/release/as-u-s-moves-embassy-israel-massacres-palestinians
—

Democracy Now!
Gaza: Israeli Soldiers Kill 50+ Palestinians Protesting Nonviolently as U.S. Opens Jerusalem Embassy

*The black smoke of burning tires

And the smokescreen for murder and mayhem of the corpress

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/14/gaza_israeli_soldiers_kill_30_palestinians

Rev. Barber Slams Anti-Muslim, Anti-Semitic Pastors Trump Chose to Open U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem

*Patriotism and religion are far from the last refuges of scoundrels

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/14/rev_barber_israel_dropping_tear_gas

5.11

After Drug Plan Shows Trump ‘Will Do Nothing About Their Greed,’ Big Pharma Stocks Soar
“When big pharmaceutical companies’ stocks spike during your big reveal on lowering prices, you’re doing something wrong”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Follow the money

Up the indices

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/11/after-drug-plan-shows-trump-will-do-nothing-about-their-greed-big-pharma-stocks-soar

Message to Immigrants in Trump’s Latest ‘Hardhearted’ Proposal: If You’re Poor, Now or Ever, You Don’t Belong
Immigrants applying for green cards would be considered a “public charge” and would likely be passed over if they’ve used—or are deemed likely to use—government resources including Medicaid and SNAP benefits
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*And high up above my eyes could clearly see
The Statue of Liberty
Sailing away to sea

— Paul Simon, “American Tune”

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/11/message-immigrants-trumps-latest-hardhearted-proposal-if-youre-poor-now-or-ever-you
—

Two Interrogations, Gina Haspel and Adolf Eichmann
Not to compare the evil of the holocaust with the CIA rendition and torture (as if evil could be measured by quantity), but the evasions and obfuscations of these two willing technicians of state terror are chillingly similar
by Brian Terrell

*Law and orders

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/05/11/two-interrogations-gina-haspel-and-adolf-eichmann
—

Physicians for a National Health Program
California Doctors Aim to Educate 100,000 Patients & Their Physicians to Support Single Payer
Doctors’ state strategy meeting to follow on Sunday, May 20 at the Hyatt LAX

*Of course, many of those self same “interested … business[es]” are responsible for some of the worst health metrics among developed economies.

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/05/11/california-doctors-aim-educate-100000-patients-their-physicians-support-single
—

The Real News Network
How The Trump Administration Plans to Dismantle Public Housing Brick by Brick
A series of moves by HUD Secretary Ben Carson will raise rents, decrease repairs, and accelerate the process of transferring public housing to private firms

*None of the consequences are “unintended”

https://therealnews.com/stories/how-the-trump-administration-plans-to-dismantle-public-housing-brick-by-brick

Can Carbon Pricing Reduce CO2 Emissions?
What is carbon pricing, how is it different from carbon emissions permits, and could such a policy reduce carbon dioxide emissions sufficiently to slow down global warming? We discuss these and many other questions with James Boyce of the Political Economy Research Institute

https://therealnews.com/stories/can-carbon-pricing-reduce-co2-emissions

Gaza on the Brink (2/2)
We speak with Sari Bashi about how the occupation of Gaza and the de-development policies of Israel, which deny Gazan’s electricity, water and the right to produce and travel, making it an unlivable place

https://therealnews.com/stories/gaza-on-the-brink-2-2

Can Gaza Survive the Occupation and Repression? (1/2)
In a new book, “Moment of Truth”, Sari Bashi discusses the 11 year blockade that has driven Gazans to the brink. With water unfit to drink, and the denial of education, healthcare and mobility, Gazans don’t have much to loose, she says.

https://therealnews.com/stories/can-gaza-survive-the-occupation-and-repression-1-2

Mexico’s Presidential Campaigns Struggle with Rampant Crime
Mexico’s crime problem has become increasingly intractable and is also affecting local races, which has left over 90 candidates murdered. Meanwhile, leftist candidate AMLO faces the wrath of Mexico’s business sector. John Ackerman analyzes the state of Mexico’s race for president

*I’d replace “leftist” with “leftish” as a description of Lopez Obrador – he’s far from alone in that – and keep that in mind when absorbing Ackerman’s angled analysis.

https://therealnews.com/stories/mexicos-presidential-campaigns-struggle-with-rampant-crime

Argentina Turns to IMF, Despite Already Implementing a Neoliberal Program
President Mauricio Macri of Argentina is negotiating a $30 billion credit line with the IMF. The currency is devaluing rapidly and the government introduced a 40% interest rate to stop the slide. Now it turns to the IMF – as a cover for even harsher neoliberal measures? We speak to CEPR’s Mark Weisbrot

https://therealnews.com/stories/argentina-turns-to-imf-despite-already-implementing-a-neoliberal-program
—

FAIR
WaPo Positions Support for Torturer as Vote for Feminism
by Katherine Krueger

*Killer, torturer, liar

#MeToo

https://fair.org/home/wapo-positions-support-for-torturer-as-vote-for-feminism

Who’s Reacting to Iran Deal Pull-Out? Why, It’s Women in Chadors, Walking Past Anti-US Mural
by Jim Naureckas

*Picture

Complete with frame

https://fair.org/home/whos-reacting-to-iran-deal-pull-out-why-its-women-in-chadors-walking-past-anti-us-mural
—

Democracy Now!
Trump Withdrew from Iran Nuclear Deal. Now Israel May Be Trying to Provoke War

*If this is chess

We must pity the pawns

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/11/trump_withdrew_from_iranian_nuclear_deal

Laleh Khalili: Palestinian “Gandhis” Are Marching Every Day for Freedom from Israeli Apartheid

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/11/laleh_khalili_palestinians_gandhis_are_marching

If Gina Haspel Is Confirmed at CIA, the U.S. Would Be Giving Other Nations Green Light to Torture

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/11/if_gina_haspel_is_confirmed_at

Black Mama’s Bail Out Is Freeing Black Women from Jail for Mother’s Day & Taking Aim at Cash Bail

*If Google and the Kochs are “address[ing] bail reform”, you know goddamn good and well it ain’t got sh*it to do with a commitment to justice, don’t you just?

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/11/black_mamas_bail_out_is_freeing

Immigration Officials Are Using Pseudoscience to Justify Jailing Teenage Asylum Seekers with Adults

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/11/immigration_officials_are_using_pseudoscience_to

5.10

With Chance to Denounce Torture, Why Have These Democrats Not Said They Are a “No” on Haspel?
“What kind of #Resistance refuses to stop an actual torturer chosen by Donald Trump from being promoted to head the most powerful spy agency in the world?”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*All the fine liberals …

Feh.

And what “great and respected nation” is Bernie prattling on about?

As for Pierce, torture has nothing to do with being “scared”, and everything to do with scaring.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/10/chance-denounce-torture-why-have-these-38-democrats-not-said-they-are-no-haspel

‘You Watch Too Much Movies’: Watch ICE Refuse to Produce Warrant, Then Barge Into Home With Guns Drawn as Terrified Children Cry in Background
“An ICE warrant does not allow officers to enter a home without consent”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/10/you-watch-too-much-movies-watch-ice-refuse-produce-warrant-then-barge-home-guns
—

The Game Never Named, the Addendum Never Spoken
The preservation of capitalism
by Kristine Mattis

*As I understand it, an end to capitalism would mean an end to wages and wealth (and profit and money)

So “livable wages”, “a universal basic income” and “a cap on individual wealth” are misplaced priorities, if we’re talking about the whole “From each … to each … ” thingie, yes?

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/05/10/game-never-named-addendum-never-spoken
—

The Real News Network
Police Brutalize 78-Year-Old CIA Whistleblower Protesting at Torturer Gina Haspel’s Senate
Ray McGovern, who worked as a CIA analyst for 27 years, disrupted the Senate confirmation hearing for CIA director nominee Gina Haspel, protesting her overseeing of torture. Police threw the 78-year-old whistleblower to the ground, dislocating his arm.

*How appropriate that a display of brutality would occur in the presence of one of its signal advocates.

https://therealnews.com/stories/police-brutalize-78-year-old-cia-whistleblower-protesting-at-torturer-gina-haspels-senate-hearing
—

Christian Right Groups Wage Crusade to Capture Courts
by ExposedByCMD Editors

https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2018/05/09/christian-right-groups-wage-crusade-capture-courts

15 Judges Object to State Funds for Federalist Society Conference Where WI AG Brad Schimel Plugged Campaign, Praised Hate Group
by David Armiak and Mary Bottari
Center for Media and Democracy

https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2018/05/10/judges-object-state-funds-federalist-society-brad-schimel-hate-group

New Technology Allows Election Officials to Verify Votes Like Never Before—Will It Be Widely Used in 2018?
by Steven Rosenfeld
Independent Media Institute

https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2018/05/07/new-technology-allows-election-officials-verify-votes-like-never-will-widely-used-2018
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Billionaires Fueling Trump on Iran Deal, Jerusalem Move

*The only thing Killer Clown understands is money

And Adelson, Marcus and Singer (and Mercer) understand that.

http://www.accuracy.org/release/billionaires-fueling-trump-on-iran-deal-jerusalem-move

Fueling More Syria War: * Nixing Iran Deal and More Israeli Attacks * Pollack and Pundit Class

http://www.accuracy.org/release/fueling-more-syria-war-nixing-iran-deal-and-more-israeli-attacks-pollack-and-pundit-class
—

Democracy Now!
Jeremy Scahill: Obama Paved Way for Haspel to Head CIA by Failing to Hold Torturers Accountable

*Ask yourself if any Democrat of the Feinstein ilk would vote against Haspel if it meant she wouldn’t be confirmed.

When you know the result, there’s no honor in posturing.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/10/jeremy_scahill_obama_paved_way_for

Coming of Age in the Syrian War: Memoir by Journalist Marwan Hisham & Illustrator Molly Crabapple

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/10/coming_of_age_in_the_syrian

5.9

While Advocates Declare #HandsOffSNAP, Trump Reportedly Wants Even Crueler Requirements for Nation’s Poor and Hungry
“Do you know who the #2018FarmBill would hurt? Well, just on the short list are: Women, veterans, children, people with disabilities, workers, and seniors”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Anyone with half a heart finds this horrendous

And how many Americans don’t?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/09/while-advocates-declare-handsoffsnap-trump-reportedly-wants-even-crueler
—

The Real News Network
Primary Day Sets the Stage for Intra-Party Battles (2/2)
We continue our primary day coverage with John Nichols of The Nation by looking at Republican Don Blankenship’s loss in West Virginia and Democratic contests across the country that will shape the party’s mid-term playbook

*Can you guess which “issue” isn’t mentioned here, and unless it’s addressed, all the others, as vital as they may be, are rendered moot?

I knew that you could.

https://therealnews.com/stories/primary-day-sets-the-stage-for-intra-party-battles-2-2

Artificial Intelligence in Whose Interests? – RAI with Rana Foroohar (6/6)
On Reality Asserts Itself, Ms. Foroohar and host Paul Jay discuss the merging of finance and big tech and the threat AI poses to working people and the economy; they also discuss the potential of AI in addressing the climate crisis and making a more rational and equal society possible – with host Paul Jay

*I wouldn’t put much faith in the mellifluousness of a Eurosolution, as long as the likes of Macron and Merkel are calling the tune.

https://therealnews.com/stories/artificial-intelligence-in-whose-interest

Trump’s Shameful Choice of ‘Bloody Gina’

*McCain’s opposed to torture

Except when it comes in the form of bombs that kill, maim and dismember, to the tune of “Bomb Bomb Bomb, Bomb Bomb Iran”.

Wonderful choice for a point prover.

Oy gevalt …

https://therealnews.com/columns/trumps-shameful-choice-of-bloody-gina-2
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Trump Nixing Iran Deal Based on Fabrications

*Playing with Tonkin toys

http://www.accuracy.org/release/trump-nixing-iran-deal-based-on-fabrications
—

FAIR
CNN’s Iran Fearmongering Would Make More Sense Coming Directly From Pentagon
by Adam Johnson

*”FAKE NEWS!” Killer Clown won’t be castigating

https://fair.org/home/cnns-iran-fearmongering-would-make-more-sense-coming-directly-from-pentagon

5.8

Iran Will Never Trust America Again
“We were naive to think the Americans would stick to their promises in this deal, but are the American people and the rest of the world really that naive to fall for the same lies again?”
by Narges Bajoghli

*This was a deal that was never necessary to stop a bomb, but may have been, to stop a war

And now it may well have failed at that.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/05/08/iran-will-never-trust-america-again
–

What the Deployment of Green Berets to the Saudi-Yemen Border Tells Us About America’s Dirty War
The U.S. tries to distance itself from Saudi war crimes in Yemen—but it’s always been America’s war too
by Shireen Al-Adeimi

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/05/08/what-deployment-green-berets-saudi-yemen-border-tells-us-about-americas-dirty-war
—

The Real News Network
Israel Threatens Lebanon After Hezbollah Makes Gains in Election
May 8, 2018
After Hezbollah and political allies won seats in Lebanon’s first parliamentary election in 9 years, Israeli minister Naftali Bennett threatened to retaliate against the Lebanese state for Hezbollah’s actions. Journalist Jamal Ghosn says this is the latest in a long string of threats, and Israel violates Lebanese sovereignty every day.

https://therealnews.com/stories/israel-threatens-lebanon-after-hezbollah-makes-gains-in-election

‘Red Alert’ Campaign for Net Neutrality
Several dozen websites and organizations are launching a campaign in support of net neutrality ahead of an upcoming US Senate vote on whether to rescind the FCC’s decision to get rid of net neutrality. Craig Aaron on Free Press discusses the plan and the prospects

https://therealnews.com/stories/red-alert-campaign-for-net-neutrality

Hezbollah Coalition Declares ‘Victory’ in Lebanon’s First Parliamentary Election in 9 Years
Lebanon held its first parliamentary election in nine years, and Hezbollah and its political allies won seats, while Saad Hariri’s Western-backed, Saudi-allied coalition was weakened. Yet journalist Jamal Ghosn says the Lebanese political system is still stacked in favor of the rich.

https://therealnews.com/stories/hezbollah-coalition-declares-victory-in-lebanons-first-parliamentary-election-in-9-years
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Gina Haspel and Torture: * Wrong * Ineffective * A Tool for War

*The means that justify the end

http://www.accuracy.org/release/gina-haspel-and-torture-wrong-ineffective-a-tool-for-war
—

FAIR
Supposedly Taboo Ideas That Actually Appear Frequently in the Pages of the New York Times
by Jim Naureckas

* … or that the notion of wealth itself is a bar to a truly just world.

(That would apply to a hefty chunk of “alternative media” as well, wouldn’t it?)

https://fair.org/home/supposedly-taboo-ideas-that-actually-appear-frequently-in-the-pages-of-the-new-york-times
—

Democracy Now!
Journalists Rise Up Against Wall Street Hedge Fund Decimating Newsrooms Across the Country

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/8/journalists_rise_up_against_wall_street

5.7

There is currently a “controversy” in my city of Madison, WI over the “northernmost Confederate cemetery”, where soldiers who died at Camp Randall are buried. “Historic preservationists”, along with Confederate apologists, are aghast at plans to remove a monument erected to them by the Daughters of the Confederacy long ago.

Of course, one of their talking points is that these men owned no slaves, and were fighting for their “homeland”, not slavery.

I have a number of questions for them.

What do you think those who survived to be repatriated did to black folks in the postwar years?

How many of them joined the Klan?

How many of them engaged in or supported the reign of terror after Reconstruction was duly dismantled by forces South and North?

Is there any reason to believe the dead would have acted any differently?

Old times there are no forgotten

Except when it’s convenient.
—

New Analysis Suggests GOP Has Finally Realized How Unpopular It Is to Lavish Corporations and the Rich With Huge Tax Giveaways
Some Republicans may finally be succumbing to the fact that “massive tax cuts to the wealthy, rich CEOs, and big corporations don’t resonate with voters”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*The pig pokes his snout out the poke

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/07/new-analysis-suggests-gop-has-finally-realized-how-unpopular-it-lavish-corporations

Mirroring the Powerful They Often Cover, Major Newspapers Dominated by Graduates of Elite Schools, Study Finds
Social networks students obtain upon entry to schools like Harvard and Yale help to secure a path to jobs at influential media outlets
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*The gilded gates of the fourth estate

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/07/mirroring-powerful-they-often-cover-major-newspapers-dominated-graduates-elite
—

Mnuchin Flips Tax-Scam Grift, Hopes Nobody Notices
When the final taxonomy of these Trump Era swamp creatures is conducted, a special category will be reserved for Mnuchin
by Richard Eskow

*The gravity of greed

What goes up, must come down

On our heads

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/05/07/mnuchin-flips-tax-scam-grift-hopes-nobody-notices
–

Teachers and Parents of Puerto Rico Launch Historic Strike & Boycott Against Standardized Testing
Spread the word: “We want a just, equitable world for our children”
by Jesse Hagopian

*A test of won’ts

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/05/07/teachers-and-parents-puerto-rico-launch-historic-strike-boycott-against
–

Where Are the Riots of Yesteryear? Remembering May 1968
by Richard Greeman

*Whether we are or not, it’s best to act as an optimist

Than not as a pessimist

http://therealnews.com/t2/component/content/article/648–richard-greeman/3573-where-are-the-riots-of-yesteryear-remembering-may-1968
—

The Real News Network
Hopkins Students Fight Against ‘School to War Pipeline’
At a gathering to honor Vietnam War protesters, students say their university is priming them to work for the country’s military industrial complex

*Ain’t gonna study war no more

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21729:Hopkins-Students-Fight-Against-%27School-to-War-Pipeline%27

US Interventions in Latin America Continue and Intensify
Most US citizens don’t realize it, but the US government has continued and even intensified its regime change agenda in Latin America and successfully helped reverse the so-called “pink tide” of left-of-center governments over the past ten years, says CEPR’s Mark Weisbrot

*The corpress isn’t oblivious to US intervention

It is an essential element of it, parroting propaganda and adding its own venom to the poison pills it force feeds the American public (those who are paying any attention).

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21713:US-Interventions-in-Latin-America-Continue-and-Intensify

200th Anniversary of the Birth of Marx and a Revolution in Understanding History
Historian Gerald Horne and host Paul Jay discuss the ongoing relevance of Marx’s “Materialist Conception of History”; to understand and fight ideas that defend injustice today, people must know the economic roots the give rise to, and perpetuate, such ideology

*Prejudice is the scion of profit

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21720:200th-Anniversary-of-the-Birth-of-Marx-and-a-Revolution-in-Understanding-History
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Trump Team Hired Israeli Spy Firm Used by Harvey Weinstein to Attack Obama Officials on Iran Deal

http://www.accuracy.org/release/trump-team-hired-israeli-spy-firm-used-by-harvey-weinstein-to-attack-obama-officials-on-iran-deal

Trump to Send Back Hondurans Fleeing U.S.-Backed Repression There

http://www.accuracy.org/release/trump-to-send-back-hondurans-fleeing-u-s-backed-repression-there
—

FAIR
Giuliani Takes Cash to Speak to Terrorist Cult; Media Find This Unnoteworthy
by Adam Johnson

*Is it a case of being “uninterested in conveying fundamental facts about what’s going on in Iran”

Or one of fervent interest in furthering the plot to effort to “undermine and overthrow that country’s government”?

https://fair.org/home/giuliani-takes-cash-to-speak-to-terrorist-cult-media-find-this-unnoteworthy
—

Democracy Now!
Viet Thanh Nguyen & Ariel Dorfman on the Vietnam War, How Hollywood Reframes U.S. Imperialism & More

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/4/viet_thanh_nguyen_ariel_dorfman_on

CIA Nominee Gina Haspel May Testify for First Time in Public About Her Role in Torture at Black Site

*Dropping the dark side down a black hole

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/7/cia_torturer_gina_haspel_may_testify

Nearly 90,000 Hondurans May Be Deported to Danger and Poverty as Trump Ends Their Protected Status

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/7/nearly_90_000_hondurans_may_be

5.4

French Unions & Students Mobilize Against Reforms: Another May ’68?
50 years after France’s legendary May 1968, which almost toppled the government, unions and students are again mobilizing against the government. However, while the establishment celebrates May ’68, its criticizes today’s protest movement, says Le Monde Diplomatique’s Renaud Lambert

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21695:French-Unions-%26-Students-Mobilize-Against-Reforms%3A-Another-May-%2768%3F

Last Year, Amazon Paid No Federal Income Taxes. Now, It’s Trying to Kill a Local Tax That Aims to Help the Homeless
“This is what corporate power and oligarchy is all about,” says Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*How about making Amazon homeless?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/04/last-year-amazon-paid-no-federal-income-taxes-now-its-trying-kill-local-tax-aims

‘Worst Mistake I Ever Made’: Union Support Nosedives as Workers Express Regret for Trump Votes
“Trump is for the rich,” one union member said
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*That any union member could have thought otherwise is a damning testament to the wilful class unconsciousness of so much union “leadership”.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/04/worst-mistake-i-ever-made-union-support-nosedives-workers-express-regret-trump-votes
—

Steve King Wants to Force States to Hurt Animals—and People
King’s amendment, if passed, wouldn’t just affect animal protection laws; it could also preempt countless laws meant to protect consumers
by Elizabeth Enochs

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/05/04/steve-king-wants-force-states-hurt-animals-and-people
–

Six Animal Rights Activists Charged With Felonies for Investigation and Rescue That Led to Punishment of a Utah Turkey Farm
“In my 20 years of investigating animal abuse, I’ve never seen conditions this horrifying at a corporate farm”
by Glenn Greenwald

*Killing the messenger to send a message

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/05/04/six-animal-rights-activists-charged-felonies-investigation-and-rescue-led
—

Public Citizen
New Data Show Trump’s First Quarter 2018 China and Mexico Trade Deficits Largest on Record as All Eyes Focus on This Week’s Trade Discussions in China, Looming NAFTA Deadline
U.S. trade deficit with world largest since 2008 financial crisis, contrary to Trump’s campaign pledge to quickly reduce deficit to bring back manufacturing jobs

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/05/04/new-data-show-trumps-first-quarter-2018-china-and-mexico-trade-deficits-largest

Earthrights International
Peruvian Farmers Appeal in Fight to Hold Newmont Accountable in U.S. Court

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/05/04/peruvian-farmers-appeal-fight-hold-newmont-accountable-us-court
—

The Real News Network
Sixth Consecutive Week of Friday Gaza Protests Leaves Over 160 Wounded
For the sixth consecutive week Palestinians in Gaza headed to the Israeli border to demonstrate the “Great March of Return.” Israeli soldiers continued their attacks on the protesters, wounding over 160. Special correspondent Noor Harazeen reports from Gaza

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21724:Sixth-Consecutive-Week-of-Friday-Gaza-Protests-Leaves-Over-160-Wounded

Representatives Fight Water Crises With New Legislation
Reps. Ellison and Khanna’s WATER Act aims to combat the next Flint water emergency before it starts, but critics say its funding model is ineffective
by Dharna Noor

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21721:Representatives-Fight-Water-Crises-With-New-Legislation

Saudi Crown Prince Tells Palestinians to ‘Shut up’ as He Cozies up to Israel
CIA Director turned Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Saudi Arabia and Israel as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman abandons the Palestinians. Professor Asad AbuKhalil says this alliance has never been closer, noting Israel’s political allies have frequently been anti-Semites

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21714:Saudi-Crown-Prince-Tells-Palestinians-to-%27Shut-up%27-as-He-Cozies-up-to-Israel

UK’s ‘Windrush Scandal’ Shines Light on Who is an ‘Illegal’ Immigrant
The ‘Windrush Generation’ scandal, which has made tens of thousands of British immigrants unwelcome after living in the UK for decades, is calling attention to the conservative government’s demonization of immigrants

*Tory or Labour, the sun never sets on the soullessness of the British empire

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21715:UK%27s-%27Windrush-Scandal%27-Shines-Light-on-Who-is-an-%27Illegal%27-Immigrant

US Gov. and Media Whitewash ‘Reformer’ Saudi Prince MBS as He Beheads Dissidents
While top American officials and media outlets praise Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as a “revolutionary,” 12 people are beheaded per month. Professor Asad AbuKhalil says the Saudi monarchy “has become far more repressive than it has ever been.”

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21707:US-Gov.-and-Media-Whitewash-%27Reformer%27-Saudi-Prince-MBS-as-He-Beheads-Dissidents
—

Petition
Fight for $15
McDonald’s: Time to raise pay worldwide!

https://fightfor15.org/s-petition/5-4-18-mcds-global-petition
—

FAIR
How Did Benghazi Become a Ruin? NYT Ignores US Role—in Multiple Media
by Jim Naureckas

*History is written, rewritten and erased by the “victors” and their scribes

https://fair.org/home/how-did-benghazi-become-a-ruin-nyt-ignores-us-role-in-multiple-media
—

Democracy Now!
The Displaced: Refugee Writers Ariel Dorfman & Viet Thanh Nguyen on Migration, US Wars & Resistance

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/4/the_displaced_refugee_writers_ariel_dorfman

Arundhati Roy on the Rise of Fascism & Trump’s Embrace of India’s “Robber Barons”

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/4/arundhati_roy_on_the_rise_of

5.3

Progressive Media Outlets—Including This One—Decry Facebook’s Plan to Act as Gatekeeper of “Trustworthy” News
“Fake news is bad, Zuckerberg acting as the world’s ultimate gatekeeper is bad, users deciding which news orgs are ‘trustworthy’ is bad, Facebook is bad”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*A “Ministry of Truth” Orwell would recognize all too well

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/03/progressive-media-outlets-including-one-decry-facebooks-plan-act-gatekeeper
—

Food & Water Watch
Proposed USDA Rule on GMO Labeling Deceptive and Filled with Loopholes

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/05/03/proposed-usda-rule-gmo-labeling-deceptive-and-filled-loopholes
—

The Real News Network
Natalie Portman’s Boycott of Netanyahu Prompts Attack by Billionaire-Backed Right-Wing Rabbi Shmuley Boteach
After Natalie Portman pulled out of an award ceremony in Israel, right-wing activist Rabbi Shmuley Boteach bought a full-page New York Times ad to attack the actress. Journalist Max Blumenthal details how billionaire Sheldon Adelson bankrolls Shmuley’s World Values Network and conservative activism

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21696:Natalie-Portman%27s-Boycott-of-Netanyahu-Prompts-Attack-by-Billionaire-Backed-Right-Wing-Rabbi-Shmuley

First Time in Decades Brazil’s Unions and Left Unite, Demanding Lula’s Freedom
The imprisonment of former president Lula da Silva has united Brazil’s unions and left parties and social movements for a historic International Workers Day. Mike Fox reports from Curitiba, Brazil, where Lula is being held

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21710:First-Time-in-Decades-Brazil%27s-Unions-and-Left-Unite%2C-Demanding-Lula%27s-Freedom

‘Poison Papers’: US and Canadian Regulators Colluded with Manufacturers of Highly Toxic Substances
Dr. Jonathan Latham explains how the EPA and Canada’s Health Protection Branch concealed fraudulent tests of dangerous pesticides

*And Democrats did this too?!

Horrors!!

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21687:%27Poison-Papers%27%3A-US-and-Canadian-Regulators-Colluded-with-Manufacturers-of-Highly-Toxic-Substances
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Trump, Confidentiality Agreements and “Endemic Lawlessness”

*Legally blind to injustice

http://www.accuracy.org/release/trump-confidentiality-agreements-and-endemic-lawlessness
—

Democracy Now!
As Caravan of Migrants Begins Entry at U.S.-Mexico Border, Trump Admin Attacks Legal Asylum Process

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/3/as_caravan_of_migrants_begins_entry

Arundhati Roy’s Latest Novel Takes on Fascism, Rising Hindu Nationalism in India & Abuses in Kashmir

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/3/arundhati_roys_latest_novel_takes_on

5.2

Yes, a Jobs Guarantee Could Create “Boondoggles.” It also Might Save the Planet
There are hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of shovel-ready jobs around the country that can help mitigate climate change and prepare for the levels of warming already locked in
by Kate Aronoff

*In addition to socially meaningful work, we have to change the operative preposition for work – from working “for”, to working “with” – if we’re serious about “the dignity of work”.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/05/02/yes-jobs-guarantee-could-create-boondoggles-it-also-might-save-planet
–

How Elites Scam Americans Out of Housing
The same guy who spent $31,000 of taxpayer money on office furniture wants to triple the rent America’s poorest people pay
by Olivia Alperstein

*Homelessness is where the heartlessness is

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/05/02/how-elites-scam-americans-out-housing
–

Shifting energy import patterns enhance China’s clout in the Middle East
by James M. Dorsey

http://therealnews.com/t2/component/content/article/473-james-m-dorsey/3571-shifting-energy-import-patterns-enhance-chinas-clout-in-the-middle-east
—

Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR)
Appeals Court Reinstates No-Fly List Lawsuit by American Muslims Coerced to Spy by FBI
Victims may sue agents who listed them for refusing to inform

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/05/02/appeals-court-reinstates-no-fly-list-lawsuit-american-muslims-coerced-spy-fbi
—

The Real News Network
No Financial Protection from Trump Admin, But States Can Help
As acting CFPB director Mick Mulvaney admits his subservience to the financial industry, states are beginning to provide consumers with protection from financial abuse, such as with New York State’s new retirement system, explains CEPR’s Dean Baker

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21706:No-Financial-Protection-from-Trump-Admin%2C-But-States-Can-Help

Israel Tries to Kill Iran Nuclear Deal with Cartoonish Netanyahu Speech
Days before Donald Trump is due to rip up the JCPOA, Benjamin Netanyahu used cartoonish props to accuse Iran of hiding nuclear weapons. Journalist Max Blumenthal says this is part of Israel’s strategy to escalate aggression against Tehran.

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21697:Israel-Tries-to-Kill-Iran-Nuclear-Deal-with-Cartoonish-Netanyahu-Speech

Koch Brothers’ Money went to George Mason University to Influence US Government
Recently released documents show that the Charles Koch Foundation’s millions of dollars in donations to GMU were tied to control over hiring and firing of professors. The ultimate target of their conservative agenda, though, is to influence DC politics, says Bill Black

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21698:Koch-Brothers%27-Money-went-to-George-Mason-University-to-Influence-US-Government

Manchester University Develops Israeli Drone Technology, Despite Growing Student Opposition
Students at the University of Manchester uncovered secret cooperation agreements between the university and Israeli arms manufacturers, and now campaign to cancel the agreements, says Hudda Ammori, Chair of the Manchester BDS Campaign

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21690:Manchester-University-Develops-Israeli-Drone-Technology%2C-Despite-Growing-Student-Opposition
—

FAIR
10 of the Most Sociopathic Washington Post Columns
by Adam Johnson

*Humanity dies in this darkness

https://fair.org/home/10-of-the-most-sociopathic-washington-post-columns

‘We Are Talking Billions of People Displaced by Sea Level Rise’
CounterSpin interview with Dahr Jamail on Antarctic ice
by Janine Jackson

*Heads stuck in the sand soon to be swallowed by the sea

https://fair.org/home/we-are-talking-billions-of-people-displaced-by-sea-level-rise
—

Democracy Now!
May Day in Puerto Rico: Police Attack Anti-Austerity Protesters with Pepper Spray & Tear Gas

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/2/may_day_in_puerto_rico_police

Puerto Rico Needs Help: Unelected Fiscal Board Pushes Austerity as Island Continues Slow Recovery

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/2/puerto_rico_needs_help_unelected_fiscal

With Labor & Immigrant Rights Under Attack, May Day Protesters Rally in New York City

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/2/with_labor_immigrant_rights_under_attack

Arizona Joins Red State Revolt: Teachers’ Strike Reaches Day Five

*Okay, so the teachers are going back to work after getting some of what they demanded.

What’s next? That’s not addressed here, is it?

If “they’ve done as much as they’re willing to do”, what’s the strategy for increasing their willpower?

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/2/arizona_joins_red_state_revolt_teachers

Detained and Then Deported: U.S. Human Rights Lawyers Barred from Entry into Israel

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/2/detained_and_then_deported_us_human
—

Six strategies to help you say no to junk food
by Caitlin Dow
Nutrition Action

https://www.nutritionaction.com/daily/how-to-diet/six-strategies-to-help-you-say-no-to-junk-food

5.1

“You’re the One Creating the ‘Bad’ Schools”: Nation’s Top Teachers Denounce Devos During Closed-Door Session
“We had a listening session with Betsy DeVos today, but I don’t think she heard us”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/01/youre-one-creating-bad-schools-nations-top-teachers-denounce-devos-during-closed
—

Lawmakers’ Personal Tax Cuts Could Provide 10 Million Meals for Families in Need
Instead of listening to American voters, these lawmakers are not only pocketing their six- and seven-figure tax gains, they’re turning around and slashing billions of dollars from families’ nutrition benefits over the next decade
by Melissa Boteach and Rachel West

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/05/01/lawmakers-personal-tax-cuts-could-provide-10-million-meals-families-need
–

Fifty Killed in Gaza. Zero Israelis Injured.
Israel meanwhile continues to spin the protests as “Hamas riots,” accusing the political and resistance group of “attempting to disguise terror activities as a civilian-led riot”
by Maureen Clare Murphy

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/05/01/fifty-killed-gaza-zero-israelis-injured
–

May Day: Arizona Teachers Have Resistance History on Their Side
Today’s teachers are calling out the same issues of unfair wages and tax giveaways to corporations that gave rise to Arizona statehood a century ago
by Jeff Biggers

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/05/01/may-day-arizona-teachers-have-resistance-history-their-side
—

The Real News Network
J20 Defendant Claims Vindictive Prosecution and Retaliation in Motion to Drop All Charges
Elizabeth Lagesse, a defendant in the J20 case stemming from protests during Trump’s inauguration and a plaintiff in an ACLU suit against D.C. police, filed a motion to drop all charges against her claiming that the prosecution is an inconsistent, vindictive response to her participation in the ACLU and communication with the press
by S.J. Harper

*Other than TRNN, I don’t know of any other relatively visible “alternative outlet” that’s displayed a commitment to covering this story. I’m thinking of the likes of “Democracy Now!” and Common Dreams.

Given the stakes, that’s inexcusable.

And four months for busting the window of a goddamn money changer … ?

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21702:J20-Defendant-Claims-Vindictive-Prosecution-and-Retaliation-in-Motion-to-Drop-All-Charges

Yemeni Journalist: I Was Afraid US-Saudi Coalition Would Bomb My Wedding Party too
After the US-backed Saudi coalition massacred dozens of civilians at a wedding party, journalist Ahmad Algohbary says he and other Yemenis cannot live a normal life without fear

http://therealnews.com/t2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=21699

French Politicians Shift Blame for Anti-Semitism onto Muslims
French politicians and celebrities signed a manifesto blaming French Muslims for anti-semitism in France. Yasser Louati addresses the hypocrisy in France’s human rights discourse

*The pot paints the kettle black

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21688:French-Politicians-Shift-Blame-for-Anti-Semitism-onto-Muslims

Korean War Finally Ending, in Huge Victory for Peace Activists
North and South Korea have agreed to sign a peace deal, after nearly 70 years of war. Christine Ahn says this is thanks to dedicated activism inside and outside of the Korean Peninsula.

*I’m glad to see credit given where it’s truly due – to Koreans at home and abroad. The “Great Man” theory is the frame for most all of the reportage and commentary on this subject – Kim, Moon and Killer Clown are the foci.

But without the monumental expression of the will of the people to lift the suffocating blanket of repression and a doomsday sword of Damocles, this moment is but a forlorn hope.

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21672:Korean-War-Finally-Ending%2C-in-Huge-Victory-for-Peace-Activists
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Netanyahu’s Prolonged Disinformation Campaign

*Liar liar

Past on fire

http://www.accuracy.org/release/netanyahus-prolonged-disinformation-campaign
—

FAIR
‘These Are Sanctions Directly Aimed at the Civilian Population’
CounterSpin interview with Joe Emersberger on Venezuela
by Janine Jackson

https://fair.org/home/these-are-sanctions-directly-aimed-at-the-civilian-population
—

Democracy Now!
“Talking About History Is Way to Liberate America”: New Memorial Honors Victims of White Supremacy

*We cannot bury what we keep alive

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/1/talking_about_history_is_way_to

“Death Penalty Is Lynching’s Stepson”: Bryan Stevenson on Slavery, White Supremacy, Prisons & More

*I’m saddened to say it, but for all the seemingly heartfelt effort Stevenson has put into this, to speak of “education” and “understanding” when it comes to Supreme Court justices or politicians or those who control the media is to display a naiveté – perhaps wilful – that will undermine the powerful message this project could convey about the need to confront our past, and our present.

We don’t need evangelism

We need evisceration – of a system that by its very nature seeks to exploit and oppress.

To believe that those in power will “come to Jesus” in this age is as foolish as it would have been to hold out faith for such an outcome 150 or 100 or 50 years ago.

You don’t speak truth to power to enlighten it

But to expunge it

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/5/1/the_death_penalty_is_lynching_s

April 2018

 

4.30

‘Pathetic’: To Shield Elites From Deserved Ridicule, WHCA Apologizes for Michelle Wolf’s Epic Performance
“To many in the U.S. media, the worst sins aren’t bombing and killing people or embracing policies that cause mass suffering…The worst sin remains: breaching civility protocols [that] protect D.C. elites”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*The joke is them

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/04/30/pathetic-shield-elites-deserved-ridicule-whca-apologizes-michelle-wolfs-epic
—

The Real News Network
Tech Giants Fight to Dominate Data of Developing Countries
Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Microsoft are among high tech giants fighting to maintain an unregulated environment at the WTO that strengthens their monopolies and puts developing countries at an extreme disadvantage, says Deborah James of CEPR

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21678:Tech-Giants-Fight-to-Dominate-Data-of-Developing-Countries

Universal Basic Income and Minimum Wages: Progressive or Regressive?
Finland recently decided to end its Universal Basic Income (UBI) experiment, but the debate about whether UBI is progressive or regressive rages on. We speak to Economist Katherine A. Moos of the Political Economic Research Institute, UMass.

*As long as work occurs within a hierarchical structure, it can never be deemed just, no matter what policies are implemented to improve it.

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21671:Universal-Basic-Income-and-Minimum-Wages%3A-Progressive-or-Regressive%3F

Detained Refugees Protest for 100 Days at Indonesia’s Balikpapan Detention Center
After Ehsanullah Sahil fled Afghanistan to escape the Taliban, Indonesia incarcerated him for over three years with no end in sight

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21512:Detained-Refugees-Protest-for-100-Days-at-Indonesia%27s-Balikpapan-Detention-Center

China’s Embrace Of An Intellectual Property System Imposed On It By The United States
The two biggest scientific powers, the U.S. & China, need to rethink the world’s intellectual property-based innovation system to safeguard citizen interests or else this privatization of technology, an arms race mentality in science, will produce a dark, dystopian future none of us really want explains Peter Drahos

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21683:China%27s-Embrace-Of-An-Intellectual-Property-System-Imposed-On-It-By-The-United-States
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
T-Mobile/Sprint Merger: Higher Prices, Fewer Jobs, More Privacy Invasions

http://www.accuracy.org/release/t-mobile-sprint-merger-higher-prices-fewer-jobs-more-privacy-invasions
—

FAIR
As Israel Kills Dozens and Maims Thousands, Palestinian ‘Violence’ Under Media Microscope
by Gregory Shupak

https://fair.org/home/as-israel-kills-dozens-and-maims-thousands-palestinian-violence-under-media-microscope

NYT Examines How History Impacts Korean Talks–but Its Own Memory Is Fuzzy
by Jim Naureckas

https://fair.org/slider/nyt-examines-how-history-impacts-korean-talks-but-its-own-memory-is-fuzzy
—

Democracy Now!
Web Bonus: Alejandra Pablos on Being Targeted & Detained by ICE for Her Activism

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/27/web_bonus_alejandra_pablos_on_being

Tim Shorrock on North Korea Nuclear Deal: Will the U.S. Drop Sanctions & Economic Embargo?

*Could peace in Korea be cover for “fire and fury” aimed at Iran?

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/30/tim_shorrock_on_north_korea_nuclear

Champion for Black Power & All the Oppressed: Dr. Cone, Founder of Black Liberation Theology, Dies

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/30/champion_for_black_power_all_the
—

Saturated fat and added sugars aren’t doing your midsection any favors
Think fat is fat and carbs are carbs? Think again.
by Caitlin Dow
Nutrition Action

https://www.nutritionaction.com/daily/diet-and-weight-loss/saturated-fat-and-added-sugars-arent-doing-your-midsection-any-favors

4.27

In ‘Huge Win for Pollinators, People, and the Planet,’ EU Bans Bee-Killing Pesticides
“Authorizing neonicotinoids during a quarter of a century was a mistake and led to an environmental disaster. Today’s vote is historic.”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/04/27/huge-win-pollinators-people-and-planet-eu-bans-bee-killing-pesticides

In “Cruel Public Policy Experiment,” Trump’s DHS Wants to “Protect” Immigrant Children By Arresting Their Parents
A new proposal would treat parents as “nefarious actors,” leading asylum experts to decry the psychological toll on parents and children
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/04/27/cruel-public-policy-experiment-trumps-dhs-wants-protect-immigrant-children-arresting
—

Charlie Rose, #MeToo and the Eternal Possibility of White, Male Redemption
“You committed sexual assault? No problem! Let’s give you a TV show to talk about it!”
by Christian Christensen

*The sickly scent of smelling like a Rose

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/04/27/charlie-rose-metoo-and-eternal-possibility-white-male-redemption
–

Geopolitics magnify sustained political violence in Balochistan
by James M. Dorsey

http://therealnews.com/t2/component/content/article/473-james-m-dorsey/3569-geopolitics-magnify-sustained-political-violence-in-balochistan
—

Global Justice Now
Trade Threat is Reason to Join Trump Protests, Say Campaigners

*No red carpet for the oranged ogre

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/04/27/trade-threat-reason-join-trump-protests-say-campaigners
—

The Real News Network
Israel’s Massacres of Gaza Protesters Forces Liberal Zionists to Face Oppressive Reality
As Natalie Portman refuses to attend an award ceremony in Israel, journalist Ali Abunimah says liberal Zionists are increasingly unable to ignore the brutal oppression of Palestinians

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21668:Israel%27s-Massacres-of-Gaza-Protesters-Forces-Liberal-Zionists-to-Face-Oppressive-Reality

Green Party’s Jill Stein: Russiagate Being Exploited to Repress Leftist Opposition
Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein has completed turning over her campaign materials to the Senate Intelligence Committee, and warns Russiagate is being used to silent dissent

*Of course there’s “collusion”, writ large

And you can’t expect a corpress that’s a party to it to expose it, can you?

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21675:Green-Party%27s-Jill-Stein%3A-Russiagate-Being-Exploited-to-Repress-Leftist-Opposition
—

FAIR
The Real Reason Social Media Makes Hollywood So Nervous
by J.F. Sargent

https://fair.org/home/the-real-reason-social-media-makes-hollywood-so-nervous
—

Democracy Now!
Arizona Reproductive Justice Activist, Now Free from ICE Jail, Says She Was Targeted for Activism

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/25/arizona_reproductive_justice_activist_now_free

4.26

‘Nothing More That Can Be Said,’ Warns Famed Social Scientist, Humanity ‘Doomed’ by Capitalism and Fossil Fuels
“What legacies are we leaving for future generations?” asks the influential expert. “In the early 21st century, we did as good as nothing in response to climate change. Our children and grandchildren are going to be extraordinarily critical.”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*The “art of the possible” will paint us into a apocalyptic corner

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/04/26/nothing-more-can-be-said-warns-famed-social-scientist-humanity-doomed-capitalism-and

The Environmental Danger of Outdoor Cats
by Matthew Wills
JSTOR Daily

*Cat astrophe

https://daily.jstor.org/environmental-danger-outdoor-cats
—

Donald Trump and the Next Big Crash
Making the Fed an instrument for disaster
by Nomi Prins

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/04/26/donald-trump-and-next-big-crash
—

Earthjustice
Pipeline Construction Races Forward in the Atchafalaya Basin Ahead of Hearing
Bayou Bridge pipeline causes further irreparable harm during peak crawfish season

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/04/26/pipeline-construction-races-forward-atchafalaya-basin-ahead-hearing

MADRE
International Letter Demands Freedom for Sara Quiñonez and Tulia Maris Valencia

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/04/26/international-letter-demands-freedom-sara-quinonez-and-tulia-maris-valencia
—

The Real News Network
UK’s ‘Windrush Scandal’ Makes Countless Long-Time Immigrants Undocumented
Tens to hundreds of thousands of immigrants from the Caribbean, living in the UK for decades, now face undocumented status because of a change in government policy. Dr. Clea Bourne speaks about the so-called “Windrush” scandal

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21663:UK%27s-%27Windrush-Scandal%27-Makes-Countless-Long-Time-Immigrants-Undocumented

Exclusive: Nurses Demand Johns Hopkins Halt Anti-Union Campaign
Johns Hopkins University has hired an infamous union-busting firm and now faces allegations of intimidating nurses who launched a unionization campaign

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21669:Exclusive%3A-Nurses-Demand-Johns-Hopkins-Halt-Anti-Union-Campaign

Why Pay Managers So Well, Even If They Do a Poor Job?
No matter where we look in the upper echelons of the economy – whether investment fund managers or CEOs – they keep being paid more every year, even though they are not doing their jobs any better. This is money that could go to workers, explains CEPR’s Dean Baker

*What would “doing their jobs better” mean?

Where do those higher returns or profits come from?

Baker is oft times oblivious to the contradictions of capitalism, and the pretzel logic of the profit system.

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21662:Why-Pay-Managers-So-Well%2C-Even-If-They-Do-a-Poor-Job%3F
—

Democracy Now!
Supreme Court Appears Set to Uphold Trump’s Travel Ban Targeting Muslim Nations

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/26/supreme_court_appears_set_to_uphold

Senior Democrat Caught on Tape Pressuring Progressive Congressional Candidate to Drop Out of Race

*What precisely did the DNCistas not “learn”?

To talk a better “progressive” game?

Because they sure as shootin’ aren’t gonna walk it.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/26/senior_democrat_caught_on_tape_pressuring

After Fleeing Genocide, Over Half a Million Rohingya Refugees Now Face Monsoon Season in Bangladesh

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/26/after_fleeing_genocide_a_million_rohingya

4.25

The Real News Network
Protests Against President Ortega in Nicaragua Are Broad but ‘Lack Working Class Leadership’
Several days of protests and street battles with the police in Nicaragua over a social security reform left many dead and wounded. Nicaragua analyst Dan La Botz argues the government is to blame, for having set up an authoritarian system that has led to many grievances

*Given the corpress’ collusion in Reagan’s Central American crimes, if Ortega were “a bad actor” in the US gummint’s eyes, we’d see the same vilification as is the case with Venezuela, don’t you think?

We don’t, so he ain’t.

Conversely, this is one of the only pieces on the country I’ve seen in the “alternative media”, and I have to wonder if that’s due to a blind spot, wilful or not, regarding Ortega, stemming from a long expired “revolutionary” credit card.

We are often loath to look with open eyes at the feet of clay of our former icons.

http://therealnews.com/t2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=21655%27%20style=%27color:#000;

How Central Bank Independence Led to Impunity in Latvia
Latvia’s extreme austerity and neoliberal experience has led it down the path of becoming a major hub for money laundering. Its Central Bank governor, Ilmars Rimsevics, is at the heart of the scandal, but enjoys the protection of central bank autonomy, explains former financial regulator Bill Black

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21656:How-Central-Bank-Independence-Led-to-Impunity-in-Latvia
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Behind the Trump-Macron Alignment

*Obama … Trudeau … Macron …

Pretty boys and ugly outcomes

http://www.accuracy.org/release/behind-the-trump-macron-alignment
—

FAIR
Throwing the Target of Trolls Under the Zamboni
by Minister Faust

*”Democracy Dies in Darkness”

And the corpress keeps the curtains closed

https://fair.org/home/throwing-the-target-of-trolls-under-the-zamboni
—

Democracy Now!
Texas Mother Recalls Being Forced to Bury Fetal Remains After Miscarriage in “Horrific” Ordeal

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/25/texas_mother_recalls_being_forced_to

How VP Mike Pence Enshrined Life-Threatening Catholic Hospital Religious Practices into Indiana Law

*WWJD?

Throw up

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/25/how_vp_mike_pence_enshrined_life

4.24

Fulfilling ‘Feedback Loop’ Fears, New Study Shows Melting Ice Could Spell Disaster Faster Than Previously Thought
“Trying to dismiss the idea that it has anything to do with global warming is very difficult”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/04/24/fulfilling-feedback-loop-fears-new-study-shows-melting-ice-could-spell-disaster

Report Shows Nation’s Richest—Including Trump—About to Enjoy $17 Billion Windfall Thanks to Huge Tax Loophole
“At this point, it’s just brazen”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/04/24/report-shows-nations-richest-including-trump-about-enjoy-17-billion-windfall-thanks
—

A Company Announces Its Intent to Create World’s Newest Privacy Nightmare
There would be no place where one could feel secure that someone was not monitoring and recording from the sky
by Jay Stanley

*Big Brother’s eyes widen

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/04/24/company-announces-its-intent-create-worlds-newest-privacy-nightmare
–

The Border Fetish: An Unsustainable World Managed With an Iron Fist
The U.S. frontier as a zone of profit and sacrifice
by Todd Miller

*Borderline sociopathy

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/04/24/border-fetish-unsustainable-world-managed-iron-fist
—

Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS)
EPA Falsely Deems Wood Burning for Electricity “Carbon Neutral”

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/04/24/epa-falsely-deems-wood-burning-electricity-carbon-neutral

Amnesty International – USA
Turkey: Thousands of Afghans Swept Up in Ruthless Deportation Drive

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/04/24/turkey-thousands-afghans-swept-ruthless-deportation-drive
—

The Real News Network
US City’s Ban on Police Training in Israel Builds Momentum Against Racist Violence
Durham, North Carolina’s city council banned police exchanges with Israel in a landmark vote. Jewish Voice for Peace director Rebecca Vilkomerson says this is an important step to combat police brutality, militarization, and oppression of Palestinians.

*Bestial practices

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21652:US-City%27s-Historic-Ban-on-Police-Training-in-Israel-Builds-Momentum-Against-Racist-Violence

Mexican Presidential Candidates Gang up on Frontrunner Lopez Obrador
Mexico held its first debate of the presidential campaign season. All candidates attacked leftist frontrunner Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador relentlessly, who managed to make his points without getting dragged down, says Mexico analyst John Ackerman

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21654:Mexican-Presidential-Candidates-Gang-up-on-Frontrunner-Lopez-Obrador

India’s Ruling Hindu-Nationalist Party Combines Fascism and Neoliberalism
RSS, the paramilitary wing of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, has its origins in fascism and Nazism, writer Amrit Wilson explains. And Prime Minister Narendra Modi has combined BJP’s Hindutva ideology with neoliberal capitalism

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21653:India%27s-Ruling-Hindu-Nationalist-Party-Combines-Fascism-and-Neoliberalism

Splits in the Ruling Elite Over Trump
Dr. Gerald Horne with host Paul Jay discuss the dysfunction in the American state and the divisions over the Trump presidency

*I think there’s a problem with this debate over leaving a weakened Killer Clown in office.

The bast*rd’s a criminal six ways from Sunday, and I believe the only ethical course is to treat him as such, then deal with Pence (another criminal, who will never pay for his crimes) as we should with any other mass murderer (aka POTUS)

Organize against his villainy and the system that keeps sh*tting out these sorry excuses for human beings.

(Can you believe I have to censor myself on “bast*rd” to avoid being tossed into the “Pending” pile?

Oy … )

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21640:Splits-in-the-Ruling-Elite-Over-Trump

Starbucks Teams up with ADL, Pro-Israel Group that Spied on Activists
Starbucks enlisted the Anti-Defamation League for anti-bias training. The ADL is a pro-Israel advocacy group accused of spying on Palestinians and anti-apartheid activists. Jewish Voice for Peace director Rebecca Vilkomerson says #DropTheADL

*I wonder how the NAACP and the other groups enlisted reacted to the inclusion of the ADL, and if they did react, whether that occurred before or after the pushback against it.

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21650:Starbucks-Teams-up-with-ADL%2C-Pro-Israel-Group-that-Spied-on-Activists
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
The U.S., Macron and Syria

http://www.accuracy.org/release/the-u-s-macron-and-syria
—

Democracy Now!
No End in Sight for US-Backed Yemen War as Airstrike Kills At Least 20, Including Bride, at Wedding

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/24/us_backed_saudi_airstrikes_kill_at

4.23

In Decline “Invariably of Humanity’s Making,” 1 in 8 of World’s Bird Species Threatened by Extinction
Emphasizing concerns about the man-made climate crisis, experts note that “while the report focuses on birds, its conclusions are relevant to biodiversity more generally”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/04/23/decline-invariably-humanitys-making-1-8-worlds-bird-species-threatened-extinction
—

Nobody Should Have Hog Poop on the Walls of Their Home
Rather than let the hog farms next door ruin their lives, North Carolinians are fighting back against Smithfield Foods
by Krissy Kasserman

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/04/23/nobody-should-have-hog-poop-walls-their-home
–

Far Right Groups Are Stumbling, But Their Rhetoric Is More Mainstream Than Ever
In a sense, the Republican Party has become a much more powerful instrument of white rage than the alt-right
by Juliette Legendre

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/04/23/far-right-groups-are-stumbling-their-rhetoric-more-mainstream-ever
–

How the Klan Act of 1871 is Fighting Voter Intimidation Today
“Trump has made an escalating series of statements, often racially tinged, suggesting that his supporters should go to particular precincts on Election Day and intimidate voters”
by Billy Corriher

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/04/23/how-klan-act-1871-fighting-voter-intimidation-today
–

Saudi engagement in Iraq: The exception that confirms the rule?
by James M. Dorsey

*Does Dorsey approve of the kingdom’s aims, and is merely critical of its tactics?

http://therealnews.com/t2/component/content/article/473-james-m-dorsey/3567-saudi-engagement-in-iraq-the-exception-that-confirms-the-rule
—

The Real News Network
How the Massacre in Gaza became an Opportunity to Sell Israeli Weapons
Germany’s Social Democratic Party voted to lease Israeli attack drones, even though the German military does not need them and the deal is incredibly overpriced. TRNN’s Shir Hever explains what lies behind this deal

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21646:How-the-Massacre-in-Gaza-became-an-Opportunity-to-Sell-Israeli-Weapons

Why Black Lives Don’t Matter: Q & A Session
A radical interpretation of U.S. History featuring Dr. Gerald Horne and Paul Coates

*To change our future, we must change our perception of the past

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21645:Why-Black-Lives-Don%27t-Matter%3A-Q-%26-A-Session

Trump, Corruption and the Crisis of the Global Elites
The first episode of “Unfit to Rule” examines the quagmire of corruption and political chaos affecting many governments around the world – most prominent the Mueller investigation of Trump; with Gerald Horne and host Paul Jay

*An addict never assesses the future

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21641:Trump%2C-Corruption-and-the-Crisis-of-the-Global-Elites

India’s Far-Right PM Modi Meets Protests in London
While India’s Hindu-nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi travels to Britain to sign a free trade deal, activist Amrit Wilson says the BJP government is stoking communal and sexual violence against women, Muslims, and Dalits

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21639:India%27s-Far-Right-PM-Modi-Meets-Protests-in-London

Infamous Mercenary Erik Prince Being Considered to Build Trump’s Foreign Army for Syria
Trump is asking Middle Eastern governments to build a military force to replace US troops in northeast Syria, and notorious war profiteer Erik Prince has been asked for help. Medea Benjamin says the plan is scandalous.

*Is he the Red Prince, or the Black Prince?

I suppose there’s no reason he can’t be both, and plenty that he can.

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21626:Infamous-Mercenary-Erik-Prince-Being-Considered-to-Build-Trump%27s-Foreign-Army-for-Syria

Leaders of China and Japan to Meet — Could Be a Game Changer
Dr. Gerald Horne says that Trump’s trade policies and disregard for Japanese interests might push Japan into closer relations with China, which would change the global balance of power

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21621:Leaders-of-China-and-Japan-to-Meet—-Could-Be-a-Game-Changer

Cuba has a New President: Is he ‘Fidelista’ or ‘Raulista’?
Miguel Diaz-Canel’s rise to Cuba’s presidency signifies a historic changing of the guard, as someone born after the 1959 revolution takes over. How he will deal with the twin challenges of continued US pressure and of rising inequality in Cuba is the big question

*Will the color of Cuba’s contradictions change from red to green?

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21628:Cuba-has-a-New-President%3A-Is-he-%27Fidelista%27-or-%27Raulista%27%3F

House Raid Illustrates How Baltimore Police Refuse to Take Black Residents’ Rights Seriously
An April 16 S.W.A.T. raid on a house full of grieving citizens points to how far the city is from true change or transparency
by Lisa Snowden-McCray and Brandon Soderberg

*”We had to destroy the village in order to save it” …

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21631:House-Raid-Illustrates-How-Baltimore-Police-Refuse-to-Take-Black-Residents-Rights-Seriously
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
From WikiLeaks to Whistleblowers: “Assault on Truth Telling”

*Killing the messenger

Chilling the message

http://www.accuracy.org/release/from-wikileaks-to-whistleblowers-assault-on-truth-telling
—

FAIR
MSNBC’S Creepy Comcast Commercial Is Sinclair Lite
by Adam Johnson

*Considering Mandela’s role in the creation of the current corrupt corporate control of South Africa’s gummint

Perhaps the good reverend has a point.

https://fair.org/home/msnbcs-creepy-comcast-commercial-is-sinclair-lite

Western Media Shorthand on Venezuela Conveys and Conceals So Much
by Joe Emersberger

*Taking the Hypocritic Oath

https://fair.org/home/western-media-shorthand-on-venezuela-conveys-and-conceals-so-much
—

Democracy Now!
How Black Students Helped Lead the 1968 Columbia U. Strike Against Militarism & Racism 50 Years Ago

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/23/how_black_students_helped_lead_the

4.20

‘Win for Science and Democracy’ as Court Rules California Can List Glyphosate as Probable Carcinogen
“Monsanto doesn’t get to tell California how to protect its people from dangerous chemicals or how to run the Prop 65 list”
by Andrea Germanos, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Putting the cap on Monsanto’s poison red pen

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/04/20/win-science-and-democracy-court-rules-california-can-list-glyphosate-probable

Memo Says Trump Suggested Journalists Be Raped in Jail To Make Them “Talk” and Comey Just Laughed
“Not just prison rape, but specifically sending journalists to prison with the goal of them being raped so they will give up sources”
by Jon Queally, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/04/20/memo-says-trump-suggested-journalists-be-raped-jail-make-them-talk-and-comey-just
—

Data Privacy Is a Human Right. Europe Is Moving Toward Recognizing That.
Mark Zuckerberg played dumb when Congress pressed him on privacy protections. But he should know better — the EU is already forcing his hand.
by Sarah St. Vincent

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/04/20/data-privacy-human-right-europe-moving-toward-recognizing
—

The Real News Network
Israeli Forces Kill 4 Palestinians, Injure 40 on Israel’s Independence Day
Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip continue to demonstrate even though they know they put their lives at risk because life in the “cage” that is Gaza is intolerable, says Ali Abunimah of The Electronic Intifada

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21627:Israeli-Forces-Kill-4-Palestinians%2C-Injure-40-on-Israel%27s-Independence-Day

New Student Movement Seeks to Change Hopkins from Within
A student lead group called Youth Against War and Racism is partnering with the community to lead a fight against Hopkins’ connection to government agencies like the CIA and end its role in military research

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21623:New-Student-Movement-Seeks-to-Change-Hopkins-from-Within

Korean Peninsula in Historic Peace Talks – Thanks to Activists, Not Trump
South and North Korea are considering a peace treaty after six decades of war. Simone Chun says this is the result of years of grassroots organizing and protests

*We have to be alert to the possibility that Killer Clown could blow all this up, in a fit of pique or due to a calculation that it’s in his best interest, claiming that he tried diplomacy, it failed, and now it’s back to “fire and fury”.

Place your bets …

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21613:Korean-Peninsula-in-Historic-Peace-Talks—Thanks-to-Activists%2C-Not-Trump

IMF Says 2018 Economic Outlook is Rosy, But Austerity is Still Good
The IMF just released a positive World Economic Outlook report for 2018. Still, in order to make sure that the outlook remains good, the IMF makes recommendation that would lead to recession, says CEPR’s Mark Weisbrot

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21619:IMF-Says-2018-Economic-Outlook-is-Rosy%2C-But-Austerity-is-Still-Good

Debunking the Myth of American Exceptionalism, with David Swanson
Anti-war writer and activist David Swanson discusses his new book, “Curing Exceptionalism”, and picks apart the chauvinistic idea that the United States of America is the greatest country on the planet

*Faking America Great

Again and Again and Again

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21607:Debunking-the-Myth-of-American-Exceptionalism%2C-with-David-Swanson
—

Petition
Save Mothers’ Lives by Reducing Maternal Mortality Rates in the US
by Rae Koch

https://www.change.org/p/u-s-congress-save-mothers-lives-by-reducing-maternal-mortality-rates-in-the-u-s
—

FAIR
Media Support US Violence Against Syria, but Long for More
by Gregory Shupak

*War is a farce that gives us meaning

https://fair.org/home/media-support-us-violence-against-syria-but-long-for-more

‘People Have to Strengthen the Laws Protecting the Water’
CounterSpin interview with Peggy Case on water rights
by Janine Jackson

https://fair.org/home/people-have-to-strengthen-the-laws-protecting-the-water

‘We Need to Change the Rules for When Police Can Shoot’
CounterSpin interview with Peter Bibring on excessive force law
by Janine Jackson

https://fair.org/home/we-need-to-change-the-rules-for-when-police-can-shoot

Public Radio’s McCarthyite Smear of Black Activists Shows Danger of Russia Panic
by Adam Johnson

*Guilt by assassination

https://fair.org/home/public-radios-mccarthyite-smear-of-black-activists-shows-danger-of-russia-panic
—

Democracy Now!
Earth Day 2018: Ending Plastic Pollution in the Oceans, Land & Our Bodies

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/20/earth_day_2018_ending_plastic_pollution

Web Bonus: Linda Villarosa on Black Maternal Health Crisis & America’s Hidden HIV Epidemic

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/20/web_bonus_linda_villarosa_on_black

4.19

From ‘Deeply Disappointing’ to ‘Disgusting,’ Heitkamp Draws Ire as First Democrat to Back Pompeo
Virtually ensuring Trump’s hawkish CIA director will become next secretary of state, North Dakota senator blasted for “vote she will not be proud of when she looks back on her career”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Never depend on a Democrat to do the right thing, unless it aligns with their coldly political calculus

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/04/19/deeply-disappointing-disgusting-heitkamp-draws-ire-first-democrat-back-pompeo

‘Beyond Comprehension’: In Just Two Years, Half of All Corals in ‘Forever Damaged’ Great Barrier Reef Have Died
Global warming, researchers warn, “is rapidly emerging as a universal threat to ecological integrity and function”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/04/19/beyond-comprehension-just-two-years-half-all-corals-forever-damaged-great-barrier

Facebook Wants to Be Better About Privacy, Just Not With These 1.5 Billion Users
The social media giant is changing its terms of service to put 70 percent of its users “out of reach” of the European Union’s sweeping new privacy law
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/04/19/facebook-wants-be-better-about-privacy-just-not-these-15-billion-users
—

West Virginia Teachers and the Return of Labor Feminism
In struggles led predominantly by women workers—whose labor has historically been both underpaid and undervalued—we’re seeing the return of efforts to build meaningful alternatives to corporate feminism
by Rachel Johnson

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/04/19/west-virginia-teachers-and-return-labor-feminism
—

Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR)
Mentally Ill Gitmo Detainee Seeks Medical Review
U.S. tortured him knowing history of psychosis

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/04/19/mentally-ill-gitmo-detainee-seeks-medical-review

Sierra Club
Trump’s New Ploy to Force Electricity Customers, Taxpayers to Bailout Uneconomic Coal and Nuclear Plants

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/04/19/trumps-new-ploy-force-electricity-customers-taxpayers-bailout-uneconomic-coal
—

The Real News Network
Global Warming’s Impact on Ocean Currents to Amplify Sea Level Rise
A new study shows that the Atlantic’s currents have weakened due to global warming and are closer to catastrophic collapse than any time in the last 1,600 years, which could cause rapid sea level rise on the East Coast of North America. One of the study’s lead authors explains

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21606:Global-Warming%27s-Impact-on-Ocean-Currents-to-Amplify-Sea-Level-Rise

Corbyn: Does Strike on Syria Justify Bombing Saudi Arabia over Yemen?
Leftist leader of Britain’s Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn said the US-UK-France missile strike on Syria was “legally questionable,” and its rationale could be used to justify bombing Saudi Arabia over its devastating war on Yemen

*Political courage is defined as evincing conscience, rather than calculation.

At least here, Corbyn clearly passes the test.

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21617:Corbyn%3A-Does-Strike-on-Syria-Justify-Bombing-Saudi-Arabia-over-Yemen%3F

Lopez Obrador’s Lead Widens in Mexican Presidential Race Thanks to Trump
Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s (AMLO) lead in the presidential race has been growing steadily, despite receiving attacks from Mexico’s entire establishment, explains UNAM’s John Ackerman

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21598:Lopez-Obrador%27s-Lead-Widens-in-Mexican-Presidential-Race-Thanks-to-Trump
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
AUMF “Reform”: Codifying Perpetual War?

*A blank check from barren consciences

http://www.accuracy.org/release/aumf-reform-codifying-perpetual-war
—

FAIR
NYT: Don’t Be Progressive, Be a ‘Liberal’
by Jim Naureckas

*Liberalism can be defined as doing enough to avoid doing enough

https://fair.org/home/nyt-dont-be-progressive-be-a-liberal
—

Democracy Now!
Stunning Investigation Confirms Black Mothers and Babies in the U.S. Are in a Life-or-Death Crisis

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/19/stunning_investigation_confirms_black_mothers_and

4.18

Trump’s Corporate-Friendly NAFTA 2.0 Would Be Total Climate Disaster, Report Warns
“We cannot shift to a clean energy future if a corporate trade deal tethers us to the fossil fuel past,” says lead author of new trinational report
by Andrea Germanos, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/04/18/trumps-corporate-friendly-nafta-20-would-be-total-climate-disaster-report-warns
—

The Cult of Violence Always Kills the Left
And who has all the power, in terms of violence? Our means of violence is very little. The government’s means, the right wing’s means, are very great. So, we’ve got to adopt nonviolence.
by Chris Hedges

*Isn’t a blanket rejection of force in some way similar to the advocacy of its primacy?

I think of the Deacons for Defense and other armed defense groups during the “civil rights era”. Theirs was not a quest for “self expression”, but for self preservation, which is the right of every person – to defend themselves and others, with force if necessary.

Violence is a fearsome thing, and as illustrated here, can twist idealism into a self destructive idolatry of it. Its use requires immense self discipline and self awareness as to its potentially corrosive effect.

Armed revolution is a fantasy in these here United States.

Armed defense can be a necessity.

I’ve never owned a weapon, and don’t plan to, but if I had one, and the only way I could prevent “grievous bodily harm” or death to myself or another was to use it, I don’t think I would hesitate.

I also don’t think I’d ever be the same person after doing so.

Force can never be our weapon of choice

Only our final resort.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/04/18/cult-violence-always-kills-left
—

Food & Water Watch
FDA Finds Rodent Infestation at Facility Affected by Massive Egg Recall
“This most recent Salmonella outbreak resulting in a massive recall is another example of how the ultra-consolidated factory farm system can have major consequences for food safety”

*Maybe if we got rid of the rats at the regulators …

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/04/18/fda-finds-rodent-infestation-facility-affected-massive-egg-recall
—

The Real News Network
The Perils of Being a Prosecutor and a Politician
Marilyn Mosby’s campaign office opened to both praise and protest last Saturday as she was assailed on one side by the supporters of Keith Davis Jr., who believe she is trying to wrongly imprison a man shot by police, and on the other by a former employee who believes she has allowed too many violent repeat offenders back on the streets to kill more Black men.
by Baynard Woods

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21614:The-Perils-of-Being-a-Prosecutor-and-a-Politician

Defense Stocks Soar as Trump Wages War on Syria
Defense company stocks, such as those of Raytheon, Northrup Grumman, and Boeing, rose to unprecedented levels since the beginning of the year because of Tomahawk strikes on Syria and massive arms sales to the Middle East and to the Pentagon. Bill Black talks about the the companies and their profits

*It may be true that Raytheon’s product “works” in this instance (never mind the price), but consider all the boondoggles that litter the history of military budgets, and it’s evident that decisions by “respectable generals” aren’t based solely on the efficacy of the item being proposed for purchase.

As the saying goes

War is good business

Invest your sums

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21599:Defense-Stocks-Soar-as-Trump-Wages-War-on-Syria

Philippines’ Duterte Uses ‘War on Terror’ Tactics to Crack Down on Leftists
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is violently repressing socialist and communist groups by dubbing them “terrorists,” in what ex-lawmaker Walden Bello says is a dangerous threat to democracy

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21597:Philippines%27-Duterte-Uses-%27War-on-Terror%27-Tactics-to-Crack-Down-on-Leftists

Philippines’ Drug War Kills Poor Addicts, Not Rich Dealers
Most of the thousands killed in Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s violent war on drugs have been poor addicts. Ex-lawmaker Walden Bello discusses how the middle class is the social base for far-right movements

*The Klan is the poster child for historical racist violence in the South, but the White Citizens’ Councils were “the coat and tie Klan” – the business “leaders” and “upstanding citizens” who maintained the apartheid system.

My father was a member.

This idea propagated by the corpress and the DNCistas that only working class “deplorables” or the desperate voted for Killer Clown ignores the class dynamics at play here and globally.

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21608:Philippines%27-Drug-War-Kills-Poor-Addicts%2C-Not-Rich-Dealers
—

Courage to Resist
Tell the Feds to End Draft Registration!

*No more cannon fodder for these muthas

https://couragetoresist.org/tell-feds-end-draft-registration
—

Democracy Now!
Unlimited Worldwide War: ACLU Warns Senate Against Giving Trump Blank Check to Declare War

*This is DN! – “the exception to the rulers” – at its worst.

Their guest apparently has no problem with violating international law – never mentioned here – much less the immorality and inhumanity of US aggression, as long as Congress thinks it’s okay.

No one else is invited to take exception to that view. Now, perhaps someone will appear in the coming days, but why provide an uncontested platform for this bloodless procedural posture?

It’s little wonder there are days I find nothing worth reposting from this program.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/18/unlimited_worldwide_war_aclu_warns_senate

America’s #1 Weapons Salesman: Trump Promotes U.S. Arms Manufacturers & Weakens Export Rules

*Human rights have never been “a very important part” of arms sales. There were a PR point for Dear Misleader, which Killer Clown has dispensed with.

You’d think Goodman or González might have interjected there, but perhaps that’s a dicey bet.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/18/americas_1_weapons_salesman_trump_promotes

#FreeSiwatu: Pregnant Black Detroit Activist Jailed for Standing Her Ground & Protecting Her Family

*Add “parenting while black”

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/18/freesiwatu_pregnant_black_detroit_activist_jailed

4.17

Species Threatened as Climate Crisis Pushes Mother Nature ‘Out of Synch’
In a new study showing that the timing of species’ natural events is failing to synchronize, “everything is consistent with the fact it’s getting warmer”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/04/17/species-threatened-climate-crisis-pushes-mother-nature-out-synch

California Democrats Under Fire for Siding With Telecom Lobbyists Against Net Neutrality Bill
Advocates warn that state lawmakers are now “calling for giant loopholes” that would “gut” the proposed legislation
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/04/17/california-democrats-under-fire-siding-telecom-lobbyists-against-net-neutrality-bill
—

Robert Fisk’s Douma Report Rips Away Excuses for Air Strike on Syria
This report shows that there is a highly credible alternative explanation for what happened in Douma – one that needs to be investigated
by Jonathan Cook

*The ruse to judgment?

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/04/17/robert-fisks-douma-report-rips-away-excuses-air-strike-syria
–

Democrats, Too, Love Trump’s Wars
The reason Congress hasn’t sanctioned America’s perma-war is because they’re captured, with some notable exceptions, by the same national security apparatus as the past three administrations
by Adam Johnson

*Standing on the neck of principle

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/04/17/democrats-too-love-trumps-wars
–

Class Dismissed: Class Conflict and Teacher Rebellion in Red State America
Insurgent teachers are instructing us all about a tale of denial for which we’ve paid a heavy price
by Steve Fraser

*A class act

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/04/17/class-dismissed-class-conflict-and-teacher-rebellion-red-state-america
–

Where on Earth is the Just Economy That Works for All, Including Afghan Children?
by Dr. Hakim Young

http://vcnv.org/2018/04/17/dr-hakim-where-on-earth-is-the-just-economy-that-works-for-all-including-afghan-children
–

The Art of Avoiding Definitions: A Review of Trans*: A Quick and Quirky Account of Gender Variability
by Robert Jensen

http://www.feministcurrent.com/2018/04/16/art-avoiding-definitions-review-trans-quick-quirky-account-gender-variability
—

The Real News Network
Activists Offer Palestinian and Kurdish Solidarity
A rally in Baltimore unpacked the complexities of Palestine and Kurdistan and connected the two to the larger global freedom struggle for self-determination
by Brandon Soderberg

*Is the enemy of my enemy also the enemy of my friend?

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21609:Activists-Offer-Palestinian-and-Kurdish-Solidarity

Senior Bernie Advisor says “Bullshit” to Cuomo Campaign Claim It’s “Lockstep” with Sanders
Our election panel, hosted by Paul Jay, responds to NY Daily News report that Bernie Sanders was not endorsing progressive challenger Cynthia Nixon in her run to unseat Gov. Cuomo of New York; with Justice Democrats Alexandra Rojas, Moumita Ahmed of Millennials for Revolution and Eugene Puryear of Stop Police Terror Project-DC

*Maybe we should stop talking about “fine lines”, and start drawing red lines and asking “Which side are you on”?

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21602:Senior-Bernie-Advisor-says-%22Bullshit%22-to-Cuomo-Campaign-Claim-It%27s-%22Lockstep%22-with-Sanders
—

RootsAction
Former Marine Corps Captain Matthew Hoh: Veterans’ Suicides Are Caused by Guilt, Not by PTSD

*Guilt by assassination

https://salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/6503/p/salsa/donation/common/public/?donate_page_KEY=11801
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Syria Attack: Seeing Through the Propaganda

http://www.accuracy.org/release/syria-attack-seeing-through-the-propaganda
—

Democracy Now!
Trump’s Legal Worries Grow as Judge Rejects Effort for President to Review Docs Seized in FBI Raid

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/17/trumps_legal_worries_grow_as_judge

Deadliest U.S. Prison Riot in 25 Years Shines Light on Inhumane Conditions in Prisons Across Nation

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/17/deadliest_us_prison_riot_in_25

4.16

As GOP Spends Big Money Trying to Make Corporate Tax Cut Popular, New Poll Shows Most Americans Still Smart Enough to Hate It
“Republicans are going to throw more money and air time to try to make their tax bill popular. But so far, at least, voters have somehow figured out that a giveaway to wealthy corporations is not in their best interests.”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*And if you had an MSM that trafficked in facts rather than faux “balance”, that ratio would be far larger, wouldn’t it just?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/04/16/gop-spends-big-money-trying-make-corporate-tax-cut-popular-new-poll-shows-most

‘Underestimating the Opposition,’ Trudeau Doubles Down on Kinder Morgan Pipeline Push
“We will not be bought and we will block this pipeline,” one Indigenous leader responded
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Trudeau and consequences

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/04/16/underestimating-opposition-trudeau-doubles-down-kinder-morgan-pipeline-push
—

Gunning Down the Easter Bunny: On the Weaponization of Everyday Life
Growing up with the threat of pervasive violence
by Frida Berrigan

*In this gun soaked society

The safety is always off

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/04/16/gunning-down-easter-bunny-weaponization-everyday-life
–

Climate Change and the Struggle Against the Kinder Morgan Pipeline
by Socialist Project

http://therealnews.com/t2/component/content/article/364-socialist-project/3560-climate-change-and-the-struggle-against-the-kinder-morgan-pipeline
–

Missile Attack on Syria Is a Salute to “Russiagate” Enthusiasts — Whether They Like It or Not
by Norman Solomon

*War and “appeasement”

http://therealnews.com/t2/component/content/article/185-more-blog-posts-from-norman-solomon/3561-missile-attack-on-syria-is-a-salute-to-russiagate-enthusiasts-whether-they-like-it-or-not-
–

Rolling back militancy: Bangladesh looks to Saudi in a twist of irony
by James M. Dorsey

*What bin Salman is “sincere” in is propagating a PR campaign to position his regime as the “modernizing” force within global Islam, as it seeks dominance among Muslims in the Middle East, and the advance of its alliance with the West and Israel against Iran.

http://therealnews.com/t2/component/content/article/473-james-m-dorsey/3559-rolling-back-militancy-bangladesh-looks-to-saudi-in-a-twist-of-irony
–

Turning Qatar into an Island: Saudi cuts off its nose to spite its face
by James M. Dorsey

http://therealnews.com/t2/component/content/article/473-james-m-dorsey/3557-turning-qatar-into-an-island-saudi-cuts-off-its-nose-to-spite-its-face
–

The Rise, Fall, and Rise Again of the Politics of Middle Eastern Soccer
by James M. Dorsey

http://therealnews.com/t2/component/content/article/473-james-m-dorsey/3554-the-rise-fall-and-rise-again-of-the-politics-of-middle-eastern-soccer
—

The Real News Network
France Joins US in a ‘Poker Game,’ Targeting Iran and Hezbollah
Algerian journalist Akram Belkaïd says France is joining the US in Syria to assert its imperial power, even as the war winds down

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21592:France-Joins-US-in-a-%27Poker-Game%2C%27-Targeting-Iran-and-Hezbollah

Starbucks and the Criminalization of Blackness
“Criminalization of blackness” is at the root of the arrest, where Blacks who do things that whites do all the time is considered a reason for arrest, explains Eugene Puryear of the D.C. Movement for Black Lives

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21595:Starbucks-and-the-Criminalization-of-Blackness

Bolivia’s Ex-President Sanchez de Lozada Convicted in US Court for Human Rights Abuses
In a milestone decision, a Florida court ruled that Bolivia’s ex-President Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada (aka Goni) is liable for civilian deaths during his presidency when he ordered protests to be repressed

http://therealnews.com/t2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=21590

The Complex History and Relations of the Kurdish YPG, Syria, and US
Turkish-Kurdish journalist Ali Ornek discusses the history of the PKK, Turkey’s brutally violent repression of the Kurds, and the complex relations between the YPG, Syria, and US

*Hopefully you can get something out of this, because the language barrier was too much for me to surmount.

http://therealnews.com/t2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=21539%27%20style=%27color:#000;

OECD Advises Countries to Curb Extreme Inequality
Economist Michael Roberts says the change of tone within the OECD is interesting, but there are no takers ready to implement an estate taxes to reduce inequality

*The climate change analogy is spot on. Any sensible member of the exploiter class has to realize this threatens their position (an end to a livable world has that effect), yet their addiction to greed and power prevents them from taking measures to truly address it.

Likewise, the wealth chasm will lead to an unlivable world for the billions outside their gates, and those gates will not hold against their rage.

Of course, these two factors intertwine, sewing the seeds for either a fearsome future, or one that, while still fraught, will find humanity finally able to see the link between our better angels, and our best interest.

If you got a god, pray hard for the latter.

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21570:OECD-Advises-Countries-to-Curb-Extreme-Inequality
—

Petition
No more kids with cancer: clean up the Santa Susana Field Lab
by Melissa Bumstead

https://www.change.org/p/no-more-kids-with-cancer-clean-up-the-santa-susana-field-lab
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Claims about Syria Attack “Unraveling”

*Was this the real “mission”

And if so, with corpress compliance, will it be “accomplished”?

http://www.accuracy.org/release/claims-about-syria-attack-unraveling
—

Democracy Now!
Gaza: Palestinians Continue “Great March of Return” Protests for Third Straight Week

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/16/gaza_palestinians_continue_great_march_of
—

Nutrition Action
Does ginger help nausea?

https://www.nutritionaction.com/daily/dietary-supplements/does-ginger-help-nausea

4.13

Denouncing Rush to War, Corbyn Calls for Peace Talks and ‘Withdrawal of All Foreign Forces’ From Syria
“Further U.K. military intervention in Syria’s appalling multi-sided war risks escalating an already devastating conflict”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Can you imagine a Democratic Party “leader” following Corbyn’s lead?

Are you off your meds?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/04/13/denouncing-rush-war-corbyn-calls-peace-talks-and-withdrawal-all-foreign-forces-syria
–

The Trump Tax Cuts Should be Repealed, Not Made Even Worse by Making Individual Tax Cuts Permanent
The corporate tax cuts flow entirely to shareholders — and the top 1 percent holds 40 percent of total stocks
by Hunter Blair

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/04/13/trump-tax-cuts-should-be-repealed-not-made-even-worse-making-individual-tax-cuts
—

Earthjustice
Lawmakers Approve Bill Allowing NJ Renters, Apartment-Dwellers to Access Solar Power
‘Low-income communities must be allowed to benefit from clean energy solutions’

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/04/13/lawmakers-approve-bill-allowing-nj-renters-apartment-dwellers-access-solar-power
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
* Inspectors in Syria * Resisting Illegal Orders

*The true meaning of “duty and honor”

http://www.accuracy.org/release/inspectors-in-syria-resisting-illegal-orders
—

Democracy Now!
Syrian Researcher: Focus on Alleged Chemical Attack Ignores War’s Ongoing Deaths by Airstrikes, Bullets

*”Kol khara” to all the killers

Al-Saadi empirically expands on that sentiment, and it’s imperative that we hear his perspective.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/13/syrian_researcher_focus_on_alleged_chemical

As Trump Reconsiders TPP Stance, Fair Trade Advocates Say Real Fight Is over NAFTA Renegotiation

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/13/as_trump_reconsiders_tpp_stance_fair

Nearly 4 People Are Evicted Every Minute: New Project Tracks U.S. Eviction Epidemic & Effects

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/13/nearly_4_people_are_evicted_every

4.12

‘Should Be a No-Brainer’: Progressives Urge Democrats to Muster Guts to Block Pompeo
“Democrats—who have spent a full year re-branding themselves as the resistance to Trump—have the power to stop this Trump nominee. Will they?”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*They may have a brain

It’s certain they have no heart

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/04/12/should-be-no-brainer-progressives-urge-democrats-muster-guts-block-pompeo

Group Beloved by Betsy Devos and Koch Brothers Launches Counter-Attack Against Teacher Rebellion
In anti-labor messaging guide, State Policy Network acknowledges teachers are underpaid but urges anti-labor groups to fight their calls for fair wages
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*She couldn’t turn loose her brother’s former “freedom fighters” on ’em

So she’ll have to settle for this.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/04/12/group-beloved-betsy-devos-and-koch-brothers-launches-counter-attack-against-teacher
—

Lynchings Past And Present
This buried history of power and dehumanization is still living, still present in our world, still killing African-Americans and others
by Robert C. Koehler

*Strange fruit from a poisoned orchard

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/04/12/lynchings-past-and-present
—

Ready, Set, Go!
New Zealand joins the growing club of first movers tackling fossil fuel production! Who will be next?
by Hannah McKinnon

*Will Brown go green?

Not a wager I’d place my wampum on.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/04/12/ready-set-go
—

Food & Water Watch
Enbridge Blunder Proves Line 5 Solutions a Sham: Time to Shut It Down

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/04/12/enbridge-blunder-proves-line-5-solutions-sham-time-shut-it-down

Center for Biological Diversity
Unprecedented Farm Bill Provision Allows EPA to OK Pesticides Without Looking at Harm to Endangered Species
Proposal follows urging from Dow, $11 million in campaign spending

*A poisoning pen

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/04/12/unprecedented-farm-bill-provision-allows-epa-ok-pesticides-without-looking-harm
—

The Real News Network
Canadian Journalists for Free Expression Fights for Survival After Denouncing Israel’s Land Day Killings
CJFE’s Kevin Metcalf tells the Real News he was placed on paid leave after he drafted a statement condemning Israel’s Land Day killings

*Cravenness has a distinct aroma to it that no amount of rationalization can eradicate.

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21563:Canadian-Journalists-for-Free-Expression-Fights-for-Survival-After-Denouncing-Israel%27s-Land-Day-

Why is Israel so Threatened by Unarmed Gaza Protesters?
Despite the mounting Palestinian death toll, mass protests continue in the Gaza Strip. Why is Israel using lethal force on unarmed protesters? TRNN’s Shir Hever explains why nonviolent protest is infuriating the Israeli government

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21550:Why-is-Israel-so-Threatened-by-Unarmed-Gaza-Protesters%3F-%28Part-12%29
—

FAIR
Major Papers Urge Trump to Kill Syrians, Risk World War III
by Gregory Shupak

*The corpress never met a war it didn’t hike

https://fair.org/home/major-papers-urge-trump-to-kill-syrians-risk-world-war-iii

4.11

Showing They ‘Learned Nothing’ From Iraq, Corporate Media Help Beat War Drums for Trump Attack on Syria
“Pundits and the media are making John Bolton’s wildest dreams come true: in his first week on the job, everyone is calling for a new war”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Oh, they learned something.

They learned that their cowardice and complicity never comes with consequences

Thus déjà vu all over again

And again

And again …

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/04/11/showing-they-learned-nothing-iraq-corporate-media-help-beat-war-drums-trump-attack
—

What Teacher Strikes Can Teach Democrats About Education Politics
Not only have Democratic party leaders ignored the growing discontent among teachers; they’ve been actively complicit with Republicans in spreading a false message about what’s been plaguing public education
by Jeff Bryant

*Demorats will do what they always do

Try to co-opt the message, while doing their damnedest to mute it.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/04/11/what-teacher-strikes-can-teach-democrats-about-education-politics
—

350.org
Nearly 800 Groups Give Governor Brown a Last Chance to Stand Against Fossil Fuels

*So, if he does something meaningful (or simply appears to), he’s to be applauded

After being forced to do so?

Please explain the logic in that.

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/04/11/nearly-800-groups-give-governor-brown-last-chance-stand-against-fossil-fuels
—

The Real News Network
Trudeau Panics After Trans Mountain Tar Sands Pipeline Suspended
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau convenes an emergency cabinet meeting to save Trans Mountain while Alberta Premier Rachel Notley warns of a “constitutional crisis”

*Dear Misleader may have sailed into the sunset on Richard Branson’s yacht, but his neatly sleazy spirit lives on in the Great White North.

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21556:Trudeau-Panics-After-Trans-Mountain-Tar-Sands-Pipeline-Suspended

Trump Threatens to Bomb Syria Without Any Investigation into Alleged Chemical Attack
US President Trump is preparing a military strike on the Syrian government, before the OPCW has been able to investigate the alleged chemical attack in Douma. Journalist Patrick Cockburn says the facts on the ground still are not clear.

*As the noose tenses

So does the trigger finger

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21548:Trump-Threatens-to-Bomb-Syria-Without-Any-Investigation-into-Alleged-Chemical-Attack

Major Banks Ramp Up Fossil Fuel Financing Despite Climate Crisis
A recent report, “Banking on Climate Change 2018,” finds major banks increased fossil fuel financing to $115 Billion in 2017–up 11% from the year before–even though it was the costliest year on record for climate-related disasters. We speak to lead author Alison Kirsch of the Rainforest Action Network

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21549:Major-Banks-Ramp-Up-Fossil-Fuel-Financing-Despite-Climate-Crisis

Kentucky Teachers to Hold Sick-Out Friday Despite Threats from Governor
Educators in Kentucky are fighting back against drastic cuts to their pensions and charter school expansion, says teacher Blossom Brosi

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21555:Kentucky-Teachers-to-Hold-Sick-Out-Friday-Despite-Threats-from-Governor

Do Teachers Need More Militant Unions to Win?
Union activist Lois Weiner argues the recent wave of teacher revolts were sparked by rank-and-file teachers who refused to accept the status quo

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21554:Do-Teachers-Need-More-Militant-Unions-to-Win%3F
—

FAIR
Media’s Linguistic Gymnastics Mislead on Gaza Protests
by Gregory Shupak

*Protesters aren’t the only ones blowing smoke

https://fair.org/home/medias-linguistic-gymnastics-mislead-on-gaza-protests
—

Democracy Now!
Web Bonus: How “Vulture” Hedge Funds Are Killing Off the Newspaper Industry

*There’s a disconnect here between the ideal of local journalism and its reality.

Certainly there’s solid work done (even the AP on the national level occasionally can claim same), but to take the example of my local rag, the Walker … um, Wisconsin … State Journal out of Madison, its fealty to the status quo and its exclusion of truly alternative voices and perspectives surely mirrors the situation nationwide.

In striving to save local papers, we must also struggle to make them worthy of that effort.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/11/web_bonus_how_vulture_hedge_funds

“Facebook Doesn’t Sell Your Data. It Sells You”: Zeynep Tufekci on How Company’s Profit Really Works

*If we’re going to control artificial intelligence

We better start showing some of the actual variety

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/11/facebook_doesnt_sell_your_data_it

How Facebook Played “Instrumental” Role in Rise of Burma’s Ethnic Cleansing Campaign of Rohingya

*What Facebook is responsible for in Burma is a case of criminal negligence, and that’s a … crime, innit?

Of course, it’s a giant corp, so the Republicans won’t do anything

And it’s a giant corp with visceral ties to Democrats, so they won’t do diddley.

So people die …

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/11/how_facebook_played_instrumental_role_in

ACLU: Facebook Has to Do Much More to Stop Housing & Job Discrimination on Platform

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/11/aclu_facebook_has_to_do_much

Amid Privacy Scandal, Is Facebook Profiting off Data from Children & Teens?

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/11/amid_facebooks_privacy_scandal_growing_concern

4.10

As Progressives Nationwide Urgently Mobilize to Block Pompeo, Hillary Clinton Reportedly Gave Him ‘Advice’
“Why is Clinton even taking a call from such a monstrous person?”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Madame Mayhem meets Monsieur Malevolence

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/04/10/progressives-nationwide-urgently-mobilize-block-pompeo-hillary-clinton-reportedly
—

Do U.S. Oligarchs Exist? Not in Mainstream Media
Word choice is revealing when one considers an indisputable fact: U.S. oligarchs have done far more to undermine U.S. democracy than any Russian ever could
by Jeff Cohen

*Oligarchy is as American as Apple’s prodigious pie

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/04/10/do-us-oligarchs-exist-not-mainstream-media
–

That $4,000 Raise Donald Trump and Paul Ryan Promised You Was a Trickle-Down Lie
Take it from a rich business guy, we only give out raises when we have to. Don’t count on that $4,000 Donald Trump & Paul Ryan promised from tax cuts.
by Nick Hanauer

*Take a whiff of that trickle

And yes, “you can fire all those lying politicians”

But please have a clear eyed view of who you’d be “hiring” to replace them.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/04/10/4000-raise-donald-trump-and-paul-ryan-promised-you-was-trickle-down-lie
–

The Missing Link in the Gun Debate
by Greta Zarro

*Whizzing bullets in the whirlwind

http://therealnews.com/t2/component/content/article/770-greta-zarro/3552-the-missing-link-in-the-gun-debate
—

The Real News Network
Israel Massacres Unarmed Gaza Protesters Again as International Community Shrugs
The Israeli military massacred unarmed Palestinian protesters on the Gaza border for the second week in a row, and journalist Ali Abunimah says Israel has been granted “total impunity” on the global stage

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21546:Israel-Massacres-Unarmed-Gaza-Protesters-Again-as-International-Community-Shrugs

Super Victory for the Far-Right in Hungary
Viktor Orban’s far-right Fidesz party won reelection with a two-thirds majority in parliament, allowing him to change the constitution in line with his anti-immigrant platform. Benjamin Novak of the Budapest Beacon analyzes the result

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21538:Super-Victory-for-the-Far-Right-in-Hungary

UN Declared Humanitarian Crisis in the DRC, President Kabila Rejects Aid
President Joseph Kabila insists that there is no humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo, even as millions of children starve. Kabila “doesn’t want anything to reinforce what is widely understood: that the instability in the country is caused in large part by his refusal to step down from power,” says Friends of the Congo’s Maurice Carney

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21535:UN-Declared-Humanitarian-Crisis-in-the-DRC%2C-President-Kabila-Rejects-Aid

Maryland Passes Watered Down Moratorium on Water Liens
A bill sponsored by Senator Barbara Robinson was fast-tracked through the General Assembly on Monday, but activists say the legislation was stripped down
by Dharna Noor

*”Reform” is most often spelled with a “D”

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21543:Maryland-Passes-Watered-Down-Moratorium-on-Water-Liens
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Attacking Syria “Impeachable”

http://www.accuracy.org/release/attacking-syria-impeachable
—

FAIR
Who Will Take on the 21st Century Tech and Media Monopolies?
by Justin Anderson

*We’re talking serious Monopoly money

https://fair.org/home/who-will-take-on-the-21st-century-tech-and-media-monopolies
—

Democracy Now!
Trump Slams FBI & AG Jeff Sessions After Agents Raid Home & Office of His Attorney, Michael Cohen

*Would it be simplistic of me to suggest that Killer Clown, smelling the shit about to hit the fan, will go “Fire and Fury” in Syria and possibly elsewhere to imbue himself with “Presidentialismo”, resulting in the corpress and political class snapping to salute The Commander in Chief ™?

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/10/trump_slams_fbi_ag_jeff_sessions

“A Very Dangerous Moment”: Trump Threatens to Strike Syria as Warmonger John Bolton Joins Cabinet

*Bennis doesn’t deem it simplistic, does she?

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/10/a_very_dangerous_moment_trump_threatens

Is “Sorry” Enough? Facebook Built Empire on Harvesting Personal Information with Little Oversight

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/10/is_sorry_enough_facebook_built_empire

Denver Post Revolts Against Its “Vulture” Hedge-Fund Owner & Demands 126-Year-Old Newspaper Be Saved

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/10/denver_post_revolts_against_its_vulture

4.9

Warning of ‘Serious Consequences’ If US Attacks Syria, Russian Says Chemical Attack Possible False Flag Operation
“It is necessary to warn again that military intervention under invented and fabricated pretexts in Syria… is absolutely unacceptable and can lead to the most serious consequences,” said the Russian Foreign Minister’s office
by Jon Queally, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/04/09/warning-serious-consequences-if-us-attacks-syria-russian-says-chemical-attack

As Oklahoma Teachers’ Strike Enters Second Week, Education Supporters Pack State Capitol to Capacity
“We aren’t going to shut up, we aren’t done…We are ready to fight for our kids for the long haul”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*You know she’s dying to sic her brother’s erstwhile storm troopers on them, don’t you just?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/04/09/oklahoma-teachers-strike-enters-second-week-education-supporters-pack-state-capitol
—

Bills to Ban Local Soda Taxes Are Moving in the States
Coke and Pepsi Borrow from the Tobacco Playbook
by Mary Bottari
Center for Media and Democracy

*Sickly sweet

https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2018/03/28/bills-ban-local-soda-taxes-moving-states-coke-pepsi-borrow-tobacco-playbook

Soda Money Flows into Cook County Races, but Comes Up Flat
by David Armiak
Center for Media and Democracy

https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2018/03/29/soda-money-flows-cook-county-races-comes-flat
—

Teachers and Students Walkout: Call Bullshit on Apartheid Schools in the Nation’s Capital
Washington, D.C.’s public school system is just one example of how the impacts of racial segregation in our schools have been ignored
by Abel McDaniels

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/04/09/teachers-and-students-walkout-call-bullshit-apartheid-schools-nations-capital
–

Three More Reasons for Wealth-Deprived Americans to Take to the Streets
Nearly 15 percent of our nation’s total household wealth — $14 trillion! — has been transfered from middle-class America to people with an average net worth of $75 million
by Paul Buchheit

*America

The land of opportunism

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/04/09/three-more-reasons-wealth-deprived-americans-take-streets
–

Thousands of Hearts and Minds
by Ed Kinane

http://vcnv.org/2018/04/07/thousands-of-hearts-and-minds-ed-kinane
–

Remembering Syria: Iran struggles with potentially explosive environmental crisis
by James M. Dorsey

http://therealnews.com/t2/component/content/article/473-james-m-dorsey/3551-remembering-syria-iran-struggles-with-potentially-explosive-environmental-crisis
—

The Real News Network
US Occupying Oil-Rich Areas in North Syria to Choke Damascus
Turkish-Kurdish journalist Ali Ornek says the United States is keeping a military presence in SDF/YPG-held areas in northern Syria to starve the government in Damascus of revenue needed to rebuild

*I’d really like to better understand this complex situation, but Ornek’s lack of fluency in English (not a criticism – just a fact) combined with TRNN’s chronically poor transcription (“under the control of candy not of Iraq” … ?) is a true hindrance in accomplishing that objective.

I understand that funding is an issue, but efficacious translation and transcription is essential in segments of this nature, don’t you think?

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21530:US-Occupying-Oil-Rich-Areas-in-North-Syria-to-Choke-Damascus

French Austerity Program Provokes Growing Wave of Worker and Student Strikes
University students and railroad and airline workers are escalating protests and strikes in France against President Macron’s austerity plans

*C’est la guerre

Contre l’austérité

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21529:French-Austerity-Program-Provokes-Growing-Wave-of-Worker-and-Student-Strikes
—

Brave New Films
Immigrant Stories: Doctors and Nurses

*A sickness of the soul

https://www.facebook.com/unlikelysource/posts/1672783132810122
—

Petition
Tell the EPA NO Genetically Modified Mosquitoes!
by Mila de Mier

*Kill this buzz

https://www.change.org/p/tell-the-epa-no-to-gmo-mosquitoes
—

Democracy Now!
Glenn Greenwald on Syria: U.S. & Israel Revving Up War Machine Won’t Help Suffering Syrian Civilians

*I largely agree with Greenwald’s take, except that I still am agnostic on Assad’s use of chemical weapons, at least in the more recent period, in that we have to consider the sources of these accusations, as well as just what he would gain from their use, and just what he might lose from the backlash against it.

What is certain is that he’s a mass murderer, whatever weapons he employs, and that the fingers of the nations pointed at him are just as bloody.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/9/glenn_greenwald_on_syria_us_israel

Glenn Greenwald: Brazil’s Right Wing Jailed Ex-President Lula Because They Couldn’t Win at the Polls

*It’s very rare to hear someone actually attempt to place “icons” such as Lula, or Chávez – or Mandela – in context, to list their contradictions along with their credits, and I commend Greenwald for doing so, as well as criticize others who abjure from same.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/9/glenn_greenwald_brazils_right_wing_jailed

“Apartheid, Rogue, Terrorist State”: Glenn Greenwald on Israel’s Murder of Gaza Protesters, Reporter

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/9/apartheid_rogue_terrorist_state_glenn_greenwald

4.6

‘Callously Indifferent’ BP Argued Oil Spills Would Provide ‘Welcome Boost’ to Coastal Economy
Six years after the deadly Deepwater Horizon spill, oil giant claimed such disasters were “socially acceptable”
by Julia Conley, staff writer

*”Think of it this way

If one of your kids dies, that’s a boon to your family budget.”

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/04/06/callously-indifferent-bp-argued-oil-spills-would-provide-welcome-boost-coastal

Huge Surge in Political Activism, Engagement Has Direct Ties to Trump Presidency, Poll Finds
Nearly 20 percent of those who have attended a demonstration since Trump’s election had never protested before
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*When it comes to militarism/imperialism, Phil Ochs’ lyrics ring ironically true

“I ain’t marching anymore”

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/04/06/huge-surge-political-activism-engagement-has-direct-ties-trump-presidency-poll-finds

In Display of ‘Actual Sociopathy,’ Trump Reportedly Asked CIA Why Drone Didn’t Also Kill Target’s Family
The question came as civilian casualties have reached “unprecedented” heights during Trump’s presidency
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Killer Clown’s circus of death

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/04/06/display-actual-sociopathy-trump-reportedly-asked-cia-why-drone-didnt-also-kill
—

Israel’s systematic violence against Palestinian women
by Greg Shupak

http://therealnews.com/t2/component/content/article/769-greg-shupak/3550-israels-systematic-violence-against-palestinian-women
—

The Real News Network
Under Threat of Military Coup, Brazil’s Supreme Court Sends Lula to Prison
The Supreme Court’s 5-6 ruling, which requires presidential frontrunner Lula da Silva to begin serving his 12-year sentence immediately, is “one more in a series of blows against Brazilian democracy,” says Brazil Wire’s Brian Mier

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21503:Under-Threat-of-Military-Coup%2C-Brazil%27s-Supreme-Court-Sends-Lula-to-Prison

Louisiana Bill Aims To Hypercriminalize Pipeline Protests (1/2)
Civil rights lawyer Bill Quigley says that the legislation is driven by private oil companies who want to clamp down on environmental activists’ First Amendment rights and preserve profits derived at the expense of communities of color

*The protest to prison pipeline

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21501:Louisiana-Bill-Aims-To-Hypercriminalize-Pipeline-Protests-%2812%29

Louisiana Bill To Hypercriminalize Pipeline Protests Is “Backfiring”
In Part Two, civil rights lawyer Bill Quigley says the bill is meant to intimidate protesters, but “it’s not going to stop the people who are really dedicated”

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21524:Louisiana-Bill-To-Hypercriminalize-Pipeline-Protests-Is-%22Backfiring%22

How Blue-State Democrats Continually Beat Back Reform
As part of TRNN’s in-depth coverage of the legislative session in Maryland’s state capital, we take a quick tally of all the reform proposals that didn’t even get a vote this year

*A “blue wave” drowning progress

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21506:How-Blue-State-Democrats-Continually-Beat-Back-Reform

Chelsea Manning On Nazis, the Surveillance State, and Running For Senate
The whistleblower and transgender activist Chelsea Manning discusses Senator Ben Cardin, fighting Nazis without resorting to police, and making mistakes like going to an alt-right party

*Manning certainly goes beyond the Sandersista rhetoric, and I’ll be interested to see how they react to her campaign.

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21517:Chelsea-Manning-On-Nazis%2C-the-Surveillance-State%2C-and-Running-For-Senate
—

Petition
Color Of Change
Demand DA Merriwether drop all charges against Charlotte Uprising activists Glo and Rayquan

https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/Protect_Charlotte_Uprising_Protestors

RootsAction
Pass the GRACE Act

https://act.rootsaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=13326
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Israel Shooting Palestinian Protesters and the Gaza “Conspiracy of Silence”

http://www.accuracy.org/release/israel-shooting-palestinian-protesters-and-the-gaza-conspiracy-of-silence
—

Democracy Now!
How Iona Craig Exposed the White House Lie About 2017 SEAL Raid That Killed Yemeni Women & Children

*I could have done without Craig making excuses for the lack of corpress coverage.

She did her job. They could, too

If that was truly their intent.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/6/how_iona_craig_exposed_the_white

Judge Suspends Release of Herman Bell, Elderly Black Panther Jailed 45 Years, Amid Police Pressure

*When push comes to shove on cops and crime, Dems like de Blasio always keel over

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/6/judge_suspends_release_of_herman_bell

Judge Halts Release of Herman Bell Despite NY’s Attempts to Parole More Low-Risk, Elderly Prisoners

*The convicted can change

The cops never will

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/6/judge_halts_release_of_herman_bell

How Big Wireless War-Gamed the Science on Risks, While Making Customers Addicted to Their Phones

*Wireless

And soulless

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/5/how_big_wireless_war_gamed_the

4.5

50+ Artificial Intelligence Scholars Launch Boycott of University Over Fears of ‘Killer Robot’ Weapons Lab
“This is a very respected university partnering with a very ethically dubious partner that continues to violate international norms”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Despots

And “democracies”

Terrorists

And “humanitarian interventionists”

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/04/05/50-artificial-intelligence-scholars-launch-boycott-university-over-fears-killer

Study Details How IEA’s Rosy Outlook for Fossil Fuels Is Driving World Towards Climate Disaster
“The IEA provides an energy roadmap that is supposed to lead us to safety, but in fact it takes us over the cliff”
by Jon Queally, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/04/05/study-details-how-ieas-rosy-outlook-fossil-fuels-driving-world-towards-climate
—

If You Want to Kill Drug Dealers, Start with Big Pharma
Big corporations, not street dealers, are the true authors and profiteers of the opioid crisis
by Domenica Ghanem

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/04/05/if-you-want-kill-drug-dealers-start-big-pharma
–

US Shootings: Gun Industry Killing More People Overseas
In every measurable way, the U.S is head honcho of the global violence industry
by Tamara Pearson

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/04/05/us-shootings-gun-industry-killing-more-people-overseas
—

Amazon Watch
Record Environmental Judgement Moves to Ontario Superior Court in Toronto
Long running dispute between petro-giant Chevron and Ecuadorian citizens has Canadian component

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/04/05/record-environmental-judgement-moves-ontario-superior-court-toronto
—

The Real News Network
Working While Black: Black Worker Activism in the 21st Century
Executive Producer Eddie Conway speaks with Tanya Wallace-Gobern of the National Black Workers Center about educating and mobilizing the black community to fight back against workplace discrimination and exploitation

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21412:Working-While-Black%3A-Black-Worker-Activism-in-the-21st-Century
—

FAIR
Media Warn of ‘Russian Bots’—Despite Primary Source’s Disavowal
by Adam Johnson

*From “Reds under the bed”

To “Bots over the net”

https://fair.org/home/media-warn-of-russian-bots-despite-primary-sources-disavowal
—

Democracy Now!
Trump Escalates Already Deadly U.S. Border Policies, Ordering National Guard Troops to Mexico

*There’s an acerbic joke about FOX and guarding henhouses in there somewhere

But this is no laughing matter, to state the literally bleeding obvious.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/5/trump_escalates_already_deadly_us_border

Caravan of Central American Migrants Holds a Mirror to Cruel U.S. Immigration Policy & Imperialism

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/5/caravan_of_central_american_migrants_holds

How the Wireless Industry Convinced the Public Cellphones Are Safe & Cherry-Picked Research on Risks

*Can we please stop saying that the corpress is “hoodwinked” by these bastards, whatever the issue may be?

They know full well there’s another narrative, and they wilfully ignore it, or at the very least engage in false balance in their presentation.

That’s their job.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/5/how_the_wireless_industry_convinced_the

4.4

In Gaza, Israel Aims To Massacre Hope
As the notion of a two-state agreement fades firmly into history, the apartheid reality becomes impossible to ignore
by Yousef Munayyer

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/04/04/gaza-israel-aims-massacre-hope
–

Basic Income: Progressive Cloak and Neoliberal Dagger
by John Clarke

*Beware gilded geeks bearing gifts

http://therealnews.com/t2/component/content/article/510-john-clarke/3548-basic-income-progressive-cloak-and-neoliberal-dagger
—

Economic Policy Institute
Teachers Across the Country Have Finally Had Enough of the Teacher Pay Penalty

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/04/04/teachers-across-country-have-finally-had-enough-teacher-pay-penalty
—

The Real News Network
The Rise of American Islamophobia
Author Khaled Beydoun discusses the distinct forms of anti-Muslim and anti-Arab sentiments in America–where Islamophobia has a very specific and particular history–and how politicians capitalize on this fear of Islam to mobilize and galvanize voters

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21449:The-Rise-of-American-Islamophobia

Turkey and Islamist Rebels Carve Up Northern Syria
Marking a new phase in the Syrian War, Turkey is taking over cities in northern Syria, and children in occupied Afrin are being brainwashed with pro-Erdogan propaganda. We talk to Turkish-Kurdish journalist Ali Ornek

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21488:Turkey-and-Islamist-Rebels-Carve-Up-Northern-Syria
—

Petition
Anthem reduces Breast Pump coverage April 1
by Roni Williams

https://www.change.org/p/anthem-reduces-breast-pump-coverage-april-1-2018
—

Democracy Now!
Teachers in Revolt: Meet the Educators in Kentucky & Oklahoma Walking Out over School Funding

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/4/teachers_in_revolt_meet_the_educators

4.3

More Than One-Third of College Students Struggle with Food and Housing Insecurity, Study Finds
“There has been an uptick in low-income students on campus, but there hasn’t been a corresponding change in university policy to welcome and prepare for these students”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*A higher education in inequality

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/04/03/more-one-third-college-students-struggle-food-and-housing-insecurity-study-finds
—

Repeal the Second Amendment — It’s Not a Crazy Idea
Do we honestly think that the 39 men that signed the U.S. Constitution 230 years ago, are some sort of deified superheroes who cannot be questioned by mere mortals in 2018?
by Christopher M. Norwood

*Is the Constitution “a living document”

Or dead letters from dead men?

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/04/03/repeal-second-amendment-its-not-crazy-idea
–

The Failures Of Western Reporting in Gaza
If a Palestinian is killed by an Israeli soldier, the most appropriate thing to do is to call it a “clash”
by Vijay Prashad

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/04/03/failures-western-reporting-gaza
–

Paris Climate Goals Depend on Promoting Biodiversity
by Ashley Braun

http://therealnews.com/t2/component/content/article/768-ashley-braun/3546-paris-climate-goals-depend-on-promoting-biodiversity
—

Center for International Environmental Law
New Report Warns of Hidden Economic Risks to Booming Plastics Investments

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/04/03/new-report-warns-hidden-economic-risks-booming-plastics-investments
—

The Real News Network
Sinclair’s Synchronized Fake News Broadcast Goes Viral
The broadcasting giant’s efforts to coordinate the messages coming from local stations has landed it in the national spotlight, but Sinclair’s efforts to effect local education policy in Baltimore may be more nefarious and ultimately more dangerous to democracy

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21499:Sinclair%27s-Synchronized-Fake-News-Broadcast-Goes-Viral

The Deep Rooted Crisis of Police Violence in the USA
Executive Producer Eddie Conway and David Correia, author of “Police: A Field Guide”, examine police propaganda that criminalizes victims of police violence and works to halt any radical responses to it

*If you can control the words

You can divert the deeds

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21474:The-Deep-Rooted-Crisis-of-Police-Violence-in-the-USA

Wall Street Bankers’ Executive Bonuses Highlight Worsening Inequality
Banks are collecting money from every corner of this economy, becoming “the special winner in the capitalist game of our time,” says economist Richard D. Wolff. The bonuses “strike another blow for that growing inequality between the rich and everybody else in the United States”

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21476:Wall-Street-Bankers%27-Executive-Bonuses-Highlight-Worsening-Inequality

Should Johns Pay a Steeper Price for Prostitution?
A Baltimore councilman wants to focus on punishing people who purchase sex as a way to curb demand, but will it work in a city that has a bustling red-light district just blocks from city hall?

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21491:Should-Johns-Pay-a-Steeper-Price-for-Prostitution%3F
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
MLK: Radical Revolutionary

*When they couldn’t murder the message

They murdered the messenger

http://www.accuracy.org/release/mlk-radical-revolutionary
—

FAIR
NPR Runs IDF Playbook, Spinning Killing of 17 Palestinians
by Adam Johnson

*N egating
P opular
R evolt

https://fair.org/home/npr-runs-idf-playbook-spinning-killing-of-17-palestinians
—

Democracy Now!
Media Giant Sinclair, Under Fire for Forcing Anchors to Read Trumpian Screed, Is Rapidly Expanding

*Local news mostly stinks to high heaven.

Sinclair wants to add a glacier’s worth of ice to that corrosive cocktail.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/3/media_giant_sinclair_under_fire_for

MLK’s Final Days: The Rev. James Lawson Remembers King’s Assassination & Support for Memphis Strike

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/3/mlks_final_days_the_rev_james

He Gave His Life in the Labor Struggle: MLK’s Forgotten Radical Message for Economic Justice

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/3/he_gave_his_life_in_the

4.2

Showing Paris Not Enough, Studies Find 2°C Target Won’t Stop ‘Destructive and Deadly’ Impacts of Global Warming
This crisis requires “not only climate scientists, but the whole Earth system science community, as well as economists, engineers, lawyers, philosophers, politicians, emergency planners, and others to step up”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/04/02/showing-paris-not-enough-studies-find-2degc-target-wont-stop-destructive-and-deadly

‘Stuff of Nightmares’: Viral Video Shows Sinclair Forcing Local TV Anchors to Recite Trumpian Propaganda
“It sickens me the way this company is encroaching upon trusted news brands in rural markets,” said one local reporter
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*I’d be curious to know whether any of these “trusted” news personalities refused, wouldn’t you?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/04/02/stuff-nightmares-viral-video-shows-sinclair-forcing-local-tv-anchors-recite-trumpian
—

The Oligarchs’ ‘Guaranteed Basic Income’ Scam
Beware the architects of our neofeudalism calling on the government to pay a guaranteed basic income
by Chris Hedges

*The noblesse only oblige themselves

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/04/02/oligarchs-guaranteed-basic-income-scam
—

The Real News Network
Democracy in Crisis: Do #BlackLivesMatter to the #Resistance?
While the national press drools over every bit of Trump gossip, real battles over policing and civil rights are happening almost unnoticed
by Baynard Woods

*The funhouse mirror obscures the smoke

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21495:Democracy-in-Crisis%3A-Do-%23BlackLivesMatter-to-the-%23Resistance%3F

Wildcat Teacher Strikes Spread to Kentucky and Oklahoma
Educators are prepared to do “whatever it takes” to defend public education, says Kentucky public school teacher Blossom Brosi

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21494:Wildcat-Teacher-Strikes-Spread-to-Kentucky-and-Oklahoma

The Murder of Marielle Franco and the Birth of a Movement
Massive protests against the killing of Marielle Franco blanketed Brazil in recent weeks. If the anti-police violence activist from the favelas of Rio de Janeiro was killed to silence her, it appears her assassination has done just the opposite

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21487:The-Murder-of-Marielle-Franco-and-the-Birth-of-a-Movement

Should Sex Work be Decriminalized? One Advocate says Yes
Caroline Unger of the Sex Workers Outreach Program Baltimore discusses how best to protect sex workers in light of new human trafficking legislation currently being debated by the city council

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21483:Should-Sex-Work-be-Decriminalized%3F-One-Advocate-says-Yes

Israel Massacres Unarmed Gaza Protesters, Shooting 773 with Live Ammunition
The Israeli military brutally crushed a protest on the Gaza border led by tens of thousands of Palestinians, killing 16 and injuring 1,400. Journalist Max Blumenthal speaks of Israel’s suffocating blockade of the strip and the biased media reporting on the “Great Return March”.

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21486:Israel-Massacres-Unarmed-Gaza-Protesters%2C-Shooting-773-with-Live-Ammunition

Israeli Military Admits Massacre of Unarmed Gaza Protesters Was Intentional – then Deletes Tweets
The IDF said its bloody crackdown on unarmed Palestinian protesters was “accurate and measured.” After shooting 773 Gazans with live ammunition, it wrote on Twitter, “we know where every bullet landed.”
by Ben Norton

*And the corpress calls it “clashes”.

How would they describe it if it allegedly had occurred in a nation labeled a “terrorist supporter”?

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21485:Israeli-Military-Admits-Massacre-of-Unarmed-Gaza-Protesters-Was-Intentional—then-Deletes-Tweets

Trade War Greatly Exaggerated
America’s trading partners, including Europe and China, will likely wait for Trump to move on to his next distraction–which could be a real war, not a trade war, says CEPR co-director Mark Weisbrot

*Gunsmoke and mirrors

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21466:Trade-War-Greatly-Exaggerated
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Wave of Teachers’ Strikes: Kentucky and Oklahoma

http://www.accuracy.org/release/wave-of-teachers-strikes-kentucky-and-oklahoma
—

FAIR
What’s a Non-Racist Way to Appeal to Working-Class Whites? NYT’s Edsall Can’t Think of Any
by Jim Naureckas

*Dog whistles from a corpress cur

https://fair.org/home/whats-a-non-racist-way-to-appeal-to-working-class-whites-nyts-edsall-cant-think-of-any
—

Democracy Now!
Starvation Wages Are a “Crime”: Lessons from MLK & 1968 Memphis Sanitation Strike, 50 Years Later

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/2/starvation_wages_are_a_crime_lessons

March 2018

 

3.30

Judge Hands ‘Horrifying’ Five-Year Prison Sentence to Woman for the Crime of…Voting
Crystal Mason, a mother of two, says she was never told by her probation officer that she couldn’t vote while on probation
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Jail for voting in an election

Jack for rigging one

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/03/30/judge-hands-horrifying-five-year-prison-sentence-woman-crime-ofvoting

A Dozen Advertisers Drop Laura Ingraham as Parkland Shooting Survivor She Mocked Rejects Her Apology
“She’s only apologizing after a third of her advertisers pulled out,” said David Hogg, who survived the Parkland school shooting that left 17 dead last month
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*These corps’ actions are as insincere as Ingraham’s apology, as they had previously sought to profit off her vitriol vented toward other targets

So let’s not “applaud” them for doing nothing more than being cognizant of their bottom lines.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/03/30/dozen-advertisers-drop-laura-ingraham-parkland-shooting-survivor-she-mocked-rejects
—

Why Focusing on People of Color Will Help the Movement for Gun Control Succeed
“Yes, the March for Our Lives Was About Black People, Too—and It’s About Time”
by Sonali Kolhatkar

*There’s no room to grow in a silo

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/30/why-focusing-people-color-will-help-movement-gun-control-succeed
–

A Few Thoughts on the March for Our Lives
If a critical mass of students begins seeing the connections among violence, racism, injustice, capitalism and Washington raining death on people abroad, the MSM will abruptly cease its fawning approval
by Gary Olson

*Damming with feigned praise

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/30/few-thoughts-march-our-lives
—

The Real News Network
Big Oil and Climate Science on Trial
Climate change science is the basis of San Francisco’s and Oakland’s legal case against Big Oil companies, to make them pay billions for the rising public cost of rising sea level due to global warming. In a surprise move, Chevron admits humans are causing climate change but say they are not liable

*Snake oil from oily snakes

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21481:Big-Oil-and-Climate-Science-on-Trial
—

FAIR
Fear the Fiscal Future, WSJ Warns in New Version of Old Scare Story
by Dean Baker

https://fair.org/home/fear-the-fiscal-future-wsj-warns-in-new-version-of-old-scare-story
—

Democracy Now!
David Shulkin’s Firing at the VA Is Latest Step in Trump-Koch Push to Privatize Veterans’ Healthcare

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/30/david_shulkins_firing_at_the_va

Meet the Doctor Suing Trump: Dr. Eugene Gu on Gun Violence, Privatization of VA & White Supremacy

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/30/meet_the_doctor_suing_trump_dr
—

The Truth About Pet Cancer
15 Signs Your Dog or Cat May be Sick or in Pain

https://thetruthaboutpetcancer.com/15-signs-dog-cat-sick-in-pain

3.29

ACLU to Cities: Defend Online Privacy, Net Neutrality With Publicly Owned Municipal Broadband
A new report details how local officials can create publicly owned internet programs that not only protect free speech and privacy, but also are accessible and affordable
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Wouldn’t you like to see these mayors put our money where their mouth is?

After spending hours yesterday pingponging between Spectrum and AT&T to get a better deal, I have my hand up.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/03/29/aclu-cities-defend-online-privacy-net-neutrality-publicly-owned-municipal-broadband
—

Will the real Pakistan stand up, please?
by James M. Dorsey

*Regarding the FATF

That’s “political violence” only in developing countries, innit?

http://therealnews.com/t2/component/content/article/473-james-m-dorsey/3543-will-the-real-pakistan-stand-up-please
—

The Real News Network
Mayor Pugh Signs Landmark Ban on Crude Oil Terminals in Baltimore
Baltimore is the first east coast city to pass a ban of this kind. Advocates say it will protect the city from dangerous crude oil train explosions and help to fight climate change
by Dharna Noor

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21470:Mayor-Pugh-Signs-Landmark-Ban-on-Crude-Oil-Terminals-in-Baltimore

Cambridge Analytica Is Not Alone: i360 and Data Trust Are Disastrous for Democracy
Cambridge Analytica, owned by Robert Mercer, is in the news, but other companies — like the Koch Brothers’ i360 and Karl Rove’s Data Trust — are far more dangerous, says investigative reporter Greg Palast

*You know the Democratic “leadership” will be screaming bloody murder about this, don’t you?

You don’t … ?

Neither do I.

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21461:Cambridge-Analytica-Is-Not-Alone%3A-i360-and-Data-Trust-Are-Disastrous-for-Democracy
—

FAIR
Evidence of Violent Extremism of Little Interest When Killer Is White

*Color blinded coverage

https://fair.org/home/evidence-of-violent-extremism-of-little-interest-when-killer-is-white
—

Democracy Now!
As North Korea Talks with China, South Korea & Japan, Could Bolton Derail Denuclearization Progress?

*I wouldn’t want the US to have normal relations with such a brutal regime, but remember that it already has them with others of the same ilk, making plain its utter hypocrisy.

I want to see change in North Korea, but it will take a changed United States to work for it in any morally legitimate manner.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/29/as_north_korea_talks_with_china

NYC Minister: I’m Willing to Be Arrested If ICE Comes for Immigrant Mother in Sanctuary in My Church

*Some people get the whole “WWJD?” thing

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/29/nyc_minister_im_willing_to_be

3.28

As States Jockey for Most Egregious Attack on Abortion Rights, Warnings Grow Over Sinister Master Plan
“This rash of radically unconstitutional bills is appearing by design”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/03/28/states-jockey-most-egregious-attack-abortion-rights-warnings-grow-over-sinister
—

One No-Brainer Way to Bring Gun Deaths Down
Closing the “boyfriend loophole” would save lives without putting guns in classrooms or taking them off store shelves
by Aniqa Raihan

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/28/one-no-brainer-way-bring-gun-deaths-down
–

Tennessee Wants to Use Funding Meant for Poor Families to Kick People Off Medicaid
One would be hard-pressed to cook up a more twisted irony
by Rebecca Vallas

*Robbing Peter to ravage Paul

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/28/tennessee-wants-use-funding-meant-poor-families-kick-people-medicaid
—

The Real News Network
Trump Appoints Yet Another Deregulator – This Time to the FDIC
Jelena McWilliams will be the new FDIC director and this will mean a “slaughter” of the remaining banking regulations, which will already be significantly weakened via a new law to be passed soon by Congress, says former financial regulator Bill Black

*Is there any term more drenched in irony than “bank and trust”?

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21453:Trump-Appoints-Yet-Another-Deregulator—This-Time-to-the-FDIC

Catalan Independence Leader’s Arrest in Germany Strengthens Rajoy”s Hand
Carles Puigdemont, the former president of Catalonia, was arrested in Germany on a Spanish international arrest warrant. The action will serve to harden positions on both sides of the independence fight in Spain, says Oberlin Prof. Sebastian Faber

*What Podemos could be doing is decrying the draconian actions of the central gummint, and calling for sincere negotiations over the issue, it seems to me.

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21452:Catalan-Independence-Leader%92s-Arrest-in-Germany-Strengthens-Rajoy%22s-Hand

Victims of Political Policing Walk Out of Inquiry, Call for Judge’s Resignation
Mohamed Elmaazi follows up with campaigners and victims of political policing who explain why they staged a walkout from the public inquiry into undercover policing at the Royal Courts of Justice

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21450:Victims-of-Political-Policing-Walk-Out-of-Inquiry%2C-Call-for-Judge%27s-Resignation
—

FAIR
Media Boosts Obvious Saudi Front Group as Neutral ‘Think Tank’
by Adam Johnson

*Tanks for the props

https://fair.org/home/media-boosts-obvious-saudi-front-group-as-neutral-think-tank
—

Democracy Now!
Journalist Ari Berman: If Trump Is Allowed to Rig the Census, Then All of U.S. Democracy Is Rigged

*Deceit, deception, duplicity from The Donald?

Count on it

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/28/journalist_ari_berman_if_trump_is

Killed in Cold Blood: Alton Sterling’s Family Decries Decision Not to Charge Officers for Murder

*This must not be the meaning of “Justice is blind”

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/28/killed_in_cold_blood_alton_sterlings

3.27

Net Neutrality Defenders Issue Alert as Telecom Giants Ready to ‘Sic Army of Expensive Lawyers’ on States
Open internet defenders argued the threat underscores the importance of enshrining net neutrality protections in federal law
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*And you wonder why your bill’s so high … ?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/03/27/net-neutrality-defenders-issue-alert-telecom-giants-ready-sic-army-expensive-lawyers

To Defeat NRA and Curb Gun Violence, Former Supreme Court Justice Says ‘Repeal the 2nd Amendment’
“That simple but dramatic action would move Saturday’s marchers closer to their objective than any other possible reform”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Makes perfect sense

So it doesn’t stand a snowball’s chance in this hell

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/03/27/defeat-nra-and-end-gun-violence-former-supreme-court-justice-says-repeal-2nd

Outrage, But Little Surprise, After Police Officers Face No Charges for Killing of Alton Sterling
“Neither Louisiana, nor any other U.S. state, complies with international standards that maintain deadly force can only be used when there is an imminent threat to life or serious injury”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Shoot first

Ask no questions later

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/03/27/outrage-little-surprise-after-police-officers-face-no-charges-killing-alton-sterling
—

Donald Trump and the White Ford Bronco Presidency
Because Big Brother isn’t watching you… you are watching him
by Tom Engelhardt

*The “negative treatment” Killer Clown has received over decades is the reason we’re afflicted by his sociopathy today.

If the corpress had simply covered his criminality, his bigotry and his misogyny in a diligent fashion, if he hadn’t been transformed into a reality show demigod, if he hadn’t been viewed as a cash cow for cable news and print media on the campaign trail, he might well be serving time in an orange jumpsuit to match his mane, or at least consigned to the footnotes of history, alongside the likes of other like minded lechers and con men with delusions of grandeur.

But they didn’t, because in the end he represents an America they may find gauche, but in essence is the essence of the capitalist ethic they hold sacrosanct.

And he’s good copy.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/27/donald-trump-and-white-ford-bronco-presidency
–

Gun Violence and Mental Health Are Connected—But Not In The Way You’d Think.
The impulsive nature of teenage suicidality, coupled with the uniquely American easy access to guns, makes it much more likely that suicidal thoughts and behaviors will culminate in death
by Dr. Celine Gounder

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/27/gun-violence-and-mental-health-are-connected-not-way-youd-think
–

Natural gas: An underrated driver of Saudi hostility towards Iran and Qatar
by James M. Dorsey

http://therealnews.com/t2/component/content/article/473-james-m-dorsey/3542-natural-gas-an-underrated-driver-of-saudi-hostility-towards-iran-and-qatar
—

The Real News Network
Former Kinder Morgan Engineer Speaks Out Against Trans Mountain Pipeline
Romilly Cavanaugh, an environmental engineer who worked for Kinder Morgan, was arrested for participating in non-violent protests in Burnaby, British Columbia. She explains why she opposes the Trans Mountain tar sands pipeline

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21448:Former-Kinder-Morgan-Engineer-Speaks-Out-Against-Trans-Mountain-Pipeline

Former Black Panther Herman Bell to Be Released After 45 Years in Prison
After the New York State Parole Board determined Herman Bell’s release to be low risk and reasonable, New York police, aligned with tabloid news, went on a racist crusade depicting Bell as a threat

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21451:Former-Black-Panther-Herman-Bell-to-Be-Released-After-45-Years-in-Prison

3.26

‘The Gig Economy’ Is the New Term for Serfdom
The corporate architects of the new economy have no intention of halting the assault
by Chris Hedges

*Driven to despair

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/26/gig-economy-new-term-serfdom
–

Tipped Workers Win with Spending Bill
A provision nestled deep in the spending bill prevents employers from taking the tips their employees earn
by Negin Owliaei

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/26/tipped-workers-win-spending-bill
–

12 Rules for Spitting on the Poor
Collective action to right wrongs or help the suffering under neoliberal ideology is wrong, unfeasible, or some combination of the two
by Noah Berlatsky

*There is an “I” in “humanity”

And it only has meaning within the whole

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/26/12-rules-spitting-poor
—

Friends of the Earth
Trump’s Revisions of U.S. – Korea Trade Deal Promise More Air Pollution and Global Warming

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/03/26/trumps-revisions-us-korea-trade-deal-promise-more-air-pollution-and-global

Council of Canadians
Trudeau Breaking Another Electoral Reform Promise

*Falsedeau

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/03/26/trudeau-breaking-another-electoral-reform-promise
—

The Real News Network
The Political Currency of Mao’s Little Red Book
Anti-capitalism and anti-imperialism were some of the key points of agreement between Black anti-colonial activists and Chinese Communists, but under what heading is Afro-Asian solidarity expressed today?

*From the Little Red Book to the Big Black Ledger

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21394:The-Political-Currency-of-Mao%27s-Little-Red-Book

Paul Jay: Threats Facing Humanity, Basic Income & Importance of Historical Context
In the second part of the interview with the Senior Editor and founder of The Real News Network, Paul Jay, we continue the discussion on the threats facing humanity today. In addition we talk about whether the basic income could enhance political participation, and the consumption of information produced by independent media outlets. Lastly, we examine the importance of taking into account historical context when relating to current issues

*When history is written by the victors

The victims are written out

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21444:Paul-Jay%3A-Threats-Facing-Humanity%2C-Basic-Income-%26-Importance-of-Historical-Context

Real Media: Trade Secrets, Corporate Accountability & The War On Whistleblowers
Spinwatch’s David Miller explains the impact of the UK’s newly adopted EU directive protecting corporate secrets with no safeguards for journalists and whistleblowers

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21426:Real-Media%3A-Trade-Secrets%2C-Corporate-Accountability-%26-The-War-On-Whistleblowers

Bolton: A One-Man War Cabinet
North Korean peace and the Iran deal are both in serious danger with John Bolton in the White House, says historian and investigative journalist Gareth Porter

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21437:Bolton%3A-A-One-Man-War-Cabinet

Puerto Rico’s New Fiscal Plan Will Cause Another ‘Lost Decade’
Six months after Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico’s new fiscal plan – which supposedly takes the hurricane’s devastation into account – will demand citizens pay off debts they cannot possibly repay, leading to deeper economic decline, says CEPR co-director Mark Weisbrot

*There is no expectation of “a different result”.

The goal is the maximizing of profit in the here and now

The future is an excised externality.

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21433:Puerto-Rico%27s-New-Fiscal-Plan-Will-Cause-Another-%27Lost-Decade%27

Who Will Stop the US-Russia Arms Race?
As Trump faces heat for reportedly ignoring instructions to not congratulate newly re-elected Vladimir Putin, professor Stephen F. Cohen asks if anyone in Washington wants to stop the dangerous US-Russia arms race

*Calling Dr. Strangelove

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21428:Who-Will-Stop-the-US-Russia-Arms-Race%3F

President Xi Jinping’s Indefinite Rule Denounced by Chinese Intellectual
National People’s Congress of China re-elected President Xi Jinping to a second term and abolished term limits on the presidency. There were very little dissent allowed resisting the decision, but one critic, intellectual Li Datong, wrote an open letter challenging the decision, says China scholar, professor Jeffrey Wasserstrom

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21425:President-Xi-Jinping%27s-Indefinite-Rule-Denounced-by-Chinese-Intellectual

March For Our Lives Takes Aim at Gun Lobby, Acknowledges Racial Disparity
by Brandon Soderberg

*There will be an intense effort among those in power (including “liberal” Democrats) to divide and thus conquer this movement, using “school security” as a wedge.

Addressing the real fears of students and parents advocating for more cops, while remaining steadfast in an uncompromising stance that it is no more a solution than arming teachers, is the only way I see to get to where we need to be on this, and take it beyond silos to connect all the damnable dots extant.

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21442:March-For-Our-Lives-Takes-Aim-at-Gun-Lobby%2C-Acknowledges-Racial-Disparity
—

Petition
Color Of Change
Guns Don’t Belong in Schools

*Will this movement make clear that more cops aren’t the answer? We know Dems will push that under the rubric of “school safety”, and I have to wonder how many of these young folks will swallow this caustic Kool-Aid.

https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/Keep_Our_Schools_Gun_Free
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
“Trump’s Choice of Bolton Satisfies His Biggest Donor”

*Whoever has his ear last

As there’s nothing between them

http://www.accuracy.org/release/trumps-choice-of-bolton-satisfies-his-biggest-donor
—

Democracy Now!
WATCH: Parkland Survivor Emma González Stands in 4 Minutes of Silence Heard Around the World

*This silence must end ours

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/26/watch_parkland_survivor_emma_gonzalez_stands

3.23

‘Dangerous’ Decline in Biodiversity Threatening Humanity’s Wellbeing Worldwide
“We must act to halt and reverse the unsustainable use of nature—or risk not only the future we want, but even the lives we currently lead”
byJessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/03/23/dangerous-decline-biodiversity-threatening-humanitys-wellbeing-worldwide
—

Workers Need an Industrial Policy Not Tariffs
by UE General Executive Board

http://therealnews.com/t2/component/content/article/364-socialist-project/3539-workers-need-an-industrial-policy-not-tariffs
–

Elections in Russia, 2018: Managed Democracy?
by David Mandel

http://therealnews.com/t2/component/content/article/765-david-mandel/3537-elections-in-russia-2018-managed-democracy
—

The Real News Network
Real Opinions: Students Are Screaming For Change — And It’s Coming
A. H. Berry, a student at Baltimore Polytechnic High School, explains why she joined her school’s walkout to protest gun violence in schools, and why standing in the cold with hundreds of other students gave her hope

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21440:Real-Opinions%3A-Students-Are-Screaming-For-Change—-And-It%27s-Coming

Marching for Their Lives: Students To Demand Gun Reform in DC
TRNN will report from the March For Our Lives and bring you voices of young people from cities like Baltimore who say gun violence has plagued their communities long before Parkland

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21432:Marching-for-Their-Lives%3A-Students-To-Demand-Gun-Reform-in-DC

Aggressive Police Tactics Escalate Against TransMountain Pipeline Protests in Canada
Indigenous environmental activist, Clayton Thomas-Muller of 350.org, says that not only did arrests take place outside exclusion zone, but police are escalating their aggression against non-violent land and water defenders with the aim of criminalizing peaceful dissent

*Dudley Do-Wrongs

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21419:Aggressive-Police-Tactics-Escalate-Against-TransMountain-Pipeline-Protests-in-Canada
—

Petition
Tell NYC Mayor to Stop Tolerating Racism in Schools
by Natasha Capers
NYC Coalition for Educational Justice

https://campaigns.organizefor.org/petitions/tell-nyc-mayor-to-stop-tolerating-racism-in-schools
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Bolton’s Falsifications for War

*Warmongerstrosity

http://www.accuracy.org/release/boltons-falsifications-for-war
—

FAIR
Journalism of, by and for the Elite
How the New York Times and Wall Street Journal mirror the 1% they cover
by Reed Richardson

*No kudos for this “class act”

https://fair.org/home/journalism-of-by-and-for-the-elite

National Geographic Looks at Its Racism–but Not Too Closely
by Janine Jackson

*A guilt trip to nowhere

https://fair.org/home/national-geographic-looks-at-its-racism-but-not-too-closely
—

Democracy Now!
Major New Investigation into Trump Real Estate Deals in India Reveals Corruption, Lawsuits, Fraud

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/23/major_new_investigation_into_trump_real

Meet the American Professor Suing Cambridge Analytica for His Psychographic Profile

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/23/meet_the_american_professor_suing_cambridge

3.22

Uproar After Congress Sneaks Attack on Digital Privacy Rights Into Omnibus Spending Bill
Attaching it to massive spending deal, lawmakers rush through controversial bill that allows law enforcement to hand over personal data without a warrant
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Sneaking the peeking

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/03/22/uproar-after-congress-sneaks-attack-digital-privacy-rights-omnibus-spending-bill

‘No Justice Under Occupation’: Palestinian Teenager Ahed Tamimi Gets 8 Months in Prison for Slapping Israeli Soldier
“17-year-old Ahed Tamimi will serve 8 months in jail for slapping a soldier who invaded her home. Meanwhile, IDF soldier Elor Azaria will serve 9 months for executing in cold-blood a wounded Palestinian.”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*A slap in the face of justice

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/03/22/no-justice-under-occupation-palestinian-teenager-ahed-tamimi-gets-8-months-prison
—

How To Change Your Facebook Settings To Opt Out of Platform API Sharing
Tech companies can and should do more to protect users, including giving users far more control over what data is collected and how that data is used
by Gennie Gebhart

*I suppose reposting this on Facebook can be viewed as ironic, but life in late stage capitalism is nothing if not that, innit?

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/22/how-change-your-facebook-settings-opt-out-platform-api-sharing
–

From ‘Sea to Shining Sea,’ Industrial Ag Fouls America’s Waterways
Given agriculture’s role in destroying our most precious natural resource, you’d think the U.S. Congress would do everything in its power to protect your water
by Katherine Paul

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/22/sea-shining-sea-industrial-ag-fouls-americas-waterways
–

Revealed: Names of ALEC Lobbyist and Legislator Members
by Jamie Corey

*Rats return to a stinking ship

https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2018/03/09/revealed-names-alec-lobbyist-legislator-members
—

FAIR
Exonerating the Empire in Venezuela
by Gregory Shupak

*American excisionalism

https://fair.org/home/exonerating-the-empire-in-venezuela
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
The Real Threat: Facebook and Google’s Business Model

*Like parent

Like “prodigy”

http://www.accuracy.org/release/the-real-threat-facebook-and-googles-business-model
—

Democracy Now!
Reformer or War Criminal? Saudi Crown Prince Welcomed in U.S. as Trump Touts Weapons Deals

*Red carpet for a carpet bomber

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/22/reformer_or_war_criminal_saudi_crown

Are Israel & Saudi Arabia Pressuring U.S. Toward War with Iran?

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/22/are_israel_saudi_arabia_pressuring_us

3.21

Alarm Sounds After EU Regulators Greenlight Bayer-Monsanto #MergerFromHell
Critics of the deal warn the decision will allow the companies, “together with BASF, to become data giants in agriculture—the ‘Facebooks of farming’—with all the pitfalls that entails”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/03/21/alarm-sounds-after-eu-regulators-greenlight-bayer-monsanto-mergerfromhell

ACLU Urges Greyhound to Stop Letting Border Agents Use Buses as ‘Rolling Traps’
“Greyhound should be in the business of transporting passengers, but instead is allowing intimidating interrogations and searches”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/03/21/aclu-urges-greyhound-stop-letting-border-agents-use-buses-rolling-traps

#ToxicTwitter: Human Rights Group Says Platform Creates Abusive Environment for Women
“Ensuring an internet free from gender-based violence enhances freedom of expression as it allows women to fully participate in all areas of life”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/03/21/toxictwitter-human-rights-group-says-platform-creates-abusive-environment-women
—

Billionaires Won’t Save the World — Just Look at Elon Musk
The “playboy genius” is essentially squandering taxpayer money on pet projects like Mars trips and flamethrowers
by Sam Pizzigati

*The musky smell of snake oil

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/21/billionaires-wont-save-world-just-look-elon-musk
–

Survivors Need Shelter, But Shelters Need Legal Protection In Iraq
Despite the unprecedented security crisis, it remains against public policy for Iraqi NGOs to provide shelter for those escaping gender-based violence
by Lisa Davis

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/21/survivors-need-shelter-shelters-need-legal-protection-iraq
–

It’s Time to Transform the War Economy
The Poor People’s Campaign offers an antidote to a poisoned and militarized culture that has perverted the national agenda
by Brock McIntosh

*Issue silos can be as deadly as missile silos

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/21/its-time-transform-war-economy
—

Amnesty International – USA
Iraq: Alarming Reports of More Than 3,000 People Facing Death Over Terror-Related Offenses

*Life in a liberated land

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/03/21/iraq-alarming-reports-more-3000-people-facing-death-over-terror-related-offenses

Louisiana Bucket Brigade
St. James Site of 37 Petrochemical Accidents, No Bayou Bridge Jobs

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/03/21/st-james-site-37-petrochemical-accidents-no-bayou-bridge-jobs
—

The Real News Network
Duterte’s Bloody War on Philippines’ Leftists
Increasingly authoritarian President Rodrigo Duterte is planning to classify hundreds of leftists as terrorists as he cracks down on the country’s powerful communist movement. We speak to Cristina Palabay, the secretary general of KARAPATAN, and Teddy Casinos, a former congressman and representative of the Bayan Muna party

*Killer Clown’s wet dream

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21411:Duterte%27s-Bloody-War-on-Philippines%27-Leftists

A Rare Glimpse Inside a Police Body-Camera Review Unit
Following the release of controversial footage that showed Baltimore police officers staging the discovery of evidence, The Real News was given exclusive access to the special unit that now reviews all body-cam footage related to upcoming cases

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21396:A-Rare-Glimpse-Inside-a-Police-Body-Camera-Review-Unit

Trump Boasts of Killer Arms Sales in Meeting with Saudi Dictator, Using Cartoonish Charts
Trump kicked off his White House meeting with his authoritarian “good friend” Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman by pulling out charts listing the weapons the U.S. is selling to Saudi Arabia – Ben Norton reports

*Scorched earth and campaign strategy

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21415:Trump-Boasts-of-Killer-Arms-Sales-in-Meeting-with-Saudi-Dictator%2C-Using-Cartoonish-Charts

Protester Arrested At State House: Gov. Hogan Would Not Drink Water Contaminated by Fracking
Officials have issued a permit for a natural gas pipeline to be routed through Maryland, but opponents say so-called protective measures not enough
by Dharna Noor

*Water torture

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21416:Protester-Arrested-At-State-House%3A-Gov.-Hogan-Would-Not-Drink-Water-Contaminated-by-Fracking
—

Democracy Now!
“The Battle for Paradise”: Naomi Klein on Disaster Capitalism & the Fight for Puerto Rico’s Future

*An island sinking in a sea of snake oil

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/21/the_battle_for_paradise_naomi_klein

Six Months After Maria, Residents Resist Efforts to Turn Island into Privatized Bitcoin Playground

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/21/six_months_after_maria_residents_resist

After Maria, Puerto Ricans Cultivate Food Sovereignty While FEMA Delivered Skittles & Cheez-Its

*Junk food and greenwashed garbage

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/21/after_maria_puerto_ricans_cultivate_food

3.20

As Lawmakers Accuse DeVos of Lack of Regard for Students, Her Own Staffer Admits ‘Things Have Gotten Pretty Awful Here’
“What do you mean, there’s no data?” a lawmaker asked Secretary of Education during tense hearing. “There is study after study after study.”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Cheat notes

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/03/20/lawmakers-accuse-devos-lack-regard-students-her-own-staffer-admits-things-have
—

It’s Not Just Drug Dealers That Need to Worry About Inspiration Trump Took From Duterte
The battle between autocratic leaders and the global movement for environmental justice heats up
by Nick Meynen

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/20/its-not-just-drug-dealers-need-worry-about-inspiration-trump-took-duterte
—

The Real News Network
Mercer’s Cambridge Analytica ‘Utterly Sleazy’
Britain’s Channel 4 details the dirty tricks that Cambridge Analytica, the data-mining company owned by billionaire Robert Mercer, uses to sway elections around the world. If the story is true, it would mean the company is not only sleazy, but also blatantly criminal, says white-collar criminologist Bill Black

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21413:Mercer%27s-Cambridge-Analytica-%27Utterly-Sleazy%27

After a Shooting at His School, a Maryland Teacher Speaks Out
Pat Elder, who teaches GED classes at Great Mills High, says to end gun violence America must tackle the militarization of schools and broader society

*As often occurs, a righteous impulse gets siloed into accepted avenues of action. Thus, no mention of militarism.

As well, will the desire for “safer schools” translate into advocacy for more “resource officers”?

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21410:After-a-Shooting-at-His-School%2C-a-Maryland-Teacher-Speaks-Out

‘Samantha Em-Powers Genocide in Yemen’: Students Protest US Role in Saudi War
Ex-U.N. ambassador and liberal war hawk Samantha Power faced a protest at Johns Hopkins University over her role overseeing the catastrophic U.S.-Saudi war on Yemen. A student leader speaks about the military-industrial-academic complex – Ben Norton reports.

*An empirical education in empire

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21408:%27Samantha-Em-Powers-Genocide-in-Yemen%27%3A-Students-Protest-US-Role-in-Saudi-War

In Afrin the Turks are Looting and Pillaging with Gunfire
Journalist for the Independent, Patrick Cockburn, returning from Northern Syria, says one of the most peaceful places in the region has turned into a swamp of human misery for the Kurds

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21399:In-Afrin-the-Turks-are-Looting-and-Pillaging-with-Gunfire
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Instructor at Great Mills HS Leads Campaign to Demilitarize Schools

http://www.accuracy.org/release/instructor-at-great-mills-hs-leads-campaign-to-demilitarize-schools
—

FAIR
YouTube as Conspiracy Conduit
Video platform enables harassment of shooting survivors
by Justin Anderson

*Why is it that Fox News is almost always one of my “recommended” channels?

I never watch it, and informing YouTube that I’m “not interested” doesn’t do a damn bit of good.

Is Fox paying for placement, or is that a “conspiracy theory”?

https://fair.org/home/youtube-as-conspiracy-conduit

In Run-Up to Vote to End Yemen War, MSNBC Remains Totally Silent
MSNBC outflanked from the left by Breitbart
by Jim Naureckas

*I wouldn’t prefer any network to “lead” “anti-war sentiment”

I’d want them to honestly cover those who honestly seek to end this nightmare.

I know … dream on.

https://fair.org/home/in-run-up-to-vote-to-end-yemen-war-msnbc-remains-totally-silent

Democracy Now!
“It Was a Crime”: 15 Years After U.S. Invasion, Iraqis Still Face Trauma, Destruction & Violence

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/20/a_criminal_war_15_years_after

Undocumented and Unpaid, Until Now: Houston Day Laborers Fight Wage Theft After Hurricane Harvey

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/20/undocumented_and_unpaid_until_now_houston

Voices from Houston After Harvey: Immigrant Homeowners Say Little to No Help Coming from FEMA

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/20/voices_from_houston_after_harvey_immigrant

3.19

In ‘Full-on War on Drugs Scare-Fest,’ Trump Proposes Death Penalty and ‘Very, Very Bad’ Commercials
In his speech on the opioid epidemic, the president promoted his plan to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border and suggested that an advertising campaign would keep Americans from using drugs
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*An acute addiction to demagoguery

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/03/19/full-war-drugs-scare-fest-trump-proposes-death-penalty-and-very-very-bad-commercials

‘Insidious’ and ‘Dangerous’: Digital Privacy Groups Issue Urgent Warning Over CLOUD Act
Critics say the bill, which could be pushed through Congress this week, would enable U.S. authorities to skirt Fourth Amendment rights to collect Americans’ data and use it against them
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/03/19/insidious-and-dangerous-digital-privacy-groups-issue-urgent-warning-over-cloud-act

Despite Possible Blowback, Snowden Decries Anti-Democratic Forces in Russia
“My friends tell me it is dangerous to criticize the Russian government the same as I criticize my own. But each of us are given a limited number of days to make a difference. Life is a choice to live for something, or to die for nothing.”
by Jon Queally, staff writer
Common Dreams

*You can’t stand for your principles on one foot

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/03/19/despite-possible-blowback-snowden-decries-anti-democratic-forces-russia
—

Google, Facebook, Algorithms, and the Building of the Iron Wall
This totalitarianism is being formed incrementally. It begins by silencing the demonized. It ends by silencing everyone.
by Chris Hedges

*Sleepwalking toward a nightmare

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/19/google-facebook-algorithms-and-building-iron-wall
–

A 2% Financial Wealth Tax Would Provide a $12,000 Annual Stipend to Every American Household
Careful analysis reveals a number of excellent arguments for the implementation of a Universal Basic Income
by Paul Buchheit

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/19/2-financial-wealth-tax-would-provide-12000-annual-stipend-every-american-household
–

Keeping Power With the People: Puerto Rico’s Energy Future
by Sean Sweeney

*The Musks and Bransons are deeply concerned with “sustainability”

Of their profit margins

http://therealnews.com/t2/component/content/article/407-sean-sweeney/3534-keeping-power-with-the-people-puerto-ricos-energy-future
–

The CIA’s 60-Year History of Fake News: How the Deep State Corrupted Many American Writers
by Robert Scheer

*The victims can’t rationalize their horror

http://therealnews.com/t2/component/content/article/331-robert-scheer/3530-the-cias-60-year-history-of-fake-news-how-the-deep-state-corrupted-many-american-writers
—

Racial Justice Groups Sue DHS to Release Contents of Fully Redacted “Race Paper”
Document Raises Questions About Escalating Government Surveillance and Criminalization of Black Activists

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/03/19/racial-justice-groups-sue-dhs-release-contents-fully-redacted-race-paper

Public Citizen
NIH Officials May Have Violated Policy by Soliciting Donations From Alcohol Industry for Alcohol Study
Public Citizen Urges HHS Inspector General to Launch Formal Investigation

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/03/19/nih-officials-may-have-violated-policy-soliciting-donations-alcohol-industry
—

The Real News Network
Petroleum Executives Visit Trump, Increasing Offshore Oil Drilling
The American Petroleum Industry (API) and the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) held meetings at the Trump Hotel in DC. At the same time, these associations are also lobbying the Trump administration for an expansion of offshore oil exploration

*Where oil and water malignantly mix

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21389:Petroleum-Executives-Visit-Trump%2C-Increasing-Offshore-Oil-Drilling

Corbyn Allies in Labour Attacked For Supporting Palestinian Struggle
The strategy to undermine Jeremy Corbyn within the Labour Party includes charging his supporters with anti-Semitism and then suspending them, says Richard Kuper of Jewish Voice for Labour

*It’s unclear to me from this segment what Corbyn’s stance is with regard to this witchhunt. There’s no mention of his speaking out or taking action as party leader to oppose it.

It took a great deal of chutzpah to demand proof of Russian complicity in the nerve agent attack, and he should show the same here. If he isn’t, it’s incumbent on folks like Kuper to call him on it.

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21381:Corbyn-Allies-in-Labour-Attacked-For-Supporting-Palestinian-Struggle

Kochs and ALEC Behind Criminalization of Dissent Bills in Five States
Iowa, Ohio, Oklahoma,Wyoming, Minnesota and Louisiana have introduced or passed legislation to criminalize environmental dissent. There is evidence that bill mill organizations such as ALEC and the bipartisan group Council of State Governments (CSG) had their hand in shaping these bills, says investigative journalist Steve Horne.

*A pipeline to a police state

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21299:Kochs-and-ALEC-Behind-Criminalization-of-Dissent-Bills-in-Five-States
—

FAIR
Copspeak: When Black Children Suddenly Become ‘Juveniles’
by Adam Johnson and Jim Naureckas

https://fair.org/home/copspeak-when-black-children-suddenly-become-juveniles
—

Got insomnia?
Who couldn’t use a little more sleep? Or at least a little more good-quality sleep. Here’s what can help…and what’s a waste of money.
by Caitlin Dow
Nutrition Action

https://www.nutritionaction.com/daily/dietary-supplements/got-insomnia

3.16

As Trump Fights to Kill Chemical Safety Rule, Workers Injured as Massive Explosion Rocks Texas Chemical Plant
The EPA was in court on Friday to defend against its decision to delay implementation of federal regulations that aim to prevent this type of disaster
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Environmental Proscription Agency

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/03/16/trump-fights-kill-chemical-safety-rule-workers-injured-massive-explosion-rocks-texas
—

The Third Newsletter: Water and Farmers
by Vijay Prashad

http://therealnews.com/t2/component/content/article/132-more-blog-posts-from-vijay-prashad/3528-the-third-newsletter-water-and-farmers
–

The Real Irish-American History Not Taught in Schools
Sadly, today’s corporate textbook-producers are no more interested in feeding student curiosity about the poverty and inequality that drove the famine than were British landlords interested in feeding Irish peasants
by Bill Bigelow

*A famine of expository facts

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/16/real-irish-american-story-not-taught-schools
–

An Open Letter on Behalf of the “English for Reconciliation” Project in Najaf
by Martha Hayward

*A true “humanitarian intervention”

http://vcnv.org/2018/03/14/english-for-reconciliation-in-najaf-martha-hayward
—

The Real News Network
West’s Anti-Russian Fervor Will Help Putin Win Elections On Sunday
As Russia heads into a presidential election on Sunday, Vladimir Putin’s popularity soars with every accusation and sanction Western countries hurl against him, says Prof. Alexander Buzgalin

*The irony of false or unproven accusations is that they allow those vilified to dismiss the proof of their actual crimes.

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21385:Escalating-Tensions-Between-Russia-and-the-West-Helps-Governments-on-Both-Sides

Corbyn Smeared as ‘Russian Stooge’ for Requesting Evidence on Poisoned Spy
While harshly condemning the Salisbury nerve agent attack, the Labour Party’s leftist leader requested evidence that the Russian government carried it out. A deluge of smears followed.

*Reason is treason

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21380:Corbyn-Smeared-as-%27Russian-Stooge%27-for-Requesting-Evidence-on-Poisoned-Spy

Corbyn Calls for Evidence in Escalating Poison Row
For requesting evidence of Russian culpability in the poisoning of former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter, UK Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn has been denounced by PM Theresa May and even members of his own party. We discuss the case with Stephen F. Cohen, Professor Emeritus of Russian Studies at New York University and Princeton

*Not that I think Corbyn is Jesus on a stick, but Cohen’s spot on in his claim that no pol in the US would have the cojones to do as he has.

That cowardice may lead to catastrophic consequences for us all.

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21371:Corbyn-Calls-for-Evidence-in-Escalating-Poison-Row

Sanders Resolution Against War in Yemen Challenged by Mattis
Senators introduced legislation that would undermine the Sanders-Lee resolution to stop US support for Saudi Arabia’s war in Yemen. “They’re trying to provide cover for just a handful of senators so they can vote for this instead of the Sanders Lee bill,” says CEPR’s Mark Weisbrot

*While this bill needs to pass, keep in mind the “detail devil” that will allow US troops to remain to “combat Al Qaeda and allied groups”, or however it’s worded.

We know how that facilitates “mission creep”, leaving aside the ethics of the proclaimed mission itself.

Isn’t part of the mission of “alternative” media to pay attention to such “details”, so that their audience will, as well?

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21378:Sanders-Resolution-Against-War-in-Yemen-Challenged-by-Mattis
—

Democracy Now!
50 Years After My Lai Massacre in Vietnam, Revisiting the Slaughter the U.S. Military Tried to Hide

*Duty

Honor

Country

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/16/50_years_after_my_lai_massacre

The GI Resistance Continues: Vietnam Vets Return to My Lai, Where U.S. Slaughtered 500 Civilians

*These are servicemembers worthy of salute.

No monuments will be erected in their honor.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/16/the_gi_resistance_continues_vietnam_vets

3.15

Breaking the ICE
How far will this go?
by Robert C. Koehler

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/15/breaking-ice
–

All Hands on Deck: The West Virginia Teachers’ Strike
by Jane McAlevey

http://therealnews.com/t2/component/content/article/764-jane-mcalevey/3527-all-hands-on-deck-the-west-virginia-teachers-strike
—

The Real News Network
Senate Expands ‘Lobbyist Bill’ to Deregulate Real Estate
New measures added to the financial deregulation bill include the deregulation of commercial real estate, which threatens re-create the conditions that led to the 2008 financial crisis, says Bill Black

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21354:Senate-Expands-%27Lobbyist-Bill%27-to-Deregulate-Real-Estate

Stephen Hawking: The Fighter for Progressive Politics
Scientist Stephen Hawking spoke out against wars, called for action against climate change, and defended socialist programs

*All of which will receive next to no mention, if not complete erasure, in the corpress, as his social conscience is castrated as a condition of iconization.

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21376:Stephen-Hawking%3A-The-Fighter-for-Progressive-Politics

Far-Right Ministers in Chile’s New Government Placed in Sensitive Positions
Chile’s newly inaugurated president Sebastian Piñera attempts to move the country to the right, but faces important constraints from social movements that vow to resist his government, explains Prof. Rene Rojas

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21370:Far-Right-Ministers-in-Chile%27s-New-Government-Placed-in-Sensitive-Positions

Trump’s Tariff Travesty Will Not Re-Industrialize the US
Trump’s steel and aluminum tariffs will only make it more difficult for US producers that depend on these resources, while also initiating trade retaliation from trade partners, says Michael Hudson

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21353:Trump%27s-Tariff-Travesty-Will-Not-Re-Industrialize-the-US

Is Another World Possible? – Leo Panitch on RAI (4/4)
On Reality Asserts Itself, Prof. Leo Panitch says it’s a dilemma that the gradualism of European social-democracy and attempts at a more radical transformation have so far both failed; Panitch says a first step towards democratizing the economy is to make finance a public utility – with host Paul Jay

*Is it naïve of me to believe that we have no chance of becoming a truly evolved species – or even simply surviving – if we don’t place a principal priority on giving wings to the better angels of our nature, as well as appealing to our self interest?

Humanity has a seemingly limitless capacity for hypocrisy, and that actually gives me some hope, as it implies a need to acknowledge a moral imperative.

So how do we move from lip service to putting our muscle behind our mouths?

I suppose asking the question evinces the eternal elusiveness of the answer, but I believe it’s existentially essential to continue to pursue it.

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21338:Is-Another-World-Possible%3F—Leo-Panitch-on-RAI-%2844%29
—

FAIR
‘A Remarkable Victory for the Labor Movement’
CounterSpin interview with Mike Elk on West Virginia school workers strike
by Janine Jackson

*I’m unclear as to the funding aspect, given what’s claimed in the piece below

https://tinyurl.com/yaaq9mes

I don’t feel you can claim “victory” if it comes at another’s undue expense

So what’s the true skinny here?

https://fair.org/home/a-remarkable-victory-for-the-labor-movement

Liberals, Conservatives Worry About Korean Peace Threat
by Gregory Shupak

*Given the trail of broken promises that litter his lurid career path, I’m more concerned with just how “earnest” Killer Clown will be than Kim.

https://fair.org/home/liberals-conservatives-worry-about-korean-peace-threat
—

Democracy Now!
Farmworkers Bring Human Rights Fight to Wendy’s Doorstep, Fasting & Calling for Boycott over Abuses

*Arrogance and avarice

With a side of lies

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/15/farmworkers_bring_human_rights_fight_to

Jeremy Scahill on Trump’s Cabinet Shake-up, the Mueller Probe & the Iraq War 15 Years Later

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/15/jeremy_scahill_on_trump_s_cabinet

3.14

Despite Torture-Loving Pasts, Schumer Not Pushing Democrats to Oppose Pompeo or Haspel
Trump’s nominees for secretary of state and CIA director have alarming pasts, but the Senate Minority Leader isn’t encouraging his party to oppose their nominations
by Andrea Germanos, staff writer
Common Dreams

*If there were no Democratic Party

The Republicans would have to invent one

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/03/14/despite-torture-loving-pasts-schumer-not-pushing-democrats-oppose-pompeo-or-haspel

It Is Now Abundantly Clear Why Steve Mnuchin Didn’t Want People to See This Video
Free speech advocates called it “troubling” that a White House official was able to delay release of a video that is, under California law, part of the public record
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/03/14/it-now-abundantly-clear-why-steve-mnuchin-didnt-want-people-see-video
—

Don Blankenship, Dead Miners, Humility, and the Limits of Free Speech in West Virginia
A call came in and there was a man who wanted to know if I had any questions for the former coal CEO and convict now running for U.S. Senate. Turns out I did have one.
by Russell Mokhiber

*Severed connection

Sundered conscience

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/03/14/don-blankenship-dead-miners-humility-and-limits-free-speech-west-virginia
—

Israeli Lawmakers Ban Member of Knesset from American Trip Funded by Jewish Voice for Peace
MK Jabareen invited for series of talks about deterioration of democracy in Israel

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/03/14/israeli-lawmakers-ban-member-knesset-american-trip-funded-jewish-voice-peace
—

The Real News Network
UN Rapporteur: US Sanctions Cause Death in Venezuela
Over 150 intellectuals and activists signed an open letter urging the US and Canada to stop their economic sanctions on Venezuela, which are making the country’s economic problems worse. Special UN Rapporteur Alfred de Zayas is a signer and visited Venezuela late last year

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21343:UN-Rapporteur%3A-US-Sanctions-Cause-Death-in-Venezuela

Anti-Pipeline Indigenous ‘Mass Mobilization’ Has Begun
In what may become the ‘Standing Rock of the North’, thousands protest Kinder Morgan’s Trans-Mountain Pipeline expansion, which would carry more toxic tar sands through First Nation territories

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21366:Anti-Pipeline-Indigenous-%27Mass-Mobilization%27-Has-Begun

Colombia’s Conservatives Make Gains in Congress Vote Amid Fraud Allegations
Low turnout and fraud allegations mar Colombia’s congressional vote, which gave conservatives a greater control over the legislature. If right-wing candidate Ivan Duque also wins the presidency in May, it would spell the end of Colombia’s peace process, explains Mario Murillo

http://therealnews.com/t2/story:21341:Colombia%27s-Conservatives-Make-Gains-in-Congress-Vote-Amid-Fraud-Allegations
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
“Space Force”: Trump Accelerating Aerospace Goal Targeting China and Russia

*No space for peace

http://www.accuracy.org/release/space-force-trump-accelerating-aerospace-goal-targeting-china-and-russia
—

FAIR
WaPo Fails to Disclose Ownership in Puff Piece for Bezos

https://fair.org/home/wapo-fails-to-disclose-ownership-in-puff-piece-for-bezos
—

Democracy Now!
Trump’s New CIA Nominee, Gina Haspel, Faces Possible Arrest Warrant in Germany over Torture

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/14/trumps_new_cia_nominee_gina_haspel

Jeremy Scahill: Gina Haspel Should Be Answering for Her Torture Crimes, Not Heading the CIA

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/14/jeremy_scahill_gina_haspel_should_be

Mike Pompeo, Christian Crusader & Koch Brothers Ally, Tapped to Be Trump’s Secretary of State

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/14/mike_pompeo_christian_crusader_koch_brothers

Congresswoman Confirms Erik Prince Tied to Assassination Program Run Out of Dick Cheney’s Office

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/14/congresswoman_confirms_erik_prince_tied_to
—

Nutrition Action
How a multivitamin could help if you’re taking a common blood-sugar drug

https://www.nutritionaction.com/daily/dietary-supplem