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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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February 2019

2.19

They Took My House, They Took My Life, They Took Everything.
Israeli police forcibly expelled a Palestinian family from their home in the occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City on Sunday and promptly turned it over to right-wing Jewish settlers
by Abby Zimet, Further columnist

https://www.commondreams.org/further/2019/02/18/they-took-my-house-they-took-my-life-they-took-everything
–

Accusing Richard Branson of Playing Into Regime Change Plot, Roger Waters Warns Against ‘Live Aid-ish’ Concert Near Venezuela Border
“Do we really want Venezuela to turn into another Iraq or Syria or Libya? I don’t, and neither do the Venezuelan people.”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Maybe his best bud Obama will favor us with a tune.

I have a suggestion – the old Temptations’ hit, “Smiling Faces”

“They lie

And I got proof”

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/02/19/accusing-richard-branson-playing-regime-change-plot-roger-waters-warns-against-live
—

Organizers Oust Amazon HQ2 From New York
Invest in communities, New Yorkers say, not a labor-busting, tax-avoiding corporation that profits off hate
by Negin Owliaei

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/02/19/organizers-oust-amazon-hq2-new-york

How the U.S. Is Strangling Haiti as It Attempts Regime Change in Venezuela
Their message is simple: if you won’t let us breathe, we won’t let you breathe, and if you suffocate Venezuela, you suffocate us
by Vijay Prashad

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/02/19/how-us-strangling-haiti-it-attempts-regime-change-venezuela
—

The Real News Network
White Supremacy and the Progressive Movement
Host Jacqueline Luqman is joined by Paul Jay to discuss the importance of combating white supremacy within the context of a broad people’s movement

*It’s not an “either/or”, and it’s not a “both”.

White supremacy is one expression of exploitation and oppression, but you don’t treat a disease by ignoring its symptoms. You deal with the symptoms while acutely aware of the disease that creates them.

Your goal is to cure the disease, but to do so, you have to ameliorate the symptoms within the context of a holistic approach.

There’s no pill for that … only a commitment to an empathic connection to all who suffer under a system fueled by greed and a lust for power.

https://therealnews.com/stories/white-supremacy-and-the-progressive-movement
—

Democracy Now!
Venezuela in Crisis: As U.S. Pushes Regime Change, Fear Grows of Civil War & Famine

*So, Rodríguez believes that the installation of a ally to Killer Clown, Bolsonaro and the other protofascisti in the hemisphere “can be very good”, and no one challenges that view?

Prashad, whom I have some respect for, is mute on this, as are the hosts of a program entitled “Democracy Now!”

And you wonder why watching it is often utterly frustrating and infuriating … ?

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/2/19/venezuela_in_crisis_as_us_pushes

Amazon’s Defeat in NYC Galvanizes Movement to End Billion-Dollar Corporate Welfare

*Kim’s mealy mouthing on de Blasio and the sellout unions doesn’t exactly fill me with confidence as to how this bill will ultimately shake out.

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/2/19/amazons_defeat_in_nyc_galvanizes_movement

2.18

Swedish Activist Fined for Viral Live-Streamed Protest Against Deportation of Afghan Asylum Seeker
“It is right to save lives and wrong to be punished for trying”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*When principles take flight

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/02/18/swedish-activist-fined-viral-live-streamed-protest-against-deportation-afghan-asylum
—

Worshipping the Electronic Image
Trump is a creature—maybe the poster child—of the modern, post-literate culture
by Chris Hedges

*Image unconscious

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/02/18/worshipping-electronic-image
–

How a Failing Capitalist System Is Allowing Amazon to Cripple America
There may be no better argument for democratic socialism in America than the way individual state leaders have been falling over each other trying to lure corporations to their states with tax subsidies
by Paul Buchheit

*Any system based on profit rather than communal principles will fail us, and any “democratic socialism” that attempts to tame that venal beast, rather than replace it, will do likewise.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/02/18/how-failing-capitalist-system-allowing-amazon-cripple-america
–

China Is Flooding the Middle East With Cheap Drones
Throughout the war on terror, the U.S. shattered norms on unmanned execution. Now the technology is spreading throughout the region
by Jakob Reimann

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/02/18/china-flooding-middle-east-cheap-drones

A Long War of Attrition With China
The only way to save civilization is for the U.S. and China to declare peace and focus together on human salvation
by Michael Klare

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/02/18/long-war-attrition-china

Border Patrol Detained Me for Speaking Spanish in Montana. Then My Town Turned Against Me.
“My friend and I were illegally targeted and detained by a Customs and Border Protection agent, just for speaking Spanish to each other in a convenience store”
by Ana Suda

*Brave souls in a town lacking one

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/02/17/border-patrol-detained-me-speaking-spanish-montana-then-my-town-turned-against-me
—

The Real News Network
Are Palestinians Living under a Double Occupation? (1/2)
Legislator Mustafa Barghouti discusses President Abbas’s dissolution of the Legislative Council, the attempt to alter the Paris Accords, and explores Palestinians’ life under double occupation. With Israeli elections approaching, the Palestinian leadership does not challenge Israeli political parties to take a position on the occupation

https://therealnews.com/stories/are-palestinians-living-under-a-double-occupation-1-2

First Step in New York State Towards Universal Rent Control
State Senator Julia Salazar introduced a bill that would cap annual rent increases by no more than 150% of the consumer price index. We speak to Sen. Salazar about the proposal

https://therealnews.com/stories/first-step-in-new-york-state-towards-universal-rent-control

Warsaw Conference’s War with Iran Agenda, Met with Low Level Delegations from European Allies
Pompeo, Netanyahu urged Arab leaders to consolidate and prepare for war with Iran at Warsaw Conference. Europe sent low level delegations. A leaked video from the conference reveals that Arab leaders are ready to abandon solidarity with Palestinians. We speak with Vijay Prashad for analysis.

https://therealnews.com/stories/warsaw-conferences-war-with-iran-agenda-met-with-low-level-delegations-from-european-allies

New Poll Shows Increased Bipartisan Desire to Act on Climate Change
The results, released in December, also show widespread bipartisan support for a Green New Deal and renewable energy

*A long journey from awareness and concern to action commensurate with the crisis at hand, which will remain the case as long as advocates for “a Green New Deal” soft pedal just how radical change must be to give us any chance of survival.

https://therealnews.com/stories/new-poll-shows-increased-bipartisan-desire-to-act-on-climate-change

Does Recognition of Parallel Gov’t in Venezuela Violate International Law?
A recent study conducted by the German parliament’s independent scientific research service found that international recognition of the self-proclaimed “interim president” Juan Guaidó probably constitutes a violation of international law. We discuss the study’s implications with Andrej Hunko, who commissioned the study

https://therealnews.com/stories/does-recognition-of-parallel-govt-in-venezuela-violate-international-law

Trump Declares an Imperial Presidency – Paul Jay
Trump’s emergency order threatens to create an all powerful presidency and weaken a constitutional order that allows the elites to settle their differences within an electoral process – Paul Jay joins guest-host Jacqueline Luqman of ‘Luqman Nation’

*Democrats use a scalpel to carve up the world to capital’s liking.

Republicans go for the meat cleaver

And the more blood, the better.

https://therealnews.com/stories/trump-declares-an-imperial-presidency-paul-jay

2.15

Blow to ‘Powerful Corporate Interests’ as Federal Court Throws Out Pipeline Company Lawsuit Against DAPL Water Protectors
Greenpeace lawyer confident that decision will deter other companies “from abusing the legal system in their quest to bully those who speak truth to power”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/02/15/blow-powerful-corporate-interests-federal-court-throws-out-pipeline-company-lawsuit
—

National Emergencies: Constitutional and Statutory Restrictions on Presidential Powers
When the President threatens to use those same emergency authorities to try paying for a border wall after Congress has refused, we watch closely. And so should you.
by Cindy Cohn and Shahid Buttar

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/02/15/national-emergencies-constitutional-and-statutory-restrictions-presidential-powers
–

On Valentine’s Day, An End to Amazon’s Two-Bit Romance With New York
A fond farewell to this ‘No low-rent rendezvous’
by Laura Flanders

*Do we want better “terms of engagement” from slimy suitors

Or do we tell them to go fuck *themselves*, and build a communal relationship meant to last?

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/02/15/valentines-day-end-amazons-two-bit-romance-new-york
–

The Realized Temptations of NPR and PBS
Over the years, without regular critiques by liberal and progressive groups, both NPR and PBS have bent to the continual right-wing antagonism in Congress that decreased public budgets
by Ralph Nader

*The Corporation

Faux Public Broadcasting

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/02/15/realized-temptations-npr-and-pbs
—

Center for Biological Diversity
Court Rejects Oil Industry’s Retaliatory Lawsuit Against L.A. Youth Groups

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2019/02/15/court-rejects-oil-industrys-retaliatory-lawsuit-against-la-youth-groups
—

The Real News Network
How Haiti’s Spontaneous Uprising is Connected to Venezuelan Solidarity (1/2)
Kim Ives of Haiti Liberté unravels how the new Haitian revolt entangles Duvalier style corruption of money stolen from Venezuela’s PetroCaribe program and subtle US intervention

https://therealnews.com/stories/how-haitis-spontaneous-uprising-is-connected-to-venezuelan-solidarity-1-2

How Haiti’s Spontaneous Uprising is Connected to Venezuelan Solidarity (2/2)

*Killer Clown and Madame Mayhem

Nothing strange about such bedfellows when it comes to imperious imperialism.

https://therealnews.com/stories/how-haitis-spontaneous-uprising-is-connected-to-venezuelan-solidarity-2-2

‘Victory’ Deal Reached to End First Denver Teachers Strike in 25 Years
Journalist Eric Blanc discusses the tentative agreement to end the Denver teachers strike

*Okay, so let’s start talking about how to “create a new political instrument”

Instead of “fighting for the soul” of a soulless Democrapic Party.

https://therealnews.com/stories/victory-deal-reached-to-end-first-denver-teachers-strike-in-25-years
—

FAIR
Court Strikes Down FCC’s Mean-Spirited Effort to Reinforce Digital Divide
by Janine Jackson

https://fair.org/home/court-strikes-down-fccs-mean-spirited-effort-to-reinforce-digital-divide
—

Democracy Now!
Immigrant Activists: Democrats Are Capitulating to Trump by Approving Border, DHS Funding

*The yawning chasm between resistance and “#Resistance”

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/2/15/immigrant_activists_democrats_are_capitulating_to

Asylum Seekers Are Being Imprisoned in an Abandoned Factory in Mexico Under Trump Admin Policy

*Doesn’t really matter who the president of México is to these folks, does it?

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/2/15/asylum_seekers_are_being_imprisoned_in

2.14

More Border Surveillance Tech Could Be Worse for Human Rights Than a Wall
By pushing for expanded surveillance as an “alternative” to a literal barrier, Democrats have caved to the president’s worst impulses
by Evan Greer

*Follow the money, honey

Who does the tech sector give a shitpot full of campaign cash to … ?

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/02/14/more-border-surveillance-tech-could-be-worse-human-rights-wall

35 Days Without Pay Show How Precarious Federal Jobs Have Become
Private companies profited off the shutdown as federal workers living paycheck to paycheck—long vilified by the right—struggled to get by
by Hana Sarfan

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/02/14/35-days-without-pay-show-how-precarious-federal-jobs-have-become
—

The Real News Network
In Caracas, Ordinary Venezuelans Speak to The Real News About Venezuela’s Crisis
Citizens of Venezuela wait in line to sign a petition denouncing U.S. imperialism. Dimitri Lascaris reports from Caracas

https://therealnews.com/stories/in-caracas-ordinary-venezuelans-speak-to-the-real-news-about-venezuelas-crisis
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Emergency Powers “Impeachable”: “All You Need is One Brave Member”

*Add it to the list of impeachable offenses, and the Democraps’ politically calculated passes on doing shit all about them

http://accuracy.org/release/emergency-powers-impeachable-all-you-need-is-one-brave-member

Sanders-Khanna Bill on Saudi Assault on Yemen and War Powers Clears House

*Click and read at the ACLU link. Do you accept that these loopholes are mere “errors”?

Every congressmember has taken Posturing 101 – including the “progressive” ones.

http://accuracy.org/release/sanders-khanna-bill-on-saudi-assault-on-yemen-and-war-powers-clears-house
—

Democracy Now!
Roberto Lovato: Elliott Abrams Is Bringing Violence of 1980s U.S. Latin America Policy to Venezuela

*I don’t know who induces the bile to rise higher in my throat

Abrams and his murderers’ row, or Pelosi and her hyperhypocritical “#Resistance” shills.

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/2/14/roberto_lovato_elliott_abrams_is_bringing

One Year After Parkland, 1,200 More Kids Are Dead by Gunfire—But Students Still Fight for Gun Safety

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/2/14/one_year_after_parkland_1_200

2.13

What it Really Takes to Secure Peace in Afghanistan
Constant military surveillance of Afghans yields almost no real intelligence about the problems they face each day. An unusual group of volunteers uses a far different approach
by Kathy Kelly

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/02/13/what-it-really-takes-secure-peace-afghanistan
–

Growing a Green New Deal: Agriculture’s Role in Economic Justice and Ecological Sustainability
by Fred Iutzi and Robert Jensen

https://www.resilience.org/stories/2019-02-13/growing-a-green-new-deal-agricultures-role-in-economic-justice-and-ecological-sustainability
—

Petition
No more lives lost to an outdated organ procurement system
by Jennifer Flick

https://www.change.org/p/stopwaitingforanorgan-no-more-lives-lost-to-an-outdated-system
—

FAIR
ACTION ALERT: MSNBC’s ‘Resistance’ to Trump’s Venezuela Coup Ranges from Silence to Support
by Adam Johnson

*Mock the “Clown”

Rock the “Killer”

https://fair.org/home/action-alert-msnbcs-resistance-to-trumps-venezuela-coup-ranges-from-silence-to-support
—

Democracy Now!
Venezuela Accuses U.S. of Secretly Shipping Arms After Weapons Found on Plane with Possible CIA Ties

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/2/13/venezuela_accuses_us_of_secretly_shipping

Atlanta School Cheating Scandal: The Untold Story of Corporate Greed & Criminalization of Teachers

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/2/13/atlanta_school_cheating_scandal_the_untold

2.12

Giving Trump Far Too Much in Shutdown Deal, Progressives Warn Democrats ‘Throwing Immigrants Under the Bus’
“This isn’t just about stopping Trump’s wall—this is about standing on the right side of history, and standing with the most vulnerable”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Spineless Democraps put *our* backs against The Wall

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/02/12/giving-trump-far-too-much-shutdown-deal-progressives-warn-democrats-throwing

Because Society ‘Leaps Forward’ When People Take Action, UK Headteachers Union Backs Student #ClimateStrike
“When you get older pupils making an informed decision, that kind of thing needs to be applauded”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*It’s not the students who need to learn the lesson

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/02/12/because-society-leaps-forward-when-people-take-action-uk-headteachers-union-backs

Study Shows Toxic Pesticide Levels in Families Dropped by 60% After One-Week Organic Diet
“This important study shows how quickly we can rid our bodies of toxic pesticides by choosing organic,” says researcher
by Jon Queally, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/02/12/study-shows-toxic-pesticide-levels-families-dropped-60-after-one-week-organic-diet
—

Why Does the United States of America Want to Overthrow the Government of Venezuela?
A look at what drives the US to persist in its interventions—diplomatic, economic and military—against the Venezuelan government
by Vijay Prashad

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/02/12/why-does-united-states-america-want-overthrow-government-venezuela
—

A Green New Deal for India?
A new report from the Political Economy Research Institute puts forth a proposal to boost equity while lowering carbon emissions. Shouvik Chakraborty, an author of the report, explains

https://therealnews.com/stories/a-green-new-deal-for-india

City Council Approves Bill That Could Shut Down Massive Trash Incinerator
Baltimore City Council unanimously approved a bill that would impose stricter pollution requirements on the city’s trash incinerator and could force it to shut down

https://therealnews.com/columns/city-council-approves-bill-that-could-shut-down-massive-trash-incinerator
—

FAIR
‘MBS Has Ushered in an Era of Unprecedented Crackdowns and Repression of Political Speech’
CounterSpin interview with Sarah Aziza on Saudi repression of women
by Janine Jackson

*If any action is taken by gummints to counter MBS’ murderous megalomania, it won’t be due to any concern for Saudis and their rights, but for the damage his vile vainglory could do to their own interests.

https://fair.org/home/mbs-has-ushered-in-an-era-of-unprecedented-crackdowns-and-repression-of-political-speech

Facts Don’t Interfere With Propaganda Blitz Against Venezuela’s Elected President
by Joe Emersberger

https://fair.org/home/facts-dont-interfere-with-propaganda-blitz-against-venezuelas-elected-president
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Rep. Omar and the Truth About AIPAC

http://accuracy.org/release/rep-omar-and-the-truth-about-aipac
—

Democracy Now!
Denver Teachers Strike over Bonus-Based Pay System, Demanding Reliable Salary Plan & Better Wages

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/2/12/denver_teachers_strike_over_bonus_based

Wright State Faculty Ends One of the Longest Strikes at a Public University in U.S. History

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/2/12/wright_state_faculty_ends_one_of

The End of Ice: Dahr Jamail on Climate Disruption from the Melting Himalayas to Insect Extinction

*Jamail speaks of “doing the right thing”, and I am in complete agreement with that sentiment

Which is why when I see the flaws in the “Green New Deal”, the compromises that will be made in the name of “pragmatism”, without getting into motivations, I know that these efforts won’t be enough.

Perhaps it’s moot … that regardless of how well we struggle, we’re doomed to lose

But can’t we go out with the bang of just “doing the right thing”, instead of the whimper of political calculus that played so large a part in our demise?

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/2/12/the_end_of_ice_dahr_jamail

2.11

As Omar ‘Unequivocally’ Apologizes, Critics Rip Democratic Leaders for Trying to ‘Silence Criticism’ of AIPAC
“What the congresswoman said is very uncontroversial,” noted journalist Glenn Greenwald. “Everyone knows AIPAC is an extremely intimidating lobby, just like the NRA is. There’s nothing wrong with pointing that out.”
by Jon Queally, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Wholly predictable how Pelosi and cabal would react, and perhaps also the case regarding Omar’s backpedaling.

Will she keep her head down on this and related issues now?

History isn’t encouraging, but I’d love to have my pessimism proved misplaced.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/02/11/omar-unequivocally-apologizes-critics-rip-democratic-leaders-trying-silence

Scientists Warn Crashing Insect Population Puts ‘Planet’s Ecosystems and Survival of Mankind’ at Risk
“This is the stuff that worries me most. We don’t know what we’re doing, not trying to stop it, [and] with big consequences we don’t really understand”
by Jon Queally, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/02/11/scientists-warn-crashing-insect-population-puts-planets-ecosystems-and-survival
—

Real Net Neutrality Is More Than a Ban on Blocking, Throttling, and Paid Prioritization
Net neutrality is a principle. It is not just a set of rules against specific discriminatory practices.
by Katharine Trendacosta

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/02/10/real-net-neutrality-more-ban-blocking-throttling-and-paid-prioritization
–

Australian Judge Strikes Down Coal Mine in Part Because of Its Carbon Emissions
The next phase will be suing companies like ExxonMobil, who knew they were destroying the earth but actively suppressed the evidence for it and funded vast campaigns of climate change denialism
by Juan Cole

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/02/10/australian-judge-strikes-down-coal-mine-part-because-its-carbon-emissions
–

Meet the Militant Flight Attendant Leader Who Threatened a Strike—And Helped Stop Trump’s Shutdown
It’s entirely possible that workers could again get furloughed and cut off from pay. And Sara Nelson wants everyone to understand how her members are willing to sacrifice in response.
by David Dayen

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/02/10/meet-militant-flight-attendant-leader-who-threatened-strike-and-helped-stop-trumps
—

The Real News Network
Mexico’s Lopez Obrador’s Position on Venezuela Marks Return to Foreign Policy Tradition
Mexico is making a large contribution towards the prevention of civil war in Venezuela, by returning to long-established foreign policy tradition of neutrality, which the previous president had completely abandoned, says John Ackerman

https://therealnews.com/stories/mexicos-lopez-obradors-position-on-venezuela-marks-return-to-foreign-policy-tradition

How Aggressive Policing Fuels America’s Inequality Machine
The recent in-custody police death of Anton Black and inadequate civilian oversight in Baltimore reveal how the underlying imperative of policing in the U.S. is not public safety, but instead heightening the rampant inequality that continues to plague urban America

*You can’t reform rot

You can only remove it

https://therealnews.com/stories/how-aggressive-policing-fuels-americas-inequality-machine

Senate Democrats, Republicans Have Ex-Fracking Lobbyists Running Senate Energy Committee
The Senate Energy Committee leadership on both sides of the aisle is staffed up by former fracking industry lobbyists who worked as colleagues at same group

https://therealnews.com/stories/senate-democrats-republicans-have-ex-fracking-lobbyists-running-senate-energy-committee

Blood for Oil in Venezuela?
Vijay Prashad discusses the extent to which US interest in Venezuelan oil and other natural resources is driving Trump’s policy of seeking regime change. The link is not that straight-forward, but it is there, says Prashad

https://therealnews.com/stories/blood-for-oil-in-venezuela

Did Justin Trudeau’s Office Obstruct Justice in Canada’s Worst Corporate Corruption Scandal?
TRNN’s Dimitri Lascaris, former class action lawyer who pursued SNC-Lavalin in court, discusses the PMO’s legal exposure

https://therealnews.com/stories/did-justin-trudeaus-office-obstruct-justice-in-canadas-worst-corporate-corruption-scandal
—

FAIR
Western Media Fall in Lockstep for Cheap Trump/Rubio Venezuela Aid PR Stunt
by Adam Johnson

*Are these “mysterious assumptions”

Or malevolent assistance?

How many times does history have to repeat itself before a spade is indelibly stamped a spade?

https://fair.org/home/western-media-fall-in-lockstep-for-cheap-trump-rubio-venezuela-aid-pr-stunt
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
AIPAC: Power and Origins

*Padlocking the Israelgate

http://accuracy.org/release/aipac-power-and-origins

You Paid More to Netflix Last Month Than It Paid in Taxes Last Year: $0

http://accuracy.org/release/you-paid-more-to-netflix-last-month-than-it-paid-in-taxes-last-year-0
—

Democracy Now!
Glenn Greenwald: As Bezos Protests Invasion of His Privacy, Amazon Builds Global Surveillance State

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/2/11/glenn_greenwald_as_bezos_protests_invasion

Glenn Greenwald Defends Rep. Ilhan Omar: Criticizing Israeli Lobby & AIPAC Is Not Anti-Semitic

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/2/11/glenn_greenwald_defends_rep_ilhan_omar

“This Is Just the Beginning”: Greenwald on Rising State Violence & Homophobia in Bolsonaro’s Brazil

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/2/11/this_is_just_the_beginning_greenwald

2.8

We All Have “Skin in the Game.” That’s Why We Need Medicare for All.
On the ongoing push to skin patients needing care
by Chuck Idelson

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/02/08/we-all-have-skin-game-thats-why-we-need-medicare-all
–

Ricardo Hausmann Is Taking Milton Friedman’s Lessons to Venezuela
Will the legacy of putting neoliberal academic theories over the people win again?
by Tanya Rawal-Jindia

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/02/08/ricardo-hausmann-taking-milton-friedmans-lessons-venezuela
–

The Venezuela Myth Keeping Us From Transforming Our Economy
“Capitalism is quite simply incapable of regulating itself, and that is precisely where progressive governments and progressive government legislation needs to step in”
by Ellen Brown

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/02/08/venezuela-myth-keeping-us-transforming-our-economy
–

The Right-Wing Press and Violence Against Women: Terrible When Abroad, Ignored When at Home
To these outlets, progressive politics on gender equality is not evidence of a more enlightened view of society, but of a capitulation to the tyranny of egalitarianism
by Christian Christensen

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/02/08/right-wing-press-and-violence-against-women-terrible-when-abroad-ignored-when-home
—

National Organization for Women (NOW)
Pope Francis Must Act Now – Reform on Sexual Abuse is Long Overdue

*We’ll see how PF tries to PR his way out of this

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2019/02/08/pope-francis-must-act-now-reform-sexual-abuse-long-overdue
—

The Real News Network
Geo-Political Realignments Over Venezuela
On the heels of the hard-line anti-Maduro Lima Group meeting in Ottawa, countries favoring a negotiated solution, including Uruguay, Mexico, and Bolivia, met in Montevideo on Thursday. The final declaration, however, compromises Venezuela’s sovereignty, according to Bolivia. We discuss the outcome with Miguel Tinker Salas and Greg Wilpert

https://therealnews.com/stories/geo-political-realignments-over-venezuela

Trump Admin Determined to Overthrow Venezuela’s Maduro
Trump’s efforts to overthrow the Maduro government in Venezuela reached new heights when it halted a Senate resolution supporting self-proclaimed president Guaidó because it also included a line against the use of US military force in Venezuela. We discuss the ramifications with CEPR’s Mark Weisbrot

https://therealnews.com/stories/trump-admin-determined-to-overthrow-venezuelas-maduro

Cryptocurrency Firm Loses Codes and Gets Hacked, Millions Lost
Recent developments in the cryptocurrency world highlight the dangers of trading in this type of “coin.” But how important is cryptocurrency to the financial world and why should we care? We discuss the issue with white collar criminologist Bill Black

*Oy gevalt …

But why is Steiner laughing about this joker’s death

Even if he is a schmuck?

https://therealnews.com/stories/cryptocurrency-firm-loses-codes-and-gets-hacked-millions-lost

The Green New Deal Must Take on the Fossil Fuel Industry
Greenpeace’s Janet Redman says the Green New Deal proposal from Rep. Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Markey is a step towards unprecedented climate action, but that it must mandate a phase-out of oil, gas, and coal

*If this were a football game, I’d have to make our survival a 30 point dog.

Taking the points is most likely a lock, but do keep in mind

If you win, we all lose.

https://therealnews.com/stories/the-green-new-deal-must-take-on-the-fossil-fuel-industry
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Shouldn’t Green New Deal Proposals Address Fossil Fuels?

*A half step most always takes us in the wrong direction

http://accuracy.org/release/shouldnt-green-new-deal-proposals-address-fossil-fuels
—

FAIR
‘Venezuela’: Media’s One-Word Rebuttal to the Threat of Socialism
by Alan MacLeod

*The irony in all this is that no one mentioned in this piece could accurately be called a socialist – including Maduro – if by “socialism” one means an socioeconomic system organized around cooperation for the common good, with no place for corporate profit, no matter how well “regulated” and “equitably” taxed they may be.

Which is why the smart money is on our inevitable extinction, as we piddle around with “Green New Deals” and cling to cults of “progressive” personality, while our handbasket to hell awaits our barmy bums.

https://fair.org/home/venezuela-medias-one-word-rebuttal-to-the-threat-of-socialism
—

Democracy Now!
Dems Accuse Trump Admin of “State-Sponsored Child Abuse” as Separated Migrant Children Scandal Grows

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/2/8/dems_accuse_trump_admin_of_state

2.7

Despite Promises of ACA, Study Shows Two-Thirds of Personal Bankruptcies Still Caused by Illness and Medical Bills
“We need to move ahead from the ACA to a single-payer, Medicare for All system that assures first-dollar coverage for everyone”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*”Affordable Care”?

Just an “Act”

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/02/07/despite-promises-aca-study-shows-two-thirds-personal-bankruptcies-still-caused

‘This Needs to Happen Nationally’: Ohio City Ditches Columbus Day to Make Election Day Paid Holiday
The city of Sandusky, Ohio is swapping Columbus Day for Election Day starting in 2020, ending the yearly celebration of Christopher Columbus and instead ensuring all city workers can get to the polls
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/02/07/needs-happen-nationally-ohio-city-ditches-columbus-day-make-election-day-paid

Border Town in Arizona to Trump: Tear Down This Wall… of ‘Inhuman’ Razor Wire
The unanimously approved resolution characterized the installation of the razor wire, recently installed by U.S. Army personnel, as “not only irresponsible but inhuman”
by Jon Queally, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/02/07/border-town-arizona-trump-tear-down-wall-inhuman-razor-wire
—

The Real News Network
Global Tech Companies Renew Push for Control Over All Data
Google, Amazon and Facebook, among others, have developed e-commerce rules that would benefit them and, with the help of the US government, hope to have them adopted by the World Trade Organization. CEPR’s Deborah James discusses the implications

*All your database are belong to us

https://therealnews.com/stories/global-tech-companies-renew-push-for-control-over-all-data
—

RootsAction Education Fund
Stacy Bannerman has spent sixteen years speaking out against the Iraq War, even as she was living with — and nearly died from — the consequences

https://act.rootsaction.org/o/6503/t/0/blastContent.jsp?email_blast_KEY=218121
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Former UN Official on Venezuela: “Nothing More Undemocratic Than a Coup”

*A coup de grasp

http://accuracy.org/release/former-un-official-on-venezuela-nothing-more-undemocratic-than-a-coup
—

Democracy Now!
Political Scientist: Blackface Is a National Problem & Virginia’s Top Officials Must Step Down

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/2/7/political_scientist_blackface_is_a_national

Meet Victorina Morales, an Undocumented Immigrant Who Spent Five Years as Trump’s Housekeeper

*Scaling the wall of silence

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/2/7/meet_victorina_morales_an_undocumented_immigrant

2.6

Fresh off ‘MAGA Field Trip,’ Steve Bannon, Erik Prince Among Right-Wing Crew Plotting Out Privatized Border Wall
New reporting by Politico sheds light on big players behind anti-immigrant effort
by Andrea Germanos, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/02/06/fresh-maga-field-trip-steve-bannon-erik-prince-among-right-wing-crew-plotting-out

‘Breathtaking and Terrifying’: UN Food Relief Agency Partners With CIA-Funded Software Firm Palantir
Data privacy advocates decried the $45 million deal as “horribly irresponsible and potentially incredibly harmful”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Should we be afraid that “WFP is jumping headlong into something they don’t understand”

Or into something they do?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/02/06/breathtaking-and-terrifying-un-food-relief-agency-partners-cia-funded-software-firm
—

An Open Letter to Rep. Pramila Jayapal Regarding Medicare for All
We applaud your efforts to improve the legislation from previous versions by including guaranteed access to vital services such as reproductive health and long-term care, but have two serious questions about the future of private insurers and exactly who might be left out of an otherwise universal system
by Isabel Ostrer, Chris Cai and Ana Malinow

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/02/06/open-letter-rep-pramila-jayapal-regarding-medicare-all
—

The Real News Network
VA Governor Northam Won’t Address Racist Reality, Runs From Blackface Past
The reemergence of blackface as an issue, around Gov. Northam’s inaction, exposes the depth of American racism. Our panel with Jacqueline Luqman and Eddie Conway explores the topic

*Anyone who believes Northam was capable of acting in any way other than how he did is a stone fool, and no doubt. He only regrets the exposure, not the act itself.

And so to say that he “should *probably* resign” is a non sequitur in excelsis.

https://therealnews.com/stories/va-governor-northam-wont-address-racist-reality-runs-from-blackface-past
—

FAIR
NYT Reports on ‘Perception’ of Subway Danger—but Can’t Perceive Racism
by Neil deMause

https://fair.org/home/nyt-reports-on-perception-of-subway-danger-but-cant-perceive-racism

US Media Ignore—and Applaud—Economic War on Venezuela
by Gregory Shupak

https://fair.org/home/us-media-ignore-and-applaud-economic-war-on-venezuela
—

Democracy Now!
Puerto Rico: Vulture Funds to Make a Killing as Judge Approves Deal to Restructure Island’s Debt

*The position of employee pension funds in this makes plain that capitalism is never a “win/win”.

Profit is always made at the expense of someone else.

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/2/6/puerto_rico_vulture_funds_to_make

2.5

Living Like It Matters: Silver Linings in the Very Dark Cloud of Climate Catastrophe
Death offers wise and consoling advice if you have the courage to listen
by Elizabeth West

*We’ve gone on as who we’ve been led to be

Can we go out as who we would want to be?

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/02/05/living-it-matters-silver-linings-very-dark-cloud-climate-catastrophe
—

Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR)
Lawsuit Dismissed Against American Studies Association, Steven Salaita, others for Israel Boycott

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2019/02/05/lawsuit-dismissed-against-american-studies-association-steven-salaita-others
—

The Real News Network
Regime Change Canadian Style for Venezuela
The Lima Group met in Ottawa and signed the Ottawa Declaration to oust President Maduro from power in Venezuela. 13 conservative Latin American governments, plus Canada, officially recognized Juan Guaido as the transitional President of Venezuela and accepted Venezuela’s membership to the Lima Group. Yves Engler, Dimitri Lascaris, and Greg Wilpert discuss the outcome

https://therealnews.com/stories/conservative-governments-of-latin-america-plus-canada-endorse-regime-change-efforts-in-venezuela

Media Savvy Newcomer Wins El Salvador’s Election: Another Rightward Shift?
Nayib Bukele won El Salvador’s presidential election, capitalizing on his newcomer status and the FMLN’s crisis as it was being stymied by the country’s conservative forces. We analyze the result with CISPES coordinator Alexis Stoumbelis

*Lesson for the FMLN et alia

If you don’t stand by your stated principles

Don’t expect to find too many folks willing to stand by you

https://therealnews.com/stories/media-savvy-newcomer-wins-el-salvadors-election-another-rightward-shift
—

Democracy Now!
Trial of El Chapo Highlights Failure of U.S. War on Drugs, But Will U.S. Ever Be Held to Account?

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/2/5/trial_of_el_chapo_highlights_failure

2.4

In Response to Lies and Hate, Let Me Make Some Things Clear About My Climate Strike
If everyone listened to the scientists and the facts that I constantly refer to—then no one would have to listen to me or any of the other hundreds of thousands of school children on strike for the climate across the world. Then we could all go back to school.
by Greta Thunberg

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/02/03/response-lies-and-hate-let-me-make-some-things-clear-about-my-climate-strike
–

There Is a Real National Emergency in America, It’s Just Not the Wall
Walling in the Opioid Crisis?
by Rajan Menon

*”[M]ake you look better to everybody” … ?

Effective action in this area would not absolve Killer Clown of his soulless sins in so many others, would it?

A foolish way to end a salient screed.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/02/03/there-real-national-emergency-america-its-just-not-wall
—

Courage to Resist
Registry Launches as Draft Registration of Women Nears

https://couragetoresist.org/protective-registry-launches-as-draft-registration-of-women-nears
—

The Real News Network
Evenly Matched Pro- and Anti-Government Marches in Venezuela
TRNN Correspondent Dimitri Lascaris reports from the ground in Caracas about Saturday’s pro- and anti-government marches, highlighting their peacefulness and equal size

https://therealnews.com/stories/evenly-matched-pro-and-anti-government-marches-in-venezuela

Venezuela Primer Part 1: Why Did Venezuelans Elect Hugo Chávez?
Over and over again US media outlets make the claim that Venezuela was the “jewel of Latin America” before Hugo Chavez was elected in 1998, and that his election marked the country’s downfall. In Part 1 of this Venezuela primer, on the 20th anniversary of Chavez first taking office on February 2, 1999, we look at what led up to his election

https://therealnews.com/stories/venezuela-primer-pt-1-why-did-venezuelans-elect-hugo-chavez

Judge: Providing Water to Dying Immigrants in Desert is a Crime
In Tucson, Arizona, a US Magistrate handed down guilty verdicts against four No More Deaths activists, who were leaving water for border crossers, along the US-Mexico border. The activist group calls the decision a retaliation for releasing an incriminating report about the Border Patrol. A fifth activist faces an upcoming trial and potentially decades in prison

*Guilty of a conscience

https://therealnews.com/stories/judge-providing-water-to-dying-immigrants-in-desert-is-a-crime

Over 40% of US Households Are One Paycheck Away From Poverty
Far more households in the US are at risk of joining the ranks of the poor, should they lose their job or face a financial emergency, showing that millions are vulnerable and this number is increasing, says Kasey Wiedrich of Prosperity Now

*As long as we’re dependent on selling our labor to survive, we will always be at the mercy of the buyers

https://therealnews.com/stories/over-40-of-us-households-are-one-paycheck-away-from-poverty

Prosecutor Refuses to Try Pot Cases, But Police Pledge to Continue to Arrest
Baltimore’s State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby’s recent decision to stop prosecuting marijuana possession cases prompted pushback from the police commissioner, despite overwhelming evidence arrests for pot disproportionately impact African-Americans

https://therealnews.com/stories/prosecutor-refuses-to-try-pot-cases-but-police-pledge-to-continue-to-arrest

French Yellow Vest Protests Continue for 12th Week, Despite Government Resistance
Despite a brief lull over the holidays, the anti-neoliberal and anti-tax yellow vest protests continued in France for a 12th consecutive Saturday. We speak to Cole Stangler in Paris, shortly after the 10th week of protests

https://therealnews.com/stories/french-yellow-vest-protests-continue-for-12th-week-despite-government-resistance

Pugh’s Office Trying to Weaken Bill to Stop Baltimoreans from Losing Homes Over Water Bills
by Dharna Noor

*I’m conflicted on just whom I have more disdain for

Republican govs of red states

Or Democratic mayors of blue cities.

https://therealnews.com/columns/pughs-office-trying-to-weaken-bill-to-stop-baltimoreans-from-losing-homes-over-water-bills
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
After U.S. INF Withdrawal, Plowshares Activists, Facing Years in Prison, Warn of Nuclear Peril

http://accuracy.org/release/after-u-s-inf-withdrawal-plowshares-activists-facing-years-in-prison-warn-of-nuclear-peril
—

Democracy Now!
Historian: Americans Must Face Violent History of Blackface Amid Virginia Gov. Racist Photo Scandal

*There’s a difference between not knowing, and not caring.

Northam, Kelly et alia knew, know, and didn’t and don’t care.

I say this as a Southern boy who didn’t have any trouble knowing as soon as the reality smacked me upside the head.

Those who ducked have no excuse.

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/2/4/historian_americans_must_face_violent_history

Lights Back On at NYC Jail After Hundreds Protest, But Prisoners Still Without Heat in Winter

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/2/4/lights_back_on_at_nyc_jail

2.1

‘Yiiiiikes’: John Bolton Threatens to Send Venezuela’s Maduro to Offshore US Prison at Guantánamo
“Also seems like the Trump administration is expecting tomorrow to be showdown day in Venezuela as protests expected nationwide”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*How many Dems posturing against “military intervention” voted for the sanctions that have set the stage for same?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/02/01/yiiiiikes-john-bolton-threatens-send-venezuelas-maduro-offshore-us-prison-guantanamo

Anthropologist Debunks Bill Gates’ BS Narrative That Free-Market Capitalism Has Solved Crisis of Global Poverty
Calling billionaire Microsoft co-founder ‘completely wrong,’ Jason Hickels says “those defending poverty line you should be willing to live on it. Lookin’ at you, Bill.”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*A Bono fide hypocrite of the first order

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/02/01/anthropologist-debunks-bill-gates-bs-narrative-free-market-capitalism-has-solved

European Colonizers’ Genocide of 56 Million Native Americans So Devastating “It Literally Cooled the Planet”
“Beyond horrifying”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/02/01/european-colonizers-genocide-56-million-native-americans-so-devastating-it-literally
—

The U.S. 12-Step Method to Conduct Regime Change
What is happening to Venezuela is nothing unique in American history
by Vijay Prashad

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/02/01/us-12-step-method-conduct-regime-change
–

Will Iran Sanctions Herald the Fall of the Imperial Dollar?
Europe’s new mechanism for circumventing U.S. sanctions may or may not work, but the effort is certainly evidence of a world increasingly frustrated with living under the financial hegemony of Washington
by Medea Benjamin and Nicolas J S Davies

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/02/01/will-iran-sanctions-herald-fall-imperial-dollar
—

The Real News Network
Russia, China on Defense and No Iranian Nuclear Bomb – US Intelligence Report
Russia and China are responding to “perceived US unilateralism and interventionism” – Paul Jay joins Taya Graham to analyze the Worldwide Threat Assessment of the US Intelligence Community

*It’s not what the corpress is “buying”

It’s what it’s selling

https://therealnews.com/stories/russia-china-on-defense-and-no-iranian-nuclear-bomb-us-intelligence-report

Bayer-Monsanto Merger: Endangering Our Health, Food, Farms & Planet
The US Department of Justice finalized its approval of the Bayer/Monsanto merger. A new monopoly will be created over agricultural pesticides and industrial seed production, with farmers locked into industrial farming and our health endangered

https://therealnews.com/stories/bayer-monsanto-merger-endangering-our-health-food-farms-planet

Surveillance Video, Independent Forensic Expert Raise Fresh Questions about Anton Black’s Death in Police Custody
The video, along with a independent analysis of the autopsy report by an outside forensic pathologist, reveal a different depiction of events that lead to the death of 19-year-old Anton Black in police custody

https://therealnews.com/stories/surveillance-video-independent-forensic-expert-raise-fresh-questions-about-anton-blacks-death-in-police-custody
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Venezuela Analysis

http://accuracy.org/release/venezuela-analysis
—

FAIR
The Same Media That Opposed Democracy in South Africa Now Warn Against It in Israel/Palestine
by Gregory Shupak

*Justice demands one state, but that would be only the first step in a just solution, as evidenced by the corrupt and colluding ANC’s “rapprochement” with the white elite.

No doubt there are Palestinian “leaders” who’d relish a replay of that sad outcome.

https://fair.org/home/the-same-media-that-opposed-democracy-in-south-africa-now-warns-against-it-in-israel-palestine

Media Rally Around ‘Forever War’ in Afghanistan
by Gunar Olsen

https://fair.org/home/media-rally-around-forever-war-in-afghanistan
—

Democracy Now!
A Modern-Day Lynching?: “Always in Season” Looks at 2014 Hanging in NC & Legacy of Racial Terrorism

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/2/1/a_modern_day_lynching_always_in

January 2019

1.31

In ‘Victory for Land and Water,’ Canada’s Supreme Court Rules Bankrupt Fossil Fuel Companies Must Clean Up Pollution Left Behind
“Bankruptcy is not a license to ignore rules,” said the nation’s highest court
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/01/31/victory-land-and-water-canadas-supreme-court-rules-bankrupt-fossil-fuel-companies

Democrats Shouldn’t Abandon Medicare for All Over a Misleading Survey
Given its internal culture, it may not have been possible for Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) to present the arguments for and against Medicare for All in an unbiased manner
by Richard Eskow

*When questions don’t seek answers, but seek to shape them

Isn’t that best defined as propaganda?

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/01/31/democrats-shouldnt-abandon-medicare-all-over-misleading-survey
–

Demand Critical Congressional Hearings—Long Overdue, Avoided or Blocked
We need these Congressional hearings to make up for the years of deliberate inaction and avoidance
by Ralph Nader

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/01/31/demand-critical-congressional-hearings-long-overdue-avoided-or-blocked
—

Food & Water Watch
Notice of Intent Filed to Sue Over Chronic Water Pollution From Colorado Slaughterhouses

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2019/01/31/notice-intent-filed-sue-over-chronic-water-pollution-colorado-slaughterhouses
—

The Real News Network
Israel’s New Commander in Chief: “We’ll Create a Deadlier Army!”
Eyal Weizman studied the philosophy that guides Aviv Kochavi, the officer who was just appointed commander of the Israeli military. It is a philosophy that objectifies Palestinians and ignores the human suffering caused by new Israeli technologies and tactics of repression

https://therealnews.com/stories/israels-new-commander-in-chief-well-create-a-deadlier-army

Brazil Dam Collapse: Consequences Will Be More Devastating Under Bolsonaro
Existing mining and environmental regulations, if they had been implemented, could have prevented this disaster, which caused at least 84 dead and 256 missing. We discuss the Vale dam collapse in Brazil with Greenpeace organizer Fabiana Alves

*”Left” gummints, in Brazil and elsewhere in Latin America, have been largely AWOL on the environment, as well as in conflict with Indigenous communities over that and other issues.

That said, Bolsonaro is a quantum leap in callousness.

https://therealnews.com/stories/brazil-dam-collapse-consequences-will-be-more-devastating-under-bolsonaro
—

FAIR
The ‘Venezuelan People’ Are Whoever Agrees With Donald Trump
by Alan MacLeod

https://fair.org/home/the-venezuelan-people-are-whoever-agrees-with-donald-trump

1.30

‘Foxconn Was a Major Con’: Backed by Trump Promises and $4 Billion in Subsidies, Company Admits Factory Jobs Not Coming
“Foxconn took Wisconsin for a ride. Other states, beware the allure of the mega deal.”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*And the empty roll of toilet tissue (aka Dem Gov Tony Evers) who barely beat Walker will do next to diddley about it without intense pressure from a whole lot of pissed off Badgers.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/01/30/foxconn-was-major-con-backed-trump-promises-and-4-billion-subsidies-company-admits
—

Your Complete Guide to the N.Y. Times’ Support of U.S.-Backed Coups in Latin America
A survey of The New York Times archives shows the Times editorial board has supported 10 out of 12 American-backed coups in Latin America
by Adam Johnson

*Note the lack of venomous vitriol from Killer Clown when “the enemy of the people” lives up to that label

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/01/30/your-complete-guide-ny-times-support-us-backed-coups-latin-america
—

The Real News Network
US-Taliban Talks: Another Likely Tragedy for the Afghan People
Vijay Prashad of the Tricontinental Institute says we need a regional peace agreement for Afghanistan that includes Pakistan, India, and Iran at the negotiating table, lead by the United Nations

https://therealnews.com/stories/us-taliban-talks-another-likely-tragedy-for-the-afghan-people

New Oil Sanctions on Venezuela: “Would Destroy What’s Left of its Economy”
National Security Adviser John Bolton announced that the US will freeze Venezuelan assets and block oil payments for Venezuelan oil imports to the US. This would not only be illegal, but would also be yet another crippling blow to the country, says CEPR’s Mark Weisbrot

https://therealnews.com/stories/new-oil-sanctions-on-venezuela-would-destroy-whats-left-of-its-economy

Another County Just Banned New Fossil Fuel Infrastructure
Climate justice advocate Anthony Rogers-Wright explains why a growing number of jurisdictions are saying “No more fossil fuel extractions”

https://therealnews.com/stories/another-county-just-banned-new-fossil-fuel-infrastructure
—

Petition update
Ban Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in Massachusetts
Contact Massachusetts Representatives by Feb 1st!
by Mariya Taher

https://www.change.org/p/ban-female-genital-mutilation-cutting-in-massachusetts/u/24097475
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
“Bolsonaro Wants to Plunder the Amazon. Don’t Let Him”

http://accuracy.org/release/bolsonaro-wants-to-plunder-the-amazon-dont-let-him
—

FAIR
‘The Indigenous Narrative Holds the Power to Really Shift People’s Societal Views’
CounterSpin interview with Jenni Monet on indigenous journalism
by Janine Jackson

https://fair.org/home/the-indigenous-narrative-holds-the-power-to-really-shift-peoples-societal-views
—

Democracy Now!
As U.S. Moves to Oust Maduro, Is Invading Venezuela Next? Allan Nairn on Trump’s Attempted Coup

*Killer Clown’s wet dream of a circus of death

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/1/30/as_us_moves_to_oust_maduro

Allan Nairn: Trump’s Venezuela Envoy Elliott Abrams Is a War Criminal Who Has Abetted Genocide

*As long as the political duopoly and the corpress collude in consigning these heinous crimes to the trash file of history, while praising and promoting their soulless perpetrators

We will never “get there”.

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/1/30/allan_nairn_trump_s_venezuela_envoy

A War for Oil? Bolton Pushes Privatization of Venezuela’s Oil as U.S. Ratchets Up Pressure on Maduro

*Honest to godless socialism, like Christianity, is a pretty damn good notion, that relatively few have ever actually tried to follow

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/1/30/a_war_for_oil_bolton_pushes

1.29

Historian’s Advice to Davos Elite Worried About Pitchforks: ‘Stop Talking About Philanthropy’ and Start Paying Higher Taxes
“I mean we can talk for a very long time about all these stupid philanthropy schemes… But we’ve got to be talking about taxes. That’s it. Taxes, taxes, taxes. All the rest is bullshit in my opinion.”
by Jon Queally, staff writer
Common Dreams

*I’d like to ask Berman if he believes “a so-called popular ‘backlash'” is likewise “bullshit”, as it seems he’s advising a way to avoid it, rather than enable it.

It ain’t about paying your taxes

It’s about how you got the fucking money in the first place.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/01/29/historians-advice-davos-elite-worried-about-pitchforks-stop-talking-about

25 Democrats Join GOP to Advance Anti-Boycott Bill Bernie Sanders Warns Violates “Americans’ First Amendment Rights”
“It’s vile that a law aimed at suppressing our democratic rights and silencing those fighting for solidarity with Palestinians would even make it to the Senate floor,” declared one American Jewish advocacy group
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*I’d be curious to know how many of those voting against this anti-democratic abomination actually support the actions it targets, unlike the sanctified Saint Bernard.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/01/29/25-democrats-join-gop-advance-anti-boycott-bill-bernie-sanders-warns-violates
—

Defying War and Defining Peace in Afghanistan
Since 2001, and at a cost of $800 billion, the U.S. military has caused irreparable and horrific losses in Afghanistan
by Kathy Kelly

*The grim “gifts” bestowed by “the good war”

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/01/29/defying-war-and-defining-peace-afghanistan
—

350.org
King County, Washington Votes To Ban New Fossil Fuel Projects

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2019/01/29/king-county-washington-votes-ban-new-fossil-fuel-projects
—

The Real News Network
Trudeau Pushes Trump’s Regime Change in Venezuela
Why is Canada violating the UN Charter and leading the way for regime change in Venezuela? Paul Jay and Yves Engler join Sharmini Peries

https://therealnews.com/stories/trudeau-pushes-trumps-regime-change-in-venezuela

Brazil’s Iron Ore Company Vale Responsible for 65 Deaths and 279 Missing
Vale mine workers at dam among the missing washed into the valley, says journalist Mike Fox

https://therealnews.com/stories/brazils-iron-ore-company-vale-responsible-for-65-deaths-and-279-missing
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Kamala Harris: “More AIPAC Than J Street”

*It ain’t “a blind spot”

It’s an empty spot in their souls

http://accuracy.org/release/kamala-harris-more-aipac-than-j-street
—

Democracy Now!
Exclusive: Ex-Harvey Weinstein Employee Breaks Silence on Her Memo That Helped Take Down Movie Mogul

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/1/29/exclusive_ex_harvey_weinstein_employee_breaks

1.28

This County in Washington State Could Be About to Ban All Future Fossil Fuel Infrastructure to Ignite ‘Transformative Change’
“It’s the right time for King County to act”
by Andrea Germanos, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/01/28/county-washington-state-could-be-about-ban-all-future-fossil-fuel-infrastructure
—

The World to Come
The ruling elite’s goal is to keep us entertained, frightened and passive while they build draconian structures of oppression
by Chris Hedges

*Think it can’t happen?

Then it will.

And paeans to the promises of “progressive” Democrats such as those pixeled across our screens on Common Dreams and elsewhere only erode our ability to perceive, and thus struggle for, what is truly necessary to avoid the abyss.

This shit is real.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/01/28/world-come
–

In Defense of “Taxpayer-Funded Abortion”
It’s time to fight like hell for Roe v. Wade, for accessible contraception options, and for comprehensive maternal healthcare, but it’s also time to fight for the public assistance for abortion that low-income people deserve
by Hayley Farless

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/01/28/defense-taxpayer-funded-abortion
—

The Real News Network
Netanyahu Forms Alliances with Far-Right Authoritarian Leaders
Shir Hever says Netanyahu is abusing his image as a protector of the Jewish people, and cuts deals with far-right and anti-Semitic heads of state, absolving them of their racism towards Jews in exchange for their superficial support for the State of Israel. All this, to win the upcoming Israeli elections

*I’d imagine how effective he’s seen to be in these PR efforts will be the determinant in whether he’s indicted.

The law just don’t enter into it, do it?

https://therealnews.com/stories/netanyahu-forms-alliances-with-far-right-authoritarian-leaders

Attempted Coup in Venezuela with Abby Martin, Greg Wilpert, Paul Jay
Sharmini Peries hosts a wide ranging conversation about the US backed attempted coup in Venezuela

*And all the “#Resistance” can muster, when not silent on or overtly backing this naked imperialism, are pallid statements against “interference” that largely accept the corpress narrative. And we can’t forget the role of “human rights organizations” in furthering same.

But a dogmatic defense of the Maduro gummint is counterproductive. In the end, we have to put our faith in principles, and criticize parties and personalities that deviate from them, while steadfastly opposing any attempt by The Empire ™ to use those failures, and the lies that attend them, for their own iniquitous ends.

https://therealnews.com/stories/attempted-coup-in-venezuela-with-abby-martin-greg-wilpert-paul-jay

Defusing the Crisis: A Way Forward for Venezuela
Venezuelan sociologist Edgardo Lander and TRNN’s Greg Wilpert discuss how Venezuela got into its current international, economic, and political crisis and what it might take to get out of it

https://therealnews.com/stories/defusing-the-crisis-a-way-forward-for-venezuela
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Will Elliott Abrams, “Abettor of Genocide,” do to Venezuela What he did to Guatemala?

*While the vast bulk of “#TheResistance” cheers him on

http://accuracy.org/release/will-elliott-abrams-abettor-of-genocide-do-to-venezuela-what-he-did-to-guatemala
—

FAIR
‘When You Take Healthcare Away From People, People Die’
CounterSpin interview with Rebecca Vallas on Medicaid under attack
by Janine Jackson

https://fair.org/home/when-you-take-healthcare-away-from-people-people-die
—

Democracy Now!
“Where’s My Roy Cohn?”: Film Explores How Joseph McCarthy’s Ex-Aide Mentored Trump & Roger Stone

*Tyrnauer’s a filmmaker, which means he’s a storyteller, and it’s a grand story to make Cohn this quintessence of soullessness, but Cohn operated within a power structure that shared that dark heart, and was aided and abetted by a corpress that could have consigned him to the dustbin of history eons ago, but due to their own fealty to power, allowed him to survive and prosper.

Obviously, the same can be said for Killer Clown.

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/1/28/wheres_my_roy_cohn_film_explores

1.25

While Criticizing Maduro, Sanders Says US Should ‘Not Be in the Business of Regime Change’ in Venezuela
“The United States has a long history of inappropriately intervening in Latin American countries,” said the senator. “We must not go down that road again.”
by Jon Queally, staff writer
Common Dreams

*”Everything the imperialistas say is true (just ask the New York Times)

But we shouldn’t do anything ‘inappropriate’.”

Jesus, Mary and Joseph …

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/01/25/while-criticizing-maduro-sanders-says-us-should-not-be-business-regime-change
—

It’s Time to Update Aging Voting Equipment Before the 2020 Election
Federal, state, and local governments must update our election systems before we repeat the mistakes of the past
by Bobby Hoffman

*Given the myriad tactics of voter suppression (any mention of which is absent from this article), why would anyone concerned with honest elections have a “favorable opinion of the voting process”?

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/01/25/its-time-update-aging-voting-equipment-2020-election
—

Center for Biological Diversity
Carbon Dividend Bill in House Would Gut Clean Air Act Authority to Stop Climate Change

*Language is a virus

It’s not “folly”

It’s fraud

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2019/01/25/carbon-dividend-bill-house-would-gut-clean-air-act-authority-stop-climate-change
—

The Real News Network
Kerala Leads the Struggle Against Modi’s Extreme Right Agenda in India
Kerala is the only state in India governed by the Communist Party: LDF Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is one of the most outspoken leaders against the far-right agenda of PM Modi, says Vijay Prashad of the Tricontinental Institute for Social Research

https://therealnews.com/stories/kerala-leads-the-struggle-against-modis-extreme-right-agenda-in-india
—

FAIR
‘Resistance’ Media Side With Trump to Promote Coup in Venezuela
by Alan MacLeod

*Imperialism always trumps empiricism

https://fair.org/home/resistance-media-side-with-trump-to-promote-coup-in-venezuela
—

Democracy Now!
How Washington’s Devastating “Economic Blockade” of Venezuela Helped Pave the Way for Coup Attempt

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/1/25/how_washingtons_devastating_economic_blockade_of

Historian: Venezuela Is “Staging Ground” for U.S. to Reassert Control Over Latin America

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/1/25/historian_venezuela_is_staging_ground_for

1.24

So-Called ‘Trump Resistance’ Mostly Silent as US President Openly Foments Coup d’Etat in Venezuela
“No one in a democratic country, especially not the media, should be supporting Trump’s unilateral action to declare Juan Guaido as the interim president of Venezuela.”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*I don’t hear Saint Bernard barking about this, or the sanctified AOC.

By the same token, I have to ask just which of the Maduro administration’s policies Khanna considers “bad”. There are those that assuredly are, but I wonder if our lists might diverge.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/01/24/so-called-trump-resistance-mostly-silent-us-president-openly-foments-coup-detat
—

Davos Attendees Must Accept That They Have Too Much Money
If the many are to have more, the wealthy must make do with less. A lot less.
by Sonali Kolhatkar

*It’s not just about what the rich have

It’s about how they got it.

End exploitation, and you end wealth at the expense of others.

Taxing greed still leaves its incentives extant.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/01/24/davos-attendees-must-accept-they-have-too-much-money
—

The Real News Network
Decades of Financial Deregulation & Racist Housing Policy Brought Us 2007 Meltdown, with More to Come (1/3)
Carter, Reagan, Clinton, the Bushes, Obama, and now Trump deregulated Wall Street and did nothing to help Black and Brown homeowners in America. White collar criminologist Bill Black discusses the social structure of mortgage discrimination. Part 1: The History

https://therealnews.com/stories/decades-of-financial-deregulation-racist-housing-policy-brought-us-2007-meltdown-with-more-to-come-pt-1-3

Decades of Financial Deregulation & Racist Housing Policy Brought Us 2007 Meltdown, with More to Come (2/3)
Part 2: The Effects

*Is there any more ironic title in our society than “Bank and Trust”?

https://therealnews.com/stories/decades-of-financial-deregulation-racist-housing-policy-brought-us-2007-meltdown-with-more-to-come-pt-2-3

Decades of Financial Deregulation & Racist Housing Policy Brought Us 2007 Meltdown, with More to Come (3/3)
Part 3: The Impact on Black & Brown Communities

*This was a really solid series of segments, and then Steiner has to make an idiotic statement about the essential goodness of a poseur like James Earl Carter, Jr.

Oy gevalt, Marc …

https://therealnews.com/stories/decades-of-financial-deregulation-racist-housing-policy-brought-us-2007-meltdown-with-more-to-come-pt-3-3

The US Strategy for Regime Change in Venezuela
From economic sanctions to international pressure, how has the US strategy for regime change in Venezuela worked until now? An analysis with CEPR’s Alex Main and TRNN’s Greg Wilpert

*”Normalization” is not a “rational, reasonable policy”. It simply substitutes a carrot for a stick in accomplishing its goal of “regime change” in Cuba.

For Venezuela, the stick is being replaced with a spiked club.

https://therealnews.com/stories/the-us-strategy-for-regime-change-in-venezuela-trnn-live

Coup in Progress in Venezuela? TRNN Live
Lucas Koerner in Venezuela analyzes the current developments withTRNN’s Sharmini Peries and Greg Wilpert

*So how will the “New Wave” Dems, and of course Saint Bernard, deal with this?

https://therealnews.com/stories/coup-in-progress-in-venezuela-trnn-live

Baltimore Rejects Plan to Arm School Police During School Day
The Baltimore school board rejected the proposal amid heated debate. Meanwhile, we get a response to an ACLU and NAACP-LDF letter demanding Maryland adequately fund Baltimore schools

https://therealnews.com/stories/baltimore-rejects-plan-to-arm-school-police-during-school-day
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
“Attempted Coup” in Venezuela

*”Democracy dies in [our] darkness”

http://accuracy.org/release/attempted-coup-in-venezuela

On Venezuela, Trump “Clear Violation” of International Law

*The supreme irony of recognizing a “legitimate president”

http://accuracy.org/release/on-venezuela-trump-clear-violation-of-international-law
—

Democracy Now!
Former U.N. Expert: The U.S. Is Violating International Law by Attempting a Coup in Venezuela

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/1/24/former_un_expert_the_us_is

Lawyer Wolfgang Kaleck: Bush, Rumsfeld & Cheney Are a Troika of Tyranny & Should Be in Prison

*Is Kaleck making a distinction between Dear Misleader and his predecessor by saying his decision not to prosecute him and his gang was merely “stupid”?

It wasn’t stupid. It was quite astute, as it would set a precedent for his own arraignment, as he is no less a “war criminal” than Dubya and company.

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/1/24/lawyer_wolfgang_kaleck_bush_rumsfeld_cheney

Edward Snowden’s Lawyer Wolfgang Kaleck on the Global Fight for Human Rights

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/1/24/edward_snowdens_lawyer_wolfgang_kaleck_on_the

1.23

‘Why Are They So Terrible at This?’: Democrats Reportedly Plan to Offer Trump Billions for So-Called ‘Smart Wall’
The “counteroffer” by House Democratic leaders comes as immigrant rights groups are calling on the party to reject any funding for the president’s anti-immigrant agenda
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*What so many “progressives” and “liberals” don’t get – wilfully or not – is that the Demorats are not “so terrible at this”.

They’re goddamn great at it.

That’s their purpose in the power structure.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/01/23/why-are-they-so-terrible-democrats-reportedly-plan-offer-trump-billions-so-called

Two Years In, Trump’s Global Gag Rule Responsible for ‘Immeasurable Suffering and Death’ Around World
“This policy, driven by ideology instead of evidence, is aligned with broader anti-human rights agendas currently unfolding around the world”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/01/23/two-years-trumps-global-gag-rule-responsible-immeasurable-suffering-and-death-around
—

The Problem Isn’t Robots Taking Our Jobs. It’s Oligarchs Taking Our Power
Training for the jobs of the future keeps workers trapped as long as workers can’t shape how technology is used and who profits from it
by Adam Simpson

*”Any desirable future” must also confront what work is worth doing. Fast food is just one example of an industry that is unnecessary and harmful.

A job with dignity not only is defined by justice for the worker, but pride in knowing that it is contributing to a better society.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/01/23/problem-isnt-robots-taking-our-jobs-its-oligarchs-taking-our-power
–

ALEC’s New Union-Busting Toolkit Illustrates the Goal Is to Bankrupt Unions Not Protect Workers
The ultimate goal of the ALEC-SPN groups is the end of worker power
by Mary Bottari

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/01/23/alecs-new-union-busting-toolkit-illustrates-goal-bankrupt-unions-not-protect
—

Food & Water Watch
“Inspected and Passed”? No, Despite What Labels Say
Documents Show Hundreds of Meat Plants – Including Two Involved in Recent Recalls – Had Inadequate USDA Staffing to Complete Inspections

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2019/01/23/inspected-and-passed-no-despite-what-labels-say
—

The Real News Network
Most Americans Want Medicare for All, Without Private Insurers
Bob Pollin and Michael Lighty hold that Medicare for All does not have into include private insurers like Medicare does today

https://therealnews.com/stories/most-americans-want-medicare-for-all-without-private-insurers
—

FAIR
The Media’s Profitable, Indefensible Addiction to Mugshots
by Adam Johnson

https://fair.org/home/the-medias-profitable-indefensible-addiction-to-mugshots

The $5.7 Billion Hole in Shutdown Coverage
The arbitrary, fanciful and contradictory nature of Trump’s border wall demand goes unexamined
by Reed Richardson

https://fair.org/home/the-5-7-billion-hole-in-shutdown-coverage

Ocasio-Cortez Rattles Pundits Across the Corporate Media Spectrum
by Alan MacLeod

*Let us dearly hope that she’s as “dangerous” as the conservatoids and the corpress make her out to be.

History would advise caution.

https://fair.org/home/ocasio-cortez-rattles-pundits-across-the-corporate-media-spectrum
—

Democracy Now!
“This Was About the Survival of Public Education”: LA Teachers Claim Victory After Week-Long Strike

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/1/23/this_was_about_the_survival_of

A Blue State Teacher Rebellion: Denver Teachers Vote to Strike as L.A. Educators Win Big Victory

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/1/23/a_blue_state_teacher_rebellion_denver

ACLU: Trump’s Anti-Trans Ban Has No Military Justification, Is Driven by Animus & Discrimination

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/1/23/aclu_trumps_anti_trans_ban_has

1.22

Single Payer Gold Standard HR 676 Rest in Peace
“Unless the movement acts quickly to assure HR 676’s ban on for-profit institutions is maintained, Jayapal’s new bill will remove this vital section of HR 676″
by Russell Mokhiber

*Being stabbed in the back doesn’t qualify as “essential surgery”

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/01/22/single-payer-gold-standard-hr-676-rest-peace
–

Capitalist-Style Wealth Gap: 1 Tech Guy = 1,000,000 Teachers
As Charles Koch said, “I want my fair share and that’s all of it”
by Paul Buchheit

*If theft – from the commons, from the working class – is the grease on the grinding wheels of capitalism

Then what is capitalism but organized crime?

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/01/21/capitalist-style-wealth-gap-1-tech-guy-1000000-teachers
–

Trump’s Shutdown Is a Historic Opportunity for Real Change
Now, as support for Trump is waning, leftists need to stop ‘playing-it-safe’ and present a new vision for this country
by Rachel Gilmer

*We need to speak truth to power

And to the powerless

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/01/21/trumps-shutdown-historic-opportunity-real-change
—

The Real News Network
Israeli Companies Sell Spy Tech They Perfected for Occupying Palestine
We speak to Antony Loewenstein, author of an article on “Exporting the Technology of Occupation.” He shows the growing connection between Israeli offensive cyber companies and mass surveillance in the service of authoritarian governments around the world

https://therealnews.com/stories/israeli-companies-sell-spy-tech-they-perfected-for-occupying-palestine

Since Decriminalization, 96% of People Arrested for Weed in Baltimore Are Black
Journalist Brandon Soderberg and 34-year police veteran Neill Franklin discuss “Structural Racism and Cannabis: Black Baltimoreans still disproportionately arrested for weed after decriminalization.”

https://therealnews.com/stories/since-decriminalization-96-of-people-arrested-for-weed-in-baltimore-are-black

Trump Sanctions Against Venezuela Have Decimated Oil Production,
The Trump administration is evaluating oil sanctions on Venezuela now. The sanctions that are already in place lead to many deaths and make an economic recovery practically impossible, says CEPR’s Mark Weisbrot

https://therealnews.com/stories/oil-sanctions-on-venezuela-would-make-economic-recovery-impossible
—

Petition
University of Michigan: Don’t Further Traumatize Survivors of Sexual Assault
by Jane Roe

https://www.change.org/p/university-of-michigan-don-t-further-traumatize-survivors-of-sexual-assault

Petition update
Feb 6th – International Zero Tolerance Day on Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting
by Mariya Taher

https://www.change.org/p/ban-female-genital-mutilation-cutting-in-massachusetts/u/23916144
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
MLK and the Silence on Palestine

*Justice is indivisible

Silence on one cause eventually mutes our cries for others

http://accuracy.org/release/mlk-and-the-silence-on-palestine
—

Democracy Now!
“I Was Absolutely Afraid”: Indigenous Elder on “Mob Mentality” of MAGA Hat-Wearing Students in D.C.

*And the corpress goes all “Rashomon” in their perpetual mission to obscure reality.

(And what high school student has a PR firm?)

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/1/22/i_was_absolutely_afraid_indigenous_elder

Chase Iron Eyes: Trump’s Mocking of Native Americans Gives License to Others to Denigrate My People

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/1/22/chase_iron_eyes_trumps_mocking_of

“The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee”: David Treuer on Retelling Native American History

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/1/22/the_heartbeat_of_wounded_knee_david

1.18

Leaked Memo Reveals Trump Administration’s “Immoral” Plan to “Traumatize” Migrant Children
“It appears that they wanted to have it both ways—to separate children from their parents but deny them the full protections generally awarded to unaccompanied children”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/01/18/leaked-memo-reveals-trump-administrations-immoral-plan-traumatize-migrant-children

GOP Lawmaker Really Doesn’t Want Rep. Rashida Tlaib to Let Lawmakers Know What Life Is Like in Occupied West Bank
Rep. Brian Babin (R-Texas) thinks the “mere prospect” of Tlaib’s proposed congressional delegation is dangerous to the status quo
by Andrea Germanos, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Being part of such a delegation wouldn’t enlighten congressmembers

But declining to do so would make clear their intent to prevent their constituents from becoming so.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/01/18/gop-lawmaker-really-doesnt-want-rep-rashida-tlaib-let-lawmakers-know-what-life
—

A Swelling Tide of Major Teacher Strikes Is Shifting Our Politics Against the Charter Agenda
When charter schools pull funding from a public school, it damages the school’s ability to educate the students who remain
by Jeff Bryant

*Where “The Blue Wave” ™ becomes a stagnant puddle

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/01/18/swelling-tide-major-teacher-strikes-shifting-our-politics-against-charter-agenda
—

The Real News Network
Trump’s Space Force: A Dangerous Lunacy
Donald Trump announced a large expansion of space-based nuclear missile defense technology; Daniel Ellsberg says it won’t work and makes a nuclear armageddon more likely

*Bad science fiction

Horrific political reality

https://therealnews.com/stories/trumps-space-force-a-dangerous-lunacy

Justin Trudeau’s Description of BDS: ‘A Pack of Lies’
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau repeated his belief that the Boycott, Sanctions, and Divestment (BDS) movement is anti-Semitic. We speak to Ali Abunimah, who says Trudeau has adopted Netanyahu’s talking points

*Not just another pretty face

Just another ugly soul

https://therealnews.com/stories/justin-trudeaus-description-of-bds-a-pack-of-lies

The Left Case Against the EU (1/2)
Costas Lapavitsas, former MP of the Greek Parliament and author of “The Left Case Against the EU”, says the left needs to have honest debates about the EU. That became evident in the political struggles associated with Brexit and Grexit.

https://therealnews.com/stories/the-left-case-against-the-eu-1-2

The Left Case Against the EU (2/2)

*If we believe that every single person on this planet has a right to a dignified life

Then we need to act like it.

If we only take what’s given us … if we’re pathologically “pragmatic” … that maxim is mere platitude.

Risk is the currency of progress. There is no guarantee of success

Only the certainty that timidity will leave us in our chains.

https://therealnews.com/stories/the-left-case-against-the-eu-2-2
—

Petition
We Have a Drug That Prevents HIV Infection. Why Aren’t We Making it Affordable?
Tell the House Subcommittee on Health to make PrEP a part of preventative care
by Will Scheffer

https://www.change.org/p/we-have-a-drug-that-prevents-hiv-infection-why-aren-t-we-making-it-affordable
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Teachers’ Strike and PR Campaign Against Them

http://accuracy.org/release/teachers-strike-and-pr-campaign-against-them

1.17

“I’m Sure Dinosaurs Thought They Had Time, Too’: Over 12,000 Students Strike in Brussels Demanding Bold Climate Action
“It’s great to see the number of people present here today,” said one march organizer. “It’s an incredible signal. This cannot be ignored.”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/01/17/im-sure-dinosaurs-thought-they-had-time-too-over-12000-students-strike-brussels

Studies Show Ice Melting and Ocean Warming Both Happening Much Faster Than Previously Thought
“Just a reminder that behind each day’s controversies, the biggest story is constantly playing out”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Lemmings have an excuse

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/01/16/studies-show-ice-melting-and-ocean-warming-both-happening-much-faster-previously
—

Bar Barr or Regret this Dictatorial Attorney General
There is much more in Barr’s secretive, corporatist, anti-consumer, labor, and environmental record to get the Senate Democrats’ dander up and throw down the gauntlet. But, no, they prefer to be polite and in so doing let the American people down
by Ralph Nader

*Whoever this “one” is who “would think” the Demorats give a rodent’s rear about Barr’s criminogeny

As the bard wrote

“It ain’t me, babe”

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/01/17/bar-barr-or-regret-dictatorial-attorney-general
–

Tax the Rich, Fight the Climate Crisis
Why we need much more of what solidarity and organizing just accomplished in Oregon
by Bill Bigelow

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/01/17/tax-rich-fight-climate-crisis
–

Against Forgetting: Ground Zero Nagasaki
Living the nuclear past—and future
by Susan Southard

*When science outpaces the soul

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/01/17/against-forgetting-ground-zero-nagasaki
—

The Lakota People’s Law Project
Update: Rally for Tomorrow’s Indigenous Peoples March Moved to Lincoln Memorial
Thousands expected at March highlighting worldwide indigenous justice concerns

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2019/01/17/update-rally-tomorrows-indigenous-peoples-march-moved-lincoln-memorial
—

The Real News Network
Temporary Arrest of Venezuelan Opposition Leader was “Unauthorized”
Does the brief unauthorized arrest of National Assembly president Juan Guaido, who suggested that he take over from Nicolas Maduro, signal growing divisions within the government? We discuss the current situation in Venezuela after President Maduro’s recent inauguration with Lucas Koerner

https://therealnews.com/stories/temporary-arrest-of-venezuelan-opposition-leader-was-unauthorized

Is Canada’s ‘Left’ Marching To The Beat of America’s Imperial Drum? (1/2)
Canadian author Yves Engler discusses the New Democratic leadership’s support for war, militarism and Israel

https://therealnews.com/stories/is-canadas-left-marching-to-the-beat-of-americas-imperial-drum-1-2

Is Canada’s ‘Left’ Marching To The Beat of America’s Imperial Drum? (2/2)
Canadian author Yves Engler challenges the mythology surrounding former Canadian Prime Minister Lester Pearson

*Feet of clay

Soaked in blood

https://therealnews.com/stories/is-canadas-left-marching-to-the-beat-of-americas-imperial-drum-2-2

UK Brexit Vote Reflects a Deep Crisis in Capitalism (1/2)
Had the British been presented with the option, people might choose a socialist Britain over a capitalist EU, but they are not given that choice, say Prof. Leo Panitch of York University and Jon Lansman of the British Labour Party’s National Executive Committee

https://therealnews.com/stories/uk-brexit-vote-reflects-a-deep-crisis-in-capitalism-pt-1-2

Brexit Vote: Will the EU Throw UK PM Theresa May a Lifeline?
In spite of the deep splits among the Tories, Prof. John Weeks says that a Brexit agreement will be made when the EU bails out Theresa May in the lead-up to the EU parliamentary elections

https://therealnews.com/stories/brexit-vote-will-the-eu-throw-uk-pm-theresa-may-a-lifeline

Will Coming Israeli Elections Change Anything? (1/2)
David Sheen divided Israel political parties into their positions on segregation, integration, domination and elimination. He joins us to debate Real News Correspondent Shir Hever on what it really means.

https://therealnews.com/stories/will-coming-israeli-elections-change-anything-pt-1-2

Will Coming Israeli Elections Change Anything? (2/2)

https://therealnews.com/stories/will-coming-israeli-elections-change-anything-pt-2-2
—

FAIR
‘US Administrations Have Been Intervening in Venezuela Since at Least the Early 2000s’
CounterSpin interview with Alexander Main on Maduro’s reelection
by Janine Jackson

*”Trust us … we know what’s good for us

… I mean you.”

https://fair.org/home/us-administrations-have-been-intervening-in-venezuela-since-at-least-the-early-2000s
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Russiagate Frenzy “Threatens to End Superpower Diplomacy”

*”Bombshells” that could blow us all up

http://accuracy.org/release/russiagate-frenzy-threatens-to-end-superpower-diplomacy

How Education and Healthcare Create More Jobs Than Military Spending

*More bang … and less benefit … for the buck

http://accuracy.org/release/how-education-and-healthcare-create-more-jobs-than-military-spending
—

Democracy Now!
Strike! Barbara Ehrenreich Calls on TSA Workers to Walk Off Job in Protest of Government Shutdown

*Whatever “spine” Pelosi has is due to pressure from people she’d prefer to ignore. Killer Clown’s miscalculations have afforded her a relatively risk free political opportunity.

She’ll revert to her sellout self soon enough.

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/1/17/strike_barbara_ehrenreich_calls_on_tsa

Native American Communities Bear Brunt of Shutdown with Medicine Shortages & Suspended Food Programs

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/1/17/native_american_communities_bear_brunt_of

1.15

‘Catastrophe for Free Expression’: Critics Warn EU Reforms a ‘Dire Threat’ to Internet as We Know It
“The EU is about to cripple freedom of expression on the internet in the name of protecting copyright, but you may be able to help stop it”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/01/15/catastrophe-free-expression-critics-warn-eu-reforms-dire-threat-internet-we-know-it

‘Gillette Must Be Doing Something Right’: Toxic Men Freak Out Over Ad Urging Men to Combat Toxic Masculinity
So-called “men’s rights activists” are mad that the shaving razor company has started a campaign calling on men to not be misogynists, jerks, and bullies
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Don’t confuse conscience with calculation

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/01/15/gillette-must-be-doing-something-right-toxic-men-freak-out-over-ad-urging-men-combat
—

This Is How American Democracy Ends
Trump’s threat to deploy extraordinary powers to counter a fake crisis on our southern boundary should spark a clarion call to reexamine, repeal and replace the NEA
by Bill Blum

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/01/15/how-american-democracy-ends
—

The Real News Network
Media Whitewashing the Blood-Soaked US Military-Industrial Complex
Arms manufacturers are trying to rebrand as progressive and feminist, while the corporate media does PR for the military-industrial complex. CODEPINK’s Medea Benjamin warns this pro-arms manufacturer campaign is infiltrating our schools.

*Speaking of female “leaders”, you know Pelosi, Feinstein et alia are down with this, but I wouldn’t hold my breath on AOC (I hate these acronyms, but they are quicker to type) or any of the other “new wave” woman congressmembers confronting it, either.

https://therealnews.com/stories/media-whitewashing-the-blood-soaked-us-military-industrial-complex

Congo’s First Election in 49 Years: Has Democracy Won, Or Was It A Quiet Coup?
Congolese Catholic Church and 70,000 observers said reformer Fayulu won, but the DRC government declared Tshisekedi the winner

https://therealnews.com/stories/congos-first-election-in-49-years-has-democracy-won-or-was-it-a-quiet-coup

Cracks in the Wall: Beyond Apartheid in Palestine/Israel
Ben White discusses his new book “Cracks in the Wall”. It examines narratives that challenge the Israeli colonization of Palestine and their recent successes

https://therealnews.com/stories/cracks-in-the-wall-beyond-apartheid-in-palestine-israel

Outrage In Canada After Militarized RCMP Arrest 14 Wet’Suwet’en Land Defenders on Sovereign Indigenous Land
Solidarity protests erupt across Canada while Justin Trudeau faces hostile questions about indigenous rights in British Columbia

*One would hope Trudeau’s dick doesn’t taste as sweet to “liberals” these days

But ‘Bomba’s did for eight years and counting, so who’s to say … ?

https://therealnews.com/stories/outrage-in-canada-after-militarized-rcmp-arrest-14-wetsuweten-land-defenders-on-sovereign-indigenous-land
—

Petition update
Save LGBT in Chechnya from a new crackdown
by Игорь Я.

https://www.change.org/p/russia-prosecutor-general-investigate-mass-murder-and-torture-of-lgbt-people-in-chechnya/u/23879347
—

FAIR
‘DC Has Been Consistently Out of Touch With the Reality of the Borderlands’
CounterSpin interview with Debbie Weingarten on the already existing border wall
by Janine Jackson

*Borderline sociopathy

https://fair.org/home/dc-has-been-consistently-out-of-touch-with-the-reality-of-the-borderlands

Triumph of Conventional Wisdom: AP Expunges Iran/Contra Pardons from Barr’s Record
by Sam Husseini

https://fair.org/home/triumph-of-conventional-wisdom-ap-expunges-iran-contra-pardons-from-barrs-record

The Return of Reefer Madness
by Ari Paul

*Pot shots that miss the mark

https://fair.org/home/the-return-of-reefer-madness
—

Democracy Now!
“Public Education Is Not Your Plaything”: L.A. Teachers Strike Against Privatization & Underfunding

*Killer Clown wants a wall

And these billionaire bastards and the pols they pay for want kids to be bricks in their wall of corporate control.

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/1/15/public_education_is_not_your_plaything

As Gov’t Shutdown Drags On, IRS Continues to Aid the Rich & Corporations While Targeting the Poor

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/1/14/as_govt_shutdown_drags_on_irs

Will Trump’s AG Pick William Barr Face Questions over Gitmo, Mass Incarceration & NSA Surveillance?

*It ain’t just “the bad folks” that Barr and his iniquitous ilk are targeting, is it?

It’s anyone that they can make political hay – or a profit – from, as well as anyone who tries to stop them.

The Democrats don’t fall into that last category.

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/1/15/will_trumps_ag_pick_william_barr

Arizona Activists Face Jail Time for Providing Life-Saving Aid to Migrants Crossing Sonoran Desert

*Guilty of a conscience

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/1/15/arizona_activists_face_jail_time_for

1.11

The Real News Network
$15 Minimum Wage: Job Killer or Path Out of Poverty?
Gov. Larry Hogan says a $15 minimum wage in Maryland could cost the state 100,000 jobs, but economists say raising low wages could benefit half a million workers

https://therealnews.com/stories/15-minimum-wage-job-killer-or-path-out-of-poverty

Over 600 Groups Call for a Green New Deal
Tom Goldtooth of Indigenous Environmental Network says that a Green New Deal must reject corporate takeover and center indigenous and frontline communities

*You don’t do radical surgery with a butter knife

And you don’t contract with a fox to weatherize a henhouse.

https://therealnews.com/stories/over-600-groups-call-for-a-green-new-deal

Water Rate Hike Sparks Questions About Accountability
Baltimore approves another 30% increase to water bills over the next three years despite demands for city—and corporate—accountability

*The rich get the hot tub

And the poor just get soaked

https://therealnews.com/stories/water-rate-hike-sparks-questions-about-accountability
—

FAIR
Media Worried US Won’t Occupy Syria Forever
by Gregory Shupak

https://fair.org/home/media-worried-us-wont-occupy-syria-forever
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Is Threat of Emergency Powers to Override Power of the Purse Impeachable?

http://accuracy.org/release/is-threat-of-emergency-powers-to-override-power-of-the-purse-impeachable

1.10

The Real News Network
Egyptian President’s Regrettable “60 Minutes”
Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi was hoping to demonstrate that he was a reliable ally of United States and Israel in the Middle East and worthy of international recognition, but the 60 minutes interview took another turn, says Professor Seif Da’na

*The Trump trashing angle doesn’t work for me. The corpress do the empire’s bidding, and the treatment of foreign “leaders” is based on their usefulness to the imperial project.

Bin Salman has fallen out of favor due to his imperiousness, which has proven problematic for US interests. Al-Sisi may now have been deemed a liability, and thus the kid gloves stayed in the drawer.

Stay tuned …

https://therealnews.com/stories/egyptian-presidents-regrettable-60-minutes

Trump’s State of Emergency? – with Paul Jay & Gerald Horne
If Donald Trump follows through on his threat to declare a state of emergency, it puts the American state further into deep crisis – with historian Dr. Gerald Horn and host Paul Jay

https://therealnews.com/stories/trumps-state-of-emergency-with-paul-jay-gerald-horne
—

FAIR
Corporate Media Miss Distinction Between Pro- and Anti-Genocide
by Minister Faust

*”Classic liberals” don’t dig their own graves

They bring the shovels for the fascists to do it

https://fair.org/home/corporate-media-miss-distinction-between-pro-and-anti-genocide
—

Democracy Now!
From EPA to TSA, Agencies Devoted to Nation’s Health and Safety Are Going Unfunded During Shutdown

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/1/10/from_epa_to_fda_agencies_devoted

National Parks Overflow with Trash, Human Waste as Gov’t Shutdown Approaches 3 Weeks

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/1/10/national_parks_overflow_with_trash_human

There Are Thousands of Cyntoia Browns: Mariame Kaba on Criminalization of Sexual Violence Survivors

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/1/10/there_are_thousands_of_cyntoia_browns

Facing Mass Deportation, Haitians Sue Trump to Preserve Temporary Protected Status

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/1/10/facing_mass_deportation_haitians_sue_trump

1.9

The Real News Network
End Trump’s Deportation Terror to Raise Wages
Dr. Susan Pozo, the former president of The American Society of Hispanic Economists, responds to Trump’s accusation that illegal immigration lowers wages – with Paul Jay

*Forgive me for stating the bleeding obvious, but there will always be exploitation – regardless of citizenship – as long as we don’t collectively control the means of production.

There will never be economic justice as long as our economic fate is determined by our “superiors”.

https://therealnews.com/stories/end-trumps-deportation-terror-to-raise-wages

What Donald Trump, Chuck Schumer, and Tony Soprano Have in Common
Gerald Horne and Paul Jay discuss Donald Trump’s address to the nation on the wall and border security

*Chinese investment may differ in style, but not in substance, from Western involvement in the region’s economies. They both seek to exploit labor and resources to the detriment of the peoples of these nations, and will do so by any means necessary.

Until the internal oligarchies are dismantled, injustice will remain. “Leaders” such as López Obrador won’t take up that banner.

Only popular movements led by principles, not personalities, can do so.

https://therealnews.com/stories/what-donald-trump-chuck-schumer-and-tony-soprano-have-in-common

The 9/11 Conspiracy: Did Bush/Cheney Create a Culture of Not Wanting to Know? – Sen. Bob Graham on Reality Asserts Itself pt4
On RAI with Paul Jay, Senator Bob Graham says there was a pervasive pattern in police and intelligence agencies: “You don’t have everybody moving in the same direction without there being a head coach somewhere who was giving them instructions as to where he wants them to move” – a replay of a 2013 interview by Paul Jay

*I wrote this when the segment first aired.

Sadly, and fearfully, it still applies.

Incompetency has nothing to do with this. Any reasonable analysis of the known facts should make that unquestionably clear, don’t you think?

So why has there been so little attention paid to administration complicity in the “alternative media”?

The Gulf of Tonkin deception is considered settled history, and is so because the fear of being labeled a “conspiracy theorist” didn’t deter those who exposed it.

So where’s that same fortitude in this instance? Is it that somehow Tonkin can fit into the accepted parameters of imperial villainy, but 9/11 is outside those boundaries?

Why is it so difficult to believe that the neocon cabal would aid and abet this horror, when they had wet dreams of a “new Pearl Harbor” that would give them carte blanche to extend “the American Century” into perpetuity?

Would a few thousand American and others’ lives matter more to them than the attainment of their nirvana?

They were willing to risk Armageddon for it for decades, weren’t they?

There will always be “9/11ers” who are convenient foils for the conventional wisdom.

That shouldn’t deter a dogged pursuit of the truth here

Else just how much of an “alternative” are we talking about?

https://therealnews.com/stories/the-9-11-conspiracy-did-bush-cheney-create-a-culture-of-not-wanting-toknow-sen-bob-graham-on-reality-asserts-itself-pt4
—

FAIR
‘People Are Mobilizing Against This Crackdown’
CounterSpin interview with Chip Gibbons on defending dissent
by Janine Jackson

*I’ll never understand how those who should have the clearest understanding of just whom the corpress serves continually express this naïve faith that somehow their complicity is due to ignorance, and that they’ll someday see the light.

The job of the MSM is to keep us ignorant, and to ensure “Democracy dies in darkness”.

How many years of empirical evidence need to accumulate to make that penny drop?

It doesn’t matter that some corpress reporters, or even editors, might have a sincere, if addled, sense of responsibility to honesty in journalism. They don’t make policy, and they risk their livelihoods if they challenge it.

It’s always been a matter of manufacturing consent, and pretending otherwise only prolongs the immense harm done throughout the history of this country.

https://fair.org/home/people-are-mobilizing-against-this-crackdown
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Scrutinizing Trump, and Pelosi and Schumer on Border

http://accuracy.org/release/scrutinizing-trump-and-pelosi-and-schumer-on-border
—

Democracy Now!
“A Racist, Xenophobic Attack”: Immigrant Rights Activist Decries Trump Remarks About Southern Border

*I think we’ll find that Democratic “backbone” to be only as stiff as their political calculations allow it to be.

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/1/9/a_racist_xenophobic_attack_immigrant_rights

1.8

‘Scary’: Warming of Oceans Is Equivalent to 1.5 Atomic Bombs Every Second Over Past 150 Years
“And that’s just the average. It’s now equivalent to roughly three to six atomic bombs per second.”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Do folks watching the ocean swallow their homes find it “worrisome” … ?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/01/08/scary-warming-oceans-equivalent-15-atomic-bombs-every-second-over-past-150-years
—

Here’s What a Real Strike Looks Like: 150 Million Say No to Despotism in India
If a new trade union law goes into effect, India will essentially abandon any commitment to workplace democracy
by Vijay Prashad

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/01/08/heres-what-real-strike-looks-150-million-say-no-despotism-india
–

Two Native Women in Congress Isn’t Enough to End the Systemic Violence Native Girls Face
Every level of government has failed to protect communities from violence or support their deteriorating social infrastructure
by Michelle Chen

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/01/08/two-native-women-congress-isnt-enough-end-systemic-violence-native-girls-face
—

The Real News Network
Trump Admin. Backtracks on Promise to Withdraw Troops from Syria
While Trump claimed US troops will leave Syria in 30 days, his neoconservative national security adviser John Bolton suggested otherwise, imposing conditions for withdrawal. Journalist Patrick Cockburn says mainstream corporate media reporting has been misleading and “childish.”

*We may not know who will be the “winners” of this horror show

But it’s clear who will be the losers.

https://therealnews.com/stories/trump-admin-backtracks-on-promise-to-withdraw-troops-from-syria

Why Would Saudi Arabia Support the 9/11 Conspirators, Why Would the US Gov. Cover it Up? – Sen. Graham on Reality Asserts Itself pt3
Former Senator Bob Graham, co-chair of the 2002 Joint Congressional Inquiry into 9/11, believes that the Saudi government “had a high and what has thus far turned out to be credible expectation that their role” in 9/11 “would not be exposed” by the U.S. government. – a REPLAY of a 2013 interview by Paul Jay

*Doesn’t this make plain the utter complicity of the corpress in protecting power?

Whether 9/11 was facilitated by the neocon cabal, either directly or indirectly, or simply taken advantage of, it’s clear that there’s been a concerted effort to make certain the facts remain buried, and the mainstream media, as well as the leadership of both parties, have aided and abetted that mission.

Call it a silence of conspiracy.

https://therealnews.com/stories/why-would-saudi-arabia-support-the-9-11-conspirators-why-would-the-us-gov-cover-it-up-sen-graham-on-reality-asserts-itself-pt3
—

Democracy Now!
#MuteRKelly: Survivors, Family Members Seek Justice for Black Girls Preyed on by R&B Star

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/1/7/muterkelly_survivors_family_members_seek_justice

“Crime + Punishment” Exposes Racial Quotas in the NYPD & Retaliation Against Officers Who Speak Out

*I appreciate the courage of these cops speaking out, but “law enforcement”, like the system it’s intended to serve, is by its very nature oppressive. Policing is about control, as capitalism is about profit and power.

Until that is acknowledged and confronted, there will be no fundamental change.

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/1/8/crime_punishment_exposes_racial_quotas_in

1.7

By the Best Definition, the Poverty Rate Should Be Tripled
Depressing news doesn’t sell on our news shows. So the struggles of the bottom half of America are downplayed, while the “booming” economy for the upper-middle class is highlighted
by Paul Buchheit

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/01/07/best-definition-poverty-rate-should-be-tripled
—

The Real News Network
A NYT Investigation Examining the Killing of Medic Rouzan al-Najjar Concludes: “Possibly a War Crime” by IDF
The Investigation by the NYT into the killing of 21-year-old paramedic Rouzan al-Najjar reveals: “. . . the shooting by (IDF-Sniper) appears to have been reckless at best, and possibly a war crime,.. for which no one has yet been punished.” We speak with James North of Mondoweiss

*The corpress will occasionally do its purported job (not its actual charge, which is to obfuscate and prevaricate in the service of power), at least to some extent, to maintain the illusion of “an independent press”.

E.g., the AP is a dab hand at producing intermittent attempts at “award winning” investigative reporting (which is rarely followed up), then returning to churning out some of the most slanted national and international coverage around, which is in turn regurgitated by local rags across the country.

Democracy dies in darkness

And these courtiers keep the curtains drawn

https://therealnews.com/stories/a-nyt-investigation-examining-the-killing-of-medic-rouzan-al-najjar-concludes-possibly-a-war-crime-by-idf

Greek Court Acquits 21 Environmental Defenders in Eldorado Gold Trial
Maria Kadoglou of Mining Watch Greece says Greek prosecutors continue to pursue those who have resisted an open-pit gold mine in northern Greece

https://therealnews.com/stories/greek-court-acquits-21-environmental-defenders-in-eldorado-gold-trial

Durham NC Becomes First City to Ban Training By Israeli Police and Then be Forced to Reconsider It
Jazmynne Williams of Demilitarize Durham2Palestine discusses the organizing efforts underway to ensure the ban remains

https://therealnews.com/stories/durham-nc-becomes-first-city-to-ban-training-by-israeli-police-and-then-be-forced-to-reconsider-it
—

Petition
Change to Win
TELL VERIZON: END PREGNANCY DISCRIMINATION IN YOUR SUPPLY CHAIN NOW!

https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-verizon-end-pregnancy-discrimination-in-your-supply-chain-now

Naila Amin Foundation
Help us end child marriage in New York State

https://www.change.org/p/help-us-end-child-marriage-in-new-york-state
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Senate Job One: Attack First Amendment Rights of Israel Critics

http://accuracy.org/release/senate-job-one-attack-first-amendment-rights-of-israel-critics
—

FAIR
WaPo, USA Today, NBC Go Full Breitbart on ‘Prisoners Eating Steak’ Non-Story
by Adam Johnson

*Red meat for racists served up by a callous corpress

https://fair.org/home/wapo-usa-today-nbc-go-full-breitbart-on-prisoners-eating-steak-non-story

A Tough Time to Be a Spy, NPR Reports
Current and former CIA officials are only sources for story on espionage getting harder
by Belén Fernández

*Given its long history of cravenness and complicity, it’s pretty goddamn plain just which side CPB has taken, and its aversion to the risk of appearing otherwise.

https://fair.org/home/a-tough-time-to-be-a-spy-npr-reports

1.4

Raising ‘All Manner of Conflict of Interest Questions,’ the Only National Park Site Reopening Amid Shutdown Is in Trump Hotel
“The corruption and disgrace of this government are without bottom”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*The towering infernal

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/01/03/raising-all-manner-conflict-interest-questions-only-national-park-site-reopening
—

What I Learned Being Part of the Sanctuary Caravan: Delivering Support to Asylum Seekers on the U.S. Border
We saw an outpouring of generosity for the people most hurt by our oppressive immigration policy
by Jodie Evans

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/01/04/what-i-learned-being-part-sanctuary-caravan-delivering-support-asylum-seekers-us
–

Doctors Strike in Zimbabwe as Government Imposes Austerity to Attract More Chinese Investment
In the post-Mugabe era, the new regime aims to show it is worthy of a bigger piece of the Chinese pie
by Craig Dube

*New hand

Same whip

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/01/04/doctors-strike-zimbabwe-government-imposes-austerity-attract-more-chinese
–

Now That Everybody Is for Medicare for All, Opponents Say Let’s Dilute It
Tweaks and fixes that leave the for-profit insurers intact won’t work. Only a mass social movement can overcome the huge resource and political advantages of the medical-industrial complex
by Michael Lighty

*In this here country, “medical malpractice” is the polar opposite of an oxymoron

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/01/03/now-everybody-medicare-all-opponents-say-lets-dilute-it
–

The Hidden Structure of U.S. Empire
This irresponsible empire has squandered the resources of our own and other nations and spawned existential dangers that threaten the whole world, from nuclear war to environmental crisis
by Nicolas J S Davies

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/01/03/hidden-structure-us-empire
—

Environmental Working Group (EWG)
Trump EPA Moves to Shield Info on Asbestos Imports and Use From Public

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2019/01/03/trump-epa-moves-shield-info-asbestos-imports-and-use-public
—

The Real News Network
AI Should Improve Quality of Life, Not Make Capitalists Rich – Lester Earnest on RAI (5/5)
Artificial Intelligence can make the world better or be a tool for war – says Lester Earnest, founder of the Artificial Intelligence Lab at Stanford, on Reality Asserts Itself with Paul Jay

*Humanity has been cursed by artificial intelligence since the conception of propaganda eons ago

https://therealnews.com/stories/ai-should-improve-quality-of-life-not-make-capitalists-rich-lester-earnest-on-rai-5-5
—

FAIR
If You Pave It, They Will Come
As climate teeters, Washington Post pushes for more highway
by Pete Tucker

https://fair.org/home/if-you-pave-it-they-will-come
—

Democracy Now!
How Trump’s Labor Secretary Cut a Deal for Multimillionaire & Serial Sexual Abuser Jeffrey Epstein

*”[H]ow did you get into that position of power in the first place if you’re this disgusting, evil, decrepit person on the inside?”

Non sequitur in excelsis

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/1/4/how_trumps_labor_secretary_cut_a

Perversion of Justice: The Shocking Story of a Serial Sex Abuser & Trump’s Sec. of Labor, Who Helped Him

*There’s nothing “shocking” about this, if you’re not brain dead, including the silence of Democratic “leadership” on it … partly due to this slimeball being best buds with Slippery William and others party big wigs, and partly because cases like this raise questions about the nature of our “justice” system and its servility to wealth and power

Questions neither major party want to entertain.

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/1/4/perversion_of_justice_the_shocking_story

1.2

‘Ajit Pai Won’t Be Laughing Long,’ Say Internet Defenders, After FCC Chair Applauds Death of Net Neutrality
“The internet freedom movement is stronger than it’s ever been as we head into 2019. We’ll keep fighting in the states, in the courts, and in Congress.”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/01/02/ajit-pai-wont-be-laughing-long-say-internet-defenders-after-fcc-chair-applauds-death

Historic Moment for Equality in India as Millions Link Arms to Form 400-Mile “Women’s Wall”
Massive event preceded history-making day when two women defied protesters to enter Hindu temple
by Andrea Germanos, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/01/02/historic-moment-equality-india-millions-link-arms-form-400-mile-womens-wall

‘What Kind of Maniacs Are Running This Country?’: Pentagon Rings in New Year With Joke About Dropping Massive Bombs on People
“Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you [Stratcom], the stoic guardians of several thousand nuclear missiles who definitely don’t think raining death and destruction from above is some kind of joke”
by Jon Queally, staff writer
Common Dreams

*”[D]oes not reflect our values”

What does not exist cannot be reflected

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/01/01/what-kind-maniacs-are-running-country-pentagon-rings-new-year-joke-about-dropping

Under Cover of Shutdown, Trump Admin Quietly Moves to Deprive ‘American People of Their Right to Know What Government Is Doing’
Critics warn proposed changes to how the Interior Department handles FOIA requests “are designed to facilitate more official stonewalling and delays in producing public records”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/12/31/under-cover-shutdown-trump-admin-quietly-moves-deprive-american-people-their-right

Food Aid to Yemen ‘Snatched From the Starving’ by US-Backed Saudi Allies
With armed forces on both sides of civil war accused of seizing aid destined for starving civilians, one U.N. official said, “If there is no corruption, there is no famine”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/12/31/food-aid-yemen-snatched-starving-us-backed-saudi-allies
—

The GOP’s Most Successful Scam Is About to Reboot Itself
Republicans pour on the tax cuts and spending increases, year after year, whenever they have the power to do so, to intentionally inflate the national debt
by Thom Hartmann

*As with so many other iniquities, the fact that Democratic “leadership” remain silent about this (while often actively colluding) tells you all you need to know about the true meaning of “bipartisanship”, don’t it just?

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/01/02/gops-most-successful-scam-about-reboot-itself
–

Trump’s Wasteful Military Venture
What have the soldiers done at the border? According to one report, “very little.”
by Anthony Pahnke

*Let’s hope that at least a few of these soldiers learn from this sham whom they truly serve.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2019/01/02/trumps-wasteful-military-venture
–

Resistance Is the Supreme Act of Faith
We resist not because we will succeed, but because it is right
by Chris Hedges

*The resolve to act transcends the result of the action

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/12/31/resistance-supreme-act-faith
–

Trump: The Sudden Anti-War Champion?
Sorting out the president’s impetuous moves in Syria and Afghanistan
by Reese Erlich

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/12/31/trump-sudden-anti-war-champion
—

The Real News Network
Billionaires Shouldn’t Control Artificial Intelligence – Lester Earnest on RAI (4/5)
“Patents block progress” – says Lester Earnest, founder of the Artificial Intelligence Lab at Stanford, on Reality Asserts Itself with Paul Jay

*Money talks

And the media hold the megaphone

https://therealnews.com/stories/billionaires-shouldnt-control-artificial-intelligence-lester-earnest-on-rai-4-5
—

FAIR
‘The US Has Been at the Root of the Undemocratic History of the Congo’
CounterSpin interview with Maurice Carney on Congo elections
by Janine Jackson

*The corpress, when it toggles to “Trump trash”, is fond of expressing disdain for his “affection for autocrats”.

Pot and kettle much … ?

https://fair.org/home/the-us-has-been-at-the-root-of-the-undemocratic-history-of-the-congo
—

Democracy Now!
Federal Employees’ Union Sues Trump Administration as 420,000 Work Without Pay During Shutdown

https://www.democracynow.org/2019/1/2/federal_employees_union_sues_trump_administration

December 2018

12.28

Facebook’s Secret Censorship Manual Exposed as Platform Takes Down Video About Israel Terrorizing Palestinians
Journalist Rania Khalek, whose video was restored after public outcry, says the ability of social media giants “to disappear content as they please” is “creepy and alarming and should be loudly opposed”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*”[M]istakes” … ?

As the corpress knows all too well, as it has “disappeared” critical voices for generations

This was no boating accident.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/12/28/facebooks-secret-censorship-manual-exposed-platform-takes-down-video-about-israel

‘Shameful’: As Shutdown Continues, Trump Administration Suggests Unpaid Federal Workers Do Odd Jobs for Landlords to Cover Rent
The Office of Personnel Management said furloughed government employees could do “painting,” “carpentry,” or other odd jobs “in exchange for partial rent payments”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Let them eat spackle

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/12/28/shameful-shutdown-continues-trump-administration-suggests-unpaid-federal-workers-do
—

Bergen County Ended Chronic Homelessness, So Can Every Other Community
“If your goal is not to eliminate homelessness in your community then your efforts will seem aimless”
by James Abro

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/12/28/bergen-county-ended-chronic-homelessness-so-can-every-other-community
—

The Real News Network
DOD Criterion for Success: Spend all Your Money by Year End – Lester Earnest on RAI (3/4)
After working on the MIT SAGE radar system and at the Joint Chiefs, Earnest concluded “it’s basically a money making system, that’s what it’s about and has nothing to do with real defense” – Lester Earnest on Reality Asserts Itself with Paul Jay

https://therealnews.com/stories/dod-criterion-for-success-spend-all-your-money-by-year-end-lester-earnest-on-rai-3-4

What Can Humanity Learn From The Great Law Of Peace (2/2)
Stuart Myiow, Wolf Clan Representative of the Mohawk Traditional Council, says Western ‘democracies’ wrongly prioritize individual rights over the rights of the collective

*Commons sense

https://therealnews.com/stories/what-can-humanity-learn-from-the-great-law-of-peace-2-2

12.27

Japanese Prosecutors Demand 5 Years in Prison for Executives Facing Trial for Fukushima Nuclear Disaster
“It was easy to safeguard the plant against tsunami, but they kept operating the plant heedlessly”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/12/27/japanese-prosecutors-demand-5-years-prison-executives-facing-trial-fukushima-nuclear
—

The 8 Most Important Labor Stories of 2018
There are hopeful signs as the year closes out
by Rebecca Burns

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/12/27/8-most-important-labor-stories-2018
—

The Real News Network
The Global Power Elite: A Transnational Class
Peter Phillips, the author of the book, “Giants: The Global Power Elite,” examines the roles and networks of the world’s richest and most powerful. This class is no longer bound to national concerns, only to the expansion of its own power, says Phillips

*Should we be “appealing” to these soulless bastards

Or striving to overthrow them?

Is that possible?

I wouldn’t bet on it.

I also wouldn’t bet on humankind surviving if we can’t, because they’re addicted to greed and power, and no appeal to reason will persuade them to kick the habit, will it?

https://therealnews.com/stories/the-global-power-elite-a-transnational-class
—

Democracy Now!
Without Notifying Anyone, ICE Dumps Hundreds of Migrants at El Paso Bus Station Around Christmas

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/12/27/without_notifying_anyone_ice_dumps_hundreds

12.26

‘Reckless Disregard for Very Vulnerable People’: Just Before Christmas, ICE Quietly Drops Hundreds of Migrants at Bus Stop With Nowhere to Go
“ICE, without a scintilla of human empathy, just dropped more than 200 migrants at an El Paso, Texas bus station a day before Christmas, leaving families with no money or food, most of whom do not speak English and have no means of communication”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*A Statue of Liberty with a heart of stone

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/12/25/reckless-disregard-very-vulnerable-people-just-christmas-ice-quietly-drops-hundreds

‘Plunge Protection Team’ Holds Emergency Meeting as Trump Chaos Sparks Fears of Another Financial Crash
“The stock market goes up and down and the market is not the economy. But it is, for many people, their retirement or their college savings plan. And a lot of wealth has been wiped out because of the trade war, the tax cuts, and volatility not in the market but in the Oval Office.”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*The art of the schlemiel

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/12/24/plunge-protection-team-holds-emergency-meeting-trump-chaos-sparks-fears-another
—

25 Ways the Canadian Health Care System Is Better Than Obamacare
In the United States, tens of thousands of Americans will continue to die every year due to lack of health insurance and much higher prices for drugs, medical devices, and health care itself
by Ralph Nader

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/12/26/25-ways-canadian-health-care-system-better-obamacare
–

The Green New Deal: Fulcrum for the Farm and Food Justice Movement?
It’s time for the U.S. farm and food justice movement to step up
by Eric Holt-Giménez

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/12/25/green-new-deal-fulcrum-farm-and-food-justice-movement
—

The Real News Network
Military-Industrial-Congressional Frauds – Lester Earnest on RAI (2/4)
Corporations bribed politicians—it’s legal, it’s called campaign contributions—and they funded projects the Defense Department contracted out, giving the crooks a lot of money; that’s still going strong today – says Lester Earnest, founder of the AI Lab at Stanford

*Cooking the history books

https://therealnews.com/stories/military-industrial-congressional-frauds-lester-earnest-on-rai-2-4
—

Democracy Now!
8-Year-Old Guatemalan Boy Dies in Border Patrol Custody Days After High Court Rejects Asylum Ban

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/12/26/8_year_old_guatemalan_boy_dies

Richard Wolff: We Need a More Humane Economic System—Not One That Only Benefits the Rich

*Why is it that “socialists” like Wolff never actually advocate for socialism, but only for “a more humane economic system”?

“There Is No Alternative” ™ as long as we never work for one.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/12/26/richard_wolff_we_need_a_more

12.24

How Activists Are Moving the Dial on Student Loan Debt
As student debt grows, grassroots organizations keep pushing for sweeping change on a national level
by Siona Peterous

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/12/24/how-activists-are-moving-dial-student-loan-debt
–

No, Donald Trump Is Not Leaving Us Poorly Prepared for the Next Recession
The basic story is that high deficits and debt will leave us less room to have a large stimulus when the next recession hits. This is wrong
by Dean Baker

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/12/24/no-donald-trump-not-leaving-us-poorly-prepared-next-recession
—

The Real News Network
Cold War Radar System a Trillion Dollar Fraud – Lester Ernest on RAI (1/4)
Profit and deception drove cold-war militarization, says Lester Ernest, founder of the Artificial Intelligence Lab at Stanford; Ernest says the anti-nuclear bomber SAGE radar system never worked, yet carried on for 25 years – Lester Ernest on Reality Asserts Itself with Paul Jay

*DEFCON men

https://therealnews.com/stories/cold-war-radar-system-a-trillion-dollar-fraud-lester-ernest-on-rai-1-4

Dem. Rep. of Congo Postpones Election While US Props up President Kabila
After 58 years of repression, the battle for democracy picks up in the DRC, while President Joseph Kabila continues to enjoy unquestioned support from the US and has an Israeli security company working for him. We speak to Maurice Carney

*Regardless of the party, bloody bastards like Kabila are always on the guest list.

https://therealnews.com/stories/dem-rep-of-congo-postpones-election-while-us-props-up-president-kabila

Hungarians Rise up Against Anti-Worker ‘Slave Law’ and Growing Authoritarianism
Protests have rocked Hungary after the passage of what labor activists call a “slave law,” which lets employers demand 400 hours of overtime and no pay for 3 years. Journalist Benjamin Novak says the opposition is in a rare moment of unity

https://therealnews.com/stories/hungarians-rise-up-against-anti-worker-slave-law-and-growing-authoritarianism

Gideon Levy has No Sympathy for Colonists as a Group
Gideon Levy: all colonists and all Israelis share responsibility for the occupation and apartheid system in Palestine. There is sympathy for individuals, but there is no symmetry: the power is on the Israeli side

https://therealnews.com/stories/gideon-levy-has-no-sympathy-for-colonists-as-a-group

German Amazon Workers Demand a Collective Contract
Every Christmas the German workers of Amazon attempt to strike and disrupt the company’s profits during the busiest time of the year. The management uses bonuses to tempt workers to break the strike

*Getting Scrooged

https://therealnews.com/stories/german-amazon-workers-demand-a-collective-contract

Skin Color and Gender Determine Privilege and Income, Regardless of Educational Level
A new PERI study finds that women of color benefit less from college education, while white men benefit the most. Since the 1970s, people of color’s social mobility has stagnated. Noé Wiener discusses the results of his research

https://therealnews.com/stories/skin-color-and-gender-determine-privilege-and-income-regardless-of-educational-level

Obama Admits Bipartisan Capitalist ‘Washington Consensus’ Fueled Far-Right & Multiplied Inequality
Former US President Barack Obama admitted that the neoliberal capitalist policies he and his predecessors supported fostered the rise of the far-right and grossly exacerbated inequality

*Forget the Ipecac. Listen to this to induce vomiting.

The Xploitocracy isn’t concerned with division among peoples. It’s what they thrive on.

Their fear is that shared misery will produce shared purpose, and the blame will find its rightful mark in their insatiable avarice.

https://therealnews.com/stories/obama-admits-bipartisan-capitalist-washington-consensus-fueled-far-right-multiplied-inequality

12.21

Jeremy Scahill’s Top 10 Takeaways on Mattis Exit and Possible US Withdrawal From Syria and Afghanistan
“This is an opportunity for progressive forces to assert an alternative vision for U.S. foreign policy”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/12/21/jeremy-scahills-top-10-takeaways-mattis-exit-and-possible-us-withdrawal-syria-and
—

“Fort Trump” in Poland Is Another Dangerous, Delusional Idea
Even talking about a new military base in Poland shows how far US foreign policy toward Russia has descended into stupidity and recklessness
by Mark Weisbrot

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/12/21/fort-trump-poland-another-dangerous-delusional-idea
—

Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR)
Donorbox Suspends BDS National Committee’s Account After Threats from Israeli Legal Group

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/12/21/donorbox-suspends-bds-national-committees-account-after-threats-israeli-legal
—

The Real News Network
Media’s Russia Obsession Obscures How Trump’s Syria Withdrawal Benefits Turkey Most
While corporate media portrayed Trump’s withdrawal of US troops from Syria as a Christmas gift to Russia’s Putin, veteran Middle East reporter Patrick Cockburn says this is infantile and conspiratorial. NATO member Turkey stands to gain most, and could launch an attack on Kurdish forces in the northeast

*Another risible round of “Putin ate my homework!”

But if Killer Clown attacks Iran, he’ll be all “presidential” like again, now won’t he just?

https://therealnews.com/stories/medias-russia-obsession-obscures-how-trumps-syria-withdrawal-benefits-turkey-most

The IMF is at it Again in Argentina’s Economic Crisis
Now that Argentina received the International Monetary Fund’s largest loan ever, of $56 billion, it is recommending more austerity, which, as the data so far shows, will only prolong the country’s economic crisis, says CEPR’s Mark Weisbrot

*After gorging on everything and everyone else, capitalism always has itself for afters

https://therealnews.com/stories/the-imf-is-at-it-again-in-argentinas-economic-crisis
—

FAIR
Der Spiegel Shows Danger of Liking Good Stories More Than True Stories
by Neil DeMause

*Never let the truth get in the way of a good story

Or one that serves the status quo

https://fair.org/home/der-spiegel-shows-danger-of-liking-good-stories-more-than-true-stories
—

Democracy Now!
Congress Touts First Step Act as Criminal Justice Victory—But Critics Fear Bill Makes False Promises

*And they want me to donate?

After this shameless piece of puffery for an Obastard like Jones, tossing in a bit of “other side” to appear “balanced”, and allowing Sloan and him to piss all over it with no one there to contest?

DN!’s done some excellent work around prison issues, but a segment like this does grievous harm to their proclaimed cause.

I wish I could say I’m surprised …

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/12/21/congress_touts_first_step_act_as

12.20

Do You Have a Heart? On Organ Donation, Poverty, and For-Profit Healthcare
Despite the efforts encouraging Americans to be organ donors and to “Give the Gift of Life,” we rarely hear about those who don’t meet the financial criteria
by Mary O’Connor Mack

*Hearts and soullessness

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/12/20/do-you-have-heart-organ-donation-poverty-and-profit-healthcare

America’s Mixed Messages: On Board the USS Detention
Prisoners at sea
by Karen Greenberg

*Forgive me for not heeding Greenberg’s plaintive plea for concern over the US’ image. It is one formed by its multitudinous faults and its immutable nature as a poster person for imperialism.

Its “black eyes” match its black heartlessness. Its “caring” is calculated to obscure its callousness.

Its image will change when its essence is eviscerated.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/12/20/americas-mixed-messages-board-uss-detention
—

Food & Water Watch
USDA’s GMO Labeling Rule Keeps Consumers in the Dark for the Sake of Big Ag Profits

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/12/20/usdas-gmo-labeling-rule-keeps-consumers-dark-sake-big-ag-profits
—

The Real News Network
Project Censored: All the News the Establishment Media Saw Fit not to Print (Pt 1/2)
Since 1976 Project Censored has been bringing us all the news the corporate media don’t want us to hear

*All the news that’s printed (or pixeled) to fit

https://therealnews.com/stories/project-censored-all-the-news-the-establishment-media-saw-fit-not-to-print-pt-1-2

Project Censored: All the News the Establishment Media Saw Fit Not to Print (Pt 2/2)

*Of course faith in the corpress is a fool’s creed, but I’d also caution against blind trust in “alternative media”, as well.

No one has a patent on “the truth”.

Think for yourself, then act for others.

https://therealnews.com/stories/project-censored-all-the-news-the-establishment-media-saw-fit-not-to-print-pt-2-2
—

FAIR
‘Domestic Workers Don’t Have Protections Against Discrimination and Harassment’
CounterSpin interview with Mariana Viturro on Domestic Workers Bill of Rights
by Janine Jackson

*When you have Democratic congresspersons as “allies”, be prepared to have your thrill killed.

https://fair.org/home/domestic-workers-dont-have-protections-against-discrimination-and-harassment
—

Democracy Now!
Trump Pledges to Withdraw U.S. Ground Troops from Syria—But Global Powers & Deadly Air Forces Remain

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/12/20/trump_pledges_to_withdraw_us_ground

The Bombings Will Continue: Phyllis Bennis Warns U.S. Military Role in Syria Is Not Actually Ending

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/12/20/the_bombings_will_continue_phyllis_bennis

12.19

Depressed and Then Diagnosed With Autism, Greta Thunberg Explains Why Hope Cannot Save Planet But Bold Climate Action Still Can
“We do need hope—of course, we do. But the one thing we need more than hope is action. Once we start to act, hope is everywhere.”
by Jon Queally, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Those who view politics as “the art of the possible”

Are wilfully blind to the inevitable

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/12/19/depressed-and-then-diagnosed-autism-greta-thunberg-explains-why-hope-cannot-save
—

Advocates Call on Jayapal to Release Draft Text of House Single Payer Bill
“We are being asked to mobilize support for the new HR 676, but we cannot support a bill we have not seen”
by Russell Mokhiber

*Never get behind a Democrat unless you’d let that Democrat get behind you

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/12/19/advocates-call-jayapal-release-draft-text-house-single-payer-bill
—

The Real News Network
NY Times Columnist Ross Douthat Defended Murderous Dictator Pinochet in His Harvard Days
by Ben Norton

https://therealnews.com/columns/ny-times-columnist-ross-douthat-defended-murderous-dictator-pinochet-in-his-harvard-days

West Bank Uprising: Israel’s Divide and Conquer Strategy Falls Apart
Shir Hever explains that the Israeli government’s deal with the Hamas party undermined the incentive for Palestinian security coordination, as the Israeli military is dragged in to implement colonial policing. As a result, Hamas has never been stronger

https://therealnews.com/stories/west-bank-uprising-israels-divide-and-conquer-strategy-falls-apart

Trump’s Criminal Justice Reform Act Is a Meaningless Smoke Screen (Pt 1/3)
Congress’s Criminal Justice Reform Act boosts privatization, fails to dismantle mass incarceration, nor does it implement sentencing reform. We speak to Eddie Conway and Natasha Pratt Harris about the proposed reform

*Always look askance at anything that has “overwhelming bipartisan support”.

“Working across the aisle” is often just working over someone in the alley.

https://therealnews.com/stories/trumps-criminal-justice-reform-act-is-a-meaningless-smoke-screen-pt-1-3

Trump’s Criminal Justice Reform Act Is a Meaningless Smoke Screen (Pt 2/3)

https://therealnews.com/stories/trumps-criminal-justice-reform-act-is-a-meaningless-smoke-screen-pt-2-3

Justice Reform Act Is a Meaningless Smoke Screen (Pt 3/3)

*So why are members of the “black misleadership class” critical of something that usually is right up their alley?

Could it be that the Kochs stole their thunder, as well as wanting to deny Killer Clown any props prior to 2020?

Inquiring minds want to know.

https://therealnews.com/stories/trumps-criminal-justice-reform-act-is-a-meaningless-smoke-screen-pt-3-3

Advocates Say Sex Worker Rights Are Human Rights
At the annual remembrance of sex workers who were murdered, supporters say violence against them is violence against everyone

*There are all sorts of problems with sex work in the context of a misogynist and patriarchal society, and I don’t pretend to be an expert on how to deal with them, but that’s a separate issue from supporting the safety and affirming the humanity of those engaged in it.

https://therealnews.com/stories/advocates-say-sex-worker-rights-are-human-rights
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
“Congress Must Investigate Kavanaugh’s Lies Because the Courts Will Not”

*Justice isn’t blind

She is blinded

http://accuracy.org/release/congress-must-investigate-kavanaughs-lies-because-the-courts-will-not

Senate Passes Left-Right Criminal Justice Reform

http://accuracy.org/release/senate-passes-left-right-criminal-justice-reform
—

FAIR
‘Trump Says…’: The Journalistic Scourge of Echo-Chamber Headlines
Deferential social media framing spreads White House propaganda and betrays public trust
by Reed Richardson

*”Extra! Extra! Read nothing about it!”

And I’d like to know when the corpress ever deserved “a healthy reputation”, and why there’s any hope that it would do what’s necessary to deserve one in future.

https://fair.org/home/trump-says-the-journalistic-scourge-of-echo-chamber-headlines
—

Democracy Now!
Greg Grandin: How U.S. Policies Punished Central Americans, Long Before Jakelin Caal Maquín’s Death

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/12/19/greg_grandin_how_us_policies_punished

Cambodians Who Fled War, U.S. Bombs and Genocide Now Face ICE Raids and Deportations Under Trump

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/12/19/cambodians_who_fled_war_us_bombs

12.18

‘Draft Beto’ Campaign Launches Just as O’Rourke Booted From ‘No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge’ List
“It’s clear that real climate leaders need to stand up to the fossil fuel industry in many ways, and that includes standing up to the full extent of the fossil fuel industry’s influence on our politics”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Demoratic déjà vu all over again

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/12/18/draft-beto-campaign-launches-just-orourke-booted-no-fossil-fuel-money-pledge-list
—

In Praise of a Military Budget That Ensures Our Destruction
If we are this committed to destroying life and the planet that sustains it, perhaps the Pentagon does need more money
by Tom Engelhardt

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/12/18/praise-military-budget-ensures-our-destruction
–

The Coming of Hyperwar: “Alexa, Launch Our Nukes!”
Artificial intelligence and the future of war
by Michael T. Klare

*From the heartless to the soulless

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/12/18/coming-hyperwar-alexa-launch-our-nukes
–

Global Peasant Declaration Represents Huge Advance for Human Rights
Seventy percent of the world’s population is fed by small-scale producers. These producers, however, face an onslaught of threats related to economic globalization
by Jackie Smith and Caitlin Schroering

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/12/18/global-peasant-declaration-represents-huge-advance-human-rights
–

Why Are These Labor Unions Opposing Medicare for All?
As long as credible action toward Medicare for All remains scarce among elected Democrats, advancing the policy demands a confrontation with the party establishment—something most labor leaders so far seem unwilling to do
by Natalie Shure

*Solidarity can’t expand in a silo

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/12/18/why-are-these-labor-unions-opposing-medicare-all
—

The Real News Network
Take the Money Out of Prison Slavery
Activists and students continue a national divestment movement to stop the corporate funding of private prisons. Sylvester Owino, a Kenyan immigrant, spent 10 years in an immigrant detention center while his case bounced between the lower and higher courts. Owino and other activists talk about the private prison divestment movement and abuses in the transporting of prisoners, the origins of the private prison system and their roots in slavery, forced labor for immigrant detainees and looking beyond divestment in order to close private prisons

https://therealnews.com/stories/take-the-money-out-of-prison-slavery
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Examining Yellow Vest Demands

http://accuracy.org/release/examining-yellow-vest-demands
—

Democracy Now!
Meet the Texas Speech Pathologist Who Lost School Job for Refusing to Sign Pro-Israel, Anti-BDS Oath

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/12/18/meet_the_texas_speech_pathologist_who

Glenn Greenwald: Congress Is Trying to Make It a Federal Crime to Participate in Boycott of Israel

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/12/18/glenn_greenwald_congress_is_trying_to

12.17

The End of Rolling Thunder? We Can Only Hope So!
How a Nixon campaign dirty trick turned into a full-blown psychosis among America’s paranoid fringe
by Mike Lofgren

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/12/17/end-rolling-thunder-we-can-only-hope-so
–

Trump, the Quintessential American
We live in an age when the fake, the fraudulent, the fabricated and the theatrical supplant reality
by Chris Hedges

*Sweet land of libertines

Of thee I sting

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/12/17/trump-quintessential-american
–

American Public’s Backing for One-State Solution Falls on Deaf Ears
A growing number understand that it is time for a new, single state model, one that ends Israel’s treatment of Jews as separate from and superior to Palestinians, and instead offers freedom and equality for all
by Jonathan Cook

*It was always the only just solution

And now it’s just the only solution

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/12/17/american-publics-backing-one-state-solution-falls-deaf-ears
–

Why Hondurans See Migration as an Act of Civil Disobedience
In walking out of their country en masse, Hondurans are making a loud, bold statement about the extreme injustices they face at home
by Crystal Vance Guerra

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/12/16/why-hondurans-see-migration-act-civil-disobedience
–

The Truth Buried Alive
by Greg Palast

*The truth shall set free the hounds of legally sanctioned hell

https://www.gregpalast.com/the-truth-buried-alive
—

The Real News Network
When Activists Take Over City Hall: The Case of Barcelona, Spain
Ada Colau, who had been a long-time housing activist, won the mayoral election in Barcelona in 2015 in a tough battle against long-entrenched forces, but is managing to gradually transform the city. Paul Jay talks to her about her experience

https://therealnews.com/stories/when-activists-take-over-city-hall-the-case-of-barcelona-spain

Canada’s Government Rejects Postal Union’s Green Vision While Catering To Big Oil
Speaking from COP24, Dave Bleakney of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers says the Trudeau government has shown little interest in greening Canada’s postal service

https://therealnews.com/stories/canadas-government-rejects-postal-unions-green-vision-while-catering-to-big-oil

Donald Trump Vs. Donald Trump’s Lawyer: Will Trump Plead Ignorance?
Trump lawyer Michael Cohen says Trump ordered him to make the hush money payments to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal weeks before the 2016 election. An unusual statute covering campaign finance could help Trump, says former financial regulator Bill Black

*Actually, as Black explained, there’s nothing “unusual” about the “Get Out of Jail Free” cards issued to the iniquitous elites, is there?

https://therealnews.com/stories/donald-trump-vs-donald-trumps-lawyer-will-trump-plead-ignorance

Russian Bombers Landing in Venezuela: A Reaction to US Threats
While the US tried to portray the landing of Russian nuclear weapons capable bombers in Venezuela as a threat, Venezuela clearly sees the US as the threat, which is why the Russian military was invited, say Steve Ellner and Greg Wilpert

*The “opening” to Cuba was an opening to US and Western capital.

The stick having failed, the poison carrot is proferred.

https://therealnews.com/stories/russian-bombers-landing-in-venezuela-a-reaction-to-us-threats
—

FAIR
WaPo: Trump Needs to Destroy Venezuela to Save It
by Joe Emersberger

https://fair.org/home/wapo-trump-needs-to-destroy-venezuela-to-save-it

12.14

The Impossibility of Bipartisan Healthcare Compromise
Democrats should write a health-care reform bill so aggressive that it drastically weakens the profitability of Big Medical, and drives many of them out of business entirely. If you cannot join them, beat them
by Ryan Cooper

*Let’s dearly hope that “compromise” is impossible, for there’s nary a Democrat in Congress – “progressive” or otherwise – who won’t choose that “pragmatic” cop out, afforded the opportunity.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/12/14/impossibility-bipartisan-healthcare-compromise
–

Are the New Congressional Progressives Real? Use These Yardsticks to Find Out
Adopting these suggestions will liberate new members to challenge the taboos entrenched in Congress regarding the corporate crime wave, military budgets, foreign policy, massive corporate welfare giveaways or crony capitalism
by Ralph Nader

*Pretty words

Or the dirty work of democracy?

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/12/14/are-new-congressional-progressives-real-use-these-yardsticks-find-out
—

COP24 Organizers Accused of Censoring Climate Campaigners While Letting Pro-Fossil Fuel Message Flourish
New reporting by Agence France-Presse shows U.N. organizers asked for “dirty energy” reference to be removed from video that would be projected within summit venue
by Andrea Germanos, staff writer
Common Dreams

*A diseased dog and palsied pony show

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/12/14/cop24-organizers-accused-censoring-climate-campaigners-while-letting-pro-fossil-fuel

Borrowing From Big Tobacco’s Playbook, Johnson & Johnson Knew About Asbestos in Baby Powder for Decades: Reuters
One attorney said 1970s memos that have surfaced due to recent lawsuits are “on par with key docs uncovered in the tobacco litigation”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*No amount of talcum can stem the stench of “Profit Űber Alles”

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/12/14/borrowing-big-tobaccos-playbook-johnson-johnson-knew-about-asbestos-baby-powder

‘Good First Step’ as DeVos Forced to Cancel $150M in Student Loan Debt for Thousands Scammed by For-Profit Schools
“It’s disappointing that it took a court order to get Secretary DeVos to begin providing debt relief to students left in the lurch by predatory for-profit colleges”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Wiping that incessant, insipid and invidious smile from her visage

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/12/14/good-first-step-devos-forced-cancel-150m-student-loan-debt-thousands-scammed-profit

Quoting Dr. Seuss, Court Throws Out Pipeline Permit and Implores Forest Service to ‘Speak for the Trees’ Instead of Corporate Polluters
Developers of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline project planned for the pipeline to cut across two national forests and the Appalachian Trail
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Seeing the forest for the trees

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/12/14/quoting-dr-seuss-court-throws-out-pipeline-permit-and-implores-forest-service-speak
—

FAIR
Police Drones Expand as Media Shrink
by Josmar Trujillo

*Flying the spy friendly skies

https://fair.org/home/police-drones-expand-as-media-shrink

12.13

Yellow Vest Uprising Exposes Urgent Need for Rapid Energy Transition That Stiffs Elites, Lifts the Working Class
“There will be no justice unless those who are responsible for emissions—namely multinationals and the better off in society who consume the most, are those who bear the brunt of the cost of transition”
byJulia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/12/13/yellow-vest-uprising-exposes-urgent-need-rapid-energy-transition-stiffs-elites-lifts
—

I’m a Postal Worker. If You Get Mail in a Small Town or Suburb, Listen Up!
A Trump administration plan could mean reduced service and higher postage for at least half of all ZIP codes
by Kathy Toler

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/12/13/im-postal-worker-if-you-get-mail-small-town-or-suburb-listen
–

Amazon’s Disturbing Plan to Add Face Surveillance to Your Front Door
It is doing so without regard for how the technology will be exploited by law enforcement, ICE, and other government agencies prone to violence and racial discrimination
by Jacob Snow

*Jeff (“Democracy Dies in Darkness”) Bezos isn’t doing this “without regard” for the calamitous consequences

It’s the sinister selling point to those with a police state of mind.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/12/13/amazons-disturbing-plan-add-face-surveillance-your-front-door
—

The Real News Network
US Consumer Board Conceals how Wells Fargo Fleeces Students
The Consumer Financial Protection Board kept a detailed report about how Wells Fargo has long been involved in charging students up to three times more for financial services than other banks do. Why did the CFPB not reveal this? Bill Black explains

*The best way to rob a bank[‘s customers]

Is to own one

https://therealnews.com/stories/us-consumer-board-conceals-how-wells-fargo-fleeces-students

Canadian Court Hands Important Victory to BDS Movement
A Canadian court ruled that Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions activists were denied free speech and campaigning rights when the city of Montreal tore down their posters highlighting an Israeli atrocity during an election campaign in Canada. We discuss the case with Bruce Katz, one of the main plaintiffs

https://therealnews.com/stories/canadian-court-hands-important-victory-to-bds-movement

Theresa May’s Brexit Blood in Water as UK Tories Circle
UK Prime Minister Theresa May wins a no-confidence vote, but the Conservatives remain split on the Brexit deal, says Jeremy Smith, Co-director of Prime Economics

https://therealnews.com/stories/theresa-mays-brexit-blood-in-water-as-uk-tories-circle

Pro-Israel Lobby Groups Secretly Admits Boycott Is Effective, Leaked Report Shows
Ali Abunimah discusses a leaked report from Creative Community for Peace (CCFP), a front for Israel government-backed lobby group StandWithUs, which admits the cultural boycott is “constantly growing” and “innovative”

https://therealnews.com/stories/pro-israel-lobby-groups-secretly-admits-boycott-is-effective-leaked-report-shows
—

FAIR
William Blum, US Policy Critic Derided by NYT, Dies at 85
by Jim Naureckas

*Speaking ill of the dead

Who were never allowed to answer in life

https://fair.org/home/william-blum-us-policy-critic-derided-by-nyt-dies-at-85
–

Refugee Caravan: Lots of Coverage, Little Context
Alan MacLeod

*A border wall between inconvenient facts and disingenuous fancy

https://fair.org/home/refugee-caravan-lots-of-coverage-little-context

12.12

‘Stand Up, Fight Back!’ Protestors Storm Capitol as Michigan GOP Moves Ahead With Lame-Duck Coup
“We spoke loud and clear in November, and the sore loser Republicans are now shamelessly passing bill after bill to trample on the people and protect their ‘power'”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/12/12/stand-fight-back-protestors-storm-capitol-michigan-gop-moves-ahead-lame-duck-coup
—

Why Green New Deal Advocates Must Address Militarism
Where is the call for the New Peace Deal that would free up hundreds of billions from the overblown military budget to invest in green infrastructure?
by Medea Benjamin and Alice Slater

*Can we open up our issue silos, and work to close down their missile silos?

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/12/12/why-green-new-deal-advocates-must-address-militarism
–

How To Elect Democrats Who Actually Answer To Workers
To hold policy makers accountable, workers must be able to build fighting organizations in which workers, not full-time staffs in sealed-off political departments, call the endorsement shots
by Jane McAlevey

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/12/12/how-elect-democrats-who-actually-answer-workers
–

I Walked Right Up to Militarized Police at the Border
Behind the agents, we could see our brothers and sisters watching from the Mexico side of the wall. We could hear them singing
by Lucy Duncan

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/12/12/i-walked-right-militarized-police-border
—

Chicago Teachers Union
CTU Statement on Rahm’s Proposed Pension Scheme

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/12/12/ctu-statement-rahms-proposed-pension-scheme

Food & Water Watch
Farm Bill Fails to Address Critical Problems with Food System

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/12/12/farm-bill-fails-address-critical-problems-food-system
—

The Real News Network
Russophobia and the Mueller Investigation
Marc Steiner and Paul Jay discuss corporate news’ coverage of the Mueller investigation and what motivates the rhetoric about Russia’s threat to American democracy

https://therealnews.com/stories/russophobia-and-the-mueller-investigation

Ukraine Requests NATO Military Buildup, Imposes Martial Law as Russia Sends Troops to Border
Tensions flare as Ukraine imposes martial law and President Poroshenko requests a major NATO military presence in the Black Sea, while Russia sends troops to Crimea and its border. Historian Tarik Cyril Amar speaks about the increasing militarization of the conflict

https://therealnews.com/stories/ukraine-requests-nato-military-buildup-imposes-martial-law-as-russia-sends-troops-to-border
—

Democracy Now!
U.S. & Other Big Polluters Obstruct U.N. Climate Talks, Stalling Efforts to Reduce Carbon Emissions

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/12/12/us_other_big_polluters_obstruct_un

12.11

As Schumer and Pelosi Offer Up $1.3 Billion, Progressives Say ‘Not One Dime’ Should Go to Trump’s Anti-Immigrant Agenda
“Saying it louder for the people in the back: Start and end with $0 for Donald Trump’s border wall”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Central Casting couldn’t come up with better than Pelosi and Schumer as soulless “public servants”

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/12/11/schumer-and-pelosi-offer-13-billion-progressives-say-not-one-dime-should-go-trumps
—

Imagine a World Without War, Where Migrants Are Welcomed, Where Women Are Not Targets
Fighting indifference with justice on International Human Rights Day
by Vijay Prashad

*Averting our eyes doesn’t absolve our souls

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/12/11/imagine-world-without-war-where-migrants-are-welcomed-where-women-are-not-targets
–

Biological Annihilation: A Planet in Loss Mode
On the great vanishing happening before our eyes

*Where are the cards for these creatures in a Green New Deal?

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/12/11/biological-annihilation-planet-loss-mode
—

The Real News Network
Black Women are the Most Rapidly Growing Prison Population, Criminalized and Stereotyped as Aggressive
Caryn York, executive director of the Job Opportunities Task Force and Nicole Hanson, director of Out for Justice, talk about why black girls are punished more harshly than any other demographic and are the largest growing population in the prison system. Black women are given stereotypical handles like aggressive and hostile. Instead of dealing with the trauma that comes from a lack of investment in and support for black women, we criminalize them

https://therealnews.com/stories/black-women-are-the-most-rapidly-growing-prison-population-criminalized-and-stereotyped-as-aggressive

Hungary’s Far-Right Government Hurtling Toward Dictatorship with Crackdown on Free Press
The far-right government of EU/NATO member Hungary is cracking down on independent media. Prime Minister Viktor Orban is also exploiting anti-Semitism, while closely allied with Israel. Journalist Benjamin Novak says even elections are now just a formality

https://therealnews.com/stories/hungarys-far-right-government-hurtling-toward-dictatorship-with-crackdown-on-free-press

France’s Macron Makes Concessions while ‘Yellow Vest’ Protests Continue
Militant “yellow vest” protests continue in France, despite President Macron’s efforts to offer concessions

https://therealnews.com/stories/frances-macron-makes-concessions-while-yellow-vest-protests-continue

12.10

The Inequality to Be Suffered by Our Children
Greater equality of wealth and opportunity can only be achieved through progressive policies, now and in 2020
by Paul Buchheit

*I’m trying to suss how you can call Dems complicit in this crimogenic culture, then proceed to point to “progressive policies” from someone like Booker, a card carrying member of what Glen Ford terms “the black misleadership class”, as the way forward.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/12/10/inequality-be-suffered-our-children
–

Inequality at the Center of Chicago Charter School Strikes
Teachers won the first charter school strike in the U.S. by demanding everything from pay raises to sanctuary for students
by Negin Owliaei

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/12/10/inequality-center-chicago-charter-school-strikes
—

The Real News Network
George H.W. Bush: War Criminal, CIA Spy, Oil Tycoon, Embodiment of US Elite
President George H. W. Bush was an elite custodian of capitalism and empire, with countless victims, from Iraq to Panama. The former oil tycoon and CIA director paved the way for Trumpism

*”A thousand points of light”

Setting the world aflame

https://therealnews.com/stories/george-h-w-bush-war-criminal-cia-spy-oil-tycoon-embodiment-of-us-elite

Trudeau Government Deprives Postal Workers of the Right to Strike
Mike Palecek, National President of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), says Justin Trudeau is abandoning the values he claims to care about

https://therealnews.com/stories/trudeau-government-deprives-postal-workers-of-the-right-to-strike

Trump’s Trade Policy Towards China: A Distraction to Benefit the Rich
As stock markets around the world are reeling from contradictory Trump administration signals regarding US policy towards China, we look at who benefits, and what would a better trade policy towards China look like. CEPR’s Mark Weisbrot and PERI’s Gerald Epstein discuss the issue

*If you accept that “There Is No Alternative” ™, then I suppose this discussion makes some sense from a perspective of a more just world.

But what if you don’t?

https://therealnews.com/stories/trumps-trade-policy-towards-china-a-distraction-to-benefit-of-the-rich

Lopez Obrador’s Plans to Lead Mexico out of Neoliberalism Will Mean Crossing Swords with the US
We now have a politically experienced president in Mexico – gone are the days when Mexico kowtows to the US. This will mean a more sovereign economic and foreign policy, says Vijay Prashad of Tricontinental Institute for Social Research

*Ever notice how hosannas are sung by the “alternative media” prior to the ascension of someone like Lopez Obrador, enumerating all the wonderful things that will come to pass, and then once they take office, how quickly excusive analyses are made as to why those wonderful things may not actually occur due to the constraints of “the real world”?

We’re left to wonder just how that “real world” will change, then, aren’t we?

https://therealnews.com/stories/lopez-obradors-plans-to-lead-mexico-out-of-neoliberalism-will-mean-crossing-swords-with-the-us

12.7

HUD Official to Move Into Public Housing?
Patton moving in for a month on her $161,000 salary won’t shed a spotlight on inhumanity as much as on herself and on the Trump agenda, which, like that of most Republicans, is about promoting the private at the expense of the public
by Laura Flanders

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/12/07/hud-official-move-public-housing
—

‘Complete Wiping Away of Clean Water Act’: Trump EPA Rule Would Free Corporations to Pollute Nation’s Water as Much as They Please
“As a result of the change, an estimated 60-90 percent of U.S. waterways could lose federal protections that currently shield them from pollution and development”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/12/07/complete-wiping-away-clean-water-act-trump-epa-rule-would-free-corporations-pollute

‘Europe Condemns People to Drown’ by Forcing MSF Ship to Cease Migrant Rescue Missions
“Not only has Europe failed to provide search and rescue capacity, it has also actively sabotaged others’ attempts to save lives”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*”European values” has a hauntingly hollow ring to it

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/12/07/europe-condemns-people-drown-forcing-msf-ship-cease-migrant-rescue-missions
—

The Real News Network
Ecuadorian Ex-Diplomat: Report Claiming Assange Met Manafort Is False
The Guardian report claiming WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange met with Paul Manafort is fake news, says the former consul in Ecuador’s London embassy, Fidel Narváez. But it is true that Trump’s ex-campaign chairman met with new Ecuadorian President Lenin Moreno to discuss handing Assange over to the US.

https://therealnews.com/stories/ecuadorian-ex-diplomat-report-claiming-assange-met-manafort-is-false
—

FAIR
Factcheck False Equivalence
WaPo rates Ocasio-Cortez’s misconstrued Pentagon study as bad as Trump’s biggest lies
by Reed Richardson

*Given the faux fest on the life and times of Bush the elder across the corpress, the irony doesn’t drip

It gushes.

https://fair.org/home/factcheck-false-equivalence
—

Democracy Now!
Winona LaDuke Calls for Indigenous-Led “Green New Deal” as She Fights Minnesota Pipeline Expansion

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/12/7/winona_laduke_calls_for_indigenous_led

The Deadly Cost of Pipelines in Native Land: Winona LaDuke on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/12/7/winona_laduke_crisis_of_missing_murdered

12.6

After Years of Fearmongering Mythical Threat of Voter Fraud, GOP ‘Silence Now Deafening’ as Real Election Fraud Exposed in North Carolina
“There’s finally a case that looks like real, election-changing election fraud. It just so happens that it’s alleged to have benefited a Republican. Suddenly, the North Carolina GOP is less concerned about the effects of fraud.”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*It might be true that “⁦In a different time, [A Democratic] attorney general” wouldn’t be silent on this crime.

Whether she or he would do a goddamn thing of actual substance about it is an entirely other matter.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/12/06/after-years-fearmongering-mythical-threat-voter-fraud-gop-silence-now-deafening-real

New Lancet Study Shows Right-Wing Attacks on Refugees and Migrants Based on ‘White Nationalist Propaganda’—Not Facts
“Migrants commonly contribute more to the economy than they cost, and how we shape their health and well-being today will impact our societies for generations to come”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/12/06/new-lancet-study-shows-right-wing-attacks-refugees-and-migrants-based-white
—

Clarifying terminology crucial in transgender debate
by Robert Jensen

https://www.tribtalk.org/2018/12/06/clarifying-terminology-crucial-in-transgender-debate
—

Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR)
Trial Concludes: Judge Rules Pipeline Company Trespassed But Allows Taking of Private Property

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/12/06/trial-concludes-judge-rules-pipeline-company-trespassed-allows-taking-private
—

The Real News Network
Pentagon Engaged in Unfathomable Financial Mismanagement
Around the same time that auditors declared that the Department of Defense’s finances are unauditable, The Nation published an extensive exposé of just how deliberately falsified and mismanaged the Pentagon’s accounts are. We speak to the report’s author, investigative journalist David Lindorff

*Wrapping the swag in the flag

https://therealnews.com/stories/pentagon-engaged-in-unfathomable-financial-mismanagement

Black communities denied $156 billion in property value says new Brookings report
“The pipes in Flint, Michigan could have been replaced 3,000 times with that money” says lead study author Dr. Andre Perry

https://therealnews.com/stories/black-communities-denied-156-billion-in-property-value-says-new-brookings-report

Rattling the Bars: Stopping Corporate Exploitation in Prisons (2/2)
Eddie Conway talks with Bianca Tylek, founder of the Corrections Accountability Corporation, about thousands of corporations funding private prisons and immigration detention centers and what citizens can do about it

https://therealnews.com/stories/rattling-the-bars-stopping-corporate-exploitation-in-prisons-pt-2-2
—

Democracy Now!
“The Silence of Others”: New Film Warns Against Spain’s Fascist History Repeating Itself

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/12/6/the_silence_of_others_new_film

12.5

With Deadline to Save Net Neutrality Days Away, Here Are the 18 Democrats Still Siding With Telecom Donors Over Open Internet
“It’s clear that these congressmembers are deep in the pockets of lobbyists at Verizon, Comcast, and AT&T. These telecoms have given them hundreds of thousands of dollars in ‘campaign donations'”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/12/05/deadline-save-net-neutrality-days-away-here-are-18-democrats-still-siding-telecom
—

G20: You Can Smell Tear Gas in the Streets as the Oil Industry Squabbles
What the G20 and OPEC meetings mean for the political relations, economies, and people of the world
by Vijay Prashad

*Spats over how much oil to pour on the fire

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/12/05/g20-you-can-smell-tear-gas-streets-oil-industry-squabbles
—

Friends of the Earth Scotland
Fury at SNP Climate Hypocrisy

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/12/05/fury-snp-climate-hypocrisy
—

The Real News Network
Sen. Graham Wants a More Reliable Fascist in Saudi Arabia – Paul Jay
Senators such as Lindsey Graham want to overthrow the Saudi crown prince MBS in order to have a more reliable ally against Iran and to suppress the Saudi masses

*MBS is apparently no fan of Mafia movies.

If we were, he’d know the fate of those who cross the boss of all bosses.

https://therealnews.com/stories/sen-graham-wants-a-more-reliable-fascist-in-saudi-arabia-paul-jay

An Off-Duty Cop Pulled a Gun on Teen Waiting for a Bus, How Will the City Respond?
The nearly deadly encounter between an unarmed teen and an off-duty Baltimore police officer still haunts the family, but the recent controversy involving the city’s civilian review board may leave them with nowhere to turn

https://therealnews.com/stories/an-off-duty-cop-pulled-a-gun-on-teen-waiting-for-a-bus-how-will-the-city-respond
—

Democracy Now!
A Lame-Duck “Legislative Coup”: Wisconsin GOP Stages Last-Minute Power Grab Before Dems Take Office

*And where’s Evers in all this?

Prattling about “working across the aisle” with these bastards.

I said I’d vote for an empty roll of toilet tissue against Walker

And that’s just what we got.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/12/5/a_lame_duck_legislative_coup_wisconsin

How False Testimony and a Massive U.S. Propaganda Machine Bolstered George H.W. Bush’s War on Iraq

*Nobody “fell” for anything.

The corpress, the Congress, the “human rights” groups … only fools would have believed any of this on its face.

They weren’t fools … but they helped to play the public for one.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/12/5/how_false_testimony_and_a_massive

12.4

‘We Are All Here Together’: Demanding Charter Network Use Vast Resources for Better Pay, First of Its Kind Teacher Strike in Chicago
Despite increased revenue and cash on hand this year for the 15-school charter network, management has refused to give raises to overworked staffers
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/12/04/we-are-all-here-together-demanding-charter-network-use-vast-resources-better-pay
—

Rainforest Action Network (RAN)
As World Gathers for COP24, Chase Bank Found Undermining Paris Agreement by Financing Coal Power Expansion in Poland

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/12/04/world-gathers-cop24-chase-bank-found-undermining-paris-agreement-financing-coal

Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
City Misleads Flint Residents: Thousands of Lead Pipes Likely Remain in Flint

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/12/04/city-misleads-flint-residents-thousands-lead-pipes-likely-remain-flint
—

The Real News Network
Rattling the Bars: Stopping Corporate Exploitation in Prisons (Pt. 1/2)
Eddie Conway talks with Bianca Tylek, founder of the Corrections Accountability Corporation, about thousands of corporations funding private prisons and immigration detention centers and what citizens can do about it

https://therealnews.com/stories/rattling-the-bars-stopping-corporate-exploitation-in-prisons-pt-1-2

Expectations Sky High for Mexico’s Newly Inaugurated President Lopez Obrador
Andrés Manuel Lopez Obrador, Mexico’s new center-left president, was inaugurated and outlined policies that were more ambitious than what he campaigned on, says Laura Carlsen, of the Americas Program of the Center for International Policy in Mexico City

*History notes a vast difference between talking loud and walking proud

https://therealnews.com/stories/expectations-skyhigh-for-mexicos-newly-inaugurated-president-lopez-obrador
—

Democracy Now!
Greg Grandin: George H.W. Bush’s 1989 Invasion of Panama Set the Stage for U.S. Wars to Come

*The “gentle soul” and his gruesome sins

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/12/4/greg_grandin_george_hw_bushs_1989

Inter-American Commission on Human Rights: U.S. Owes Reparations to Panama over Bush’s Invasion

*And all the other mass murderers pay homage to one after their own dark hearts

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/12/4/inter_american_commission_on_human_rights

How George H.W. Bush’s Pardons for Iran-Contra Conspirators Set the Stage for Trump’s Impunity

*A saw an editorial cartoon of Bush represented as one of “a thousand points of light” in the heavens.

Luckily, I hadn’t yet eaten breakfast.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/12/4/how_george_hw_bushs_pardons_for

Ariel Dorfman: George H.W. Bush Is Alive in His Many Victims Across the Globe, Including Me

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/12/4/ariel_dorfman_george_hw_bush_is

12.3

To Protect Asylum-Seeking Family From Deportation, Dutch Church Holds Round-the-Clock Services for 900 Hours and Counting
Taking advantage of a law barring authorities from entering a church during worship, a Protestant church has held services continuously since the family was given sanctuary there on October 26
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*WWJD?

Stock up on throat spray

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/12/03/protect-asylum-seeking-family-deportation-dutch-church-holds-round-clock-services

Challenge to Trump’s Environmentally Disastrous Plan to ‘Wreak Havoc Along the Border’ Blocked by Supreme Court
‘A human-made barrier on the scale of the proposed border wall would have a serious impact on animals,’ conservation group had argued
by Andrea Germanos, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/12/03/challenge-trumps-environmentally-disastrous-plan-wreak-havoc-along-border-blocked
—

The Opposite of Evil Is No Longer Goodness
My point is simple. It’s now time to focus on courage.
by Frances Moore Lappé

*Courage can bring consequences – even dire ones

But whatever may come, we will know that in that moment we were at our best, our most transcendentally human

And that can never be taken from us.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/12/03/opposite-evil-no-longer-goodness
–

Emptying the Cages
A new book envisions the end of animal factory farming and all the suffering it causes
by Jacy Reese

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/12/03/emptying-cages
—

The Real News Network
World Leaders Fight Over Turbulent Oil Market at G20 Summit
As world leaders gather for the G20 summit, oil is at the top of the list of issues. Scholar Vijay Prashad discusses the fight between the US, Russia, China, and Saudi Arabia over price and production, and notes India is in talks with Crown Prince MBS

https://therealnews.com/stories/world-leaders-fight-over-turbulent-oil-market-at-g20-summit

Globalization, Inequality & the Predictable Corporate Takeover of the WTO (1/2)
The corporate takeover of platforms like the World Trade Organization has been denounced by developing countries and activists for decades, and today the denunciations are reflected in rebuttals to pro-corporate machinations like those unpacked in this series of presentations at the 2018 World Trade Organization Public Forum

*A club for the clubbers

https://therealnews.com/stories/globalization-inequality-the-predictable-corporate-takeover-of-the-wto-1-2

US Bombing Kills 30 Civilians in Afghanistan as US-Led War Enters its 18th Year
Casualties in the 17-year US war effort in Afghanistan is higher now than any time since 2009. Former marine and state department official Matthew Hoh says that there still is no end in sight.

*I deeply appreciate Hoh’s visceral aversion to the rationalization for this horror show. So often this “war effort” (Jesus) is presented in the “alternative media” as a “mistake”, not a war crime of empire … that the cause was “just” in some sense, but it’s been perverted for political ends. Notice how W’s imperialist sins almost always begin with Iraq, not Afghanistan.

As the man said, “Bullshit”.

This was always about resources and geopolitical aims. That anyone can justify it as “revenge” utterly ignores that that reasoning would legitimate bombing the fuck out of the US for all its crimes abroad.

That next to no one stood against it speaks volumes about the state of the “antiwar movement” in these here United States, then and now.

https://therealnews.com/stories/3-us-soldiers-killed-50-civilians-die-in-retaliatory-bombing-afghanistans-endless-war

The Never-Ending Brexit
The Brexit agreement between the UK and the EU is a temporary arrangement that maintains much of the status quo and does not really provide a clear path forward. As it stands, it could lead to Prime Minister Theresa May’s fall, says Prof. Leo Panitch

*As long as Labour plays pretend socialism, it will always find itself in these fixes, and deservedly so.

https://therealnews.com/stories/the-never-ending-brexit
—

Petition
Ban Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in Massachusetts
by Mariya Taher

https://www.change.org/p/ban-female-genital-mutilation-cutting-in-massachusettsv
—

FAIR
Misreporting Manafort: A Case Study in Journalistic Malpractice
by Alan MacLeod

*Democracy dies in the darkness

With the corpress wielding the garotte

https://fair.org/home/misreporting-manafort-a-case-study-in-journalistic-malpractice
—

Democracy Now!
Remembering George H.W. Bush’s Inaction on AIDS at Home While Detaining HIV+ Haitians at Guantánamo

*The corpress always covers the caskets of the “esteemed” in whitewash

(And St. Bernard adds his own bipartisan brush strokes in the next segment.

Oy gevalt … )

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/12/3/remembering_george_hw_bushs_inaction_on

November 2018

11.30

Trump Greenlights Another ‘Violent, Destructive’ Assault on Marine Life With Seismic Testing Approval
Trump, warn conservationists, is essentially giving the fossil fuel industry the permission “to harass, harm and possibly even kill marine life… all in the pursuit of dirty and dangerous offshore oil”
by Jon Queally, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/11/30/trump-greenlights-another-violent-destructive-assault-marine-life-seismic-testing

NAFTA 2.0 Signed: A Deal for ‘The Corporate One Percent’
The new deal, says Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), does “not do nearly enough to raise wages for workers, lower costs for healthcare consumers, or protect the environment”
by Andrea Germanos, staff writer
Common Dreams

*SHAFTA

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/11/30/nafta-20-signed-deal-corporate-one-percent
—

The Long, Brutal U.S. War on Children in the Middle East
Why the movements that pressured the U.S. Senate to reject current U.S. foreign policy regarding Saudi Arabia and its war on Yemen must continue to raise their voices
by Kathy Kelly

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/11/30/long-brutal-us-war-children-middle-east
—

Environmental Working Group (EWG)
Coal Boss Who Pushed for Industry Bailout Doubts Trump Will Deliver
Even the Coal Industry Can See Through White House’s Empty Promises

*Hauling away Mr. Peabody’s coal train

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/11/30/coal-boss-who-pushed-industry-bailout-doubts-trump-will-deliver
—

The Real News Network
NATO & EU Member Poland Collaborates with Fascists & Mandates Holocaust Revisionism
Poland’s far-right government, a close US ally, co-sponsored a fascist march after passing a law that makes Holocaust revisionism mandatory. Dovid Katz of Defending History warns Eastern European NATO/EU member states are becoming authoritarian nationalist regimes

https://therealnews.com/stories/nato-eu-member-poland-collaborates-with-fascists-mandates-holocaust-revisionism

Convert Military to Green Production, or Perish – Daniel Ellsberg on RAI (13/13)
A massive reduction in ICBM’s and transforming the economy away from the military-industrial complex are prerequisites for our survival – says Daniel Ellsberg on Reality Asserts Itself with Paul Jay

*Even one nuke is too many. Whether by error or insanity, its use would engender a reaction that would be cataclysmic for humanity.

It’s not a matter of unilateral disarmament. Governments have to be forced to negotiate in good faith an end to this abomination, which will require the sort of global solidarity that likely isn’t possible, given the fact that humans are the least evolved species.

But we have to try, or let cynicism write our epitaph.

https://therealnews.com/stories/convert-military-to-green-production-or-perish-daniel-ellsberg-on-rai-13-13

Obama tells Wall Street to thank him for making so much money, at elite gala with top Bush/Reagan official
by Ben Norton

*Now tell me … will a single Democrat officeholder (including those in the oh so principled “New Wave” [tm]) condemn this, or even mention it?

I’m taking bets. I could use some easy money.

https://therealnews.com/columns/obama-tells-wall-street-to-thank-him-for-making-so-much-money-at-elite-gala-with-top-bush-reagan-official

Bolton Meets Far-Right President-Elect Bolsonaro to Nail Down Closer Cooperation with Brazil
National Security Advisor John Bolton visited Brazil on Thursday, to find areas of agreement with Brazil’s recently elected far-right leader Jair Bolsonaro. Key targets include Venezuela and Cuba

https://therealnews.com/stories/bolton-meets-far-right-president-elect-bolsonaro-to-nail-down-closer-cooperation-with-brazil
—

FAIR
Not So Black & White: NYT Touts Rural Voters, Buries Racism in Mississippi Election Analysis
by Reed Richardson

*This good ol’ boy from Miss’ssippi knows the toxicity of racism that exists among its hills and molehills, and also that the Times wilfully enables that virus through its diluted and diversionary language, as it strives mightily to ensure its readership and the larger public remain in their moral torpor.

https://fair.org/home/not-so-black-white-nyt-touts-rural-voters-buries-racism-in-mississippi-election-analysis
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
CNN Fires Hill for Arguing for Equal Rights in Israel-Palestine

http://accuracy.org/release/cnn-fires-hill-for-arguing-for-equal-rights-in-israel-palestine
—

Democracy Now!
Medicare for All: As Healthcare Costs Soar, Momentum Grows to Guarantee Healthcare for All Americans

*Besides the corps, the Republicans and the DNCistas, the tripwire here is the “progressive” tendency to accept half steps “on the way to” what they claim to champion.

Pressure on them is as essential as it is on the usual villains in this piece.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/30/medicare_for_all_as_healthcare_costs

11.29

Hackers Stole Nearly Quarter Million Dollars Our Revolution Raised for Standing Rock Protests
“We’d done fundraising specifically on behalf of the tribe, and to have that money just be gone and never reach its intended purpose was unacceptable,” said former board member Lucy Flores. “So we decided to give them the money that was raised and take the loss as an organization.”
by Jon Queally, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/11/29/hackers-stole-nearly-quarter-million-dollars-our-revolution-raised-standing-rock
—

Making Native Americans Strangers in Their Own Land
The DNA industry and the disappearing Indian
by Aviva Chomsky

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/11/29/making-native-americans-strangers-their-own-land
–

Who Benefits When Women Human Rights Defenders Are Targeted?
What do all of these stories have in common? These women all have tried to remake the world, in ways big and small.
by Yifat Susskind

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/11/29/who-benefits-when-women-human-rights-defenders-are-targeted
–

A Message of Indigenous Resistance and Inspiration From the Amazon
Our fight is not just a fight about oil — it’s a fight about a different way of living
by Nemonte Nenquimo

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/11/29/message-indigenous-resistance-and-inspiration-amazon
–

Guardian Escalates Its Vilification of Julian Assange
The Guardian did not make a mistake in vilifying Assange without a shred of evidence. It did what it is designed to do.
by Jonathan Cook

*When proclaimed critics of the ruling class and their courtiers conflate malevolence with “mistakes”, they undermine a narrative necessary to truly challenge their power.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/11/29/guardian-escalates-its-vilification-julian-assange
—

The Real News Network
GM’s Layoffs Made Possible by Weak Unions, Automatization, and Bad Priorities
Prof. Leo Panitch and former auto worker Frank Hammer discuss how the GM’s 14,000 layoffs in Canada and the US are made possible by the weakening of unions, outsourcing, and misdirected production priorities

*The crime is always committed by capital, but most all union “leadership” are accomplices, waving the totem of “jobs” when societal necessity dictates a change from the status quo, rather than standing in solidarity with the cause of true human progress, and working for a just transition for their memberships to facilitate it.

“Now the labor leader’s screamin’ when they close the missile plants”
— Phil Ochs, “I Ain’t Marching Anymore”

https://therealnews.com/stories/gms-layoffs-made-possible-by-weak-unions-automatization-and-bad-priorities

Counting the Drops: Climate Change and The Colorado River
In the midst of a prolonged drought, Arizona’s cities have found ways to adapt to low water reserves and put tight water management programs in place, in order to ensure future reserves

*I’d like to know how pricing policy plays out; whether it takes into account ability to pay. If not, it seems a regressive method of water management.

https://therealnews.com/stories/counting-the-drops-climate-change-and-the-colorado-river

Chinese Scientist’s Human Genetic Engineering Experiment is ‘Crazy’
Stuart Newman, cell biology professor and founding member of the Council for Responsible Genetics, says that the experiment where human twins had genes engineered to make them immune from the HIV virus is a ‘crazy’ project because it misunderstands the dangers and complexity of how genes work

https://therealnews.com/stories/chinese-scientists-human-genetic-engineering-experiment-is-crazy
—

FAIR
‘This Is About Systematically Impoverishing People’
CounterSpin interview with Felicia Kornbluh on ‘welfare reform’
by Janine Jackson

*It’s frustrating to hear such an intelligent and aware person as Kornbluh wistfully hope for some sort of contrite confession from corporate toadies like the Clintons and the rest of the DNCistas, and then we can all come together to do the right thing.

The naiveté is striking, and debilitating in its effect on making the change she wants.

That’s not to say that the bluer version of party officeholders is by any means the full meal deal. That will become depressingly apparent in due time, and when it does, I dearly hope that we can finally begin to put principles before personalities

But I won’t put scared money on the proposition.

https://fair.org/home/this-is-about-systematically-impoverishing-people

Pundits Policing Protest at Tucker Carlson’s House
Shrinking the space for dissent to white supremacy
by Gregory Shupak

*A corpress kettling of the “uncivil”

https://fair.org/home/pundits-policing-protest-at-tucker-carlsons-house
—

Democracy Now!
George Monbiot: Ending Meat & Dairy Consumption Is Needed to Prevent Worst Impacts of Climate Change

*A steady diet of devastation

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/29/george_monbiot_ending_meat_dairy_consumption

11.28

‘This Is Abominable’: Trump’s DHS Using Info Coaxed From ‘Scared, Jailed’ Children to Locate, Arrest, and Deport Families
“We witnessed unimaginable atrocities at the border this weekend—yet terrible treatment does not end when people cross the border”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/11/28/abominable-trumps-dhs-using-info-coaxed-scared-jailed-children-locate-arrest-and
—

CNN’s Anderson Cooper Cancels Segment With Climate Report Author to Give Rick Santorum More Air Time
After being interviewed for Anderson Cooper 360°, Katharine Hayhoe’s interview about the latest national report on climate change never aired
by Michael Molitch-Hou

*When Killer Clown rails against “the Enemy of THE PEOPLE”, his sin is in his intent

Not his characterization.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/11/28/cnns-anderson-cooper-cancels-segment-climate-report-author-give-rick-santorum-more
–

Amazon Gives to End Homelessness? That’s Rich.
This is the same trillion dollar corporation that just extracted billions of taxpayer dollars in what amount to bribes from two cash-strapped states: Virginia and New York
by Laura Flanders

*Noblesse obliging themselves

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/11/28/amazon-gives-end-homelessness-thats-rich
–

General Motors, Sears and Toys R Us: Layoffs Across America Highlight Our Shredding Financial Safety Net
Millions of Americans are in danger of entering their final decades unable to afford ballooning medical bills and cost-of-living expenses
by Ross Barkan

*If health care is a right to be realized through universal access, then shouldn’t retirement security likewise be?

The quality of your elder life shouldn’t depend on the circumstances that preceded it, but on society’s commitment to ensuring its dignity.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/11/28/general-motors-sears-and-toys-r-us-layoffs-across-america-highlight-our-shredding
—

The Real News Network
Airbnb Pressured to Remove Listings in Illegal Israeli Settlements on Occupied Palestinian Land
House-sharing company Airbnb was pressured to remove listings in illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian West Bank after a campaign by human rights organizations. CODEPINK’s Ariel Gold says this is a big victory for peace activists

https://therealnews.com/stories/airbnb-pressured-to-remove-listings-in-illegal-israeli-settlements-on-occupied-palestinian-land

How Inequality Increases Environmental Damage for Everyone (But Not Equally)
James Boyce of PERI discusses how inequalities in power encourage the creation of environmental damage. Inequality disempowers some communities while allowing the powerful to profit at the environment’s and everyone else’s expense

*Sadly, those historical challenges weren’t “overcome” … only mitigated to some extent. The diseases still exist, as any sober assessment of society will attest, and if we’re serious about survival, we have to acknowledge that to be the case with enviromental degradation and climate change, and not be lulled by the siren song of the “politically possible”, which, as with every other ill emanating from injustice, will only reduce the amount of death and destruction, not end it, except that in the end, climate change creates no “winners”

We all lose.

https://therealnews.com/stories/how-inequality-increases-environmental-damage-for-everyone-but-not-equally

What Can Britain Teach the US About Curbing Gun Violence?
After a 1996 school shooting, Britain implemented tough gun control laws. Today they have 100 times fewer gun deaths than the United States

https://therealnews.com/stories/what-can-britain-teach-the-us-about-curbing-gun-violence
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Will Sen. Sanders Press for Peace?

*Putting your mouth where the money is

http://accuracy.org/release/will-sen.-sanders-press-for-peace
—

Democracy Now!
Brother of Honduran President Is Arrested for Cocaine Trafficking as Migrants Flee Violent Drug War

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/28/brother_of_honduran_president_is_arrested

“It Is Not a Natural Disaster”: Dana Frank on How U.S.-Backed Coup in Honduras Fueled Migrant Crisis

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/28/it_is_not_a_natural_disaster

Honduras: As Berta Cáceres Murder Trial Nears End, Will True Perpetrators Be Brought to Justice?

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/28/honduras_as_berta_caceres_murder_trial

How Tear Gas Became a Favorite Weapon of U.S. Border Patrol, Despite Being Banned In Warfare

*There are plenty of parallels between Killer Clown and LBJ, and every other mass murderer who’s occupied the Oval Office, stating the literally bleeding obvious.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/28/how_tear_gas_became_a_favorite
—

Mesothelioma Awareness: Do You Know the Risks?
by Lauren Adam

https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/mesothelioma-awareness

11.27

Rebuffing Prime Minister’s Order to Stay in Class, Australian Students Forge Ahead With #ClimateStrike Walkouts
“We’re at the stage where we can’t vote and by the time we’re in power, it’s going to be too late to start making change”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Applied learning

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/11/27/rebuffing-prime-ministers-order-stay-class-australian-students-forge-ahead

‘This Is Sketchy’: Critics Warn Against Blind Acceptance of Explosive Guardian Report About Secret Manafort-Assange Meetings
“Which is true? The Guardian’s anonymous claims or WikiLeaks’ vehement denials? You can pick which to believe based on which one most advances your political narrative, or refrain from forming judgments until evidence is available. I’m going to opt for the latter course.”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*”Smoking guns” often are only blowing smoke

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/11/27/sketchy-critics-warn-against-blind-acceptance-explosive-guardian-report-about-secret
—

Food & Water Watch
Another Friday News Dump: USDA Posts Alarming Data About Privatized Inspection at Poultry Plants

*USDA says you can make chicken salad out of chicken shit

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/11/27/another-friday-news-dump-usda-posts-alarming-data-about-privatized-inspection
—

The Real News Network
Dismantle the American Doomsday Machine – Daniel Ellsberg on RAI (12/13)
Congress should hold hearings into nuclear winter and eliminating the hair-trigger and obsolete ICBMs, says Daniel Ellsberg on Reality Asserts Itself with Paul Jay

*Hey God

Maybe free will wasn’t such a smart idea …

https://therealnews.com/stories/dismantle-the-american-doomsday-machine-daniel-ellsberg-on-rai-12-13

Right-Wing Media: Britain’s Free Healthcare System on the Verge of “Imploding”
Two British doctors fire back at recent criticism of Britain’s government run National Health Service by Donald Trump and conservative commentators

*Bleed the patient, then declare her anemic

https://therealnews.com/stories/right-wing-media-britains-free-healthcare-system-on-the-verge-of-imploding
—

Democracy Now!
Witness: “No Warning” Before U.S. Border Patrol Started Tear Gassing Central American Asylum Seekers

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/27/witness_no_warning_before_us_border

Border Patrol Officer Who Shot Unarmed Teenager on Mexican Soil Is Acquitted of Manslaughter Charges

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/27/border_patrol_officer_who_shot_unarmed

How a Climate Change-Fueled Drought & U.S.-Fed Violence Are Driving Thousands from Central America

*It’s a moldy myth that the US has ever “welcomed” immigrants, other than to exploit their labor

And I really don’t give a flying fuck about moral WaPosturing from a paper that covers for this same mentality in Gaza.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/27/how_a_climate_change_fueled_drought

U.S. Prisons Have a Mental Health Crisis. This Story of a New York Prisoner’s Death Helps Reveal Why

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/27/us_prisons_have_a_mental_health

11.26

‘Mark of Shame on All Our Societies’: UN Finds More Women Killed by Domestic Violence Than Any Other Crime
50,000 women around the world were killed by family members or intimate partners in 2017
by Julia Conley, staff writer

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/11/26/mark-shame-all-our-societies-un-finds-more-women-killed-domestic-violence-any-other

Shooting Pepper Spray at Children Okay, Former CBP Deputy Chief Tells Fox News, Because ‘You Could Actually Put It on Your Nachos and Eat It’
“The layers of racism encapsulated in this short clip is extraordinary”
by Common Dreams staff

*And waterboarding is just “extreme gargling”

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/11/26/shooting-pepper-spray-children-okay-former-cbp-deputy-chief-tells-fox-news-because

Here’s the Dire Climate Report the Trump White House Didn’t Want You to See
“The decision to release this damning report when families are beginning to celebrate the holidays and newsrooms are short-staffed is a brazen attempt to bury the truth”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/11/23/heres-dire-climate-report-trump-white-house-didnt-want-you-see

‘We Are Not Robots’: Amazon Workers Across Europe Walk Out on Black Friday Over Low Wages and ‘Inhuman Conditions’
Amazon CEO “Jeff Bezos is the richest bloke on the planet; he can afford to sort this out,” says a U.K. union leader
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/11/23/we-are-not-robots-amazon-workers-across-europe-walk-out-black-friday-over-low-wages

Corporate PACs Cling to Relevance Amid Rise of Progressives Refusing Big Business Donations
A pro-corporate PAC lobbying group “clearly didn’t get the resounding message that the midterm election sent”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Pathetic PR from PAC rats

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/11/23/corporate-pacs-cling-relevance-amid-rise-progressives-refusing-big-business

Reflecting Democratic Party’s Past, Clinton’s ‘Deluded and Dangerous’ Remarks on Migration in Europe Spark Outrage
“The approach Clinton is advocating will be a death sentence for millions and millions of people, and we should be clear about that”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Will Killer Clown tweet an “Attagirl!”?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/11/23/reflecting-democratic-partys-past-clintons-deluded-and-dangerous-remarks-migration
—

Neoliberalism’s Dark Path to Fascism
Neoliberalism transforms freedom for the many into freedom for the few. Its logical result is neofascism.
by Chris Hedges

*Greed will always lead to bleed

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/11/26/neoliberalisms-dark-path-fascism
–

Facts That Privileged Americans Don’t Want Us to Know
It’s strange that most media outlets rarely if ever report on these realities… until you remember who owns most media outlets
by Paul Buchheit

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/11/26/facts-privileged-americans-dont-want-us-know
—

Food & Water Watch
Anticipated House Carbon Tax Bill Is Climate Denial, Not Climate Action

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/11/26/anticipated-house-carbon-tax-bill-climate-denial-not-climate-action
—

The Real News Network
The Doomsday Machine and Nuclear Winter – Daniel Ellsberg on RAI (11/12)
An H Bomb first strike will create firestorms and smoke that ends most human life; this is a fact ignored by military planners and by the Trump administration, which doesn’t believe in climate science – says Daniel Ellsberg on Reality Asserts Itself with Paul Jay

*Think of all the warm and fuzzy ads from corps run by these sociopaths … how they pine to make the world a better place

Then consider what they’re preparing to do when it’s the end of the world as we know it.

https://therealnews.com/stories/the-doomsday-machine-and-nuclear-winter-daniel-ellsberg-on-rai-11-12

Oil Industry Cleanup Costs Vastly Exceed Alberta Government’s Estimates
Regan Boychuk of Reclaim Alberta explains that Canadian taxpayers could ultimately be on the hook for hundreds of billions of oil industry cleanup costs

https://therealnews.com/stories/oil-industry-cleanup-costs-vastly-exceed-alberta-governments-estimates

Trump Considering to Put Venezuela on ‘State Sponsor of Terrorism’ List and Intensify Sanctions
According to reports in the Washington Post and by Reuters, the Trump administration is actively exploring the option of placing Venezuela on the state sponsor of terrorism list, to further intensify sanctions that have already caused significant damage to Venezuela’s economy. We speak to Steve Ellner about the sanctions’ effects

https://therealnews.com/stories/trump-considering-to-put-venezuela-on-state-sponsor-of-terrorism-list-and-intensify-sanctions
—

Petition
Mijente in Action
To: Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos
Tell Amazon: Stop Powering ICE!

https://action.mijente.net/petitions/tell-amazon-stop-powering-ice

Petition
Safe Air in the Air, Quest for Airlines to Ban NUTS.
by Tricia Powell

https://www.change.org/p/u-s-house-of-representatives-safe-air-in-the-air-quest-for-airlines-to-ban-nuts
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Incentives for Ukraine Crisis

http://accuracy.org/release/incentives-for-ukraine-crisis
—

FAIR
NPR Infomercial for Its Sponsor Amazon Omits Labor and Environmental Criticisms
by Adam Johnson

*No “N”

Just “PR”

https://fair.org/home/npr-infomercial-for-its-sponsor-amazon-omits-labor-and-environmental-criticisms
—

Democracy Now!
Trump Admin Tries to Bury 1,656-Page Climate Report Warning of Devastating Health Impacts of Warming

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/26/trump_admin_tries_to_bury_1

Bill McKibben: New Report Reconfirms Climate Change is Shrinking Inhabitable Parts of the Planet

*There is serious

And there is SERIOUS.

McKibben and most all green groups have to start typing in all caps if they’re SERIOUS about the threat we face. A “Green New Deal” doesn’t depress the “caps lock” key.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/26/bill_mckibben_new_report_reconfirms_climate

11.22

Warnings of ‘Destructive and Irreversible Impacts’ as Greenhouse Gases Hit Highest Levels in 3-5 Million Years
“The science is clear,” says the head of the World Meteorological Organization. “The window of opportunity for action is almost closed.”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*The alarm’s ringing

And we keep hitting the snooze button

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/11/22/warnings-destructive-and-irreversible-impacts-greenhouse-gases-hit-highest-levels-3

In Thanksgiving Eve News Dump, Facebook Admits Hiring GOP Operatives to Dig Up Dirt on Critics—Including George Soros
“The general public may miss these holiday news dumps, but the reporters and media covering the company will remember. And it gives us less reason to take anything Facebook says the first time around at face value.”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*”*[L]ess reason”?

When zero should be the standard, how do you go lower?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/11/22/thanksgiving-eve-news-dump-facebook-admits-hiring-gop-operatives-dig-dirt-critics

“It’s a Mean & Nasty World Out There,” Declares Trump in Defense of Khashoggi Murder. “Happy Thanksgiving to All!”
In a Thanksgiving Day rise-and-shine pair of tweets, U.S. president takes first moment to once again defend murderous Saudi royal family before wishing the nation a joyous holiday
by Jon Queally, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Sorta like Caligula bemoaning degeneracy, innit?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/11/22/its-mean-nasty-world-out-there-declares-trump-defense-khashoggi-murder-happy
—

Black Friday Isn’t the Only Time Workers Face Unfair Schedules
Long holiday hours are just one of the myriad abuses employees face when it comes to their work schedules
by Pat Garofalo

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/11/22/black-friday-isnt-only-time-workers-face-unfair-schedules
—

The Real News Network
Amazon Gets $3 Billion in NY Tax Breaks While Underfunded Public Transport Enters ‘Death Spiral’
Prof. Richard Wolff explains why the $3 billion subsidy for one of the world’s largest corporations is a terrible waste of public money

*Mayors of whatever party who won’t play this ghoulish game are as rare as a grammatically correct tweet from the White House.

https://therealnews.com/stories/amazon-gets-3-billion-in-ny-tax-breaks-while-underfunded-public-transport-enters-death-spiral

China Intensifies Crackdown on Marxist Student Activists
Chinese university students, inspired by their studies of Marx, are facing an increasing state crackdown on their movement in support of workers who have been trying to organize Shenzhen’s Jasic Technology. Prof. Zhun Xu analyzes the situation

https://therealnews.com/stories/china-intensifies-crackdown-on-marxist-student-activists

Judge Overturns Trump’s ‘Catastrophic’ Asylum Ban
A federal judge ruled that Trump’s ban on asylum applications from those who do not enter the US at a legal port of entry is in complete contravention to US and international law. Angelo Guisado of the Center for Constitutional Rights outlines the practical and legal background of the decision

*I suppose “#TheResistance” will slobber all over Roberts now as the newest “hero” to stand up to Killer Clown

Or maybe this is merely a pantomime of protest to lend cover for serving as his legal lackey?

https://therealnews.com/stories/judge-overturns-trumps-catastrophic-asylum-ban

11.21

Calling for ‘Corridor of Life and Culture,’ Indigenous Groups From Amazon Propose Creation of Largest Protected Area on Earth
“We have come from the forest and we worry about what is happening”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*It’s not only rightist gummints that wear the black hats here

It’s imperative to oppose iniquity from any and all corners.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/11/21/calling-corridor-life-and-culture-indigenous-groups-amazon-propose-creation-largest

Koch Machine Suffers Major Losses on Its Health Care Agenda
by Don Wiener and David Armiak
Exposed by CMD

https://www.exposedbycmd.org/2018/11/16/koch-machine-suffers-major-losses-its-health-care-agenda
—

Government Accountability Project
European Parliament Panel Approves Whistleblower Protections for all EU Countries
Journalists to Receive Whistleblower Protections under Updated Directive

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/11/21/european-parliament-panel-approves-whistleblower-protections-all-eu-countries
—

The Real News Network
A Strategy of War Crimes, Killing Civilians to Win a War – Daniel Ellsberg on RAI (10/12)
General Curtis LaMay, who directed the firebombing and nuclear attacks on Japan said, “War is killing people, when you kill enough of them, the other guy quits” – quotes Daniel Ellsberg on Reality Asserts Itself with Paul Jay

*I feel like those bomber pilots reading this.

There’s a smell – a stench – to this level of inhumanity that I can’t ignore.

https://therealnews.com/stories/a-strategy-of-war-crimes-killing-civilians-to-win-a-war-daniel-ellsberg-on-rai-10-12

Transgender Day of Remembrance: To Fight For Trans Lives, Think Local
On Transgender Day of Remembrance, Sylvia Rivera Law Project founder Dean Spade talks about the lack of federal protections for trans people and how communities are fighting back at the local level

https://therealnews.com/stories/transgender-day-of-remembrance-to-fight-for-trans-lives-think-local

Sears Bankruptcy Engineered to Benefit Executives and Stiff Workers
Executives of Sears stand to gain up to $1 million in bonuses, should Sears be liquidated, and $500,000 if it’s restructured. Meanwhile, ordinary workers at Sears are being laid off without severance payments. Bill Black talks about how US bankruptcy law is rigged to favor executives

*The biggest g(r)ift in the Wish Book

https://therealnews.com/stories/sears-bankruptcy-engineered-to-benefit-executives-and-stiff-workers
—

FAIR
Minimal Media Attention Helped Sink Crucial Climate Initiatives
by Justin Anderson

*Rosining Nero’s fiddle

https://fair.org/home/minimal-media-attention-helped-sink-crucial-climate-initiatives

Shielding Hogan From the Democratic Wave
How the Washington Post, Big Money and a bit of racism re-elected a GOP governor in Deep Blue Maryland
by Pete Tucker

*The power of a fact free press

https://fair.org/home/shielding-hogan-from-the-democratic-wave
—

Democracy Now!
Trump Chooses “Relationship with Saudi Arabia” over Accountability for Jamal Khashoggi’s Murder

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/21/trump_chooses_relationship_with_saudi_arabia

Did Israel Kill Yasser Arafat? Stunning Investigation Exposes Israel’s Secretive Assassination Program

*Bergman doesn’t question Israeli stated aims; only the methods employed to accomplish them.

Just as most Yank liberals accept the proclaimed premise of The Global War on Terror ™, decrying only aspects of its prosecution, Bergman gives credence to the “fight for survival” myth, arguing only against some of its tactics, and lamenting the impact on Israel’s “soul”.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/21/did_israel_kill_yasser_arafat_stunning

11.20

Are We About to Face Our Gravest Constitutional Crisis?
Trump could be steering us towards a full-blown authoritarian state where the rule of law no longer exists and the president is a despot
by Chris Hedges

*”L’état, c’est moi”

Not that he would say it; he barely speaks English.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/11/20/are-we-about-face-our-gravest-constitutional-crisis
–

Migrant Caravan: Branding Migrants ‘Human Shields’ Has a Deadly Motive
By attempting to make a better life for themselves, migrants are transformed into military targets, people who can be legitimately injured or killed
by Neve Gordon and Nicola Perugini

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/11/20/migrant-caravan-branding-migrants-human-shields-has-deadly-motive
–

Compassion as cover: How transgender allies dodge debate
Trans activists need to stop labeling good-faith disagreements as “mean” or as an attack
by Robert Jensen

*”I am eager to hear from people who disagree with my position with substantive arguments.”

I have to believe Jensen has, and I’d like to know what transpired

So I’ll ask him.

https://www.feministcurrent.com/2018/11/19/compassion-cover-transgender-allies-dodge-debate
—

The Real News Network
Why Did CIA Turn Against Saudi Crown Prince MBS? It’s More than Khashoggi
CIA officials are signaling Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman must be replaced. Is this all about the killing of Jamal Khashoggi? Professor Asad AbuKhalil says there are other political reasons

*If Killer Clown pirouettes, as he is wont to do, will he send a private tweet to MBS

“You’re Fired!” … ?

https://therealnews.com/stories/why-did-cia-turn-against-saudi-crown-prince-mbs-its-more-than-khashoggi

Sessions’ Move to Block Reform: Just one Example of Policing’s Immense Political Power
A last second order signed by the former Attorney General to roll back the DOJ’s police oversight efforts is just one of a myriad of roadblocks to reform in a country where police unions and special laws make holding cops accountable nearly impossible

https://therealnews.com/stories/sessions-move-to-block-reform-just-one-example-of-policings-immense-political-power

ICE Holds Record Number of Immigrants, Including 14,000 Children
Over 44,000 immigrants are being held by a system that is increasingly privatized, while a humanitarian crisis is looming at the border

https://therealnews.com/stories/ice-holds-record-number-of-immigrants-including-14000-children

Opioid Crisis: Purdue Pharma Billionaire Owners to be Sued
Suffolk County in New York is suing the Sackler family, which owns the maker of OxyContin, one of the main drugs behind the opioid drug overdose crisis. Just how responsible is the family and what might the lawsuit achieve? We speak to Sam Pizzigati of IPS

*Snake oil, and the reptiles that pimp it

https://therealnews.com/stories/opioid-crisis-purdue-pharma-billionaire-owners-to-be-sued
—

Democracy Now!
New American Nazis: Inside the White Supremacist Movement That Fueled Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting

*”It can’t happen here”

Except it always has

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/20/new_american_nazis_inside_the_white

11.19

Cost to Protect Betsy DeVos: $20 Million
Of course, she is very special. She is a billionaire
by Diane Ravitch

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/11/19/cost-protect-betsy-devos-20-million
–

PG&E: Don’t Break it Up. Take it Over
The potential bankruptcy of the California utility whose negligence likely plays a role in California’s wildfires is an opportunity for the public to gain control of the state’s energy destiny
by Johanna Bozuwa

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/11/19/pge-dont-break-it-take-it-over
–

A Sharing Economy for Plants: Seed Libraries Are Sprouting Up
Food activists, garden enthusiasts and community leaders are trying to make it easier to share seeds through libraries. Surely there’s nothing controversial about that, right? Actually, there is.
by Michael Carolan

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/11/19/sharing-economy-plants-seed-libraries-are-sprouting
—

Institute for Policy Studies
New Report Exposes How Top-Heavy Philanthropy, like Bloomberg Gift, Imperils Independent Nonprofit Sector and Democracy
Billionaire philanthropy is not a substitute for a fair tax system and adequately funded public services at the local, state and national level

*Giving and receding

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/11/19/new-report-exposes-how-top-heavy-philanthropy-bloomberg-gift-imperils
—

The Real News Network
Mueller Panic Overshadows Jeff Sessions’ Final Attack on Police Oversight, People of Color
Amid concern over what Jeff Sessions’ ouster could mean for the Mueller probe, there is very little outcry over Sessions’ last-minute move to gut federal oversight of police forces accused of abuses. We speak to ProPublica’s Ian MacDougall and veteran Baltimore attorney Billy Murphy. “This emboldens police brutality,” Murphy warns

*Classic liberal mind fuck, innit?

“We have to do everything we can to harm Trump, so we’ll let him do what we say we abhor about him in order to do so, no matter how much it hurts those we say we care about.”

Jesus, Mary and Joseph …

https://therealnews.com/stories/mueller-panic-overshadows-jeff-sessions-final-attack-on-police-oversight-people-of-color

IMF is Back in Business in Latin America – Just as Neoliberal as Always
Following a prolonged loss of influence in Latin America in the first decade of the 2000’s, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is back again, flexing its muscle in Argentina and Mexico, pushing the neoliberal Washington Consensus, says Vijay Prashad

*Dropping an atomized bomb

https://therealnews.com/stories/imf-is-back-in-business-in-latin-america-just-as-neoliberal-as-always

A Blueprint for Linking Trade to Full Employment and Domestic Industrialization (Pt 2/2)
Think hard about the relevance of the 1948 Havana Charter for addressing the imbalances and inequities of the 21st century global economy, says Richard Kozul-Wright, noting that with the rise of neoliberalism the aim of trade rules has moved in the opposite direction

*Let’s not get all misty eyed about the demise of the Havana Charter spirit. Yes, it would have been an improvement over the unbridled greed evinced by global capital over the last half century or so, it would still have left corporatismo ascendant (akin to the New Deal), merely acknowledging that a velvet glove can control the world more sustainably than an iron fist.

Of course, the nature of capitalism would have ensured that the gloves would come off sooner or later.

https://therealnews.com/stories/a-blueprint-for-linking-trade-to-full-employment-and-domestic-industrialization-pt-2-2
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Dems Eye Hawkish Eliot Engel to Chair House Foreign Affairs Committee

*The Democratic “leadership” never met a war they didn’t help to light

http://accuracy.org/release/dems-eye-hawkish-eliot-engel-to-chair-house-foreign-affairs-committee
—

Democracy Now!
Filipino Reporter Maria Ressa on Duterte’s Targeting of the Press & How Facebook Aids Authoritarians

*It’s frustrating to hear someone with a sense of integrity side with those who have none. That’s the danger of a binary view of the world, where to stand against the lies of the Dutertes and Trumps perforce makes one a defender of “mainstream journalism”, which in large measure is responsible for the emergence of these deadly demagogues.

Courage does not always bring clarity, sad to say.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/19/filipino_reporter_maria_ressa_on_duterte

11.16

‘A Staggeringly Bad Idea’: Outrage as Pelosi Pushes Tax Rule That Would ‘Kneecap the Progressive Agenda’
“This is a very bad idea, House Democrats. It makes no sense whatsoever to give Republicans veto power over progressive legislation”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*It’s not “a very bad idea”, and it’s not “wrong-headed”. Those terms imply incompetence, not connivance.

The DNCistas aren’t obtuse

They’re abhorrent.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/11/16/staggeringly-bad-idea-outrage-pelosi-pushes-tax-rule-would-kneecap-progressive

As Energy for Medicare for All Explodes, Steny Hoyer’s Plan Includes Waiting for Trump to Help Make Obamacare Better
A week after voters sent more than two dozen Medicare-for-All advocates to the House, second-ranking Democrat in the House has a less than inspiring plan
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Democratic “leadership” is a sick joke in any number of senses

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/11/16/energy-medicare-all-explodes-steny-hoyers-plan-includes-waiting-trump-help-make

‘It Keeps Getting Uglier’: As True Costs of HQ2 Scam Emerge, Public Housing and School Offices Getting the Boot to Make Room for Amazon
“The fact that massive public subsidies are helping eliminate affordable housing units is just the latest reason this bad deal needs to be torn up and thrown away”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/11/16/it-keeps-getting-uglier-true-costs-hq2-scam-emerge-public-housing-and-school-offices
—

Green New Deal? Bring It! But Don’t Forget Your Union Card.
To be truly transformational, any bold green jobs proposal must be rooted in the right to organize
by Lauren Burke

*Point taken – silos are for grain, not gain – but anyone who believes that even an union-friendly GND is enough to ensure our survival is whistling past humanity’s looming graveyard.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/11/16/green-new-deal-bring-it-dont-forget-your-union-card
—

The Real News Network
Month-Long Student Strike Paralyzes Colombia’s Public Universities
Colombia’s university students face on-going repression of their protests, while they continue their month-long university strike, demanding adequate funding for the public university system. Recently elected conservative president Ivan Duque faces his first crisis. We speak to Prof. Forrest Hylton

https://therealnews.com/stories/month-long-student-strike-paralyzes-colombias-public-universities

The Corporate Top 1% Control Over 50% of International Trade (1/2)
Taking an ever rising share of global income, the real benefits of global trade go to the profits of the top 2,000 TNCs. The flip-side is falling wages and government revenues, says Richard Kozul-Wright discussing UNCTAD’s 2018 Trade and Development Report

https://therealnews.com/stories/the-corporate-top-1-control-over-50-of-international-trade-pt-1-2

Brexit Agreement: A Deal Between German Manufacturing and UK Finance Sectors
As Britain’s Theresa May inches closer towards a final Brexit agreement for leaving the European Union, behind the scenes it is not quite the compromise politicians and the media make it out to be, says economist John Weeks

https://therealnews.com/stories/brexit-agreement-a-deal-between-german-manufacturing-and-uk-finance-sectors
—

Democracy Now!
Exclusive: WikiLeaks Lawyer Warns U.S. Charges Against Assange Endanger Press Freedom Worldwide

*Shouldn’t the corpress’ complicity in this travesty been discussed here? The demonization of WikiLeaks has been aided and abetted by the mainstream media, who don’t give a good goddamn about “freedom of the press” if it in any substantive way challenges power.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/16/exclusive_wikileaks_lawyer_warns_us_charges

11.15

Earthjustice
California Recommends Few Restrictions on Pesticide Linked to Brain Damage
Restrictions fall far short of what is necessary to protect children and communities

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/11/15/california-recommends-few-restrictions-pesticide-linked-brain-damage
—

The Real News Network
Once Fired, There’s No Calling a Nuke Back – Daniel Ellsberg on RAI (8/12)
There are many fingers on the nuclear missiles trigger, and once an attack begins, even the president can’t order it reversed, says Daniel Ellsberg on Reality Asserts Itself with Paul Jay

*The power of gods

The reason of fools

https://therealnews.com/stories/once-fired-theres-no-calling-a-nuke-back-daniel-ellsberg-on-rai-8-12

Counselors, Not Cops: Creating Safe and Supportive Environments in America’s Schools
Khalilah Harris reports on a new book, “Lift Us Up, Don’t Push Us Out”, examining the sources of and solutions for dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline, told through the voices of advocates

https://therealnews.com/stories/counselors-not-cops-creating-safe-and-supportive-environments-in-americas-schools

Lieberman Quits Netanyahu For Not Being Violent Enough to Gaza
The resignation of far-right Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman in protest of the Gaza truce could trigger early elections, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu already grapples with the biggest corruption scandal in Israel’s history. We speak to author and Real News correspondent Shir Hever

https://therealnews.com/stories/lieberman-quits-netanyahu-for-not-being-violent-enough-to-gaza

Brazil’s ‘Slow Motion Coup’ – General Admits Intimidating Court into Imprisoning Lula da Silva
The latest revelation about Brazil’s slow motion coup, designed to ensure that the center-left remains out of power and the far-right takes control, involves a general who admitted that he threatened the Supreme Court so it would imprison presidential front-runner Lula da Silva. We discuss the development with Brian Mier

*Keep in mind that this is also on Obama’s watch.

Imperialism biparties hearty.

https://therealnews.com/stories/brazils-slow-motion-coup-general-admits-intimidating-court-into-imprisoning-lula-da-silva
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Amazon Deal Taxpayer Costs “Far Understated, Exceed $4.6 Billion”

*Rotten apples and rancid oranges are the fruits of this folly

http://accuracy.org/release/amazon-deal-taxpayer-costs-far-understated-exceed-4-6-billion
—

FAIR
Who, Us? Corporate Media Ignore Their Role in Trump’s Refugee ‘Invasion’ Panic

*With “enemies” like these

Who needs friends?

https://fair.org/home/who-us-corporate-media-ignore-their-role-in-trumps-refugee-invasion-panic

11.14

How to Process Climate Grief Over the California Wildfires
It’s also worth remembering — every damn day — that a burned and broken world is not our destiny
by Eric Holthaus

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/11/14/how-process-climate-grief-over-california-wildfires
—

Environmental Working Group (EWG)
Hormone-Disrupting Weed Killer Taints Tap Water for Millions in Corn Belt
Atrazine Spikes Up to 7x EPA Limit, but Utilities Dodge Testing to Stay Legal

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/11/14/hormone-disrupting-weed-killer-taints-tap-water-millions-corn-belt

Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR)
Lawsuit Alleges ICE, DHS, and Vermont DMV Targeting Immigrant Leaders in Retaliation for Activism
Migrant Justice Leaders at Risk of Deportation for Engaging in Protected First Amendment Activity

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/11/14/lawsuit-alleges-ice-dhs-and-vermont-dmv-targeting-immigrant-leaders-retaliation
—

The Real News Network
Finally Released: Censored Al Jazeera Documentary Exposes Israel-Backed Attacks on US Activists
Al Jazeera’s undercover film “The Lobby – USA”, censored by Qatar, has finally been published by The Electronic Intifada. Editor Ali Abunimah discusses the documentary’s explosive revelations, exposing Israel-backed attacks on US activists

https://therealnews.com/stories/finally-released-censored-al-jazeera-documentary-exposes-israel-backed-attacks-on-us-activists

Even for Local Taxes, the Rich Pay Far less Than the Poor
While much attention has been paid to Republican-backed tax cuts for the wealthiest, a new report reveals that even local levies take a greater share of income from the poor than the rich

https://therealnews.com/stories/even-for-local-taxes-the-rich-pay-far-less-than-the-poor
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Paul Ryan Tries to Keep Saudi Attack on Yemen Going

http://accuracy.org/release/paul-ryan-tries-to-keep-saudi-attack-on-yemen-going
—

Democracy Now!
NY Politician: We Need to Block $3 Billion Handout for Amazon & Use Money to Forgive Student Debt

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/14/ny_politician_we_need_to_block

As Jeff Bezos Earns $191K Per Minute, Why Are NY & VA Giving Amazon $3 Billion in Corporate Welfare?

*No matter the party in power, it’s always a party for bastards like Bezos

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/14/as_jeff_bezos_earns_191k_per

Advocates: Trump Creating Border Crisis by Pitting Troops Against Women & Children Fleeing Violence

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/14/advocates_trump_creating_border_crisis_by

Fernando Garcia: The Militarization of the U.S. Border Will Spread If We Don’t Fight Back

*We know the DNCistas are stone back stabbers, and I wouldn’t turn mine to the “progressive wavers” until they prove there’s a walk to go with their talk.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/14/fernando_garcia_the_militarization_of_the

Kathy Kelly: Trump Sides with Saudis & U.S. Defense Contractors While Yemeni Children Face Famine

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/14/kathy_kelly_trump_sides_with_saudis

11.13

Telling NRA #ThisIsOurLane, Doctors’ Photos Show Blood-Soaked Reality of America’s Gun Madness
“Since the first drop of blood, the first chest tube placed, and since the first mother on the floor crying, for us, it has ALWAYS been our lane”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*I’d dearly love to believe Moore and Goldberg are right, but I can’t escape the skepticism borne of having lived in this sickening shooting gallery for sixty plus years.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/11/13/telling-nra-thisisourlane-doctors-photos-show-blood-soaked-reality-americas-gun

As George W. Bush Gets “Liberty Medal,” Afghan People Suffer 17th Year in Nation “Made a Hell” by US Invasion
“After the Taliban we were expecting something good, but instead, day by day, it is getting worse”
by Jon Queally, staff writer
Common Dreams

*The underlying premise here is that the war has “gone wrong”

Not that the war was wrong.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/11/13/george-w-bush-gets-liberty-medal-afghan-people-suffer-17th-year-nation-made-hell-us
—

Secret CIA Document Shows Plan to Test Drugs on Prisoners
Documents long hidden by the agency reveal that CIA doctors were hunting for a “truth serum” to use on prisoners as part of a previously secret effort called Project Medication
by Dror Ladin

*And beatings were no more than “deep tissue massage” …

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/11/13/secret-cia-document-shows-plan-test-drugs-prisoners
–

7 Economic Terms That Are Often Used to Trick People Out of Their Money
If it sounds too good to be true, take a closer look beyond the buzzwords
by Valerie Vande Panne

*The crime of commons assault

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/11/13/7-economic-terms-are-often-used-trick-people-out-their-money
–

Crucifying Julian Assange
What is happening to Assange should terrify the press. And yet his plight is met with indifference and sneering contempt
by Chris Hedges

*The corpress won’t be next, because it serves power, and any posturing about a “free press” will be sacrificed on the altar of “national security”.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/11/13/crucifying-julian-assange
—

Center for Biological Diversity
Analysis: San Diego Projects to Put 40,000 People in High Fire-hazard Areas

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/11/13/analysis-san-diego-projects-put-40000-people-high-fire-hazard-areas
—

The Real News Network
Canada’s Trudeau Attacks BDS, Joins Trump & Israel Blaming ‘Both Sides’ for Anti-Semitism
While apologizing for Canada’s shameful betrayal of Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazi Holocaust, Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attacked the Palestinian rights movement BDS. Ali Abunimah discusses how his “both sides” rhetoric echoes the false equivalence made by Donald Trump and Israel’s far-right government

https://therealnews.com/stories/canadas-trudeau-attacks-bds-joins-trump-israel-blaming-both-sides-for-anti-semitism
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Amazon HQ2: “Massive Transfer of Wealth from Taxpayers to Shareholders”

*Let’s make a steal

http://accuracy.org/release/amazon-hq2-massive-transfer-of-wealth-from-taxpayers-to-shareholders
—

FAIR
When Media Say ‘Working Class,’ They Don’t Necessarily Mean Workers—but They Do Mean White
by John McCullough

*Can we call it the Archie Bunker mentality?

https://fair.org/home/when-media-say-working-class-they-dont-necessarily-mean-workers-but-they-do-mean-white
—

All the news that’s printed to fit with the MIC’s business plan

https://twitter.com/TimothyS/status/1062009745144512512
—

Democracy Now!
Gaza Is Already Unlivable: A Response to Israel’s Deadly Airstrikes Targeting TV Station & Homes

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/13/gaza_is_already_unlivable_a_response

11.12

Killing the Messenger: Truth in a Time of Universal Deceit
The murder of Jamal Khashoggi, the case of Julian Assange, and freedom of the press
by Heather Wokusch

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/11/12/killing-messenger-truth-time-universal-deceit
–

Armistice Day First
“You can no more win a war than win an earthquake”
by John LaForge

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/11/12/armistice-day-first
—

Amnesty International USA
Cruel European Migration Policies Leave Refugees Trapped in Libya With No Way Out

*No “European values” placed on the lives of refugees

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/11/12/cruel-european-migration-policies-leave-refugees-trapped-libya-no-way-out

Physicians for Social Responsibility
Woolsey Fire Burns Nuclear Meltdown Site that State Toxics Agency Failed to Clean Up
The Santa Susana Field Laboratory (Rocketdyne) Burned in the Woolsey Fire, Threatening Toxic Exposures From Contaminated Dust, Smoke, Ash and Soil. The Department of Toxic Substances Control Denies Risk That it Created by Delaying the Long Promised Cleanup

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/11/12/woolsey-fire-burns-nuclear-meltdown-site-state-toxics-agency-failed-clean
—

The Real News Network
U.S. Refuses to Adopt a Nuclear Weapon No First Use Pledge – Daniel Ellsberg on RAI (7/8)
Every president since Truman has used a nuclear first strike threat as leverage in U.S. foreign policy; it’s institutional insanity, says Daniel Ellsberg on Reality Asserts Itself with Paul Jay

https://therealnews.com/stories/u-s-refuses-to-adopt-a-nuclear-weapon-no-first-use-pledge-daniel-ellsberg-on-rai-7-8

Will Harvard’s Affirmative Action Case be a Referendum on Race Conscious College Admissions?
A discussion with Brenda Shum of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and Nicole Ochi of Advancing Justice L.A., hosted by Khalilah Harris

https://therealnews.com/stories/will-harvards-affirmative-action-case-be-a-referendum-on-race-conscious-college-admissions

The Taliban in Moscow: A Turning Point for the Afghan War?
As the Afghan government suffers more losses on the ground, a landmark peace conference hosted by Russia could mark a shift in the 17-year war. The Taliban is there in its highest level diplomatic engagement in years. We speak to author and historian Vijay Prashad

*I’d have liked to have heard something about the US’ motivation, which has shit to do with “revenge”, and certainly not “liberation”, but rather geopolitical and economic goals that receive scant mention in the “alternative media”.

I’d also have liked to seen discussion of whether the US believes it benefits from a continuation of this horror show, or, as in Vietnam, it finally has concluded that its interests are best served by cutting its losses and negotiating the best deal it can get.

Meanwhile, the blood soaks the Afghan soil.

https://therealnews.com/stories/the-taliban-in-moscow-a-turning-point-for-the-afghan-war

French President Macron Praises Nazi-Collaborating Leader, Whitewashing World War I Bloodbath
France’s centrist President Macron ignited a firestorm for praising Nazi collaborator leader Philippe Pétain for his role in World War I. Historian Adam Hochschild argues war resisters are the real heroes who should be honored, as Trump visits Paris to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI

*Whitewashing the blood stains from an horrific history

https://therealnews.com/stories/french-president-macron-praises-nazi-collaborating-leader-whitewashing-world-war-i-bloodbath

The War on Terror’s Toll, From Atrocities Abroad to Mass Shootings at Home
A new Brown University study says the US-led so-called “War on Terror” has killed around 500,000 people in Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan — an “undercount,” it stresses. And as Ian David Long — an-ex U.S. Marine who served in the Afghan war — kills 12 people in Thousand Oaks, California, might we also count victims of mass shootings carried out by U.S. veterans? We speak to Vijay Prashad of the Tricontinental Institute for Social Research.

*It’s not that there is “no mission”

It’s that the mission is evil, if I may use that term. Both the ends and the means are baleful.

https://therealnews.com/stories/the-war-on-terrors-toll-from-atrocities-abroad-to-mass-shootings-at-home
—

Democracy Now!
A Century After End of WWI, Trump Snubs Peace Summit While Macron Warns of Growing Nationalism

*Give the guy a break.

Rainy weather is bad for his bone spurs.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/12/a_century_after_end_of_wwi

Emma Goldman, Eugene Debs, Jane Addams: Honoring Antiwar Resisters on the 100th Anniv. of WWI’s End

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/12/emma_goldman_eugene_debs_jane_addams

A Century After WWI’s End, Adam Hochschild Cautions: “Think Long and Hard Before Starting a New War”

*Wars of aggression are always disasters, no matter how “well” they go.

The motivation is the original sin; not the “unforeseen consequences”.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/12/a_century_after_wwis_end_adam

On Veterans Day, Advocates Warn Against Pence & Trump-Led Attacks on VA Healthcare

*Ever notice that it’s the flag wavers who do the damage to those they claim to honor?

That’s the actual spitting on returning vets, and no parade will make up for that.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/12/on_veterans_day_advocates_warn_against

After Former Marine Kills 12 in Thousand Oaks, CA, a Discussion on Mental Health for Veterans

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/12/after_former_marine_kills_12_in

11.9

Half Million Killed by America’s Global War on Terror ‘Just Scratches the Surface’ of Human Destruction
“This new body count signals that, far from diminishing, the war is only intensifying”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Would “perfect execution and progress” justify the “mission”?

No matter how “surgical” the act, the intent is still abhorrent.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/11/09/half-million-killed-americas-global-war-terror-just-scratches-surface-human

Evidence Shows US Navy Ignored Sinking Ship as Migrants Drowned and Screamed for Help
The naval ship did come, but survivors say it was about 30 minutes after spotting them after scores of passengers had already died
by Andrea Germanos, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/11/09/evidence-shows-us-navy-ignored-sinking-ship-migrants-drowned-and-screamed-help
—

The Real News Network
Voting Rights Restored to Felons in Florida: Could It Have Changed the Governor’s Race?
Ballot measure restoring rights to Felons was approved by 64% of the electorate in Florida. Desmond Meade of Florida Rights Restoration Coalition and Eddie Conway, Executive Producer at The Real News Network discuss battles won and the fight ahead

*I’ve wondered why reactionaries backed this, why there was no concerted opposition to it, and the racial breakdown of those who will benefit may explain that. As demographics change in Florida, this is a way to increase the white electorate, isn’t it?

And there’s a glaring omission here. Those convicted of murder or sexual offenses will still be barred from voting. Aside from the injustice of that, given that Conway was convicted of murder, and wouldn’t be covered under Amendment 4, I find the silence on that contradiction strange.

https://therealnews.com/stories/voting-rights-restored-to-felons-in-florida-could-it-have-changed-the-governors-race

Will Kemp Get Away With Suppressing Georgia’s Black Votes?
Georgia’s Republican Secretary of State, Brian Kemp, has declared victory in a heated gubernatorial race, but Democratic opponent Stacey Abrams is not conceding. Kemp purged tens of thousands of votes as part of a crackdown that adversely impacted black voters. We speak to attorney and activist Anoa Changa and investigative journalist Greg Palast.

https://therealnews.com/stories/will-kemp-get-away-with-suppressing-georgias-black-votes

U.S. Planned Nuclear First Strike to Destroy Soviets and China – Daniel Ellsberg on RAI (6/8)
The U. S. cold-war nuclear plan called for an all out attack on China, even if it was not involved in the war, says Daniel Ellsberg on Reality Itself with Paul Jay

https://therealnews.com/stories/u-s-planned-nuclear-first-strike-to-destroy-soviets-and-china-daniel-ellsberg-on-rai-6-8

What Can Humanity Learn From The Great Law of Peace? (1/2)
Stuart Myiow of the Mohawk Traditional Council explains that the enduring peace depends on our respect for the laws of creation

https://therealnews.com/stories/what-can-humanity-learn-from-the-great-law-of-peace-1-2
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
* WWI * Shootings and Militarism * Armistice Day

http://accuracy.org/release/wwi-shootings-and-militarism-armistice-day
—

FAIR
‘Moderation’ and the Midterms
by Jim Naureckas

*Swing voting in the breeze

https://fair.org/home/moderation-and-the-midterms
—

Democracy Now!
After Massacre in California Bar, Will a Democrat-Controlled House Take Action on Gun Control?

*The US is the most violent “developed” nation in the world, and until the sociopolitical and profit seeking causes for that are acknowledged and addressed, the killing will continue to occur.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/9/after_massacre_in_california_bar_will

“We Will Never Concede to Bigotry”: Florida Organizers Sound the Alarm over Voting Discrepancies

*Goodman again passes on a chance to look at just why reactionaries backed Amendment 4, and its exclusion of those convicted of murder and sex offenses.

Inconvenient facts for the narrative of an “historic” victory?

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/9/we_will_never_concede_to_bigotry

11.8

In ‘Loud and Clear’ Rebuke of Factory Farming, California Passes World’s ‘Strongest Animal Welfare Law’
While some animal rights advocates argue Proposition 12 won’t prevent routine cruelty, its passage “clearly shows pro-animal-rights voter sentiment”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*It’s said that the best is often the enemy of the good

But doesn’t the good often become an impediment, rather than a path, to the truly just?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/11/08/loud-and-clear-rebuke-factory-farming-california-passes-worlds-strongest-animal
—

American Federation of Government Employees
Largest VA Union Slams Trump Administration Move to Silence Workers’ Voices
Agency moves to deny representation rights to health care workers

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/11/08/largest-va-union-slams-trump-administration-move-silence-workers-voices
—

FAIR
The Needle and the Damage Done
When Election Night insta-handicapping goes awry
by Reed Richardson

*Crystal balderdash

https://fair.org/home/the-needle-and-the-damage-done
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Trump’s “Nuclear Option” Against a Free Press

*Can you imagine what he’d do if the courtiers actually had some cojones?

http://accuracy.org/release/trumps-nuclear-option-against-a-free-press
—

Democracy Now!
Trump Fires AG Sessions, Installs New Loyalist Whitaker to Oversee Mueller Probe

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/8/trump_fires_ag_sessions_installs_new

11.7

History in the Making as Maine’s New Ranked Choice Voting Likely to Decide Key Congressional Race
“If this reform were implemented throughout the country, it should result in a House of Representatives that actually looks and thinks like America”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Our “democracy” has a deep aversion to anything that makes too much sense

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/11/07/history-making-maines-new-ranked-choice-voting-likely-decide-key-congressional-race
—

Most of the World Does Not Like U.S. Foreign Policy
But disregard for world opinion—as well as the opinion of the U.S. citizenry—defines the U.S. government
by Vijay Prashad

*”[I]ndispensible” … ?

Indefensible

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/11/07/most-world-does-not-us-foreign-policy
–

The case against Amendment 4 on felon voting rights
by Paul Wright

*I’m assuming a determination was made that the amendment wouldn’t pass without these exceptions, and that may well have been the case, but Wright’s point is taken.

If we exclude justice for one group in order to realize it for another, can we honestly claim to be its champions?

https://www.tallahassee.com/story/opinion/2018/09/19/case-against-amendment-4-felon-voting-rights-opinion/1351689002
—

The Real News Network
Green Ballot Initiatives Meet Massive Resistance From Big Oil
Greenpeace’s Janet Redman tells Marc Steiner that a carbon tax in Washington, drilling limitations in Colorado, and other initiatives were struck down by fossil fuel industries—but environmentalists did see some wins

*As politically unpalatable as it is, what must be done is to tell the truth about that future – that our way of life must fundamentally change if we’re to survive.

There will be no easy transition. Our task is to reduce the difficulties as much as possible.

People won’t want to hear that, and won’t accept it if we’re not utterly honest as to the unthinkable alternative.

Reality bites

https://therealnews.com/stories/green-ballot-initiatives-meet-massive-resistance-from-big-oil
—

Petition update
Great News! The Governor’s Office & State Board of Pharmacy Update
by Loretta Boesing

https://www.change.org/p/attn-all-legistlatures-state-board-of-pharmacies-ban-mail-order-drug-mandates-from-all-health-insurance-plans-monitor/u/23556499
—

Democracy Now!
In Rebuke of Trump, Democratic Women Help Seize House & 7 Governorships in Historic Midterm

*A “progressive” (read “No Radicals Allowed”) analysis, but one I thought contained some intel worth passing along, and so …

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/7/as_democrats_win_house_progressives_poised

“Love Prevails”: Floridians Celebrate Massive Restoration of Voting Rights to People with Felonies

*This is an important victory, but with the support of reactionaries (which Goodman irresponsibly didn’t delve into), and Meade’s mealy mouthing on its impact on their control of the state, I have to wonder if they see this as a sort of an “anti race card”, whereby they use their promotion of the amendment as cover for their agenda.

I hope we get some honest analysis elsewhere.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/7/love_prevails_floridians_celebrate_massive_restoration

11.6

‘Absolute Fraud’: After Billions in Taxpayer Subsidies Championed by Trump, Ryan, and Walker, Foxconn to Import Chinese Workers for Wisconsin Jobs
“Apparently, Scott Walker gave billions in subsidies to a Tawainese company, so that it would despoil land in Wisconsin while paying Chinese workers to make iPhones”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*And if the empty roll of toilet tissue also known as Tony Evers does win, don’t expect him to push for much beyond some cosmetic changes to this Fox Conn job.

And yes, I did vote for the schmenge a few hours ago, somebody’s god help me …

And us all.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/11/06/absolute-fraud-after-billions-taxpayer-subsidies-championed-trump-ryan-and-walker

After Backlash Over ‘Cynical Effort to Suppress Latino Vote’ in Beto’s Hometown, Border Patrol Cancels Election Day Crowd Control Exercise
“It shouldn’t have taken outrage from us, congressmen, and the community for them to recognize that this would cause serious problems on #ElectionDay,” says the ACLU of Texas
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/11/06/after-backlash-over-cynical-effort-suppress-latino-vote-betos-hometown-border-patrol
—

Medicare for All Will Destroy the GOP—Because of Voting!
If the national ID system were the key to getting your health care and medications, there’d be no need for “voter registration” and no ability for the GOP to purge voters
by Thom Hartmann

*Election rigging has never been challenged by the Democratic “leadership”, which really doesn’t want those most severely screwed by the system to become an active part of the electorate, as then demands would be made that would not be in the interest of their corporate donors.

They’d rather compete for “swing” votes than engage the darker and the poorer (and the younger), for whom triangulation has a distinctly dissonant timbre.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/11/06/medicare-all-will-destroy-gop-because-voting
—

Good Jobs First Statement on Amazon HQ2 Site Location Reports

*Jobbed creator

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/11/06/good-jobs-first-statement-amazon-hq2-site-location-reports
—

The Real News Network
A Response to Trump’s Demonization of Single Payer Health Care
Former health insurance executive Wendell Potter addresses some of the main criticisms of single payer health care, which Republicans and President Trump have been demonizing during the midterm election campaign

https://therealnews.com/stories/a-response-to-trumps-demonization-of-single-payer-health-care

Survey of Medical Treatment Wait Times in Canada – Designed to Mislead
Republicans, such as Rep. Lloyd Smucker of Pennsylvania, bring up research on the wait times in Canada’s single-payer health care system in order to dismiss progressives’ call for a public health insurance system in the US. But just how reliable are the studies?

https://therealnews.com/stories/survey-of-medical-treatment-wait-times-in-canada-designed-to-mislead
—

FAIR
‘Charleston and Tree of Life Are Connected Struggles’
CounterSpin interview with Audrey Sasson on antisemitism, racism and resistance
by Janine Jackson

https://fair.org/home/charleston-and-tree-of-life-are-connected-struggles
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Trump Going to France; 100 Years After World War I: Who to Celebrate?

*Approved history often exalts the infernal

http://accuracy.org/release/trump-going-to-france-100-years-after-world-war-i-who-to-celebrate
—

Democracy Now!
36 Million in U.S. Cast Early Votes, Shattering Records for Young People & People of Color

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/6/36_million_in_us_cast_early

“Smoking Gun” Evidence Shows Trump Admin’s Top Anti-Immigrant Officials Trying to Rig the Census

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/6/smoking_gun_evidence_shows_trump_admins

Oil & Gas Industry Giants Spend Millions in Attempt to Defeat Anti-Fracking Proposition in Colorado

*”Greenwashing” of another color, when money scrubs democracy

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/6/oil_gas_industry_giants_spend_millions

11.5

‘Crisis for American Democracy’: It’s 2018, in the Richest Nation on Earth, and Voting Machines Still Distorting Elections
“Voting machines that flip votes don’t need to be hacked by a malicious foreign actor to undermine public confidence in the integrity of our democracy. That’s being done for Americans, by Americans.”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*If they can’t rail against the Russkies, the DNCistas just really don’t give a good goddamn.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/11/05/crisis-american-democracy-its-2018-richest-nation-earth-and-voting-machines-still
—

The Evidence Pours In: Poverty Getting Much Worse in America
Poverty—and the stress of being poor—is killing people every single day
by Paul Buchheit

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/11/05/evidence-pours-poverty-getting-much-worse-america
–

Nuclear Power Will Not Save Us from Climate Change
How the IPCC’s solutions for reversing the Earth’s warming encourage business as usual
by M.V. Ramana and Robert Jensen

https://www.yesmagazine.org/planet/nuclear-power-will-not-save-us-from-climate-change-20181102
—

The Real News Network
Russian “Doomsday Machine” an Answer to U.S. Decapitation Strategy – Daniel Ellsberg on RAI (5/8)
The U.S. military still thinks that a nuclear war can be won by targeting Russian leadership in a bizarre Dr. Strangelove logic; it’s a recipe for unmitigated catastrophe, says Daniel Ellsberg on Reality Asserts Itself with Paul Jay

*Mutually Assured Dementia

https://therealnews.com/stories/russian-doomsday-machine-an-answer-to-u-s-decapitation-strategy-daniel-ellsberg-on-rai-5-8

Push Public Ownership to Challenge Power of Billionaires – Q&A with Paul Jay (4/5)
Paul Jay joins host Ben Norton to discuss the viewer question “how to overthrow the corporate state” – From a live recording on October 29th, 2018

*How do we get there?

By talking about how, instead of pimping New Deal liberalism as a stepping stone to … what?

And how long? The “long view” retracts with each passing day, and “pragmatism” simply accelerates the process.

I don’t have the answer, but the question has to be asked – honestly – because that fan the shit’s hitting is only blowing faster.

https://therealnews.com/stories/push-public-ownership-to-challenge-power-of-billionaires-qa-with-paul-jay-4-5

Trump’s US-Saudi Arms Deals Will Create Only a Few Hundred Jobs
An exclusive report from Reuters surveyed arms manufacturers about the jobs that the Saudi arms deals would create and found that the actual numbers are a tiny fraction of what Trump had promised. Arms industry researcher Andrew Feinstein explains

https://therealnews.com/stories/trumps-us-saudi-arms-deals-will-create-only-a-few-hundred-jobs

The Largest Act of Terrorism in Human History – Daniel Ellsberg on RAI (4/8)
The British bombing of Hamburg in 1942, and the American firebombing of Japan in March 1945 that killed as many as 120,000 people in one night, created the conditions for the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which were considered mere extensions of the firebombing tactics, says Daniel Ellsberg on Reality Asserts Itself with Paul Jay

*Regardless of the rationalization of the “necessity” for such acts, I can’t fathom how anyone with a functional conscience could even conceive of them, much less carry through on their use.

Cognitive dissonance shuts down our moral faculties, allowing the most heinous plans to be realized, in the name of whatever cause we deem paramount.

That’s for those who might be inclined to struggle with these fearsome questions.

Those with ultimate authority rarely possess that quality.

https://therealnews.com/stories/the-largest-act-of-terrorism-in-human-history-daniel-ellsberg-on-rai-4-8

Trump Threatens to Shoot Migrants Fleeing US-Fueled Violence and Instability
While Donald Trump deploys troops to the Mexico border and orders them to shoot immigrants who throw rocks, many people in this migrant caravan in fact already fled US government-fueled violence in Central America. Eduardo García discusses impunity for Border Patrol killings and US-backed instability in Honduras and Guatemala

*Gaza on the Rio Grande?

https://therealnews.com/stories/trump-threatens-to-shoot-migrants-fleeing-us-fueled-violence-and-instability

China’s GDP Growth Slows Down: Is it Trump’s Trade War?
Prof. David Kotz argues that the trade war is counter-productive for everyone, including the US, because it does not include a plan for an industrial policy. The conflict foreshadows increasing unresolvable tensions between the two powers

*Can we talk about what may occur “in a few decades” without considering how climate change will impact that future?

It’s a goddamn big elephant in a very small room.

https://therealnews.com/stories/chinas-gdp-growth-slows-down-is-it-trumps-trade-war
—

FAIR
Assange Case Shows Support for Free Speech Depends on Who’s Talking
by Joe Emersberger

*Do fundraising appeals for these groups plead that “We can’t suck up to power without your generous donations?”

https://fair.org/home/assange-case-shows-support-for-free-speech-depends-on-whos-talking
—

Petition update
PLEASE LOOK! Could This Be Why Many Patients Can Only Use Mail Order Pharmacy For Coverage?
by Loretta Boesing

https://www.change.org/p/attn-all-legistlatures-state-board-of-pharmacies-ban-mail-order-drug-mandates-from-all-health-insurance-plans-monitor/u/23531765
—

Democracy Now!
“He Set Out to Kill Women”: Self-Proclaimed Misogynist Murders 2 Women at Florida Yoga Studio

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/5/he_set_out_to_kill_women

A March to Disaster: Noam Chomsky Condemns Trump for Pulling Out of Landmark Nuclear Arms Treaty

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/5/a_march_to_disaster_noam_chomsky

Noam Chomsky: The Future of Organized Human Life Is At Risk Thanks to GOP’s Climate Change Denial

*And we’re hearing next to nothing about these existential threats from the so called “Justice Democrats”, aren’t we?

Without massive pressure from the people, don’t expect a sea change from any “blue wave”.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/5/noam_chomsky_the_future_of_organized

11.2

Why Bolsonaro won: beyond the cliches
If mind-stopping cliches of violence and corruption do not correspond with voting patterns or Bolsonaro’s governmental plan why did he win the election? It was not a free or fair process.
by Brian Mier

http://www.brasilwire.com/why-bolsonaro-won-beyond-the-cliches
–

With Just Days to the Midterms, Russiagate Is MIA
And that’s a good thing
by Aaron Maté

https://www.thenation.com/article/russiagate-2018-midterms-interference
—

The Real News Network
The Two Faces of Fascisization Inequality and the Fight Against Anti-Semitism – Q&A with Paul Jay (3/5)
Paul Jay says a significant section of the population supporting far right “populism” is part of the process of the development of fascism, but the acceptance of gross inequality is also a necessary condition for this process – From a live recording on October 29th, 2018

*Fear will always animate those without hope

And the loss of hope is a bipartisan project.

https://therealnews.com/stories/the-two-faces-of-fascisization-inequality-and-the-fight-against-anti-semitism-qa-with-paul-jay-3-5

How Trump’s Racist Campaigning Serves ‘Rule by the Rich’
Unveiling a racist, anti-immigrant ad just days ahead of the midterms, Donald Trump is making unprecedented use of a decades-old “dog whistle” political strategy that demonizes people of color in the service of policies that benefit “rule by the rich,” says UC Berkeley law professor and author Ian Haney López

https://therealnews.com/stories/how-trumps-racist-campaigning-serves-rule-by-the-rich

Trump Threatens 15,000 Troops Amid Unprecedented Militarization of U.S.-Mexico Border
Just days before the midterms, President Trump is threatening to send up to 15,000 troops to the US-Mexico border in response to a caravan of Central American migrants

https://therealnews.com/stories/trump-threatens-15000-troops-amid-unprecedented-militarization-of-u-s-mexico-border

Arms Races Increase Atomic Arsenals, Raising the Risk of Nuclear Winter
Climate scientist Alan Robock outlines the most recent research in the area of nuclear winter and how Trump’s withdrawal from the INF treaty dramatically increases the risk of a devastating nuclear winter that could wipe out practically all life on earth

https://therealnews.com/stories/arms-races-increase-atomic-arsenals-raising-the-risk-of-nuclear-winter

Inequality and the Fight Against Anti-Semitism – Q&A with Paul Jay (2/5)
Paul Jay says anti-Semitism is deeply ingrained in Western culture​, and can easily become more widespread during economic crisis – From a live recording on October 29th, 2018

https://therealnews.com/stories/inequality-and-the-fight-against-anti-semitism-qa-with-paul-jay-2-5

Truman Delayed End of WWII to Demonstrate Nuclear Weapons – Daniel Ellsberg on RAI (3/8)
To intimidate the Soviet Union and prove to Congress the nuclear program should be funded, Truman dropped nuclear weapons on Japan to end the war; no scientist came forward to warn of the dangers to life on earth, says Daniel Ellsberg on Reality Asserts Itself with Paul Jay

*It’s hard for me to follow much of this, but the gist is clear

Small souls always obscure the big picture.

https://therealnews.com/stories/truman-delayed-end-of-wwii-to-demonstrate-nuclear-weapons-daniel-ellsberg-on-rai-3-8
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
“Rocks Are Not Guns”

*Goliath with an M16

http://accuracy.org/release/rocks-are-not-guns

Israeli Influence on Full Display; Russiagate MIA

http://accuracy.org/release/israeli-influence-on-full-display-russiagate-mia
—

FAIR
Restricting Election Reporting to Issues That Don’t Matter
A guest perspective
by Don Fitz

*Democracy DOA in their darkness

https://fair.org/home/restricting-election-reporting-to-issues-that-dont-matter
—

Democracy Now!
Noam Chomsky: Members of Migrant Caravan Are Fleeing from Misery & Horrors Created by the U.S.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/2/noam_chomsky_members_of_migrant_caravan

Noam Chomsky on Pittsburgh Attack: Revival of Hate Is Encouraged by Trump’s Rhetoric

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/11/2/noam_chomsky_on_pittsburgh_attack_revival

11.1

‘We Have Less Time Than We Thought’: Alarming New Study Shows Oceans Have Retained Far More Heat Than Previously Believed
“The planet warmed more than we thought. It was hidden from us just because we didn’t sample it right. But it was there. It was in the ocean already.”
by Common Dreams staff

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/10/31/we-have-less-time-we-thought-alarming-new-study-shows-oceans-have-retained-far-more

‘This Is Our Darkest Hour’: With Declaration of Rebellion, New Group Vows Mass Civil Disobedience to Save Planet
“We have a right and duty to rebel in the face of this tyranny of idiocy—in the face of this planned collective suicide”
by Andrea Germanos, staff writer
Common Dreams

*We arouse from our stupor

Or we drown in our oblivion

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/10/31/our-darkest-hour-declaration-rebellion-new-group-vows-mass-civil-disobedience-save

Dire Warnings for Other States (and the Planet) as Big Oil Pushes Sneaky “Nuclear Option” to Protect Profits via Colorado Ballot
“Colorado Amendment 74, pushed by the fossil fuel industry, seems to be one of the most dangerous propositions in the country,” declared Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Nobody ever went broke overestimating the induced ignorance of the American voter

Quite to the contrary

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/10/31/dire-warnings-other-states-and-planet-big-oil-pushes-sneaky-nuclear-option-protect
—

Come to Nevada – Walk for Peace, Resist Nuclear Weapons, Stand for Indigenous People’s Rights and Fill the Jails!
An invitation from the Nevada Desert Experience, April 13-19, 2019
by Brian Terrell

http://warisacrime.org/2018/10/31/come-to-nevada-walk-for-peace-resist-nuclear-weapons-stand-for-indigenous-peoples-rights-and-fill-the-jails

Your Commander-in-Chief Is Lying to You: Veterans Issue Open Letter to Active Duty US Soldiers
By every moral or ethical standard it is your duty to refuse orders to “defend” the U.S. from these migrants
by Rory Fanning and Spenser Rapone

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/11/01/your-commander-chief-lying-you-veterans-issue-open-letter-active-duty-us-soldiers
—

The Real News Network
Catastrophic Death Toll in US-Saudi War on Yemen Has Been Grossly Downplayed
The UN and corporate media have for years claimed only 10,000 Yemenis were killed in the US/UK-backed Saudi/UAE war. But Yemen’s actual death toll is 70,000 to 80,000. Patrick Cockburn on the whitewashing of the catastrophic war

*When lives literally don’t count

https://therealnews.com/stories/catastrophic-death-toll-in-us-saudi-war-on-yemen-has-been-grossly-downplayed

Kentucky Shooting of Two Blacks: ‘No Surprise,’ Given the Rise of Ultra-Right
Lost in the news of hate crimes over the past week was a random shooting of two Blacks in Kentucky by a white man. President Trump’s fanning of racial resentment is leading to an atmosphere where such attacks are becoming more and more common, says Prof. Gerald Horne

*I have a great deal of respect for Dr. Horne, but such a favorable account of President Erdogan’s insincere actions doesn’t comport with an allegiance to justice and freedom, in Turkey and the wider world.

https://therealnews.com/stories/kentucky-shooting-of-two-blacks-no-surprise-given-the-rise-of-ultra-right
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Antisemitism: Does Israel Really Care?

*Which is the greater threat to Jews?

Antisemitism

Or Zionism?

http://accuracy.org/release/antisemitism-does-israel-really-care

October 2018

10.31

New Research Exposes “Stealth Politics” of America’s 100 Richest Billionaires
Decade-long analysis shows “most U.S. billionaires have given large amounts money—and many have engaged in intense activity—to advance unpopular, inequality-exacerbating, highly conservative economic policies”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Silence is gilded

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/10/31/new-research-exposes-stealth-politics-americas-100-richest-billionaires
—

The Real News Network
Student Debt Dogs Millennials for a Lifetime and Drags Down the Economy
The student debt problem is exploding, growing three times as fast as any other kind of debt, yet the Trump administration is making it more difficult for students to seek debt relief. Ellen Brown of the Public Banking Institute outlines the implications

https://therealnews.com/stories/student-debt-dogs-millennials-for-a-lifetime-and-drags-down-the-economy

Israeli ‘Thought Police’ Lose Effort to Ban Student Over BDS
Lara Al-Qassem, an American student of Palestinian origin, has defeated an Israeli effort to ban and deport her over her prior support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, BDS. We speak to her attorney, Yotam Ben-Hillel

https://therealnews.com/stories/israeli-thought-police-lose-effort-to-ban-student-over-bds

Hitler Wouldn’t Risk Doomsday, But The United States Did – Daniel Ellsberg on RAI (2/8)
Hitler ended the German nuclear weapons program in 1942 when told it could end life on Earth—the Americans were willing to take the risk; since the end of WWII the Cold War was to a very large extent, from beginning to end, a marketing campaign for subsidization of the aerospace industry, says Daniel Ellsberg on Reality Asserts Itself with Paul Jay

*And you just know history textbook publishers are beating a path to Ellsberg’s door …

https://therealnews.com/stories/hitler-wouldnt-risk-doomsday-but-the-united-states-did-daniel-ellsberg-on-rai-2-8

After White Supremacist Terror, Trump Doubles Down from Birthright to the Border
In the aftermath of a spate of white supremacist violence from Florida to Kentucky to Pittsburgh, President Trump is ramping up nativism and xenophobia. The U.S. is deploying up to 14,000 troops to the U.S.-Mexico border, purportedly in response to a caravan of Central American asylum seekers. Trump also says he might revoke birthright citizenship for the babies of non-citizens. We are joined by historian Gerald Horne of the University of Houston

https://therealnews.com/stories/after-white-supremacist-terror-trump-doubles-down-from-birthright-to-the-border

https://therealnews.com/stories/after-white-supremacist-terror-trump-doubles-down-from-birthright-to-the-border
The Reckoning of The Turkish-Saudi Rivalry
Historian Vijay Prashad takes apart the Khashoggi murder and relates it to the deep-rooted ideological and historical conflict between Turkey and Saudi Arabia

https://therealnews.com/stories/the-reckoning-of-the-turkish-saudi-rivalry
—

FAIR
Blaming ‘Both Sides’ for Hate Plays Into Hands of Right-Wing Media
by Justin Anderson

*Playing into the hands

Or pretty much playing the same one?

https://fair.org/home/blaming-both-sides-for-hate-plays-into-hands-of-right-wing-media
—

Democracy Now!
How African Americans Fought For & Won Birthright Citizenship 150 Years Before Trump Tried to End It

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/31/how_african_americans_fought_for_won

Birthright Citizenship Expert: This Is Not a Diversion, Trump Has Pushed Radical Plan for Years

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/31/birthright_citizenship_expert_this_is_not

As Bolsonaro Threatens to Criminalize Protests, a New Resistance Movement Is Emerging in Brazil

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/31/as_bolsonaro_threatens_to_criminalize_protests

10.30

A Blatant Lie and ‘Obvious Stunt’: Trump Claims He Can End 14th Amendment Guarantee of Birthright Citizenship by Presidential Fiat
“To respond as if he’s ending birthright citizenship because he told an outlet he is ending birthright citizenship is to allow him to be our assignment editor,” said journalist Sam Stein of the Axios interview. “It’s an obvious stunt.”
by Jon Queally, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/10/30/blatant-lie-and-obvious-stunt-trump-claims-he-can-end-14th-amendment-guarantee
—

Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood
dvocates Ask FTC to Investigate Apps Which Manipulate Kids
Popular games for kids 5 and under lure them to watch ads and make in-app purchases

*Sleazy kid stuff

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/10/30/advocates-ask-ftc-investigate-apps-which-manipulate-kids

National Nurses United
Registered Nurses Call On VA Secretary To Sign Contract

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/10/30/registered-nurses-call-va-secretary-sign-contract
—

The Real News Network
Bolsonaro Represents the Starkest Expression of Politics of Hatred in Brazil
Prof. Alfredo Saad-Filho says that disappointment with the presidency of Bolsonaro will be inevitable

https://therealnews.com/stories/bolsonaro-represents-the-starkest-expression-of-politics-of-hatred-in-brazil

Brazil’s Election ‘No Surprise’ – Are the Left’s Fears of Bolsonaro Justified?
While it was no surprise that right-wing extremist Jair Bolsonaro won Brazil’s presidential election with 55% of the vote, it was with a smaller margin than originally projected. Now comes the great danger for the country’s minorities and opposition forces, says Alex Hochuli

https://therealnews.com/stories/brazils-election-no-surprise-are-the-lefts-fears-of-bolsonaro-justified
—

Petition
Change to Win
Tell Verizon: End Pregnancy Discrimination in your Supply Chain Now!

https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/tell-verizon-end-pregnancy-discrimination-in-your-supply-chain-now
—

Democracy Now!
Lost in a Week of Hateful Violence, a White Man Killed Two Black Shoppers at a Kentucky Supermarket

*Just once, I’d like to hear a candidate say, “Damn straight, I’m a radical”

‘Cause that’s our only hope.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/30/lost_in_a_week_of_hateful

How White Supremacist Ideology & Conspiracies Have Fueled U.S. Domestic Terror & Hateful Violence

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/30/how_white_supremacist_ideology_conspiracies_have

“We Stand with You”: HIAS Responds to Synagogue Massacre with Message of Hope for Refugees

*The US gummint also has been “the world’s leader” in fomenting that displacement

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/30/we_stand_with_you_hias_responds

10.29

After Win by Brazilian Fascist Jair Bolsonaro, World’s Capitalists Salivate Over ‘New Investment Opportunities’
“Capitalism only asks whether fascism is profitable”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*A jackpot in jackboots

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/10/29/after-win-brazilian-fascist-jair-bolsonaro-worlds-capitalists-salivate-over-new
—

The Pogrom in Pittsburgh: Darkness in America, Light in a Synagogue
I went to synagogue last night… And then woke up to the news
by Josh Healey

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/10/29/pogrom-pittsburgh-darkness-america-light-synagogue
–

Does Anti-Muslimism Enable Anti-Semitism?
It seems clear that US far-right extremism is a hotbed of hatred against both Jews and Muslims, and that its proponents mix the two up
by Juan Cole

*I don’t think Netanyahu, Lauder and the like have anything to fear from feeding anti-Semitism.

Only Jews outside their elite circles will experience its horrors, and they’re acceptable “collateral damage” for the cause of Eretz Yisrael.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/10/29/does-anti-muslimism-enable-anti-semitism
–

The Clock Is Ticking on Addressing Climate Change — Med Students Can Help
Climate change is here, climate change is in our face, and climate change is just as relevant to physicians as it is to lobbyists or politicians
by Sidhant Gugale

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/10/29/clock-ticking-addressing-climate-change-med-students-can-help
—

The Real News Network
The Doomsday Machine: The Big Lie of the Cold War – Daniel Ellsberg on RAI (1/8)
On Reality Asserts Itself, Daniel Ellsberg tells host Paul Jay that US intelligence agencies knew that Stalin was not planning to invade Western Europe or seek world domination, but based on the myth, the world came close to nuclear war – and it’s all happening again

*In the empire and arms racket, you can’t boogie without a boogeyman

https://therealnews.com/stories/the-doomsday-machine-the-big-lie-of-the-cold-war-daniel-ellsberg-on-rai-1-8

The US Loves Dictators and Volatility in the Middle East – Q&A 5/6)
Paul Jay says US policy in the Middle East is not aimed at defending national security, but is primarily driven by the interests of arms and fossil fuel industries – From a live recording on October 16th, 2018

(https://therealnews.com/stories/the-us-loves-dictators-and-volatility-in-the-middle-east-qa-pt-5-6

Don’t Forget The Saudi Role in 9/11 – Q&A (6/6)
Paul Jay says the Saudi dictatorship only exists to enable US domination of the Middle East, and has been committing war crimes for decades with American approval – From a live recording on October 16th, 2018

https://therealnews.com/stories/dont-forget-the-saudi-role-in-9-11-qa-pt-6-6

Erdogan Rehabilitates his Image With the Khashoggi Murder
The murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul gave Turkey’s president Erdogan a unique opportunity to present himself as a truth-seeker and to manipulate information about the case in his favor and against Saudi Arabia. We discuss the case with Turkish journalist Ilhan Tanir

https://therealnews.com/stories/erdogan-rehabilitates-his-image-with-the-khashoggi-murder

Calling Brazil’s Presidential Frontrunner ‘Neofascist’ is Accurate
Brazilians face a momentous decision on Sunday, between ‘neo-fascist’ frontrunner Jair Bolsonaro and the Workers Party’s Fernando Haddad. How did Brazil get to this point? We discuss the situation with Alex Hochuli

*The tragedy of fascism flourishes when democracy is perceived to be a farce

https://therealnews.com/stories/calling-brazils-presidential-frontrunner-neofascist-is-accurate

Brazilian Students Protest Police Raids Ahead of Presidential Election
Students and professors rallied across Brazil, following police raids at more than two dozen public universities, attempting to stop “partisan” activity on campus. Mike Fox reports

https://therealnews.com/stories/brazilian-students-protest-police-raids-ahead-of-presidential-election

Can Washington’s Hawks Sabotage Korea’s Peace?
North and South Korea have made important new steps in their ongoing peace process. But U.S. “discontent” over military de-escalation, along with Trump’s planned withdrawal from the INF treaty, show that Washington neocons are still pushing back. We speak to Tim Shorrock of the Nation

https://therealnews.com/stories/can-washingtons-hawks-sabotage-koreas-peace

Facebook Purge of Alternative Media Is ‘Just the Beginning,’ Boasts DC Neocon Operative (1/2)
As Facebook and Twitter are purging alternative media outlets, a neoconservative operative at a US government-funded think tank says more censorship is on its way. Max Blumenthal and Jeb Sprague discuss how scaremongering over Russia and China is being exploited to silence dissent on social media

https://therealnews.com/stories/facebook-purge-of-alternative-media-is-just-the-beginning-boasts-dc-neocon-operative-1-2
—

Petition update
Due to Risk, Mail Order Pharmacy Is NOT Your Next Netflix & Blockbuster
by Loretta Boesing

https://www.change.org/p/attn-all-legistlatures-state-board-of-pharmacies-ban-mail-order-drug-mandates-from-all-health-insurance-plans-monitor/u/23498911
—

Democracy Now!
Rabbi: Trump & GOP Have Blood on Their Hands for Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting & Hateful Violence

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/29/rabbi_trump_gop_have_blood_on

Glenn Greenwald on Bolsonaro: Brazil Has Elected “Most Extremist Leader in the Democratic World”

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/29/glenn_greenwald_on_bolsonaro_brazil_has

Glenn Greenwald: Violence Like Pittsburgh Shooting Is “Inevitable Outcome” of Racist Scapegoating

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/29/glenn_greenwald_violence_like_pittsburgh_shooting

Glenn Greenwald on Election of Bolsonaro: Democratic Values & Human Rights Are At Risk in Brazil

*Greenwald (and oh so many others) persists in labeling the Democrats “the left”, when they themselves run screaming from the term

And that’s the problem.

An inauthentic left enables an authentic far right, and the only way for there to be an authentic left is to create one wholly outside of the establishment duopoly, and abandon Einstein’s alleged definition of insanity.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/29/glenn_greenwald_on_election_of_bolsonaro

10.26

‘Warning Bells Going Off’ as NOAA Forecasts Entire Great Barrier Reef at Risk of Coral Bleaching and Death
“This is a wake-up call,” says one Australian marine biologist. “Given sea temperatures usually increase as we get towards March, this is probably conservative.”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/10/26/warning-bells-going-noaa-forecasts-entire-great-barrier-reef-risk-coral-bleaching
—

10 Reasons Medicare Advantage Plans Will Never Meet Our Needs
A robust national health insurance program should put people before profits
by Diane Archer

*To whose Advantage?

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/10/25/10-reasons-medicare-advantage-plans-will-never-meet-our-needs
–

Ford, Put the Brakes on Breast Cancer
We can see through the pink-tinted smoke screen of Ford’s Warriors in Pink. Truth be told, Ford’s Warriors in Pink program is just another example of “pinkwashing.”
by Karuna Jaggar

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/10/25/ford-put-brakes-breast-cancer

Eco Crises: Doom & Gloom, Truth & Consequences
We must eat, sleep, and breathe with our environment in mind
by Kristine Mattis

*Will we choose our lifestyles over our lives?

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/10/26/eco-crises-doom-gloom-truth-consequences
—

Food & Water Watch
Shocking Study: 15 Million U.S. Residents Had Water Shut Off in 2016
First of its kind national survey by Food & Water Watch reveals hidden and massive water affordability crisis

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/10/25/shocking-study-15-million-us-residents-had-water-shut-2016

Violence Policy Center
NRA Has Worked for Decades to Block Efforts to Regulate Type of Explosive Reportedly Contained in Bombs Targeting Political Figures, Media, and Others
NRA leadership and “Corporate Partners” benefit financially from lack of regulation

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/10/25/nra-has-worked-decades-block-efforts-regulate-type-explosive-reportedly
—

The Real News Network
Will The US Turn on the Saudi Crown Prince? Q&A (4/6)
Real News senior editor Paul Jay says the Saudi crown prince is becoming a liability for the Trump administration’s strategy for regime change in Iran – From a live recording on October 16th, 2018

https://therealnews.com/stories/will-the-us-turn-on-the-saudi-crown-prince-qa-pt-4-6

European Parliament Bans Single-Use Plastics in Historic Vote
Dr. Jonathan Latham says 95% of table salt contains plastic due to plastics pollution in the oceans

*Capitalism creates disposable products

and disposable people

https://therealnews.com/stories/european-parliament-bans-single-use-plastics-in-historic-vote

Is Orwell’s Big Brother Here? Bezos & Amazon Team up With Defense, CIA & ICE
Silicon Valley giants like Amazon & Palantir team up with ICE to hunt down immigrants, pick out the innocent as potential criminals, and build the cloud for Defense Department and CIA. Is Big Brother here? Bob Sheer outlines the problem

https://therealnews.com/stories/is-orwells-big-brother-here-bezos-amazon-team-up-with-defense-cia-ice
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Disinformation and Anthrax Mailings

http://accuracy.org/release/disinformation-and-anthrax-mailings
—

FAIR
New York Times’ Trauma Tourism
by Jordan Holycross

*Journoporn “award” fodder

https://fair.org/home/new-york-times-trauma-tourism
—

Democracy Now!
Trump Admin Opens Up Alaska for Drilling, Threatening Already At-Risk Arctic Biodiversity

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/26/trump_admin_opens_up_alaska_for

While Trump Calls Climate Change a Hoax, Hurricane Michael Damaged US Fighter Jets Worth $6 Billion

*Oh, they’ll find the funds to replace these “literally irreplaceable” war machines, won’t they?

And it won’t come from any cuts in the budget for “national defense”, will it?

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/26/while_trump_calls_climate_change_a

Saudi Ties to U.S. Universities Under Question Amid Ongoing Crisis over Khashoggi Murder

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/26/saudi_ties_to_us_universities_under

10.25

Hawaiian Island Swallowed Up By Rising Seas After Hurricane Walaka Reveals ‘What the Future Could Look Like’
“The take-home message is climate change is real and it’s happening now”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Don’t hang this on your deity of choice

It ain’t “holy shit”

It’s oh so very human shit.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/10/24/hawaiian-island-swallowed-rising-seas-after-hurricane-walaka-reveals-what-future
—

Downplaying Deportations: How Textbooks Hide the Mass Expulsion of Mexican Americans During the Great Depression
What happened is that men, women, and children — immigrant and U.S.-born, citizen and noncitizen, long-time residents and temporary workers — all became the targets of a massive campaign of forced relocation, based solely on their perceived status as “Mexican”
by Ursula Wolfe-Rocca

*History doesn’t repeat

It reloads

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/10/24/downplaying-deportations-how-textbooks-hide-mass-expulsion-mexican-americans-during
—

The Real News Network
Will Turkey Shield the Saudi Crown Prince from Khashoggi’s Murder?
Khashoggi’s murder was indeed premeditated and botched up. Did Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman send a package deal to President Erdogan to shield the Crown Prince from the Murder? We speak with Professor As`ad AbuKhalil

https://therealnews.com/stories/will-turkey-shield-the-saudi-crown-prince-from-khashoggis-murder

MBS Crimes a Distraction for US Regime Change Plan in Iran – Q&A with Paul Jay (3/6)
Lindsey Graham, a key spokesman for neocons and the military-industrial-complex, has said it’s time for MBS to go – From a live recording on October 16th, 2018 with Paul Jay and Ben Norton

*Will bin Salman be Saddamized?

https://therealnews.com/stories/mbs-crimes-a-distraction-for-us-regime-change-plan-in-iran-qa-with-paul-jay-pt-3-6

Withdrawal From INF Nuclear Treaty Brings us “Closer to Doomsday” Than any Time Since 1950’s
The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces agreement is one of the most important international treaties, and its cancellation will mean a full return to the nuclear arms race and closer to nuclear disaster, says Peter Kuznick of the Nuclear Studies Institute at American University

*If there is life on other planets

Do their program guides list this as a comedy or a tragedy?

https://therealnews.com/stories/withdrawal-from-inf-nuclear-treaty-brings-us-closer-to-doomsday-than-any-time-since-1950s
—

Petition update
Cold Weather Can Cause Mail Order Medications to Lose Potency
by Loretta Boesing

https://www.change.org/p/attn-all-legistlatures-state-board-of-pharmacies-ban-mail-order-drug-mandates-from-all-health-insurance-plans-monitor/u/23479393
—

FAIR
ACTION ALERT: While Rangers Fight Wildfires, USA Today Fans Flames of Gun Paranoia
by Jim Naureckas

https://fair.org/home/action-alert-while-rangers-fight-wildfires-usa-today-fans-flames-of-gun-paranoia
—

Democracy Now!
California Neo-Nazi Group Members Arrested for Role in Violence at Rallies in CA and Charlottesville

*Dog whistles to rabid pit bulls

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/25/california_neo_nazi_group_members_arrested

Gustavo Arellano: Could Longtime GOP Stronghold Orange County Go Blue in Midterms?

*It’s hard to wrap my head around the concept that someone who praises bastards like McCain and Reagan qualifies as a “good Democrat”.

A Democrat, to be sure

But “good” … ?

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/25/gustavo_arellano_could_longtime_gop_stronghold

Renters vs. Landlords: California’s Prop 10 Would Expand Rent Control Amid Affordable Housing Crisis

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/25/renters_vs_landlords_californias_prop_10

10.24

In ‘Historic’ Shift—and Catching Up With Voters—225 Democrats Running for Congress in 2018 Back Medicare for All
“Electoral candidates’ increasing embrace of Medicare for All means the issue will be supercharged when the next Congress convenes”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*It isn’t how many back it now

It’s how many back it later.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/10/23/historic-shift-and-catching-voters-225-democrats-running-congress-2018-back-medicare

On Strike for Equal Pay, Women of Glasgow Vow to ‘Be Heard Around the World’
“The voice of Glasgow’s working women will be heard around the world”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/10/23/strike-equal-pay-women-glasgow-vow-be-heard-around-world

Literally Standing at a Weapons Show in Paris, France’s Macron Says Questions About Arms Sales to Saudis Are Off Topic
“This has nothing to do with what we’re talking about. Nothing. So I won’t answer that question. I’m sorry but as long as I’ll be in office this is how it will be, whether people like it or not.”
by Jon Queally, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Francophony

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/10/23/literally-standing-weapons-show-paris-frances-macron-says-questions-about-arms-sales
—

Environmental Working Group (EWG)
Asbestos Imports Surge as Trump White House Moves to Keep Deadly Carcinogen Legal
New government data: asbestos imports rise 2,000 percent between July and August

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/10/23/asbestos-imports-surge-trump-white-house-moves-keep-deadly-carcinogen-legal
—

The Real News Network
Israel Forced to Delay Illegal Demolition of Palestinian Village Amid Growing International Pressure
Palestinians are claiming victory after Israel was forced to delay the demolition of the village of Khan al-Ahmar, in the occupied West Bank. The International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor warned Israeli forced displacement of the Bedouin residents would likely be a war crime

https://therealnews.com/stories/israel-forced-to-delay-illegal-demolition-of-palestinian-village-amid-growing-international-pressure

Saudi Royals Consolidated Power by Destroying the Workers’ and Democratic Movements – Q&A with Paul Jay (2/6)
Paul Jay and host Ben Norton discuss how by destroying legitimate opposition movements, the Saudi royals created a vacuum the was filled by al Qaeda and other extreme Islamist forces

https://therealnews.com/stories/saudi-royals-consolidated-power-by-destroying-the-workers-and-democratic-movements-qa-with-paul-jay-pt-2-6

Are Attacks on Trans Rights Also Attacks on Women’s Liberation?
Transgender activist and researcher Mischa Haider says that the Trump administration’s proposed dismantling of trans rights are part of a larger strategy to dismantle gender equality

*”Diversity” within the context of a hierarchical, exploitative society is nothing but window dressing, isn’t it? I don’t give a rat’s ass how someone “identifies”; I want them to identify with the oppressed.

I’m unclear if Haider is “siloing” on that point at the end, but if she is, she’s vitiating her unarguably valid arguments precedent to that.

https://therealnews.com/stories/are-attacks-on-trans-rights-also-attacks-on-womens-liberation
—

FAIR
‘They’re Going to Pen You In and Charge You for It’
CounterSpin interview with Mara Verheyden-Hilliard on anti-protest rules
by Janine Jackson

https://fair.org/home/theyre-going-to-pen-you-in-and-charge-you-for-it
—

Democracy Now!
Greg Palast Sues Georgia’s Brian Kemp for Purging 340,000 from Voter Rolls Ahead of Election

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/24/greg_palast_sues_georgias_brian_kemp

Who’s Behind ICE? How Amazon, Palantir, Microsoft & Tech Giants Are Powering Trump’s Deportations

*Killer Clown gets the evil eye here, but wasn’t this also occurring during Dear Misleader’s “Deporter in Chief” reign?

Technology will [en]s[l]ave us

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/24/whos_behind_ice_how_amazon_palantir

10.23

Why Do Only Some Lives Matter?
Where is the outrage for the innocent civilians of Yemen?
by Robert C. Koehler

*And would Khashoggi’s life and death matter had he been an actual opposition figure, and not a disaffected courtier who worked for WaPo?

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/10/23/why-do-only-some-lives-matter

The Real News Network
Unintended Consequences: US Sanctions on Russia and Iran Weaken Dollar’s Rule
As the US tries to keep countries such as India from dealing with Iran and Russia, it is driving more and more countries to seek alternatives to the US dollar, threatening the dollar’s hegemony, says Vijay Prashad

https://therealnews.com/stories/unintended-consequences-us-sanctions-on-russia-and-iran-weaken-dollars-rule

Gaza Water Crisis: Political Solution Needed, not a Technological One
Water contamination is a serious problem in Gaza, but supposedly well-intentioned reports that call attention to the crisis offer technical solutions that are not only unworkable, but far more importantly they ignore the Israeli blockade

https://therealnews.com/stories/gaza-water-crisis-political-solution-needed-not-a-technological-one

Saudis a Pillar for US Domination of Middle East – Q&A with Paul Jay (1/6)
Paul Jay with host Ben Norton discusses the history of how US foreign policy has used the Saudi claim to lead the Islamic world to fight nationalism and socialism in the Middle East – From a live recording on October 16th, 2018

https://therealnews.com/stories/saudis-a-pillar-for-us-domination-of-middle-east-qa-with-paul-jay-pt-1-6

Canadian Miner Eldorado Gold Demands 850 Million Euros From Greek Stated
Maria Kadoglou of Mining Watch Greece discusses resistance to the Skouries gold mine

https://therealnews.com/stories/canadian-miner-eldorado-gold-demands-850-million-euros-from-greek-state
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Illegitimate Regime is Fueling the Honduran Refugee Crisis

http://accuracy.org/release/illegitimate-regime-is-fueling-the-honduran-refugee-crisis
—

Democracy Now!
The U.S. Helped Destabilize Honduras. Now Honduran Migrants Are Fleeing Political & Economic Crisis

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/23/the_us_helped_destabilize_honduras_now

10.22

Two Weeks Before Midterms, Trump Attacks Democracy With ‘One of the Most Naked Attempts to Promote Voter Suppression’ in Modern Times
“This is nothing more than an open and brazen attempt to use the threat of criminal prosecution to intimidate minority voters, an old and familiar tactic that dates back to the Jim Crow era”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*The only thing more vomitous than Killer Clown’s rabid roar

Is the deafening silence from the DNCista mandarins.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/10/22/two-weeks-midterms-trump-attacks-democracy-one-most-naked-attempts-promote-voter

In Softball Interview, Kushner Says Facts First, Then We ‘Determine What We Want to Believe’ About Khashoggi Murder
“We’re getting facts in from multiple places,” Trump’s son-in-law told CNN’s Van Jones. “Once those facts come in, the secretary of state will work with our national security team to help us determine what we want to believe.”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Jones et alia didn’t “blow” a goddamn thing.

They did the job they were tasked to do.

Keep that in mind the next time you get a fundraising appeal from some “progressive” grouping allegedly authored by this schmenge.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/10/22/softball-interview-kushner-says-facts-first-then-we-determine-what-we-want-believe

In Just Three Days, ‘Genius’ Fundraising Campaign by Progressive Group Pours $500,000 Into Overlooked State-Level Democratic Campaigns
Small donations through the think tank Data for Progress this week are going to state-level races—”where $10K means the difference between winning and losing, and can tip a whole state legislature”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*The “party bosses” will always let us down.

The question is how much these candidates will lift us up.

The little amount of time that’s left will tell.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/10/19/just-three-days-genius-fundraising-campaign-progressive-group-pours-500000

LGBTQ Community and Dissidents Main Targets as Israel Exports High-Tech Spying Tools to Despots Worldwide
“It’s a weapon—like selling a pistol. The thing is that in this industry people think about the technological challenges, not about the implications.”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/10/19/lgbtq-community-and-dissidents-main-targets-israel-exports-high-tech-spying-tools
—

The Rule of the Uber-Rich Means Either Tyranny or Revolution
Corporate capitalism, which has destroyed our democracy, has given unchecked power to the uber-rich
by Chris Hedges

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/10/22/rule-uber-rich-means-either-tyranny-or-revolution
–

An Arena Full of the Richest Americans Would Own as Much Wealth as 70% of the World
For 35 years Americans have been duped into believing that well-positioned individuals should be allowed to do whatever they want, and the result is the perverse level of inequality we now have
by Paul Buchheit

*They haven’t earned their wealth

They’ve expropriated ours

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/10/22/arena-full-richest-americans-would-own-much-wealth-70-world
—

The Real News Network
How Germany Breaks its Own Laws to Arm Saudi Arabia
The German government is pursuing the interests of its arms industry, even as this means violating their own laws, their coalition agreement, and promises to the public

*Not worth the paper it’s PRed on

https://therealnews.com/stories/how-germany-breaks-its-own-laws-to-arm-saudi-arabia

Assassins for Hire: US Citizens, Israelis, and Palestinians Kill for Money in Yemen
The US-based mercenary company Spear Group, headed by an Israeli and hired by a Palestinian on behalf of the UAE, conducts extra-judicial killings in Yemen. Antony Loewenstein discusses the details

https://therealnews.com/stories/assassins-for-hire-us-citizens-israelis-and-palestinians-kill-for-money-in-yemen

Inside Nikki Haley’s Shocking Speech to Secretive Far-Right Group
Just days before she resigned as UN Ambassador, Nikki Haley delivered a private speech to the Council for National Policy, a secretive group of influential right-wing figures. Journalist Max Blumenthal obtained exclusive access and reveals shocking details — including Haley’s admission that she threatened the Chinese ambassador with a US invasion of North Korea.

*Don’t hold your breath waiting for any Democrat (including those “social dem” darlings) to denounce Haley over this.

Now, if the Russkies were the featured attraction …

https://therealnews.com/stories/inside-nikki-haleys-shocking-speech-to-secretive-far-right-group
—

FAIR
Blaming Saudis for Corrupting Otherwise Human Rights–Loving US
by Adam Johnson

*With friends like these

We breed enemies

https://fair.org/home/blaming-saudis-for-corrupting-otherwise-human-rights-loving-us

Action Alert: USA Today Says Climate Apocalypse Promises a Balmy Winter
by Jim Naureckas

*And burning down your house will take the chill off a cold winter’s night.

Oy gevalt …

https://fair.org/home/action-alert-usa-today-says-climate-apocalypse-promises-a-balmy-winter
—

Democracy Now!
“Counterproductive and Dangerous”: Nuclear Arms Race Feared as U.S. Quits Key Treaty with Russia

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/22/counterproductive_and_dangerous_nuclear_arms_race

Trump Admin Attempts to Erase Existence of Trans People After Years of GOP-Led Attacks on Freedoms

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/22/trump_admin_attempts_to_erase_existence

10.19

Democrats Face Ridicule and Ire for Letting GOP Ram Through Six More Right-Wing Judges
“The ability of Senate Democrats to keep making the same strategic error over and over again is, in its own way, quite impressive”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*It’s not a “strategic error”

It’s not being hoodwinked

These judges share the same affinity for corporate power as the DNCistas, and their vile rulings on our rights and lives will be of no consequence to the “party leadership”, aside from their utility as fodder for fundraising appeals.

Is that cynical, or empirical?

Aren’t most cynics idealists who have OD’d on reality?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/10/18/democrats-face-ridicule-and-ire-letting-gop-ram-through-six-more-right-wing-judges

For Next Weapon in Anti-Protest Arsenal, US Military Building Plasma Gun Capable of Vaporizing Human Flesh
At its highest setting, the new laser weapon would painfully vaporize the outer layer of skin from 100 meters away. Also, this so-called “non-lethal” weapon can kill people.
by Jon Queally, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Undoubtedly to be deployed after every acquittal of a killer cop

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/10/18/next-weapon-anti-protest-arsenal-us-military-building-plasma-gun-capable-vaporizing

Local Fury and Health Concerns as Japan Plans to Dump a Million Tons of Radioactive Fukushima Water Into Ocean
One nuclear specialist argued that the Japanese government’s reported plan “cannot be considered an action without risk to the marine environment and human health”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Whitewashing doesn’t result in “clean energy”

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/10/18/local-fury-and-health-concerns-japan-plans-dump-million-tons-radioactive-fukushima

Found in 90 Percent of Table Salt Brands, Study Finds Average Adult Ingests 2,000 Pieces of Microplastic Per Year
“The more we consume plastics, the more we literally consume plastic”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/10/18/found-90-percent-table-salt-brands-study-finds-average-adult-ingests-2000-pieces
—

Climate Activists Occupy Greenpeace UK Headquarters—Wait, That Can’t Be Right
British environmental activist group says Greenpeace is not radical enough to meet the dire climate situation
by Michael Molitch-Hou

*Patience is a vise

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/10/19/climate-activists-occupy-greenpeace-uk-headquarters-wait-cant-be-right
—

The Real News Network
Political Violence Escalates in Brazil as Historic Presidential Race Enters Final Phase
Supporters of far-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro have attacked dozens of his opponents, killing two, while social media campaign spins out of control with lies about Workers Party candidate Fernando Haddad. Michael Fox reports from Brazil

https://therealnews.com/stories/political-violence-escalates-in-brazil-as-historic-presidential-race-enters-final-phase

Why Do Natural Disasters Turn into ‘Poverty Disasters’?
Using the examples of Hurricane Michael in Florida, the recent Indonesian earthquake and tsunami, and Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, Bill Black explains how it is that these natural disasters keep hitting the poor far more than anyone else

*Nature doesn’t discriminate

Humans do

https://therealnews.com/stories/why-do-natural-disasters-turn-into-poverty-disasters

As Canada Legalizes Marijuana the US Tightens Border Controls
Canada, the US’s largest trading partner, has legalized marijuana. In most states bordering Canada it is legalized or medicalized. However, the Trump administration plans to deny entry to Canadians who use or sell marijuana

https://therealnews.com/stories/as-canada-legalizes-marijuana-the-us-tightens-border-controls

Honduran Migrant Caravan 4000 Strong Marching To US Border, Trump Apoplectic
Thousands of self-organized Hondurans fleeing violence and poverty are marching to the US/Mexico border. Trump threatens to stop money for Honduras and send troops to the border

https://therealnews.com/stories/honduran-migrant-caravan-4000-strong-marching-to-us-border-trump-apoplectic

Facebook Erases Hundreds of Alternative Media Pages in Mass Purge (1/2)
Facebook is erasing popular alternative media pages that had millions of likes and suspending anti-war and anti-police brutality accounts, in coordination with Twitter. Journalist Max Blumenthal says this is part of a larger political crackdown; EFF’s David Greene says the implications are dangerous

https://therealnews.com/stories/facebook-erases-hundreds-of-alternative-media-pages-in-mass-purge-1-2

Social Media Purge Silences Alternative Media Outlets that had Millions of Likes (2/2)

*If the state can enact and enforce consumer protection laws, why can’t it regulate how social media corps interact with their users? I understand, if not wholly agree with, the argument against content moderation, but shouldn’t the state be able to mandate how content is moderated by the platform in order to protect the free speech rights of users?

https://therealnews.com/stories/social-media-purge-silences-alternative-media-outlets-that-had-millions-of-likes-2-2
—

FAIR
Why Is Russiagate Rumbling Into the 2018 Midterms?
by Alan MacLeod

*Drowning the democracy doldrums in Russian dressing

https://fair.org/home/why-is-russiagate-rumbling-into-the-2018-midterms
—

Democracy Now!
Indigenous Writers & Activists on Indian Child Welfare Act & Ongoing Struggle for Native Sovereignty

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/19/indigenous_writers_activists_on_indian_child

10.18

‘Are You Kidding Me?’ Outrage as Democrats Push ‘Incremental Steps’ Over Bold Agenda Needed to Save Planet from Climate Catastrophe
“Gradualism is fundamentally incompatible with protecting civilization and the natural world. It’s pathetic that the Democrats are continuing to pursue this approach.”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*The slower we move, the quicker we reach the abyss

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/10/18/are-you-kidding-me-outrage-democrats-push-incremental-steps-over-bold-agenda-needed

In Latest Fit of Censorship, Facebook Deletes Video Detailing Brutal Legacy of Christopher Columbus
This piece of “journalism was about the airbrushing of history. Therefore, there is a great irony in the fact it has now been airbrushed” from Facebook’s platform.
by Jon Queally, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Historical nonvisionism

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/10/17/latest-fit-censorship-facebook-deletes-video-detailing-brutal-legacy-christopher
—

The Real News Network
Israeli Private Intelligence Companies Turn Civilians into Enemies
Shir Hever talks about Psy-Group and other Israeli private intelligence companies and the role which they play in undermining democracy when intelligence gathering is privatized

*Shouldn’t that be “when intelligence gathering is politicized”?

Isn’t nefarious intent more important than the public or private nature of the surveilling entity?

I have to think it is to the victims – and to democracy.

https://therealnews.com/stories/israeli-private-intelligence-companies-turn-civilians-into-enemies
—

FAIR
‘The Media Continue to Promote a Narrative of Dependency’
CounterSpin interview with Teresa Basilio on Puerto Rico communications
by Janine Jackson

https://fair.org/home/the-media-continue-to-promote-a-narrative-of-dependency

Why Coverage of Indigenous Issues Is So Lousy
by Dan David

*This piece misses the main reason

Indigenous justice challenges power, and the corpress serves power.

Oh, dear … I must be a conspiracy theorist

Or someone who’s seen this shit play out for half a century.

Take your pick, but keep your goddamn eyes (and mind) open, okay?

https://fair.org/home/why-coverage-of-indigenous-issues-is-so-lousy

‘Their Policies Toward Indigenous People and Toward the Land Need to Change’
CounterSpin interview with Amrah Salomon on Indigenous Peoples Day
by Janine Jackson

https://fair.org/home/their-policies-toward-indigenous-people-and-toward-the-land-need-to-change
—

Democracy Now!
Native Americans React to Elizabeth Warren’s DNA Test: Stop Making Native People “Political Fodder”

*Can someone tell me what’s “typically gracious and amazingly brilliant” about carefully concocted cover for a party cohort, instead of forthright critique of her actions?

Isn’t that business as usual for politics in this here US and A?

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/18/native_americans_react_to_elizabeth_warrens

The UAE Hired Former U.S. Soldiers to Kill Leaders in Yemen. Is This the Future of War?

*Don’t you love the corpress speak?

“[F]ascinating character” … “I’m not saying whether it’s a credible argument” … “toyed with assassination” …

At least Goodman called him out – sorta – on that last one, which is more than she’s done in most other similar scenarios.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/18/the_uae_hired_us_former_soldiers

10.17

The Real News Network
Oscar Romero, Martyr for Salvadoran Revolution, Canonized by Pope Francis
The embattled Pope wore Archbishop Romero’s blood soaked rope belt as he announced his canonization. Father Roy Bourgeois brings the reality into context

*I keep seeing these parallels between the Catholic Church and the Democratic Party, and how this call to “save its soul” ignores the fact that both are essentially soulless institutions with no purpose other than to serve power.

Francis is PR and rife with contradictions. He’s “embattled” in the same way as Obama was. There’s always a tension between elites who play “good cop” and “bad cop”, but there’s never any questioning of the nature of policing, is there?

All this effort to “reform” is futilely wasted, while the call to transform is derided as “unrealistic”.

History teaches us that when reality bites, you either bite back, or you get chewed up and spit out.

https://therealnews.com/stories/oscar-romero-martyr-for-salvadoran-revolution-canonized-by-pope-francis
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Gaza’s Escalating Water Crisis

*Humanity runs dry

http://accuracy.org/release/gazas-escalating-water-crisis
—

Democracy Now!
Jamal Elshayyal: Response to Khashoggi’s Death Will Determine Future of Saudi Arabia & Middle East

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/17/jamal_elshayyal_response_to_khashoggis_death

A History of Crushing Dissent: Before Khashoggi, Saudis Targeted Feminists Demanding Right to Drive

*Killer Clown and the killer crown prince

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/17/a_history_of_crushing_dissent_before

Investigation: As U.S.-Backed War in Yemen Raged, UAE Hired U.S. Mercenaries to Kill Yemeni Leaders

*The military teaches you values

Well, the value of your skills to the highest bidder.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/17/investigation_as_us_backed_war_in

10.16

As Judge Considers Letting Monsanto Off the Hook, Jurors Demand Court Respect Their Historic Verdict Holding Company to Account
“You may not have been convinced by the evidence, but we were”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/10/16/judge-considers-letting-monsanto-hook-jurors-demand-court-respect-their-historic

Humanity Chopping Down Tree of Life, Warns New Research, ‘Including Branch We Are Sitting On’
“We’re entering what could be an extinction on the scale of what killed the dinosaurs”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Humanity is the only species wilfully incapable of reason

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/10/16/humanity-chopping-down-tree-life-warns-new-research-including-branch-we-are-sitting

‘One of Most Disturbing Articles I Have Ever Read’, Scientist Says of Study Detailing Climate-Driven ‘Bugpocalypse’
“A truly scary new study finds that insect populations in protected Puerto Rican rainforests have fallen as much as 60-fold”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/10/16/one-most-disturbing-articles-i-have-ever-read-scientist-says-study-detailing-climate
—

Behind Trump’s Attack on Medicare for All – a Fear of Losing Political Power
Most revealing in Trump’s campaign invective and universally rebuked op ed are not the fabrications littering nearly every word, but the motivation behind it
by Chuck Idelson

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/10/16/behind-trumps-attack-medicare-all-fear-losing-political-power
—

Public Citizen
Perry’s Rejected Coal Bailout Proposal Isn’t the Only Bailout Threat

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/10/16/perrys-rejected-coal-bailout-proposal-isnt-only-bailout-threat
—

The Real News Network
LA Voters to Consider Creating Nation’s First Municipal Public Bank
A Los Angeles ballot measure could put the city one step closer to creating a public bank, which Phoenix Goodman of Public Bank LA says could help the city “transform banking from a source of evil” to a force that fights climate change and inequality

*Is a public bank better than private bloodsuckers?

Sure, but profit, no matter how well intentioned the goal, almost always comes at someone’s expense, and this “robbing Peter to pay Paul” aspect is one I’ve not seen addressed in the public bank discussion.

Can capitalism be made better?

Yes.

Can it be made good?

That’s the true “elephant in the room”, to my mind.

https://therealnews.com/stories/la-voters-to-consider-creating-nations-first-municipal-public-bank

Is Georgia’s GOP Governor Candidate Trying to Suppress the Black Vote?
Georgia’s neck-in-neck gubernatorial race is at the epicenter of the national fight against voter suppression. Brian Kemp — Georgia’s Secretary of State and its GOP gubernatorial candidate — has put more than 53,000 voter registration applications on hold, 70% of them black. It’s the latest voter suppression controversy for Kemp, whose opponent, Stacey Abrams has previously squared with him in court. We speak to attorney and activist Anoa Changa.

*Old times there are not forgotten

They’re reformatted.

But Eric Holder “actually standing up on values”?

What that a pig that just flew past?

https://therealnews.com/stories/is-georgias-gop-governor-candidate-trying-to-suppress-the-black-vote

Khashoggi Picked the Wrong Prince
The murder of Jamal Khashoggi should be denounced. Professor As`ad AbuKhalil says western media’s uncritical praise of Khashoggi is unworthy, he was a loyal member of the Saudi propaganda apparatus and chose the wrong side of the House of Saud

https://therealnews.com/stories/duplicitous-khashoggi-picked-the-wrong-prince
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Women’s March on the Pentagon

http://accuracy.org/release/womens-march-on-the-pentagon
—

Democracy Now!
Meet Desmond Meade, an Ex-Felon Trying to Restore Voting Rights to 1.4 Million Floridians

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/16/meet_desmond_meade_a_former_felon

Ari Berman: Republicans in North Dakota Are Attempting to Disenfranchise Thousands of Native Voters

*The right to vote is one thing

The right to a meaningful vote, rather than one for the loathsome likes of Heitkamp, is something else, innit?

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/16/ari_berman_republicans_in_north_dakota

Trump Won in 2016 Thanks to Voter Suppression Says Carol Anderson, Author of “One Person, No Vote”

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/16/trump_won_in_16_thanks_to

10.15

‘They’re Doing Us Like They Did New Orleans’: Anger at Trump Inaction as Hurricane Michael Leaves Millions Without Power and Basic Needs
“We’re not getting any help. We need food. It’s just crazy.”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*How much will be spent on security to ensure there’s no disruption to Killer Clown’s circus act in Florida and Georgia?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/10/15/theyre-doing-us-they-did-new-orleans-anger-trump-inaction-hurricane-michael-leaves
—

Descendant of Racist Confederate Leader Voices Support for Anti-Racist Activists
A UNC-Chapel Hill student faces criminal charges for protesting a Confederate statue on campus
by Kali Holloway

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/10/15/descendant-racist-confederate-leader-voices-support-anti-racist-activists
–

Can President-Elect Lopez Obrador Pull Mexico out of its Slumber?
by Andre Vltchek

*While AMLO plays chess

Will the pawns continue to be sacrificed?

https://therealnews.com/columns/can-president-elect-lopez-obrador-pull-mexico-out-of-its-slumber
—

The Real News Network
As Far Right Marches in London, UK Teachers Organize Against Racism
Educators gathered in Leeds to share strategies on how to combat growing racism, xenophobia and and Islamophobia across the UK

https://therealnews.com/stories/as-far-right-marches-in-london-uk-teachers-organize-against-racism

‘No Turning Back’ – Rania Abouzeid on Reporting in Wartime Syria
Award-winning journalist Rania Abouzeid discusses her book “No Turning Back: Life, Loss, and Hope in Wartime Syria,” based on years of on-the-ground reporting since the 2011 uprising.

*You can’t cut to the truth with an ax to grind

https://therealnews.com/stories/no-turning-back-rania-abouzeid-on-reporting-in-wartime-syria

Is The Battle Over the TransMountain Pipeline Expansion Over?
Trudeau’s government may have decided not to appeal the decision of the Federal Court of Appeal halting the TransMountain pipeline expansion, but the fight is far from over, says Eugene Kung of West Coast Environmental Law

https://therealnews.com/stories/is-the-battle-over-the-transmountain-pipeline-expansion-over

US Unemployment Rate Hits 50-Year Low: What Does the Number Reveal and Conceal?
September’s unemployment rate dropped to a 50-year low, but what is behind this statistic, how does it affect ordinary citizens, and can Trump take credit for the drop? We discuss these questions with PERI’s Gerald Epstein

https://therealnews.com/stories/us-unemployment-rate-hits-50-year-low-what-does-the-number-reveal-and-conceal

How Obama Paved the Way for the Kavanaugh Appointment
Eoin Higgins of The Intercept argues that had Obama investigated and prosecuted Bush administration officials, Brett Kavanaugh would probably never have made it to the Supreme Court

https://therealnews.com/stories/how-obama-paved-the-way-for-the-kavanaugh-appointment

Berlin protests against far-right politics draw thousands
Berlin produced an absurdly hot and sunny fall day on Saturday to welcome an estimated 240,000 people demonstrating against racism and calling for solidarity against the rise of far-right populism across Germany

https://therealnews.com/third_party_content/berlin-protests-against-far-right-politics-draw-thousands

Greek State Prosecutes 21 Environmental Defenders for Opposition to Eldorado Gold Mine
After an arson attack on the Skouries gold mine in northern Greece, a major criminal trial begins in Thessaloniki

https://therealnews.com/stories/greek-state-prosecutes-21-environmental-defenders-for-opposition-to-eldorado-gold-mine
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
U.S. Officials Could Be Prosecuted with Saudis for War Crimes in Yemen

*Perhaps there would be concern in an administration that cared to project a pretense of observance of international law, but under Killer Clown, wouldn’t any attempt at prosecution simply be subjected to ridicule and rejection?

http://accuracy.org/release/u.s.-officials-could-be-prosecuted-with-saudis-for-war-crimes-in-yemen
—

Democracy Now!
Trump Admin Hints It May Resume Family Separation at Border; ACLU Says “Public Outcry Is Critical”

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/15/trump_admin_hints_it_may_resume

10.12

‘This Is Pathetic’: Progressives Furious as Schumer Rubber Stamps 15 More Right-Wing Judges for Trump
Critics angrily denounced Senate Democrats for helping the Republican majority “shape our country in Donald Trump’s brutal image for decades to come”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*A lesser evil unchallenged will always grow larger

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/10/12/pathetic-progressives-furious-schumer-rubber-stamps-15-more-right-wing-judges-trump
—

Seniors Are Getting Slowly Strangled by Social Security’s Flawed Math—Here’s How to Fix It
2019 Social Security benefits will rise, but checks may not
by Nancy Altman

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/10/12/seniors-are-getting-slowly-strangled-social-securitys-flawed-math-heres-how-fix-it
—

Global Justice Now
MPs Must Stop ‘Informing’ on Constituents to Home Office, Say Migrant Groups

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/10/12/mps-must-stop-informing-constituents-home-office-say-migrant-groups
—

The Real News Network
What Does Low Unemployment Rate Mean When Most Jobs Created Are Low Wage?
A 3.9% unemployment rate with almost half of new jobs being low wage no benefits. And how many stopped looking for work? Saurav Sarkar of the Institute for Policy Studies discusses what’s behind the numbers

*Jobbing the numbers

https://therealnews.com/stories/what-does-low-unemployment-rate-mean-when-most-jobs-created-are-low-wage

Israeli Authorities Step Up anti-BDS Policies: Political Test to Enter Israel
Israel border authorities have detained a US-Palestinian student for her alleged Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) activism, denying her entry into Israel, despite having a visa. Tallie Ben-Daniel of Jewish voice for Peace discusses the case and what it means for the BDS movement

https://therealnews.com/stories/israeli-authorities-step-up-anti-bds-policies-political-test-to-enter-israel
—

Democracy Now!
Prof. Jason Stanley in Wake of Kavanaugh’s Confirmation: Fascism Cannot Operate Without Patriarchy

*I don’t know if Stanley’s a staunch Democrat, but his omission of the role of the DNCistas, and indeed, more “liberal” Dems, in creating the conditions for demagoguery and protofascism may be telling.

The facade of “liberal democracy”, the betrayal of an alleged allegiance to fairness and justice, allows the far right to play on those contradictions. And, of course, the antipathy toward “radical leftists” is shared by the liberal elite, ensuring that any alternative that honestly adheres to those values (and I’m not speaking of Berniesmo) faces near insurmountable obstacles to political visibility and viability.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/12/prof_jason_stanley_in_wake_of

10.11

‘Better Later Than Never, I Guess’: Corporate Media Crawl Away From Saudis Over Suspected Murder of Journalist
“An attack on one journalist should be considered an attack on all”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Given that the Saudis’ sins on a global scale pale in comparison to those of the gummint with whom the corpress “engages” as a matter of course, perhaps the question never really occurred to them?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/10/11/better-later-never-i-guess-corporate-media-crawl-away-saudis-over-suspected-murder
—

The Real News Network
What Is Behind The Conservative Win In Quebec?
For the first time since 1966 the Quebec governing party will not be the Liberals or the Parti Quebecois. The Conservatives won and the left surged

https://therealnews.com/stories/what-is-behind-the-conservative-win-in-quebec

Is the U.S. Complicit in Saudi Journalist’s Disappearance?
President Trump says the US is pressing Saudi Arabia for answers on the fate of missing journalist Jamal Khashoggi. But new questions are being raised about the US role after a Washington Post report that U.S. intelligence intercepted communications of Saudi officials discussing a plan to capture and “lay hands on” Khashoggi. We speak to Ali Al-Ahmed, founder and director of The Institute for Gulf Affairs

https://therealnews.com/stories/is-the-u-s-complicit-in-saudi-journalists-disappearance

Trump Probably Engaged in Felony Tax Evasion
White collar criminologist Bill Black analyzes the New York Times investigation into Trump’s tax evasion and argues that if true, these would be considered felonies. However, he will probably never be held to account for this, before he leaves office

*Killer Clown would be in prison if Dems gave a good goddamn about “prioritizing” the wealthy’s weaseling, wouldn’t he?

https://therealnews.com/stories/trump-probably-engaged-in-felony-tax-evasion
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
The Saudi Lobby Juggernaut

*When in comes to foreign influence, for the corpress the Saudis are “The Invisible Kingdom”

http://accuracy.org/release/the-saudi-lobby-juggernaut
—

FAIR
WaPo Picks a Side in Maryland Race—the Side That’s Offering Billions to Amazon
by Justin Anderson

*Can you imagine the hit pieces if “radicals” like Jealous were worthy of the label?

https://fair.org/home/wapo-picks-a-side-in-maryland-race-the-side-thats-offering-billions-to-amazon
—

Democracy Now!
Owner of Limo Involved in Deadly NY Crash Spent Years as FBI Informant Entrapping Muslim Men

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/11/owner_of_limo_involved_in_deadly

10.10

ACLU Fights Back as Trump Pushes ‘Stealth Proposal’ to Limit Public’s Right to Protest Outside White House
“Trump might not like having protesters on his doorstep, but the First Amendment guarantees their right to be there”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*The emperor’s new close

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/10/10/aclu-fights-back-trump-pushes-stealth-proposal-limit-publics-right-protest-outside
—

The Real News Network
Will Al Qaeda Leave Syria’s Idlib?
Under a deal that prevented a Syrian military assault on the province of Idlib, “radical” militant groups are supposed to withdraw by October 15th. The al-Qaeda affiliate Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) is said to control about 60% of Idlib but has not said if it will comply. We discuss the situation in Idlib with Rania Abouzeid, an award-winning reporter and author of “No Turning Back: Life, Loss, and Hope in Wartime Syria.”

*Straightforward reporting on Syria

What a concept

https://therealnews.com/stories/will-al-qaeda-leave-syrias-idlib

Brazil’s Presidential Election is Part of a ‘Global Reactionary Cycle’
With the near first-round election of Jair Bolsonaro as president of Brazil last Sunday, the country is on the precipice of a neoliberal neofascism, which fits into a very dangerous larger global cycle towards the right, says Prof. Boaventura de Sousa Santos

*Goosestepping in Guccis

https://therealnews.com/stories/brazils-presidential-election-is-part-of-a-global-reactionary-cycle
—

FAIR
Publishing Police Press Releases as Local ‘Crime’ Reporting
by Adam Johnson

*Criminally negligent

https://fair.org/home/publishing-police-press-releases-as-local-crime-reporting
—

Democracy Now!
Rashid Khalidi on the U.S. Backing of Brutal Saudi Regime & the Disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/10/rashid_khalidi_on_the_us_backing

10.9

What’s Not in the Latest Terrifying IPCC Report? The “Much, Much, Much More Terrifying” New Research on Climate Tipping Points
“This is the scariest thing about the IPCC Report — it’s the watered down, consensus version”
by Jon Queally, staff writer
Common Dreams

*I wouldn’t put scared money on our chances of survival

But we have no choice but to bet our lives on them

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/10/09/whats-not-latest-terrifying-ipcc-report-much-much-much-more-terrifying-new-research

‘This Is a Scam’: ExxonMobil-Backed Carbon Tax Will Not Save the Planet
“It comes as no surprise that ExxonMobil and other oil companies are calling for anything and everything short of moving off fossil fuels entirely—most notably, the unwieldy and unproven concept of carbon taxes”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/10/09/scam-exxonmobil-backed-carbon-tax-will-not-save-planet

‘One for the History Books!’: Dutch Court Puts World on Notice by Ordering Government to Move Faster on Emission Cuts
The government of the Netherlands, said the court, “has done too little to prevent the dangers of climate change and is doing too little to catch up”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/10/09/one-history-books-dutch-court-puts-world-notice-ordering-government-move-faster
—

What Does Science Demand? A Global Energy Transformation With Focus on Inequality of Consumption
Until human society is prepared to acknowledge the huge asymmetry in consumption and hence emissions, temperatures will continue to rise beyond 1.5 and 2°C
by Kevin Anderson

*You won’t ignore the elephant in the room when he sits on you.

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/10/09/what-does-science-demand-global-energy-transformation-focus-inequality-consumption
—

The Real News Network
Brazil: Extreme Right Candidate Nearly Wins Presidency in First Round
Jair Bolsonaro, the extreme right, or neofascist, candidate for Brazil’s presidency, nearly won with 46 percent of the vote, thanks to big business backing. He now faces Fernando Haddad for the October 28th run-off vote. Brian Mier analyzes the result and what comes next

https://therealnews.com/stories/brazil-extreme-right-candidate-nearly-wins-presidency-in-first-round
—

Democracy Now!
Brazil’s Eroding Democracy: Rise of Far-Right Demagogue Follows Ouster of Dilma & Jailing of Lula

*It’s always disconcerting to hear red baiting from “progressives”. Here Mendonça emphasizes Haddad isn’t “far-left”, so we can all supposedly breath a sigh of relief.

You have to wonder if these people would be as freaked by the prospect of a true socialist in office as they are of a fascist winning.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/9/brazil_s_eroding_democracy_rise_of

10.8

“Stunning”: State Court Silences Climate Experts Set to Testify in Valve Turners’ Necessity Defense Trial
“Four days before trial, for no apparent reason, the court eviscerated our defense, and essentially overruled itself”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*”Justice” is blind

And seeks to keep us all in darkness

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/10/08/stunning-state-court-silences-climate-experts-set-testify-valve-turners-necessity
—

Letter From Indigenous Activists
Essential reading on, and beyond, Indigenous Peoples Day
by Jade Begay and Dallas Goldtooth

*The only way to get out of this is for us all to be in it together

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/10/08/letter-indigenous-activists
–

Homeless America
These men and women, and increasingly children, are the collateral damage of the corporate state, their dignity and lives destroyed by the massive transference of wealth upward, deindustrialization and the slashing of federal investment in affordable housing begun during the Reagan administration
by Chris Hedges

*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCMy6kq5ZA0

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/10/08/homeless-america
—

The Real News Network
IPCC Report: 1.5 Degree Celsius by 2040 Will Lead to Massive Climate Change
The UN’s scientific body on climate change says the world could still stay below 1.5 C degrees of warming, but would need unprecedented action. Although impacts at 2 C degrees are likely to be more serious than anticipated, political action remains elusive.

https://therealnews.com/third_party_content/ipcc-report-1-5-degree-celsius-by-2040-will-lead-to-massive-climate-change

Contrary to Popular Belief, IMF Continues to Push Neoliberalism on Countries’ Agricultural Policies
Economics Prof. Lawrence King discusses the new PERI report on loan conditionalities that the IMF imposes when it provides loans and that interfere with food production and encroach on the sovereignty of states battling poverty

https://therealnews.com/stories/contrary-to-popular-belief-imf-continues-to-push-neoliberalism-on-countries-agricultural-policies

Failed Regime-Change War Bled Syria of c. $400 Billion – and Human Cost of Imperialism Is Even Higher
The international proxy war on Syria destroyed more than $388 billion in physical capital, according to a UN commission. But political economist Ali Kadri says this conservative figure underestimates the damage imperialism does to humans, and how such destruction is inherent in capitalism

https://therealnews.com/stories/failed-regime-change-war-bled-syria-of-c-400-billion-and-human-cost-of-imperialism-is-even-higher
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Roots of Kavanaugh’s Agenda

*You have to wonder, if Bush, Rubio or some other standard issue reactionary had weaseled his way into the White House, would the Dems have even engaged in the pathetic Kabuki with Kavanaugh that they felt obliged to with the Killer Clown act extant?

http://accuracy.org/release/roots-of-kavanaughs-agenda

Is Brazil Slipping Back into Fascism?

*I have to ask whether it was indeed an “unintended effect”?

http://accuracy.org/release/is-brazil-slipping-back-into-fascism
—

Democracy Now!
“They Did Not Care”: How the GOP Dismissed Assault Accusations & Confirmed Kavanaugh

*And now the corpress is doing its job – putting this all “into context” via false balance, then moving on to the next task, which may very well be cheering on yet another war and deeming their supposed bête noire to be of presidential timbre for launching it.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/8/they_did_not_care_how_the

Glenn Greenwald on U.S. Hacking, Edward Snowden, the Dangers of Obsessing over Russia & More

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/5/glenn_greenwald_on_us_hacking_edward

10.5

The Real News Network
Afro-Brazilian Women Take on Brazil’s Establishment in Upcoming Election
Mae Flavia Pinto is one in a wave of Afro-Brazilian women running for public office, challenging Brazil’s deeply entrenched racist and classist establishment. A field report

https://therealnews.com/stories/afro-brazilian-women-take-on-brazils-establishment-in-upcoming-election

NAFTA 2.0 Enshrines Deregulation for all of North America
Trump’s re-negotiated NAFTA, now called the USMCA, pushes food safety and other forms of deregulation to new extremes, making it more difficult to undo the damage even after Trump leaves office, says Patrick Woodall of Food and Water Watch

*The devil does the details

https://therealnews.com/stories/nafta-2-0-enshrines-deregulation-for-all-of-north-america

Brazil Faces a Momentous Choice
This coming Sunday Brazilians will choose a new president. The two front-runners, likely to make it to the run-off, are the far-right Jair Bolsonaro and the center-left Fernando Haddad. CEPR’s Mark Weisbrot analyzes how Brazil got to this point

https://therealnews.com/stories/brazil-faces-a-momentous-choice

Weak, Underfunded IRS Behind Trump’s Wealth and History of Avoiding Taxes
Investigative tax attorney James Henry talks about the New York Times’ investigation into the origins of Trump’s wealth, how it is related to tax evasion, and how the US tax system has systematically and increasingly favored the rich

*Considering who funds the Demorats, the bipartisanismo of tax fraud enablement is as American as Apple’s perfidious pie

https://therealnews.com/stories/weak-underfunded-irs-behind-trumps-wealth-and-history-of-avoiding-taxes
—

Democracy Now!
Eve Ensler to White Women Supporting Kavanaugh: Stand with Survivors & Fight This Nomination

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/5/eve_ensler_to_white_women_supporting

10.4

Urging Multi-Pronged Effort to Halt Climate Crisis, Scientists Say Protecting World’s Forests as Vital as Cutting Emissions
“Our message as scientists is simple: Our planet’s future climate is inextricably tied to the future of its forest”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/10/04/urging-multi-pronged-effort-halt-climate-crisis-scientists-say-protecting-worlds
—

Trump and the Wealth Dynasty Defense Industry
These professional enablers of inequality are part of national and global associations
by Chuck Collins

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/10/04/trump-and-wealth-dynasty-defense-industry
—

Fight for $15
Strike. Nationwide. NOW.

https://twitter.com/fightfor15/status/1047849203903291393
—

The Real News Network
Is India on its Way out of Poverty?
Jayati Ghosh discusses the UNDP report showing that poverty in India has halved in the last 10 years, and the newly unveiled healthcare plan for the bottom 40% of the population, nicknamed “Modicare”

https://therealnews.com/stories/is-india-on-its-way-out-of-poverty
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Why the Rush on Kavanaugh? Why the “Presumption of Confirmation”?

*And no matter how much the Dems Pontius Pilate

The blood will not wash off their hands

http://accuracy.org/release/why-the-rush-on-kavanaugh-why-the-presumption-of-confirmation
—

FAIR
‘How Many Other Laquan MacDonalds Are There?’
Classic CounterSpin interviews with John Conroy and Jamie Kalven on Chicago police abuse
by Janine Jackson

*Corpress cop out

https://fair.org/home/how-many-other-laquan-macdonalds-are-there

Maintaining Media Omerta
by Reed Richardson

https://fair.org/home/maintaining-media-omerta

10.3

Sick of Being Confronted, McConnell Vows GOP ‘Will Not Be Intimidated by These People’ (aka Engaged Constituents Opposed to Kavanaugh)
Senate Majority Leader is simply sick of being confronted by people who believe Brett Kavanaugh is a horrible choice
by Jon Queally, staff writer
Common Dreams

*It’s so much more pleasant to be a public servant when the public isn’t involved

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/10/03/sick-being-confronted-mcconnell-vows-gop-will-not-be-intimidated-these-people-aka

Making ‘Fringe’ Scientist Who Argues Exposure Good for People a Key Witness, Trump’s EPA Moves to Roll Back Radiation Safety Rules
“The agency is ignoring scientific evidence by instead claiming a little radiation is good for you. This is clearly an attempt to save industry money at the expense of women and children’s health.”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Think of the energy efficiency benefits from glowing in the dark

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/10/03/making-fringe-scientist-who-argues-exposure-good-people-key-witness-trumps-epa-moves
—

Have you been PURGED?
Georgia voters – you MUST check this NOW
by Greg Palast

https://www.gregpalast.com/georgia-voter-purge-list-2018
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Kavanaugh Showcases “Persecution Complex”

*Male pattern baldfaced lies

http://accuracy.org/release/kavanaugh-showcases-persecution-complex
—

Democracy Now!
Lift Us Up: Meet the Activists on the Front Lines of the Battle for Educational Justice in America

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/3/lift_us_up_meet_the_activists

10.2

Global Image of US Plummets as 70% of People Worldwide Have ‘No Confidence’ in Trump Leadership
Only 50 percent of the world currently has a favorable opinion of the U.S., according to Pew, compared with 64 percent of those surveyed at the end of Obama’s presidency
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Next you’ll be telling me half the world is copacetic with bladder cancer.

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/10/02/global-image-us-plummets-70-people-worldwide-have-no-confidence-trump-leadership
—

Airport Workers United
Our Power is Global

https://secure.everyaction.com/EJUaWtdad02buzcdlvGWVg2
—

The Real News Network
German Far-Right Uses ‘Judeo-Christian’ Values to Polish its Racism
Shir Hever discusses the new Jewish section in the “Alternative for Germany” far-right party, and the way that pro-Israeli politics are used to mask Islamophobia, racism against Jews and xenophobia

https://therealnews.com/stories/german-far-right-uses-judeo-christian-values-to-polish-its-racism

LA Teachers May Be Forced to Strike for More School Funding
Los Angeles teachers are now in mediation over wages, evaluation, smaller class size and school funding. The teachers have authorized their union to call a strike if negotiations fail

*Red state, blue state

The color that matters is the green of the greedy

https://therealnews.com/stories/la-teachers-may-be-forced-to-strike-for-more-school-funding
—

Democracy Now!
ACLU Formally Opposes Kavanaugh, Citing Credible Sexual Assault Allegations & Partisan Temperament

*Considering the history of the court, from Dred Scott to Korematsu to Citizens United, anyone with any faith in its integrity should not be allowed to operate heavy machinery.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/2/aclu_formally_opposes_kavanaugh_citing_credible

10.1

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly on NAFTA 2.0
I am still searching for any reference to Indigenous consent in the agreement
by Sujata Dey

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/10/01/good-bad-and-ugly-nafta-20
—

The Real News Network
Will the Next Global Financial Crisis Begin in the Developing World?
Malaysian economist Jomo Kwame Sundaramk argues that the central banks of the developed world created so much liquidity that flooded developing countries’ economies, and now any financial hiccup could cause severe problems for these economies

https://therealnews.com/stories/will-the-next-global-financial-crisis-begin-in-the-developing-world
—

Democracy Now!
Meet One of the Sex Assault Survivors Who Confronted Jeff Flake & Triggered FBI Probe of Kavanaugh

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/1/meet_one_of_the_sex_assault

Ex-Senate Aide: Judge Brett Kavanaugh Has Lied Every Time He Has Testified Under Oath

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/1/ex_senate_aide_judge_brett_kavanaugh

Kimberlé Crenshaw: How Society Embraces Male Denials, from Clarence Thomas to Brett Kavanaugh

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/10/1/kimberle_crenshaw_how_society_embraces_male

September 2018

9.28

“We’re F*cking Fed Up!”: This Survivor’s Impromptu Speech Against Kavanaugh Outside Susan Collins’ Office Says It All
“Every woman has met one of these Kavanaughs—in high school, in college, in business, it has affected all of our lives and you know what, we’re fucking fed up with it!”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/09/28/irreverent-sexual-assault-survivors-impromptu-speech-against-kavanaugh-outside-susan

As Flake Demands One-Week Delay, Warnings That Key Senators Could Use FBI Probe as ‘Political Cover’ to Confirm Kavanaugh
“Of course there should be an FBI investigation,” says Sen. Chris Murphy. “But whatever they find doesn’t change the fact that Kavanaugh… is the most dangerous Supreme Court pick of our lifetime.”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Whitewashing the black robes

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/09/28/flake-demands-one-week-delay-warnings-key-senators-could-use-fbi-probe-political

The ‘Burn It All Down’ Approach: Trump Uses Dire Warming Predictions to Justify Increasing Emissions
“The amazing thing they’re saying is human activities are going to lead to this rise of carbon dioxide that is disastrous for the environment and society. And then they’re saying they’re not going to do anything about it”
by Jessica Corbett, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Rome burns while Nero fiddles faster

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/09/28/burn-it-all-down-approach-trump-uses-dire-warming-predictions-justify-increasing

What Brett Doesn’t Know: Ten Lessons From the Ford-Kavanaugh Hearings
It’s fairly obvious that Kavanaugh cannot be trusted, but there’s more to it than that
by Kristine Mattis

https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/09/28/what-brett-doesnt-know-ten-lesson-ford-kavanaugh-hearings
—

The Real News Network
Right-Wing Eastern European States Honor Nazi-Collaborating Fascists as Anti-Communist ‘Heroes’ (1/2)
Far-right governments in Eastern Europe are rehabilitating past Nazi collaborators as national heroes, rewriting the history of the Holocaust to turn the Soviet Union into the villain. Historian Dovid Katz explains how the fascist-apologist “double genocide” myth is spreading

https://therealnews.com/stories/right-wing-eastern-european-states-honor-nazi-collaborating-fascists-as-anti-communist-heroes-pt-1-2

Eastern Europe’s Far Right Rewriting History of Nazi Holocaust (2/2)

*Katz is sadly engaging in another form of revisionism with his romanticized view of “great Western democracies”. Those paragons of virtue have always colluded with and enabled fascism when it suited their purposes, and today is no different, as they seek to surround Russia with NATO beachheads in the name of protecting these countries from “Russian aggression”.

Putin’s gummint is a nasty business, although to believe every lurid tale of its vileness is the very definition of geopolitical naiveté. But you don’t have to be an apologist for it to oppose a redux of the Cold War, with its potentially catastrophic consequences, do you?

https://therealnews.com/stories/eastern-europes-far-right-rewriting-history-of-nazi-holocaust-pt-2-2

Kavanaugh Hearings: Toxic Masculinity is ‘Endemic’ to the Far Right
Henry Giroux says Professor Christine Blasey Ford’s sexual assault allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh betrays the kind of “anti-women and anti-just policies” that the fascistic far-right want to usher in

https://therealnews.com/stories/kavanaugh-hearings-toxic-masculinity-is-endemic-to-the-far-right
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Kavanaugh Coverups

http://accuracy.org/release/kavanaugh-coverups
—

FAIR
Washington Post Shows How Not to Talk About Free Speech
by Gregory Shupak

*Meanwhile, the Bezos empire is an exemplar of free speech and association

https://tinyurl.com/ybcdb2fb

https://fair.org/home/washington-post-shows-how-not-to-talk-about-free-speech

9.27

In Stark Contrast to Ford’s Measured Appearance, Kavanaugh Falls Apart With ‘Rage, Terror, and Fear’ on National TV
“This is the face of a man who is facing consequences for his actions for the first time in his life. At age 53.”
by Julia Conley, staff writer
Common Dreams

*Learning from the master

When all else fails, throw a tantrum.

(Well, for Killer Clown, it’s usually sooner than later)

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/09/27/stark-contrast-fords-measured-appearance-kavanaugh-falls-apart-rage-terror-and-fear

‘Unions Are Lying, Cheating Rats’: Leaked Video Reveals Amazon’s Belligerent Anti-Worker Tactics
“Jeff Bezos is a villain, plain and simple. His insane fortune is the grotesque manifestation of workplace oppression.”
by Jake Johnson, staff writer
Common Dreams

*”[N]ot neutral … “

Fifth gear

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/09/27/unions-are-lying-cheating-rats-leaked-video-reveals-amazons-belligerent-anti-worker
—

Center for Biological Diversity
Reviews of Glyphosate’s Cancer Risk Failed to Fully Disclose Monsanto’s Role
Publisher requests corrections of studies that contradicted World Health Organization findings

*The best lies money can buy

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/09/27/reviews-glyphosates-cancer-risk-failed-fully-disclose-monsantos-role
—

The Real News Network
In a blatant reversal of Obamacare policy of adding people to Medicaid, the Trump administration is allowing states to kick them off Medicaid by imposing new requirements to receive benefits

https://therealnews.com/stories/trump-administration-allowing-states-to-kick-people-off-medicaid

US Government Setting the Terms for Argentina’s Bailout?
In a rare admission, Trump’s economic advisor Larry Kudlow admits to the US government’s involvement in bailing out Argentina, even though officially it is the International Monetary Fund that is behind the deal. We speak to CEPR’s Mark Weisbrot about the implications

https://therealnews.com/stories/us-government-setting-the-terms-for-argentinas-bailout

Johns Hopkins Graduate Students Launch Union Campaign
The students say they are fighting for better working conditions and better compensation, and were joined by nurses who are seeking to unionize Johns Hopkins Hospital

https://therealnews.com/stories/johns-hopkins-graduate-students-launch-union-campaign
—

Democracy Now!
Trump Threatens Venezuela with New Sanctions Even as It Faces Economic & Humanitarian Crisis

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/27/trump_threatens_venezuela_with_new_sanctions

9.26

The Real News Network
Israel’s Two-Tiered Legal System: Apartheid is Not Hidden Anymore
Diana Buttu explains the connection between the cancellation of parole committees for Palestinian prisoners, and the court which used the Law of the Nation to rule for extra compensation for Jews

https://therealnews.com/stories/israels-two-tiered-legal-system-apartheid-is-not-hidden-anymore

Climate Activists Target World’s Largest Asset Manager
BlackRock manages over $6 trillion in assets. It claims to be environmentally conscious, but activists say it contributes more to climate change than almost any other company on Earth

*A “better capitalism” is but a band aid on a wound that will never heal

https://therealnews.com/stories/blackrock-asset-management-faces-fossil-fuel-divestment-campaign

Ending Inequality!? What Does Real Equality Look Like?
Nation Senior Editor Atossa Araxia Abrahamian wrote a lead article, ‘The Inequality Industry,’ which takes a deep dive into its history, the present political struggle and the future

*What’s not addressed here (or rarely anywhere else) is what I see as the key questions we as a society, nationally and globally, have to ask

Should anyone have the power to decide the fate of others? Is an economic system that’s predicated upon working *for* others, rather than *with* others, perforce an unequal and exploitative one? Is wealth for some inevitably at the expense of the many?

If we believe that each of us is entitled to live a life of dignity, the answers to the above are clear, to my mind, as is their avoidance in most every “progressive” circle.

https://therealnews.com/stories/ending-inequality-what-does-real-equality-look-like
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Is Kavanaugh a War Criminal?

http://accuracy.org/release/is-kavanaugh-a-war-criminal
—

Democracy Now!
World Laughs at Trump as He Boasts About Himself in U.N. Address Threatening Iran, Venezuela

*Standup tragedy

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/26/world_laughs_at_trump_as_he

9.25

Beyond Neonics: New Study Shows Glyphosate Also Major Threat to World’s Honey Bee Population
“We need better guidelines for glyphosate use, especially regarding bee exposure, because right now the guidelines assume bees are not harmed by the herbicide. Our study shows that’s not true.”
by Jon Queally, staff writer
Common Dreams

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/09/25/beyond-neonics-new-study-shows-glyphosate-also-major-threat-worlds-honey-bee
—

Center for Food Safety
Court Shuts Down Offshore Aquaculture in Gulf of Mexico
Fishing and public interest groups stop unprecedented industrial aquaculture program

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/09/25/court-shuts-down-offshore-aquaculture-gulf-mexico

Center for Biological Diversity
EPA Watchdog: ‘Emergency’ Pesticide Approval Process Is Flawed
Pesticides commonly approved without demonstrated safety

*Environmental Pretension Agency

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/09/25/epa-watchdog-emergency-pesticide-approval-process-flawed

Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS)
Analysis of Water Contamination at Military Sites Finds Health Risks Due to Toxic Chemicals Worse than Thought
Federal government must act to inform and protect military families, nearby communities

https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2018/09/25/analysis-water-contamination-military-sites-finds-health-risks-due-toxic
—

FAIR
Facebook’s New Propaganda Partners
by Alan MacLeod

*”How many foxes does it take to guard a hen house?” is no joke

https://fair.org/home/facebooks-new-propaganda-partners
—

Democracy Now!
#MeToo Founder Tarana Burke on Sexual Assault Allegations Against Kavanaugh: “We Believe Survivors”

*It’s more a matter of Collins and Murkowski taking “very seriously” how they’re perceived to be reacting to these allegations, don’t you think?

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/25/metoo_founder_tarana_burke_on_sexual

Naomi Klein: A Year After Hurricane Maria, There Is Nothing Natural About Puerto Rico’s Disaster

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/25/naomi_klein_a_year_after_hurricane

9.24

Ten Years After Not One High-Level Banker Sent to Jail for Tanking Global Economy, This Man Gets 20 Years in Prison for Stealing Cigarettes
This is America
by Jon Queally, staff writer
Common Dreams

*What if those banksters (and the pols who enabled them) would serve approximately 3.65 days in prison for each life they destroyed?

https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/09/24/ten-years-after-not-one-high-level-banker-sent-jail-tanking-global-economy-man-gets
—

The Real News Network
Brazil’s Historic Presidential Election: Left and Right Have Equal Chance of Winning
Now that frontrunner Lula da Silva of the Workers Party has been eliminated from the presidential race, his running mate, Fernando Haddad and far-right Jair Bolsonaro look likely to make the run-off after the first round vote on October 7th

https://therealnews.com/stories/brazils-historic-presidential-election-left-and-right-have-equal-chance-of-winning

Is a New Global Financial Crisis Imminent?
Economists Mark Weisbrot and Gerald Epstein face off to discuss whether 10 years after the Lehman Brothers collapse and the Great Recession of 2008 we are about to see another major financial crisis

*For the exploited, capitalism is always in a state of crisis

https://therealnews.com/stories/is-a-new-global-financial-crisis-imminent
—

Institute for Public Accuracy
Trump at the UN and the “P1”

http://accuracy.org/release/trump-at-the-un-and-the-p1
—

Democracy Now!
Report: Senate Aides Knew of Second Kavanaugh Sexual Assault Claim & Tried to Rush His Confirmation

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/24/report_senate_aides_knew_of_second

“Survivors Must Be Heard”: 1,100 Alumnae of Dr. Blasey Ford’s H.S. Demand FBI Investigate Kavanaugh

*”Boys will be boys”

That’s not an excuse

That’s a fearsome reality

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/24/survivors_must_be_heard_1_100

Dr. Barbara Ransby: What the Defamation of Anita Hill Can Teach Us About the Kavanaugh Hearings

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/24/dr_barbara_ransby_what_the_defamation

Dr. Barbara Ransby: 27 Years After Attacks on Anita Hill, Patriarchy & Misogyny Are “Alive and Well”

*Biden is Madame Mayhem in drag, and I dearly hope his “errors” here lead to his “getting it” in the ass should be make a run for the White House.

https://www.democracynow.org/2018/9/24/dr_barbara_ransby_27_years_after

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

https://www.facebook.com/Fightfor15/photos/a.591503887546999/2114544855242887

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

https://www.facebook.com/unlikelysource/posts/1877592475662519
—

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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