There is literally nowhere left to turn. All of it is irretrievably corrupted.
My best work is going to be to create peace and contentment in my home, in my neighborhood, in my community, in my family, in my interactions, and let the balloon spread from there to everything I view.
Millions of people doing this will create a world we can be proud of and happy in.
There is not enough corrupted power in the world to overcome that.
What we resist, persists.
Where we place our attention is what we are guaranteed to get more of.
Unfortunately, propaganda & mass social media moves more and more people away from this idea. For many, their very identity is defined by national politics and this is a sad reality.
I can count myself among those who identified with it all as an "American Citizen" until I realized that I don't need to do so.
These people and institutions do not represent me, and I hold no responsibility for what they are creating, only for what I am creating in my own life.
The sad reality is that good people have abandoned "national politics" and that has created. a vacuum that will enable the cultural and political fascists to consolidate power in a fascists government.
People need to get off their keyboard and out of their private gardens and out in the street.
bill wolfe: I'm sure my name is on a list. They know where I am when they want to come get me. After the past 3+ years of Crazy Covid Crap here in Sonoma County I've learned that the government bastards around here are capable of anything. They don't listen to me. 83% of the people here are with the State and against me.
Regarding "the cultural and political fascists to consolidate power in a fascists government...,'' has this not already occurred?
In fact, has this not ALWAYS been the case since the inception of our government?
I would argue that it has.
We are not going to stop this or change it by opposing it. It's already all been leveraged. Any attempt to oppose it, regardless of intention or action is corrupted by bad actors who will turn "peaceful" protests into riots. Will turn "concerned citizens" into criminals.
If you want to do this, then let's just cut to the chase and stop paying taxes. But we DON'T do that out of fear of consequences. And in fact, I would say that getting "out in the street" actually serves the system's interest with our participation in the illusion of controlled opposition - not particularly different than the two-party system. It makes it "appear" that we have a say, that there is a choice, that we can change it through opposition. In reality, there is nothing that is going to change through these methods.
I would say that the only thing that will change it is to stop participating... stop making it and them important. And start making important each and every individual. That starts at home. That starts in our community.
I have great compassion for us, and I acknowledge our frustration. And given my druthers, I would smash the system to bits. But this is not the way. It's leveraged and it plays right into it. There MUST be another way.
If you really believe local and individual solitons are the way, why would billionaires and corporations act collectively (as a class) and structurally and on national and global scales and institutions?
They know how to exercise power. Most people don't.
I understand what you're getting at, and if I thought that logic and reason was all there was to it, I would definitely agree with you. It makes perfect sense.
However, for my purposes, I also am incorporating other factors that you likely are not. One is Consciousness as a energy, and the other is the power of self-aware individuals to bring about change by creating change within themselves -- in essence, creating their own reality which then burgeons into the mass expression.
Class war, so to speak, is the old way. Pushing energy is the old way. There is a new age upon us based in the importance and power of the individual.
And yet, it isn't individualism or hedonism or nihilism in the old sense of those concepts.
It actually is based on a cooperative, collaborative model which is not dependent on bringing all groups to the table. It circumvents reason and logic and moves into the area of trust.
I understand that it may sound laughable or that's what got us into this mess in the first place. But I assure you, we are not in Kansas anymore. There are other factors at play that are different than anything mankind has encountered in the past.
I'm not trying to convince you. Only let you know where I'm coming from when what I am suggesting sounds like lunacy. There is more going on now than meets the eye.
Your tax revolt (Thoreau) targets government as the source of the problem and sees power as coming from individuals acting based on market exchange power.
I see people as social animals and citizens and collective action the solution to attacking Corporate power via democratically leveraging government power.
Class based analysis/organizing and collective democratic power are the way.
Hopelessness and individualism/identity/hedonism/private market consumers are no way.
Since everything is interconnected it seems that all of the above will come into play since it will require a collaboration of forces and effects within all systems.
People need to stop supporting nationalism, full stop. We live in a global society. Nationalism divides people, results in wars, and cannot solve global problems like climate change and pandemics.
"War-horny": what a great compound adjective. As a young kid, the little boys in my neighborhood were WWII horny (no hyphenation as a predicate compound adjective, I was taught by the nuns who were war horny against the devil because he represented sin and non-Catholic heathens). As a teenager, Commies comin' to git us, take our stuff, terrific war horniness as the prospect of a possession-pauperized life loomed amid the wealth I observed around me. Then with Vietnam came the genuine realization that the war horniness deeply inculcated in my tissues was actually coming from my own criminal government as it tried to morph me from a grad student into a lump of cannon fodder. Ever since, there has never been a single nanosecond of doubt in my mind from whence the war horniness derives and who are its madams and its hookers. USA! USA!
Not only has peace been sabotaged, but the 2014 coup was a suspension of peaceful coexistence in favor of instrumental violence and war. It’s a pity that the Ukrainians who understand this have been silenced, killed or forced to flee. What immense injustice America dispenses routinely.
"It follows that Australia is actually allied with the US to protect itself from what the US would do if it wasn’t."
This is precisely the view of policy expert John Mearsheimer. He said so during a lecture in Australia. Hear for yourself at https://www.youtube.com/shorts/UXXs763O2BQ. It's like getting beaten up by a heavyweight boxer.
Don't forget the very threat Blinken Winken and Nod said to them! He stated outright that the US would not be nice if Australia did not do what they were told to do.
Maybe they've seen how quickly a popular Australian politician's career can be destroyed by certain USA departments/agencies if they prioritize Australia's interests over those of USA MIC and won't just "go along to get along"?
Timmy Taes: Is what Brevette Pfc. Billy Masterson said 👆 clear and detailed enough for you? Did it have to be deciphered this much for the supposed street-smart old fart like yourself?
russian_bot: Brevette Pfc. has plenty of plausible theories as to why the politicians in Canberra follow the orders from DC. I figured as much. I like corroboration of theories. Don't you? My guess is that all of the theories/reasons for Canberra to be DC's poodle apply.
No. The USA saved Australia from Japan in WWII. A possible threat could be, if you don't help us now then when China attacks you we won't help you again.
The USA can also send billions of dollars of military spending Australia's way. The authorities will surely get a goodly share of that. In the words of Hillary Clinton, "carrot and stick."
China is Australia's biggest trading partner. China is also the USA's biggest trading partner at 18% of imports. Weird, eh? The trade relations of neoliberal globalism were supposed to prevent war. It seemed to be working too until the USA decided to screw it all up.
Patrick Powers: The Japanese never intended to invade Australia in WWII. The Japs knew that they didn't have the manpower to occupy Australia. The Allies knew this fact, including the Aussie government, because the British had broken the Jap Naval codes.
The Aussie government made a conscious decision to hide this fact from Australians in WWII to "keep up morale" in the war.
People still believe the WWII propaganda.
Your reason about the billions in military aid sent to Australia makes sense. Money talks.
That's irrelevant since Blinken told them outright "you are either with us against China or you are against us". Does that give you the details? There is a video of this look for it.
CarbonCopy: I remember the Blinken statement. Madness in my opinion. China's actions seem to prove that they are interested in trade and not war.
Of course the Chinese did conquer Tibet and are persecuting the Uyghurs. The Chinese will attack their borderlands just like the Russians have done. But I'm sure Australia, NZ, and Hawaii are safe. The Chinese don't have an ocean going Navy of any size.
His point was (here's that pronoun again) - as I understood it - that Australia would regret not being a US poodle one way or another. The US will make it dependent if it's not yet.
Americans are fed a stream of propaganda daily while their minds are diverted to Hollywood multi-million dollar divorces and the sex lives of their not-so-honorable Congressmen. The capacity for critical thinking has been hijacked by the Media and their corporate masters. Even a hard-hitting program like 60 minutes has degenerated into a milk-toast broadcast dwelling on trivial issues. Our presidential debates are laughably empty of content and full of sophomoric bravado. How many more "lesser of two evils" periods can the nation survive??
Stop watching television. I got rid of mine 11 years ago. I get all my news from independent media from all over the world. We must be internationalists or die.
The greatest "crime" of the moment is all the people dying and suffering debilitating medical issues from government-created and mandated non-"vaccines." You could throw in the unnecessary lockdowns that killed or injured countless people plus all the iatrogenic deaths created by the false panic and changed medical "protocols."
The inflation and impending economic catastrophe will end up killing and injuring more world citizens than the above government-created Covid "mitigation" responses.
The above also cemented the control of the Censorship Industrial Complex, which will make sure future scandals are NOT exposed .... which will greatly improve the chances future totalitarian "solutions" are fully implemented ... and cause even more misery.
Poisoned food resulting in a figure of 30% prediabetes and diabetes and other debilitating illness due to the FDA and dept of agriculture and CDC failure to monitor, regulate and report to consumers. And the medical community and pharmaceutical s reaping the rewards.
EPA approval of toxic chemicals and lack of regulation and monitoring. EPA fines which are cheaper to pay than legally disposing of them.
Rapidly rising homeless population resulting in death by freezing, malnutrition, and lack of adequate medical care- state sanctioned murder in essence.
I have been asking Caitlin to examine the propaganda that I am sure is being spread to foment hate for the homeless. As she says here: "it's kind of a vibe that [I know] is happening but... can't really say how." She is much better at digging out propaganda than I am.
It's not Caitlins fault for not doing anything. She is in Australia for first off.
All anyone needs to do is critically examine the media reports on the homeless and it's obvious what's going on. They have been conveniently labeled by government as being drug addicts or mentally ill (and DANGEROUS). The media simply takes what the government says and reports it. I have not heard a journalist interviewing more than a few homeless people (2 or 3) who are carefully chosen by the journalist and reported on (Hawaii Public Radio for one in particular). The "SWEEPS" by the police are unconstitutional and a means of keeping them under control by not letting them organize. In one city a citizen group purchased a plot of land and established a homeless community. The city promptly bulldozed it destroying everyone's belongings and putting them back out on the street. The reason was it violated codes. There was no drug use or crime reported.
In Hawaii given the climate, tent cities could be established for what the government pays the police for doing a single "sweep". That word alone implies that the people are dirt. Subtle but effective.
Here in Hawaii a cop came up with a brilliant solution for the homeless. He said that they would feel better if they were to pick up trash for no pay. But if they did enough they could get a free plane ride to the mainland. It was county approved and a date scheduled. No one showed up. State sponsored slavery. Oh, and the comments I read in the paper thought it was a wonderful idea. Including all our honorable Elected officials and NPR Hawaii. Not once has been mentioned the housing situation because the realtors are making so much money. No rent control so the landlord can charge half the mortgage for a room and charge extra for electric and gas.
But since there are only half a million homeless it's not really a big problem. Just keep in mind that they like it and they are dangerous mentally ill drug addicts living in their cars or on the street with the kids and it's their own fault. We have to trust our honorable Elected officials because they would NEVER LIE.
And as the bottom line
It's the greedy selfish narcissist people who are causing it because they can.
I’m not sure there’s enough evidence to claim broad injury. How to prove it wasn’t Covid? Plausible deniability. However, the lock down impact was very clearly damaging. The erosion of our rights was very clear.
I don't think any neutral and fair-minded observer would deny that there's been a massive spike in "excess deaths" since the vaccine roll-outs. Is the narrative that all or most of these deaths were belatedly caused by "Covid?" - After the vaccines to prevent deaths and severe cases? We've had a massive spike in excess deaths caused by ... "long Covid?" I don't know if that theory is very convincing.
It always helps to NOT investigate things that might not fit the official narrative. So if there's millions of possible vaccine injuries and deaths how many of these injuries and deaths have actually been legitimately investigated? Maybe 20?
Well written and thought provoking and I AGREE almost 100%.
On China, and Humanity World Wide, there Obviously are those amongst us that seek Power and Wealth to the Exclusion of others. To go Communist or Corporist or NWO or whatever "Ism" isn't a Solution. Seeking to better one's survival via increased wealth isn't Evil, It's the Exclusion of the Opportunity to Others that is Evil. Keeping everyone "Equal" by Law is Equally Evil as those Doing the Equalizing are the "New Boss, same as the Old Boss". Has anyone ever read the book "Animal Farm"???
As far as China, let's focus on their Rulers, the ChiComs, sElected by their Commissars, not all that different from this USSA, just the terminology.
Chinese History shows it is Dominant via the Vassal State System by Bribes of Foreign Leaders and Economics as more Effective Control than Kinetic War. Smart, but with the same Goals as Rome, Great Britain, or the USA-(USSA in my opinion)
I don't think We/Me/You will like living under any further NWO ChiCom Domination. But I do agree that Reform starts here at home. Then what and how is another big discussion. I would suggest a pruning of the Feral Gov (and State Govs) back to Basics, a Constitutional Republic where people are Free to "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.
There is No Utopia on Earth, Freedom doesn't mean to Dominate Others who may have other Life Pursuits. I never equated Individual Wealth with Happiness, but neither is Pervasive Poverty a noble goal, imo. If the Individual is Suppressed, the Society Suffers as well. Venezuela is a prime example.
I wish the best for everyone to live peaceful, productive lives. Conducting themselves accordingly.
The UN NWO is already Invading the USA over it's Southern Borderless Area. Blue UN Helmets make excellent targets for America's Deer Hunters at distance.
Each country must Handle it's Own problems internally, That I agree with you on.
Gnuneo: That's the big question isn't it? Will the US Army attack Americans? They have in the past. The WWI Bonus Army in DC and the Coal Wars and the Draft Riots in NYC during the Civil War.
Gnuneo: Yes, Shay's Rebellion was the first instance of the Army going after Americans. I just read up on the Shay's Rebellion. Interesting that the rebellion led to the US Constitution. So even in 1787 the country was dividing up between Jeffersonians and Hamiltons.
I'd much rather destroy power and shatter the shitty little theater in which you're play-acting your supremacy and your infantile narratives of conquest, and destroy your ability to waste any part of anyone else's life on your dramas.
Only slaves and slavers want power to exist at all. Which one are you?
You wanted the original Constitution back. Leaving many other questions aside, I would presume that you are also asking for a society that supports aristocratic relations, mainly, a restricted franchise dependent on a theory of property creation that is no longer practical or useful (homestead claims).
Still, if everyone had a home, and everyone OWNED their home (As in Gadhaffi's Libya), and that was the LAW, then the 'homesteading' wouldn't be so bad. It would be universal suffrage with knobs on. One less Rentier mob to worry about, AND a much needed weakening of the Bankster rentiers too!
"That was the LAW" skeeves me out because who exactly is bound by this idealistic dictate is unclear.
Now we have to ask about what "having" a home vs. "owning" a home means, on what basis a society shall issue homes or recognize "ownership" or recognize residents as "persons", what sort of market (if any) there will be in dwellings, what sort of class systems we are constructing within the home (as they will be reproduced in adult social life), what of people who change jobs, irreconcilable differences, family splits, etc.
Unfortunately, I predict that the answers to these questions will call to reenact English Puritanism, which does nothing well but multiply and destroy.
i think your opinions are, let's say, 'ill-informed' (e.g. 'china's ruling class is the 'problem'', 'venezuela is a prime example') and underestimate the sophistication of empire's propaganda machine. who benefits from the opnions you espouse? a more radical approach is needed, imo.
Caitlin - really surprised and disappointed that you followed the corporate media and Democrats in focusing on the Jan 6 riot and totally missing the real Trump crimes.
The Jan. 6 farce - what you also incorrectly called an "insurrection" - was not Trump's crime. It was planning a coup. It was cheating and lying and conducting a conspiracy to reverse the electoral college votes. Read the indictment - it's all written down in the Eastman Memo and the "Wisconsin Memo". Republicans have implemented that strategy in dozens of State's and laid the foundation for '24 electoral thefts.
These are not trivial partisan matters.
When taken in the context of the rising right wing Christian Nationalist fascist cultural movement Trump is a symptom of, we risk actual consolidation of Fascist politics and government. WAKE UP!
bill wolfe: I am sick and tired of hearing about Trump and this "insurrection" on January 6th. The only person killed that day was Ashli Babbit. She was unarmed, weighed about 104 pounds, and was shot point blank by Capitol Hill Police Officer Byrd. Byrd was a large man who could have easily taken Babbitt into custody instead of killing her.
Ever since Trump came down that damn elevator at Trump Tower in 2015? I've had to listen to Trump news, opinions, tweets, rallies, ... the jerk is on the news constantly.
The Democrats can't make this argument (about the delay objective of the Jan. 6 riot) because it would undermine the legal basis of the indictments regarding Trump's criminal intent, in that it would support the notion that Trump truly believed in his lawyers' legal arguments and was seeking a legal over-ruling of the election results.
But this is what really happened. If you Google, you will find quotes from Clarence Thomas' wife even bragging that this was the strategy and that they had filed a brief to the Supreme Court that was in possession of Justice Alito, who pocketed it after the riot failed.
bill wolfe: I'm sure what you right is true. The problem as I see it is that nothing changes no matter who is President so I don't care if Biden or Trump or Hillary or Harris is President. The Big Boys run DC not the President. It's all a show to distract people from what is really going on. Nuclear war is closer than it has been since the Cuban Missile Crisis.
The "insurrection" was a riot designed to delay congressional certification of the electoral college vote. Trump wanted delay so he could convince a Republican state to reject certification and/or the Supreme Court to hear the case that Eastman's legal theory asserted.
The far bigger crime was the coup strategy. Thankfully, while that has not gotten the Dems or news focus, it is in the indictment. Ralph Nader argues that the DoJ could go further and seek insurrection charges. I agree.
bill wolfe: I just want Trump and this insurrection business to go away. And let the protesters out of jail. They've suffered enough. It's not like the Capitol was set on fire or blown up. No grenades or rifles were used.
The Democrats can't make this argument because it would undermine the legal basis of the indictments regarding Trump's criminal intent, in that it would support the notion that Trump truly believed in his lawyers' legal arguments and was seeking a legal over-ruling of the election results.
But this is what really happened. If you Google, you will find quotes from Clarence Thomas' wife even bragging that this was the strategy and that they had filed a brief to the Supreme Court that was in possession of Justice Alito, who pocketed it after the riot failed.
I read the indictments and didn't see how this will doing anything but elect Trump. The only possible crime other than speech COULD be IF Trump pressured the Sec. of State to change ballots. Requesting a look into 11,000 votes has already been illegal, Bush , Florida. As much as I consider Trump part of the problem this will only make him President again. West 24
You are lying. Trump did not "request a look into" votes. In George, Trump demanded that SoS "find" 11,780 votes 9the margin to win) and threaten legal retaliation if that was not done.
From your political perspective, which I disagree with because it elevates partisan plots above the Constitution, the way to not promote Trump's election is prosecution for insurrection. Ralph Nader explains how to do that here:
When you talk like that to someone it means you DON'T want discussion. We shall see. I could care less which do nothing party wins. I will vote for Cornel , the only person against war, pro worker, education and healthcare. This will play out as with the Russiagate hoax. The Democant's could easily have impeached Trump for financial fraud however they would have all had to go to prison because they are all criminals minus the few.
Once a critical mass is in the streets, and the government has lost legitimacy, there is a tipping point and the police stand down or they join the protesters - and the government falls.
It doesn't take that much - a few hundred thousands in the streets of the largest cities, shutting down the economy, until the government surrenders. Think of Occupy Wall Street, times 1000 - or the Vietnam and recent women's marches, but sustained for weeks..
Yes, and the various militia's and bikers and NRA and related heavily armed gun nuts.
That's the point: we're on the edge and it can go either way. That makes it all the more important not to abdicate and allow the fascists to consolidate power.
Of course they don't care about his real crimes, because they are complicit with them. The bias of news media that supports US foreign policy objects is akin to saying drug commercials promoted by the pharmaceutical industry are to the benefit of said companies. Ideally, journalism is unbiased and objective, but there is little money in it(I am glad you are hanging in there)
It is also like that meme where it highlights the United States and then a foreign country where US freedoms are apparently, then the confused guy asking "How did my freedoms get over there?" Yes, national security pertains to within the US only, logically, yet we are acting internationally against many countries yet not a single one has made an attack against the US. Neither China nor Russia want war with the US, Putin has been in power for decades...People forget the 2014 issue with the Ukraine(you brought that up though) saying how it was a much smaller deal than now. Yep, we had little foreign policy interest in it.
So there was an insurrection January 6th? Where was our military defending Capitol Hill? Why were they allowed to peacefully walk away? What is the real evidence of a plot to committ crimes against the country? These weren't people trying to overthrow the US government, these were people acting like children...A group of poorly organized people managed to bypass the security measures? Really? Whose the mastermind that orchestated this? lol
National security is ultimately the security of dollar-denominated debt and the right to command on account of that debt. The whole world of "Politics" is no different from any other political-religious theatric which anthropologists have observed (cf. AOC "the People's House is sacred"), and every bit as mythical (i.e. delusional).
You are right going back to the first city states of the Sumerians or those of Turkey like Golbeki Tepe or Katyl Huyuk etc. When you have international affairs regarding currency, it becomes a competition to screw over other countries for profit. You know our various trade agreements like NAFTA...I am an atheist secular humanist and really find religious influence in government a problem, because without secularism, no one is fairly represented. Yet I don't think people will fully abandon their delusions.
The republic exists to hold the Great and the Small together in enforced Unity. That total relation doesn't need to exist; in fact, almost every atrocity over the past 2500 years is a consequence of it. We can scuttle it as easily as the Classicals were dragged into it: hard, but possible.
The taste for delusions is acquired. Some societies get them, some do not. It's become apparent that the love for heroic drama (and the arts of lying, wastes of material wealth, inherited debts and performances, etc.) was particular to certain kinds of rural cultures, whose epic aesthetics recombined with the religious bureaucracies of the time, much like the "alt-right" of today. Steve Bannon isn't "evil", he's just participating in a historical process that heroic tradition "needs" in order to exist. But not everything needs to exist, in fact, there is no such thing as a need to exist. There are only consequences and predicates foregone.
There really isn't a reason to have heroic ideologies anymore or to let them run free-range in the streets, not just because the material bases for them have been subverted, but because they are all the same argument for spectacle as Truth. We're much better off with sortition than with any system that allows for cosmic drama.
You have no idea if Gobekli Tepe represents the beginning of political leadership. It was well known that many cultures in the Neolithic had no need for centralized government. But I can see why you wouldn’t know since you are a secular humanist. Gobekli Tepe has the first written word in history, and it is the word God. (H)
Fair point, there were many cultures in the neolithic that had no need for centralized government. That's true, my knowledge merely comes from some archaeological analysis that have been done and of course that is subject to change upon new evidence if found. It having the first written word is debatable, that of god would be as well. Should scientists draw such a conclusion from the evidence they have, that would be great. Yet it is quite possible language developed earlier than that.
I interact with a lot of Trump supporters, and I can tell you that many of them did NOT support Trump's wars or treatment of Assange. They saw this as Trump bowing to the Deep State. Trump does have a very loyal base who would support his every move, but that's not the majority of Trump voters, who simply see him as the only way to strike back at the Regime. And when the media did a sudden 180, calling Trump "presidential" for having bombed the Syrian airport, everyone noticed who was pulling the strings on that one.
How did they feel about Trump's moves to install corporate and industry lobbyists as head of federal agencies whose mission is to protect public lands, wildlife, and air and water quality?
Was he draining the swamp and protecting the American heartland and abandoned communities with those moves? Was he supporting hunters and fishermen?
If not for RFK jr’s naively one sided position on Israel/Palestine, I’d bet he would take > 70% of Trumps votes and > 50% of Biden votes. Laptop libs & corporatists will stick with Biden. Mean assholes will stick with Trump.
Trump vetoed attempts to stop the Yemen war being waged by US ally Saudi Arabia, which the US under Trump supported vigorously with arms and US military logistics - while Trump was president. The Syrian illegal occupation continued under Trump with continued bombing in Syria, and Trump also increased the number of bombs and drones strikes (world wide) over Obama's previous administration - which was considerable, since Obama dropped so many bombs US Air Force generals told him we were running out of bombs. The assassination of Iran's top military leader was an act of war - but the Iranians didn't take the bait.
Yet Trump had to be Ousted in a Deep Statist sElection Coup and Obama/Clintoon could Continue the Bushie NWO Wars of Blood & Conquest.
ISIS sponsored by CiA's McShame, Brennan, with Obamy Approval.
Trump Ended ISIS, kept DoDfrom expanding Syria into another Iraq, and Wants to End War in Ukraine opposed by NeoCon rinoRats & Bolshevik democRats.
Iran is complicated like most countries, but it used to be "Diversified" which I thought was supposed to be "Good". Now it's just an Islamic Dictatorship .... as IS Every (?) Muslim Dominated Country??? Salimani was our "Terrorist" but an Islamic "Patriot" . Potato/Potatoe.
I'm guessing you probably wouldn't like being forced to wear a burka. Some Iranians are "Dying" to Be Free, just saying.
"Trump vetoed attempts to stop the Yemen war being waged by US ally Saudi Arabia" That was quite something. Since Congress has the constitutional power to declare war it seems to me it should have the constitutional power to stop a war. (Can the president legally veto a declaration of war?)
I will say though that compared with the other 21st century presidents Trump seems like a bearded peacenik festooned with love beads. The way I see it his actions are random. That beats being consistently evil.
There is much more about Trump I can go on about, including imprisoning Assange and providing huge tax breaks for the obscenely wealthy in the US - which is another type of war against ordinary Americans - and poverty is the worst type of violence against human beings.
I do not see Trump as any kind of savior of the US. I do believe Jan 6th was an inside job by the deep state - that was far from any kind of so-called armed insurrection. And I even believe Trump may have encouraged the protest to some degree. But do I see Trump as any different than say Bill Clinton? Both flew on the Lolita Express multiple times with Jeffrey Epstein. Both are phony populists who once they gained power, did more harm to ordinary working Americans than most realize. Both played golf on the golf courses together as the wealth transfer continued unabated among the American populace.
Biden Economy IS Recession heading into Depression
Enjoy!!!
btw, Trump kicked Epstein Out Mar a Lago CC, Clintoon got Frequent Flyer miles on Epstein's Lolita Express, even Hilarity flew to the Island for the Kiddie Deserts.
What's wrong with America First??? After the NWO Bushies, Clintoons, Obamaites deindustrialized and sent the midwest especially into the economic doldrums. democRats Lost their Blue Collar voters..... so much for their "worker paradise".
You know GenEarly - I used to think of Obama the way you think of Trump right now. I even voted for him the first time he ran. I also used to think of Bernie Sanders the way you think of Trump - until he obviously betrayed his supporters and everything he said he was for - since he dropped out of the presidential races.
So I understand your delusion about Trump. And there is not much I can do to convince you that Trump is not the "God Hero" you think he is.
Another good article. While I am not necessarily the intended audience, because I see what it is you do, I think one issue too many people have is they do not recognize the role "national security state" plays/has on the reality of politics and ALL socioeconomic sectors. This includes Australia and other "countries " such as the USA. Of course permission wasn't publicly asked if they could put more intel apparatuses inside of Australia. Most likely there are hundreds of black sites all over Australia already for decades, telling us publicly about this one served some purpose we are not privy to. What is discussed in public is at best misrepresented, or misinformation, and one should not expect the general public to be actually involved in any discussion that really effects power. I know John Pilger has done significant work to show Australia's dark underbelly. All public discussions are either kayfabe or a consent building op to create legal pathways like regulatory capture. ( this is rampant with AI right now) . This understanding of course invalidates most public labels on economics such as capitalism, socialism, free market ( no such thing lol) et cetera as they do not include economic control based upon the national security state paradigm. The general public , mass society, lives in wonderland. Transparency is the beginning of every solution, which is why there currently is none, nor will there be any time soon.
Since The Five Eyes was created by the American government shortly after WWII, it has defined, embodied and manifested the core meaning of Global Bully. I suggest that the world's bully should be treated just like they are in MCU Hollywood movies - beaten to a pulp and put away in another universe for eons. The End.
No, it's a gross underestimation of the White Christian Nationalists and armed fascists that vomited up trump and are heavily armed and conspiring to consolidate their fascist culture and politics in governments local, state, and national.
I don't know if you could write on this but I moved abroad permanently from the US a few years ago. Initially we moved to a higher expat place but after witnessing their astoundingly toxic behavior towards locals we moved to a more locals place.
The contrast between the local culture vs gringo is immense. When I write down and reflect on my former life I relate a lot to the mistreated locals. I honestly feel that a few hundred years of brainwashing the colonizers in the US to commit the original atrocities to justify killing and taking the land of the natives has formed the foundation of their culture today.
Here are a few minor examples of obvious differences I've witnessed directly. We avoid expats now actively.
1. Locals listen well, even if they disagree they don't interrupt you or call you names. Free to express is valued here. Heck they even have towns and a state that told the govt to leave
Expats talk a lot about themselves, interrupt often, don't listen or respect differing opinions.
2. Locals are most incredibly patient
Expats are very impatient
3. Locals are curious about you, everyone likes to share and ask questions
Expats can't be bothered to learn the language. Many if their English is not understood they enunciate louder as if that helps. It borders on yelling at the local who sometimes is a Fing kid.
These barely scrape the surface. I honestly believe the toxic colonialist mindset roots are now being actively used on each other. I learned so much in 2 years just watching and comparing them to locals. They really are clueless and seem incapable of self reflection.
Ps because they grossly misunderstand the dog culture here they judge it. And some times they even "rescue" ie kidnap a local's dog!
Wish I could be less harsh but after seeing them here and the conflicts culturally with locals I totally get why it is such a toxic cesspool in the US
Lots of cagey, cogent irony in this article. Trump is the Distraction-in-Chief, magnetizing both Fakes, Left and Right, alike. Punch-drunk with Trump!--and never mind Biden, puppeteering the War Machine since he can't remember when...since he fell off his bike, or fell up some stairs, etc...
There are many Americans who care about Trumps indictments and dearly hope that our Justice System is working. That Trump will end up in prison where he belongs. Many past Presidents should be indicted for War Crimes, because their actions resulted in the loss of human life, not only our own militaries. Americans have been subjected to propaganda for years, but it got worse after 9/11, the idiots came out of the woodwork so to speak. Australians need to address their own governments lack of principles.
There is literally nowhere left to turn. All of it is irretrievably corrupted.
My best work is going to be to create peace and contentment in my home, in my neighborhood, in my community, in my family, in my interactions, and let the balloon spread from there to everything I view.
Millions of people doing this will create a world we can be proud of and happy in.
There is not enough corrupted power in the world to overcome that.
What we resist, persists.
Where we place our attention is what we are guaranteed to get more of.
I don't know how else to regard it all.
Unfortunately, propaganda & mass social media moves more and more people away from this idea. For many, their very identity is defined by national politics and this is a sad reality.
Without question...
I can count myself among those who identified with it all as an "American Citizen" until I realized that I don't need to do so.
These people and institutions do not represent me, and I hold no responsibility for what they are creating, only for what I am creating in my own life.
I grew up during Viet Nam so I learned that pretty early.
So did I but I did not escape that indoctrination. I bought in lock, stock and barrel.
And a lifetime of anger over what it did to my brother being Marine infantry in Vietnam.
The sad reality is that good people have abandoned "national politics" and that has created. a vacuum that will enable the cultural and political fascists to consolidate power in a fascists government.
People need to get off their keyboard and out of their private gardens and out in the street.
bill wolfe: I did go out into the street and the city, county, and state council chambers to protest wars, lockdowns, parklets, mandates, you name it.
All I ever succeeded at was getting the city to pave an alley.
I'm staying in my garden.
What's that famous quote: "First the came for the .....
You won't be enjoying your private garden for very long.
bill wolfe: I'm sure my name is on a list. They know where I am when they want to come get me. After the past 3+ years of Crazy Covid Crap here in Sonoma County I've learned that the government bastards around here are capable of anything. They don't listen to me. 83% of the people here are with the State and against me.
Regarding "the cultural and political fascists to consolidate power in a fascists government...,'' has this not already occurred?
In fact, has this not ALWAYS been the case since the inception of our government?
I would argue that it has.
We are not going to stop this or change it by opposing it. It's already all been leveraged. Any attempt to oppose it, regardless of intention or action is corrupted by bad actors who will turn "peaceful" protests into riots. Will turn "concerned citizens" into criminals.
If you want to do this, then let's just cut to the chase and stop paying taxes. But we DON'T do that out of fear of consequences. And in fact, I would say that getting "out in the street" actually serves the system's interest with our participation in the illusion of controlled opposition - not particularly different than the two-party system. It makes it "appear" that we have a say, that there is a choice, that we can change it through opposition. In reality, there is nothing that is going to change through these methods.
I would say that the only thing that will change it is to stop participating... stop making it and them important. And start making important each and every individual. That starts at home. That starts in our community.
I have great compassion for us, and I acknowledge our frustration. And given my druthers, I would smash the system to bits. But this is not the way. It's leveraged and it plays right into it. There MUST be another way.
If you really believe local and individual solitons are the way, why would billionaires and corporations act collectively (as a class) and structurally and on national and global scales and institutions?
They know how to exercise power. Most people don't.
I understand what you're getting at, and if I thought that logic and reason was all there was to it, I would definitely agree with you. It makes perfect sense.
However, for my purposes, I also am incorporating other factors that you likely are not. One is Consciousness as a energy, and the other is the power of self-aware individuals to bring about change by creating change within themselves -- in essence, creating their own reality which then burgeons into the mass expression.
Class war, so to speak, is the old way. Pushing energy is the old way. There is a new age upon us based in the importance and power of the individual.
And yet, it isn't individualism or hedonism or nihilism in the old sense of those concepts.
It actually is based on a cooperative, collaborative model which is not dependent on bringing all groups to the table. It circumvents reason and logic and moves into the area of trust.
I understand that it may sound laughable or that's what got us into this mess in the first place. But I assure you, we are not in Kansas anymore. There are other factors at play that are different than anything mankind has encountered in the past.
I'm not trying to convince you. Only let you know where I'm coming from when what I am suggesting sounds like lunacy. There is more going on now than meets the eye.
The tactics go to an analysis of the problem.
Your tax revolt (Thoreau) targets government as the source of the problem and sees power as coming from individuals acting based on market exchange power.
I see people as social animals and citizens and collective action the solution to attacking Corporate power via democratically leveraging government power.
Class based analysis/organizing and collective democratic power are the way.
Hopelessness and individualism/identity/hedonism/private market consumers are no way.
Since everything is interconnected it seems that all of the above will come into play since it will require a collaboration of forces and effects within all systems.
It's amazing how many people are not getting this.
People need to stop supporting nationalism, full stop. We live in a global society. Nationalism divides people, results in wars, and cannot solve global problems like climate change and pandemics.
"War-horny": what a great compound adjective. As a young kid, the little boys in my neighborhood were WWII horny (no hyphenation as a predicate compound adjective, I was taught by the nuns who were war horny against the devil because he represented sin and non-Catholic heathens). As a teenager, Commies comin' to git us, take our stuff, terrific war horniness as the prospect of a possession-pauperized life loomed amid the wealth I observed around me. Then with Vietnam came the genuine realization that the war horniness deeply inculcated in my tissues was actually coming from my own criminal government as it tried to morph me from a grad student into a lump of cannon fodder. Ever since, there has never been a single nanosecond of doubt in my mind from whence the war horniness derives and who are its madams and its hookers. USA! USA!
Recently I've thought "the USA sure has a boner for China."
Patrick Powers: Don't give Biden ideas. LOL.
"And because this administration actively sabotaged peace between Ukraine and Russia, Biden is arguably worse than Bush."
The war in Ukraine is entirely intentional on the part of the United States.
Not only has peace been sabotaged, but the 2014 coup was a suspension of peaceful coexistence in favor of instrumental violence and war. It’s a pity that the Ukrainians who understand this have been silenced, killed or forced to flee. What immense injustice America dispenses routinely.
This cannot be stressed enough.
"It follows that Australia is actually allied with the US to protect itself from what the US would do if it wasn’t."
This is precisely the view of policy expert John Mearsheimer. He said so during a lecture in Australia. Hear for yourself at https://www.youtube.com/shorts/UXXs763O2BQ. It's like getting beaten up by a heavyweight boxer.
Don't forget the very threat Blinken Winken and Nod said to them! He stated outright that the US would not be nice if Australia did not do what they were told to do.
Carbon Copy: Is Australia dependent on the USA? I'm really curious. Do Australia and the USA have a lot of trade?
@ Timmy Taes
Approximately 80% of Australian foreign trade is with China. It makes NO economic sense for Ozzys to antagonize their largest trading partner.
Brevette Pfc. Masterson: So why do the folks in Canberra antagonize China? Are the politicians on the take with bribes from DC?
Hard to figure. Maybe there are pictures on file in Arlington VA of them in bed with either live boys or dead girls, as LBJ used to say?
https://www.mintpressnews.com/shocking-origins-jeffrey-epstein-blackmail-roy-cohn/260621/
Maybe they've been warned of unforunate accidents that even a PM might have?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disappearance_of_Harold_Holt
Maybe they've seen how quickly a popular Australian politician's career can be destroyed by certain USA departments/agencies if they prioritize Australia's interests over those of USA MIC and won't just "go along to get along"?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alleged_CIA_involvement_in_the_Whitlam_dismissal#:~:text=CIA%20involvement%20in%20the%20Whitlam%20dismissal%20is%20an%20allegation%20that,of%20Prime%20Minister%20Gough%20Whitlam.
Or maybe they were just offered a boatload of cash.
Timmy Taes: Is what Brevette Pfc. Billy Masterson said 👆 clear and detailed enough for you? Did it have to be deciphered this much for the supposed street-smart old fart like yourself?
russian_bot: Brevette Pfc. has plenty of plausible theories as to why the politicians in Canberra follow the orders from DC. I figured as much. I like corroboration of theories. Don't you? My guess is that all of the theories/reasons for Canberra to be DC's poodle apply.
No. The USA saved Australia from Japan in WWII. A possible threat could be, if you don't help us now then when China attacks you we won't help you again.
The USA can also send billions of dollars of military spending Australia's way. The authorities will surely get a goodly share of that. In the words of Hillary Clinton, "carrot and stick."
China is Australia's biggest trading partner. China is also the USA's biggest trading partner at 18% of imports. Weird, eh? The trade relations of neoliberal globalism were supposed to prevent war. It seemed to be working too until the USA decided to screw it all up.
Patrick Powers: The Japanese never intended to invade Australia in WWII. The Japs knew that they didn't have the manpower to occupy Australia. The Allies knew this fact, including the Aussie government, because the British had broken the Jap Naval codes.
The Aussie government made a conscious decision to hide this fact from Australians in WWII to "keep up morale" in the war.
People still believe the WWII propaganda.
Your reason about the billions in military aid sent to Australia makes sense. Money talks.
I am not sure why you are asking me? I have no idea but as the US exports weapons and war I don't really see why it matters?
CarbonCopy: My point is this, does Australia need to be America's poodle? Is Australia dependent on the USA for some critical need(s)?
That's irrelevant since Blinken told them outright "you are either with us against China or you are against us". Does that give you the details? There is a video of this look for it.
CarbonCopy: I remember the Blinken statement. Madness in my opinion. China's actions seem to prove that they are interested in trade and not war.
Of course the Chinese did conquer Tibet and are persecuting the Uyghurs. The Chinese will attack their borderlands just like the Russians have done. But I'm sure Australia, NZ, and Hawaii are safe. The Chinese don't have an ocean going Navy of any size.
Blinken is nuts.
His point was (here's that pronoun again) - as I understood it - that Australia would regret not being a US poodle one way or another. The US will make it dependent if it's not yet.
russian_ bot: That was my question. I want the details of why Australia "would regret not being the US poodle."
The story is in the details.
That's interesting to me. Where might I find this?
It's actually part of a posting of Caitlin's! I would have to think about 3 months ago? Maybe less.
Americans are fed a stream of propaganda daily while their minds are diverted to Hollywood multi-million dollar divorces and the sex lives of their not-so-honorable Congressmen. The capacity for critical thinking has been hijacked by the Media and their corporate masters. Even a hard-hitting program like 60 minutes has degenerated into a milk-toast broadcast dwelling on trivial issues. Our presidential debates are laughably empty of content and full of sophomoric bravado. How many more "lesser of two evils" periods can the nation survive??
Stop watching television. I got rid of mine 11 years ago. I get all my news from independent media from all over the world. We must be internationalists or die.
Me too. I haven't owned a TV for years. I get my news from independent journalism also.
Carolyn l Zaremba. I watch the local San Francisco TV news for the laughs. It's hilarious.
Indeed. The comedy clubs should just close up.
The greatest "crime" of the moment is all the people dying and suffering debilitating medical issues from government-created and mandated non-"vaccines." You could throw in the unnecessary lockdowns that killed or injured countless people plus all the iatrogenic deaths created by the false panic and changed medical "protocols."
The inflation and impending economic catastrophe will end up killing and injuring more world citizens than the above government-created Covid "mitigation" responses.
The above also cemented the control of the Censorship Industrial Complex, which will make sure future scandals are NOT exposed .... which will greatly improve the chances future totalitarian "solutions" are fully implemented ... and cause even more misery.
Can we add to the vaccine issue
Poisoned food resulting in a figure of 30% prediabetes and diabetes and other debilitating illness due to the FDA and dept of agriculture and CDC failure to monitor, regulate and report to consumers. And the medical community and pharmaceutical s reaping the rewards.
EPA approval of toxic chemicals and lack of regulation and monitoring. EPA fines which are cheaper to pay than legally disposing of them.
Rapidly rising homeless population resulting in death by freezing, malnutrition, and lack of adequate medical care- state sanctioned murder in essence.
Just for a start....
I have been asking Caitlin to examine the propaganda that I am sure is being spread to foment hate for the homeless. As she says here: "it's kind of a vibe that [I know] is happening but... can't really say how." She is much better at digging out propaganda than I am.
It's not Caitlins fault for not doing anything. She is in Australia for first off.
All anyone needs to do is critically examine the media reports on the homeless and it's obvious what's going on. They have been conveniently labeled by government as being drug addicts or mentally ill (and DANGEROUS). The media simply takes what the government says and reports it. I have not heard a journalist interviewing more than a few homeless people (2 or 3) who are carefully chosen by the journalist and reported on (Hawaii Public Radio for one in particular). The "SWEEPS" by the police are unconstitutional and a means of keeping them under control by not letting them organize. In one city a citizen group purchased a plot of land and established a homeless community. The city promptly bulldozed it destroying everyone's belongings and putting them back out on the street. The reason was it violated codes. There was no drug use or crime reported.
In Hawaii given the climate, tent cities could be established for what the government pays the police for doing a single "sweep". That word alone implies that the people are dirt. Subtle but effective.
Here in Hawaii a cop came up with a brilliant solution for the homeless. He said that they would feel better if they were to pick up trash for no pay. But if they did enough they could get a free plane ride to the mainland. It was county approved and a date scheduled. No one showed up. State sponsored slavery. Oh, and the comments I read in the paper thought it was a wonderful idea. Including all our honorable Elected officials and NPR Hawaii. Not once has been mentioned the housing situation because the realtors are making so much money. No rent control so the landlord can charge half the mortgage for a room and charge extra for electric and gas.
But since there are only half a million homeless it's not really a big problem. Just keep in mind that they like it and they are dangerous mentally ill drug addicts living in their cars or on the street with the kids and it's their own fault. We have to trust our honorable Elected officials because they would NEVER LIE.
And as the bottom line
It's the greedy selfish narcissist people who are causing it because they can.
Yes 💯
I’m not sure there’s enough evidence to claim broad injury. How to prove it wasn’t Covid? Plausible deniability. However, the lock down impact was very clearly damaging. The erosion of our rights was very clear.
I don't think any neutral and fair-minded observer would deny that there's been a massive spike in "excess deaths" since the vaccine roll-outs. Is the narrative that all or most of these deaths were belatedly caused by "Covid?" - After the vaccines to prevent deaths and severe cases? We've had a massive spike in excess deaths caused by ... "long Covid?" I don't know if that theory is very convincing.
It always helps to NOT investigate things that might not fit the official narrative. So if there's millions of possible vaccine injuries and deaths how many of these injuries and deaths have actually been legitimately investigated? Maybe 20?
Well written and thought provoking and I AGREE almost 100%.
On China, and Humanity World Wide, there Obviously are those amongst us that seek Power and Wealth to the Exclusion of others. To go Communist or Corporist or NWO or whatever "Ism" isn't a Solution. Seeking to better one's survival via increased wealth isn't Evil, It's the Exclusion of the Opportunity to Others that is Evil. Keeping everyone "Equal" by Law is Equally Evil as those Doing the Equalizing are the "New Boss, same as the Old Boss". Has anyone ever read the book "Animal Farm"???
As far as China, let's focus on their Rulers, the ChiComs, sElected by their Commissars, not all that different from this USSA, just the terminology.
Chinese History shows it is Dominant via the Vassal State System by Bribes of Foreign Leaders and Economics as more Effective Control than Kinetic War. Smart, but with the same Goals as Rome, Great Britain, or the USA-(USSA in my opinion)
I don't think We/Me/You will like living under any further NWO ChiCom Domination. But I do agree that Reform starts here at home. Then what and how is another big discussion. I would suggest a pruning of the Feral Gov (and State Govs) back to Basics, a Constitutional Republic where people are Free to "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.
There is No Utopia on Earth, Freedom doesn't mean to Dominate Others who may have other Life Pursuits. I never equated Individual Wealth with Happiness, but neither is Pervasive Poverty a noble goal, imo. If the Individual is Suppressed, the Society Suffers as well. Venezuela is a prime example.
I wish the best for everyone to live peaceful, productive lives. Conducting themselves accordingly.
The USA needs a United Nations "Intervention", and stripping of all its WMDs.
And then an ENFORCED 'Back to the original Constitition' - on the policies AGAINST "Standing Armies".
Let the USA have its national Militias defending its naturally-defendable borders.
It is all they need, and it is all the REST of us need too.
The UN NWO is already Invading the USA over it's Southern Borderless Area. Blue UN Helmets make excellent targets for America's Deer Hunters at distance.
Each country must Handle it's Own problems internally, That I agree with you on.
The Federal regime will one day turn upon the militias, if the militias get angsty about the ongoing DNC coup.
The UN intervention would be as much to save them, as the rest of the planet.
Gnuneo: That's the big question isn't it? Will the US Army attack Americans? They have in the past. The WWI Bonus Army in DC and the Coal Wars and the Draft Riots in NYC during the Civil War.
But would the US Army attack Americans now?
No doubt.
Without a doubt they'd be ordered to.
Also, I'd add 'Shay's Rebellion' to that list too.
Gnuneo: Yes, Shay's Rebellion was the first instance of the Army going after Americans. I just read up on the Shay's Rebellion. Interesting that the rebellion led to the US Constitution. So even in 1787 the country was dividing up between Jeffersonians and Hamiltons.
No, aristocrats should be converted into meat, not allowed to speak.
A Typical Commiecrat Comment
A typical fascist response.
I'd much rather destroy power and shatter the shitty little theater in which you're play-acting your supremacy and your infantile narratives of conquest, and destroy your ability to waste any part of anyone else's life on your dramas.
Only slaves and slavers want power to exist at all. Which one are you?
Stinky: I like your comment but am blocked for liking it. LOL. Your last sentence was pretty good.
"am blocked for liking it". How can we help? (pronoun alert!)
Bravo : )
Stinky: Did you ever hear the Aristocrats joke? Look it up. It's very X-rated.
What do aristocrats have to do with what I said?
You wanted the original Constitution back. Leaving many other questions aside, I would presume that you are also asking for a society that supports aristocratic relations, mainly, a restricted franchise dependent on a theory of property creation that is no longer practical or useful (homestead claims).
AHH, getcha lol. :'D
Still, if everyone had a home, and everyone OWNED their home (As in Gadhaffi's Libya), and that was the LAW, then the 'homesteading' wouldn't be so bad. It would be universal suffrage with knobs on. One less Rentier mob to worry about, AND a much needed weakening of the Bankster rentiers too!
"That was the LAW" skeeves me out because who exactly is bound by this idealistic dictate is unclear.
Now we have to ask about what "having" a home vs. "owning" a home means, on what basis a society shall issue homes or recognize "ownership" or recognize residents as "persons", what sort of market (if any) there will be in dwellings, what sort of class systems we are constructing within the home (as they will be reproduced in adult social life), what of people who change jobs, irreconcilable differences, family splits, etc.
Unfortunately, I predict that the answers to these questions will call to reenact English Puritanism, which does nothing well but multiply and destroy.
Gnuneo: Aristocrats have nothing to do with what you said. Stinky lives in his own universe. Hahaha.
The UN? Those pussies? Don't make me laugh.
I didn't say that was realistic. I simply said it was needed.
i think your opinions are, let's say, 'ill-informed' (e.g. 'china's ruling class is the 'problem'', 'venezuela is a prime example') and underestimate the sophistication of empire's propaganda machine. who benefits from the opnions you espouse? a more radical approach is needed, imo.
Who "benefits" from "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness"???
What is Your Radical approach???
Just Who/Whom is under the influence of Who/Whom's propaganda??? Is The Question.
The U.S. government hasn't ever believed in "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness". Look around you. Do you see it anywhere?
It Begins with You. Governments are a necessary evil At Best which is rare. I wish you well
i have a hunch that it always has been 'the life, liberty and pursuit of happiness of the owning class'.
become a communist, just to see what happens. :-)
both of us were probably raised and educated under capital-ism.
I do not like the Borg, Comrade. I'm a Kulak, and armed. Proceed ....
Revealingly, you omitted this condition: you know, government and democracy as necessary to secure those rights:
"That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,
The U.S. constitution has been a dead letter as far as the government is concerned, for a long time.
Caitlin - really surprised and disappointed that you followed the corporate media and Democrats in focusing on the Jan 6 riot and totally missing the real Trump crimes.
The Jan. 6 farce - what you also incorrectly called an "insurrection" - was not Trump's crime. It was planning a coup. It was cheating and lying and conducting a conspiracy to reverse the electoral college votes. Read the indictment - it's all written down in the Eastman Memo and the "Wisconsin Memo". Republicans have implemented that strategy in dozens of State's and laid the foundation for '24 electoral thefts.
These are not trivial partisan matters.
When taken in the context of the rising right wing Christian Nationalist fascist cultural movement Trump is a symptom of, we risk actual consolidation of Fascist politics and government. WAKE UP!
bill wolfe: I am sick and tired of hearing about Trump and this "insurrection" on January 6th. The only person killed that day was Ashli Babbit. She was unarmed, weighed about 104 pounds, and was shot point blank by Capitol Hill Police Officer Byrd. Byrd was a large man who could have easily taken Babbitt into custody instead of killing her.
Ever since Trump came down that damn elevator at Trump Tower in 2015? I've had to listen to Trump news, opinions, tweets, rallies, ... the jerk is on the news constantly.
Change the channel.
The Democrats can't make this argument (about the delay objective of the Jan. 6 riot) because it would undermine the legal basis of the indictments regarding Trump's criminal intent, in that it would support the notion that Trump truly believed in his lawyers' legal arguments and was seeking a legal over-ruling of the election results.
But this is what really happened. If you Google, you will find quotes from Clarence Thomas' wife even bragging that this was the strategy and that they had filed a brief to the Supreme Court that was in possession of Justice Alito, who pocketed it after the riot failed.
bill wolfe: I'm sure what you right is true. The problem as I see it is that nothing changes no matter who is President so I don't care if Biden or Trump or Hillary or Harris is President. The Big Boys run DC not the President. It's all a show to distract people from what is really going on. Nuclear war is closer than it has been since the Cuban Missile Crisis.
The "insurrection" was a riot designed to delay congressional certification of the electoral college vote. Trump wanted delay so he could convince a Republican state to reject certification and/or the Supreme Court to hear the case that Eastman's legal theory asserted.
The far bigger crime was the coup strategy. Thankfully, while that has not gotten the Dems or news focus, it is in the indictment. Ralph Nader argues that the DoJ could go further and seek insurrection charges. I agree.
bill wolfe: I just want Trump and this insurrection business to go away. And let the protesters out of jail. They've suffered enough. It's not like the Capitol was set on fire or blown up. No grenades or rifles were used.
The Democrats can't make this argument because it would undermine the legal basis of the indictments regarding Trump's criminal intent, in that it would support the notion that Trump truly believed in his lawyers' legal arguments and was seeking a legal over-ruling of the election results.
But this is what really happened. If you Google, you will find quotes from Clarence Thomas' wife even bragging that this was the strategy and that they had filed a brief to the Supreme Court that was in possession of Justice Alito, who pocketed it after the riot failed.
" the jerk is on the news constantly." - on purpose.
russian_ bot: I know the jerk(Trump) is in the news constantly on purpose. It pisses me off!
Right. They got you too.
russian_bot: Are you allergic to using nouns? Did you have a traumatic experience as a child back when you used to use nouns?
Is this traumatic experience from your childhood why you only use pronouns now?
I read the indictments and didn't see how this will doing anything but elect Trump. The only possible crime other than speech COULD be IF Trump pressured the Sec. of State to change ballots. Requesting a look into 11,000 votes has already been illegal, Bush , Florida. As much as I consider Trump part of the problem this will only make him President again. West 24
You are lying. Trump did not "request a look into" votes. In George, Trump demanded that SoS "find" 11,780 votes 9the margin to win) and threaten legal retaliation if that was not done.
See paragraph 31. f.
https://www.scribd.com/document/662462402/Trump-Indictment
From your political perspective, which I disagree with because it elevates partisan plots above the Constitution, the way to not promote Trump's election is prosecution for insurrection. Ralph Nader explains how to do that here:
https://www.counterpunch.org/2023/08/07/january-6th-indictment-one-step-short-of-the-full-case-against-trump/
I think the best way to do that is for millions of Americans to take to the streets and Refuse Fascism, see:
https://refusefascism.org
When you talk like that to someone it means you DON'T want discussion. We shall see. I could care less which do nothing party wins. I will vote for Cornel , the only person against war, pro worker, education and healthcare. This will play out as with the Russiagate hoax. The Democant's could easily have impeached Trump for financial fraud however they would have all had to go to prison because they are all criminals minus the few.
"I think the best way to do that is for millions of Americans to take to the streets and Refuse Fascism."
The Rs have the police and the soldiers, so I do not think taking to the streets would bring the result you are looking for.
Once a critical mass is in the streets, and the government has lost legitimacy, there is a tipping point and the police stand down or they join the protesters - and the government falls.
It doesn't take that much - a few hundred thousands in the streets of the largest cities, shutting down the economy, until the government surrenders. Think of Occupy Wall Street, times 1000 - or the Vietnam and recent women's marches, but sustained for weeks..
I'd say that a January 6th or truckers' strike times 1000 is equally likely and would have the support of the police.
Yes, and the various militia's and bikers and NRA and related heavily armed gun nuts.
That's the point: we're on the edge and it can go either way. That makes it all the more important not to abdicate and allow the fascists to consolidate power.
Almost every Truther has a mainstream blind spot. Even The Grayzone supported the Kyle Rittenhouse official narrative...at first.
That's true. My skepticism is well established but I still am taken in every now and then.
Of course they don't care about his real crimes, because they are complicit with them. The bias of news media that supports US foreign policy objects is akin to saying drug commercials promoted by the pharmaceutical industry are to the benefit of said companies. Ideally, journalism is unbiased and objective, but there is little money in it(I am glad you are hanging in there)
It is also like that meme where it highlights the United States and then a foreign country where US freedoms are apparently, then the confused guy asking "How did my freedoms get over there?" Yes, national security pertains to within the US only, logically, yet we are acting internationally against many countries yet not a single one has made an attack against the US. Neither China nor Russia want war with the US, Putin has been in power for decades...People forget the 2014 issue with the Ukraine(you brought that up though) saying how it was a much smaller deal than now. Yep, we had little foreign policy interest in it.
So there was an insurrection January 6th? Where was our military defending Capitol Hill? Why were they allowed to peacefully walk away? What is the real evidence of a plot to committ crimes against the country? These weren't people trying to overthrow the US government, these were people acting like children...A group of poorly organized people managed to bypass the security measures? Really? Whose the mastermind that orchestated this? lol
National security is ultimately the security of dollar-denominated debt and the right to command on account of that debt. The whole world of "Politics" is no different from any other political-religious theatric which anthropologists have observed (cf. AOC "the People's House is sacred"), and every bit as mythical (i.e. delusional).
You are right going back to the first city states of the Sumerians or those of Turkey like Golbeki Tepe or Katyl Huyuk etc. When you have international affairs regarding currency, it becomes a competition to screw over other countries for profit. You know our various trade agreements like NAFTA...I am an atheist secular humanist and really find religious influence in government a problem, because without secularism, no one is fairly represented. Yet I don't think people will fully abandon their delusions.
The republic exists to hold the Great and the Small together in enforced Unity. That total relation doesn't need to exist; in fact, almost every atrocity over the past 2500 years is a consequence of it. We can scuttle it as easily as the Classicals were dragged into it: hard, but possible.
The taste for delusions is acquired. Some societies get them, some do not. It's become apparent that the love for heroic drama (and the arts of lying, wastes of material wealth, inherited debts and performances, etc.) was particular to certain kinds of rural cultures, whose epic aesthetics recombined with the religious bureaucracies of the time, much like the "alt-right" of today. Steve Bannon isn't "evil", he's just participating in a historical process that heroic tradition "needs" in order to exist. But not everything needs to exist, in fact, there is no such thing as a need to exist. There are only consequences and predicates foregone.
There really isn't a reason to have heroic ideologies anymore or to let them run free-range in the streets, not just because the material bases for them have been subverted, but because they are all the same argument for spectacle as Truth. We're much better off with sortition than with any system that allows for cosmic drama.
You have no idea if Gobekli Tepe represents the beginning of political leadership. It was well known that many cultures in the Neolithic had no need for centralized government. But I can see why you wouldn’t know since you are a secular humanist. Gobekli Tepe has the first written word in history, and it is the word God. (H)
Fair point, there were many cultures in the neolithic that had no need for centralized government. That's true, my knowledge merely comes from some archaeological analysis that have been done and of course that is subject to change upon new evidence if found. It having the first written word is debatable, that of god would be as well. Should scientists draw such a conclusion from the evidence they have, that would be great. Yet it is quite possible language developed earlier than that.
Meh, bureaucracies always end up inventing a supreme judge.
Stinky: Yeah, bureaucracies always invent some judge or reason or god that makes the bureaucrats do what they do to us.
"Boss, I wish you'd quit being so good to me." Cool Hand Luke.
I interact with a lot of Trump supporters, and I can tell you that many of them did NOT support Trump's wars or treatment of Assange. They saw this as Trump bowing to the Deep State. Trump does have a very loyal base who would support his every move, but that's not the majority of Trump voters, who simply see him as the only way to strike back at the Regime. And when the media did a sudden 180, calling Trump "presidential" for having bombed the Syrian airport, everyone noticed who was pulling the strings on that one.
How did they feel about Trump's moves to install corporate and industry lobbyists as head of federal agencies whose mission is to protect public lands, wildlife, and air and water quality?
Was he draining the swamp and protecting the American heartland and abandoned communities with those moves? Was he supporting hunters and fishermen?
How did they feel about the Trump tax cuts to rich and corporations?
Did he have the backs of the working class and heartland America with those moves?
If not for RFK jr’s naively one sided position on Israel/Palestine, I’d bet he would take > 70% of Trumps votes and > 50% of Biden votes. Laptop libs & corporatists will stick with Biden. Mean assholes will stick with Trump.
What exactly were Trump's wars?
Trump vetoed attempts to stop the Yemen war being waged by US ally Saudi Arabia, which the US under Trump supported vigorously with arms and US military logistics - while Trump was president. The Syrian illegal occupation continued under Trump with continued bombing in Syria, and Trump also increased the number of bombs and drones strikes (world wide) over Obama's previous administration - which was considerable, since Obama dropped so many bombs US Air Force generals told him we were running out of bombs. The assassination of Iran's top military leader was an act of war - but the Iranians didn't take the bait.
Yet Trump had to be Ousted in a Deep Statist sElection Coup and Obama/Clintoon could Continue the Bushie NWO Wars of Blood & Conquest.
ISIS sponsored by CiA's McShame, Brennan, with Obamy Approval.
Trump Ended ISIS, kept DoDfrom expanding Syria into another Iraq, and Wants to End War in Ukraine opposed by NeoCon rinoRats & Bolshevik democRats.
Iran is complicated like most countries, but it used to be "Diversified" which I thought was supposed to be "Good". Now it's just an Islamic Dictatorship .... as IS Every (?) Muslim Dominated Country??? Salimani was our "Terrorist" but an Islamic "Patriot" . Potato/Potatoe.
I'm guessing you probably wouldn't like being forced to wear a burka. Some Iranians are "Dying" to Be Free, just saying.
"Trump vetoed attempts to stop the Yemen war being waged by US ally Saudi Arabia" That was quite something. Since Congress has the constitutional power to declare war it seems to me it should have the constitutional power to stop a war. (Can the president legally veto a declaration of war?)
I will say though that compared with the other 21st century presidents Trump seems like a bearded peacenik festooned with love beads. The way I see it his actions are random. That beats being consistently evil.
There is much more about Trump I can go on about, including imprisoning Assange and providing huge tax breaks for the obscenely wealthy in the US - which is another type of war against ordinary Americans - and poverty is the worst type of violence against human beings.
I do not see Trump as any kind of savior of the US. I do believe Jan 6th was an inside job by the deep state - that was far from any kind of so-called armed insurrection. And I even believe Trump may have encouraged the protest to some degree. But do I see Trump as any different than say Bill Clinton? Both flew on the Lolita Express multiple times with Jeffrey Epstein. Both are phony populists who once they gained power, did more harm to ordinary working Americans than most realize. Both played golf on the golf courses together as the wealth transfer continued unabated among the American populace.
Obamy Economy Was Recession
Trump Economy was most Affluent for All
Biden Economy IS Recession heading into Depression
Enjoy!!!
btw, Trump kicked Epstein Out Mar a Lago CC, Clintoon got Frequent Flyer miles on Epstein's Lolita Express, even Hilarity flew to the Island for the Kiddie Deserts.
What's wrong with America First??? After the NWO Bushies, Clintoons, Obamaites deindustrialized and sent the midwest especially into the economic doldrums. democRats Lost their Blue Collar voters..... so much for their "worker paradise".
You know GenEarly - I used to think of Obama the way you think of Trump right now. I even voted for him the first time he ran. I also used to think of Bernie Sanders the way you think of Trump - until he obviously betrayed his supporters and everything he said he was for - since he dropped out of the presidential races.
So I understand your delusion about Trump. And there is not much I can do to convince you that Trump is not the "God Hero" you think he is.
Trumpstien was friends with Epstein after his sweetheart deal.
He knew.
Random does beat evil, but Trumps actions weren't random at all; his actions were fueled by special interest and his narcissism.
The POS is still bragging about his killshots.
"Random" just means unpredictable. The actions of the other 21st century presidents were orthodox and highly predictable.
Another good article. While I am not necessarily the intended audience, because I see what it is you do, I think one issue too many people have is they do not recognize the role "national security state" plays/has on the reality of politics and ALL socioeconomic sectors. This includes Australia and other "countries " such as the USA. Of course permission wasn't publicly asked if they could put more intel apparatuses inside of Australia. Most likely there are hundreds of black sites all over Australia already for decades, telling us publicly about this one served some purpose we are not privy to. What is discussed in public is at best misrepresented, or misinformation, and one should not expect the general public to be actually involved in any discussion that really effects power. I know John Pilger has done significant work to show Australia's dark underbelly. All public discussions are either kayfabe or a consent building op to create legal pathways like regulatory capture. ( this is rampant with AI right now) . This understanding of course invalidates most public labels on economics such as capitalism, socialism, free market ( no such thing lol) et cetera as they do not include economic control based upon the national security state paradigm. The general public , mass society, lives in wonderland. Transparency is the beginning of every solution, which is why there currently is none, nor will there be any time soon.
Since The Five Eyes was created by the American government shortly after WWII, it has defined, embodied and manifested the core meaning of Global Bully. I suggest that the world's bully should be treated just like they are in MCU Hollywood movies - beaten to a pulp and put away in another universe for eons. The End.
"Trump supporters are Bush supporters cosplaying as Ron Paul supporters."
Good one.
and What of the Clintoons and JoeObamaites???
We'll be glad when they're ALL gone.
Uh, NO.
No, it's a gross underestimation of the White Christian Nationalists and armed fascists that vomited up trump and are heavily armed and conspiring to consolidate their fascist culture and politics in governments local, state, and national.
I don't know if you could write on this but I moved abroad permanently from the US a few years ago. Initially we moved to a higher expat place but after witnessing their astoundingly toxic behavior towards locals we moved to a more locals place.
The contrast between the local culture vs gringo is immense. When I write down and reflect on my former life I relate a lot to the mistreated locals. I honestly feel that a few hundred years of brainwashing the colonizers in the US to commit the original atrocities to justify killing and taking the land of the natives has formed the foundation of their culture today.
Here are a few minor examples of obvious differences I've witnessed directly. We avoid expats now actively.
1. Locals listen well, even if they disagree they don't interrupt you or call you names. Free to express is valued here. Heck they even have towns and a state that told the govt to leave
Expats talk a lot about themselves, interrupt often, don't listen or respect differing opinions.
2. Locals are most incredibly patient
Expats are very impatient
3. Locals are curious about you, everyone likes to share and ask questions
Expats can't be bothered to learn the language. Many if their English is not understood they enunciate louder as if that helps. It borders on yelling at the local who sometimes is a Fing kid.
These barely scrape the surface. I honestly believe the toxic colonialist mindset roots are now being actively used on each other. I learned so much in 2 years just watching and comparing them to locals. They really are clueless and seem incapable of self reflection.
Ps because they grossly misunderstand the dog culture here they judge it. And some times they even "rescue" ie kidnap a local's dog!
Wish I could be less harsh but after seeing them here and the conflicts culturally with locals I totally get why it is such a toxic cesspool in the US
If you can get a copy, please read The Ugly American, a book that came out in the 1950s.
Lots of cagey, cogent irony in this article. Trump is the Distraction-in-Chief, magnetizing both Fakes, Left and Right, alike. Punch-drunk with Trump!--and never mind Biden, puppeteering the War Machine since he can't remember when...since he fell off his bike, or fell up some stairs, etc...
There are many Americans who care about Trumps indictments and dearly hope that our Justice System is working. That Trump will end up in prison where he belongs. Many past Presidents should be indicted for War Crimes, because their actions resulted in the loss of human life, not only our own militaries. Americans have been subjected to propaganda for years, but it got worse after 9/11, the idiots came out of the woodwork so to speak. Australians need to address their own governments lack of principles.