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Vin LoPresti's avatar

"It would not make sense for the US empire to be setting up military bases in and around their countries to ensure its planetary domination. It would not make sense for an entire industry of war profiteering to be built around manufacturing consent for needless military operations and military expansionism in impoverished nations."

THIS -- This is what we sane Americans scream in our minds when the DC cretins talk MAGA/DOGE. Tighten our belts? Close at least half (or preferably more of) these freaking bases. Get outta town of these poor countries that hate us anyway.

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The Revolution Continues's avatar

I say we close ALL those US military bases around the world. Why does the US need to provoke others and make their neighbors nervous? Oh, yes... capitalism dictates this as a necessity. Well, screw capitalism then!

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Vin LoPresti's avatar

Not to worry. What's actually going to happen is the cyclic duopoly Kabuki theater to make us all feel better.

Columbia President resigns: don't I feel better now as an alum ---> NO!

Ilhan Omar preps impeachment docs over signalgate: don't we all feel better - NO!

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@smokygirl2006's avatar

I couldn’t have said it better myself.🙏👍👏💯

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Megan Baker's avatar

Yankee come home.

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Basil Rathbone's avatar

What? I thought they hated us for our freedom!

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Vin LoPresti's avatar

It's been a useful piece of propaganda for quite a while in that it's worked its magic on a hefty chunk of the populace who are willing to bleat it as fact.

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CATHERINE's avatar

So.

Musk and Trump claim that they intend to stamp out "fraud and waste".

A noble objective.

Start by shutting down all the foreign wars, decommission Israel, free Palestine.

Oh. And stop undermining in the affairs of sovereign nations.

That way, all those gullible people who worked for the Americans, and got discarded, would not need to gatecrash this county, to save their lives.

Stop making messes.

There is where resides the "fraud and waste".

Clean up the messes, in good faith.

Don't make more messes.

Treat other people the way you want to be treated.

Because those you abuse will eventually reciprocate the bad energy.

Some friendly advice.

From a friend:

Constitution. Bill of Rights.

Golden Rule.

No waste or fraud

in fairness and honesty.

:)

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Contrarian 33's avatar

Add to that all the US military bases around the globe.

Big savings there.

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CATHERINE's avatar

Bazillions of dollars.

Enough to balance the budget.

And get off the tit of the IMF.

What if they gave a war,

and nobody came?

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Ibti's avatar

The US military is one massive welfare programme.

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Feral Finster's avatar

A great deal of truth to that.

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Megan Baker's avatar

Decommission Israel. I like that.

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Contrarian 33's avatar

Megan

Until the weak-kneed Western governments recover they sanity and decency and start to see Israel as it really is and add to the current pressure from other states as to identifying the dirty dealings of Israel, decommissioning Israel may be a hard task as the Zionists, through banking interests and government bribery, worldwide, have most of them by the vitals as seen daily in the antisemitism campaigns in full view worldwide. What a sham.

I am basing that on the plain and simple observation that surely the world will eventually rise to the occasion and see Israel as it really is.....a hated state engaged in genocide and ethnic cleaning using the criminal resources of the USA every single day, a country that has a weak but arrogant President who long ago sold out out his values and who has totally responded to the very likely blackmail efforts by Israel based on his past dalliances and misdeeds, of which there appear to be many.

What a figurehead he is. A failed human being in every regard.

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Ibti's avatar

Crushing capitalism and crushing zionism are basically the same thing. Moneylending, landlording, limited liability and fiat money keep Pigrael afloat.

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Chang Chokaski's avatar

>>"Until the weak-kneed Western government recover they sanity and decency and start to see Israel as it really is..."

C33, Western Governments KNOW what Israel really is - they have supported Israel (in one way or another) for 75+ years. Israel is a CREATION of Western Governments (and Capitalism).

Hence, it doubt there will be ANY 'come to Jesus' moment for them. The sooner people realize this the better. There will only be doubling and tripling down on their (the U.S.) investment in themselves and their systems (Israel being a representation of it).

Israel IS part of the U.S. Empire, and the U.S. Empire will go to unimaginable lengths (as we are already seeing) to protect itself.

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Vin LoPresti's avatar

I'd submit that what others would call crazy about your view is actually rather clear-eyed. When Biden called Israel the US's airraft carrier in the Middle East, he was being truly modest in that assessment (not that his brain would've known better). The scope of the West's investment in Israel is much broader than simply military, as you suggest.

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Chang Chokaski's avatar

I'm going for a TESLA (and Musk) Takedown protest shortly, and will reply/expand later. Thanks Vin!

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Vin LoPresti's avatar

Bravo, Chang. Give 'em hell.

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Joy in HK fiFP's avatar

"surely the world will eventually rise to the occasion and see Israel as it really is.....a hated state engaged in genocide and ethnic cleaning using the criminal resources of the USA every single day"

You sound as if that wasn't the plan from the start. Perhaps you can share your sources for thinking the 'world' by which I take it you mean the West, ever had any different idea of how this would turn out. I find little evidence for that.

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Vin LoPresti's avatar

You'll be labeled "conspiracy theorist" for that viewpoint, Joy, but It's really tough to argue against the notion that all of this is at the discretion of the planet's big moneyed interests. One readily becomes cynical after repeatedly witnessing permutations of the bloodshed-for-profit narrative played out in human affairs.

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Susan T's avatar

and make being a trillionaire a federal offense that requires a huge fine.

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Chang Chokaski's avatar

Huge fines are easy to circumvent (as observed by how corporations do business - they don't mind paying fines as long as they are able to make "even greater profits" and pay off the regulatory agencies. One can even say that "paying fines" provides a sort of legitimacy for the way corporations do business - they have understood that "paying fines" is the cost of doing business and earning higher profits.

The SYSTEMS need to change.

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Susan T's avatar

Maybe put a stop to their "even greater profits" too. Jail, maybe?

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Chang Chokaski's avatar

Even Jailing doesn't work - when BIG MONEY is involved, it seems everything can be bought - including "freedom from prosecution" and incarceration.

All one has to do (to understand that stuff like jailing doesn't work) is to look at all the WAR CRIMINALS that are heads of state (globally, not just in Western nations). Some of these 'war criminals' even get 'Nobel Peace Prizes'.

Thomas Piketty's book "Capital in the Twenty First Century" (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18736925-capital-in-the-twenty-first-century) has some suggestions on how to deal with the problem of "billionaires" (and such) in our society and systems.

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Joy in HK fiFP's avatar

I'm going to have to contest your opening statement: "Musk and Trump want to stamp out 'fraud and waste'." There is zero evidence that this is their objective. Perhaps adding a question mark at the end would go a long way towards fixing it.

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CATHERINE's avatar

Fixed it. :)

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Susan T's avatar

"we are propagandized to see them that way because if we saw them as fully human, nothing about our society would make sense" Nothing makes sense already. It is not only people far away from us that we disregard. There have been plans here in Canada to bury a bunch of radioactive waste on indigenous land near a river that is used by all kinds of people for all kinds of reasons. But when things don't make sense to us, we are told that we just don't understand. When I was a kid I was really worried about all the trees I saw on trucks being taken from the woods. I was told not to be silly, there are lots of trees. Too many of us think there is lots of everything and once we use one part, there will be another part. Or once we bomb one country, there will be another. Or once we destroy one part of the ocean, there is lots more. Many of us living on this planet don't know what finite means. Everything is finite. Including all of us humans.

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Vin LoPresti's avatar

You're onto the essential character of what this economic system has wrought -- continual messaging that nonstop consumption is normality. The implication, of course is that "finite" is a word of irrelevancy to anyone wishing to "be the best one can be" -- isn't that the argument? Because finite, from the Italian/Latin verb finire, to stop or finish, means one ceases to move forward. The system insists that evolving necessitates consumption. But even the planet's bacteria -- the closest to biological infinity-- know that nothing endures in infinity.

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gypsy33's avatar

Hi Susan,

That’s what I’m counting on .

The human race being finite.

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Susan T's avatar

one morning when he was about 9, my son announced that people were the same as viruses and we'd be better off without them.

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gypsy33's avatar

Your son was wise beyond his years!

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Indu Abeysekara's avatar

Very refreshing, Caitlin & Tim and thank you very much. This may be the first time that this brown/black person has come across ( of course with the exception of some worthy academics and journals), the cataloguing of the western world's criminal enterprises. The outrage Caitlin feels is the outrage that we have been feeling forever.

Caitlin directly addresses the plight of what Noam Chomsky called "... the worthy and unworthy victims..". It is not as if the criminal record of the West wasn't there for those who want to see - the majority just didn't care, happy and wallowing in the largess of the plundered riches of empire.

I blame not only the viciousness of the West but the collaborator class of the 'other' who for their greed went along with the repression of their own people.

There were great good leaders who emerged in the aftermath of decolonisation ( which would never have happened if not for the Soviet Union ) but were brutally eliminated, all the time to the tune of ".. making the world safe for democracy"!

What happens now? With an oligarchy whose greed is insatiable and an idiot leader whose vision is limited to real estate.

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Uaifo Ojo's avatar

Mahn, you hit the nail on the head about the "collaborator class" of our current political so called leaders in the global South

My president here is a known thief and maybe a CIA plant cuz the hardship he has caused in just 2 years of taking office is fucking unprecedented. And the other leaders of most of the global South need to be in chain or dead and True Leaders put in place before things finally turn around

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Joy in HK fiFP's avatar

Viciousness combined with vacuousness is a recipe for moral disaster.

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Vin LoPresti's avatar

I now realize the potential I saw in this when I read it awhile ago. It's a great bumper sticker for the morally conscious.

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Chuck Nasmith's avatar

Food Not Bombs... Free Palestine

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Wren's avatar

A good part of dismissing the suffering of others is proximity. How easy it is to ignore people at a distance.

There is also certainly more concern for people who look like us and have similar ways of living. It's hard to understand because in truth all humans have great and equal value. Perhaps it is some tribal instinct that was never extinguished. Usually, it is taught.

I wouldn't deny the idea that some people are viewed as "more human" than others. 100% this is a despicable and false way of thinking. All people bleed the same blood. All starving people suffer. All injured hurt. All babies and children are innocent and need protection. ALL the SAME.

Teach your children to value all human life equally.

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Uaifo Ojo's avatar

💯... And the funny thing about it to me as a Nigerian is I've always known everyone is equal and it just seemed very natural to think that way and watching Western movies, I felt slavery and all that was in the past and now we're in a better time that all humans understand that we truly are equal

Then the internet came and when I started using Yahoo Messenger and Facebook to try and connect with the white folks, then I knew for a fact that the average white really doesn't want anything to do with someone that looks like me. What a fucking shame when the internet should have brought us together but a lot of people still cling to the nonsense racist shit they were brought up with and so I've stopped trying to be friends with the average Westerner and only on Substack now have I found a group of westerners I can finally respect

But the majority of westerners mindset is fucking filth

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gypsy33's avatar

Uaifo,

It’s WESTERNERS that I don’t consider as “fully human”.

Present westerners aside, of course.

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SW's avatar

You’re right — we live in a protected, sanitized world far from the trash we’ve generated and the starvation wages we’ve imposed on poorer countries. Inflation is going to close many businesses and leave plenty of young men and women available to join the military as employer of last resort. It’s no surprise the Secretary of Defense (war) is a former Marine who’s well know to Fox viewers and will be an “inspirational” recruiter. Maybe that’s why he was chosen in the first place because he’s clearly unqualified.

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Wren's avatar

Hegseth is unqualified and a most inappropriate choice. He demonstrates his immaturity and lack of experience in everything he says and does. The fact that he eagerly took pride in the destruction of an entire apartment building to target one unspecified person should ring alarms for everyone seeing this. He's an embarrassment and dangerous. There will be no wise counsel from this one. The entire military operation is indefensible!

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The Revolution Continues's avatar

We don't let drivers drink and drive--why should we allow any government official with his finger on the bomb buttons?

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Joy in HK fiFP's avatar

Actually, everything you describe about Hegseth sounds like the perfect choice for this position. It rips the covers right off; no longer allowing any pretense to sooth away twinges of aprehension that might pop up in the populace.

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martin's avatar

imperialism the final stage ... the elite owner class moves the harshest, genocidal exploitation to far away shores and insulates itself at home with a compliant, subservient buffer class to serve them, manufacture high end luxury goods, provide guardians to their wealth and soldiers for their perverted wars (and for induced complicity in their crimes).

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Chb's avatar

And poverty at home as well. Not all white peuple are billionnaires...

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Vin LoPresti's avatar

This comment should be posted on a sign at all road entrances at the city limits of DC, as a capsular summary identifying for travelers what awaits beyond. Perhaps entitled "The Final Frontier"

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Ned B.'s avatar

Western world's definition of a terrorist: a person with a bomb but without an air force to deliver it.

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The Revolution Continues's avatar

"Western society does not regard non-westerners as fully human."

This one sentence summarizes all that is wrong, all that is evil and immoral in Western society. It explains why "bombing" has two meanings, and that the second one pertaining to bombs dropped on poorer, darker-skinned ethnic groups has no real relevance for wealthy white Westerners. Funny how the more things change, the more they remain the same... I need to go and check my calendar. Is it 1825 or 2025?

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gypsy33's avatar

Hi TRC

And you could substitute “starving” for “bombing” as well.

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MakeTheWorldSafeForDiversity's avatar

https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2025/3/27/2312846/-The-Abandon-Harris-Crowd-Is-All-Of-A-Sudden-Very-Quiet

Look at how these brutal "liberals" are gloating at the idea of Muslim citizens being put in concentration camps. They don't put a distinction between muslim citizens who can vote and people getting deported who can't vote. Genocide never mattered with these democrats.

Support a third option that actually opposes AIPAC because neither "major" party does.

Workersstrikeback.org

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Joy in HK fiFP's avatar

The Uniparty, with two names, needs to be jettisoned, ASAP. And your link needs the http// to work.

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Judy Bancroft's avatar

If we had any doubts that we have entered a new Dark Ages (Noicide) confirmation is now broadcast loud and clear on a daily basis. I can’t find hope…..Thank you Caitlin for all your writings.

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Joy in HK fiFP's avatar

When I see the steadfastness of the people of Palestine, and Yemen, how can I not have both strength and hope? We owe it to them, ourselves, and the entire, flawed, human species, to not despair, and to find ways to help. There are many organizations doing their best to find a way through this darkness. Everyone of them needs our support.

Anyway, that's what works for me; may it do some good for you as well.

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Judy Bancroft's avatar

Yes Joy, you’re right thank you - and I do support several organisations as many of us do - but when Israel will not allow aid of any kind in…..let alone their resumption of bombing, restricting/targeting medical personnel, aid workers, Palestinian journalists, cutting off power and water, and their appalling expansionary activities in West Bank etc etc I’m afraid my hope is stretched to its very limit……

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gypsy33's avatar

Hi Caitlin Fam

I don’t like to ask for favors but I can’t think of a better group of people to request from.

Hubby is in the hospital. He was medivac’d from our small local hospital to Detroit’s finest. His blood was so thin (I believe from a drug interaction) that he was bleeding internally. He is somewhat stabilized but still not well.

#2. My beloved brother has something going on that has yet to be diagnosed. He’s on the verge of giving up and told me that he just wants to get his affairs in order. I don’t want him to die! 😭

If y’all can find it in your hearts to send good vibes to the most important men in my life, it would mean the world to me. Also, prayers to the deity of your choice would be most welcome.

Thanks with all my heart.

Gyp

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Chang Chokaski's avatar

Gypsy, sending you all my love, the best of wishes, and positivity and hope that your husband and brother will prevail!

Please take care of yourself too. Much love and support!

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Vin LoPresti's avatar

I've been sending the best vibes I have, dear gyp.

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JennyStokes's avatar

Dearest Gypsy..........I am sending all of you some warm spiritual hugs. I don't pray but after my comment I will think positively for you all.

Please let us know how things go.

Love and hugs

Jenny

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gypsy33's avatar

Dear Jenny! Thank you!

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JennyStokes's avatar

No thanks necessary. I am actually now on a 'rampage' with this substack site.

There should be a way to connect with e-mails where both people agree?

How the hell can we organise?

The fact is we cannot!

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Dx's avatar

❤️🕊,Dx

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Rod Dawson's avatar

It is impossible to support Israel without supporting the idea that only some lives matter. That some human beings - as Israel calls them, the 'subhuman animals' - are disposable. That Hitler was right, and humanity can actually be divided into 'ubermenschen', and 'untermenschen'. There was a time when anyone who supported this idea was rejected as a racist, and a danger to civilisation. Racism was reprehensible. No longer. Today, the states that support Israel openly support the most fundamental tenet of racism: that only some lives matter. That is the elephant in the room. Racism makes colonialism possible. People don't need to care about Genocide because racism's permissible again. Oppress a neighbour today. Your government says so.

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Chang Chokaski's avatar

>>"Racism makes colonialism possible."

So true! Well said!

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Feral Finster's avatar

A meme was circulated showing the destruction of Gaza, look see how horrible Russia is, until it was pointed out that this was Israeli bombs and Americans targeting in Gaza.

Oh, then that makes it okay, then! Glory to (nazi) Ukraine!

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gypsy33's avatar

I recall that, Feral.

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Ibti's avatar

Even worse is the disgusting euphemism "strike", which sounds as innocuous as the striking of a match but in fact means mass murdering human beings by decapitation, dismemberment, disembowelling, impaling, incineration or crushing to death via bombs dropped from the sky. Technology enables untold barbarism as it removes the perpetrators from the result of their actions.

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