269 Comments
User's avatar
Vin LoPresti's avatar

If only this piece were typically brilliant mordant satire, rather than turning out to be a close approximation to the reality of dunderheaded discourse on the streets in America. If only . . .

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russian_bot's avatar

I wouldn't even call it approximation. My first thought was Caitlin must have overheard it from those same two guys visiting Melbourne.

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bill wolfe's avatar

It's cynical and sophomoric and its getting very old (and I am a regular reader and supporter).

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Andrea Schmall's avatar

But it's the truth as inconvenient as it may be.

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Louis Moore's avatar

What's sophomoric about people suffering and dying? This is an attempt to keep our minds and hearts sensitive to the tragedy occurring in Palestine. Americans constantly need a jolt of reality to keep them grounded in some form of reality.

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Jeano's avatar

And exactly how do you know it’s the truth o great soothsayer. If we’re such victims of propaganda, as your Bopeep claims, how the hell would you know what the “truth” is?

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Andrea Schmall's avatar

What exactly within the narrative is not factual? It's relatively simple to unpack so you should have no trouble specifically pointing out the parts you find questionable and/or lacking in substance. As for your question on the issue of propaganda, it would take someone impervious to it to enlighten others and make them open their eyes and yes, there are people who are very capable of using logic or have had an epiphany concerning the issue at hand. I had a very personal experience that allowed me, or rather forced me, to see with great clarity the corruption, collusion, criminality and gaslighting that this government perpetrates on its citizenry. And referring to this organized crime syndicate that poses as a government as an actual government would be laughable, if it were not so pathetic! So there you have it, o great naysayer.

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Jojo's avatar

Well, I have never, ever encountered:

"a crying man carrying two plastic bags full of body parts."

This might not be "factual" in the USA. But then, perhaps you live in Chicago?

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Andrea Schmall's avatar

Neither have I but I know what allegorical means so I recognize it when I come across it. My suggestion is that you look up the definition of allegory and start there. But the main point is that very sadly for the people in Gaza. it's not allegorical and they are tragically dealing with the reality of this horror daily.

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russian_bot's avatar

Jeapo jealous no got into dialog, maybe next time girl.

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Vin LoPresti's avatar

Given that the average level of discourse in the US about almost anything seems sophomoric to me, I find that diversifying approaches to revealing and excoriating that embarrassment doesn't really get old because its Disney-fied roots in the culture are so deep as to require constant excavation and extirpation; killing weeds is never a small task. It may get old, but it almost never ever gets easily accomplished.

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jamenta's avatar

You're on a mission from God!

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Jeano's avatar

I think it must be the people you’re talking to. Try getting off this site and going out in your neighborhood with an open mind. You might find much smarter than you, unless you’re determined to always be looking in a mirror.

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Vin LoPresti's avatar

I love this because it's the tangential ad hominem. Masterful. Congrats.

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Jeano's avatar

Thank you. It’s the only way to combat glittering generalities hiding banal pomposities.

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Vin LoPresti's avatar

Nah, it's cheap underhanded bullshit, just like any other ad hominem. Just more clever, and cleverness is admirable for its own sake,. And referencing dunderheadedness, in a sense, you negate your own assertion about getting away from the stultification of this site via that demonstration of your own cleverness, and there, with two very astute friends here from back east, who have no connection to this site, I rest my case for today. Arriverderci.

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John Turcot's avatar

"It’s the only way to combat glittering generalities hiding banal pomposities????

A new language???? .

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Aya's avatar

Ha sorry love it

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John Turcot's avatar

Sorry Vin.... tangential ... hominem... ????????????

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John Turcot's avatar

Jeano, Looking in the mirror is a good place to meet a stranger. .

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Magnus's avatar

Ouch "sophomoric" and "old." The Algonquin Round Table set has broken out the big guns. lol. You've all been warned -- if you can't talk about genocide like a modish sophiticate, just shut your goddamn mouths. Stop trying the patience of your betters.

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Jazzme's avatar

” Dr. Herman told me. “When you have a political party that embraces the subordination of women, the subordination of people of color, the subordination of gender non-conforming people, and the subordination of non-Christians, then it’s not a party that embraces democracy. It’s a party that is looking for a fascist leader and is going to find one.”

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John Turcot's avatar

I think the gist of comments might fit, but I'm only guessing... not sure what ideologies you are implying, and how you perceive them ??..

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Realist's avatar

"It's cynical and sophomoric and its getting very old..."

Indeed it is. Caitlin habitually gets out over her skis and loses her mind. See my comment below

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Stephen Walker's avatar

Cynical? Oh, do explain.

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Caitlin Johnstone's avatar

I bruised his ego a few weeks ago and he's been all bitchy in my comments ever since.

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Feral Finster's avatar

That explains it.

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bill wolfe's avatar

Feral - I'm a WOLFE! You cats haven't laid a paw on me!

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gypsy33's avatar

Wait ‘til you meet my tribe, including my part-bobcat.

And they all have claws.

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bill wolfe's avatar

Yes, I've got a big ego, but it doesn't bruise easily - I've been in NJ political wars for 40 years now. Keyboard whining is barely audible.

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Stephen Walker's avatar

And clearly unable to back up your own statements.

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bill wolfe's avatar

Who was that 120 lb and under flag footballer piling on?

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russian_bot's avatar

Hey billie, turns out your sharp shooter had a 10" penis: https://rumble.com/v5787us-totally-sus-assassination-attempt-not-adding-up.html?start=1124

What's your analysis of this new development? Do you think the dong interfered with his taking aim? Was he confused about what to aim where?

Your girlfriend Jeapo must have an opinion. She graded lots of textbook penises so is an expert. Not to mention the ones she accommodated during her happy hippy days.

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russian_bot's avatar

"in NJ political wars" - if you were any good in NJ billie you'd be dead by now. if you mattered that is. heard of tony soprano?

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bill wolfe's avatar

mobsters, fishermen, and union guys threatened that many times. Politicians merely fired me and defunded me. I paid my dues twice over you asshole

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Jeano's avatar

Hahahahaha. Key board whining. Good word. I heard “doom scrolling” the other day. That too seems to be the main activity here in Bo peep land

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bill wolfe's avatar

see how personally nasty these bastards get when you question their whining?

Not a good look for the compassion crowd.

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russian_bot's avatar

"Hahahahaha." - pissed yourself jeapo. good thing spare panties nearby 🤣

you leeching off here too jeapo - arrange to meet billie, bonobos run their course, too numb.

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Realist's avatar

Your make-believe scenario has no basis in reality. See my comment below.

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Jeano's avatar

You didn’t bruise mine, and I agree with him. You’re stuck in the liberal circular firing squad and have lost your way. And your sheep just follow behind you, round and round.

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Caitlin Johnstone's avatar

"You didn’t bruise mine"

I think we both know that's false.

"You’re stuck in the liberal circular firing squad and have lost your way. And your sheep just follow behind you, round and round."

I have no idea what any of this means. I sincerely have no idea what either of you are babbling about. If you have a criticism, articulate yourself coherently using complete thoughts.

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gypsy33's avatar

Right on Caitlin!

Your website is beginning to devolve into agendas for people who have personal vendettas against one another. I’ve made it my mission to ignore all of them.

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Jeano's avatar

Even tho you don’t take me at my word that you didn’t bruise my ego, I do take you at your word that you have “no idea what any of this means.” I have suspected that for a while. So this school marm stance that “if you have a criticism …” doesn’t pass the smell test. No matter how carefully articulated, you dismiss any argument that doesn’t suit you with hands on hips and tapping shoe. You used to be quite good and I hoped you’d grow and find your way, but that hasn’t happened yet I’m afraid. Try reading those you disagree with more carefully, or ask wiser people if you don’t get it. It’ll help you grow.

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russian_bot's avatar

yours non-existent jeapo, bonobos combined with shrooms managed to numb it permanently.

billie's girlfriend pls give us your version of trump cutting his ear with paper cutter did he cut his balls too. maybe you were near him one day and he didn't grab your pussy. that's what bruised your ego jeapo.

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Jojo's avatar

Your complaining about the author's constant over-the-top writing style?

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John Turcot's avatar

bill... reality never gets old...

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russian_bot's avatar

Ya, billie - tough to recognize yourself innit.

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INGRID C DURDEN's avatar

while the world is on fire people discuss a man on a stage searching for his shoes

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Sharon R. Fiore's avatar

Yes, and that’s exactly what the politicians want

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bill wolfe's avatar

Yes, and Caitlin too. See my prior comment

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mois78's avatar

So, this white guy was sleeping as he heard noises, he walk up and found an African American thief in his house. The thief killed the white guy's wife, and the white guy shot him dead.

The White guy was so angry, he got in his car, drove the ghetto where African Americans lived, and ran over half a dozen blacks. They called the police, THE POLICE SAID THE WHITE MAN HAVE THE RIGHT TO DEFEND HIS FAMILY. The white guy goes home, but he was still angry. He gets 5 gallons gasoline, and go set fire in a few black homes. They call the police, the police said the white man is angry, and HE HAS THE RIGHT TO DEFEND HIS FAMILY.

The white guy goes home, but still fuming, he goes and buy more gasoline, and repeat the burning...THAT REVENGE KILLING CAN GO FOR A YEAR WITH TV COVERAGE EVERYDAY, AND INTELLECTUALS SAYING "HE HAS THE RIGHT TO DEFEND HIS FAMILY". That is the current case in Gaza the collective morales of this world, and Israel is on trial.

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Dorothy's avatar

Merikkans love our virtual reality experience. The “real” things are too much.

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jamenta's avatar

Debbie Downer - SNL Sketch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfE93xON8jk

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mois78's avatar

Who still watch SNL?

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jamenta's avatar

Yeah, we're all dying off! Bullets to the head or just natural death. One way or another. I have watched other shows though, not just SNL exclusively. George Carlin was good. Robin Williams amazing. RIP Robin.

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Sharon R. Fiore's avatar

Exactly

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Marie-Louise Murville's avatar

Thank you for the much needed perspective, Caitlin!

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Jo Waller's avatar

These two guys may well be also sweltering as they walk along in the Texas heat, paddling in sea water in Florida or flooded out of their homes as Trump having a sore ear continues to distract from the climate crisis, agricultural collapse and the coming mass migration as well as from the genocide that's happening right now.

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Realist's avatar

Caitlin's scenario is stupid on a stick.

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Jul 16
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Realist's avatar

"Her “scenario” is actually happening.

That is bullshit. Give me an example of where the following happened in the United States.

'stepping over a woman in a hijab clutching a dead child to her chest.'

'down the sidewalk through mountains of gore and human suffering.'

'A skeletal young girl approached them with hands outstretched, urgently speaking to them in Arabic.'

'sidestepping a screaming man holding a headless baby.'

'holding his nose as they passed a decomposing corpse being gnawed at by a stray dog.'

'shouted Carl over the sound of machine gun fire and anguished cries.'

'stepping over a small burning body.'

'disentangling his foot from a dead woman’s intestines.'

'a crying man carrying two plastic bags full of body parts.'

The United States has serious problems; I have stated them here many times, with a SOLUTION.

I don't see any Aussie protests about your chickenshit government bobbing on Uncle Sam's dick.

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Res Nullius's avatar

Perhaps you're confusing realism with literalism? You have heard of allegory, right? It's not like Caitlin was being subtle here.

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Realist's avatar

"You have heard of allegory, right?"

Her metaphor was childish and inane. She lives in a country that knob-gobbles Uncle Sam daily, and she should be a little concerned about that.

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russian_bot's avatar

She is concerned and not a little. Why do you keep lying, "Realist"? At least change your handle to, like, dunno, "Liar"?

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John Turcot's avatar

Realist,...

"Give me an example of where the following happened in the United States."

Sometimes being a realist can present some perceptive challenges.

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Ron Chapman's avatar

You haven't been following Riccrdo Bosi then havya "Realist".

The Oz guvment is toast like the pretend Biden guvment & all Talmud controlled guvments. It won't be long now...

Being unable to envisage the 'reality' of what USans are doing to Gazans, Ukrainians, Russians & many other nations is the essence of what Caitlin is telling you. The fact that YOU can't SEE it IS her point.

Ron

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Darren Gratten Whitney's avatar

That's just what the nation-wide protests are about: Divestment from the military, particularly the US encroachment.

Jesus, it would have taken you twenty seconds to look that up. But you unhinged your jaw instead...

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-16/act-palestine-anu-gaza-encampment-members-ordered-to-vacate/103858184

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Realist's avatar

"That's just what the nation-wide protests are about: Divestment from the military, particularly the US encroachment."

That's bullshit...250 students at one university. What the fuck kind of protest was that??? Was Caitlin there? Hell no. She is too busy pissing and moaning, as are most of her childish followers.

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Jul 16Edited
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Realist's avatar

"It is happening everytime you chose to harp on the useless theatrics of your politicans or entertainers and you dont pay attention to the 100,000 of deaths committed in your name and with your money"

One of your big problems is you lash out at me and have no idea about me. I have posted my complaints about the United States government on this blog many times. I in no way support this government. This country is controlled by a plutocratic oligarchy.

"When you decide that scrolling on the theatrics of your zionists whores is more important than the 100,000 children massacred in your name."

Speaking of Zionist whores, there is none bigger than the Australian government and media. That is the media and government Caitlin never criticizes.

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russian_bot's avatar

"Speaking of Zionist whores, there is none bigger than the Australian government and media. That is the media and government Caitlin never criticizes." - why do you lie?

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Jul 16
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Jeano's avatar

And of course you will have to wake up to yours. It won’t be fun. Especially as your white privileged colonialist behavior becomes more obvious after you can’t blame it on “you freaks” any more.

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Jul 16
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Jeano's avatar

You don’t have to be white to have white privileged colonialist behavior. You should know that. And whether or not you “stopped” the genocide is an arrogant position—did you try? Or did you just end up blaming everyone else because they didn’t do what you want? That’s about 3 yrs old.

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Peter Gilbert's avatar

Two sides of dystopia: a physical side and a moral side. This article juxtaposes those two aspects pretty well. The Steve and Carl of this article, who represent the American people at large, live in a kind of mental bubble, a tightly controlled sphere of permitted discourse that prevents them from acknowledging, not only the horrific suffering of others, but their own responsibility for creating it and allowing it to continue. There is, in the parable, nothing to suggest that Steve and Carl ever see through their bubble. But the point of the parable is to get others to do so.

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Howard Pearce - Libertarian's avatar

" but their own responsibility for creating it and allowing it to continue. "

And the proof of that is that the majority of americans will require you to associate with The State rather than support Freedom of Association

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Marquis's avatar

This is the interesting thing. People in the United States are largely isolated from much of what is going on in the world. Largely part of the US controlled media. Imagine being a US citizen and learning how responsible your country for the suffering in the world through their foreign policy.

What I liked about your article is that it shows how desensitized people are to what is happening in Gaza in the United States.Ironically for them to make a difference, they would need to not only realize what is happening, but see both parties are responsible.

The psychological isolation of US citizens is intentional. Only a fraction of people really have connections to other countries. (Usually family or business travel) I remember Snowden stating that he was surprised about how nice Russia is because he was lead to believe it was the land of the enemy. He wasn't some ignorant guy, he was well educated. The problem was...he was American...

If what you described happened literally in the United States, burning hospitals, a stray dog eating a decomposing corpse, etc...Americans would give the empire managers full control to 'fix these issues' in the United States and that would be the scary part. Think of 911 on steroids...that's how isolated America is culturally from the rest of the world. That's why the US elections are built up like the Superbowl. the purpose is to distract us from what is going on in the world.

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Kojo's avatar

Yes the media is propaganda, and so and their schools and sports. But: the real problem is they don't travel and so they don't see rest of the world, with their own eyes and ears the real world to be able to decipher that they are being told lies at home about the rest of the world.

I remember being in a small midwestern down once and reading a poll taken in the town. More than half of the people had never left the STATE, never mind the country.

So they are bombarded with brainwashing and they really have near zero intellectual or cultural curiosity.

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Marquis's avatar

Thank you for adding this, you explained what I was trying to say very well. "The United States is the greatest country in the world, this message is brought to you by the United States." Internal investigations, fact checking, everything we hear is filtered through the US agencies...

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Patrick Powers's avatar

Yep, that is the subliminal message that is EVERYWHERE. Every other country is second rate at best. All good ideas come from the USA. If that's all you have ever heard your whole life, why shouldn't you believe it?

North Koreans, same thing. NK is the best in the world, etc.

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Michael's avatar

Most can’t afford to be world travelers. Even then, we travel to equally brainwashed westernized nations for vacation and business. They have their own problems to solve. They have very little visibility into the reality. So it’s much easier to just agree that all Russians and Muslims hate freedom and democracy. The only chance for truth is through churches and unfortunately they promote the divide. Average westerners are barely more accountable than the squirrels in my yard.

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gypsy33's avatar

Hello Michael

It’s been 15 years since I last travelled to Ireland. Back then I was purchasing An Poblach, the Sinn Fein’s paper; it was the first time I ever saw a photograph of a dead Palestinian child.

Westernized nations are not all the same. The Irish have ALWAYS linked Palestinian struggles to their own.

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Michael's avatar

I particularly appreciate the work of Clare Daley! What a great lady

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Indu Abeysekara's avatar

"The psychological isolation of US citizens is intentional."

Marquis, you are good. This is the crux of the matter.

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Kfc1404's avatar

As a Brit I’m not really qualified to comment but, it sure looks like the way things are in the US right now…

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Jul 16
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Kfc1404's avatar

All too true, I’m afraid, but, no, I don’t vote, for there is no point, recent events, certainly here, have made the fact that it is just a uniparty all too apparent.

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The Revolution Continues's avatar

"It’s not like there’s anything else going on in the world that’s particularly newsworthy anyway.”

That's my response to the people who question me when I say I don't take either Biden or Trump or their political campaigns seriously. What could be more newsworthy than we're witnessing a genocide livestreamed from Gaza and the West Bank on our screens? Nothing. Biden and Trump are infinitely replaceable, but the precious children of Gaza are not. Just ask their relatives here in the US who are worried sick about them day and night for the past nine months plus.

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Chang Chokaski's avatar

>>"Biden and Trump are infinitely replaceable, but the precious children of Gaza are not."

EXACTLY! Couldn't have said it better myself. Thank you.

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Chang Chokaski's avatar

There are just too many Nazis on Substack - it's becoming a problem...

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Kojo's avatar

ZioNazis too.

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Indu Abeysekara's avatar

😟Yes! Chang.

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russian_bot's avatar

"Couldn't have said it better myself. Thank you." - thank you, please don't.

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@smokygirl2006's avatar

Oh, now that was a good one, Caitlin. Thank you for sharing. Palestine should be the main focus for anyone with half a brain and an ounce of compassion. 😢☮️🇵🇸❤️🖤🤍💚

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Joy in HK fiFP's avatar

There must be an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Pope Francis has said what is needed, now he must do what is needed by going to Gaza and standing for peace, justice and freedom.

Please sign the petition and share widely.

https://chng.it/CRQ7qw4Gzn

From CodePink:

Tell the U.S. to arrest Netanyahu for his crimes against humanity! And tell

Congress to boycott his

visit!

https://www.codepink.org/cnngaza?utm_campaign=12_15_pali_update_alert_3&utm_medium=email&utm_source=codepink

Let us also support UNRWA. If our governments won’t act in accordance with humanity, then we will. https://www.unrwausa.org/donate

Also we can all support the brave doctors who have gone to Gaza: https://palestinian-ama.networkforgood.com/projects/206145-gaza-medical-supplies-oct-2023

Let us make our donations to honor Aaron Bushnell, or in memory of Hind Rajab.

Here’s a petition to excommunicate Joe Biden: https://www.change.org/p/excommunicate-president-joe-biden-bf979783-ac08-4576-a53f-c786ea23dc9c

These are a few small things we can do. If we can do more, let us do more.

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Bill Astore's avatar

Brilliant. Well said, Caitlin.

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Carmen Rodriguez Zapata's avatar

Outstanding depiction.

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Gregor McIntosh's avatar

Brilliant!

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narjis of many camels's avatar

Lots of haters today. Do we not understand satire, or are we tired of caring about Muslim people?

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The Revolution Continues's avatar

I think it's the horrible heat wave and high humidity in North America right now. It's cooking people's brains and quite possibly what remains of their hearts (empathy). I've noted a lot hater comments on my social platform feeds lately, and it is disheartening. You would hope they would use their energies toward actions to take out the corrupt status quo instead of ragging on each other. The capitalists are good at "divide and conquer" and they've brainwashed the masses to stick it each other as well.

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jamenta's avatar

Social media really isn't very healthy discourse. A good portion of normal communication is non-verbal, so you really never get a solid idea of where someone is coming from - just by reading text. I find I need to remind myself: to limit how much time I should spend on social media - most of it is just shouting into the wind. Here today, gone tomorrow.

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russian_bot's avatar

All true and should be taken into account when considering engagement.

For the established blog with more or less same set of commenting characters I take it as just another day in "The Office". You just observe what this or that one, already familiar to you, would come up with.

The serious ones already had many chances to present their views and at least once engaged to reveal themselves. So it's not much to expect from them as far as new substance and they likely just sit quietly, or leave altogether. The exclusively reading ones you don't know about, and who knows what they might extract and learn for themselves. Especially when presented with references, suggestions, links.

The loud ones provide entertainment. They illustrate why humanity is the way it is. The futility of attempts to come up with the ideal solution for the societal order. So those I simply troll. Especially the outrageous ones.

That's why I'm here, basically. Occasionally there are some serious engagements and I get a chance to state my positions once again(which I already have many times so no point to start presenting them over and over out of the blue). But mostly it's just fun to be a fly on the wall in "The Office".

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Patrick Powers's avatar

I have limited myself. I let all my paid subscriptions expire.

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jamenta's avatar

It's especially easy to succumb to if you're a bit of an introvert or retired. But I think limited use is better overall. It took me several years though, to figure this out finally.

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CarbonCopy's avatar

We have to be aware that The Terrorist State of Israel has employed numerous companies to put AI bots into full force and this is happening all out now. Also the bought and paid for unelected Supreme Court has given the go ahead to censorship full on now also. There is very little time left to us before the FBI or some other 3 letter agency comes knocking or like what is done on "X" the discourse is only allowed to the chorus and never allowed out in public!

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