November 14th, 2016
By Stephen Lendman.
Soros is one of the world’s most infamous figures, an international con man profiting from human misery, supporting color revolutions and wars to serve his interests.
He menaces fundamental freedoms worldwide, supports anything that smells money, once saying “(w)e need a global sheriff,” perhaps with himself in mind.
As a market participant, he’s unconcerned about the consequences of his actions. He supported war goddess/Wall Street favorite Hillary for president, contributing millions of dollars to her campaign.
At the same time, he’s militantly anti-Trump, earlier involved in financing hooligans disrupting some of his campaign events, using violence and other dirty tricks to turn voters against him – unsuccessfully as things turned out.
Moscow’s Prosecutor General earlier called his Open Society Institute and Open Society Institute Assistance Foundations “threat(s) to Russian national security and constitutional order.”
He’s now financing Kiev Euromaidan-style anti-Trump protests in US cities, including laying siege to Trump Tower in Manhattan.
MoveOn.org is a Soros front group, involved with other dubious NGOs in what’s happening, issuing a disruptive post-election press release, saying:
“Americans to Come Together in Hundreds Peaceful Gatherings of Solidarity, Resistance, and Resolve Following Election Results”
“Hundreds of Americans, dozens of organizations to gather peacefully outside the White House and in cities and towns nationwide to take a continued stand against misogyny, racism, Islamophobia, and xenophobia.”
“Tonight, thousands of Americans will come together at hundreds of peaceful gatherings in cities and towns across the nation, including outside the White House, following the results of Tuesday’s presidential election.
The gatherings – organized by MoveOn.org and allies – will affirm a continued rejection of Donald Trump’s bigotry, xenophobia, Islamophobia, and misogyny and demonstrate our resolve to fight together for the America we still believe is possible.”
Its call mobilized scores of nationwide protests, continuing over the weekend, its email to staff, calling Tuesday’s election a “disaster,” adding:
“The new president-elect and many of his most prominent supporters have targeted, demeaned, and threatened millions of us – and millions of our friends, family, and loved ones.”
“Both chambers of Congress remain in Republican hands. We are entering an era of profound and unprecedented challenge, a time of danger for our communities and our country.”
“In this moment, we have to take care of ourselves, our families, and our friends – especially those of us who are on the front lines facing hate, including Latinos, women, immigrants, refugees, Black people, Muslims, LGBT Americans, and so many others. And we need to make it clear that we will continue to stand together.”
Seattle-based Washington Community Action Network ran the following Craigslist.org ad, saying:
“Fight the Trump Agenda! We’re hiring Full-Time Organizers 15/hr! (Seattle)”
“Washington CAN! is our state’s oldest and largest Grassroots Non-Profit. We’ve been organizing and winning on the local and national level for over 35 years on issues such as Racial, Social, and Economic Justice, Health Care, Immigration Reform, Tax Fairness, and a Living Wage for all workers.”
“We are looking for motivated individuals who are seeking Full-Time, Part-Time, and Permanent positions.”
“Our Paid-Training Program is the best around. We will teach you the skills you need to succeed. The combined experience of our management team is over 50 years.”
“At Washington CAN! you will work at our Home Office here in Seattle. You will regularly meet with our Organizers, Lobbyists, and Executive Director, and have a real sense of being directly involved in our work.”
“We provide benefits in Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), Paid Vacation, Paid Sick Days, Holidays, and Leave of Absence. Advancement and Travel Opportunities are available as well. Staff average pay is $15-20 an hour.”
It added phone numbers to call and names of individuals to ask for.
Soros funding is likely behind all or most anti-Trump protests nationwide, using Move.On and other dubious NGOs, profiting from disruption – perhaps wanting election results annulled, Hillary installed as president.
Like him or not, he won. Hillary lost. All the Soros billions and all his mischief won’t put her in the White House instead of him. On January 20, he’ll succeed Obama. How he’ll govern remains to be seen.
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October 26th, 2016
By Stephen Lendman.
Times editors changed the rules on debating, assuring views they support get featured, others at most given short shrift – maintaining its mind manipulation practice, excluding free and open discussion on vital world and national issues.
Matthew Rojansky directs the establishment Wilson Center Kennan Institute. Kathryn Stoner is a Stanford University Spogli Institute for International Studies senior fellow.
Both were negative on Putin. So are Times editors and their presidential choice, Hillary Clinton. So fair and balanced views on him were excluded as expected. One-sided non-debate substituted.
Stoner lied claiming “(t)he US tried working with Putin. It didn’t work,” saying US/Russian relations deteriorated after his 2012 re-eelection.
Washington undermined ties. Putin was wrongfully blamed. US administrations tolerate no sovereign independent states, wanting puppet regimes it controls replacing them, how things were during the lost Boris Yeltsin decade – ending on December 31, 1999 when Putin succeeded him.
With US encouragement and coaching, Yeltsin introduced “shock therapy.” Economic genocide followed. GDP plunged 50%. Life expectancy fell. Democratic freedoms died.
An oligarch class accumulated enormous wealth at the expense of millions of harmed Russians.
Contemptuously ignoring essential needs, human rights and civil liberties, Yeltsin let corruption and criminality flourish. One scandal followed another. Money-laundering became sport. Billions in stolen wealth were hidden in Western banks or offshore tax havens.
Western governments and media scoundrels loved him. Putin rejects US imperialism, deplores foreign intervention. In 2007, he condemned Washington’s quest for unipolar global dominance “through a system which has nothing to do with democracy.”
Spurning international norms and principles, it’s “plunging the world into an abyss of permanent conflicts. (It) overstep(s) its national borders in almost all sphere,” he explained.
These and similar comments don’t set well in Washington – nor with imperial supporters like Stoner. False accusations dog Putin – including:
- nonexistent “Russian aggression” in Ukraine;
- nonexistent seizure of Crimea;
- nonexistent war crimes in Syria;
- nonexistent hacking of DNC emails or attempts to influence America’s November presidential election;
- baseless claims of billions of dollars stashed in offshore tax havens;
- phony accusations of cracking down on government opponents;
- bashing Russian democracy under his leadership; and
- fabricated allegations of murder, among other relentless attacks against him.
He’s denigrated for opposing America’s quest for global dominance, urging multi-world polarity, supporting Russian sovereign independence and believing international laws, norms and standards are inviolable.
According to anti-Russia extremists like Stoner, “(t)he next US president will inherit…a Putin problem,” calling Trump’s support for him “dangerous.”
Rojansky is no Putin fan, at the same time saying sanctions on Russia under his leadership accomplished nothing, other than heightening tensions.
Instead of explaining Washington consistently undermines his all-out efforts to resolve conflicts in Syria and Ukraine diplomatically, he accused him of “escalating and broadening (things) via nuclear saber rattling, cyber attacks and misinformation warfare” – along with seeking greater influence “throughout the Middle East” and elsewhere.
America is a warrior state, notably since the first Bill and Hillary Clinton co-presidency – waging endless wars of aggression for unchallenged global dominance.
Russia isn’t revanchist, Putin the world’s preeminent peacemaker. Instead of praising his efforts, extremists like Rojanky denigrate him.
“What is to be done,” he asked? “Our problem is with Russia,” he claims. “(W)e need to stop pursuing policies with the expectation either that Russia will change into a friendly democracy or that it can be fully defeated and sidelined. Neither is remotely likely…”
“(R)e-establish dialogue (to) advanc(e) our national interests…Most of all, we need coordination and consistency on our side.”
Views serving US interests at the expense of Russia and other countries can’t work longer-term. Smaller, weaker countries can be bullied or battered into compliance, given Washington’s penchant for endless conflicts.
Relations with Russia are another matter entirely. Each country’s destructive power matches the other’s. War if initiated assures losers, not winners – maybe ending life on earth at the same time.
Given today’s super-weapons, either we get along or we’ll perish. Why doesn’t The Times debate this most vital of all issues – with distinguished independent anti-war activists participating?
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October 20th, 2016
By Stephen Lendman.
Campaigning yesterday in Colorado, Trump called media scoundrels “more crooked than crooked Hillary” – again saying November’s election is “rigged.”
Ignore mainstream reports, he urged. “(R)ead the Internet” instead. In North Carolina, Trump running mate Mike Pence explained this year’s presidential election isn’t “a fair fight (because major) media (are) doing half of Hillary Clinton’s work for her every day.”
A previous article explained Google support for Hillary. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg one-sidedly backs her, deleting negative comments about her – claiming they don’t “follow the Facebook Community Standards,” part of its war on free expression.
According to CPI, more than 96% of individuals identified as journalists in federal campaign finance filings contributed $396,000 to Hillary’s campaign – compared to about $14,000 for Trump.
Federal candidates only need disclose contributions exceeding $200 during each electoral cycle, including names of donors. It’s likely many more journalists contributed to the Clinton and Trump campaigns below the radar, their names and amounts unknown.
Supporting one presidential candidate over another assures biased coverage. The New York Times is a virtual Hillary press agent.
Yet its ethics handbook prohibits political donations, saying “(a)ny political giving by a Times staff member would carry a great risk of feeding a false impression that the paper is taking sides” – stated with tongue in cheek when it comes to Hillary.
Journalists contributing to campaigns of political candidates they’re covering reveal a clear conflict of interest – an unacceptable ethical breach, compromising their integrity – a quality sorely absent in mainstream reporting.
Trump spokesman Jason Miller told CPI “we’re witnessing the single biggest coordinated media attack in political history…”
He called its anti-Trump “biased hit pieces…in-kind contributions, (far) exceed(ing) their maximum allowable gift limits a long time ago.”
It’s hard disagreeing, this year’s presidential coverage overwhelmingly one-sided – an unprecedented display of deplorable media bias for Hillary, a woman physically, ethically, morally and emotionally unfit to serve.
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October 16th, 2016
By Stephen Lendman.
Trump and Clinton represent dirty business as usual. She’s far more ruthless and dangerous, world peace threatened under her leadership, an emotionally unstable war goddess/she devil.
Jill Stein is the only people’s candidate, a true anti-war progressive, supporting democratic governance of, by and for everyone equitably – entirely absent under duopoly rule, serving privileged interests exclusively.
Hillary is ruthlessly pro-war, pro-Wall Street, pro-corporate predation, anti-democratic, anti-rule of law principles, anti-labor, anti-fundamental freedoms.
Her deplorable public record speaks for itself. Trump can only be judged by his rhetoric and business history as an indication of how he’d govern.
At a time of protracted Main Street Depression, neither duopoly candidate offers a program resembling badly needed progressive policies.
FDR’s first 100 days were historic, a unique post-electoral period in America. Landmark laws were passed, including the Bank Act of 1933 – Glass-Steagall, insuring deposits up to $5,000 and separating commercial from investment banks and insurance companies, among other provisions to curb speculation.
The Homeowners Refinancing Act stopped most foreclosures, preventing the loss of over a million homes.
The Emergency Conservation Work Act put unemployed people to work building roads, bridges, dams, state parks and various other projects.
The Civil Works Administration, Works Progress Administration and Public Works Administration created millions of full and part-time jobs.
Roosevelt called the National Recovery Administration “the most important and far-reaching (measure) ever” established in America – an initiative to revive economic growth, encourage collective bargaining, set maximum work hours, minimum wages, at times prices, and forbid child labor in industry.
The Tennessee Valley Authority provided navigation, flood control, electricity generation, economic development, and promoted agriculture in the depression-impacted Tennessee Valley area, covering most of Tennessee as well as parts of Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia.
The Agricultural Adjustment Act restricted production by paying farmers to reduce or destroy crops and livestock – a plan to raise prices at the worst time, when people were impoverished and hungry.
The Farm Credit Act let farmers refinance mortgages over an extended period at below-market rates. The Emergency Farm Mortgage Act provided refinancing for farmers facing foreclosure.
Despite its flaws and failures, New Deal measures helped millions of desperate Americans in need. Post-100 days included the Wagner Act letting labor bargain collectively on equal terms with management for the first time.
The Social Security Act to this day remains the most important federal program helping retirees and other eligible recipients financially.
Other social legislation throughout the decade helped millions of Americans in need – polar opposite bipartisan anti-populist policies today.
Militarism, corporate favoritism and the greatest ever wealth transfer from most people to its privileged few reflects how the nation is now run.
Trump’s 8-point first 100 days plan includes:
1. Appointing judges who’ll “uphold the Constitution” – code language for supporting conservative, anti-progressive policies.
2. Restricting immigration on the phony pretext of helping Americans get “good-paying jobs.”
3. Holding countries “cheat(ing) on trade” accountable – how isn’t explained, if by imposing stiff tariffs, they’ll be countered by similar ones on US products, the way trade wars begin.
4. “Cancel(ing) rules and regulations that send jobs overseas.” Companies need incentives to keep jobs at home. As private enterprises, they’re free to operate anywhere.
5. Lifting restrictions on energy production – nothing in his plan shifts from greenhouse-producing fossil fuels and dangerous nuclear power to renewable green sources.
6. “Repeal(ing) and replac(ing) jobs-killing Obamacare.” What’s vitally needed Trump and Hillary oppose – universal healthcare, everyone in, no one left out, assuring all Americans have the most important human right along with food, shelter, clothing and true democratic governance at peace with all other nations.
7. “Passing massive tax reform to create millions of new jobs and lower taxes for everyone.” Economic growth creates jobs, not tax cuts, largely benefitting high-income earners, most ordinary people getting little or nothing.
8. “Impos(ing) tough new ethics rules…to the office of Secretary of State.”
Trump said nothing about strictly observing international laws, nor ending illegal US wars of aggression. Stressing “America first” ignores its responsibility to respect the sovereign rights of all other nations.
On November 8, Americans get to choose between the two most widely reviled presidential aspirants in US history.
Trump’s most redeeming feature is he’s unlikely to attack Russia. He’d rather normalize relations than disrupt them further – based on what he’s said.
Hillary’s ascension to power makes nuclear war on Russia possible, even likely – a risk too great to permit.
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September 20th, 2016
By Stephen Lendman.
Rogue president Erdogan wants northern Syria annexed, expanding Turkey’s border south by seizing its territory on the phony pretext of combating ISIS, his ally.
On Monday, he said Turkish forces control 900 square km. “We may extend this area to 5,000 square km,” he added, on the phony pretext of establishing a “safe zone” for Syrian civilians he’s complicit with ISIS and other terrorist groups in murdering in cold blood, supplying them with weapons, munitions and other material support.
His forces control Jarablus and al-Rai, advancing toward al-Bab in Aleppo province with likely greater territorial aims in mind. At the same time, he’s waging war on Kurdish YPG fighters, Washington abandoned to support Turkey after earlier backing them.
Turkish chief of general staff general Hulusi Akar lied, claiming government forces “have no eye on any other countries’ territory.”
Ankara’s operation constitutes naked aggression, flagrantly violating international law, with full US support and encouragement, making conflict resolution less attainable, precisely what US strategy is all about – endless wars and instability, peace ruled out entirely.
A Final Comment
On Monday, Syria’s military declared an end to Russia/US brokered ceasefire, saying terrorist fighters violated it over 300 times in seven days – killing civilians and military personnel in cold blood.
They took full advantage of Syrian forces standing down by mobilizing for continued conflict. Operating as US foot soldiers, they want war, not peace.
Government forces observed Geneva terms scrupulously to no avail. They’ll now resume combating terrorism responsibly “to restore security and stability to the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic,” Syrian media reported.
How Russia and Washington respond remains to be seen. Clearly, prospects for cessation of hostilities and conflict resolution are nil.
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September 14th, 2016
By Stephen Lendman.
Rodrigo Duterte is unlike previous Philippine leaders, subservient to US interests, going along to get along.
Earlier this month, he called Obama a “son-of-a-bitch,” warning him not to criticize his extrajudicial killing policy, aimed at eliminating drug kingpins and dealers – reminding him of America’s longstanding deplorable record of unaccountable assassinations at home and abroad.
On Monday, he challenged Washington again, calling for removal of US forces from Jolo and Basilan islands, saying:
“These special forces…have to go. I do not want a rift with America, but they have to go.” They’ve been in the southern Philippines since 2002, supposedly to train and advise government forces during Operation Enduring Freedom – Philippines.
Around 1,200 US forces were originally deployed, small numbers remaining for so-called logistics and technical support after the operation ended in 2015.
The 1987 Philippine Constitution prohibits foreign military bases on its territory. Article XVIII, Section 25 states:
“(F)oreign military bases, troops, or facilities shall not be allowed in the Philippines except under a treaty duly concurred in by the Senate and, when the Congress so requires, ratified by a majority of the votes cast by the people in a national referendum held for that purpose, and recognized as a treaty by the other contracting State.”
In 1991, US forces were withdrawn from Clark Air Base. Subic Bay withdrawal in late 1992 followed. Under a longstanding Mutual Defense Treaty, both nations agreed to defend each other against armed attack – a sort of bilateral NATO-type arrangement, Washington controlling things, continuing to treat the Philippines like a colony.
In 1999, its Senate ratified the Visiting Forces Agreement, permitting US forces on Philippine territory for joint military exercises and so-called defense cooperation.
Duterte blamed Washington’s military presence for inflaming Muslim population tensions. (A)s long as we stay with America, we will never have peace,” he said, adding he’s reorienting the country’s foreign policy.
According to State Department spokesman admiral John Kirby, Washington is “not aware of any official communication” to remove US special forces.
Saying he’s “not fighting with America,” is Duterte’s get tough policy rhetorical or a new approach to dealing with Washington?
It’s not easy challenging its hegemonic power, especially for smaller nations unable to stop whatever it intends to do.
A Final Comment
In response to US War Secretary Ashton Carter’s Big Lie, claiming Russia undermines the international order, its Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu, blasted US imperial policy, saying:
“It is the United States, alongside their Western partners, who have consistently destroyed the basic foundations of the existing world, starting with” the rape of Yugoslavia to all its post-9/11 wars still raging.
Instead of admitting responsibility and mending its ways, it “blam(es) everything on Russia, China and other countries with an independent outlook.”
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September 7th, 2016
By Stephen Lendman.
Some new polls show both candidates virtually tied. Others still show Clinton ahead. With two months to go before the November 8 elections, momentum may swing back and forth several times or more.
Poll results depend on their sponsors and how they’re conducted. Most important is America’s debauched political system, giving voters no say on how they’re governed or by whom.
Power brokers decide everything. Things looked rigged for Hillary. The most scandalous media reporting in US history one-sidedly backs her, turning “press freedom” into a disgraceful laughing stock on its electoral coverage and virtually everything else of major importance.
Corporate controlled touch-screen voting machines can decide November’s result with electronic ease, aided by massive voter roll purging and other shenanigans, ignored by media scoundrels.
Democracy in America is pure fantasy, nonexistent from the republic’s inception, not a whiff of it today. Now in the final weeks of this year’s presidential race, the outcome is likely predetermined, voting on November 8 a meaningless exercise in theater.
For what it’s worth, likely little, a new CNN/ORC poll shows Trump topping Clinton by a 45 – 43% margin in a four-way race including Green Party candidate Jill Stein and Libertarian Gary Johnson.
On the one hand, all polls suggest popular results in the current time frame, not necessarily Electoral College totals. The latest
Reuters/Ipsos States of the Nation poll out days earlier showed Hillary winning 332 Electoral College votes to Trump’s 206 – while its national poll showed them virtually tied.
Three pre-scripted presidential debates (sic) are upcoming, the first on September 26 – controlled by duopoly power brokers, Stein and Johnson prohibited from participating.
Independent candidates are shut out of America’s debauched system, virtually ignored, denied the right to compete on a level playing – what democracy is supposed to be all about, not in America, not as long as monied interests control things.
In January, a new leader will succeed Obama. Dirty business as usual triumphs every time, continuing unimpeded next year under new management. Though alike in most respects, their rhetoric aside, differences between Trump and Hillary matter.
WW III is less likely on his watch. He’d rather exploit planet earth for profit. She’ll likely attack Russia, China and Iran, perhaps with nuclear weapons, risking its destruction – plenty reason enough to oppose her.
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August 30th, 2016
By Stephen Lendman.
Never before in US history was media coverage so outrageously biased for one presidential candidate over the other. It’s so bad, it’s surreal, character assassination posing as journalism.
Veteran pollster Pat Caddell calls it a “terrifying crisis in democracy” – promoting Hillary while relentlessly bashing Trump, inventing reasons to smear him.
He was right earlier saying he’s running more “against the crooked media” than “against crooked Hillary Clinton.”
They’re protecting her, suppressing her deplorable record, her racketeering, her fealty to Wall Street, war-profiteers, Big Pharma and Monsanto, her threat to world peace.
In contrast, accusations against Trump are outrageous. Favoring better relations with Russia got former acting CIA director Michael Morell to call him an “unwitting (Putin) agent.”
Other propaganda suggests he’s a Manchurian candidate for Putin. He’s compared to Hitler. A late July Washington Post editorial called him “a unique threat to American democracy.”
In its latest edition, WaPo compared what it called Hillary’s careful preparation for upcoming presidential debates to Trump’s “WrestleMania.”
So-called “debates,” like US elections, are farcical when held – independent candidates excluded, the format each time pre-scripted, letting Republican and Democrat presidential aspirants rant instead of holding their feet to the fire with important questions on major issues and demanding answers, not evasions.
New York Times editors bash Trump relentlessly, one of many examples from an earlier editorial saying “Republicans seem to be reeling, unable or unwilling to comprehend that a shady, bombastic liar is hardening the image of their party as a symbol of intolerance and division.”
It’s latest edition accused him of being biased against Blacks while ignoring Hillary once saying “(a)ll Black youths are super-predators.”
He’s against jobs destroying TPP. Hillary earlier called it “the gold standard in trade agreements.” Neither candidate is the type leader Americans deserve, both deplorable figures.
Hillary is by far the worst, the most ruthlessly dangerous presidential aspirant in US history.
Her administration likely means a policy agenda across the board, surpassing the high crimes of previous ones – especially her rage for endless wars on humanity with no reluctance to use nuclear weapons based on her earlier comments.
Supporting her risks the worst of all possible world’s to come – maybe its end in a mushroom-shaped cloud.
“
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August 26th, 2016
By Stephen Lendman.
I criticize deplorable Times reporting and opinions so often, I imagine I’m one of its leading critics – a deplorable publication featuring misinformation and Big Lies on issues mattering most, press agent for Hillary, ignoring her high crimes, bashing Trump relentlessly.
Its latest broadside featured her claiming a “radical fringe” took over the GOP under Trump. In a same-day article, I explained a “radical fringe” runs America under both wings of duopoly governance – supporting privilege exclusively at the expense of progressive politics, serving everyone equitably and fairly.
The Times: Hillary “delivered a blistering denunciation Thursday of Donald J. Trump’s personal and political history with race, arguing in her most forceful terms yet that a nationalist conservative fringe had engulfed the Republican Party.”
Fact: Hillary delivered a vicious ad hominem attack devoid of substance.
Fact: Trump has no “political history.” He never held public office.
Fact: A “nationalist conservative fringe” runs Washington under both parties, mostly indistinguishable from each other – pro-war, pro-business, anti-progressive, anti-labor, anti-what ordinary people care about most.
Fact: America’s deplorable state is excluded from Times reporting. Instead it endorses a war goddess racketeer, a woman belonging in prison, outrageously calling her “one of the most broadly and deeply qualified presidential candidates in modern history.”
The Times: Hillary’s “effort on Thursday was remarkable for its exhaustive accounting of Mr. Trump’s controversial racial history…”
Fact: Hillary’s speech was a litany of Big Lies. Trump’s racist comments on the stump deserve criticism – no reason to say he has a “controversial racial history,” claiming it is political bluster.
The Times quoted Hillary saying “(t)he de facto merger between Breitbart and the Trump campaign represents a landmark achievement for the alt-right.”
Fact: Whatever definition applies to alt-right politics, right-wing extremism runs America. Neocons infest Washington, dominating Democrat and Republican policymaking.
The Times promotes the illusion of fundamental differences today between both wings of duopoly governance when not a dime’s worth of difference separates them.
It quoted Hillary, saying “the party of Lincoln has become the party of Trump.”
Maybe so, but the party of Jefferson, FDR and JFK became the party of Hillary – humanity’s worst nightmare.
The Times supports a ruthlessly dangerous woman perhaps intending nuclear war if anointed president – what better reason to oppose her.
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August 21st, 2016
by Stephen Lendman
(1)
Turkey is a NATO member, a longtime US ally despite strained relations over the events of July 15, Erdogan an international outlaw, long coveting annexation of northern Syrian territory, along with removal of Assad.
In recent remarks, repeated on Saturday, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim was less than honest. He promised to work with Russia and Iran for conflict resolution in Syria while continuing active support for terrorists representing US interests and Turkey’s.
He demands democratically elected/overwhelmingly popular President Assad must go – instead of straightaway as earlier insisted, later during a transitional process.
Fact: No nation may interfere in the internal affairs of another for any reason except self-defense if attacked – clearly not the case in Syrian relations with Turkey or any other country.
Regime change is both illegal and contrary to the will of the vast majority of Syrians. Turkish insisting Assad goes, along with continuing support for terrorists ravaging the country, shows Yildirim’s pledge to work cooperatively with Russia and Iran for conflict resolution rings hollow.
Erdogan’s meeting with Putin in St. Petersburg on August 9 left both leaders world’s apart on resolving Syria’s conflict.
Moscow-based independent investigative journalist John Helmer featured a cartoon on his web site, showing Erdogan about to light a fuse on a rocket labeled “I love Putin” – saying “Pay me not to now!”
He’s a notorious despot, a wannabe sultan, notably untrustworthy, playing the US, Russia, and EU cards simultaneously for all he can gain advantageously – Putin well aware of the hazards of dealing with him.
He’s concerned about preventing northern-based Syrian Kurds from establishing an independent state, potentially including Turkish territory, Yildirim saying:
“Turkey we will be more active in the Syria issue in the coming six months as a regional player. This means to not allow Syria to be divided on any ethnic base. For Turkey this is crucial.
(2)
Days earlier, he released a conflict resolution plan to include preserving the integrity of Syria’s borders, slow-motion regime change, and return home of millions of Syrian refugees now in Turkey.
At the same time, he called direct talks with Assad “out of the question,” showing lack of seriousness in resolving ongoing conflict.
Resolving it requires direct talks involving representatives close to the leadership of all key countries involved – mainly America, Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Syria.
Nothing in prospect gives hope for peace. Washington appears planning greater war, not resolution. Turkey wants its own interests served, not Syria’s.
Russia is the only major power genuinely going all out for restoration of peace and stability after five-and-a-half years of US-launched aggression.
Its objectives remain unattainable because of US obstructionism and rage for endless war
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August 18th, 2016
By Stephen Lendman .
(1)
The Times is a shameless instrument of state propaganda, reporting only what it wants its readers to know, suppressing what’s most important, especially on geopolitical issues. More below on a Times editorial on Yemen.
Throughout his tenure, Obama waged illegal drone war on its people, largely killing unknown numbers of noncombatant civilians – innocent US imperial victims, millions of others post-9/11 alone throughout the region, central Asia, North Africa and elsewhere.
In March 2015, he launched escalated naked aggression, partnered with Israel and Gulf States, mainly Saudi Arabia – a proxy US imperial force, putting 24 million Yemenis at risk from war, related violence, preventable diseases, starvation and overall deprivation.
Slow-motion genocide continues, UN-claimed casualty numbers way understate reality. Countless thousands died, mostly civilians, numerous others seriously injured, many maimed for life – millions suffering, perhaps hundreds of thousands dying slow, painful deaths, especially young children, the elderly and infirm.
US warships off Yemen’s coast enforce suffocating blockade conditions. America’s satellite, human, electronic and other intelligence select Saudi terror-bombing targets.
Yemen is Obama’s war, Riyadh its proxy military force, well-supplied with weapons sold by US defense companies, using them to commit cold-blooded murder – with US approval, complicity and encouragement.
On August 15, the latest Saudi atrocity occurred – terror-bombing a Doctors Without Borders (MSF) hospital. An MSF statement confirmed 14 deaths so far, another 24 injured.
“This is the fourth attack against an MSF-supported facility in Yemen in the last year,” the group reported – each one deliberate, targets selected by Washington, Saudi terror-bombing doing the rest with US-supplied weapons.
According to MSF’s emergency program manager Teresa Sancristoval, “(a)fter each attack, MSF received reassurances from the actors in the conflict with promises that this will not happen again” – until next time when it does, time and again, Washington fully responsible, Saudis complicit in its high crimes.
(1)
“MSF shared the coordinates and (other pertinent) information related to all its facilities in Yemen with all parties to the conflict,” Sancristoval explained, yet they’re repeatedly and deliberately attacked.
(2)
Head of Yemen’s MSF mission Juan Prieto said “(w)ith the closure of this once fully functioning hospital that served the whole area, the community is now deprived of essential medical services at a time when access to health care is most vital.”
(3)
America’s rage for imperial dominance ignores the cost in lost lives, vast destruction and human misery, part of its ruthless state-terror strategy – striking medical facilities, schools, residential areas, mosques, food and fuel storage locations, power plants and other civilian targets of convenience.
Calling America “complicit in (ongoing) carnage,” New York Times editors failed to explain its full responsibility for naked aggression against a nonbelligerent country.
Yemen is Obama’s war, raging low-level throughout his tenure until escalated full-blown last March – endless conflict continuing perhaps for years if nothing is done to curb America’s imperial madness.
(4)
Instead of telling readers what they most need to know, Times editors said “Obama should quietly inform Riyadh that the United States will withdraw crucial assistance if the Saudis do not stop targeting civilians and agree to negotiate peace.”
(5)
Fighting continues because Washington rejects peace and stability in Yemen, the entire region and in other targeted countries.
Saudi Arabia didn’t launch war on Yemen last year, as Times editors claim. America did, Riyadh, other Gulf States and Israel acting as proxies for its imperial project, pouring heavy weapons into these countries intended solely for aggression and internal repression.
Last week, the State Department approved $1.15 billion more to replenish Riyadh’s arsenal – so it continue terror-bombing Yemenis without letup.
As long as Washington and its rogue partners want war, not peace, genocidal high crimes will continue against all targeted countries.
Times reporting explains none of this – nor do other print and electronic media scoundrels, supporting imperial lawlessness.
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August 11th, 2016
By Stephen Lendman.
Interviewed by Tass ahead of meeting with Putin, Erdogan was asked to explain his agenda. Restoring ruptured economic relations was very much on his mind.
He called his visit “a new landmark in bilateral relations, a clean slate from which to start anew.” He thanked Putin for being the first foreign leader to express support for his leadership by phone after the aborted events of July 15.
“Mr. Putin acted quickly and practically without delay,” he said. “I express my gratitude to him.” At the same time, his comments on resolving years of Syrian conflict were less than reassuring.
On the one hand, he said “Russia is fundamentally the key and most important player in establishing peace in Syria…(I)f necessary, we’ll also involve Iran…Qatar, Saudi Arabia and America.”
While adding “(w)e don’t want Syria’s disintegration,” he ignored his longtime aim to annex northern portions of its territory illegally. He supports “the departure of Bashar Assad,” irresponsibly calling him “guilty for the deaths of 600,000 people.”
“Syria’s unity cannot be kept with Assad. And we cannot support a murderer (sic) who has committed acts of state terror. Let the Syrian people themselves elect an individual they want to see in power.”
In June 2014, they overwhelmingly reelected him with an 89% majority – a process independent observers called open, free and fair. Syrians want no one else leading them.
Despite clear evidence proving it, Erdogan denied involvement in aiding ISIS and other terrorists in Syria – operating from Turkish territory, receiving heavy arms, munitions and medical care for its wounded.
Hard facts show Erdogan, his family members and other Turkish officials profit hugely from selling stolen Syrian and Iraqi oil. He denied all charges.
He said cold-blooded Jabhat al-Nusra (renamed Jabhat Fatah al Sham) killers “should not be considered as a terrorist organization…This is an incorrect approach,” he added.
He ducked responsibility for slaughtering Kurds domestically, in Syria and Iraq, calling them terrorists, saying “ensur(ing) peace (requires) destroying” them.
He lets CIA and other NATO elements operate from Turkish territory, supporting ISIS and other terrorist groups. He’s complicit in waging war on Assad, in slaughtering Syrian civilians, serving his own agenda while aiding Washington’s.
Arms, munitions and military equipment from America, Turkey and other nations pour into Syria through its border.
Nothing so far suggests Erdogan ended support for US-backed terrorists. On August 8, the day preceding his St. Petersburg visit, the
Financial Times headlined “Outside help behind rebel advance in Aleppo,” saying:
“(T)he offensive against President Bashar al-Assad’s troops may have had more foreign help than it appears.” One unnamed source said “tens of trucks (were spotted) bringing in weapons” cross-border “daily for weeks…weapons, artillery – we’re not just talking about some bullets or guns.”
“(C)ash and supplies (have been) ferried in for weeks.” While meeting with Putin in St. Petersburg, Erdogan continued actively aiding terrorists slaughtering Syrian civilians.
Did their discussion change things? No evidence so far suggests it, but it’s too early to tell. Turkey is a NATO member with close ties to anti-Assad regimes.
He wants normalized relations with Russia restored while insisting Assad must go – showing he and Putin remain intractably apart on resolving Syria’s conflict diplomatically, at least so far.
Will he shift from being anti-Assad to allying with Russia in combating terrorism in Syria – or at least stop supporting it? Will he close Turkey’s border with Syria to halt daily flows of weapons, munitions and terrorist fighters to replenish depleted ranks?
Will he change from anti-Syrian belligerent to supporting Russia’s peace initiative? The fullness of time will tell which way he goes. Count on nothing positive unless he proves it conclusively and sticks by any commitment he may make.
Given his complicity with Washington throughout years of conflict as a NATO member and for his own self-interest, it’s hard being optimistic for what lies ahead.
Despite strained relations with Washington, he may try playing the US and Russia card simultaneously, proving he can’t be trusted if that’s his intention.
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August 8th, 2016
By Stephen Lendman.
According to Tass, both leaders will discuss “views on how, at what pace and in what sequence” to restore normalized bilateral relations – ruptured after Turkey downed a Russian warplane in Syrian airspace last November.
Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said prior to last year’s incident, “(w)ork was underway on an entire range of issues related to trade, economic and investment cooperation…”
Both leaders will “exchange views on regional problems” – notably Syria. At stake for Turkey is restoration of trade. Billions of dollars were lost after Russia imposed sanctions in response to Ankara’s hostile act.
“This will be a historic visit, a new beginning,” Erdogan claimed. “At the talks with my friend Vladimir, I believe a new page in bilateral relations will be opened. Our countries have a lot to do together.”
“Without Russia’s participation, it’s impossible to find a solution to the Syrian problem. Only in partnership with Russia will we be able to settle the crisis in Syria.”
Throughout the conflict, Turkey partnered with Obama’s war, serving as a safe haven and launching pad for ISIS and other terrorist fighters to cross freely into Syria, providing them with arms and munitions, profiting from selling stolen Syrian and Iraqi oil.
In return for normalizing ties, Putin demands Erdogan reverse his current policies. He wants his support for terrorist fighters ravaging Syria ended.
He’s capitalizing on strained relations between Ankara and Washington over the disruptive July 15 events, Erdogan’s coup d’etat power grab blamed on cleric Fethullah Gulen living in America, a longtime CIA asset, Turkey suggesting possible US involvement in what happened.
Russia’s intervention in Syria last September at the behest of its government changed things dramatically on the ground. At the same time, Turkey’s support for terrorist fighters indispensably aids Washington’s regional imperial agenda.
Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Israel from occupied Golan, and Turkey border Syria – Turkish territory bordering its entire northern area, a key launching pad for conflict. Eliminating it would be a major step toward resolution. An opening exists.
Putin seeks to capitalize on it despite knowing the risk of dealing with an international outlaw at war with his own people, systematically eliminating opponents, consolidating hardline rule – his promises meaningless unless proved otherwise.
In the interest of hoped for restoration of regional peace and stability, it’s a gamble well worth taking.
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July 9th, 2016
By Stephen Lendman.
Sanders earlier said he’ll support Clinton if she’s nominated, a de facto endorsement by any standard.
Unnamed party insiders now say on July 12, at a New Hampshire campaign event, he’ll make it official – according to Reuters, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, CBS News, CNN and other media sources.
He almost did Thursday, saying “(w)e have got to do everything that we can to defeat Donald Trump and elect Hillary Clinton. I don’t honestly know how we would survive four years of a Donald Trump as president.”
Endorsing her shows contempt for loyal supporters, naively expecting better, failing to understand all politicians lie, Sanders a self-serving dirty one like virtually all others. His voting record proves it, on the wrong side of most issues mattering most.
Rare exceptions like former Congresswoman, Green Party presidential candidate, valued friend and ally Cynthia McKinney prove the rule.
Sanders is no McKinney. His so-called transformational revolution was phony, lofty rhetorical mumbo jumbo without substance, old wine in new bottles, weasel-worded populism for the gallery, not reality – at the same time supporting imperial madness, endless wars, not a word on the stump denouncing them.
Backing an unfit to serve widely reviled hawkish neocon – irreparably tainted, a walking conflict of interest, untrustworthy, scandal-ridden, war criminal/racketeer puts Sanders in bed with the most dangerous presidential aspirant in US history.
Clinton allegedly throwing throwing him a bone or two in return for his endorsement, a prominent convention speaking slot, and perhaps a high-level position in her administration if elected ignores what virtually all candidates do in office.
Promises made are consistently broken, fading in the mist of day, borrowing a line from famed lyricist Oscar Hammerstein.
Sanders represents what’s wrong with America’s debauched political system – promising everything, delivering nothing!
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June 13th, 2016
By Stephen Lendman.
(1)
Deep pockets buy enormous influence, Saudi ones among the deepest – used for fostering and proliferating state terrorism along with committing other high crimes.
According to a
Middle East Eye (MEE) report, citing Jordan’s official Petra News Agency (PNA), based on comments attributable to Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, Riyadh is providing “20 percent of the total funding to the prospective Democratic (sic) candidate’s campaign.”
Saudis also donate generously to the Clinton Foundation, a racketeering operation masquerading as a charitable NGO, accepting tens of millions of dollars from foreign governments, organizations and individuals, benefitting greatly by selling influence.
US law prohibits foreign interests from funding US elections at the federal, state and local levels. Yet it’s done anyway covertly through shell companies and other devious means.
Jordan’s PNA report quoted prince Mohammed saying Riyadh provided an undisclosed amount of funding to the Clinton campaign.
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“Saudi Arabia always has sponsored both the Republican and Democratic Party of America and in (the) current (US electoral campaign) provide(s) with full enthusiasm 20 percent of the cost of Hillary Clinton’s election even though some events in the country don’t have a positive look to support…a woman for presiden(t),” he reportedly said.
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The PNA report was published on the eve of his official visit to Washington, the Saudi Press Agency saying he’s staying until June 16.
According to the Saudi Gazette, his schedule includes meetings in New York with Wall Street firms. Saudi ties to the Clinton are longstanding.
Former Saudi intelligence chief, US ambassador prince Turki bin Feisal was a Bill Clinton classmate at Georgetown University.
As Arkansas governor, he secured a multi-million dollar Saudi donation to the University of Arkansas’ Middle East studies program. Millions more were donated after his 1992 election.
The Clintons are one of America’s notorious crime families. The prospect of Hillary succeeding Obama means likely elevating presidential wrongdoing to an unprecedented level.
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June 4th, 2016
By Stephen Lendman.
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On Friday, June 3, boxing great Muhammad Ali died at age 74 in Phoenix after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Over time, it eroded his motor skills and ability to speak coherently. His wife Lonnie said even though his speech was impaired, “he sp(oke) to people with his eyes…with his heart, and they connect(ed) with him.”
Born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr., he joined the Nation of Islam in 1964, rejected what he called his “slave name.” Muhammad Ali replaced it. In 1975, he converted to Sunni Islam after Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad died.
He refused army induction during the Vietnam war, publicly calling himself a conscientious objector, famously saying “I ain’t got no quarrel with them Viet Cong. No Viet Cong ever called me nigger.”
At his scheduled Houston army induction on April 28, 1967, he refused three times to step forward after his name was called.
Warned he was committing a felony, he stood firm. Arrest followed. The New York State Athletic Commission stripped him of his boxing license and world heavyweight championship title.
Other US boxing commissions followed suit. Ali couldn’t box anywhere for over three years. On June 20, 1967, a jury found him guilty. An appellate court upheld it.
Ali remained free pending the result of his Supreme Court appeal. On June 28, 1971, the High Court unanimously ruled in his favor at a time of nationwide anti-war activism – not based on his claims, because the appellate court gave no reason for denying his right to conscientiously object.
His conviction was reversed. He inspired Martin Luther King to voice public opposition to the war. Famously he called America “(t)he greatest purveyor of violence in the world – my own government. I cannot be silent.”
Ali’s anti-war activism “robbed (him) of his best years, his prime years,” his trainer Angelo Dundee explained.
Perhaps his best remembered quotes were, saying “I am the greatest,” and “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”
He’s less well-known for saying “I know I got it made while other black folks are out there catchin hell, but as long as they ain’t free, I ain’t free.”
Boxing is a violent sport, yet Ali espoused peace and nonviolence, opposed militarism, resisted racial discrimination and injustice.
His star power made his comments resonate. He abhorred the way Washington uses federal tax revenues for war-making, once saying:
“I buy a lot of bullets, at least three jet bombers a year, and pay the salary of 50,000 fighting men with the money they take from me after my fights.”
“Boxing is nothing like going to war with machine guns, bazookas, hand grenades, bomber airplanes. My intention is to box, to win a clean fight. But in war, the intention is to kill, kill, kill, kill, and continue killing innocent people.”
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Ali used his fame to fight for justice outside the ring, fearlessly speaking his mind publicly. The world’s most famous pugilist became an anti-war, civil rights, nonviolence champion.
A personal note: In the early 1970s while Ali was still active in the ring, I ran into him in the lobby of my office building.
He was with several others at the time. We passed like ships in the night. I didn’t intrude to chat. Looking back, I wish I’d have extended my hand in friendship.
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May 18th, 2016
by Stephen Lendman.
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Campaigning in Kentucky, Hillary Clinton said she’ll put husband Bill in charge of “revitalizing the economy” to create jobs – with little further elaboration.
Former labor secretary in his administration, Robert Reich, said her remarks suggest “she’s no longer touting the successes (sic) of the Obama economy or even linking herself to it.”
Today’s economy differs vastly from the 1990s. Bill Clinton’s policies set the stage for thirdworldizing America. His rap sheet includes:
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eight years as Wall Street’s man in Washington, facilitating unprecedented casino capitalism;
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NAFTA and the World Trade Organization, responsible for millions of industrial and other US jobs lost as well as environmental destruction;
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vitally needed welfare aid compromised, showing contempt for households most in need; and
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telecommunications deregulation, facilitating unprecedented media consolidation and half a million lost jobs after he left office.
Following Haiti’s disastrous January 2010 earthquake, he headed the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission (IHRC), exploiting Haitians for corporate profit.
Promised aid was diverted to business, hundreds of farmers evicted for industrial development. Productive agricultural land was lost in a nation not properly feeding its people.
In April 2014, two Haitian lawyers filed a petition against Clinton for mismanagement. Hundreds of millions of USAID and international donor dollars allocated to IHRC are gone or misspent.
Haitians are just justifiably angry, ripped off solely to benefit investors. A former Haitian official couldn’t understand how enormous sums of money could be put into a project headed by a former US president with so little to show for it, nothing for people in need.
Wife Hillary was secretary of state at the time. She helped seal deals for foreign investors to exploit desperate Haitians. Those lucky enough to have jobs got sub-poverty wages and deplorable treatment.
Haiti remains mired in humanitarian crisis. Instead of promised “building back better,” profits alone mattered – people needs, welfare and environmental concerns ignored.
Bill and Hillary Clinton exploited desperate Haitians in need. Does she have something similar in mind for millions of unemployed Americans?
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May 9th, 2016
by Stephen Lendman.
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He’s been solidifying unchallenged power since becoming Turkey’s 12th president in August 2014 – previously serving as prime minister since 2003.
He founded and heads the Justice and Development Party (AKP), using it as an instrument for dictatorial rule.
On May 5, he ousted Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu effective May 22, reports indicating he’ll install his son-in-law to replace him, current energy minister Berat Albayrak.
He plans constitutional changes, “institutionaliz(ing)” dictatorial rule, on Friday saying “there is no turning back,” claiming his scheme has popular support.
Turkish citizens want a “strong presidency,” he asserted. “(D)espite elections…there is not and will not be a vacuum in the country’s administration…”
While acknowledging concern expressed about his cronies and allies running things unopposed, he claimed “(w)hat can be more natural.”
He rejected EU demands for revising Turkey’s unacceptable antiterrorism and anti-corruption laws – required along with other so-called reforms for granting its citizens visa-free travel as part of the deal involving Ankara agreeing to warehouse refugees fleeing war zones European nations don’t want.
Erdogan insists on no deal unless the European Commission ends its demand for Turkey to change its repressive laws – ludicrously claiming the nation is under attack.
“We will go our way, and you can go your way,” he blustered unless Brussels lets Ankara run its internal affairs unobstructed.
Germany’s Angela Merkel called his backtracking on commitments “certainly not good news for us. (He’d) be very ill-advised to throw this out the window and think this is now a matter of horse-trading.”
“He thinks (negotiating is) 50% wriggle room, and the rest is all arm-wrestling.” Davutoglu was her main Turkish ally. His ouster creates uncertainty.
Despots don’t negotiate. They demand. Erdogan’s top priority is transforming Turkey from a parliamentary system to a dictatorial presidency – requiring constitutional change to accomplish.
His ruling AKP party lacks the required 330 seat 60% majority without help from opposition parties. They oppose his scheme. How he intends pulling it off remains to be seen.
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April 28th, 2016
by Stephen Lendman.
Populists are excluded from high office in America. A true progressive hasn’t run for the presidency since socialist Eugene Debs tried five times – his last attempt from prison in 1920 for opposing WW I.
In 1924, Robert LaFollette’s Progressive Party bid failed. Following his defeat, his party disbanded.
Progressivism began in the 19th century to end slavery, support women’s rights, small farmers, and political populism. It supported:
- social reforms benefitting ordinary Americans;
- citizens having more control over government;
- education as a universal right;
- curbing excessive corporate power;
- eliminating corruption and waste;
- empowering organized labor;
- preventing child worker exploitation;
- environmental conservation; and
- social values above financial gain.
Aspirants for the nation’s highest office today are worlds apart from these values – pro-war, pro-business, and against government of, by and for everyone equitably. Republicans and Democrats are two sides of the same coin, virtual clones of each other on issues mattering most.Sanders is more opportunist than populist, a socialist in name only, voting 98% of the time with Democrats, backing their anti-progressive agenda while rhetorically claiming otherwise.He’s done little in Congress fighting for things he claims to support – universal healthcare a glaring example. His Senate vote could have killed Obamacare, a healthcare rationing scheme based on the ability to pay, designed to enrich insurers, drug industry bandits and large hospital chains at the expense of Medicare for all – everyone in, no one left out.His alleged turning a new leaf on Palestinian rights belies his 30-year record of one-sided support for Israel’s worst crimes.His notion of revolutionary change is old wine in new bottles, business as usual he rhetorically opposes.His voting record shows he’s on the wrong side of issues mattering most. All politicians lie. Nothing they say should be believed.Acknowledging defeat Tuesday night, Sanders’ pledge rang hollow, saying he’ll fight for “Medicare for all…breaking up Wall Street financial institutions, ending fracking, making public colleges and universities tuition free,” and more.Backers should ask why he’s done so little throughout his public life for what he claims to support.America needs committed populists, not rhetorical ones. If Sanders wanted real change, he’d have launched a progressive movement years ago – reviving the spirit of Debs and LaFollette.After 30 public service years supporting wealth and power, why should anyone believe he turned a new leaf!
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April 16th, 2016
by Stephen Lendman.
Erdogan rules despotically, a megalomaniacal tyrant, tolerating no dissent, targeting opponents and critics for elimination.
He’s waging war on his own people, supporting ISIS and other terrorists in Syria and Iraq.
The world community turns a blind eye to his high crimes, supporting them by complicity and silence.
His latest affront targeted Russia’s Sputnik News (SN) web site, blocking it, authorities saying they acted “(a)fter technical analysis and legal consideration” – failing to explain Erdogan’s war on fundamental international law affirmed rights.
Blocking came without advance notice, a rubber-stamp Turkish court to rule on what happened, justifying the unjustifiable.
According to Turkey’s telecommunications department, “the decision (was made) to block the site, and the case has been sent to court” for final disposition.
In January 2015, prime minister Ahmet Davutoglu and other regime officials usurped the right to block any Internet site extrajudicially, or delete content based on the phony pretext of “national security, protection of social order, or for the prevention of crime.”
SN’s editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan blasted Turkey’s action, calling it “another act of strict censorship in a country where the question of freedom of speech no longer exists. It is just not there.”
“This solution looks especially absurd, bearing in mind that several days ago” the Turkish Journalists’ Association honored Yavuz Oghan, host of SN’s Listen to This radio program on political, economic and public issues for journalistic achievements.
Anyone exposing Turkish high crimes or challenging Erdogan’s despotic rule risks arrest, prosecution, imprisonment or extrajudicial execution.
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