One doesn't have to be a Trump fan to know a political persecution when one sees one, just like one doesn't have to be an Arab to know a genocide when one sees one.
We should drown our ruling class in the wave of revulsion they so richly deserve.
Bill, you are too observant and critical thinking. You need to passively acknowledge what the media tells you and buy the next generation phone after the next spectacular release. ;-)
And make babies who "passively acknowledge what the media tells them and buy the next generation phone after the next spectacular release." That's patriotism.
Asthmatic, so I don't smoke and don't believe idiots who say weed is a cure (as if they're doctors promoting ciggies in the 60s). But I wanted to encourage someone in pain to eat weed so I had weed-filled chocolate cookies with him, first time in a decade. Takes 60-90min for it to hit and relax. Be sure to try several kinds of weed as different strains have different effect. Find the one that allows you a buzz whilst listening to music, and then grants a good sleep. Just don't do it everyday unless you've got pain and are retired. Regular stoners are too damn lazy and apathetic.
I just want to thank you for your perspectives today. Also I have ignored Trump as I think he is beneath contempt (but so is that thug Biden), so appreciate your summary of Trump's current judicial situation.
I kind of feel alone in my view on Ukraine, and there is black cloud of genocide that hangs persitently over my head. And then even more money for enabling Israeli genocide and Ukraine, as most of Congress turns its back on climate change by fueling forever wars. I have at least to call and thank my rep in CA (Mark DeSaulnier) who voted against sending more money for genocide. Also I will call Cori Bush to thank her for her bravery (I spent my childhood in St. Louis and was a red diaper baby.) Again, thank you so much for your columns! I will upgrade to paid later today.
That says a lot about the situation now. Even those who manage to resist genocide in Gaza haven't shaken off the lies and propaganda that has allowed the perpetuation of the Ukraine proxy war. It's bewildering.
Professional sports. I don't deny the talent of those playing, but the mind of the American male has been completely captured. Sports talk is THE bond that allows unlimited conversation, controversy with nothing significant involved, emotions that can run free and usually will end in mirth rather than mayhem because nothing is at stake. If ever Macbeth's remark about sound and fury applies, it is to professional sports in America. So much passion dissipated in vicarious competition...if only it had kept us out of wars.
In my experience men don't easily venture into other areas because they don't know enough about them to present a logical opinion and are at the same time afraid an opinion might be contested or, even worse, to be challenged and shown false. Our politics could not be more shallow.
While it is great to be able to walk into any bar and instantly be an accepted member of a conversation, nothing is really ventured and nothing gained because in the end it doesn't matter who wins and who loses, who is right about team X and who is wrong.
How many will wildly wave flags and decorate house exteriors with sports symbols, but would never dare speak out for, march for, or display a symbol for a movement of real significance. What would the neighbors think?
William Dement said, "dreams allow us to go quietly and safely insane every night of our lives". I think professional sports allow us to go noisily and safely insane at any time while happily opening our wallets to millionaire players and billionaire team owners.
Dennis, I was inspired seeing a couple (man and wife) wearing Palestinian keffiyehs on the street. Today seeing Jonathan Greenblatt, head of the Anti-Defamation League, calling all of the demonstrators for BDS at Columbia U. "terrorists" and that the national guard should be called out on them (remember Kent State?) did the trick for me and I will be wearing the keffiyeh I got a couple of years ago in public now.
In ref to WJA's contrast of hush money and genocide, did you see where the US is supposedly going to sanction some unit of the IDF for doing nasty things to Palestinians in the West Bank...at the same time we are sending Israel all those billions! The Israeli Defense Minister has said he stands by the IDF unit and Netanyahu says there will be no sanctioning of any of the IDF. So, those in charge of our Middle East policy have had their say and that's that!
Ray, and everyone who reads BV, I'd like to recommend an excellent article from way back in 2004 from Francis Fukuyama. He has been ridiculed by many, but he is an intelligent guy with a profound grasp of world politics that shines in this work. It is prophetic.
His 2004 essay is called The Neoconservative Moment (he was part of the group). His take on the impossibility of the US forcing itself on the world being happily received has become more evident since then. The comments regarding Israel are spot on and he mentions the danger of the US putting itself in isolation with Israel, which is exactly where we are today.
jg, I don't know about it being a counter-terrorism unit, but the president of Columbia did call out the NYPD and upon arrival they said that there was no violent behavior going on.
Re the Question You posed to Middle East Peace Negotiators; ie:
“If Your GOD says that it is Your Land;
and if His GOD says that it is His Land;
and if Their GOD says that it is Theirs…;
then, Whose Land is it? Really?
“And, how are we to know?
And more importantly, how do those GODS know?
And finally and most importantly, how do any of YOU know?”
[crackle...hisssss]
“Exterminate them. Exterminate them all. Or rather, Terminate: With Extreme Prejudice. And then let YHWH, God The Father, Allah, and The Etceteras sort them all out.
“Or better, terminate YHWH, God The Father, Allah, and The Etceteras, and let the dearly beloved faithful believers sort Them all out.
“In either case, as retired US Army Special Forces Colonel Walter E Kurtz once put it [albeit in a different context]: ‘….. We must kill them. We must incinerate them: pig after pig, cow after cow, village after village, army after army… . ‘
“This nonsense needs to end. This nonsense must end. This nonsense will end. Now.
“Before ALL Life ~ to say nothing of Human, or at least Humane Life ~ on that Planet is very seriously disrupted.
Retired U.S. Army Colonel Douglas Macgregor’s 23 Apr 24 piece in The American Conservative ~ IS IT GAME, SET, MATCH TO MOSCOW? : The American Brand Will Suffer So Long As Washington Pretends Its Capacities Are Limitless ~ should be required reading for every American still capable of thinking and acting for her or himself.
It concludes as follows:
“During the 1930s, FDR became trapped in a debt spiral of “special interest” spending. In defiance of logic and affordability, FDR opted for more Federal spending until he realized that it was not working. WITH THE ONSET OF WAR IN EUROPE, FDR SAW THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXTRICATE AMERICAN SOCIETY FROM THE DEPRESSION BY STEERING THE UNITED STATES INTO WAR. FDR’S SCHEME WORKED. The Second World War reinvigorated the American economy and ended America’s chronic unemployment. At the same time, America’s physical insularity kept American infrastructure and the American People beyond the reach of its enemies.
“President Biden and Congress are on a similar course with profound consequences, but today, horrifically destructive modern weapons make the war option suicidal. Put another way, 21ST-CENTURY PROBLEMS CANNOT BE SOLVED WITH THE USE OF 20TH-CENTURY PLANS AND POLICIES. Instead of framing another false narrative to justify funding for a corrupt Ukrainian state that is collapsing, Washington and its allies should question the rationale for a new, costly cold war directed against Moscow, Beijing, Tehran, and a host of countries with world views that diverge sharply from our own.
“Business schools teach their students that good brands have the power to sway decision-making and create communities of like-minded people. It isn’t just companies that need brands; countries need them, too. When asked about Washington’s ability to cope with wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, PRESIDENT BIDEN SAID, “WE ARE THE MOST POWERFUL NATION IN THE WORLD, IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD. WE CAN TAKE CARE OF BOTH OF THESE [WARS].” Biden was and is wrong. America’s resources are not limitless. Our power is constrained.
“In Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, the American brand has been damaged. AMERICANS NEED (AND SHOULD DEMAND) A SOBER-MINDED ANALYSIS OF THE FACTS FROM THE MEN WHO WANT TO BE PRESIDENT. They should be compelled to identify the united states’ true national interests; a process that should also identify the political and cultural realities that are not Washington’s to change.
Given all the Pro-Palestine demonstrations, protests, and other actions on college campuses and in the streets, one can only wonder how long it will be before some Governor calls out her or his National Guard and there is another Kent State.
Or as an alternative: When will a person decide to not self-immolate to proclaim his or her allegiance, and, instead, shoots up and down one of those gatherings of Pro-Palestinians? Or a gathering of Pro-Israelis?
Political prosecution? In a country overflowing with laws and an impeccably fair, balanced justice system and media? Everyone loves a sex scandal. They're great for ratings. The judges and attorneys get to be Hollywood stars. Maybe they can win themselves an Oscar. The masses will all be on the edge of their couches hopeing to hear about Trump's weapon of mass destruction.
Insurrections trials after all are boring. Tedious. Divisive.
What could possibly go wrong in a country run by lawyers who get their money up front win lose or draw? Ones trained to lie to protect the states or clients interests? Whoever has the most money wins.
Does anyone consider the US to be a "free state" any longer? If not the constitution provides the solution with the first and second amendments which need to be simultaneously executed by the people who are supposed to be in control of the US. Not the politicians who are only supposed to represent the people and are failing to do so breaking their oath of allegiance. The same ones who reinterpret the constitution to achieve their own goals. Tyranny and oppression now rule. Not freedom and democracy. This was discussed in The Federalist #28 by Hamilton. The solution is to be found in the constitution. Not the politicians.
Heavy sigh ... If only I could be shocked by our ridiculous leaders.
As I reflected on the morning's headlines earlier today and following breakfast, we walked through Parque Calderon in Cuenca, Ecuador as a class of school-uniformed children (not more than first graders) were all sitting on a long cement bench with paper and pencil in hand as they worked on whatever it was the teacher had assigned. I said out load as I passed by them, "I love Cuenca." My mind immediately went to Thomas Merton's account of his similar epiphany.
"In Louisville, at the corner of Fourth and Walnut, in the center of the shopping district, I was suddenly overwhelmed with the realization that I loved all these people, that they were mine and I theirs, that we could not be alien to one another even though we were total strangers."
And I thought, how badly my homeland and its leaders need their Merton moment.
Hi Alex, Today, Sept. 18th, I was trying to clear out some of my email messages and found your April reply to me on CA rep. Mark DeSaulnier's yea votes for aid to Ukraine and Taiwan. I appreciate the info! Is there a relatively easy way to keep track of one's Congressman's and Senators' votes on these crucial matters of genocide and ecocide? (ie, military aid to Ukraine and Israel?) I am voting green should we all make to the Presidential election, but need to gather my thoughts on how to communicate rapidly with these politicians who seem to live in an alternative reality and vote against life on earth. I want them to know they will not ever get my vote. I did note that DeSaulnier signed on the the recent letter urging direct diplomacy with Russia re Ukraine, which was immediately retracted because of its timing. What a stupid complicated mess!
The most significant items of note in the 24 Apr Associated Press article ~ POLICE TANGLE WITH STUDENTS IN TEXAS AND CALIFORNIA AS WAVE OF CAMPUS PROTEST AGAINST GAZA WAR GROWS ~ are as follows:
“On a visit to campus, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson [who just masterminded the $95 BILLION military aid bill for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan] , a Republican, called on Columbia University President Minouche Shafik to resign ‘if she cannot bring order to this chaos.’
“’If this is not contained quickly and if these threats and intimidation are not stopped, THERE IS AN APPROPRIATE TIME FOR THE NATIONAL GUARD,’ he said.”
and
“Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lashed out at the pro-Palestinian demonstrations on U.S. college campuses in a video statement released Wednesday, saying THE RESPONSE OF SEVERAL UNIVERSITY PRESIDENTS HAS BEEN ‘SHAMEFUL’ AND CALLING ON STATE, LOCAL AND FEDERAL OFFICIALS TO INTERVENE.”
Let What sink in? Why do You think Netanyahu's comments were highlited in the AP article i cited?
And as regards the future of Pro-Palestinian protests, etc, on campus and elsewhere, i stand by my comment of about 20 hours ago:
Given all the Pro-Palestine demonstrations, protests, and other actions on college campuses and in the streets, one can only wonder how long it will be before some Governor calls out her or his National Guard and there is another Kent State.
Or as an alternative: When will a person decide to not self-immolate to proclaim his or her allegiance, and, instead, shoots up and down one of those gatherings of Pro-Palestinians? Or a gathering of Pro-Israelis?
My comment wasn't about Pro-Palestinian protesters and what they do or don't do.
My comment was about what might happen if the National Guard DOES get called in; or if some "Super Patriot" decides to break up a Pro-Palestinian gathering with automatic weapons fire.
Thanks! And your comment succinctly gives the reason for USA's depravity. I just feel alone because around most of the people I know, I have to keep my mouth shut--mostly regarding Ukraine.
Back on April 20, i posted the following here on BV: “April 20, 2024 will go down as a GREAT day for America's Military Industrial Congressional Complex [MICC] and its Secrecy Security Surveillance Censorship Propaganda Panopticon [S3CP2]. One of the best days, in fact, since 9/11:
“*** HOUSE PASSES $95 BILLION FOREIGN AID PACKAGE FOR UKRAINE, ISRAEL, TAIWAN [with link to UPI]
“*** BIDEN SIGNS 2-YEAR EXTENSION OF FISA WARRANTLESS SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM [with link to UPI]”
.........
And today, on antiwar.com, Ron Paul asked: APRIL 20, 2024: FINAL NAIL IN AMERICA’S COFFIN?
“Given that the U.S. Senate just approved the $95 BILLION windfall for America’s MICC; Dr Paul has asked a very good question...:
“When future historians go searching for the final nail in the US coffin, they may well settle on the date April 20, 2024.
“ON THAT DAY CONGRESS PASSED LEGISLATION TO FUND TWO AND A HALF WARS, HAND WHAT’S LEFT OF OUR PRIVACY OVER TO THE CIA AND NSA, AND GIVE THE US PRESIDENT THE POWER TO SHUT DOWN WHATEVER PART OF THE INTERNET HE DISAGREES WITH.
“The nearly $100 billion grossly misnamed ‘National Security Supplemental’ guarantees that Ukrainians will continue to die in that country’s unwinnable war with Russia, that Palestinian civilians will continue to be slaughtered in Gaza with US weapons, and that the neocons will continue to push us toward a war with China.
IT WAS A TOTAL VICTORY FOR THE WAR PARTY.
“The huge spending bill is all about politics for Biden, yet so many Republicans simply went along with it. The last thing the people running Biden’s White House want to see as a close election approaches are ads blaming Biden for ‘losing Ukraine.’
“The US and its allies have already sent over $300 billion to Ukraine and the country is still losing its war with Russia. Nobody believes another $60 billion will pull a victory from the jaws of defeat. But this additional money is meant to keep up appearances until November at the expense of Americans who are forced to pay for it and Ukrainians who are forced to die for it.
“Speaker Johnson could not have passed these monstrosities without the full support of House Democrats, as the majority of Republicans voted against more money for Ukraine. So in the worst example of “bipartisanship,” Johnson reached across the aisle, stiffed the Republican majority that elected him Speaker, and pushed through a massive gift to the warfare/(corporate) welfare state.
“AFTER THE HOUSE VOTED TO SEND ANOTHER $60 BILLION TO NOTORIOUSLY CORRUPT UKRAINE, MEMBERS WAVED UKRAINIAN FLAGS ON THE HOUSE FLOOR AND CHANTED ‘UKRAINE, UKRAINE.’ While I find it distasteful and disgusting, in some way it seemed fitting. After all, they may as well chant the name of a foreign country because they certainly don’t care about this country!
“Along with sending $100 billion that we don’t have to fund more overseas war, Speaker Johnson threw in ANOTHER VERSION OF THE TIK TOK BAN, WHICH GIVES JOE BIDEN AND FUTURE PRESIDENTS THE POWER TO SHUT DOWN WEBSITES AT WILL BY SIMPLY DECLARING THEM TO BE ‘FOREIGN ADVERSARY CONTROLLED.’
“NOT TO BE OUTDONE, THE US SENATE ON THAT SAME DAY PASSED THE EXTENSION OF SECTION 702 OF THE FISA ACT, WHICH NOT ONLY ALLOWED THE GOVERNMENT TO CONTINUE SPYING ON US WITHOUT A WARRANT, BUT ALSO CONTAINED NEW LANGUAGE MASSIVELY EXPANDING HOW THEY CAN SPY ON US.
Many conservative voters are asking what the point of Republican control of the House is if the agenda is determined by Democrats. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is even reported to have bragged to his colleagues about how easily Speaker Johnson gave Democrats everything they wanted and asked for nothing in return.
WHAT IS THE SILVER LINING IN ALL THIS BAD NEWS? MOST REPUBLICANS IN THE HOUSE VOTED AGAINST CONTINUING THE UKRAINE WAR. THAT’S A GOOD START. OUR IDEAS ARE GROWING, NOT ONLY ACROSS THE COUNTRY BUT EVEN IN THE DC SWAMP. TAKE COURAGE AND DON’T GIVE UP! WORK FOR PEACE!
Heh. So You think the Pussy Grabber goes along with Your mentors' concept of a Government whose primary function is the protection of Citizens' Rights from Despots, foreign and domestic, eh??
What about protection of Citizens' Rights from Frauds, Thieves, and Liars? Let alone Murderers, Rapists, and and other Criminals against Persons or Property? Even if they are "Rich"? Or otherwise "connected" in various and sundry ways?
What's The Pussy Grabber's record on that? Got any facts?
And there is absolutely no difference whatsoever between who The Pussy Grabber is owned, operated, commanded, and controlled by, and who The Hair Smeller is the incumbent Puppet On The Untieable String [ie, POTUS] of, by, and for.
According to Tara Reade, Biden can join Trump in the pathetic ranks of pussy-grabbing.
Shame on the Democrats for dropping the #MeToo movement as soon as Biden was credibly accused of sexual assault. "Believe women" became "believe Obama," as I wrote about here:
What has Trump had to say about that $95 BILLION in military aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan? Other, of course, than praising "MAGA Mike" Johnson for the Great job he did sliming it thru to passage?
And what has he had to say about the FISA Extension, about which he had been making so much recent noise? Anything?
And finally, what has Trump had to say about Budget Deficits and the growth of America's Sovereign, National Debt? Anything?
Sorry You interpret my questions as "confrontational rage," Dennis. It's actually nothing but "conversational curiosity." i guess You spent enough time in America to pick up that standard American Aversion to Questions in favor of their Preference for Answers.
In any event: See my follow-up comment to Your response. Sorry, but more Questions..
And are You waiting for me to "show my hand" to tell You who i think WILL BE POTUS Maxximmuss XLVII? Or who i think SHOULD BE the next President?
1. So Trump heartily endorses the $95 BILLION gift ~ or is it grift ~ to America's MICC, correct?
2. i know what Trump said about FISA and Section 702 BEFORE the vote. What has he said about them SINCE they have been extended for two years by Congress and signed off by Biden?
3. What has Trump said he would do to deal with Deficit Spending and, particularly, the National Debt should he become President again? Has anybody even asked him that question?
4. And exactly Who is saying that Trump is "the cause" of today's Deficits?
Again, sorry You interpret that as "confrontational debate."
All i asked is what Trump has said about these matters since, as Ron Paul put it: Passage of that $95 BILLION military aid bill and the FISA/702 Extension may very well be "the Final Nail in America's Coffin."
In any event, Mr Merwood: What do YOU think of FISA/702 Extension and the Aid Bill? Do You think they are good ideas?
And if You had the same attitude as a Project Manager then as You have as a BV Commenter now, i seriously doubt i would have wanted to stick around long enough to get my first paycheck.
One doesn't have to be a Trump fan to know a political persecution when one sees one, just like one doesn't have to be an Arab to know a genocide when one sees one.
We should drown our ruling class in the wave of revulsion they so richly deserve.
The converse is that if that were you or me, we would have been prosecuted ages ago.
Of course! That's part of the revulsion.
Bill, you are too observant and critical thinking. You need to passively acknowledge what the media tells you and buy the next generation phone after the next spectacular release. ;-)
True!
And make babies who "passively acknowledge what the media tells them and buy the next generation phone after the next spectacular release." That's patriotism.
Asthmatic, so I don't smoke and don't believe idiots who say weed is a cure (as if they're doctors promoting ciggies in the 60s). But I wanted to encourage someone in pain to eat weed so I had weed-filled chocolate cookies with him, first time in a decade. Takes 60-90min for it to hit and relax. Be sure to try several kinds of weed as different strains have different effect. Find the one that allows you a buzz whilst listening to music, and then grants a good sleep. Just don't do it everyday unless you've got pain and are retired. Regular stoners are too damn lazy and apathetic.
"The Day After' is highly recommended but the one that fucked me up (and I watched both the same week) was 'Threads' - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090163/?ref_=tt_sims_tt_t_1
I just want to thank you for your perspectives today. Also I have ignored Trump as I think he is beneath contempt (but so is that thug Biden), so appreciate your summary of Trump's current judicial situation.
I kind of feel alone in my view on Ukraine, and there is black cloud of genocide that hangs persitently over my head. And then even more money for enabling Israeli genocide and Ukraine, as most of Congress turns its back on climate change by fueling forever wars. I have at least to call and thank my rep in CA (Mark DeSaulnier) who voted against sending more money for genocide. Also I will call Cori Bush to thank her for her bravery (I spent my childhood in St. Louis and was a red diaper baby.) Again, thank you so much for your columns! I will upgrade to paid later today.
You're not alone. Lot of us on substack are against people being killed for profit.
DeSaulnier voted Nay on Israel aid but Yea on Ukraine and Taiwan aid.
That says a lot about the situation now. Even those who manage to resist genocide in Gaza haven't shaken off the lies and propaganda that has allowed the perpetuation of the Ukraine proxy war. It's bewildering.
Professional sports. I don't deny the talent of those playing, but the mind of the American male has been completely captured. Sports talk is THE bond that allows unlimited conversation, controversy with nothing significant involved, emotions that can run free and usually will end in mirth rather than mayhem because nothing is at stake. If ever Macbeth's remark about sound and fury applies, it is to professional sports in America. So much passion dissipated in vicarious competition...if only it had kept us out of wars.
In my experience men don't easily venture into other areas because they don't know enough about them to present a logical opinion and are at the same time afraid an opinion might be contested or, even worse, to be challenged and shown false. Our politics could not be more shallow.
While it is great to be able to walk into any bar and instantly be an accepted member of a conversation, nothing is really ventured and nothing gained because in the end it doesn't matter who wins and who loses, who is right about team X and who is wrong.
How many will wildly wave flags and decorate house exteriors with sports symbols, but would never dare speak out for, march for, or display a symbol for a movement of real significance. What would the neighbors think?
William Dement said, "dreams allow us to go quietly and safely insane every night of our lives". I think professional sports allow us to go noisily and safely insane at any time while happily opening our wallets to millionaire players and billionaire team owners.
Clif, this comment is a mini-essay in its own right. Very well said.
I'll give three months of my Social Security benefit to the first losing Super Bowl coach who says, "God really screwed us over today."
Dennis, I was inspired seeing a couple (man and wife) wearing Palestinian keffiyehs on the street. Today seeing Jonathan Greenblatt, head of the Anti-Defamation League, calling all of the demonstrators for BDS at Columbia U. "terrorists" and that the national guard should be called out on them (remember Kent State?) did the trick for me and I will be wearing the keffiyeh I got a couple of years ago in public now.
In ref to WJA's contrast of hush money and genocide, did you see where the US is supposedly going to sanction some unit of the IDF for doing nasty things to Palestinians in the West Bank...at the same time we are sending Israel all those billions! The Israeli Defense Minister has said he stands by the IDF unit and Netanyahu says there will be no sanctioning of any of the IDF. So, those in charge of our Middle East policy have had their say and that's that!
Ray, and everyone who reads BV, I'd like to recommend an excellent article from way back in 2004 from Francis Fukuyama. He has been ridiculed by many, but he is an intelligent guy with a profound grasp of world politics that shines in this work. It is prophetic.
His 2004 essay is called The Neoconservative Moment (he was part of the group). His take on the impossibility of the US forcing itself on the world being happily received has become more evident since then. The comments regarding Israel are spot on and he mentions the danger of the US putting itself in isolation with Israel, which is exactly where we are today.
The link to his essay is
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/522cc5b4e4b0a015e8d59b21/t/522d1617e4b0069c1e7d6aa5/1378686487683/Fukuyama_NeoconservativeMoment.pdf
Do You have a source on that?
A Hunt and Gather on Google and Presearch has no mention whatsoever of "NYPD's Counter-Terrorism unit being deployed to Columbia University."
jg, I don't know about it being a counter-terrorism unit, but the president of Columbia did call out the NYPD and upon arrival they said that there was no violent behavior going on.
Thank You.
Option 3: Intercepted Message [Source Vicinity: Galactic Sector ZZ 9 Plural Z Beta]
Re the Question You posed to Middle East Peace Negotiators; ie:
“If Your GOD says that it is Your Land;
and if His GOD says that it is His Land;
and if Their GOD says that it is Theirs…;
then, Whose Land is it? Really?
“And, how are we to know?
And more importantly, how do those GODS know?
And finally and most importantly, how do any of YOU know?”
[crackle...hisssss]
“Exterminate them. Exterminate them all. Or rather, Terminate: With Extreme Prejudice. And then let YHWH, God The Father, Allah, and The Etceteras sort them all out.
“Or better, terminate YHWH, God The Father, Allah, and The Etceteras, and let the dearly beloved faithful believers sort Them all out.
“In either case, as retired US Army Special Forces Colonel Walter E Kurtz once put it [albeit in a different context]: ‘….. We must kill them. We must incinerate them: pig after pig, cow after cow, village after village, army after army… . ‘
“This nonsense needs to end. This nonsense must end. This nonsense will end. Now.
“Before ALL Life ~ to say nothing of Human, or at least Humane Life ~ on that Planet is very seriously disrupted.
“Out.”
Retired U.S. Army Colonel Douglas Macgregor’s 23 Apr 24 piece in The American Conservative ~ IS IT GAME, SET, MATCH TO MOSCOW? : The American Brand Will Suffer So Long As Washington Pretends Its Capacities Are Limitless ~ should be required reading for every American still capable of thinking and acting for her or himself.
It concludes as follows:
“During the 1930s, FDR became trapped in a debt spiral of “special interest” spending. In defiance of logic and affordability, FDR opted for more Federal spending until he realized that it was not working. WITH THE ONSET OF WAR IN EUROPE, FDR SAW THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXTRICATE AMERICAN SOCIETY FROM THE DEPRESSION BY STEERING THE UNITED STATES INTO WAR. FDR’S SCHEME WORKED. The Second World War reinvigorated the American economy and ended America’s chronic unemployment. At the same time, America’s physical insularity kept American infrastructure and the American People beyond the reach of its enemies.
“President Biden and Congress are on a similar course with profound consequences, but today, horrifically destructive modern weapons make the war option suicidal. Put another way, 21ST-CENTURY PROBLEMS CANNOT BE SOLVED WITH THE USE OF 20TH-CENTURY PLANS AND POLICIES. Instead of framing another false narrative to justify funding for a corrupt Ukrainian state that is collapsing, Washington and its allies should question the rationale for a new, costly cold war directed against Moscow, Beijing, Tehran, and a host of countries with world views that diverge sharply from our own.
“Business schools teach their students that good brands have the power to sway decision-making and create communities of like-minded people. It isn’t just companies that need brands; countries need them, too. When asked about Washington’s ability to cope with wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, PRESIDENT BIDEN SAID, “WE ARE THE MOST POWERFUL NATION IN THE WORLD, IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD. WE CAN TAKE CARE OF BOTH OF THESE [WARS].” Biden was and is wrong. America’s resources are not limitless. Our power is constrained.
“In Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, the American brand has been damaged. AMERICANS NEED (AND SHOULD DEMAND) A SOBER-MINDED ANALYSIS OF THE FACTS FROM THE MEN WHO WANT TO BE PRESIDENT. They should be compelled to identify the united states’ true national interests; a process that should also identify the political and cultural realities that are not Washington’s to change.
Full article at https://www.theamericanconservative.com/is-it-game-set-match-to-moscow/ ; EMPHASES added.
Given all the Pro-Palestine demonstrations, protests, and other actions on college campuses and in the streets, one can only wonder how long it will be before some Governor calls out her or his National Guard and there is another Kent State.
Or as an alternative: When will a person decide to not self-immolate to proclaim his or her allegiance, and, instead, shoots up and down one of those gatherings of Pro-Palestinians? Or a gathering of Pro-Israelis?
This could get very interesting. And very ugly.
"What a country!"
"What country?" is more appropo.
Political prosecution? In a country overflowing with laws and an impeccably fair, balanced justice system and media? Everyone loves a sex scandal. They're great for ratings. The judges and attorneys get to be Hollywood stars. Maybe they can win themselves an Oscar. The masses will all be on the edge of their couches hopeing to hear about Trump's weapon of mass destruction.
Insurrections trials after all are boring. Tedious. Divisive.
What could possibly go wrong in a country run by lawyers who get their money up front win lose or draw? Ones trained to lie to protect the states or clients interests? Whoever has the most money wins.
Does anyone consider the US to be a "free state" any longer? If not the constitution provides the solution with the first and second amendments which need to be simultaneously executed by the people who are supposed to be in control of the US. Not the politicians who are only supposed to represent the people and are failing to do so breaking their oath of allegiance. The same ones who reinterpret the constitution to achieve their own goals. Tyranny and oppression now rule. Not freedom and democracy. This was discussed in The Federalist #28 by Hamilton. The solution is to be found in the constitution. Not the politicians.
Heavy sigh ... If only I could be shocked by our ridiculous leaders.
As I reflected on the morning's headlines earlier today and following breakfast, we walked through Parque Calderon in Cuenca, Ecuador as a class of school-uniformed children (not more than first graders) were all sitting on a long cement bench with paper and pencil in hand as they worked on whatever it was the teacher had assigned. I said out load as I passed by them, "I love Cuenca." My mind immediately went to Thomas Merton's account of his similar epiphany.
"In Louisville, at the corner of Fourth and Walnut, in the center of the shopping district, I was suddenly overwhelmed with the realization that I loved all these people, that they were mine and I theirs, that we could not be alien to one another even though we were total strangers."
And I thought, how badly my homeland and its leaders need their Merton moment.
Hi Alex, Today, Sept. 18th, I was trying to clear out some of my email messages and found your April reply to me on CA rep. Mark DeSaulnier's yea votes for aid to Ukraine and Taiwan. I appreciate the info! Is there a relatively easy way to keep track of one's Congressman's and Senators' votes on these crucial matters of genocide and ecocide? (ie, military aid to Ukraine and Israel?) I am voting green should we all make to the Presidential election, but need to gather my thoughts on how to communicate rapidly with these politicians who seem to live in an alternative reality and vote against life on earth. I want them to know they will not ever get my vote. I did note that DeSaulnier signed on the the recent letter urging direct diplomacy with Russia re Ukraine, which was immediately retracted because of its timing. What a stupid complicated mess!
The most significant items of note in the 24 Apr Associated Press article ~ POLICE TANGLE WITH STUDENTS IN TEXAS AND CALIFORNIA AS WAVE OF CAMPUS PROTEST AGAINST GAZA WAR GROWS ~ are as follows:
“On a visit to campus, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson [who just masterminded the $95 BILLION military aid bill for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan] , a Republican, called on Columbia University President Minouche Shafik to resign ‘if she cannot bring order to this chaos.’
“’If this is not contained quickly and if these threats and intimidation are not stopped, THERE IS AN APPROPRIATE TIME FOR THE NATIONAL GUARD,’ he said.”
and
“Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lashed out at the pro-Palestinian demonstrations on U.S. college campuses in a video statement released Wednesday, saying THE RESPONSE OF SEVERAL UNIVERSITY PRESIDENTS HAS BEEN ‘SHAMEFUL’ AND CALLING ON STATE, LOCAL AND FEDERAL OFFICIALS TO INTERVENE.”
Source: https://apnews.com/article/gaza-war-campus-protests-47f4f7f0916a6493b79eede3e4d0a55d ; EMPHASES added.
Let What sink in? Why do You think Netanyahu's comments were highlited in the AP article i cited?
And as regards the future of Pro-Palestinian protests, etc, on campus and elsewhere, i stand by my comment of about 20 hours ago:
Given all the Pro-Palestine demonstrations, protests, and other actions on college campuses and in the streets, one can only wonder how long it will be before some Governor calls out her or his National Guard and there is another Kent State.
Or as an alternative: When will a person decide to not self-immolate to proclaim his or her allegiance, and, instead, shoots up and down one of those gatherings of Pro-Palestinians? Or a gathering of Pro-Israelis?
This could get very interesting. And very ugly.
My comment wasn't about Pro-Palestinian protesters and what they do or don't do.
My comment was about what might happen if the National Guard DOES get called in; or if some "Super Patriot" decides to break up a Pro-Palestinian gathering with automatic weapons fire.
Thanks! And your comment succinctly gives the reason for USA's depravity. I just feel alone because around most of the people I know, I have to keep my mouth shut--mostly regarding Ukraine.
I watched the vote, shame on me.
Back on April 20, i posted the following here on BV: “April 20, 2024 will go down as a GREAT day for America's Military Industrial Congressional Complex [MICC] and its Secrecy Security Surveillance Censorship Propaganda Panopticon [S3CP2]. One of the best days, in fact, since 9/11:
“*** HOUSE PASSES $95 BILLION FOREIGN AID PACKAGE FOR UKRAINE, ISRAEL, TAIWAN [with link to UPI]
“*** BIDEN SIGNS 2-YEAR EXTENSION OF FISA WARRANTLESS SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM [with link to UPI]”
.........
And today, on antiwar.com, Ron Paul asked: APRIL 20, 2024: FINAL NAIL IN AMERICA’S COFFIN?
“Given that the U.S. Senate just approved the $95 BILLION windfall for America’s MICC; Dr Paul has asked a very good question...:
“When future historians go searching for the final nail in the US coffin, they may well settle on the date April 20, 2024.
“ON THAT DAY CONGRESS PASSED LEGISLATION TO FUND TWO AND A HALF WARS, HAND WHAT’S LEFT OF OUR PRIVACY OVER TO THE CIA AND NSA, AND GIVE THE US PRESIDENT THE POWER TO SHUT DOWN WHATEVER PART OF THE INTERNET HE DISAGREES WITH.
“The nearly $100 billion grossly misnamed ‘National Security Supplemental’ guarantees that Ukrainians will continue to die in that country’s unwinnable war with Russia, that Palestinian civilians will continue to be slaughtered in Gaza with US weapons, and that the neocons will continue to push us toward a war with China.
IT WAS A TOTAL VICTORY FOR THE WAR PARTY.
“The huge spending bill is all about politics for Biden, yet so many Republicans simply went along with it. The last thing the people running Biden’s White House want to see as a close election approaches are ads blaming Biden for ‘losing Ukraine.’
“The US and its allies have already sent over $300 billion to Ukraine and the country is still losing its war with Russia. Nobody believes another $60 billion will pull a victory from the jaws of defeat. But this additional money is meant to keep up appearances until November at the expense of Americans who are forced to pay for it and Ukrainians who are forced to die for it.
“Speaker Johnson could not have passed these monstrosities without the full support of House Democrats, as the majority of Republicans voted against more money for Ukraine. So in the worst example of “bipartisanship,” Johnson reached across the aisle, stiffed the Republican majority that elected him Speaker, and pushed through a massive gift to the warfare/(corporate) welfare state.
“AFTER THE HOUSE VOTED TO SEND ANOTHER $60 BILLION TO NOTORIOUSLY CORRUPT UKRAINE, MEMBERS WAVED UKRAINIAN FLAGS ON THE HOUSE FLOOR AND CHANTED ‘UKRAINE, UKRAINE.’ While I find it distasteful and disgusting, in some way it seemed fitting. After all, they may as well chant the name of a foreign country because they certainly don’t care about this country!
“Along with sending $100 billion that we don’t have to fund more overseas war, Speaker Johnson threw in ANOTHER VERSION OF THE TIK TOK BAN, WHICH GIVES JOE BIDEN AND FUTURE PRESIDENTS THE POWER TO SHUT DOWN WEBSITES AT WILL BY SIMPLY DECLARING THEM TO BE ‘FOREIGN ADVERSARY CONTROLLED.’
“NOT TO BE OUTDONE, THE US SENATE ON THAT SAME DAY PASSED THE EXTENSION OF SECTION 702 OF THE FISA ACT, WHICH NOT ONLY ALLOWED THE GOVERNMENT TO CONTINUE SPYING ON US WITHOUT A WARRANT, BUT ALSO CONTAINED NEW LANGUAGE MASSIVELY EXPANDING HOW THEY CAN SPY ON US.
Many conservative voters are asking what the point of Republican control of the House is if the agenda is determined by Democrats. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is even reported to have bragged to his colleagues about how easily Speaker Johnson gave Democrats everything they wanted and asked for nothing in return.
WHAT IS THE SILVER LINING IN ALL THIS BAD NEWS? MOST REPUBLICANS IN THE HOUSE VOTED AGAINST CONTINUING THE UKRAINE WAR. THAT’S A GOOD START. OUR IDEAS ARE GROWING, NOT ONLY ACROSS THE COUNTRY BUT EVEN IN THE DC SWAMP. TAKE COURAGE AND DON’T GIVE UP! WORK FOR PEACE!
https://original.antiwar.com/paul/2024/04/22/final-nail-in-americas-coffin/ ; EMPHASES added.
Heh. So You think the Pussy Grabber goes along with Your mentors' concept of a Government whose primary function is the protection of Citizens' Rights from Despots, foreign and domestic, eh??
What about protection of Citizens' Rights from Frauds, Thieves, and Liars? Let alone Murderers, Rapists, and and other Criminals against Persons or Property? Even if they are "Rich"? Or otherwise "connected" in various and sundry ways?
What's The Pussy Grabber's record on that? Got any facts?
And there is absolutely no difference whatsoever between who The Pussy Grabber is owned, operated, commanded, and controlled by, and who The Hair Smeller is the incumbent Puppet On The Untieable String [ie, POTUS] of, by, and for.
According to Tara Reade, Biden can join Trump in the pathetic ranks of pussy-grabbing.
Shame on the Democrats for dropping the #MeToo movement as soon as Biden was credibly accused of sexual assault. "Believe women" became "believe Obama," as I wrote about here:
https://bracingviews.com/2020/05/04/believe-women-is-now-believe-obama/
What's going on in NYC is worthy of Nazi Germany. Or the Soviet Union. It's sad that this is allowable in the United States.
What has Trump had to say about that $95 BILLION in military aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan? Other, of course, than praising "MAGA Mike" Johnson for the Great job he did sliming it thru to passage?
And what has he had to say about the FISA Extension, about which he had been making so much recent noise? Anything?
And finally, what has Trump had to say about Budget Deficits and the growth of America's Sovereign, National Debt? Anything?
Sorry You interpret my questions as "confrontational rage," Dennis. It's actually nothing but "conversational curiosity." i guess You spent enough time in America to pick up that standard American Aversion to Questions in favor of their Preference for Answers.
In any event: See my follow-up comment to Your response. Sorry, but more Questions..
And are You waiting for me to "show my hand" to tell You who i think WILL BE POTUS Maxximmuss XLVII? Or who i think SHOULD BE the next President?
1. So Trump heartily endorses the $95 BILLION gift ~ or is it grift ~ to America's MICC, correct?
2. i know what Trump said about FISA and Section 702 BEFORE the vote. What has he said about them SINCE they have been extended for two years by Congress and signed off by Biden?
3. What has Trump said he would do to deal with Deficit Spending and, particularly, the National Debt should he become President again? Has anybody even asked him that question?
4. And exactly Who is saying that Trump is "the cause" of today's Deficits?
Again, sorry You interpret that as "confrontational debate."
All i asked is what Trump has said about these matters since, as Ron Paul put it: Passage of that $95 BILLION military aid bill and the FISA/702 Extension may very well be "the Final Nail in America's Coffin."
In any event, Mr Merwood: What do YOU think of FISA/702 Extension and the Aid Bill? Do You think they are good ideas?
And if You had the same attitude as a Project Manager then as You have as a BV Commenter now, i seriously doubt i would have wanted to stick around long enough to get my first paycheck.