Daily Headlines
An hour conversation with Paul. He estimates that the budget for disinformation exceeds $100 billion a year-- that it's done by CIA, FBI, Military, agencies-- as well as corporations like Monsanto
Allowing the government to collect and store unlimited "metadata" is a highly invasive form of surveillance of citizens' communications activities. Those records enable the government to know the identity of every person with whom an individual communicates electronically, how long they spoke, and their location at the time of the communication.
As we watch the all-male commentary on television news that comes to us from the campaign trail, from Congressional hearings on sexual violence, or Sunday sermons from the fundamentalist preachers, almost any woman is moved to ask -- "Whaaaat?"
Who cares what the "Syrian people" might think? The Western "Friends of Syria" could not have found a more willing golden patsy to promote their usual, self-fulfilling Divide and Rule gambit -- the Sunni-Shi'ite divide. It's always handy to have dysfunctional GCC petro-monarchies posing as "liberators" so the West once again may conduct a proxy war "leading from behind."
The FBI's practice of finding evidence tied to Saudi Arabia, then denying it had such evidence, then reluctantly admitting that it did (but only as a way of blocking still more disclosure) is telling. The apparent willingness of the FBI to brazenly lie and then reverse itself -- seemingly with no consequences -- is now beginning to look like standard operating procedure.
The imposition of this criminal debt on ordinary people is a breathtaking scandal. Why has it not been challenged with any seriousness? Where is the political opposition? Class is your answer. This unrepresentative managerial and professional class also exercises power right across the trade union bureaucracy; and it dominates the media.
By Robert De Filippis
"The dulling of humanity: Humans aren't getting smarter, they say. We're getting stupider.![]()
"The dulling of humanity: Humans aren't getting smarter, they say. We're getting stupider.
Are we drowning in stupid ideas? If so, why? Two factors seem to be merging to create our current circumstances.
Kristinn Hrafnsson, Wikileaks spokesman, says Manning should be set free. "He's suffered enough after three years in prison and one year almost under torturous conditions. nformation that was revealed by WikiLeaks was information on war crimes and corruption and information that should be in the public domain. There's not a single report or claim that life has been harmed as a result of these leaks."
By Andrew Schmookler
Which Would Be Better? Getting These Judges Confirmed or Getting the Filibuster Rules Reformed?
It would be good to get some good judges onto the bench of the D.C. District Court of Appeals. But it would also be good to change the rules regarding the filibuster so that they cannot so readily be abused, the way the Republicans have been doing in so unprecedented a fashion. Which ever would be better, it is at least encouraging that the Democrats are fighting back and should gain ground in one way or another.
Which Would Be Better? Getting These Judges Confirmed or Getting the Filibuster Rules Reformed?
It would be good to get some good judges onto the bench of the D.C. District Court of Appeals. But it would also be good to change the rules regarding the filibuster so that they cannot so readily be abused, the way the Republicans have been doing in so unprecedented a fashion. Which ever would be better, it is at least encouraging that the Democrats are fighting back and should gain ground in one way or another.
Of all the charges against Bradley Manning, the most pernicious -- and revealing -- is "aiding the enemy."
By John Whitehead
Without Mavericks Like Nat Hentoff, Age 88, Freedom Would Be a Word Without Content
Armed with a keen understanding of the law and an enviable way with words, brandishing a rapier wit and teeming with moral outrage, Nat Hentoff has never been one to back down from a fight.
Without Mavericks Like Nat Hentoff, Age 88, Freedom Would Be a Word Without Content
Armed with a keen understanding of the law and an enviable way with words, brandishing a rapier wit and teeming with moral outrage, Nat Hentoff has never been one to back down from a fight.
It's widely accepted that yoga, meditation and other practices that involve conscious relaxation can reduce stress and enhance a person's general well-being. But for many, notions of "mindfulness" and "wellness" still come off as a tad New Age-y and amorphous.
A growing number of scientists believe that psychiatry needs an entirely new paradigm for understanding mental and emotional health, though they can't say what that new knowledge and system would look like. Here's something for them and all of us to consider.
Though not as efficient as regular light-emitting diodes (LEDs), they offer a wider range of material choices and are more energy efficient than traditional lights. OLEDs can also be applied to flexible surfaces, which may lead to lights or television displays that can be rolled up and stowed in a pocket.
Analysis of the political commentary in "Star Trek Into Darkness" with regards to the 'War on Terror' and the policies of both Bush and Obama.
While many scholars acknowledge that Jesus was a dedicated Jew till the end of his mortal life, it is widely believed that the Apostle Paul launched a new religion called Christianity. However, if Paul had simply stated to the Romans that he is not a Jew anymore but a leader of a new religion he would not have been arrested or executed. The evidence for this is right in "Acts of the Apostles"
Welfare for the Wealthy
The important Farm Bill is impenetrably arcane, yet as it worms its way through Congress, Americans who care about justice, health or the environment can parse enough of it to become outraged.The legislation costs around $100 billion annually, determining policies on matters that are strikingly diverse. Because it affects foreign trade and aid, agricultural and nutritional research, and much more, it has global implications.The Farm Bill finances food stamps (SNAP) and the subsidies that allow industrial ag and monoculture -- the "spray and pray" style of farming -- to maintain their grip on the food "system."The bill is ostensibly revisited, refashioned and renewed every five years, but this round, scheduled to be re-enacted last year, has been in discussion since 2010, and a final bill is not in sight. This year's threaten the well-being of tens of millions of Americans.
The important Farm Bill is impenetrably arcane, yet as it worms its way through Congress, Americans who care about justice, health or the environment can parse enough of it to become outraged.The legislation costs around $100 billion annually, determining policies on matters that are strikingly diverse. Because it affects foreign trade and aid, agricultural and nutritional research, and much more, it has global implications.The Farm Bill finances food stamps (SNAP) and the subsidies that allow industrial ag and monoculture -- the "spray and pray" style of farming -- to maintain their grip on the food "system."The bill is ostensibly revisited, refashioned and renewed every five years, but this round, scheduled to be re-enacted last year, has been in discussion since 2010, and a final bill is not in sight. This year's threaten the well-being of tens of millions of Americans.
By Gary Brumback
America's Chronic War Habit
The aim of this short essay is to analyze America's chronic war habit, what its nature is, what sustains it, and what can be done to end it before it leads to America's destruction some time in this century.
America's Chronic War Habit
The aim of this short essay is to analyze America's chronic war habit, what its nature is, what sustains it, and what can be done to end it before it leads to America's destruction some time in this century.
Opinion, Society, Government, First Amendment
Facts don't matter any more in news reporting. Gut feelings do.
By Kevin Anthony Stoda
Memory from Nazi Germany and Images of the Trial of Bradley Manning
Nazi-led Total War (1943-1945) under Goebbels and Hitler brought only further starvation and destruction to his homeland--even after Thoelking had been thrown in the brig and he had been threatened with charges of aiding and abetting the cause of the enemy. Why should not a soldier (Manning) speak the truth about war to his comrades and the powerful military brass in such an instance? Likewise, why should soldiers be prohi
Memory from Nazi Germany and Images of the Trial of Bradley Manning
Nazi-led Total War (1943-1945) under Goebbels and Hitler brought only further starvation and destruction to his homeland--even after Thoelking had been thrown in the brig and he had been threatened with charges of aiding and abetting the cause of the enemy. Why should not a soldier (Manning) speak the truth about war to his comrades and the powerful military brass in such an instance? Likewise, why should soldiers be prohi
Democrats didn't change Senate rules out of fear they'll soon be out of power. That may well guarantee it.
You can't refinance, or get rid of the debt through bankruptcy. Here's how it's even more of a sham than you know;
By Sherwood Ross
Swanson Terms Obama "Force for destruction"
To say that the Obama presidency has been a failure has become common among liberals. But it is worse than that. This intelligent and persuasive politician is playing a lead role in turning America into a totalitarian dictatorship---all the while wrapping himself in the mantle of Rev. King. Having worked in the civil rights movement as a professional with many of the top leaders I can't think of one who would support him.
Swanson Terms Obama "Force for destruction"
To say that the Obama presidency has been a failure has become common among liberals. But it is worse than that. This intelligent and persuasive politician is playing a lead role in turning America into a totalitarian dictatorship---all the while wrapping himself in the mantle of Rev. King. Having worked in the civil rights movement as a professional with many of the top leaders I can't think of one who would support him.
By Dave Lindorff
You Have the Right to Remain Silent...as the Grave: Is the FBI in the Execution Business?![]()
You Have the Right to Remain Silent...as the Grave: Is the FBI in the Execution Business?
The killing of an unarmed man linked to the Boston Marathon suspects by an FBI agent, during a supposed "interrogation" looks like a deliberate execution, making the US look an awful lot like China of Nazi Germany, suggests TCBH! journalist Dave Lindorff
We're six months away from full implementation of the Affordable Care Act. What will that process look like for people like me without meaningful health insurance coverage? I plan to blog about the experience. Let's find out what it looks like together.
Latest Articles
Lise and Emil Stoessel keep their 29-year marriage together by living apart. Lise, author of "Living Happily Ever After -- Separately" shares their adventures as guests on a daytime talk show in Hollywood in this exclusive interview.
China's export markets are collapsing triggering pro-market reforms which are aimed at state-run sectors of its economy.
Rice Appointment is Fitting Rebuke to the GOP
President Obama's appointment of UN Ambassador Susan Rice as his National Security Advisor was a great move for two reasons. Rice has the same superb qualifications that would have made her an exemplary Secretary of State.
President Obama's appointment of UN Ambassador Susan Rice as his National Security Advisor was a great move for two reasons. Rice has the same superb qualifications that would have made her an exemplary Secretary of State.
Best News Links from the Web
National security adviser Thomas E. Donilon will resign his post, White House officials said Wednesday, and be replaced by U.N. Ambassador Susan E. Rice, a close confidant of President Obama who has been strongly criticized by Republicans but was widely expected to move into the job. White House officials said Donilon's resignation will take effect in early July. Rice, one of Obama's most trusted foreign policy advisers, does not need Senate confirmation to take his place.
