Throughout his tenure, Obama’s done what supporters thought impossible. He’s governed to the right of George Bush. He mocks rule of law principles and other democratic values. He prioritizes wars on humanity. He’s waging multiple…
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With or without Chavez, it’s institutionalized. It greatly improved the lives of most Venezuelans. It’s become part of the national culture. It won’t wane and die. It reflects Simon Bolivar’s vision. He defeated the Spanish,…
The New York Times debated it. Nine views were presented. Mark Weisbrot co-directs the Center for Economic and Policy Research. He’s fair-minded and forthright. He was outnumbered eight to one. Times style debates avoid evenhanded exchanges. Debates…
Far and away, America’s human rights record is the world’s worst. No other nation approaches its unprincipled history. Earlier crimes against humanity were largely internal and regional. Twentieth century ones went global. New millennium ones elevated atrocities and other human rights abuses to an unprecedented level. It keeps rising. America is guilty of virtually every crime imaginable and then some. Former dovish US diplomat, advisor, and father of Soviet containment George Kennan explained what reflects America’s post-WW II foreign and domestic policy. His February 1948 “Memo PPS23” said:
For decades, Israel has literally gotten away with murder. Crimes of war and against humanity repeat regularly. Human and civil rights are spurned. Anyone not experiencing it firsthand can’t imagine the ruthlessness of occupation harshness….
First impressions suggest another “who done it” incident. Similar ones occurred many times before. Guilty parties often get named later. Key always is cui bono? The mainstream media never explain what’s most important. Instead, headlines…
A common thread defines Obama and Netanyahu. Their agenda threatens humanity. Both head modern-day Spartas. Israel is very much involved in Washington’s war on Syria. At issue is destroying another independent state, murdering thousands, planning more wars, and threatening the entire region and beyond. Iran is next in line. Saber rattling combines with war by other means. It includes sanctions, subversion, instability, cyberwar, targeted assassinations, other disruptive actions, and relentless scoundrel media vilification and fearmongering. On August 3, Haaretz headlined “King Bibi in trouble.” Poll numbers show a 60% disapproval rating. It’s not for institutionalized militarism and belligerence. It’s about new budget cuts hardening neoliberal harshness. Most Israelis are fed up with what harms their well-being. Their narrow definition omits likely blowback from regional wars and more planned. Conflict rages cross border in Syria. If attacked, Hezbollah can respond in kind.
Remembering Gore Vidal Many labels characterize him: distinguished author, essayist, playwright, historian, acerbic sociopolitical/cultural critic, freethinker, intellectual, and humanist. In 2009, the American Humanist Association (AHA) named him honorary president. On July 31, Gore Vidal…
Macao tycoon Stanley Ho (left), accompanied by his daughter Pansy, shakes hands with Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing (right) during the centenary ceremony for the University of Hong Kong on Thursday. [Photo/Agencies] HONG KONG –…