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Euro-US cold winter/ seething anger
Eric Walberg
The eviction of demonstrators last week is an ominous metaphor for ruling elites, whose own days are surely numbered.
As protesters fed up with the increasing injustices of the global economic system get chucked out of their latter-day Hoovervilles, Euro-American elites might consider when their turn will come. For the financial crisis facing Greece, Ireland, Italy, Spain and who-knows-where next is really about who pays for the past three decades of largesse.
The popular perception is that the ordinary people have been living “beyond their means”, a false and invidious conventional wisdom which masks the real nature of the crisis. For it is the elites across Europe and the Americas who have benefited most from the European Union, built on Reaganite neoliberalism, which in turn was fashioned to meet the needs of business. The neoliberal policies of all Western governments, “left” or “right” during the past three decades are the direct cause of the current highly skewed income distribution – by some accounts, worse than in any previous era of human history.
The supposed generous patriarch of this big happy family is Germany, with its hard workers and tidy streets. But while the Aesopian Greek hares are told they must tighten their belts and make do with less health and education, the fact that the Greek arms imports continue to grow -- importing German weapons and “defence” systems (against what threat?) -- is not mentioned. And it is not only weapons, but consumer goods from Germany that have displaced Greek products in the anonymous Euro-market, as Greece increasingly becomes northern Europeans’ decadent playground, albeit with more than its fair share of un- and under-employed.
Constitutionally Protected Symbolic Speech
by Stephen Lendman
Symbolic speech examples include leafleting, picketing, demonstrating, marching, speaking publicly, flag burning, displaying t-shirts, armbands, banners and placards, sit-ins, as well as camping out in public places.
With some exceptions, all have First Amendment protection. Numerous Supreme Court decisions addressed the issue. Some agreed. Others didn't.
For example, in Hague v. Committee for Industrial Organization (1939), Justice Owen Roberts expressed the Court's plurality opinion, saying:
"Wherever the title of streets and parks may rest, they have immemorially been held in trust for the use of the public and, time out of mind, have been used for purposes of assembly, communicating thoughts between citizens, and discussing public questions."
Deepening Debt Contagion
by Stephen Lendman
With pressure building on Europe and America, something's got to give. Progressive Radio News Hour regular Bob Chapman says Germany's Angela Merkel and France's Nicolas Sarkozy search for solutions that don't exist.
Nothing's agreed on to be implemented. Austerity weakens failing Eurozone economies. French and other banks are selling bonds. Yields are rising. So isn't economic, financial and political uncertainty.
North American Integration and the Ties That Bind
By Dana Gabriel
After a two year hiatus, the leaders of the U.S., Canada and Mexico are set to meet for a trilateral summit. While the push for further North American integration continues incrementally, at this time, it is unlikely that discussions will yield any grand new initiatives that involve the participation of all three NAFTA partners. Instead, the meeting could be used to build off of bilateral discussions already underway. This includes negotiations between the U.S. and Canada on a North American Security perimeter deal designed to accelerate the flow of people and goods across the border.
OWS IS TRIGGER FOR MAJOR SHIFT IN GLOBAL CONSCIOUSNESS
By Allen L Roland and Jim Fetzer
The rapidly expanding "Occupy Wall Street" movement is reacting to anxiety, frustration and fear but it is being fueled by a powerful and worldwide desire for a major change in moral priorities, where cooperation and altruism replace selfishness and greed. OWS is in essence a worldwide intervention on a corrupt and greed addicted corporate state and the people will lead this evolutionary shift in global consciousness by demanding truth, fairness and justice: Allen L Roland
“Such is the irresistible nature of truth that all it asks, and all it wants, is the liberty of appearing." - Thomas Paine
Gaza's Suffocating Siege
by Stephen Lendman
In early November, the Gisha Legal Center for Freedom of Movement published a report titled, "Scale of Control: Israel's Continued Responsibility in the Gaza Strip."
It explained little changed after its alleged 2005 "disengagement."
A 2007 Gisha report titled, "Disengaged Occupiers: The Legal Status of Gaza" argued that as an occupying power, Israel's obligations continue.
Its new publication updates it. Despite Israel claiming no further responsibility, it exercises full control of Gaza's airspace, waters, borders, territory, infrastructure, power, and more. It collects customs and value added taxes for imported goods, conducts regular incursions, excludes most exports, and maintains a physical presence.
Arab League Pro-Western Despots
by Stephen Lendman
On November 12, New York Times writer Neil MacFarquhaqar headlined, "Arab League Votes to Suspend Syria Over Crackdown," saying:
"Syria's formal suspension is to start in four days, offering what senior Arab League officials described as a last chance for Mr. Assad to carry out a peace agreement his government had accepted....to halt violence directed toward civilians (and) withdraw all security forces from civilian areas...."
What is Really Behind the Global Cellphonemania?
By Katherine Smith, PhD
U.S. Sues to Stop AT&T Deal – A Surprisingly Swift Move or Disinformation?
The Justice Department’s lawsuit is most likely Disinformation … deliberately misleading information announced publicly or leaked by a government, intelligence agency or other entity for the purpose of influencing opinions or perceptions.
The antitrust action to block AT&T Inc.’s proposed $39 billion takeover of T-Mobile USA is intended to sow confusion and deceive the public about why everyone young, old, rich, poor, black, white, brown, yellow, and red … in just about every country has a cell phone. Worldwide cell phone subscriptions exceed 4.6 billion.
The government claims the combination of the second and fourth-largest cell phone companies in the U.S. would harm competition and likely raise prices for consumers.
Notice the words “likely raise prices for consumers.” [7]
As the Congressional Super Committee Flounders, the Occupy Super Committee Presents Solutions
Kevin Zeese
The 99% Deficit Proposal Published Occupy Washington DC Shows How to Create Jobs, Reduce the Wealth Divide and Control Spending
Washington, DC: The Occupation of Washington, DC published “The 99%’s Deficit Proposal: How to create jobs, reduce the wealth divide and control spending” detailing plans to not only reduce the deficit but close the wealth divide, create millions of jobs, strengthen the safety net and develop a democratized economy. This report has been provided to the twelve members of the Congressional Super Committee.
After holding an Occupy Super Committee Hearing on November 9, Occupy Washington DC published an evidence-based report that:
- Raises $600 billion in annual revenues thereby achieving the deficit reduction goals in two years; shrinks the wealth divide by taxing wealth more and labor less; restores a progressive tax system; taxes speculation by investors and taxes wealth held overseas.
Rogue Israeli Lawlessness
by Stephen Lendman
Endless examples occur daily. Overnight Sunday, Maan News said Israeli forces raided homes of seven recently released prisoners as part of the October 18 exchange.
Notices were sent to Akram Mansour, Shadi Zayid and Ibrahim Yasin. They were ordered to report to Israeli intelligence for questioning.
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