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Thom's blog in this space and moving to a new home.
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Tuesday's show was the best, most hard hitting and frank look at what's really going on in this country I think I've heard in a long time. Well done, Thom.
In answer to the question posed above, read Nafeez Ahmed's article in the Guardian; 'Pentagon Preparing for Mass Civil Breakdown'. Excerpt below;
"Prof Price has previously exposed how the Pentagon's Human Terrain Systems (HTS) programme - designed to embed social scientists in military field operations - routinely conducted training scenarios set in regions "within the United States."
Citing a summary critique of the programme sent to HTS directors by a former employee, Price reported that the HTS training scenarios "adapted COIN [counterinsurgency] for Afghanistan/Iraq" to domestic situations "in the USA where the local population was seen from the military perspective as threatening the established balance of power and influence, and challenging law and order."
One war-game, said Price, involved environmental activists protesting pollution from a coal-fired plant near Missouri, some of whom were members of the well-known environmental NGO Sierra Club. Participants were tasked to "identify those who were 'problem-solvers' and those who were 'problem-causers,' and the rest of the population whom would be the target of the information operations to move their Center of Gravity toward that set of viewpoints and values which was the 'desired end-state' of the military's strategy."
Such war-games are consistent with a raft of Pentagon planning documents which suggest that National Security Agency (NSA) mass surveillance is partially motivated to prepare for the destabilising impact of coming environmental, energy and economic shocks."
Reply to #9: I agree, this country is ready for a woman president… but NOT HILLARY! She’s a warmonger and a “free” trade toadie. As if that wasn't enough, she has indicated she would approve the Keystone XL pipeline. No thanks!
I could write a list of white male politicians I’d choose over Hillary in a heartbeat, if running against her for president... and who I would have chosen over Obama, who I never trusted really trusted in the first place; not even when he ran the first time.
I've not forgotten how Bill Clinton rolled out the red carpet for that job-killing NAFTA “free” trade agreement. Both Bill and Hillery are shills for “free” trade. Now look where it's gotten us! And wasn't it President Clinton who de-regulated the FCC, giving the green light for a corporate fascist hijacking of our media?!
I hate the Clintons. I wish they'd retire to their stupid mansion with their daughter and grandkid and get the hell out of politics, and just disappear.
As Obama’s presidency has clearly shown us, not just any black man will do. And as Hillary Clinton exemplifies, not just any woman will do either. Enough Clinton crap; enough of the Bush family of fascist clowns, enough of the corporatists (black corporatists are still corporatists, ditto female corporatists); ENOUGH already! And there’s my little rant for the day. Tah-tah. - AIW
Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders are two of my favorite politicians. But I learned only recently of their support for IsraeI, which I find not only disturbing but deeply disappointing. Like Marc says, Bernie isn’t “perfect”; I suppose nobody is “perfect”. But I find Israel’s abuse of Palistine abhorrent, and morally bankrupt. I wish I could hear either Warren or Sanders speak on this issue, because I’m very curious how either of these otherwise upstanding individuals would defend the indefensible.
I'd be very happy with Elizabeth Warren or Bernie Sanders in the White House. They both understand the impact of economic and social injustice. Unlike Obama, I'm confident they both would surround themselves with the outstanding talent necessary to bring us back from the brink of, "vast majority," social and economic collapse, talent like Ralph Nader and Paul Krugman.
Elizabeth Warren would win in a landslide if the issues were what people voted on. After all, the people in poll after poll largely favor progressive/liberal policies.
Unfortunately, issues are less important to voters than their perception of the candidate, which of course is highly influenced by the incessant attack ads which the Supreme Court through "Citizens United", has decidedly tipped the scales in favor of big money. Lets face it, the average citizen is struggling just to keep their heads above water, let alone study issues which become more and more complex every day.
Still, I think it is important for Elizabeth Warren to run for the nomination, if nothing else, just to keep true liberal ideas at the forefront of the debate.
I have little doubt that Jeb Bush will be the Republican nominee and unfortunately the country may be ready to be BUSH-wacked again. Shockingly, Dubya now has a 45% approval rating, the result of 6 years time and the short memory of the public, not to mention there has been a massive, though under the radar, effort by Karl Rove's groups and much of the mainstream media to rewrite his presidency . Lately the Bush adoring Sunday morning news shows have rolled out the red carpet to acquit Dubya,s administration of any wrongdoing and lay any problems squarely at the foot of Barak Obama.
Propaganda pieces that seek to present Dubya in a more positive light such as "his" new book, "43 ON 41"; Dubya's loving "heartfelt" opus to his father. Give me a break! I'm not sure that George W. Bush has ever read a book, let alone written one. Still, there they are, father and son, posed in all their homey heartwarming glory, ala Mount Rushmore. In my opinion a book written by a conservative think-tank for the purpose of helping pave the way for Jeb's nomination.
I don't think the big money multi-national corporations are ready to have a replay of the Republican Clown Car charade that took place during the last presidential primary campaign. Realistically, Jeb is their only plausible choice.
Could Elizabeth Warren beat Jeb Bush? It might be a long shot, but for the sake of the planet and my sanity, I'm willing to take that chance.
RichardofJeffer... (Reply to # 10) ~ From what I understand, Bernie Sanders stand on Israel leaves a lot to be desired too. Nobody is perfect. Under normal circumstances I might agree with you. However, in the light that the Republican nominee might be Jeb Bush, I can assure you that I will vote for whoever might have a chance to defeat the man faster than I would swat a mosquito that landed on my face. Granted, it would be an automatic instinctive defensive reaction that would be completely devoid of any level of higher thought.
If you think Al Gore was a horrible campaigner and boring... ummm... you think Hillary would be exciting and a breath of fresh air? She's nearly 70... been around for 30 years... lost to a complete unknown last time... good luck with that.. yeah, she's next in line... so was John McCain and Bob Dole.
Other than her basic anti-banker stance, what would suggest that she'd be a "great president"? Has she ever had an executive position of any sort? The modern Presidency oversees a Trillion dollar budget, military all over the world, and also has to oversee basic and trade relations with 300 countries. Maybe I'm wrong... but isn't this the first time she's even had an elected office??
Vegasman56, I would assume by that definition any person who was breifed and apporved would also be guilty. That would mean the Dems who were in control of Congress at the time and Republican leadership who was also approved or was appraised of the techniques being used.
I can not in good conscience vote for Sen. Warren due to her hawkish support of Israel's illegal occupation and terrorizing of the Palestinian people. Whether or not, she truly believes in Israel's unjustifiable political and military aggression or she's saying it for political pragmatism, I can not overlook such an obvious shortcoming in a potential world leader.
We need Warren in the Senate. Hilary Clinton can push a populist agenda. I am sure Warren will campaign for her. All the main stream RepubiCON females like Bachman and Palin are stupid and incompetent.
I believe the country is ready for a woman President, but right now it's Hilary's time. I do not want see another boring Gore like Democratic candidate. I like Gore just think he was a terrible campaigner.
Both Bush Presidencies were disasters. The Clinton Presidency was a success no matter how much those right wing loonies say it was not. The facts are the facts! Oh by the way.... hey KEN (F***KING)STARR WE ARE STILL WAITING FOR YOUR INVESTIGATION RESULTS YOU CONDUCTED FOR THE ENTIRE 8 YEARS OF THE BILL CLINTON PRESIDENCY ON BILL CLINTON!
brennan102
here is your information
Unlawful combatant click here we can read more
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An unlawful combatant, illegal combatant or unprivileged combatant/belligerent is a combatant or non-combatant who directly engages in armed conflict in violation of the laws of war. An unlawful combatant may be detained or prosecuted under the domestic law of the detaining state for such action; subject of course to international treaties on justice and human rights.
How are war criminals prosecuted under humanitarian law?
01-01-2004
Extract from ICRC publication "International humanitarian law: answers to your questions"
On becoming party to the Geneva Conventions, States undertake to enact any legislation necessary to punish persons guilty of grave breaches of the Conventions. States are also bound to prosecute in their own courts any person suspected of having committed a grave breach of the Conventions, or to hand that person over for judgment to another State. In other words, perpetrators of grave breaches, i.e. war criminals, must be prosecuted at all times and in all places, and States are responsible for ensuring that this is done.
Generally speaking, a States criminal laws apply only to crimes committed on its territory or by its own nationals. International humanitarian law goes further in that it requires States to seek out and punish any person who has committed a grave breach, irrespective of his nationality or the place where the offence was committed. This principle of universal jurisdiction is essential to guarantee that grave breaches are effectively repressed.
the taliban are not covered under the terms of the Geneva Convention as they are not a State operated army and do not wear uniforms, just for starters.
As a self described Socialist, how many votes do you think that Sanders can get in the fly over states. Bernie would lose in a landslide because of his own description of his policies.
I watched Thom a lot on free speech TV; this is a first time I’ve seen Thom to get so upset. He should have. The Gentleman claimed to be Christian, his Christianity just comes from his lips, but the true meaning of Christianity escapes him. I also believe his convictions comes from his total hate for a black man being in the White House, yes I said it, racism, a Republican racism which is not any part of being a Christian.
This so-called enhance interrogation is nothing but true torture. Both Pres. George W. Bush and his VP Dick Cheney under the rules and articles Geneva Convention are considered war criminals. It would not surprise me after this report has come out that United Nations will call for a trial for these two gentlemen for war crimes. The question is, should we hand them over to the United Nations for trial, I believe so.
If populism carried these midterm elections and democrats were demolished by Republicans, how does this bode well for Warren in 2016. As a conservative, I have told my liberal friends that I believe that it will be Warren, not Clinton, who will be the Democratic nominee. It would be interesting to see Elizabeth Warren and Rand Paul go against eachother in the 2016 election.
While Warren may be a populist, I do not believe that many will vote for her once she has to detail what she wants from working people to pay for her programs.
I fear the bought-off Democrats have already annointed Hillary Clinton to be their nominee. Another Clinton or Bush in 2016? I thought the USA hated monarchies? Yeah, Obama came out of nowhere, but frankly I think he sold out once he got in. He's a good talker, but he hasn't done much as far as backing up his principles. I wonder if Warren would stick to her message or sell out if she became President like Obama. I would still vote for her over Hillary or the Republican nominee of 2016 any day and give her a chance! By Warren saying she is not running makes me think she already knows the oligarchy has already annointed Hillary to be the Democratic "choice" to oppose whoever they annoint for the Republican "choice" for 2016.
Without a doubt Sen. Elizabeth Warren would be a great president, but she has said that she’s not going to run or seek the presidency, and I think we should respect that. A Bernie Sanders Angus King I believe would be a good ticket to run on. They are both independence and they are both progressive, just what this country needs. We cannot follow the Republican Conservatives ways, which sent this country down the path of austerity with aristocrats in command. Similar to what we had with King George the third monarchy that we fought a revolutionary war over. For we can put the power and the authority to the hands average American, instead of the bankers. As in the words of Pres. Abraham Lincoln from the Gettysburg address, government of the people, for the people and by the people, instead of government of the bankers, by the bankers and for the bankers.
Regarding today's conversation about torture and what would Jesus do: Killing Jesus according to Roman law was legal. So some 'Christianists' would side against Jesus? What a delicious irony! What can't be justified by fundamentalists?
Free, Thom? Really?! The Vietnam war, the war on drug users and the war on black people indicated otherwise. “Freedom” always seemed like such an abstraction to me. And now we have war on the workers.
Aside from all that, I have had issues with authority all my life, since I was barely out of the crib. I’ve questioned authority as far back as I can remember. As a toddler I fought Mama on a daily basis over “naptime”, when I wasn’t tired or needing the rest. In retrospect, I think SHE was the one needing the rest.
Seriously, I have never trusted authority. I have no problem with rules and restrictions that are to everyone’s benefit, for safety or civility or whatever. But throughout my life, I have found that so much of the authority that gets imposed on us is self-serving rather than for the common good. And that is the authority I don’t respect, that I refuse to comply with.
This country has been gradually leaning closer and closer to authoritarianism and fascism, ever since WWII. Knowing how hospitable the U.S. was to Nazis in the years following that war, (not to mention the ones harbored and nurtured here!) I'm not surprised. This is becoming the worst kind of environment for me, and others like me. Nobody owns us. I don’t give a damn what the “law” says. - AIW
For some reason I cannot get into the chat room anymore, I've downloaded the newest Java program but I do not know how to configure it to enter the chat room or maybe I have the wrong Java how can I get some help to fix this My email is a1rlramsey@yahoo.com
The students who participated in this experiment would be interesting to find out who Republicans were, and who Democrats were.
Senator John McCain noted that in World War II, the United States militaryhanged Japanese soldiers for waterboarding American prisoners of war. The CIA confirmed having used waterboarding on three Al-Qaeda suspects: Abu Zubaydah, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, and Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri, in 2002 and 2003
Japanese war crimes
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
So do you believe we should go down the same road as did the Japanese in World War II, I believe not. We are Americans and we are not savages. I believe that as a nation where far much more superior socially than the Islamic state. It is 9/11 was tragic and we should never forget it, the question is why did this happen. We do not have to force our beliefs and government on the rest of the world for they will reject them. Before you condemn somebody you should walk a mile in his shoes, and feel the pain and suffering they have received, then maybe you will understand someday.
In the words of Osama Bin Laden,
”The events that affected my soul in a direct way started in 1982 when America permitted the Israelis to invade Lebanon and the American Sixth Fleet helped them in that. The bombardment began and many were killed and injured and others were terrorized and displaced I couldn't forget those moving scenes, blood, and severed limbs, women and children sprawled everywhere. Houses destroyed along with their occupants and high-rises demolished over their residents rockets raining down on our homes without mercy the situations was like a crocodile meeting a helpless child powerless except for his screams. Does the crocodile understand a conversation that doesn't include a weapon? And the whole world saw and heard but didn't respond. In those difficult moments, many hard-to-describe ideas bubbled in my soul, but in the end they produced an intense feeling of rejection of tyranny and gave birth to a strong resolve to punish the oppressors.”
For every action there is a reaction. Something to think about.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterboarding
Waterboarding is a form of torture, more specifically a type of water torture, in which water is poured over a cloth covering the face and breathing passages of an immobilized captive, causing the individual to experience the sensation of drowning. Waterboarding can cause extreme pain, dry drowning, damage to lungs, brain damage from oxygen deprivation, other physical injuries including broken bones due to struggling against restraints, lasting psychological damage, and death.[1] Adverse physical consequences can manifest themselves months after the event, while psychological effects can last for years.[
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_war_crimes#Torture_of_prisoners_of_war
Torture of prisoners of war
An Australian POW, Sgt.Leonard Siffleet, captured in New Guinea, about to be beheaded by a Japanese officer with a guntō, 1943.
Japanese imperial forces employed widespread use of torture on prisoners, usually in an effort to gather military intelligence quickly.[96] Tortured prisoners were often later executed. A former Japanese Army officer who served in China, Uno Shintaro, stated:
The major means of getting intelligence was to extract information by interrogating prisoners. Torture was an unavoidable necessity. Murdering and burying them follows naturally. You do it so you won't be found out. I believed and acted this way because I was convinced of what I was doing. We carried out our duty as instructed by our masters. We did it for the sake of our country. From our filial obligation to our ancestors. On the battlefield, we never really considered the Chinese humans. When you're winning, the losers look really miserable. We concluded that the Yamato race [i.e., Japanese] was superior.[
From Wikipedia
Of course not. I was watchful of them before all this started and nothing has changed.
When looking at the German government of the 1930's, one must remember that the US inspired a lot of ideology behind the Reich. Henry Ford, Paul Popenoe and Edward Bernays inspirational works: The International Jew (Henry Ford) helped inspire Hitler, Paul Popenoe's study of eugenics inspired Josef Megele and American ad-man and war-time propagandist Edward Bernays inspired Joseph Goebbels.
Unfortunately there are a lot more Americans, American policies and institutions that inspired Hitler's Germany.