Wednesday January 26th 2011

Tomgram: Juan Cole, American Policy on the Brink
Special Note - Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently took a four-day tour of the Middle East, at each stop telling various allies and enemies, in classic American fashion, what they must do.  And yet as she spoke, events in Lebanon, Iraq, Algeria, and even Egypt seemed to spin ever more out of American control.  Meanwhile, the regime in Tunisia, one of the autocratic and repressive states Washington has been supporting for years even as it prattles on about “democracy” and “human rights,” began to crumble." - bold by website editor - also posted at VeteransToday

Anchors Away! - The 'Stability' of U.S. Puppet Dictatorships
A quote...."I've been beating up on State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley lately, first over his disingenuous support for freedom of the press as the U.S. cracked down on WikiLeaks and more recently over his amazing ability to say nothing while being asked direct questions about the illegality of Israeli colonization of the Palestinian land. -- So why stop now?"
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More On The Tunisian Situation and its fall-out....

Hillary backs Mubarak while Obama 'Stands with the Tunisian People'
Quote of the Day....""The United States will continue to support the despotic regimes in the Middle East. It’s not just a matter of habit or perceived strategic and economic interests. It goes much deeper than that. There is a political culture that is deeply entrenched in the State Department, The national security apparatus, the Washington think tanks and the media. Simply put: Washington’s political establishment despises Muslims in general and Arabs in particular and they distrust their electoral choices....When it comes to the Middle East, Washington is a Stalinist echo chamber where anti-Arab rhetoric has its rewards. Part of the reason is that the State Department and Congress are Israeli occupied territories. Regardless of who occupies the White House, one has to pass a Likudnik loyalty test to land a job as doorman at Foggy Bottom." - also posted at AlethoNews

Sleeping giant wakes up in the Arab world
Second Quote of the Day (inset)...."Yvonne Ridley argues that the tide has turned in the Arab world now that the people have breached the fear barrier, and predicts that oppressive and corrupt Arab regimes, which have been propped up by the US and its European allies, will begin to tumble like dominos."


"The Arab world's sleeping giant has finally woken from its slumbers after years of being drugged and mugged by the West."

US pursues two-track policy to suppress protests in Egypt and Tunisia
A quote...."The United States is working intensively to suppress mass protests in both Tunisia and Egypt and prop up the local ruling elites that are entirely subordinate to American imperialism. It is using different tactics in the two countries, dictated in large part by their relative strategic importance to US ruling class interests in the Middle East."

The Tunisian Revolution and the Media
AJZVideo - Alt - (AJZYuTb - 25min 07sec - January 23, 2011) - A quote...."Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter got the story of the Tunisian uprising out, with pictures of the protests spreading like wildfire across the Arab world and binding audiences to the ever changing story. -- Western news outlets on the other hand, at least initially, failed to give the story the coverage it deserved. -- On this episode of Listening Post, we look at the role media - new and old - played in the Tunisian revolution."

Tunisia – for a national general strike against the Gannouchi government!
A quote...."Wednesday, January 26 was marked by yet more massive demonstrations throughout Tunisia against the “national unity” government, whose key ministers come from the government of the hated dictator Ben Ali. The same dictator that the masses forced to flee two weeks ago." - also posted at Uruknet

Tunisia may purge Ben Ali loyalists
A quote...."Thursday's cabinet reshuffle likely to see loyalists of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, the ousted president, being replaced."

Ben Ali on Interpol's wanted list
A quote...."The international police agency (Interpol) has issued a global arrest warrant for Tunisia's ousted President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and several of his family members."

More On The Tunisian Situation and its fall-out....in Egypt

Egypt protesters defy crackdown
A quote...."Anti-Mubarak protesters clash with police overnight across capital Cairo as government struggles to restore order."

Reports of ‘massacre’ in Suez as protests in Egypt move into third day
A quote...."Anti-government protests in Egypt moved into their third day early Thursday, with unconfirmed reports of police "massacres" of civilians in the port city of Suez." - Source:  RawStory

Egypt's 3-day unrest leaves 6 dead
A quote...."At least six people, four protesters and two policemen, have been killed in Egypt, as unprecedented protests against Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's 30-year rule entered a third day."

Protests Continue While Egypt's Security Forces Resort To More Violence
A quote...."    As the massive protests against the Egyptian regime of America’s ally, Hosni Mubarak, continued in Cairo and several other Egyptian cities, the Egyptian Police and Security Forces have escalated their violence against the protesters in an attempt to end them."

Egyptian protesters turn tables on police by forcing water cannons onto THEIR wagon
Photo Gallery - A quote...."Angry Egyptian demonstrators being targeted with water cannon retaliated by turning one of the powerful hoses back onto the security forces. -- Egyptian police were attempting to disperse the crowds protesting against the 30-year rule of President Hosni Mubarak and the country's grinding poverty in the centre of Cairo. -- But the crowd fought back."

Is Obama Double-Dealing on Egypt? -- Public Calls for Reforms, But Private Support for Mubarak Regime
A quote...."As the Jasmine Revolution in Tunisia inspires others across the region to attempt to oust their (mostly US-backed) dictators, all eyes are on Egypt tonight, and the indications are that the Obama Administration’s are as well. -- But what is the official Obama Administration position on Egypt? The reports conflict dramatically. Though publicly they are calling for “reforms” as the Egyptian government looks to crack down on public protest and censor the media, the story from those familiar with their private talks are starkly different. -- Egyptian officials have repeatedly indicated that the Obama Administration has offered their unquestioning support on a number of occasions since the protests began, and insisted that “stability” is their top priority in the region."

More On The Tunisian Situation and its fall-out....in Yemen

Protests Shake Yemen's President and Free a Dissident Leader
A quote...."Fearing a Tunisia-style revolt, Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh has been desperately trying to appease angry demonstrators and opposition leaders after a week of protests across the country. Following the arrest of a number of journalists and human rights activists over the weekend, the Yemeni government suddenly released them Monday morning after demonstrations flared, demanding their freedom."
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More on the Hariri Assassination Attempted Frame-Up and its fall-out....

Aoun: The Sunnis will be with us Even if March 14 Boycotts Cabinet
A quote...."Wednesday that Sunnis will support the March 8 forces even if the other team rejected to participate in the new government. -- "If the other team refuses to participate with us in the cabinet, that would be its choice, but Sunnis will be with us," Aoun told a news conference in Rabiyeh following talks with Premier-designate Najib Miqati. -- "We don't have reservations. The atmosphere is one of consensus," he said after Miqati visited him as part of protocol measures to meet with former prime ministers." - bold by website editor
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More on the Russian bombing of January 24th 2011....

Putin rules out Chechen rebels from airport attack
A quote...."Putin told reporters on Wednesday that preliminary checks have ruled out links to the Chechen Republic. But he didn't deny that other extremist groups in the North Caucasus could be responsible."

Russian President Putin Rules Out Chechen Rebels As Responsible For Moscow Airport Bombing! (Leaving The Israeli Mossad As Suspects) - (An analysis of the article shown above and Putin's statement) -- A quote...."The Moscow Airport blast on Monday was horrendous to say the least.  With 35 people confirmed dead, and over 100 other casualties, with some being critical, it is the worst "terrorist" attack that has taken place in Russia in years."

Police probing some 10 suspects over Domodedovo blast - source
A quote...."Russian investigators have compiled a list of up to 10 possible suspects behind the deadly terrorist attack on Moscow's Domodedovo International Airport, a police source said."

Georgian President Lauds Moscow Terror Attack as ‘Payback’ for 2008 War
Special Note - A quote...."While most of the world reacted with the predictable combination of shock and eagerness for more security measures in the wake of Monday’s suicide bombing in the Moscow Domodedovo Airport, Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili is openly cheering it." - Saakashvili (a.k.a. sack of sh-t) obviously has some sort of death wish. - mpg
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More on the Domestic Situation....

Listen to and speak with USS LIBERTY Survivors On The Air Tomorrow night
A quote...."Do you think you know most everything about the USS Liberty? After reading ‘What I saw that Day,’ I guarantee that you do not. You cannot imagine what happened to the Liberty Crew members for decades after June 8, 1967…..and still today…..so that the Liberty Investigation never takes place. Israel is NOT our friend, nor are they friends to any other nation. PLEASE SEND THIS INTERVIEW ANNOUNCEMENT TO ALL AMERICANS YOU KNOW."

Treason by Members of the United States Congress
From the History File - March 27, 2010 - (previously posted) - (YuTb - 2min 19sec - 03/27/10) - Source:  alawson911 -- A quote...."It must have been realised that the letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, signed by nearly 300 members of the U.S. Congress, affirming their commitment to Israel, would be widely publicised and fall into the hands of that illegal Apartheid State, so the writing and signing of that letter should be considered an act of treason." - For more on this sort of issue see article shown below....


Dugway Army base on lockdown
Bio-Hazard Alert - A quote...."DUGWAY -- The U.S. Army's Dugway Proving Ground was on lockdown Wednesday evening as part of "an ongoing security operation," according to spokeswoman Paula Thomas. -- Reports of nearly 1,000 employees stranded at the base, some in their cars, went unconfirmed but Dugway Proving Ground Commander Col. William E. King, IV, said food and beverages were being brought in."

Republicans Revive Proposed Legislation to Force ISPs to Retain User Data
Police State Alert - Contains Video - Alt - A quote...."In order to protect the American people from “malicious cyber actors,” the Justice Department and an organization representing police chiefs from around the country insist Congress pass legislation requiring ISPs to retain customer usage data for up to two years." - bold by website editor - also posted at DProgram

Google Comes Under Fire for 'Secret' Relationship with NSA
Police State Alert - A quote...."Consumer Watchdog, an advocacy group largely focused in recent years on Google's privacy practices, has called on a congressional investigation into the Internet giant's "cozy" relationship with U.S. President Barack Obama's administration." - also posted at YahooNews

I Will Not Dignify This Witch Hunt
A quote...."I have been summoned to appear before a federal grand jury in Chicago on Jan. 25. But I will not testify, even at the risk of being put in jail for contempt of court, because I believe that our most fundamental rights as citizens are at stake."
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More on the International Situation....

Tony Blair went to war without cabinet consent, senior mandarins say
A quote...."Tony Blair has been accused by two former heads of the civil service of taking the country to war in Iraq without the approval of his cabinet."

Tony Blair’s testimony before Iraq inquiry: One war criminal amongst many
Related Article - A quote...."Former British prime minister Tony Blair’s second appearance last week before the Chilcot inquiry into the lessons of the Iraq war again branded him as a war criminal. -- Blair was asked to return to the inquiry due to discrepancies between his earlier testimony, the documentary record, and other testimony such as that of his attorney general, Lord Goldsmith, as to when the prime minister had committed Britain to war, and what advice he had received as to its legality."

Al-Maliki calls for strengthening oil cooperation with Russia
A quote...."BAGHDAD / Aswat al-Iraq: Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on Wednesday called for mapping out a strategy to boost cooperation with Russia in the oil and gas fields, according to a cabinet's statement."

US drone attacks provoke fury in Pakistan
A quote...."Thousands of people rallied on Sunday in Mir Ali, a town in Pakistan’s North Waziristan tribal agency, and in Peshawar, the capital of the country’s north-west Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, in furious protest against a wave of US Predator missile strikes on homes and vehicles inside Pakistan." - also posted at Uruknet

Malaysian Vice-Speaker: Iran's Progress Source of Pride for All Muslims
A quote...."TEHRAN (FNA)- Vice-Speaker of the Malaysian parliament Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar in a meeting with Iranian parliament Speaker Ali Larijani reiterated that the progresses and successes made by the Iranian nation are a source of pride for all Muslims across the world."

Iran Sends First Training-Operational Fleet of Warships to Gulf of Aden
A quote...."TEHRAN (FNA)- The Iranian Navy dispatched its first training and operational fleet of warships to the Gulf of Aden on Wednesday."

Russian President Dismissed Western Media Hypes On Iran’s Nuclear Program
A quote...."Hamsayeh.Net - Russian leader Dmitry Medvedev brushed aside Western media hypes over Iranian nuclear program saying there has been no evidence of any weapons program of any kind with respect to the Middle Eastern country’s drive toward nuclear self-sufficiency."

Iran Sees No Need For US and France Meddling in Nuclear Fuel Swap, Trusts Russia Only: Nuclear Envoy
A quote...."Hamsayeh.Net - Tehran sees no further need for US and French meddling with uranium exchange program and only trusts Russia’s vast scientific expertise to supply needed uranium fuel to Iran, cited the country’s envoy to the IAEA, Ali Asghar Soltanieh as reported by MNA."

'Iran will remain committed to NPT'
WHY? The US-NRE and Israel aren't, won't, and never were, along with some of their allies. - mpg - A quote...."Following two days of multifaceted talks between Iran and the six major world powers, an Iranian official reiterates the Islamic Republic's commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)." - Topix ||  How About An Honest NPT? - 11-11-10 - mpg  ||

Obama Team Eyes Saudi Nuclear Trade Deal Without Nonproliferation Terms - Of course. No surprise here.
A quote...."WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is taking initial steps to negotiate a civil nuclear trade pact with Saudi Arabia that could lack key nonproliferation provisions included in a similar 2009 deal with one of Riyadh’s Persian Gulf neighbors, according to U.S. officials and experts (see GSN, Nov. 3, 2010)." - Topix ||  One Vile, Venom Tipped, Taloned Hand Washes the Other - (a.k.a. The Standard Model) - 07-28-10 - mpg  ||

Russia to stay top gas producer
A quote...."Russia will remain the world’s leading natural gas producer over the next 20 years, the Deputy Chairman of the State Duma and head of the Russian Gas Society Valery Yazev said speaking during the European Gas Conference in Vienna on Wednesday." - also posted at SCF

Russia responds to USA with own air and space defense system
A quote...."43186.jpegRussian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov said the country was developing its own missile defense system. This was his answer to the question what  Russia would do if the United States violated the terms of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START-3)."

South Ossetia concerned over Georgian 'threats'
A quote...."MOSCOW, January 27 (RIA Novosti) - South Ossetia is concerned over Georgia's increasingly aggressive rhetoric, the republic's deputy foreign minister said on Thursday. - "The Georgian authorities have recently made aggressive statements on South Ossetia and Abkhazia," South Ossetian minister Alan Pliyev said."

China Leader Encourages Criticism of Government
A quote...."SHANGHAI — Prime Minister Wen Jiabao is known for his populist approach and near constant presence in Chinese headlines. He often races to the scene of natural disasters to comfort survivors. On state-run television, he can be seen eating with the poor in rural villages. Though often stage-managed by Chinese news media, his common touch has earned him the nickname “Grandpa Wen.” -- But this week, the 68-year-old prime minister made what many analysts consider a bolder statement: he appeared at the nation’s top petition bureau in Beijing, where people go to file grievances, and encouraged citizens to criticize the government and press their cases for justice."

Cooperation with China to boost Venezuela's industrial capacity: minister
A quote...."The bilateral strategic ties are "very important" to Venezuela, Basic Industry and Mining Minister Jose Khan told Xinhua on Sunday, adding that the joint commissions of the two nations have held nine meetings to design production projects to boost Venezuelan economic development." - also posted at AlethoNews

Haiti: U.S. Plan to Prevent Aristide´s Return Denounced
Only corrupt, genocidal, US-NRE-butt-kissing, dictators need apply. - mpg - A quote...."Jan 26 (Prensa Latina) The Lavalas Family Party of former Haitian president Jean Bertrand Aristide plans to accuse the U.S government on Wednesday of working to prevent Aristide from returning to his country."
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More On The Palestinian Situation....

"We can't refer to the past"
A quote...."It’s a core issue of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict that dates back to Israel’s creation: the forced expulsion in 1948 of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their homes by Israeli soldiers and Jewish paramilitary groups. But The Palestine Papers show that far from resolving this thorny problem, Israeli negotiators refused to even acknowledge their responsibility in creating the world's largest refugee population."

Palestinian tractor torched in West Bank
A quote..."Palestinians from the village of Urif in the West Bank reported that their tractor was torched on Monday night. Messages such as "price tag Bat Ayin" and "revenge for Arabs" were found sprayed near the tractor. A source at the community confirmed this was an act of revenge Wednesday." - Topix ||  Israel's Scorched Earth  ||

Jewish settlers [thugs and hooligans] attack village, burn citizen's car
A quote...."NABLUS, (PIC)-- Jewish settlers [thugs and hooligans] attacked the village of Einbaus, southeast of Nablus city, and burnt a car for one of its citizens before fleeing the village, local sources reported. -- Well informed sources said on Thursday that the settlers, [illegal squatters] who came from Yitzhar settlement [squatter town] and other nearby settlements, [squatter towns] also wrote threatening statements against the Arabs on the walls.

Palestinian Negotiators Must Tell All
A quote...."The more sensational issue at this hour are “The Palestinian Papers,” a cache of secret diplomatic cables covering the period 1999 to 2010 and acquired by Aljazeera, an Arabic and English language television network seen world-wide, and shared exclusively by the Guardian of London. The more than 1600 documents exposed the give-and-take in negotiations in recent years between Israel and the Palestinian Authority where the Palestinians seemed to be giving more than taking."

Erekat: "I can't stand Hamas"
A quote...."The Palestine Papers reveal that Fatah was obsessed with maintaining political supremacy over Hamas, with Israel’s cooperation, especially following the 2006 electoral victory of the Islamist movement. Documents obtained by Al Jazeera also show the extent to which the Palestinian Authority cracked down on Hamas institutions to weaken the group and strengthen its own relationship with Israel."

We Told You So! -- The Palestine Papers and What They Reveal About the US/Israeli Agenda
A quote...."Many people told them so -- told them, meaning told the United States and Israel and even the overeager Palestinian leadership, that the Oslo agreement in1993 wasn’t fair, that it made too many demands of the Palestinians and virtually no enforceable demands of Israel; that the United States, no honest broker or neutral mediator, was looking out only for Israel’s interests and cared nothing for Palestinian concerns; that the peace process breakdown at Camp David in 2000 was not the fault of the Palestinians but was the responsibility of President Clinton and his “Israeli lawyer” advisers for representing only Israel’s needs; that while Clinton demanded Palestinian concessions, he was winking at Israel’s steady expansion of settlements and land grabs in Palestinian territory; that Clinton’s two successors did the same."

Palestine Papers: Don't get mad, Palestinians. Get even
A quote...."Stuart Littlewood reflects on the scandalous revelations of the leaked Palestine Papers, which exposed the willingness of the Palestinian National Authority to concede to Israel inalienable Palestinian rights. He says that what Palestinians need now are “incorruptible unity leadership, tactical courage, a bold communications strategy ... and resolute determination of the highest order”."

Introducing The Palestine Papers
Website Editor's Caution - The source of these papers, what party or parties released them, and the motive(s) for their release are not known at this time. - mpg -- A quote...."Over the last several months, Al Jazeera has been given unhindered access to the largest-ever leak of confidential documents related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. There are nearly 1,700 files, thousands of pages of diplomatic correspondence detailing the inner workings of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. These documents – memos, e-mails, maps, minutes from private meetings, accounts of high level exchanges, strategy papers and even power point presentations – date from 1999 to 2010. --  The material is voluminous and detailed; it provides an unprecedented look inside the continuing negotiations involving high-level American, Israeli, and Palestinian Authority officials."  - also posted at GlobalRsrch
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While the Financial Crisis Commission Report Looks Impressive At First Glance, It Doesn't Hit Hard Enough ... and Won't Lead to Any Real Change - A quote...."

• The Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission largely blames Greenspan, Bernanke, Geithner, Summers, the rating agencies, SEC and big banks for the economic crisis.
• Bernanke is still Fed chief, and the government has substantially increased the Fed's power in the last year. See this, this, this, this and this.
• Geithner is still Secretary of the Treasury.
• Summers just resigned, being replaced by someone with a virtually identical philosophy, background and mindset as Summers.
• The rating agencies are unrepentant, and have not been reined in. They are still government-sponsored monopolies which are accept bribes to give high ratings. And see this.
• The SEC is still not acting as a real watchdog, and the banks are still speculating wildly with excessive leverage and acting as predators - instead of supporters - of the real (non-financial sector) economy.

No stemming red ink: Federal deficit to hit $1.5T
A quote...."A new estimate predicts the federal budget deficit will hit almost $1.5 trillion this year, a stunning new record." - Source:  AP@Google

Ron Paul reintroduces ‘Audit the Fed’ legislation
A quote...."Rep. Ron Paul, Texas Republican, reintroduced his “Audit the Fed” legislation on Wednesday, with 56 cosponsors. -- Paul’s office staff told The Daily Caller that though a “watered-down” version of his “Audit the Fed” legislation made it into last summer’s financial reform package from Rep. Barney Frank, Massachusetts Democrat, and former Sen. Chris Dodd, Connecticut Democrat, he wants the real deal, not just elements of it. So, he rolled out H.R. 459, “The Audit the Fed Bill,” this week."

CHART SHOCK: The REAL Unemployment Rate Is 22%
Chart - A quote...."Unemployment rate - Official (U-3 & U-6) vs SGS Alternate - Monthly SA. Through Dec. 2010 (SGS, BLS)"

Jobless Rise in 20 States as Workers Still Laid Off
A quote...."The Labor Department says the unemployment rate rose in 20 states and fell in 15. It was unchanged in another 15 states. That's nearly the same as in November, when the rate rose in 21 states, fell in 15 and was the same in 14."

AIG Cartoon - I Want A Job Like That!
Cartoons

New-home sales in 2010 fall to lowest in 47 years
A quote...."Buyers purchased the fewest number of new homes last year on records going back 47 years. -- Sales for all of 2010 totaled 321,000, a drop of 14.4 percent from the 375,000 homes sold in 2009, the Commerce Department said Wednesday. It was the fifth consecutive year that sales have declined after hitting record highs for the five previous years when the housing market was booming." - Source:  AP@Google

US house prices 'hitting new lows'
A quote...."House prices in many US cities hit new post-bubble lows in November, according to a widely-followed market survey. -- Prices have been declining across the country since last summer, following the expiry in April of a homebuyer tax credit that temporarily boosted sales. -- Eight cities saw prices reach their lowest levels since peaking in 2006-07, with prices in Las Vegas 58% lower, according to the Case Shiller index."

Tuesday January 25th 2011

A Tale of Two Rivers: Hope Rises on the Nile -- and Sinks in the Potomac
Must Read - A quote...."The uprising in Egypt on Tuesday is of infinitely greater importance than the goon show staged by the corporate-lackey-in-chief and the great mooing herd of cud-chewers in Congress the same night. For decades, the remarkably brutal -- and rottenly stagnant -- dictatorship in Egypt has been one of linchpins of Washington's never-ending effort to "project dominance" over the Middle East. If the Cairo regime falls to a popular revolution, it will send shock waves all through the world-spanning tentacles of the American Empire. -- The dictatorship has received tens of billions of dollars in American military "aid" -- most of which, of course, circulates back to the coffers of war profiteers in the States -- along with other bribes for Egypt's ruling clique to buy their obedience to Washington's wishes. Cairo responded by making itself a quiet partner in the great game of murderous deceit that America and Israel have played for years in the so-called "peace process" with the Palestinians --  a deadly sham now being exposed in great detail through the leak of diplomatic cables by al-Jazeera and the Guardian, going back several years."
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More On The Tunisian Situation and its fall-out....

America's Middle Eastern Puppet Regimes Are Falling Like Dominoes
Must Read - A quote...."The images from the protests in Cairo, Egypt today are stunning. See this, this and this. -- President Mubarak's family has already fled the country. -- As Raw Story notes...."


It's (Semi) Official: Egyptian President's Son And Family Have Fled To The UK
A quote...."Earlier we reported that according to rumors, Gamal Mubarak, together with his family, had left Egypt and were spotted in the UK. We now have confirmation from the Examiner, that indeed, the Egyptian president, Hosni's, son has left his battered country and had relocated to London indefinitely. What is unclear is how much gold, and other inedible commodities, the president-in-waiting had stowed away in his 97 pieces of luggage. Then again, with Egypt holding (having held?) 75.6 tonnes of gold to Tunisia now 5.7, 97 sounds about right..."

Police attack protesters in Egypt
A quote...."The Egyptian police have attacked thousands of protesters in Cairo as the anti-government demonstrations demanding political and economic reforms are beginning to turn violent."

Chasing the Egyptian riot police
Video - (YuTb - 1min 21sec - January 25, 2011) - Source:  ahmedmoor -- Riot police getting chased by a VERY ANGRY crowd of people. - mpg

Tunisian anger reaches Egypt
Photo Gallery

2 protesters, 1 policeman killed in Egypt
A quote...."Two protesters and a police officer have been killed in Egypt as anti-government demonstrators have taken to the streets to demand political and economic reforms."

'Remarkable scenes' at Cairo protests
Video - A quote...."Anti-government protests have broken out in Egypt after an internet campaign inspired by the uprising in Tunisia. -- Thousands of protesters are marching through Cairo chanting anti-government slogans, after activists called for a "day of revolt" in a web message. -- Riot police have tackled protesters in the capital, using tear gas to try to disperse them. -- The BBC's Jon Leyne has been watching events unfold and described "remarkable scenes" in the Egyptian capital."

Egypt police fire tear gas as rioting erupts in Cairo
RTVideo - Alt - (RTYuTb - 2min 18sec - January 25, 2011) - Source:  RussiaToday -- A quote...."Thousands of anti-government protesters, some hurling rocks and climbing on top of an armoured police truck, clashed with riot police on Tuesday in the centre of Cairo in a Tunisia-inspired demonstration to demand the end of Hosni Mubarak's nearly 30 years in power. Police responded with blasts from a water cannon and set upon crowds with batons and acrid clouds of tear gas to clear demonstrators who chanted "Down with Mubarak", and as they demanded an end to the country's grinding poverty."

Protests in Egypt and unrest in Middle East – as it happened
A quote...."12.30am: That's about it for tonight. Here's a summary of the day's events. We'll have more on major developments on the guardian.co.uk homepage."

Egypt opposition calls for second day of protests
A quote...."CAIRO (AFP) -- An Egyptian opposition group has called on Egyptians again to take to the streets Wednesday, a day after unprecedented nationwide rallies against President Hosni Mubarak's 30-year rule."

Tunisian army vows to protect revolution
A quote...."The head of Tunisia's armed forces Rachid Ammar has pledged to safeguard the country's historic revolution against any possible deviations."

Tunisia workers union calls for strike
A quote...."The General Union of Tunisian Workers has called for a nationwide strike in an attempt to pressure the country's interim government into resignation as the cabinet is preparing for a reshuffle."

'Tunisia revolution inspires Arab world'
A quote...."A former Arab League envoy to the United Nations says the Tunisian revolution is inspiring the Arab world, which is worn-out by various dictatorial regimes."

'West stands by dictators in Tunisia'
A quote...."Political analysts say the West supports a dictatorial regime in Tunisia instead of an Islamic government, which could bring "prosperity and freedom" to the Arab people."

Yemeni opposition announces open protests
A quote...."Dubai: Yemeni opposition announced the start of a popular open protest against the regime, in a meeting of the Joint Meeting Parties opposition coalition (JMP) Monday night."
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More on the Hariri Assassination Attempted Frame-Up and its fall-out....

Hezbollah calls for national unity govt.
A quote...."Hezbollah has called on new Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati to form a national unity government while former Prime Minister Saad Hariri's supporters have resorted to violence."

Nasrallah: Hezbollah will not control next Lebanon government
A quote...."Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah said Tuesday that his organization will not be the leader of Lebanon's new government, despite Hezbollah's backing of the new Lebanese prime minister-designate, Najib Mikati. -- "Hezbollah will not lead the next government… Najib Mikati is not a Hezbollah man," Nasrallah said in a televised address to the people of Lebanon, in a bid to try to calm the ensuing riots in the country by supporters of former Prime Minister Saad Hariri, whose government was recently toppled by Hezbollah. -- Nasrallah assured that prime minister-designate Najib Mikati is an unbiased candidate, and said that a government with Mikati's leadership is an opportunity to calm the political crisis in the country."

Nasrallah: The Greatest Lie is Accusing us of Seeking to Control State, Intimidating Miqati is Useless
A quote...."Hizbullah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah noted on Tuesday that Lebanon is going through a critical and difficult phase that requires responsible action, adding that the opposition "seeks the cooperation of all sides in order to overcome this phase."

Aoun: Asking us to Choose between Hariri and Civil Strife is Not a Democratic Approach
A quote...."Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Michel Aoun condemned on Tuesday the protests against the appointment of Najib Miqati as prime minister-designate, saying: "Today's events have taken place between those seeking to burn the city and those seeking to build it."

Hariri Denounces Violence, Says Citizen Dignity More Important than Any Post
A quote...."Outgoing Premier Saad Hariri denounced on Tuesday violent incidents that erupted during protests by his supporters against the appointment of Najib Miqati to head the new government. -- Demonstrators in Sunni stronghold Tripoli attacked and burned a car of al-Jazeera television, and ransacked the office of MP Mohammed Safadi."
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More on the Wikileaks Cointelpro Fiasco....

WikiLeaks And Assange: Limited Hangouts In The Service Of The CIA
A quote...."A LETTER TO THE EDITOR FROM WEBSTER TARPLEY -- It was with deep dismay that I saw that the Rock Creek Free Press had chosen to name Julian Assange as its Man of the Year. The celebrity of Assange and WikiLeaks represents a large CIA covert operation. You do not debate a CIA covert operation or engage in a dialogue with it. You unmask it and try to shut it down. This goal is not served by making Assange Man of the Year. Further: your newspaper has deep roots in the old 9/11 truth movement, and Assange is a self-declared enemy of 9/11 truth. As Assange told Belfast Telegraph reporter Matthew Bell last July, “I’m constantly annoyed that people are distracted by false conspiracies such as 9/11, when all around we provide evidence of real conspiracies, for war or mass fi nancial fraud.” In other words, Assange argues that the truth about 9/11 is not nearly as radical as the various scandals which WikiLeaks claims to expose." - also posted at DProgram - Topix ||  WikiLeaks Cointelpro Fiasco  ||
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More on the Russian bombing of January 24th 2011....

Jeff Gates: Israel Strikes Back
A quote...."Timing is everything when waging war “by way of deception,” the motto that has long guided Israeli war-planners. Whenever Israel’s geopolitical goals are threatened, chaos is assured. In national security terminology, the January 24 bombing at Moscow’s busiest airport was “out of theater repositioning.” - also posted at MyCatBird'sSeat

The Moscow Airport Bombing: No Israeli Casualties (Imagine My Complete Lack Of Surprise!)
A quote...."The Moscow Airport bombing yesterday was terrible to say the least.   There are still almost 100 reported injuries from this atrocity, including at least 35 dead.  The news reports from the Zionist Jewish controlled media sources are all over the place with reports about who is responsible for this vicious attack.   I and others in the real truth movement are trying to set the record straight...."

Russia mourns victims of Domodedovo blast
Photo Gallery

Putin vows retribution for bombing
A quote...."Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin has vowed “retribution is inevitable” over the Moscow airport suicide bombing. -- Mr Putin has built much of his reputation on harsh statements, but he did not go into detail on his plans. No claims of responsibility have been made for Monday’s attack at Domodedovo Airport, which killed 35 and left 180 injured."

Moscow Bombing News 1-25-11
A Dprogram round-up on the Russian airport bombing of 01/24/11 - 12 articles / videos. - mpg

Iran Condemns Terrorist Attack in Moscow
A quote...."TEHRAN (FNA)- The Iranian Foreign Ministry deplored the recent deadly terrorist attack in Moscow's Domodedovo airport, which killed at least 36 and injured more than 130 people."
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What Really Happened with Michael Rivero – January 25th, 2011
Must Listen MRVideo - Alt - (JustInTV - 2hrs - January 25th, 2010) - Source:  MichaelRiveroTV - He extensively covers BanksterGate and other issues. - mpg

No U-Turns on the Road to Serfdom?
Special Note - A quote...."In a series of raids last year, the FBI raided the homes and offices of antiwar activists in Minneapolis, North Carolina, Chicago, and California. They seized boxes of materials, cell phones, documents, and other private property, and issued subpoenas to a number of individuals, 24 at last count, demanding their appearance before a federal grand jury. The focus of this fishing expedition is ostensibly the “solidarity work” engaged in by the Antiwar Committee of Minneapolis, and sympathizing organizations, in Palestine and Columbia, but the history of police repression against these groups and individuals goes back years...."

Chicago Artist Faces 15 Years In Prison for Recording Cops
Contains Video - Alt - A quote...."(KurtNimmo) – In Illinois, you need the permission of the state to record on the street. It is illegal make audio recordings of cops going about their duty arresting unlicensed street artists and other ne’er-do-wells."

Renewed Push to Give Obama an Internet "Kill Switch"
A quote...."A controversial bill handing President Obama power over privately owned computer systems during a "national cyberemergency," and prohibiting any review by the court system, will return this year."

Let the U.S. Charge Richard Falk with Slander
A quote...."We understand the legal absurdity of the title of this piece, but it matches the absurdity in accusing Richard Falk of slander.  Here is the written statement by U.S. Ambassador Susan E. Rice concerning Richard Falk:"

US [Parasites] Furious Over Pointing Out the Obvious: UN Expert's Claims of 9/11 'Cover-up'
Related Article - A quote...."Redacted News Ed. note: Even though Falk states he thinks bin Laden was the mastermind, we all know he didn't do it, made a statement to that fact on the day of the attack, is still not wanted by the FBI for 9/11 according to their 10 Most Wanted list and his wanted reward poster, along with the world reporting and knowing of his death in December 2001. Still, good for Falk getting it into the mainstream again. The rest of the world knows the US attacked itself with the help of USrael and the oligarchs." - Topix ||  Reficultnias's 9/11 Central  ||

Ex-Guantánamo Prisoner and Victim of US Rendition and Torture Speaks
Contains Video - Alt - A quote...."“What they did to me, me and my family won’t forget for 100 years,” Madni says. “There are a lot of people like me that never did anything and were in Guantánamo Bay.”

Aafia Siddiqui’s Lawyer: “She was Detained for Five Years in a Black Site” and “Forced to Create Documents to Incriminate Herself” - A quote...." My thanks to an eagle-eyed supporter for pointing out that, on January 11, the Voice of the Cape radio station in South Africa interviewed Elaine Whitfield Sharp, the lawyer for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, the Pakistani neuroscientist whose 86-year sentence in a New York courtroom last September — for allegedly trying and failing to shoot at her US captors in Afghanistan, and her imprisonment in Carswell, a notorious psychiatric facility in Texas — have seemed to her supporters to crown, in a typically lawless, brutal and overblown manner, the long story of her presumed detention in a US-run "black site" for five years and four months before her alleged reappearance in Afghanistan, the encounter with US soldiers that prompted her rendition to justice in the US, and her trial last year in which all mention of her missing years was suppressed."

Tony Blair and the death of David Kelly: The Chilcot Inquiry equals "don't mention Dr David Kelly"
A quote...."Chilcot Inquiry equals "don't mention Dr David Kelly" ... an inquest into Dr Kelly's death is required by the laws of this land, and indeed those of Europe ... the evidence would have to be heard under oath at an inquest ... so far, there have been no fewer than five inquiries into the Iraq War (Foreign Affairs Committee, Intelligence and Security Committee, Hutton Inquiry, Butler inquiry, Chilcot Inquiry) but not a single word of evidence at any of these inquiries has been heard under oath ... if evidence were heard under oath there WOULD be a breaking of ranks (perjury is a very serious crime) ... the only chance of hearing evidence under oath would be at an inquest into Dr David Kelly's death ... that is why the call for that inquest is so important ..."

British PM dines with Murdoch secretly
Of course, after all, it would be unseemly to have the British public witness "their" prime minister getting on bended knee to kiss Rupert Murdoch's and through him AIPAC/Israel's butt.  It would be so.....un-British. - mpg -- A quote...."The UK’s opposition Labour Party has challenged Prime Minister David Cameron over dinning secretly with James Murdoch, the son of the media tycoon Rupert. -- The Prime Minister has held a secret dinner with James Murdoch amid the government’s attempt to decide on the Murdoch media empire after a flurry of resignations and dismissals over telephone hacking at Murdoch’s News of the World and his bid to buy BskyB, the daily Independent reported."

More evidence of US war crimes
A quote...."Military documents obtained by the American Civil Liberties Union after a lengthy lawsuit under the Freedom of Information Act provide important new evidence of American war crimes. The documents include autopsy reports and investigative reports on the deaths of 190 prisoners held by the US military at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and in Iraq and Afghanistan." - also posted at GlobalRsrch
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Number of U.S. casualties from roadside bombs in Afghanistan skyrocketed from 2009 to 2010
Weapons Tactics Alert - Chart - A quote...."The number of U.S. troops killed by roadside bombs in Afghanistan soared by 60 percent last year, while the number of those wounded almost tripled, new U.S. military statistics show. -- All told, 268 U.S. troops were killed by the improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, in 2010, about as many as in the three previous years combined, according to the figures, obtained by The Washington Post. More than 3,360 troops were injured, an increase of 178 percent over the year before." - bold by websit editor

Revival of a Military Option: Israel's Covert War Against Iran Is On
A quote...."After talks in Istanbul between Iran and the West on its nuclear program broke down on January 22, the danger of revival of a military option looms large. It may not come in the form of a direct, conventional US and/or Israeli strike against Iran’s nuclear installations, but rather in the guise of the warfare of the future, with cyber-weapons and terrorism. Political forces opposed to such an escalation in the Iran conflict would do well to examine the reasons why dialogue on the nuclear issue has failed thus far, and reshape their approach to dealing with the Islamic Republic."

Iran to deploy destroyer in Mediterranean
A quote...."A top Iranian Navy commander says the Islamic Republic will dispatch a destroyer as part of a naval fleet to the Red and Mediterranean Seas in the near future. -- “Two or four ships always participate in naval missions, one or two of which are warships and the other is a logistic ship,” Iranian Navy's Deputy Commander Rear Admiral Gholam-Reza Khadem Bigham told Fars News Agency on Sunday. -- The Iranian Navy's presence in the region has expanded, and the country's ships are present in the Gulf of Aden and Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, Bigham added."

Iran: Warships to sail to Mediterranean
Related Article - A quote...."Fleet of ships may soon enter waters very close to Israeli coast as part of drill, says admiral -- A senior official in the Iranian navy revealed Sunday that the Islamic Republic plans to extend its naval range to Mediterranean waters near Israel."

Russia to decide on missile deployment if no deal with NATO
A quote...."Russia is expecting a reply from NATO to its proposals on building a European missile defense system, and will have to deploy a nuclear missile grouping if no agreement is reached, President Dmitry Medvedev said Monday." - also posted at WarInIraq

Militarization Of Our Energy Policy: U.S. Africa Command And Gulf Of Guinea
A quote...."At the beginning of the century, while the United States was still embroiled in military interventions in the Balkans and had launched what would become the longest war in its history in Afghanistan with the invasion of Iraq to follow, it was also laying the groundwork for subordinating the African continent to a new military command."

Bob Barr joins Baby Doc legal team
Oh this is DISGUSTING!!  Whereever the US-NRE and its parasites go, there goes the neighborhood. - mpg - A quote...."CNN is reporting that former Georgia congressman and recent Libertarian presidential candidate Bob Barr is on the legal team helping former Haitian leader Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier in his effort to recover millions of dollars in assets frozen in Swiss bank accounts." - also posted at BLN

CIA in Honduras: the Practice of Selective Terror
A quote...."President of Honduras Manuel Zelaya was displaced slightly over a year ago in a coup staged by the local oligarchy and the US intelligence community. The coup came as a punishment for Zelaya’s alignment with H. Chavez and other populist Latin American leaders. Since the time, the news flow from Honduras abounds with stories of political assassinations, the victims being activists of trade unions, peasant and student organizations, and the National Popular Resistance Front opposing the pro-US regime of Porfirio Lobo. Ten journalists who expressed support for the ousted Honduran president have been killed this year alone. "
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Livni: A lawyer 'against law'?
A quote...."In 2007, Israel's then-foreign minister proclaimed herself "against law, international law in particular"." - also posted at Uruknet

Israel: Sanctions on Iran not working
Is he crying?  Are those tears running down his cheeks?  Hopefully Israel doesn't have a conniption fit and attack....someone.  As they're always wont to do anytime their childish dreams of empire encounter the slightest set-back or they're told to stop beating up on all those interned civilians in the Gaza strip. (Sort'a like their monstrous colony, no?) - mpg -- A quote...."The new chief of Israel's military spy agency says sanctions against Iran's nuclear energy program have not been working. " - No doubt, because of all this, the Israelis will extort even more money out of their supine and spineless colony and more blood from its supine and spineless sheeple. - mpg
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More On The Palestinian Situation....

Ireland upgrades status of Palestinian mission to embassy
A quote...."Palestinian delegation in Ireland will be upgraded to an official embassy, following France and Spain; U.K., Sweden, Belgium, Finland, Germany and Denmark expected to follow."

Libyan aid convoy arrives in Gaza
A quote...."A Libyan aid convoy arrived in Gaza on Thursday, after Egyptian authorities granted it permission to dock. -- Onboard were 17 Libyan activists and six media figures, including the head of Libya's journalist union, Salema Ahmad Ash-Sha’ab. -- Authorities in Gaza welcomed the convoy, which they said would deliver medication to hospitals in the besieged enclave."

Israeli findings on Gaza flotilla raid a ‘PR exercise’
A quote...."AN Irish activist caught up in the Israeli raid on a flotilla of aid ships to Gaza last year yesterday slammed an Israeli report into the attack as a "PR exercise"."

Palestine Does Not Have To Be A Lost Cause
Must Read - A quote...."The most sickening (I mean truly vomit inducing) thing about the Al Jazeera revelations, the so-called Palestine Papers, is not what they confirm about the quisling status of the impotent and corrupt Palestine Authority. Nor is it what they confirm about the Israeli leadership’s complete lack of interest in peace on terms other than those which require the Palestinians to surrender – to abandon their struggle for even an acceptable minimum amount of justice. What then is the most sickening thing? -- By offering or at least indicating that it was prepared to offer such huge concessions, the PA leadership encouraged Israel’s political and military leaders in their belief that if only they are intransigent, repressive and brutal enough for long enough, they can break the will of the Palestinians to continue their struggle and force them to accept a handful of crumbs from Zionism’s table. -- That’s the really bad news. The good news is that if the Palestinians – the occupied and oppressed and those in the diaspora – can now put their act together, they could create a new situation to their advantage." - They WILL have to negotiate though, they must, and the sooner the better. - mpg - also posted at MyCatBird'sSeat - Topix ||  Talking Implies Nothing!! - 08-25-10 - mpg  ||

Palestinian refugees rule out compromise on return to homeland
A quote..."In a crowded room in Aida refugee camp, Abu Khalil sipped sweet tea before listing reasons why he will never give up his right to return to his family's pre-1948 home." - also posted at Uruknet

11 Palestinians, Including 10-year-old Child, Kidnaped By [IOF] Soldiers in West Bank
A quote...."    Israeli soldiers conducted an arrest campaign in the occupied West bank city on Tuesday and kidnapped ten Palestinians including a 10-year-old child." - bold by website editor

UK tortures Palestinians by proxy
A quote...."The British government is complicit in torturing political prisoners detained and jailed in the occupied West Bank by the Palestinian Authority (PA), a senior British officer said."

Hamas: “Abbas No Longer Authorized To Negotiate On Behalf Of the Palestinians”
A quote...."    The Hamas movement in Gaza stated that Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, does not represent the Palestinian people, and is no longer authorized to negotiate with Israel on behalf of the Palestinians."
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Marc Faber's Most Provocative Interview Ever: Compares Obama To A Prostitute, Goes Long Treasurys
A quote...."Earlier, Marc Faber appeared on Bloomberg TV, in what may go down in history as his most scandalous interview ever. When asked, in advance of the SOTU address, what he thinks of the president, Faber, who appears to have had enough with all the bullshit, propaganda, and lies, replies: "I think he's done a horrible job and I think that will continue, I think he is a dishonest person, and nothing has changed... Some politicians are more honest than others. I don't think that I have a very high regard for politicians, I have a high regard for businessmen and for people who work, and not for people who abuse the system continuously. And in comparison to other politicians, I think he came in on a platform as a president that would want to change the government in Washington, and actually he's made it worse..." - Check out the reader's comments! - mpg

Frontrunning Today's POMO Taxpayer Rape
A quote...."Today, the Fed's openly fraudulent operations desk will buy back $6-8 billion of bonds maturing between 01/31/2015 – 06/30/2016 starting at 10:15 am Eastern. Below we present a table showing the 10 cheapest CUSIPs that the Fed SHOULD be buying, considering that it should be monetizing, as it is supposed to, the best bang for the buck bonds. Note that nowehere in the list is CUSIP 912828PM6 due 12/31/2015 or the last 5 Year auctioned off, which is in fact one of the bonds trading richest relative to the entire spline. In other words, if the Fed ends up accepted a bulk of PM6, someone in Congress should really pretend they give a rat's ass about the 300 million or so US citizens raped daily by the kleptocratic elite, before said (mostly armed) 300 million finally realize what a complete criminal fraud the PD-FED complex is."

E-mails Suggest Bear Stearns Cheated Clients Out of Billions
A quote...."Former Bear Stearns mortgage executives who now run mortgage divisions of Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, and Ally Financial have been accused of cheating and defrauding investors through the mortgage securities they created and sold while at Bear. According to e-mails and internal audits, JPMorgan had known about this fraud since the spring of 2008, but hid it from the public eye through legal maneuvering. Last week a lawsuit filed in 2008 by mortgage insurer Ambac Assurance Corp against Bear Stearns and JPMorgan was unsealed. The lawsuit's supporting e-mails, going back as far as 2005, highlight Bear traders telling their superiors they were selling investors like Ambac a "sack of sh-t."

JPMorgan Sold Investors MBS Covered By "SACK OF SH-T" Loans... Then Shorted All Those With Exposure: A Goldman-AIG Redux -- Related Article - A quote...."Today's mortgage fraud stunner comes from Bloomberg's Jody Shenn who reports on the ongoing lawsuit between Ambac and former Bear Stearns mortgage unit EMC, now part of JP Morgan. In what can only be classified as fraud-cum-double dipping-cum-AIG/Goldman, "JPMorgan Chase & Co. demanded that a lender repurchase bad mortgages even as it resisted calls to buy back the loans from bonds created by Bear Stearns. “That would be pretty bad” if true, said Joshua Rosner, an analyst at New York-based research firm Graham Fisher & Co. He said such allegations show why “investors and consumers have a right to be distrustful of the banks’ statements." The bottom line is that JPM, which has so far been able to escape largely unscathed from the fraudclosure scandal, is about to take front and center."

Wall Street Bankster Gangsters Partying in Davos
A quote...."As Wall Street chief executive officers flock to the World Economic Forum, they’ll be breathing a sigh of relief along with the Swiss mountain air: There are no panels on compensation or redesigning financial regulation."

Paper Money Madness: Inflation-Fueled Economic Growth Does Not Indicate That An Economy Is Getting Stronger - A quote...."If the U.S. economy "grows" by 4 percent in 2011, but by the end of the year we are paying $3.00 for a loaf of bread, $4.00 for a gallon of milk and $5.00 for a gallon of gasoline are the American people going to be better off economically or worse off?  The answer is obvious, but most "experts" in the mainstream media continue to insist that as long as U.S. GDP is increasing and as long as the stock market is going up that our economy is improving."

FDIC Takes $455 Million Weekend Hit; 2010 Worst Year For Bank Failures Since '92; CEO 'Shocked' At Western United Closure; Updated 'Problem Banks List' - A quote...." Regulators closed four banks on Friday. -- The biggest?  The banking subsidiary of United Western Bancorp. Denver-based United Western Bank had about $2.05 billion in total assets and $1.65 billion in total deposits with eight branches as of Sept. 30.  First-Citizen Bank & Trust Co. agreed to assume all the deposits and entered a loss-share deal with the FDIC on $1.11 billion of the assets.  The acquiring company started in North Carolina but now has 370 branches in the Southeast as well as California, Colorado—where it will now have 11 branches—and Washington state."

Case Shiller Confirms Housing Double Dip Accelerates, Misses Estimates For Rebound, Snow Not Blamed
Chart - A quote...."Something funny happened on the way to the "wealth effect": we call it affectionately, the "poverty effect." At least for those who have homes. The November Case Shiller index confirmed that the double dip in housing is accelerating, with the composite index posting its 5 sequential decline. The 20 city composite came at -1.59% Y/Y on expectations of a rebound to 1.7%. Perhaps the Chaircreature should finally consider lowering those mortgage rates instead of focusing so much on the Russell 2000. What we are amazed by is that all that abundant California snow was not blamed on this one particular negative surprise."

US state budget deficits could top $140 billion
A quote...."States across the US are facing the largest budget deficits in history. Budget shortfalls in 44 states and the District of Columbia could reach $140 billion for fiscal year 2012, which begins this July 1 for most states. These huge deficits come as federal stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will be largely depleted by the end of fiscal year 2011."

The Banksters Run The Game
01-25-11
mpg

Plans being drawn up to let states declare bankruptcy
Some quotes...."Policy makers are working behind the scenes to come up with a way to let states declare bankruptcy and get out from under crushing debts, including the pensions they have promised to retired public workers."  --  "For now, the fear of destabilizing the municipal bond market with the words “state bankruptcy” has proponents in Congress going about their work on tiptoe."

Hope all you Libertarians and State's Rights people are paying close attention to this issue and understand  exactly what it means for the "States" and their "rights".

1. If you're a saver YOU WILL BE PUNISHED by the Federal Reserve - every - single - time.  This includes all those MUNI Bond purchasers, most of whom helped fund the states with their hard "earned" cash.
   
2. Since the Fed, a PRIVATE banking consortium, deliberately created this mess, can "print" their cash  at will, and has already done so to bail out a few of their favored Bankster friends while leaving the states to hang out to dry, we should all realize the states are now totally powerless.  They've been "federalized" and their economic destinies are now completely controlled by a for-profit, blood-sucking, Bankster cartel.
3. Again as has been repeatedly stated by this website editor, in the economic game of life, or if you prefer, an economic game of poker, the person, group or entity who can print and determine interest rates at will - (the cost of borrowing, or if you prefer, the amount of poker chips they can ante-up) - will always beat the person, group or entity who can't. That is not an arguable or debatable point.
   
4. Unless the "States" chose to print their own currency and establish their own state banks, under the present system they'll be doomed as separate legal, political or economic entities. They'll be forced into bankruptcy and eventually forced to pay the vig to the Banksters at their rates of interest using their script when they come out of bankruptcy and try to borrow again. - mpg

Bank of England chief Mervyn King: standard of living to plunge at fastest rate since 1920s
Contains Video - Alt - A quote...."Households face the most dramatic squeeze in living standards since the 1920s, the Governor of the Bank of England warned, as he reacted to the shock disclosure that the economy was shrinking again."

Britain's growth freezes up as economy shrinks again
Some quotes...."Britain's recovery was dealt a serious blow in the final three months of last year as the economy shrunk by 0.5 per cent." -- "The figure was far below the expected growth of 0.2 to 0.6 per cent and points towards 1970s-style stagflation. That is when the economy stagnates while inflation, currently at 3.7 per cent, rises fast."

Monday January 24th 2011

The [so-called] Progressive Left Betrays Keith Olbermann Just Like Everything Else They Hold So Dear
Must Read - Quote of the Day...."“You have meddled with the primal forces of nature… and you.. will.. atone.” -- "A day after Keith Olbermann was unceremoniously fired from MSNBC, the message is clear: shut up, stick to the program, or you will be gone. And the “progressives” fall right in line, as they always have. -- The so-called “progressive” left (read as “closeted Third Way Centrists”) is eerily silent on the matter like a bunch of mice cowering in the corner of their cage as the researcher snatches up their comrade for some tests." - Topix ||  The Almighty Corporation - 03-30-08 - mpg  ||

Beyond the Barbarians' Lines
Special Note - A quote...."The Roman Empire had been centralizing power for five centuries by the time Salvian wrote. The Republic had long since been replaced by the Empire. The Empire's revenues had come in the early centuries from conquest. The defeated peoples paid the bulk of the taxes. The wealthy aristocracy grew richer from the income derived from the sale of defeated peoples as slaves. The poor of the city of Rome were increasingly bought off by the famous bread and circuses, funded by taxes or the largesse of aristocrats who had grown rich by the conquests and who sought votes. -- There comes a day when the parasite begins to drain the strength of its host. That was what the Empire was doing by the time of Marcus Aurelius (121–180 A.D.), a figure beloved by modern historians because he was a philosopher. He was also the persecutor of Christians and the director of an empire which had reached the limits of its profitability. The centralization that followed was ruinous economically."

Former U.S. Asset Exposes Tony Blair’s Legacy of Deception
A quote...."He’s got the smirking grin of a politician who knows that he got away with his crimes. He escaped responsibility for his political murders and the full brunt of moral outrage for the wasteful public sacrifice on his behalf."

No Links Between Manning, Assange, US Admits - Justice Dept Hope of Charging WikiLeaks Founder With Conspiracy Falters - A quote...."The Obama Administation’s efforts to find some sort of crime they can actually charge WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange with will undoubtedly continue, but it is unlikely that those charges will include “conspiracy,” despite previous comments to the contrary."

U.S. Police Chiefs on ADL Mission to Israel
(realistic satire in brackets - mpg) - A quote...."Senior law enforcement personnel from across America recently traveled to Israel with ADL [to receive their marching orders]. They met with their Israeli counterparts and learned how to better predict, prevent and respond to terrorism [while also being taught how to ignore, "back-off" and even recruit terrorists when needed by the AIPAC/Israeli Consortium]  --  The Terrorism Committee of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), comprising sixteen police chiefs and FBI terrorism task force representatives, participated in the trip, which is sponsored [paid for] by the Anti-Defamation League. They were accompanied by ADL Director of Security Robert Martin and ADL Washington D.C. Regional Director David Friedman." - Topix ||  One Vile, Venom Tipped, Taloned Hand Washes the Other - (a.k.a. The Standard Model) - 07-28-10 - mpg  ||

US cop killers gun down 11 policemen
A quote...."At least eleven police officers have been shot dead in the United States in the past 24-hours alone marking a dramatic rise in US police fatalities." - And the Iraqification / Palistinization of Amerika continues.  Just you wait till those millions of "contractors", (including all those so-called "contract interrogators"), tens of thousands of whom have participated in this nation's Afghan drug trade, many of whom have done things that would make a billy goat puke, come back here to no jobs and no prospects.  No sympathy from this website editor....none whatsoever.  Let the games begin folks. - mpg
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More on the Russian bombing of January 24th 2011....

Israeli 'Security' Firm ICTS Helped Provide 'Security' at Russia's Domodedovo Airport
OH NO!!!  NOT AGAIN!!!  When is SOMEBODY gonna DO SOMETHING ABOUT ISRAEL!!! - mpg - A quote...."The details about this 2009 article are here, [Alt/PDF] but it's PDF and I don't know how to copy and paste the story. -- The story goes into a little detail about how Security Partners Ltd., the ICTS Europe subsidiary in Russia was going to assist with 'security' at Domodedovo airport.

• The SAME ICTS that on 9/11 helped those MOSSAD agents, made up to look like Arabs, onto several flights.
• The SAME ICTS that let the 'Shoe Bomber,' Richard Reid board.
• The SAME ICTS that sent a 'sharp-dressed man' to help out the Christmas day 'underwear bomber' board a flight, with no money and NO PASSPORT.

"Surely this can't be related to Russia getting ready to recognize a Palestinian state, could it?" - Topix ||  US-False Flag Ops - Detroit's lap Bomber  ||

Domodedovo blast masterminds proud of terror 'fundraiser' - Peter Lavelle
RTVideo - (RTYuTb - 4min 58sec - January 24, 2011) - Source:  RussiaToday -- A quote...."At least 35 people have been killed by a terrorist explosion at Moscow's busiest Airport, Domodedovo. Around one hundred and thirty others have been hurt by the blast in the luggage collection area of the international arrivals hall. Police say one, or several suicide bombers could be to blame." - (Hat tip to Michael Rivero, he predicted that simply attacking the airport gates would be the next logical step the "terrorists" would take - mpg)

Moscow Airport Bomb Kills 31, Injures More Than 130
A quote...."In other news: Israel Concerned Russia Will Recognize Palestinian State, and then, Dmitry Medvedev Restates Russian Support for Palestinian State.....*boom*"

Obama denounces attack at Moscow airport
(realistic satire in brackets - mpg) - A quote...."WASHINGTON, January 24 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama on Monday denounced as "outrageous" a bombing attack on a Moscow airport, which left at least 35 people dead." [While snickering to one of his aides and saying "Those Israelis in Georgia, if they continue to support the Chechens like this, it'll make our life so much easier." - mpg]

So Who Did the Moscow Bombing and Why?
A quote...."Odd, is it not, that Russia would reaffirm its recognition of a sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital and then, less than a fortnight later, some deranged person would blow themselves up at Moscow airport killing some 35 people and injuring scores of others." - also posted at NorthernTruthSeeker

After the Bombing, It’s Business as Usual
A quote...."MOSCOW — Just hours after a suicide bomber struck at the international arrivals terminal at Moscow’s busiest airport on Monday afternoon, passengers coming off flights from abroad were being ushered through the very same terminal where bodies had only just been removed."
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9/11—Mission Accomplished?
Must Read - A quote...."Having researched the 9/11 cover-up full-time for several years and done my bit as an activist, I had finally decided to withdraw in utter frustration at my seeming inability to open as many eyes as I would have liked. - Following a rather long hiatus, I find myself back in the saddle." - also posted at RedactedNews

Jim Corr Interview – 9/11 Truth, Shadow Government
Video - Alt - (YuTb - 14min 22sec - January 21, 2011) - A quote...."Check Jim's YouTube channel : jimcorrtube." - Topix ||  Reficultnias's 9/11 Central  || Related  ||  Jim Corr's Website  ||  Jim Corr YuTb Vids  ||

9/11/01: Eyewitness - As The Bombs Were Going....I Sat And Watched A Few Of Them Explode
Video - (YuTb - 39sec - January 24, 2011) - Source:  Federaljacktube3

9/11 & WTC7: "Perspectives with Barry Shainbaum" on 94.3 Faith FM Kitchener, Ontario
Video - Alt - (YuTb - 54min 27sec - January 22, 2011) -  manwello15 -- A quote...."Faith FM guests include: Bob McIlvaine, lost son in 9/11 attacks, New York, NY., Tony Szamboti, mechanical engineer, Blackwood, NJ., Mike Bondi, systems engineer, Stratford, ON., Laurie Manwell, Ph.D. candidate, author: In Denial of Democracy, Kitchener, ON."

A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words
Contains Video - Alt - A quote...."Those of us attempting to present the evidence of the controlled demolition of the World Trade Center skyscrapers to the “uninitiated” can meet with significant psychological resistance. Some respond to the scientific forensic evidence quite readily. But some do not." - also posted at DProgram
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More on the Hariri Assassination Attempted Frame-Up and its fall-out....

Hezbollah-backed candidate wins majority
BREAKING:  Tue Jan 25, 2011 9:35AM -- A quote...."Hezbollah-backed candidate former Prime Minister Najib Mikati clinches majority for premiership, as Lebanese parliamentarians headed for the second day of consultations to elect the country's new prime minister."

Opposition's choice likely PM in Lebanon
A quote...."Parliamentary talks over the appointment of Lebanon's next premier show that the opposition's choice for the office enjoys a head start over caretaker Prime Minister Saad Hariri."

Hariri not to join Hezbollah-led govt
A quote...."Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Saad Hariri says he will not participate in any future government led by a Hezbollah-backed candidate."

Nasrallah: Hizbullah Not Seeking to Eliminate Anyone…Give Opposition Candidate a Chance to Form Government
A quote...."Hizbullah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on Sunday said his group was not seeking to eliminate anyone and asked that the Opposition candidate, should he win the premiership, be given a chance to form a government."

Miqati Reportedly Blessed by Syria, France, Qatar: Opposition Demands Him to Stop STL
A quote...."As-Safir said AMAL Movement and Hizbullah MPs Ali Hasan Khalil and Haj Hussein Khalil visited Miqati at his Verdun residence on Saturday and conveyed to him the Opposition’s desire to bring him as Lebanon’s new prime minister to head the next Government which would take upon itself the termination of the agreement between Lebanon and the international tribunal, the withdrawal of Lebanese judges from the tribunal and ending financing it, in addition to referring the false witnesses’ issue to the Judicial Council." - also posted at AlethoNews
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More On The Tunisian Situation....

Dr. Ashraf Ezzat: The Tunisian Scenario: Will Egypt Be The Next Domino To Fall?
A quote...."Ever since the Tunisian uprising managed to topple the dictatorship of former president Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali and the people in the Arab world are wondering if the Tunisian scenario could be repeated in their countries. -- Egyptians responded to the news of the overthrow of the regime in Tunisia with great joy and astonishment at the same time. -- To most Arabs, Tunisia is another Arab country ruled by similar authoritarian regime such as theirs."

Police crackdown in Tunisia meets resistance
A quote...."Tunisian police used tear gas against protesters gathered outside the office of Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi on Monday morning. The demonstrators had defied the curfew and camped out peacefully all night, calling for the interim government to go because it is dominated by associates of the ousted president, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali."
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Karzai slams US crimes in Afghanistan
A quote...."Afghan President Hamid Karzai has strongly condemned the US-led forces for committing serious crimes against civilians and their property in the war-ravaged country."

Afghanistan: The Karzai-Medvedev Russian Roulette
A quote...."Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s recent trip to Moscow marks an unprecedented state level rendezvous by an Afghanistan Head of State. The first since the Soviet backed President Najibullah’s trip; whose term ended shortly after the Soviet Union withdrew its forces from Afghanistan."

Americas great game in Afghanistan
Special Note - A quote...."By Brig Asif Haroon Raja - War on terror has entered tenth year but the US is still clueless when and how it will terminate the war. One of the reasons for its lack of progress is that in its given set of priorities, Afghanistan was accorded lower priority since it was considered an almost accomplished affair. Another reason for prevalent confusion is that rather than keeping its allies friendly and regional countries friendly and within its loop, it has either annoyed them or kept them out of the loop. It has upset Pakistan by meddling into its domestic affairs, using drones despite protests, continuing to sing ‘do more’ mantra and distrusting it. While Pakistan has been assigned the frontline duties in war on terror and made non-NATO ally, the US has all along given preference to India over Pakistan."

Lithuania. A Totalitarian State, Member of the European Union
A quote...."Lithuania today is a full member of the EU and therefore at least superficially it also belongs to the European family. And the government of this country with equal enthusiasm to that of Brussels likes to spread the word about Lithuania as a truly democratic state where human rights and freedoms are flourishing. Yet, the last couple of weeks have simply proven it all to be a sham. What one needs is to have the courage to proclaim – despite the fact that we are dealing with a 21st century European country and a member of what is considered to be the progressive European Union – is the basic fact that Lithuania has remained a totalitarian state ever since the early part of last century. The following cases will support such statement."

Cardinal slams Berlusconi sex scandal
A quote...."An Italian cardinal has warned that the country's reputation is at risk as a sex scandal surrounding Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi drags on." -- The Cardinal's statement..."How DARE he go after young women, what a pervert!  He should only go after young boys!!" -- Ok, ok, it's tasteless and tactless, but really folks, the Catholic church is no longer in a position to lecture anyone about sexual morality....EVER!  Besides, this website editor just couldn't resist.

Illinois court tosses Rahm Emanuel off Chicago mayoral ballot - Hip Hip Hooray!!
Ding Dong! The Witch is dead. Which old Witch? The Wicked Witch!
Ding Dong! The Wicked Witch is dead.
Wake up - sleepy head, rub your eyes, get out of bed.
Wake up, the Wicked Witch is dead. She's gone where the goblins go,
Below - below - below. Yo-ho, let's open up and sing and ring the bells out.
Ding Dong' the merry-oh, sing it high, sing it low.
Let them know
The Wicked Witch is dead!

Rahm Emanuel's Angry Twitter Stream Regarding His Disqualification From Chicago Mayor's Race
Related Article - (Warning - harsh langauge) - A quote...."While Rahm Emanuel fights an appeals court decision booting him from the Chicago mayor’s race, the ballots will be printed without his name, the head of the city’s election board said Monday."

Israel, US to steal Lebanon gas
A quote...."Israel, with the help of US energy companies, is trying to exploit one of the world's largest gas fields, which mainly belongs to Lebanon."
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More On The Palestinian Situation....

Is America Rubberstamping Apartheid in Palestine?
Must Read - A quote...."“More and more, Americans from all walks of life are talking about Israel’s influence in Washington, looking for someone to blame. Americans are angry, feeling powerless, victimized by their own government. -- Some of that blame takes the form of Antisemitism, again rearing its ugly head, but most of it is expressed in healthy skepticism, skepticism of a government showing signs of having been bought.  ”Bought” is a harsh word but no other word applies, not anymore.  There is no other explanation, not for the policies we are seeing, policies steeped in bias, policies based on support of apartheid, of continual violations of human rights, of International Law, and, now obvious to all, policies that have endangered American security.”

How To Say Nothing Without Really Trying:  State Dept. Spokesman Stonewalls on Settlement Stance
Second Quote of the Day...."On Wednesday January 18, at 1:51PM, a master class in American obstructionism, political spin, question-dodging, the zombie-like repetition of non-committal and meaningless talking points was held by United States State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley. When asked by journalists about a new United Nations Security Council resolution draft condemning Israel for its continuing colonization of Palestinian land during the daily press briefing, Crowley managed to avoid giving even a single straight or substantive answer to many of the questions, demonstrating once again the U.S. government's outright refusal to be honest about anything related to Israel."

Would isolation of the US persuade Obama not to veto?
Obama could care less.  He's been an AIPAC/Israeli butt-kisser his entire life, if Israel's actions might lead directly to WWIII and the untimely death of every single American, it would be fine with Obama as long as Israel wouldn't be harmed. Just look at his record. - mpg

Peru recognizes Palestinian state - Hip Hip Hooray!!
A quote...."On Monday, the Government of Peru announced its decision to recognize an independent Palestinian state. -- However, according to Foreign Minister Jose Antonio Belaunde, Peru also acknowledges Israel's "inalieble right for peaceful development that doesn't create conflicts with neighboring states"." - also posted at SCF

Boycott vote in Sydney suburb sparks media furor, death threats
Boycott, Divest and Sanction the ENTIRE state of Israel! Because it's the only way to stop them!! - mpg -- A quote...."On 15 December 2010, the councilors of Marrickville, a suburb of Sydney, Australia voted by a 10-2 majority to support the Palestinian call for boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS). A month later, they have belatedly become the subjects of vilification in the press owned by international media proprietor Rupert Murdoch and death threats from Australia's lunatic fringe." - For more on how to Boycott, Divest and Sanction the state of Israel see the upper-left-corner of the "Front Page" of this website. - also posted at AlethoNews - Topix ||  Judeo-Christian C/C & US - Media  ||

Settler [Illegal Squatters] Attack Internationals Escorting Palestinians in South Hebron Hills
A quote...."    On Sunday, settlers [illegal squatters] assaulted internationals while they were escorting Palestinians to their pasture to graze their herds in Um al Hir , a Beduoin village in South Hebron Hills." - also posted at AlethoNews

Shepherd says settler [homeless armed thug] killed [his] animals
Full quote...."HEBRON (Ma'an) -- A Palestinian shepherd said Sunday that an Israeli settler [homeless armed thug] killed his dog and a goat in the West Bank city of Hebron. -- Hani Salamh Makhamrehm said his herd was drinking water when a settler [homeless armed thug] fired four bullets into his dog at close range. -- Makhamrehm said he ran away, afraid the settler [homeless armed thug] would shoot him. -- The man, from an illegal [squatter] outpost south of Hebron, also kicked one of his goats to death, the shepherd said."

Palestinian Authority Sabotages Tunisia Rally in Ramallah
A quote...."Last Wednesday, the Palestinian Authority refused to grant permission to a group of Palestinian activists for a solidarity rally with the people of Tunisia for their overthrow of the Tunisian president."
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Robert Shiller Argues That Rising Inequality In The US Was A Major Cause Of The Recent Crisis, And Little Is Being Done To Address It  - A quote...."I have previously argued at some length that rising inequality is one of the main causes of the economic crisis. -- Famed Yale economist Robert Shiller agrees."

MAN BEATS BANK - And Creates Mortgage Banking MERS Bomb - Lost Paperwork Means Free Homes For Borrowers - A quote...."Walter Keane poses for a portrait at his office.  Keane filed and recently won a lawsuit that resulted in several homeowners in Utah getting title to their property, even if they owed the full mortgage, all because of chaos introduced into the nation's property recording system by MERS." - also posted at BLN - Banks respond, see article shown below....

Mortgage Lenders Seeking Court Permission To Destroy 22,100 Boxes Of Original Loan Documents
FraudClosure Cover-Up Alert - A quote...."The solution to the ongoing fraudclosure fiasco is so simply and yet so brilliant (in a way that benefits the banks naturally) is so brilliant, that it has to date evaded most... but not all. The solution: just shred it all. That is what insolvent mortgage lenders Mortgage Lenders Network USA and American Home Mortgage are pushing hard to get permission from their respectively bankruptcy judges in their chapter 7 liquidation cases. Says Reuters: "Federal bankruptcy judges in Delaware are due to hold separate hearings Monday on requests by two defunct subprime mortgage lenders to destroy thousands of boxes of original loan documents. The requests, by trustees liquidating Mortgage Lenders Network USA and American Home Mortgage, come despite intense concerns that paperwork critical to foreclosures and securitized investments may be lost." With servicer banks increasingly unable and unwilling to provide the original lender docs (since they don't have access to them) to parties curious in seeing if there is a legal case to continue paying their mortgage, what better solution than to have the banks retort that the original document was sadly destroyed in a court-appointed shredding. In that way all the fraud canaries are killed with one stone, and the party responsible is none other than some bankruptcy judge who had given the go ahead for the wholesale destruction."

Unofficial Problem Bank list increases to 937 Institutions
Table  - An unofficial list in table format. - mpg

Life Insurers Sue Countrywide, And Allege "Massive Fraud" In Mortgage Sales
A quote...."Just another taste of the legal worries that will keep Brian Moynihan's lawyers busy putting out mortgage related fires. -- A group of life insurance companies has sued Countrywide alleging massive mortgage fraud. -- Here's the list of plaintiffs...."

Washington State Joins Movement For Public Banking
A quote...."Bills were introduced on January 18 in both the House and Senate of the Washington State Legislature that add Washington to the growing number of states now actively moving to create public banking facilities."

100,000 British lost job in only 6 weeks
A quote...."More than hundred thousands of public jobs have been cut only in the last month, which has brought fear to the people in queues of job centers." - also posted at GlobalRsrch

Russia To Increase Gold Holdings By 13% In 2011, Will Buy 100 Tonnes Of Gold Each Year
Gold Bug Alert - A quote...."The WSJ reports that The Central Bank of Russia, which seems to have missed Doug Kass’ Friday Fast Money appearance, plans to buy 100 metric tons of gold from domestic banks a year in order to replenish the country’s gold reserves, Deputy Head of the bank Georgy Luntovsky said Monday, according to the bank’s press service. In 2010 Russia’s gold reserve increased 23.9% to 790 tons, or 25.4 million Troy ounces. As a reminder China has just over 1,000 tonnes in official holdings. Which means the PBOC will most certainly not be late to get on the bandwagon, although unlike the CBR, will unlikely issue a press release to announce its plans."

Sunday January 23rd 2011

No posts. - mpg

Saturday January 22nd 2011

Former FBI Agent Coleen Rowley Calls For Congress To Begin "Church Committee"-type Hearings
Must Read - A quote...."One way to improve their [Congress's] image with the American people and the global public would be to finally begin serious hearings into the abuses of the Bush administration, and put pressure on the Obama Justice Department to investigate torture, and other crimes. By failing to restore the rule of law, and instead, embracing political theater and the insincere rhetoric about civility, leaders of the Democratic and Republican parties, as well as President Obama, essentially open themselves up for public ridicule, and public anger. The message about "civility" is dead on arrival. How can uncivilized men, who support criminal wars, mass spying of citizens, and torture, preach about civility? Words must match deeds, and so far, that has not happened in post-Bush Washington." - also posted at DProgram

The Doomsday Project, Deep Events, and the Shrinking of American Democracy
Must Read - A quote...."In recent years I have become more and more concerned with the interactions between three important and alarming trends in recent American history. The first is America’s increasing militarization, and above all its inclination, even obsession, to involve itself in needless and pernicious wars. The second, closely related, is the progressive shrinking of public politics and the rule of law as they are subordinated, even domestically, to the requirements of covert U.S. operations abroad.  --  The third, also closely related, is the important and increasingly deleterious impact on American history and the global extension of American power, of what I have called deep events. These events, like the JFK assassination, the Watergate break-in, or 9/11, which repeatedly involve law-breaking or violence, are mysterious to begin with, are embedded in ongoing covert processes, have consequences that enlarge covert government, and are subsequently covered up by systematic falsifications in media and internal government records." - also posted at GlobalRsrch & Dprogram & AxisofLogic

Gordon Duff:  Elvis, Bin Laden and Assange Two Heads of the Same Coin, "Elvis bin Laden & "Wiki-Israel" -- Must Read - A quote...."In 1977 Elvis Presley, “King of Rock and Roll”, died.  Since his death, sightings of Elvis around the world have numbered in the tens of thousands.  In 2001 Osama bin Laden, CIA asset and critic of Israel’s policies in Palestine, died.  Since his death several video tapes and a string of audio recordings have been attributed to him. -- In a sense, bin Laden has become “Elvis bin Laden,” the “King of Terrorism”.  However, unlike the real Elvis, whose musical legacy will live forever, the legacy of “Elvis bin Laden”, the “Al Qaeda” organization and the illusory underground Tora Bora “terror-plex” is only kept alive by the charlatans of the military-industrial complex and their media partners." - Topix ||  WikiLeaks Cointelpro Fiasco  - New Weblist!! ||  US Fake Intel / Propaganda - Osama bin long gone Laden  ||

If All Else Fails, Bring Out The Dead Guy Again!
Related Article - OK... To bring new readers to this blog up to speed on some real truth... Osama Bin Laden has been DEAD for over 9 years now, and counting.  He died in the mountains of Afghanistan back in December, 2001, having suffered for months from failing kidneys.    His death was well noted in most Middle Eastern and Asian news services, but has been kept quiet in the Zionist Jewish controlled press purposely to fulfill the American need for keeping this phoney boogeyman alive for their just as phoney "War on Terror"!" - Topix ||  US Fake Intel / Propaganda - Osama bin long gone Laden  ||

Web Host Go Daddy Shuts Down Pakistani Website over CIA Outing
A quote...."(WEB HOST INDUSTRY REVIEW) -- Web hosting provider Go Daddy (www.godaddy.com) ordered the removal of a controversial article that included the name of a former CIA agent in Pakistan. -- In the first week of January, Go Daddy presented PakNationalists with an ultimatum, threatening the webmasters that they "either remove the content" or they would move their website to another Web host in 48 hours." - also posted at DProgram

U.N. Chief Urged to Fire Official for Promoting 9/11 Conspiracy Theory - And the cover-up continues. - mpg
A quote...."GENEVA, January 20, 2011 - U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon was urged today to fire an official of the world body who endorsed the conspiracy theory that the 9/11 terrorist attacks were orchestrated by the U.S. government and not Al Qaeda terrorists." - Topix ||  Acting Guilty - 12-01-09 - mpg  ||
   
Punishing Bradley Manning for the Crimes of Others
A quote...."On Tuesday, for no stated reason whatsoever, Manning's jailers put him on suicide watch. This meant that he was isolated for 24 hours a day instead of 23, the glasses he needs to see were taken away, and other harsh conditions imposed. Two days later, for no stated reason whatsoever, Manning was taken off suicide watch again. It appears likely that he was punished in response to our protest. As a result, we're all going to crawl under our beds and hide, promising never to use the First Amendment again in our lives. -- Just kidding! Instead, we're planning larger protests. And Manning's lawyer has, for his part, filed a complaint and threatened to sue over Manning's mistreatment. These colors don't run, as someone might say." - also posted at GlobalRsrch & DProgram

Canadian Police Repression of Leftists
A quote...."For more than three decades the RCMP ran PROFUNC (PROminent FUNCtionaries of the Communist Party), a highly secretive espionage operation and internment plan. In October CBC’s Fifth Estate and Radio-Canada’s Enquête aired shows on “this secret contingency plan, called PROFUNC, [which] allowed police to round up and indefinitely detain Canadians believed to be Communist sympathizers.” -- In case of a “national security” threat up to 16,000 suspected communists and 50,000 sympathizers were to be apprehended and interned in one of eight camps across the country. Initiated by RCMP Commissioner Stuart Taylor Wood in 1950, the plan continued until 1983." - also posted at AlethoNews

Wayne Madsen: Rahm Emanuel’s Family Ties to Mossad, and His Links to The Chicago Mob
AJVideo Interview - WM&AJ(1/2) - WM&AJ(2/2) - (AJYuTb - 15min - January 21, 2011) - Source:  TheAlexJonesChannel -- A quote...."Prison Planet editor and journalist Paul Joseph Watson, talks to investigative journalist and publisher of the Wayne Madsen Report, Wayne Madsen about Rahm Emanuel and his ties to mossad & the Chicago Mob."

Did Lyin Joe Lieberman Use His White House Connections to Get Keith Olbermann Fired?
A quote...."UPDATE: The liberal blog-o-sphere is a buzz this morning and it appears the spin is to blame it all on the Comcast merger. No one is talking about what Keith O said about Lyin Joe less than 24 hours before he got sacked. “don’t let the delusional liar door hit you in the delusional liar butt on the way out.”  “goodbye, Joe Lieberman, and good riddance.”  he accused Lieberman of “lying even on the way out the door."

Former Spy With Agenda Operates a Private C.I.A.
A quote...."WASHINGTON — Duane R. Clarridge parted company with the Central Intelligence Agency more than two decades ago, but from poolside at his home near San Diego, he still runs a network of spies."
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More on the Hariri Assassination Attempted Frame-Up....

'STL president supported MKO'
Special Note- A quote...."President of the US-sponsored Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) Antonio Cassese had called for the US and Europe's widespread support for the Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MKO) terrorist group, a report says."
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More On The Tunisian Situation....

Tunisians urge interim PM to quit
A quote...."As unrest spreads across volatile Tunisia, protestors are mounting pressure on the country's Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi and his cabinet to quit."

Demonstrations in Tunisia as political purge continues
A quote...."Tunisia's popular uprising has claimed its latest victim with the prime minister announcing he will leave politics after elections planned for the next six months, and no sign of a let up in demonstrations demanding a purge of politicians linked to the country's ousted president."

Once-feared Tunisian police join protesters
A quote...."TUNIS, Tunisia – Tunisia's once-feared police staged a rally of their own Saturday, demanding better salaries and insisting they're not to blame for shooting deaths among protesters who forced the North African country's longtime autocrat to flee."

How Tunisia's Once-Suppressed Islamists Are Re-Emerging
A quote...."Seif al-Aam, with his rimless glasses, navy pinstripe suit, black tie and woolen knee-length coat, looks more like a banker than a self-avowed Islamist as he walks out of the Al-Quds Mosque after Friday prayers in the LaFayette Belvedere neighborhood of Tunis. Tunisia's Islamists, long pummeled into submission or exile by deposed dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, are not the stereotypical long-bearded, dishdasha-wearers seen across the Middle East. But he is a true believer."

More On The Fall-Out From the Tunisian Situation....

Tunisia echoes in the Arab street
A quote...."The surprising success of the Tunisian revolt emboldened many in the Arab world to press for more social and political justice. Dina Ezzat explores how inspired they are "

5,000 rally in Jordan 'bread and freedom' demo
A quote...."More than 5,000 people rallied in Amman and other cities after weekly prayers on Friday against Jordan's economic policies, demanding "bread and freedom" and that the government resign. Skip related content."

Egypt Proactively Preparing For Tunisian-Style Rioting
A quote...."Airport intercepts 59 outbound gold shipments worth tens of millions"

Dispirited Arabs Burning for Change
Editor's Note:  It is a mortal sin to kill oneself. - mpg -- A quote...."CAIRO, Jan 23, 2011 (IPS) - Upset over a policy that prevented him from buying subsidised food, Egyptian restaurant owner Abdou Abdel Moneim travelled to Cairo to find someone in parliament to help. When security officers prevented him from submitting his complaint to MPs entering parliament, the 49-year-old man doused himself in fuel and cursed the Egyptian regime as he disappeared into a ball of fire."

Algerian opposition say will defy protest ban
A quote...."ALGIERS - An Algerian opposition party will stage a rally in Algiers on Saturday calling for more democracy, newspapers said, amid worries over unrest after the collapse of the government in Tunisia."

Dozens hurt as Algerians clash with police
A quote...."ALGIERS: Forty-two people were injured during clashes Saturday between police and pro-democracy activists at a banned demonstration in the Algerian capital, opposition leader Said Sadi told AFP." - also posted at WarInIraq

Tunisia-style protest alarms Albania PM
A quote...."Albania's premier has spoken strongly against the opposition's "Tunisia-style" protest, which resulted in the government soldiers to kill three demonstrators." - also posted at WarInIraq

Video of angry riots in Albania: Cars torched, cops stoned, 3 dead
RTVideo - Alt - (RTYuTb - 2min 46sec - January 22, 2011) - Source:  RussiaToday -- A quote...."In the Albanian capital Tirana, at least three people have been shot dead and several others injured during a rally. Thousands of protesters gathered outside the Prime Minister's office demanding the government step down over corruption allegations. Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds who called for fresh elections. The country has been in a political deadlock since the opposition rejected the result of the ballot two years ago."

Yemeni students urge president's exit
A quote...."Drawing inspiration from revolution in Tunisia, hundreds of Yemeni students have staged rival protests against and in favor of the country's President Ali Abdullah Saleh."
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Iraqi government and Kurds solve differences over oil exports
A quote...."The Ministry of Oil has reached an agreement with the Kurdish regional government which, if implemented, is bound to solve differences over the export of oil from fields in Kurdish areas, according to the ministry’s spokesman."

Afghan parliament deal brings protest, uncertainty
A quote...."About 200 people gathered outside a mosque in Afghanistan's capital Sunday to protest President Hamid Karzai's decision to inaugurate the newly elected parliament this week rather than waiting a month for ongoing election fraud investigations."

Unauthorized attack kills 3 in Pakistan
A quote...."At least three people have been killed in an unauthorized US drone attack in the tribal district of North Waziristan in northwestern Pakistan."

'Iran discovers 7 gas fields in 9 months'
A quote...."Iran has discovered seven gas fields during a nine-month period between March and December of 2010, says a senior Iranian energy official."

UNHCR hails Iran's aid to refugees
A quote...."As of October 1, 2010, there were officially 1,029,320 registered Afghan refugees and some 42,854 registered Iraqi refugees in Iran, according to the UN."

Iran Expects Adoption of Caspian Sea Legal Regime by March 2012
A quote...."TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian President's Special Envoy for the Caspian Sea Affairs Mohammad Mehdi Akhoundzadeh said that Tehran expects adoption of a legal regime for the world's largest lake by early 2012."

Jalili Warns of Israel's Atomic Warheads
A quote...."TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran's chief negotiator Saeed Jalili warned of the great danger posed to the regional countries and the world by the atomic stockpiles of the Zionist regime, and blasted the western countries' indifference to such a great hazard."

Three Decades of a Joke That Just Won't Die. Why Egypt's long-serving dictator makes such a good punch line
Joke of the Day - A quote...."Mubarak and his advisors are on his plane flying over Cairo.  Mubarak takes out $1,000 and asks how he should use the money to make the Egyptians happy. -- One advisor says, "Mr. President, if you throw it out the window you can make one Egyptian family very happy. -- The second advisor says, "Well, Mr. President, if you want to make two Egyptian families happy, you could split it into two bundles and throw them both out the window. -- The third advisor says, "I have an even better idea that will make all Egyptians happy. Put the money in your pocket and just jump out the window yourself."

Who Holds the Trump Cards in the China vs. US Poker Game?
Special Note - A quote...."In my last article, I outlined the current financial/ economic relationship between China and the US. In particular I focused on the manner in which China is diverting its money and resources away from the US Dollar and US economy."

Fifty years since the murder of Patrice Lumumba
A quote...."Fifty years ago on January 17, Patrice Lumumba, the leader of the anti-colonial struggle in the Congo and its first democratically-elected prime minister, was removed from prison and murdered in the dark of night by a firing squad acting with the approval of the United States and Belgium. He was 35."
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Britain believes Israeli PM Netanyahu is an 'armour-plated bullsh-tter'
A quote...."Former Downing Street communications chief says Tony Blair thought his car was bugged during first visit to Israel as prime minister."

London's Foreign Office Might As Well Relocate To Tel Aviv
A quote...."Alistair Burt is “an Israel lobby stooge. He used to be (and maybe still is, for all I know) an officer of that infamous bunch of Israel-firsters, the Conservative Friends of Israel.” - also posted at RI&A

As it slides further into open and violent racism, Israel offers the Western world a reflection of itself.
A quote...."There was that jarring week in December – a protest against Arab-Jewish couples, a south Tel Aviv march and demonstration against migrant workers and African asylum seekers, the arrest of Jewish teenagers accused of beating Palestinians and the expulsion of five Arab men from their home in south Tel Aviv. It left me with the question: What is next?"

Rabbis of the Devil
A quote...."Imagine, just imagine, the outcry that would follow an imagined call by a European Muslim or Christian religious leader suggesting sending hundreds of thousands of Jews to concentration camps.  The Sheikh or priest or  bishop would be lambasted  beyond imagination, and his  denomination  or church  would immediately distance itself from his foolish remarks."
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More On The Palestinian Situation....

'France supports Palestinian statehood' - Hip Hip Hooray!!
A quote...."The French foreign minister has voiced her country's support for the formation of a Palestinian state and condemned Israeli settlements in the West Bank. -- "France supports the establishment of an independent, democratic Palestinian state as soon as possible," Michele Alliot-Marie said at the conclusion of her visit to the occupied Palestinian territories on Saturday, Ha'aretz reported. -- She said her country does not recognize Israel's settlements in the occupied West Bank and called for the construction activity to come to a halt."

Palestinians present testimonies in Morocco
A quote...."RABAT, Morocco (Ma'an) -- Palestinians presented testimonies on Saturday to rights organizations, politicians and lawyers at a conference in Morocco to support political prisoners held in Israeli jails."

Another young stone-collector is killed in Gaza
A quote...."It had been only eight days since the last innocent was killed. People die here one after another, killed one by one, without consequences, without justice, without an outcry in the media. Innocent civilians trying to make a living amidst the stifling four-year siege. Palestinian civilians, whose lives become only an entry in the statistics: “So that’s what I can do: register it in my notebook. It is registered, and there is an empty line after Shaban’s name. That is for those who they kill tomorrow,” wrote the American writer Max Ajl after the farmer Shaban Karmout was killed. It took eight days, and the place was filled. Amjad ElZaaneen was 17 years when he was killed on Tuesday."

PA has been torturing prisoners for years, UK group says
A quote...."The Palestinian Authority security forces in the West Bank have been using torture on a widespread and systematic basis for several years, according to a report by the Arab Organization for Human Rights in Britain."
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HOT: Fed Hides Major Accounting Change
A quote...."Reuters has a very hot story out tonight on an accounting change the Fed snuck into a regularl weekly report. It will move off its balance sheet any bad debt the Fed may have purchased from Goldman Sachs, or anybody else for that matter. Here's Reuters via CNBC (My emphasis)...." - also posted at BLN

Watch Jon Stewart Expose Bernanke's Lies From 60 Minutes: The Big Bank Theory
JSVideo - Related Video? - Alt - (DlyShwVid - 3min 45sec - Tuesday December 7, 2010) -- A quote.... "Americans outsmart themselves with fancy security measures, to the point where their money is committing suicide on the press."

Obama may cut Social Security
A quote...."Social Security may be on the White House chopping block, a US Senator recently told Raw Story, expressing deep uneasiness about President Barack Obama's noncommittal attitude toward staving off cuts to the cherished program. -- "I have to tell you, I have been on the phone to the very, very, very highest levels of the Obama administration, and the responses that I am getting are not assuring," Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) said in an exclusive interview. "What I’m told is that no definitive decisions have been made on the issue of Social Security – I expect that is probably true." - Topix ||  Go Build Your Neo-Roman Empire - Just Leave Us [and our money] Out Of It - 10-14-07 - mpg  ||

The Smell of Money
A quote...."John Graham’s writing on Jews and financial misbehavior is priceless, beginning with the must-read article he co-wrote with Kevin MacDonald, Is the Madoff Scandal Paradigmatic?. This week Graham brings us Did Schumer Shill for Madoff?, which strongly suggests that New York Senator Charles Schumer was complicit in the massive financial swindle perpetrated by co-ethnic Bernie Madoff."

26 States Join Suit Against Obamacare
A quote...."Six more states joined a lawsuit in Florida against President Obama’s health care overhaul on Tuesday, meaning more than half of the country is challenging the law. -- The announcement was made as House members in Washington, led by Republicans, debated whether to repeal the law."

German farmers stage massive protest
Contains Video - A quote...."German demonstrators gathered in Berlin to protest the genetic engineering, factory farming and export dumping calling for a sustainable type of farming."

Friday January 21st 2011

The Silencers
Special Note - A quote...."In an earlier article, I suggested several alternative media sources and writers since the mainstream media makes free speech a dream that was left behind. -- Instead of celebrating journalistic integrity, the media–controlled by Zionists in America–refuses to condone any criticism of Israel. -- When Helen Thomas, diva of the White House press corps was asked by a rabbi if she had any comment about Israel, she replied honestly, “Tell them to get the hell out of Palestine.” -- She paid dearly for being forthright, saying that the Palestinians are “occupied” and that the Jews should “Go home” — to Germany, Poland, America and “everywhere else”. -- In a later interview with radio host Danny Schechter, Helen revealed that for fifty years “she censored herself as a reporter.” - also posted at MyCatBird'sSeat

Why are UK and USA in Afghanistan? - The usual reasons, booty, bling, and power. - mpg
Special Note - A quote...."Tim Coles argues that underlying the Anglo-American invasion and occupation of Afghanistan is the desire to acquire and secure energy sources in Central Asia and Iran as part of the strategy of full spectrum dominance."

Perpetual War is Expensive!
Must View Video - Alt - WOW! - mpg - (YuTb - 5min 14sec - January 20, 2011) - Source:  CongressmanRonPaul -- A quote...."We’ve been militarily involved in the Persian Gulf region now for 20 years. Experts have predicted that the cost of this continuous and expanding war will reach 6 trillion dollars."

'US wars to continue until its economy busts'
PRSTVVideo - (PressTVVid - 3min01sec - Wed Jan 19, 2011 8:18PM) - Source:  PressTVVids  -- A quote...."American wars will continue until the country's giant corporations, which pay the politicians in Washington's corridors of power, become financially unsustainable, says senior fellow at the Nation Institute, Chris Hedges."
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Pressure Wave from Demolition Blasts Visible on WTC #7
Videos - WTC7Demo - WTC7Enhanced - WTC7CloseUp - (NorCalTruth.org) – A quote...."Blast waves are visible on WTC #7. Many windows are ejected from the building or dislodged, while the penthouse on top “collapses.” NIST wants you to think this building came down from anything but controlled demolitions, they would love it you believe that fire brought it down! If you don’t think this looks like a fire, but more like a controlled demolition you should visit Architects and Engineers for 9/11 Truth and sign their petition." - Topix ||  9/11-WTC7  ||

Poll in Germany: 89.5 doubt official version of 9/11
A quote...."A recent poll in the german magazine "Welt der Wunder" conducted by the well known Emnid Institute results in astonishing 89% of the german respondents not believing the official line 9/11. The magazine in 2010 already published the story of NATOs "secret nuclear war", where the consequences of the widespread use of depleted uranium ammunitions were explained." - Topix ||  Reficultnias's 9/11 Central  ||

The Anthrax Attacks, From the Memory Hole
Audio - A quote...."This is a very special follow up episode of Media Roots Radio about the events of 9/11 & the subsequent Anthrax attacks. In this edition, Abby and Robbie Martin continue the discussion from the previous 9/11 episode by breaking apart the official government and corporate media narrative of the Anthrax attacks and government investigation by discussing the foreknowledge, government complicity, and gross inconsistencies regarding every aspect of the events. -- Please listen to Part 1 of this discussion on 9/11: the foreknowledge and complicity of the US government." - Topix ||  US-False Flag Ops - Anthrax  ||

‘Very senior’ MI5 officer to give evidence at 7/7 inquest
It's just another cover-up / white-wash, but at least the British make the polite attempt to appear like they're trying to investigate what is obviously a false-flag event.  Here in Israel's colony, we don't even try. (The 9/11 commision was such a feeble attempt it doesn't even count) - mpg -- A quote...."A “very senior” MI5 officer will give evidence anonymously at the inquest into the 7/7 London bombings following a ruling by the coroner today. -- Lady Justice Hallett granted an application by Home Secretary Theresa May to protect the identity of the witness. -- But, although she ordered anonymity, the coroner refused to rule that Witness G should be screened from the bereaved families."

Blair sneaks back to face music on Iraq
A quote...."Tony Blair once again skulked into the Chilcot inquiry in London under cover of darkness today to avoid around a hundred protesters who had gathered outside the building."

Blair must face trial
A quote...."No-one should ever be amazed at the grotesque pretexts dreamed up by Tony Blair to justify the unjustifiable." - also posted at Uruknet

US youth returns home after torture in Kuwait
A quote...."Gulet Mohamed, a 19-year-old American citizen, returned to the US Friday after being tortured—apparently on Washington’s orders—at the hands of the regime in Kuwait."

Bradley Manning Lawyer Details Prison Abuse
A quote...."Growing public concerns about the mistreatment of detainee Bradley Manning were confirmed today, when David E. Coombs, Manning’s lawyer, announced that he had filed a complaint with the Quantico brig accusing them of abusing Manning."

Former Commander of Headquarters Company at Quantico Objects to Treatment of Bradley Manning
A quote...."As a former regular Marine Corps captain, a Korean War combat veteran, now retired on Veterans Administration disability due to wounds suffered during that conflict, I write you to protest and express concern about the confinement in the Quantico Marine Corps Base brig of US Army Pfc. Bradley Manning."

What Really Happened with Michael Rivero – January 20th, 2011
MRVideo - Alt - (JustInTV - 1hrs 46min - January 20th, 2011) - Source:  MichaelRiveroTV
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More on the Hariri Assassination Attempted Frame-Up....

Lebanon's Jumblatt backs Hezbollah
A quote...."Walid Jumblatt, a Druze leader from Lebanon's opposition camp, has announced his support behind Hezbollah in a move that could give the group and its allies a veto over who becomes the country's next prime minister."

Druze Leader’s Endorsement Likely to Put Hezbollah Bloc in Power in Lebanon
A quote...."Reports coming out of Lebanon today suggest that Walid Jumblatt, the leader of the Druze-dominated Progressive Socialist Party (PSP), is going to back the March 8 political bloc led by Hezbollah, effectively giving them enough seats to form a majority government."

The Increasingly Volatile Pre-Trial Phase of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon
A quote...."It appears that no acceptable compromise regarding the divergent Lebanese political stances relative to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) will be achieved.  Support for this hypothesis can be found in the past 24 hours activities of the would-be mediators."
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More On The Tunisian Situation....

Anti-government protests continue in Tunisia during official mourning period
A quote...."Protests have continued in Tunisia on the first of three days of national mourning for those who died in the uprising. It is estimated that 100 people died in a month of protests."

United States Has a Choice in Tunisia
A quote...."The ongoing Tunisian Intifada (uprising) cannot yet quite be termed a revolution; Tunisians are still revolting, aspiring for bread and freedom. This Intifada will go in history as a revolution if it gets either bread or freedom and as a great revolution if it gets both. Internally, 'the one constant in revolutions is the primordial role played by the army,' Jean Tulard, a French historian of revolutions, told Le Monde in an interview, and the Tunisian military seems so far forthcoming. Externally, the United States stands to be a critical contributor to either outcome in Tunisia, both because of its historical close relations with the Tunisian military and because of its regional hegemony and international standing as a world power, but the U.S. seems so far shortcoming."
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Russia to support Afghanistan after withdrawal of int’l forces
A quote...."MOSCOW, January 21 (Itar-Tass) -- Russia is ready to support Afghanistan after the withdrawal of the international security forces in 2014, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said after the negotiations with his Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai here on Friday. “Afghanistan is to ensure the country’s security and the independence of the country with its own forces after 2014, and Russia is ready to give a broad support in this issue,” he noted."

Karazai's landmark Russia trip secures aid, drugs fight help
RTVideo - Alt - (RTYuTb - 2min 58sec - January 20, 2011) - Source:  RussiaToday -- A quote..."Russia's promising to support Afghanistan after Western forces withdraw from the troubled region in three years. President Medvedev's pledge came at talks with Hamid Karzai in Moscow. The leaders also promised to clamp down on the vast flow of Afghan drugs - from which Russia suffers the most."

Marines kill Afghan tribal leader after thrown rock breaks nose of U.S. commander Col. Paul Kennedy
A quote...."WASHINGTON - An Afghan tribal elder brought a rock to a gun fight - and it cost him his life. -- Pashtun tribal leader Mamour Merajuddin Khan recently hurled a stone at Marine Col. Paul Kennedy in the Sangin district of the restless Helmand River Valley, a source said. -- The toss brought a swift response from U.S. forces. -- Kennedy’s security detail "responded immediately by firing on the individual, killing him," NATO’s International Assistance Force in Kabul said. -- Kennedy, sources said, suffered a broken nose."

Three [More] NATO tankers torched in Pakistan: officials
A quote...."Quetta, Pakistan (AFP) Jan 21, 2011 - Gunmen set ablaze three tankers carrying fuel supplies for NATO troops in neighbouring Afghanistan, in two separate incidents in southwestern Pakistan on Friday, officials said." - also posted at WarInIraq

In Pakistan, Islamic hard-liners expanding their grip on society
Because it appears they're the ONLY ones to oppose the US-NRE's on-going mass-murder (most people would call it terrorism) of Pakistan's citizens. - mpg -- A quote...."Led by clerics at the helm of the country's religious political parties and its hard-line mosques and madrasas, the extremists demonstrated their reach after Taseer was assassinated in an upscale neighborhood of Islamabad. Days later, fundamentalist clerics rallied more than 40,000 people on the streets of Karachi in support of Qadri. A day earlier in Qadri's Rawalpindi neighborhood, at least 4,000 people had gathered in front of the accused assassin's house, chanting, "Salute to your bravery, Mumtaz!" - bold by website editor - Topix ||  One Vile, Venom Tipped, Taloned Hand Washes the Other - (a.k.a. The Standard Model) - 07-28-10 - mpg  ||

'Iran's enrichment now more efficient'
A quote...."The Federation of American Scientists says Iran is enriching uranium more efficiently than before despite US and Israeli claims that Iran's drive to master the nuclear fuel cycle is losing steam."

Official: No Negotiation on Iran's N. Rights in Istanbul Talks
A quote...."TEHRAN (FNA)- A member of the Iranian team of negotiators in the ongoing talks between Tehran and the six world powers said that Iran has informed the opposite sides that its nuclear activities and rights cannot be put to discussion at the meetings between the two sides."

Sergei Lavrov: Tomorrow’s Talks Between Iran and 5+1 Should Also Cover Ending Sanctions
Quote of the Day...."Hamsayeh.Net - Top Russian official said continued talks of sanctions on Iran would be counterproductive and if the IAEA confirms peaceful nature of the nuclear program, Tehran would have every right to conduct enrichment and develop its domestic nuclear program."

China renews deal to buy Iran crude
A quote...."China has renewed its annual contract to purchase and import Iranian crude despite the US-engineered UN sanctions that block transactions with the Iranian banks."

Russian missiles must penetrate any defenses — parliament
A quote...."Russia must quickly modernize its nuclear deterrent focusing on the deployment of ballistic missiles capable of penetrating the most sophisticated missile defenses, a draft supplementary statement to the new START treaty ratification document says." - also posted at WarInIraq

Russian cosmonauts complete ISS spacewalk
A quote...."Two Russian cosmonauts have successfully completed all assigned tasks during the first spacewalk by the crew of the International Space Station (ISS) in 2011, the Russian Mission Control said."

Japanese cargo spacecraft successfully blasts off to ISS
A quote...."Japan successfully launched its second-ever unmanned cargo ship to the International Space Station (ISS) early Saturday morning, the Japanese space agency JAXA said."

Venezuela Oil Price Rises to 2 Year High
A quote...."According to figures released by the Venezuela Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, the average price of Venezuelan crude sold by Petroleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA) during the week ending January 21 rose to $86.79 from the previous week's $85.87."

Ecuador Puts Police Under Civilian Control
A quote...."QUITO – A government decree issued this week ends the “pseudo-sovereignty” of Ecuador’s national police and places the force under civilian control, Interior Minister Alfredo Vera said Wednesday."
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Anti-Immigrant Hate Crimes Rise with Hateful [Racist] Political Speech
A quote...."The federal trial of three Pennsylvania police officers accused of covering up the murder of an undocumented Mexican immigrant opened last week—reigniting critical discussion about the recent rise of anti-immigrant hate crimes. The officers—former Shenandoah Police Chief Matthew Nestor, Lt. William Moyer and Patrolman Jason Hayes—allegedly attempted to conceal the racially motivated nature of the 2008 murder of 25-year-old Luis Ramirez, who was brutally beaten to death in a park by a group of teenagers spouting racial slurs."

Russell Means: Welcome To The Reservation
Must View AJVideo - Alt - (AJYuTb - 1hr35min59sec - January 19, 2011) - Source  TheInfoWarrior -- A quote...."The United States is one big reservation, and we are all in it. So says Russell Means, legendary actor, political activist and leader for the American Indian Movement. Means led the 1972 seizure of the Bureau of Indian Affairs headquarters in Washington, D.C., and in 1973 led a standoff at Wounded Knee, South Dakota, on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, a response to the massacre of at least 150 Lakotah men, women, and children by the U.S. Seventh Cavalry at a camp near Wounded Knee Creek."
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More On The Palestinian Situation....

An American Activist Finds Light In The Darkness of Palestine
A quote...."BIL’IN, West Bank — Tear gas burned my eyes and throat, and I ran for cov­er. Moments before, more than 15 of us from a solidarity delegation organized by American Jews for a Just Peace had been protesting Israel’s illegal separation bar­rier that confiscates Palestinian land. It was Jan. 7, a week after U.S.-made tear gas had killed Jawaher Abu Rahmah, a 36-year-old woman from the same village. Not to be deterred by Israeli military checkpoints and roadblocks around Bil’in, more than 100 Israelis, Palestinians and internationals par­ticipated in the demonstration against the barrier. Jawaher was on everyone’s minds, and demonstrators held up posters with the words “gas won’t tear us apart” written above photos of her face." - also posted at ActivistPost

Gaza family remembers grandfather killed by Israeli bullet
A quote...."Shaban Qarmout, a 65-year-old farmer from the Jabaliya refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, got up early on Monday, 10 January and headed out to his farmland as he usually did, accompanied by his 22-year-old son Khaled. Their land is located about 500 meters from the boundary fence with Israel, near the Agriculture School in the town of Beit Hanoun. At about midday, as the two were working, a bullet fired from an Israeli watchtower ripped through the elder Qarmout's chest, wounding him fatally."

Activism roundup: Israeli forces fire at demonstrators
A quote...."Israeli forces swept through the occupied East Jerusalem neighborhood of Silwan today, firing rubber-coated steel bullets and tear gas at Palestinians during public prayer near the al-Bustan protest tent. The tent is a public gathering place and organizing center for residents of the al-Bustan area in Silwan who are faced with imminent home demolitions or settler takeovers of their houses. The invasion resulted in clashes throughout the area." - also posted at Uruknet

Angry protests greet French foreign minister in Gaza
A quote...."Palestinians pelt Michèle Alliot-Marie's car with eggs and shoes after she meets family of captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit."
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Keiser Report: Corrupt Kleptocracy
MKVideo - Alt - (MKRTYuTb - 25min 56sec - January 20, 2011) - Source:  RussiaToday - Producer:  Max Keiser TV -- A quote...."(RussiaToday) – This time Max Keiser and co-host, Stacy Herbert, talk about fiscal pathology, Bill Daley ‘getting it done’ and oil prices role in the UK trade deficit. In the second half of the show, Max talks to David Malone, author of The Debt Generation "

The Big Obscenity: A Trillion Dollars a Year to the Richest 1%
A quote...."If you make less than $114,000 a year (90% of us), you've been financially damaged by the flow of income to the richest 1% of Americans over the past 30 years. Based on Internal Revenue Service figures, if middle- and upper-middle class families had maintained the same share of American productivity that they held in 1980, they would be making an average of $12,500 more per year."

SEC Taps Goldman Sachs Executive as Division Head
In The Believe It or Not Category - And the revolving door just keeps on revolving, talk about the fox guarding the chicken coop!  It's like they're rubbing everyone's nose in it! - mpg -- A quote.... "WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)- The Securities and Exchange Commission has named Goldman Sachs Asset Management Chief Investment Officer Eileen Rominger to head its division overseeing asset managers and hedge funds."

Debt Continues To Accumulate As The Economic Climate Worsens
A quote...."When you stop and think about it, the Fed’s main instrument of monetary policy, the manipulation of interest rates has been lost to it. That is two years with the same rate. What has become very obvious is that an official rise in rates would create all kinds of havoc. The same is true for Europe. This past week the ECB held rates steady as well. South Korea raised their rates. As the TV camera panned downtown Seoul we observed a large sign that said buy Korean – so much for free trade."

California Declares Fiscal Emergency
A quote...."Jerry Brown, California’s governor, declared a state of fiscal emergency on Thursday for the government of the most populous US state to press lawmakers to tackle its $25.4 billion budget gap."

Quantitative Easing Is Causing Food Prices to Skyrocket
Chart - A quote...."As I've previously noted, interest rates have risen both times after the Fed implemented quantitative easing. - Graham Summers points out that food prices have also skyrocketed both times:"

Oil 'Could Hit $200 a Barrel' Says Investor Jim Rogers
Video Interview - Alt - A quote...."Jim Rogers: The largest creditor nations in the world are in Asia now: China, Korea, Japan, Hong Kong. This is where the assets are. You know who the debtors are and where they are."

China’s Fires the Warning Shot on US Debt
A quote...."As the dollar wobbles, China is pulling back from U.S. Treasury securities and buying up hard assets around the world. THIS YEAR, FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, China has been investing more overseas in assets like iron, oil and copper than it puts into U.S. government bonds. China in this year's first half spent $31 billion on hard assets, compared with $23 billion on Treasuries and other U.S. government bonds…China’s preference for hard assets over Treasuries, taken by itself, will put upward pressure on U.S. interest rates and make U.S. economic growth somewhat more difficult…"

China's Boom Is Set To Continue While the USA and Europe Collapse Under Debt
A quote...."Société Générale fears China has lost control over its booming economy and risks a bust over the next year. But is this fear justified given the fact that China prints its money without creating debt, placing its economy on a different foundation from the USA and Europe and so facing a very different economic scenario?"

UK trade deficit hits record high
A quote...."Britain's goods trade gap for the month widened to £8.7bn from an upwardly revised £8.6bn in October. This was the biggest deficit since monthly records began in January 1980, confounding City expectations of a narrowing."
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Toxic alarms for Monsanto’s newest food GMO
A quote...."The Indian government is preparing to act on a request by Big Agra giant Monsanto to approve the country’s first genetically modified food crop designed for human consumption, Bt brinjal."

Monsanto’s Roundup Triggers Over 40 Plant Diseases
A quote...."While visiting a seed corn dealer’s demonstration plots in Iowa last fall, Dr. Don Huber walked passed a soybean field and noticed a distinct line separating severely diseased yellowing soybeans on the right from healthy green plants on the left (see photo). The yellow section was suffering from Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS), a serious plant disease that ravaged the Midwest in 2009 and ’10, driving down yields and profits. Something had caused that area of soybeans to be highly susceptible and Don had a good idea what it was."

Thursday January 20th 2011

"[To the possessor of money capital] “the process of production appears merely as an unavoidable intermediate link, as a necessary evil for the sake of money-making. All nations with a capitalist mode of production are therefore seized periodically by a feverish attempt to make money without the intervention of the process of production.”—  *Karl Marx*, Capital, Volume II, “The Circuit of Money Capital”

"The really shocking numbers are in the unused line of credit commitments of banks to U.S. business. This is the canary number I like to look at because it is a direct expression of banking and finance confidence in Main Street industry. It's gone from $92 billion in Dec -2007 to just $24 billion as of Sep-2010. More importantly, the vast majority of this contraction of credit availability to American industry has been by the larger banks, C&I LOC from $87B down to $18.8B by the institutions with assets over $10B. Poof!"