Wednesday March 10th 2010

Welcome To The World’s First Murdochracy
Must Read - Presstitute Alert - A quote...." March 10, 2010 "Information Clearing House" -- -- Adelaide is Australia’s festival city. Its arts festival is currently in swing. Polite debate, aesthetics and high-octane wine are putting the world to rights. With one exception. Adelaide is where Rupert Murdoch began his empire. The voracious trail starts here. No statue stands; his is a spectral presence, controlling the only daily newspaper, even the printing presses. Across Australia, he owns almost 70 per cent of the capital city press and the only national newspaper, and Sky Television, and much else. Welcome to the world’s first murdochracy."

Britain: Murdoch’s News of the World censured for bugging on an “industrial scale”
Related Article - A quote...."A report by the Culture, Media and Sports Select Committee has exposed the contempt that the mass circulation Sunday newspaper, News of the World (NoW), part of Rupert Murdoch’s media giant News International, has for basic democratic rights, parliament and the rule of law. -- Its 167 pages, part of a wider inquiry into press standards, libel law reform, privacy and press regulation, found that the newspaper had lied about the extent to which its journalists had illegally hacked into the phones of the police, the military, royals, government ministers, celebrities and other well-known people in the top echelons of British society—in what was described by one MP as hacking on a “near industrial scale.” -- For more on this issue see....Judeo-Christian C/C & US - The Media

Power Rangers: Policing the System With the "Fightin' Progressives"
Must Read - Ditto - A quote...."Want to see what happens to you if you honestly oppose imperial war? Want to see what happens to you if you honestly oppose a horrendous corporate boondoggle that will effectively kill genuine health care reform for years, if not generations? This is what happens to you: The Liberal Case Against Dennis Kucinich. -- Yes, if you stand up against endless, pointless, profiteering slaughter in foreign lands, if you stand up against an astonishingly brazen, deeply dirty deal cut in the White House itself to enrich some of the most brutal, rapacious corporate sharks ever to feast, quite literally, on the bodies of nation's working people and the poor, then those Fightin' Progressives at Salon.com will come around and slap you with the cold, wet fish of their withering scorn."

Washington Post Omits Fact That Saddam’s Nuke Salesman Was Protected By U.S. Government
Special Note - Ditto -- Article also posted at DProgram -- A quote...."The Washington Post has completely whitewashed new revelations concerning how close Saddam Hussein came to obtaining a nuclear bomb by failing to mention the fact that the provider, Khan Research Laboratories, was shielded from investigation by the U.S. government for decades. -- “As troops massed on his border near the start of the Persian Gulf War, Iraqi President Saddam Hussein weighed the purchase of a $150 million nuclear “package” deal that included not only weapons designs but also production plants and foreign experts to supervise the building of a nuclear bomb...."

US forces hold Afghans back to ‘prove’ town safe for Gates visit
Ditto - A quote...."The National Security writer for the Associated Press saw through the propaganda, but she apparently decided to run with it anyway." - also posted at ICH & Uruknet

For more on this sort of issue see....US Fake Intel / Propaganda
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Premature Withdrawal -- Washington’s Cult of Narcissism and Iraq
Must Read - A quote...."We’ve now been at war with, or in, Iraq for almost 20 years, and intermittently at war in Afghanistan for 30 years.  Think of it as nearly half a century of experience, all bad.  And what is it that Washington seems to have concluded?  In Afghanistan, where one disaster after another has occurred, that we Americans can finally do more of the same, somewhat differently calibrated, and so much better.  In Iraq, where we had, it seemed, decided that enough was enough and we should simply depart, the calls from a familiar crew for us to stay are growing louder by the week." - also posted at Uruknet

Why are We Spending More Than on the Cold War? -- The Pentagon's Runaway Budget
Must Read - A quote....."With his decision to boost defense spending, President Obama is continuing the process of re-inflating the Pentagon that began in late 1998 — fully three years before the 9/11 attacks on America. The FY 2011 budget marks a milestone, however: The inflation-adjusted rise in spending since 1998 will probably exceed 100 percent in real terms by the end of the fiscal year. Taking the new budget into account, the Defense Department has been granted about $7.2 trillion since 1998, when the post-Cold War decline in defense spending ended. - The rise in spending since 1998 is unprecedented over a 48-year period. In real percentage terms, it's as large as the Kennedy-Johnson surge (43 percent) and the Reagan increases (57 percent) combined." - bold by website editor -- also posted at Uruknet

Why Are We Still in Afghanistan? -- Congress voted down a resolution to pull out of Afghanistan today.
Must Read - A quote...."Conventional wisdom" among many Americans - and congress members - is that we need to be in Afghanistan to protect our national security."

US House rejects bid to end Afghanistan stay - Naturally. - mpg
A quote...."The US House of Representatives has rejected an effort by anti-war lawmakers to force a withdrawal of all US troops from Afghanistan by the end of the year. - On Wednesday, Sixty-five lawmakers, most of them Democrats, voted for the pullout resolution, while 356 voted against." - Wow, sixty-five human beings with a conscience, a little courage, and a pulse.  Welcome folks....to the land of the living dead. - mpg

"Obama nears decision to use military tribunals 10 Mar 2010 President Barack Obama appears near a compromise surrender to allow military tribunals to move forward for the alleged September 11 plotters in exchange for a deal to close the Guantanamo Bay detention center prison. Republican Senator Lindsey Lindsey Graham has offered a deal that would allow Obama to fulfill his pledge to close the criticized Guantanamo Bay detention center at a US base in Cuba if the president agrees to use military courts." - Paragraph quoted from CLG

US soldiers kill Iraqi couple in Baghdad
A quote...."US soldiers kill an Iraqi couple for unknown reasons (Because they were making love, not war? - mpg)  to mark the latest of ordeals the US military presence has imposed on Iraqis since the invasion of the country in 2003."

Ahmadinejad calls US bluff on counter-terrorism
A quote...."Iran's president says the US must explain what its troops are doing in Afghanistan, as catching terrorists only requires intelligence work not military deployments." - also posted at WarInIraq & AlethoNews

Civilians Among 17 Killed in Latest US Drone Strikes - Drone Attacked Crowd of Civilians Rescuing Victims of Previous Drone -- A quote...."An unknown number of civilians were slain today in Pakistan’s North Waziristan Agency, when US drones launched a pair of attacks on a site which left at least 17 people killed and several wounded."

Pakistanis who refused airport screening [the "naked" scanner] in D.C. are hailed at home
A quote...."ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — A tour of the United States arranged by the State Department to improve ties to Pakistani legislators ended in a public relations fiasco when the members of the group refused to submit to extra airport screening in Washington, and they are now being hailed as heroes on their return home."

Folly in Somalia - We and the rest of the world ought to leave the Somalis to their own devices
A quote...."Reports that the United States is providing military assistance to the so-called government of Somalia to help it conquer uncontrolled parts of the capital, Mogadishu, reveal continued folly in U.S. policy toward that tormented country."

Vladmir Putin forging ahead with vision of Eurasian empire - [HEY! How about we call it a "federation"?]
Must Read - Geo-Political Analysis -- Some quotes....."The latest evidence emerged in a suggestion by Igor Shuvalov, First Deputy Prime Minister in Mr Putin’s Government, that Russia may abolish the rouble and create a common currency with Kazakhstan and Belarus." -- "Were Ukraine to sign up, there would be a common economic space encompassing the “Big Four” republics of the Soviet era, with a combined population of 213 million and stretching from the European Union to China. Its political, military and economic centre would be in Moscow, where Mr Putin is expected to reclaim the presidency in 2012 for up to 12 more years. - A common currency would give him an economic lever to challenge the US dollar and the euro by creating a regional reserve currency. Finance Minister Aleksei Kudrin stated last month that Russia, as the world’s largest energy supplier, may soon sell oil in roubles. - A restored union also offers Russia a chance to “bulk up” as it fights for survival between the EU and Chinese giants. Its industry is outdated in comparison to Europe and out-priced in labour costs by China, so a future beckons as supplier of energy and raw materials to both economies. Mr Putin has no interest in competing on price in these markets with Kazakhstan or Ukraine. " - bold by website editor - For more on this issue see....Currency Spheres - 10-29-09 - mpg

Russian PM Vladimir Putin due in India for talks
A quote...."Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is due in India for talks expected to focus on arms and energy contracts." - also posted at WarInIraq

ROAR: Militants in North Caucasus lose another “ideologue”
A quote...."Militants have confirmed the identity of Said Buryatsky, a gang leader killed during a special operation in the Russian Republic of Ingushetia on March 2."

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych forms coalition
A quote...."Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has secured a coalition in parliament, meaning a new government and prime minister could be in place soon."

Ukraine appoints new PM and government
A quote...."Ukraine’s parliament has backed the president’s recommendation and approved ex-finance minister Nikolay Azarov as the country’s new Prime Minister. A new government has also been appointed."

Neo-Nazi Tendencies in the Baltic States: Latvian Ruling Party to Appeal Against Ban on Waffen SS March
A quote...."Riga -- Latvia's ruling New Era party said on Sunday it would appeal against a decision by the Latvian capital's legislature to ban a demonstration by Waffen SS veterans and their supporters on March 16. -- The decision to ban the Waffen SS veterans demonstration was made by the Riga Duma on Friday."

[Georgia's] Saakashvili [pronounced "sack-of-sh-t"] pays US firms to lobby for him in Washington
A quote..."Tbilisi has signed a contract with an influential US lobbying firm, the Podesta Group. Thanks to its efforts, President Saakashvili will reportedly pay his first visit to the US since Barack Obama’s election."

US pushing Saudis to back new Iran sanctions
A quote...."US Defense Secretary Robert Gates has paid a visit to Saudi Arabia, seeking to win the support of the United States' closest ally in the Persian Gulf on tough sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program." -- For more on the Saudi Royal's intentions regarding this issue see....The Kingdom of Leprosy - 10-07-08 - mpg & The True Axis of Evil - 10-10-08 - mpg

Fidel Castro TV series charts 638 assassination attempts
A quote...."Illness has forced him from public view but Fidel Castro is back in Cuban living rooms via a lavish television series that celebrates his escape from 638 assassination plots."
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9/11 Truthers [and anybody else] Locked Up For Life Under New US Law - Alt - (RTYuTb 4m46s 03/09/10)
RT-Video - Must View - posted at DProgram -- A quote...."(RussiaToday) – A new bill QUIETLY INTRODUCED by congress last week is causing quite a stir among civil liberties groups. The brainchild of senators John McCain and Joe Lieberman, the bill would give the United States government the power to indefinitely detain terror suspects without charge or trial. It would also allow the government to interrogate them for the intelligence value and it doesnt make a distinction between US citizens and non-citizens."

S.3081: Enemy Belligerent, Interrogation, Detention, and Prosecution Act of 2010 – U.S. Congress – OpenCongress
A quote...."The “Enemy Belligerent, Interrogation, Detention, and Prosecution Act of 2010,” introduced by Senators John McCain and Joseph Lieberman on Thursday with little fanfare, “sets out a comprehensive policy for the detention, interrogation and trial of suspected  enemy belligerents who are believed to have engaged in hostilities against the United States by requiring these individuals to be held in military custody, interrogated  for their intelligence value and not provided with a Miranda warning,”

"Enemy Belligerent Interrogation, Detention, and Prosecution Act of 2010 - PDF (A Bill) To provide for the interrogation and detention of enemy belligerents who commit hostile acts against the United States, to establish certain limitations on the prosecution of such belligerents for such acts, and for other purposes. SEC. 2. PLACEMENT OF SUSPECTED UNPRIVILEGED ENEMY BELLIGERENTS IN MILITARY CUSTODY. 3 (a) MILITARY CUSTODY REQUIREMENT. Whenever within the United States, its territories, and possessions, or outside the territorial limits of the United States, an individual is captured or otherwise comes into the custody or under the effective control of the United States who is suspected of engaging in hostilities against the United States or its coalition partners through an act of terrorism, or by other means in violation of the laws of war, or of purposely and materially supporting such hostilities, and who may be an unprivileged enemy belligerent, the individual shall be placed in military custody for purposes of initial interrogation and determination of status in accordance with the provisions of this Act. SEC. 3. INTERROGATION AND DETERMINATION OF STATUS OF SUSPECTED UNPRIVILEGED ENEMY BELLIGERENTS. (a) ESTABLISHMENT OF INTERROGATION GROUPS. (1) INTERROGATIONS TO BE CONDUCTED BY HIGH-VALUE DETAINEE INTERROGATION GROUP...  CLG Facebook group: Unprivileged Enemy Belligerents --Join us!  --  Main CLG Fansite: Citizens for Legitimate Government --Join us here, too!" -- Paragraph quoted from CLG

Another state to feds: Take your gun regs and stuff 'em - link posted at DProgram
A quote...."Utah has become the third state to adopt a law  exempting guns and ammunition made, sold and used in the state from massive federal regulations under the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and supporters say about 30 more states have some sort of plan for their own exemptions in the works."

To become a member of the ACLU - click here
To become a member of the NRA - click here
(you should do both, we're ALL running out of time) - mpg
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Press Release: Cynthia McKinney supports call for a new 9/11 investigation - posted at DProgram
A quote...."(Reinvestigate911) – Speaking at meeting in the House of Commons and later in a packed public meeting called by Reinvestigate 911, on Monday Cynthia McKinney endorsed the call for a genuinely independent investigation into the 9/11 attacks. The issue has become live again since President Obama cited 9/11 as the reason for escalating the war in Afghanistan and extending it into Pakistan, she said."

Dr. David Ray Griffin on 911: "We're Really in the Level of Proof Now - not conjecture"
A quote...."Media character assassinations of the messengers bringing 911 truth contradicting the fairytale that was force-fed to the public by their feckless "representatives" follow a usual pattern. But times are a'changin'. -- The geometric growth in public awareness regarding the facts of 911 truth has brought with it newly invigorated and stronger demands for answers from government and misleading media who continue propagandistic pollution of our public airwaves. Who would expect that the profit mode would help enlighten our typically purblind corporate fountains of koolaid propaganda as they face a stark reality: that if they continue to pretend that overwhelming evidence of fraud and crime doesn't exist- they will continue to lose viewers - and lost viewers means lost advertising dollars. That's how America really works - and there is no escaping that fact!"

For more on the two articles shown above see....Reficultnias's 9/11 Central

New FBI Files Alleging AIPAC Theft of Government Property and Israeli Espionage Released
A quote...."WASHINGTON, March 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Declassified files detailing an FBI investigation targeting the American Israel Public Affairs Committee are now available on the Internet.  AIPAC was investigated after it acquired and circulated classified government information provided in strict confidence by US industry and worker groups opposed to AIPAC sponsored economic legislation."

The Last Stand for Obamacare’s PR Campaign
Must Read - More on Obama's "get sick and die plan" -- A quote...."It’s a remarkably well orchestrated effort going on right now to pass what is laughingly refered to as “healthcare reform” (read as “insurance industry bailout and Longevity Assurance Program”)." -- For more on this issue see....Double Indemnity - 12-21-09 - mpg

Obama Approval Rating Hits New Record Low
Related Article - A quote...."The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Wednesday shows that 22% of the nation’s voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as President. Forty-three percent (43%) Strongly Disapprove giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -21. That matches the lowest Approval Index rating yet recorded for this President (see trends)."

[British] Parents Angry Over CCTV In School Toilets
No doubt coming to a school near you. - mpg -- A quote...."Outraged parents have hit out at a school in Birmingham after pupils discovered CCTV cameras in the school's toilets. Skip related content." - also posted at BLN

California state senator who opposed gay rights announces he is homosexual
He's a "Republican", need one say more, (airport bathrooms, congressional pages, Karl Rove, Jeff Gannon, you know....the whole sorry mess) by the way folks, there's no such thing as "gay". - mpg - A quote...."Roy Ashburn, a California state senator who has staunchly opposed gay rights has announced that he is homosexual."
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More On The Palestinian Situation....

ISRAEL'S NEW ATTACK PLAN
Special Note - A quote...."Get the cheque book out America, Israel wants a facelift, this is gonna cost you. -- More broadly,we need to think about what the right messaging for an anti-BDS campaign could be “Let Israel Live,” for example, may make Israel sound pathetic and may sound too 1940s “ kind of begging the world’s permission for Jewish survival.” But, given the culture of crisis in the Jewish world, that is the kind of slogan that just might work. We invite other suggestions. -- The BDS campaign is causing Israel great problems worldwide. They have been working on their new and improved "hasbara" game plan to hide the truth, cover it up, and shut down the BDS campaign over time. Upon reading this insanity, it occurred to me what the cost of such an endeavour would be to Israel financially. When you read the "new battle plans" below, think to yourself the money that would be involved in ALL of this new "hasbara campaign worldwide" if they were to actually implement this new "War Room" worldwide. I hope Americans are willing to increase that annual 3 billion to Israel, because if you think Israel will foot the bill, think again."

European Parliament endorses Goldstone Gaza report
Egads!!  It's alive, it's moving and wait, can you believe it!  It even has a back bone....Hip Hip Hooray! - mpg -- A quote...." The European Parliament on Wednesday urged its 27-member states to monitor the Israeli and Palestinian probes into alleged war crimes committed during last year's late-winter conflict in Gaza."

In Gaza, UN teams destroy unexploded ordnance [that contained] white phosphorus
A quote...."10 March 2010 – Special United Nations bomb disposal units today successfully destroyed two unexploded ordnance (UXO) containing white phosphorus in the Gaza Strip, the first of a series of planned activities to be conducted in the region over the coming months." - also posted at Uruknet

Poll: Half of Israeli high schoolers oppose equal rights for Arabs
A quote...."Nearly half of Israel's high school students do not believe that Israeli-Arabs are entitled to the same rights as Jews in Israel, according to the results of a new survey released yesterday. The same poll revealed that more than half the students would deny Arabs the right to be elected to the Knesset."

Corrie family finally puts Israel in dock over daughter's death
A quote...."HAIFA // Seven years after Rachel Corrie, a US peace activist, was killed by an Israeli army bulldozer in Gaza, her family is to put the Israeli government in the dock today." -- also posted at ICH & GlobalRsrch

Peace activist's parents sue Israel - (YouTube - 2 min 52 sec - March 10, 2010)
Video - A quote...."The court trial for Rachel Corrie, the American peace activist killed aged 23 by an Israeli army bulldozer in Gaza in 2003, has begun in Haifa. - Corrie was peacefully protesting Israel's demolition of Palestian homes when the bulldozer crushed her to death. - The parents of Corrie are now suing the government of Israel on charges that she was denied "basic human rights" and of "gross negligence".

"Anything you want, we can bring to the Gaza Strip"
Interview - A quote...."The siege on Gaza is tightening as the Egyptian government continues construction of an underground steel wall at the Rafah border with Gaza to block the tunnel trade. The tunnels, which journalist Robert Fisk has described as "the lung through which Gaza breathes," are the only means in which most basic goods like food and medicine reach the besieged population in Gaza. Jody McIntyre spoke with Abu Hanin, a Palestinian laborer from Gaza who works in one of the tunnels at the border with Egypt."

Hamas to release British journalist in Gaza
A quote...."Gaza, March 11, 2010 (Pal Telegraph) - A British journalist arrested by Hamas in the Gaza Strip last month and held for nearly four weeks on suspicion of spying for Israel, was being released on Thursday, his lawyer and Palestinian officials said."
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As Budget Deficit Hits Record High, Interest On US Public Debt Hits Record Low
Charts - (click to enlarge) -- A quote...."What is wrong with this picture: the MTS just announced that the February budget deficit was $220.9 billion, after receipts of just $107.5 billion with vastly surpassed by outlays of $328.4 billion. This is a record. Yet the interest on the public debt was a mere $16.9 billion (page 13 of the MTS report). The reason for this is because as TreasuryDirect  points out, in February the interest on public marketable debt (actual cash outlays), which as of Monday stood at $8.061 trillion, hit an all time low of 2.548%. How is it possible that unprecedented debt accumulation can result in ever declining interest rates, and Treasury auctions, such as today's 10 Year reopening, in which the Bid To Cover hit an all time high? One answer: The Federal Reserve...."

U.S. Taxpayers on Hook for $5 Trillion of Fannie, Freddie Debt ... No Matter What Barney Frank Says
A quote...."House Financial Services Chairman Barney Frank caused a bit of an uproar Friday when he suggested the U.S. government does not guarantee the debts of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. -- Rep. Frank later recanted and backed a Treasury Department statement reassuring investors that, yes, Fannie and Freddie Mae debt is guaranteed by the U.S. government. "Going forward," he said in a statement, we "will make sure that there are no implicit guarantees, hints, suggestions, or winks and nods...we will be explicit about what is and is not an obligation of the federal government." -- also posted at BLN

Treasury Plans to Take Social Security from Elderly for Unpaid Loans
Why the "American" voters choose to keep consistently voting AGAINST their better interests and keep putting these criminals into office time after time is simply a mystery.  Next time folks, don't vote for a Demo/Repub. - mpg -- A quote...."A little–noticed law could soon result in smaller Social Security checks for hundreds of thousands of the elderly and disabled who owe the U.S. money from defaulted loans and other debts more than a decade old. -- Social Security benefits are off–limits to creditors, such as credit–card companies and banks [FOR NOW!  But what about Obama's "get sick and die plan"? Hmmmmmm. The "fees" that people will be forced to pay?]. But the U.S. can collect debts to federal agencies by “offsetting,” or withholding Social Security and disability payment."

Another Record: Treasury-Mortgage Spread Just Took Out 60 bps Support
Chart - A quote...."The 10 Year Treasury To Mortgage spread just broke the 60 bps barrier, and is now trading at a record tight 59.61 bps, after dropping as low as 58 bps earlier. Is the Fed now launching a short squeeze in MBS as well? Pretty soon Mortgages will be trading at negative rates, when the Fed realizes that the only way to get house prices higher is to pay Americans to take out a mortgage." [besides the $8,000 home owners credit]

PIMCO's El-Erian On The Inability To Grasp The Seismic Changes Currently Occurring In The Developed World
A quote...."We have now reached a point when a Senator has to write a well-intentioned letter to the very administration he serves, (whose sworn duty is to preserve the wealth of all of its constituents, not just Goldman Sachs), with a cautionary tale that continued lying to the general population combined with a culture of opacity and persistent fraud, will lead to a disastrous effect to the economy and to the very fabric of American society. Alas, in a society in which those being lied to extract a satisfaction as great, if not greater, from this process, than those doing the actual lying, this is not too surprising. Sticking our collective heads in the sand has traditionally worked miracles for resolving the bulk of this nation's problems. And with the public sector now demonstrating a preferential treatment for the financial space, at the expense of 99% of the remaining population, it has become obvious US citizens can no longer rely on the US government for procuring the truth."

UK banks see surge in bad debts
A quote...."The level of debts written off because defaulting borrowers will never repay them shot up in 2009, Bank of England figures have shown."

Europe bars Wall Street banks from government bond sales
Special Note - A quote...."European countries are blocking Wall Street banks from lucrative deals to sell government debt worth hundreds of billions of euros in retaliation for their role in the credit crunch. -- For the first time in five years, no big US investment bank appears among the top nine sovereign bond bookrunners in Europe, according to Dealogic data compiled for the Guardian. Only Morgan Stanley ranks at number 10."

Number of Chinese billionaires 'second only to US'
A quote...."China now has more billionaires than any other country besides the United States, according to Forbes magazine."

Tuesday March 9th 2010

Breaking Iraq: Who Benefits? - An Interview With Dr. Dahlia Was - Alt - (YuTb - 9m57s - Jan 10, 2010)
Must View Video - A quote...." Who benefits from invading and occupying Iraq? Are Americans defending U.S. national security, or the security of our colonial outpost in the Arab World? This interview discusses the neoconservative Zionist cabal of the Bush administration who beat the drums for our illegal invasion and occupation of Iraq. Thanks to snowshoefilms for conducting the original interview and videography. "

Birgitta Jónsdóttir’s Patriotic Fight to Save The People of Iceland
Must View Videos - BJ(1/4) - BJ(2/4) - BJ(3/4) - BJ(4/4) - - Hip Hip Hooray for Iceland and its people! - Resistance is NOT futile! - mpg -- A quote...."Birgitta Jónsdóttir, member of the Icelandic Parliament and a sponsor of the Icelandic Modern Media Initiative, a proposal to create a global safe haven for investigative journalism in Iceland."

Greece's Austerity Plan: Devastating Social Consequences
Related Article - A quote...."The Greek government has announced the implementation of an austerity plan which has the blessing of both the EU and the IMF. But in the view of CADTM, the measures it contains are wholly unacceptable. What the Greek government presents as a solution to the crisis is no more than the hijacking of the Greek people, who are being made to shoulder the cost of the irresponsible acts of the financial players who aggravated this crisis."

Collapse of the American Empire: swift, silent, certain
A quote...."'The Consummation of Empire' focuses us on Ferguson's core message: At the very peak of their power, affluence and glory, leaders arise, run amok with imperial visions and sabotage themselves, their people and their nation. They have it all." - also posted at DProgram

Our Dirty Little Secret: Who’s Really Poor in America?
A quote...."(AlterNet) – The problem today for most isn’t this recession, it’s that except for the top 10 percent, average household income hasn’t changed a bit for 10 to 20 years."

Eyre: US, UK, NATO and Israeli weapons cause genocide
A quote...."UK, March 9, 2010 (Pal Telegraph) - I feel intensely sick deep inside to receive regular stories or reports on the terrible aftermath of deaths and gross deformities as a result of weapons containing not only uranium components but also other carcinogenic components."

Ex-MI5 chief says US 'concealed suspect mistreatment'
A quote...."The former head of MI5 has claimed US intelligence agencies "concealed" their mistreatment of terror suspects."

Ahmadinejad in Kabul, sees US-led force root of turmoil
A quote...."Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has left Tehran for Kabul leading a high-ranking delegation on his first official visit to Afghanistan since the re-election of Hamid Karzai as president."

Obama’s Potemkin Afghanistan
A quote...."Yes, we own it – but what is it, exactly, that we own? -- Marjah, by all accounts appearing in the US media, is supposed to have been a city, or at least a major town. Described as containing some 80,000 inhabitants – and a bustling center of insurgent activity, a Taliban stronghold that had to be taken – Marjah was depicted as a rather large target, and our glorious "victory" was therefore portrayed as a major triumph. The only problem with this narrative is that it bears no relation to reality."

Iran's navy successfully test-fires Nour missile
A quote...."The Islamic Republic, embroiled in an escalating row with the West over its nuclear programme, often announces advances in its military capabilities and stages missile tests in an apparent bid to show its readiness to counterattack. -- Neither Israel nor the United States have ruled out military action if diplomacy fails to resolve the dispute over atomic work the West fears is aimed at making bombs but which Tehran says is for peaceful power generation."

9/11 Suspects Should Face Civilian Court, UN Envoys Say
A quote...."United Nations human rights investigators called on the Obama administration on Tuesday to prosecute the accused September 11 masterminds in a civilian court, declaring that U.S. military tribunals would not be fair." -- For more on this issue see....9/11-Iraq-Torture Fables

Fujita's Defenders hit back hard at The Washington Post!
A quote..."For the intelligentsia of the world it is very refreshing to see a politician, any politician, especially one from a highly advanced country like Japan, finally display the intestinal fortitude to come out and speak frankly and honestly against the official story of 9/11, which is so obviously a blatant lie propagated by a bunch of pathological miscreants with the unswerving support of the almost unanimously compliant (and consequently complicit) US media." -- For more on this issue see.....Reficultnias's 9/11 Central

Japanese city rejects hosting US base
A quote...."Relocation of US troops from Futenma Marine airfield in Okinawa’s Ginowan to the smaller town of Nago faces opposition by the Nago assembly. -- The assembly on Monday unanimously adopted a resolution of protest against the ruling coalition’s People’s New Party (PNP). -- The PNP plans to present an alternative to a 2006 US-Japan deal to relocate Futenma from the crowded city of Ginowan on Okinawa to the coastal area of Nago." - From PressTV, also posted at WarInIraq

The liberals’ lament: What’s wrong with Obama? - Absolutely everything! - mpg
A quote...."The underlying premise of this opinionating is that Obama heads a progressive administration that suffers from a “communication problem” and is somehow unable to explain the benefits of its policies to the American public. -- Obama does not, however, suffer from a failure to communicate. He heads a right-wing, big business administration whose policies and performance are rapidly dispelling the popular illusions that accompanied his runaway election victory only 16 months ago."

Grassroots Activists Call for ‘National Strike’ by Americans Set for April 15-18
Action Alert - Special Note - A quote...."Karen Quinn-Tostado of Oregon says she is just an everyday lady, but she is playing a significant role in an uncommon effort to get the American people to “face their oppressors,” as she put it. Ms. Quinn-Tostado is calling on every willing American to detach from their routine and engage in a national strike from the increasingly oppressive big business-big government matrix that has snared Americans in unpayable debt, endless toil, demolished rights and broken dreams with no apparent solution."

Kill Bill: Death to Obamacare!
Special Note - More on Obama's non-care plan -- A quote...."(ThisCantBeHappening) – When Obama came to my neighborhood yesterday to press for public support for his health “reform” bill, he wasn’t just greeted by teaparty hecklers. Speaking to a large group of mostly supportive students and local residents at Arcadia University in Glenside, the president at one point went into his stock mode of knocking critics on both left and right, mentioning that “people on the left” want “single-payer.” But before he could add that that approach wasn’t workable, he found himself drowned out by cheers calling for Medicare for all and single-payer." -- also posted at DProgram

Poverty in Venezuela fell from 70% in 1996 to 23% in 2009
And it'll increase rapidly if Chavez doesn't cool it with that socialism thing of his.  Sure national treasues like oil and gas, land redistribution, grid systems like power, roads and canals, national risk systems like pensions and health insurance and  a well policed, well regulated securities market is all very well and good.  That's it though, anything else and he's asking for a lot of trouble. - mpg -- A quote...."Caracas, Mar 04. ABN.- Thanks to the policies of the Bolivarian Government poverty in Venezuela fell to 23% in 2009 from 70.3% in the second half of 1996 accompanied by 40% of extreme poverty and a record inflation rate of 103%." - Hopefully their figures aren't as bogus as the ones in this country. - mpg

Dubai issues 16 more int'l warrants for Hamas murder suspects
A quote...."ABU DHABI, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Dubai's public prosecutor has issued international arrest warrants for 16 more suspects involved in the killing of a top Hamas official in January, raising the total number of people on its wanted list to 27, the state news agency WAM reported Tuesday."
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More On The Palestinian Situation....

#Gaza1000: 1000 Days of The Israeli Siege on Gaza [+European Commission Report]
A quote...."Today, Gaza completes the day No. 1000 of the Israeli siege and the disaster is eating the land and the citizens of Gaza. All of that was because they didn’t want to leave their lands, they didn’t give up to the settlers who wants to occupy their land, they said loudly, NO for Israel and no for the occupation!" -- also posted at Uruknet

Netanyahu has never been a peacemaker
A quote...."The maxim "actions speak louder than words" may be a cliche but it is surely an accurate one when writing about Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's sincerity in reaching a peace deal with the Palestinians. Since his Bar Ilan speech last June, Netanyahu has been boasting of his "outstretched hand", his genuine intentions to make peace with his neighbors and his stoic patience in waiting for a Palestinian partner to finally grab this incredible opportunity."

Palestinian Revolutionaries on International Women's Day
A quote...."The Palestinian people's oppression continues primarily due to the financial, diplomatic and military support that the Zionist state receives from the USA, and secondly the acquiescence of pro-Western states in the region. After the fall of the Zionists state’s long lost brother – the Apartheid state of South Africa – the Palestinian struggle remains perhaps the leading and most potent anti-imperialist struggle in the world. Unsurprisingly therefore Palestinian women are a central example of what role women can play in the struggle to free themselves, their families, communities and their nation against imperialism and Zionism."
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6 Theories On Why the Stock Market Has Rallied
Special Note - A quote...."There are at least 6 theories about why the stock market has rallied some 70% off its lows a year ago, even though nothing has been done to actually address the root causes of the financial crisis."

Discouraging Undertone in Non-Farm Payrolls
A quote...."A Washington post article yesterday calls attention to the unemployment situation, the several extensions of unemployment insurance by Congress, and the associated cost to the US government ($10 billion per month, according to the article). Those who have exhausted their 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits are eligible to receive special emergency benefits under the Emergency Unemployment Compensation 2008 program passed by Congress in mid-2008. As we explain in a previous post, the program has been expanded and extended several times."

Just how low does sterling have to go to boost exports?
A quote...."So much for hopes of an export led recovery. You might have thought that by now the 25 per cent devaluation in sterling seen since the beginning of the crisis would have shown up in a narrowing trade gap, but no, there is still no sign of it whatsoever." -- also posted at AlethoNews

China's exports rebound continues in Feb, up 45.7%
Related Article -- A quote...."BEIJING, March 10 (Xinhua) -- China's exports grew for the third straight month in February, up 45.7 percent year on year to 94.52 billion U.S. dollars, which indicated a rebound in global demand, the General Administration of Customs announced Wednesday."

Monday March 8th 2010

"The overwhelming majority - 75% - of all Americans consider themselves to be Christian. It is irrelevant for this discussion ... whether or not those 75% are all living up to their values, whether every word of the Bible is true, whether Christianity is a detrimental force undermining democracy and reason, or whether all organized religion is a con...What is important is that most Americans are Christian, and so [I invite you to become at least a little bit "bilingual" and to] speak in language meaningful to Christians."

"Parliament resolves to task the government with finding ways to strengthen freedoms of expression and information freedom in Iceland, as well as providing strong protections for sources and whistleblowers. - In this work, the international team of experts that assisted in the creation of this proposal should be utilized."

Sunday March 7th 2010

No posts. - mpg

Saturday March 6th 2010

Our world balances on a sea of debt
Must Read - The article neatly sums up, while providing a tidy little paradigm, of just how the Banksters have ruined us all. - mpg -- A quote...."The banks that control the world’s supply of money are no better than counterfeiters – and their system of juggling debt has left the global economy teetering on the brink of ruin. Convicted fraudster Darius Guppy offers a provocative personal view " - also posted at ICH - For more on this issue see also....The Virtual Economy - 05-01-09 - mpg

Does the Financial System need New Guard Rails?
Special Note - Quote of the Day...." But it's clear from Fannie Mae's recent losses, that the banks have already figured out how to shed their toxic assets without arousing undo public interest. Most people are unaware that the Bush administration dumped hundreds of billions of dollars of mortgage-backed sewage into the GSE's (Fannie and Freddie) right after the subprime meltdown. As soon as the secondary market froze-over, banks realized that their vaults were filled with worthless paper they needed to get rid of pronto. Fannie turned out to be the perfect solution, a vast and shadowy public landfill where all manner of toxic sludge could put to rest. Here's a clip from Rortybomb which explains how it all worked:" - bold by website editor

Wall Street Took Your House and Your Retirement, Now They're After Your Social Security
Special Note - Related Article - A quote...."In addition to mandatory private health insurance premiums, we may soon be hit with a "mandatory savings" tax and other belt-tightening measures urged by the president's new budget task force. These radical austerity measures are not only unnecessary, but will actually make matters worse. The push for "fiscal responsibility" is based on bad economics."

"It is Not Because Things are Difficult that We Do Not Dare; It Is Because We Do Not Dare that They are Difficult.” -- Must Read - A quote...."So many people seem to have given up any hope of taking back our power. So I am re-posting two essays I wrote a couple of years ago to help re-light the fire ..."

Kucinich Forces Congress to Debate Afghanistan
A quote...."March 06, 2010 "Information Clearing House" --  On Thursday Ohio Representative Dennis Kucinich introduced H. Con Res. 248, a privileged resolution with 16 original cosponsors that will require the House of Representatives to debate whether to continue the war in Afghanistan. Debate on the resolution is expected early next week."

Judge won't dismiss suit naming Rumsfeld
Yes, but the Supremes will --  Still, it's nice to see someone in the Federal Judiciary take a stand for the constitution every once and awhile.  It gives one a sense of hope, however fleeting, ill treated and ill used that word has become in this country. - mpg -- A quote...."A federal judge refused Friday to dismiss a civil lawsuit accusing former Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld of responsibility for the alleged torture by US forces of two Americans who worked for an Iraqi contracting firm."

Washington at Its Worst: Stop the Gitmo Sell-Out
It's NOT a sell-out, it's a COVER-UP.  For more on this issue see....9/11-Iraq-Torture Fables -- A quote....
"Yesterday, the Washington Post reported that President Obama's advisers are "nearing a recommendation" that the administration overrule Attorney General Holder's plan for a criminal trial for Khalid Sheik Mohammed and other Guantanamo Bay detainees and revert to Bush/Cheney military commissions. Negotiations have reportedly been underway between Rahm Emanuel and Senator Lindsey Graham, with Graham allegedly promising to help the administration curry favor with Senate Republicans in his bid to close Guantanamo Bay if the president abandons his Attorney General and his pledge to defend the rule of law."

Mike Rivero on Alex Jones Tv – Mainstream Media is Losing All Credibility on Every Issue
Must View Videos - M/Rivero(1/4) - M/Rivero(2/4) - M/Rivero(3/4) - M/Rivero(4/4) -- A quote...."(March 3, 2010) – Alex also talks with Mike Rivero, webmaster of the popular alternative news portal WRH and GCN talk show host. Mike makes his monthly appearance on the Alex Jones Show to discuss the economy and the plans of the Nwo."

Shias targeted in Pakistan blast
The CIA's al-CIA-duh is doing their level best to do to Pakistan what they've already done to Iraq. The US-NRE's associated lackeys are the sewage slime that vilely oozes from the cesspits of hell covering the whole world. If the Taliban don't denounce this sort of activity, than everybody will know where they stand....with the slime  Everyone in the Middle East should have realized by now the Saudi Royal's CIA encouraged billions just simply aren't worth it, if you take their money, you sell your soul, your people, and your country, right down the drain.  - mpg -- A quote...."At least twelve people have been killed in northwest Pakistan as a suicide bomber attacked a convoy of Shia Muslims guarded by security forces, police have said.

Natural law brings AfPak crashing
Must Read - Geo-Political Analysis - A quote...."Be it a baseball struck in a neighborhood sandlot game or in high-wire diplomacy, an elementary principle of physics holds good - what goes up must come down. In a way, the sheer dynamics of the nosedive of the United States' AfPak diplomacy in the four weeks since the London conference on Afghanistan on January 28 can be attributed to gravitational pulls. -- Earth's gravity does not permit animated suspension, and US's AfPak special representative Richard Holbrooke has found it difficult to keep up the entente cordiale worked out in the British capital. United States President Barack Obama may need to act faster than he would have thought."

SAS in Afghanistan suffers worst losses for 60 years
A quote...."BRITAIN’S special forces have suffered the worst blow to their fighting strength since the second world war, with 80 members killed or crippled in Afghanistan. -- Serious injuries have left more than 70 unable to fight, while 12 have been killed. It means the forces have lost about a sixth of their full combat capacity." - also posted at Uruknet

IRAQ: Secular Candidates Have Their Best Chance
A quote...."WASHINGTON, Mar 6, 2010 (IPS) - As Iraqis go to the polls on Sunday, a key question in the minds of many in Iraq and Washington is whether secular candidates can continue their recent rise and possibly come out as winners."

Iraqi JAC Not Publishing Reasons for Election Disqualifications
Almost all of the candidates excluded are Sunnis - mpg -- A quote...."Baghdad, Asharq Al-Awsat - The head of the Iraqi Justice and Accountability Commission, Ahmad Chalabi, said that a UN representative requested that the reasons for disqualifying hundreds of candidates from the Iraqi parliamentary elections remain unpublished until after the elections. - Chalabi also revealed that two new lists have been issued by the Commission containing the names of officers from the Ministries of Defense and Interior." -- also posted at Uruknet

Mahdi army returns to Baghdad -- Minority Sunnis fearful of Shiite group ahead of elections
A quote...."Many Iraqis in areas where anti-U.S. cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's Mahdi Army once held sway say young men who had worn the militia's signature black shirts have returned ahead of Sunday's parliamentary elections, albeit in smaller numbers and a low profile."

"Sadr urges Iraqi voters to pave way for US pull-out 06 Mar 2010 Iraq's senior Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr urges the Iraqi electorate to help end the US-led occupation of the country by participating in the parliamentary polls. Speaking at a Saturday press conference in the Iranian capital, Tehran, al-Sadr drew a parallel between participation in the Sunday vote and resistance against the invaders... The senior Iraqi cleric called on the Iraqis to opt for the candidates who would best serve the nation and work for Iraq's liberation. [Yes, and first on the agenda: Kick Blackwater out on its ass and void any oil contracts with all US/UK corporaterrorists.] " -- Paragraph quoted from CLG

Iraqis begin voting amid multiple blasts
A quote...."Iraqis have started casting their votes in parliamentary elections as several mortar blasts and bombs have struck the capital Baghdad since polling stations opened early Sunday morning."

US fails in its attempt to orchestrate anti-Iran consensus - Did somebody just suggest a "false flag" event? - mpg
A quote...." Tehran, March 6, IRNA -- Chairman of Majlis Commission on National Security and Foreign Policy Alaeddin Boroujerdi said on Saturday that the Chinese and Russian objection to a new series of sanctions on Iran indicates the US failure to orchestrate an anti-Iran consensus."

Iran launches new Nasr cruise missile
A quote...."Iran's Defense Ministry has introduced a new domestically-manufactured cruise missile that will significantly improve the deterrence capabilities of the Iranian military forces."

New Iran rocket launch site shows N. Korea links: Jane's
A quote...."LONDON — Iran is building a new rocket launch site a short distance from an existing complex and seems to be working with North Korea, information group IHS Jane's said Friday. - Construction visible from satellite imagery of the new site, near the city of Semnan east of Tehran, suggests that Iran has been collaborating with Pyongyang, said the London-based defence intelligence group." -- also posted at Google

Gang leader killed in N.Caucasus involved in 2009 train blast - FSB
A quote...."Said Buryatsky, a notorious gang leader in Russia's North Caucasus, killed in a special operation on Tuesday, was involved in the derailment of a Moscow-St. Petersburg train in November 2009, the head of the Federal Security Service said on Saturday." - also posted at WarInIraq

Viktor Yanukovych gives Russia a chance to keep Black Sea Fleet in Crimea
A quote...."Ukraine’s new pro-Russian President offered the Kremlin a chance to retain a base for its Black Sea Fleet on his first visit to Moscow yesterday."

Russia May Scrap Ruble for New Customs Union Currency (Update3) - Good for them. - mpg
A quote...." March 5 (Bloomberg) -- Russia may scrap the ruble and introduce a common currency with Belarus and Kazakhstan as the nations broaden their alliance and seek to reduce their dependence on the dollar, a first deputy prime minister said."

Russia-China oil pipeline to be ready by yearend - minister - Ditto. - mpg
A quote...."The construction of the Russia-China oil pipeline will be finished by the end of this year, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said on Sunday. -- The project is part of the East Siberia - Pacific oil pipeline, which was launched into operation in December 2009 and is designed to pump up to 1.6 million barrels (220,000 tons) of crude per day from Siberia to Russia's Far East and then on to China and the Asia-Pacific region."

China Snubs Israeli Calls for Iran Sanctions - Double ditto. - mpg
A quote...."The prime minister of contract murder, Binyamin Netanyahu, was not long permitted to rejoice over the agreement to sanction Iran which he had wrested from the Russian leadership. A few days later, China made it clear that it would in no case help to carry out such sanctions. Consequently, Netanyahu believed it necessary to pay a visit to the Chinese leadership, in order to bring them on course through an Israeli word of command."

China ready to end dollar peg - Which is sort'a what they've been doing for the last ten years.....so what's new?
A quote...."The head of China’s central bank has given the strongest signal yet that the country will move away from pegging its currency to the dollar, but he said any changes would be gradual." - bold by website editor

Iceland Rejects Icesave Bill in Referendum, Early Results Show -- Hip Hip Hooray!! - mpg
A quote...."Icelanders overwhelmingly rejected a bill that would saddle each citizen with $16,400 of debt in protest at U.K. and Dutch demands that they cover losses triggered by the failure of a private bank, first results show." - From Bloomberg

Cover-up exposed in post-Katrina police killings
A quote...."A New Orleans police supervisor pled guilty February 24 in a federal court to charges of conspiracy to cover up the police shooting of six unarmed people a few days after Hurricane Katrina struck the city. Two of the victims, Ronald Madison, a 40-year-old mentally disabled man, and James Brissette, 19, were killed, while the other four were seriously wounded, one losing part of her arm."
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More On The Palestinian Situation....

Gestapo type raids anger Israeli human rights organization
A quote...."In recent months there have been many cases in which minors aged 12-15 from Silwan, in East Jerusalem, were arrested in the middle of the night, the Israeli human rights organization B'Tselem says. "The minors were taken out of their beds and brought to the police station in the Russian Compound, in West Jerusalem. Some of them were brought handcuffed, and none of the parents were allowed to accompany them."

Irish FM urges EU to pressure Israel to end Gaza blockade
A quote...." Ireland's foreign minister on Friday called the Israeli blockade of Palestinian-ruled Gaza inhumane and unacceptable and he urged the European Union and other countries to increase pressure on Israel to end it."

Twilight zone / Unanswered questions
A quote...."Musa Abu Hashhash could not hold back his tears. We have worked with this devoted field worker from B’Tselem, the Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories, for years. Never before had we seen him cry. But this week he broke down and wept after a visit to the widow of Fayez Faraj, his aged, broken-hearted mother, and his 10 distraught orphans, aged 2 to 18." - From Haaretz

Fayyad : Olive trees more deep-rooted than fragile settlements
A quote...."Fayyad spoke with international activists and Palestinian committee members at the site of wall's latest construction in Beit Jala, condemning the Israeli annexation of land and uprooting of olive trees to build the separation wall. "Deep in the roots of these olive trees, there is something that reminds us that our people lived here from the beginning and will continue to the end," he told the gathered crowds of protestors."

Moment of truth: time to boycott Israel's entire range of injustice
Action Alert - Boycott, Divest and Sanction - Because everytime anyone buys something from the state of Israel, or from any of the companies that do business with Israel, they're killing innocent men, women, and children -- Please help stop the killing....Boycott, divest and sanction the state of Israel. - A quote...."Words always matter, and names always have a life of their own. But perhaps Palestine and Israel form a context in which words become positions more dramatically than in many others. The authors of the "Moment of Truth" Kairos document, which is the Christian Palestinians' statement to the world about the occupation of Palestine and a call for support in opposing it, have repeatedly been asked about the use of the word "boycott." What exactly does this mean? How far exactly does it go? And what exactly does it call for?" -- 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. - mpg
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Recession, Depression, or Systematic Breakdown
Must Read - Charts - A quote...."As crooked politicians, Federal Reserve hacks, and cheerleading media pundits inform you the recession is over, you probably have a sneaking suspicion they are lying. -- The National Bureau of Economic Research is the arbiter of business cycle recessions. They define a recession as “a significant decline in economic activity spread across the economy, lasting more than a few months, normally visible in real GDP, real income, employment, industrial production.” -- also posted at FinancialSense

Finance capital and the Greek debt crisis
A quote...."In the wake of the most serious financial breakdown to hit world capitalism since the collapse of the US stock market in 1929, not a single serious measure has been put into place to rein in the activities of the banks and financial institutions responsible for the crisis."

The Albatross of Sovereign Debt
A quote...."Sovereign debt hangs like an albatross around the necks of too many countries. There are 17 medium-size to large countries that are close to, or are bankrupt. Many are being kept solvent by using two sets of books and by marking to model. As you know we expect these bankruptcies to take place by the end of 2011. That will be accomplished at meetings such as we saw in the 1970s at the Smithsonian, the Plaza Accord of 1985 and the Louvre Accord of 1987. There will be a realignment of currencies. - America, like many other nations is mired in an inflationary depression, and even if the economy were to return to where tax revenues accelerated, we would still have a deficit of 6% to 8% of GDP."

On the Edge with Max Keiser - 05 March 2010-(1/3) - 05 March 2010-(2/3) - 05 March 2010-(3/3)
Must View Videos - A quote...."MaxKeiserTV"

Financial Warfare Exposed: Soros, Goldman Sachs, Hedge Funds Attack Greece to Smash Euro
Special Note - Related Article -- A quote...."It has been evident for some time that the ongoing speculative attack on Greece, along with such other countries as Spain, Ireland, Portugal, and Italy, was not primarily a reflection of their economic fundamentals, nor yet a spontaneous movement of “the market,” but rather an orchestrated action of economic warfare. The dollar had been relentlessly falling through the late summer and autumn of 2009. It obviously occurred to various Anglo-American financiers that a diversionary attack on the euro, starting with some of the weaker Mediterranean or Southern European economies, would be an ideal means of relieving pressure on the battered US greenback. Since these degenerate elites are incapable of directly solving the problem of the dollar through increased production, full employment, and economic recovery, one of the few alternatives remaining to them is to create a situation in which the euro is collapsing faster, leaving the dollar as the beneficiary of some residual flight to quality or safe haven reflex."

Wen plugs concerns over stimulus exit
A quote...."HONG KONG - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao used the annual gathering of the National People's Congress (NPC) on Friday to ease concerns that the central government is poised for an early unwinding of its economic stimulus support, and pledged that sustainable economic growth will be maintained." -- For more on this issue see....Empire Typology and Economic Stellar Evolution - 01-20-10 - mpg

Friday March 5th 2010

America, the fragile empire -- Here today, gone tomorrow -- could the United States fall that fast?
Read Must - A quote...."For centuries, historians, political theorists, anthropologists and the public have tended to think about the political process in seasonal, cyclical terms. From Polybius to Paul Kennedy, from ancient Rome to imperial Britain, we discern a rhythm to history. Great powers, like great men, are born, rise, reign and then gradually wane. No matter whether civilizations decline culturally, economically or ecologically, their downfalls are protracted."

Unnatural Acts: Breaking the Fever of Militarism
Must Read - A quote...."As we all know – or rather, as everyone but those who climb and claw their way to the top of power's greasy pole knows – the effects of war are vast, unforeseeable, long-lasting -- and uncontrollable. The far-reaching ripples of the turbulence will churn against distant shores and hidden corners, then roil back upon you in ways you could never imagine, for generations, even centuries. -- Nor is "victory" in war proof against these deleterious effects. For the brutalization, moral coarsening, corruption and concentration of elite power that attend every war do not simply disappear from a society when the fighting stops. They persist, like microbes, in myriad forms, working with slow, corrosive force to degrade and deform the victors. Indeed, victory in battle often leads a society to enshrine war's most pernicious attributes: violence is ennobled, and becomes entrenched as an ever-ready instrument of national policy. Militarism is exalted, the way of peace dishonored: cries of "Appeasers! Cowards! Traitors!" greet every approach that fails to brandish the threat of extreme violence, that fails to "keep all options on the table."

Flexible Afghanistan War Objectives: And the Agony Grinds On
Must Read - A quote...."Washington and its willing mouthpieces in the media have for years been trying to sell us the preposterous war in Afghanistan. While they attempt to convince us that the war is predicated on a faultless military logic and moral wisdom, it remains in fact a tragic adventure with no decipherable objectives, and involving several countries, private contractors, and all sorts of firms seeking to make a quick buck. -- The intellectual cowardice of some should not blind the majority to the fact that the war in Afghanistan is morally indefensible and militarily unwinnable." -- also posted at Uruknet

Israel is an Apartheid State - And that is why they are losing Legitimacy
Must Read - A quote...."If Israel is becoming a pariah in the world it is not because of anti-Semitism, it is because they are practicing a form of apartheid even more egregious than that practiced in South Africa. Others have compiled comments from some of the most respected leaders of the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa who see what Israel is doing as apartheid. There is a reason why the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) campaign is strongest in South Africa. People there recognize apartheid when they see it."

Targeting Israeli Apartheid
Must Read - A quote...."Reports like the Cape Town, South Africa-based Human Sciences Research Council's (HSRC) May 2009 one titled, "Occupation, Colonialism, Apartheid" highlight what many others understand, including former UN Special Human Rights Rapporteur for Occupied Palestine, John Dugard, stating in January 2007: -- "Israel is clearly in military occupation of the OPT (Occupied Palestinian Territories). At the same time, elements of the occupation constitute forms of colonialism and of apartheid, which are contrary to international law."

Former Pakistani Officer Embodies a Policy Puzzle
Must Read - A quote...."The Taliban cannot be defeated, he said, and they will not be weakened by the recent capture of senior commanders, including the No.2, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. - The Taliban movement is so devolved, he said, that commanders on the ground make most of their own decisions and can raise money and arrange for weapons supplies themselves. - “The Taliban cannot be forced out, you cannot subjugate them,” he said. “But they can tire the Americans. In another three to four years, the Americans will be tired.” - He criticized President Obama’s decision last year to send more American troops into Afghanistan. “They are doing what you should never do in military strategy, reinforcing the error,” he said. - “They will have more convoys, more planes, more supply convoys, and the insurgents will have a bigger target,” he added. “The insurgents are very happy.” - From the NYT

Doug Casey: Profit From the Euro-Crash
Interview - Special Note - A quote...."When you stop to think about it, the EU was really a stupid idea to begin with. [The EU could have been a great idea had their parasitic class kept it SIMPLE and had they not been so GREEDY.  But the interviewee is right, the parasitic class made the EU into an undemocratic, unresponsive, massively bureaucratic, monster.  It's up to the people of the EU to sort the situation out, reign in the parasitic class and punish the Bankster class.  If they don't, they'll have only themselves to blame for what happens next. - mpg] It started out as a coal and steel free-trade zone, which made a lot of sense. But as time went on, as people in general often seem to do, and Europeans in particular seem to love to do, they bureaucratized the thing and made it into a pseudo-government. They wrote a constitution hundreds of times longer than the one that served the U.S. so well until it was abandoned. They took on micromanaging everything, down to producing huge, phone-book-sized regulations on the composition of French cheeses, and so on. There's a burgeoning bureaucracy in Belgium trying to consolidate the 27 member states into one giant country, and it's absolutely not going to work."

New Syrian-supplied weapon enables Hizballah to shoot down Israeli aircraft
Weapons Tactics Alert -- A quote...."Sophisticated anti-air IGLA missileSyria has defied Israel's caution that handing over new strategic weapons to the Lebanese Hizballah would compel Israel to strike targets inside Syria. debkafile's military sources disclose that Damascus has just smuggled across the border a number of Russian-made IGLA-S surface-to-air missiles capable of intercepting low-flying F-16 warplanes, drones, helicopters, cruise missiles, transports and surveillance aircraft in all weather conditions, by day or night." - From Debaka - Once sophisticated anti-air and long-range anti-armor missiles start appearing in the Middle East, the neo-colonial fantasies that some imperial powers have been dreaming of lately will quickly turn into highly expensive nightmares.  Especially if - as in the case of Iran - other countries, or perhaps some of the resistance movements, develope the ability to manufacture man-portable anti-air and anti-armor missiles themselves. - mpg

China, Russia call for Iran-West nuclear swap
A quote...."Russia and China say, if successfully implemented, a US-drafted UN-proposed nuclear swap deal would be the key to easing tension between Tehran and the West." - also posted at WarInIraq

Iran, China sign $143mn drilling deal
A quote...."Iran and China have reached a $143 million deal that allows a Chinese company to set up a drilling rig in the Persian Gulf. -- The contract has been signed by Iran's North Drilling Company (NDCO) and China Petroleum Technology Development Corporation (CPTDC), NDCO chief Hedayatollah Khademi said."

German police arrest leader of terrorist PJAK
The CIA is going to be upset about this. - mpg -- A quote...."German police have arrested Abdolrahman Haji Ahmadi, leader of the terrorist group Party for a Free Life in Kurdistan, or PJAK"
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More Fear Mongering from the Global Warming Alarmists
Contains (a completely ridiculous) Video

A quote...."Is it melting glaciers? nooooo
Is it dying polar bears? noooooo
Is it rising sea levels? nooooo
It’s worse than all of that combined…. it’s Evil Ahmadinejad blowing up our troops in Iraq!!!
That’s right. Pass a Clean Energy Climate Plan to keep those evil Iranians from blowing up our Troops!

Editors special note: - The "Iran supplying EFPs" story has been proven REPEATEDLY to be completely and utterly false. Just about any person can produce an EFP, they're incredibly easy to make, a five year old with a tinker toy set could produce one!  Your own grandmother could produce one!  -- (see...US Fake Intel / Propaganda - IED's & EFP's) - Updated! -- ANYONE advocating such nonsense is an AIPAC/PNAC supporting shill for the war industry. The people that produced this video are the same kind of jerks that faked all that Iraq WMD bullsh-t.  Enough with this crap already! - mpg
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The curse of Fallujah: Women warned not to have babies because of rise in birth defects since U.S. assault
A quote...."A high number of children are being born with birth defects in an Iraqi city where U.S. forces may have used chemical weapons during a fierce battle in 2004. -- Children in Fallujah are being born with limb, head, heart and nervous system defects. There is even a claim that a baby was born with three heads. -- The number of heart defects among newborn babies is said to be 13 times higher than the rate in Europe." - For more on this issue see....The Method - 05-07-07 - mpg

2.8 million Iraqis remain internally displaced
A quote...."Seven years after the March 2003 US-led invasion, Iraq remains deeply divided. There are few prospects of durable solutions for the approximately 15 per cent of the population who are displaced inside and outside Iraq. It is thought that there are almost 2.8 million internally displaced people (IDPs), close to half of whom were displaced prior to 2003. Though Iraq is no longer in the grip of a humanitarian crisis, daily life for all Iraqis is precarious. Public health, electricity, water and sanitation services remain inadequate."

America’s Nation-Destroying Mission in Afghanistan
A quote...."Interference by the U.S. in the internal affairs of Afghanistan has been a tragic chapter in our nation’s history. -- Over three decades ago, there were social movements in Afghanistan to improve the standard of living of its people, to provide greater equality for women, and there was a functioning, if imperfect, democracy. However the U.S., using subversion, weapons, and money was able, as the leader of coalition of nations, to stop progress in these areas of human welfare."

Fabled Afghan province of Nuristan keeps US at bay
A quote...."KALAGUSH, Afghanistan (AFP) – A region of soaring mountains, rare languages and isolated tribes, Nuristan in northeastern Afghanistan has long held a special fascination for writers and hardy travellers. -- A British colonel in 1910 described it as "more impracticable than either of the poles," and in recent years the United States army has learnt that the area's formidable reputation is well-deserved."
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Georgia vs Russia: Fanning the flames
Must Read - A quote...."Surely peace in this vital region should be a paramount goal for both Russia and the West, for their own reasons -- Russia because, well because it is there and its cultural and economic links are vital to Russia ’s well being. The US, if only to benefit economically, since peace everywhere is a boon to economic well being and logically should be blessed by the world’s superpower, whether or not it is a benevolent one. -- But this logic has been betrayed -- egregiously, in the case of US abetting Georgia in its disastrous war against Russia in 2008, less obviously in likely covert US and other involvement in Chechnya and its neighbours, as well as in the Armenia-Azerbaijan stand-off over Nagorno Karabakh."

Russia opens new criminal case against Georgia
A quote...."Russia has charged Georgia with genocide and the mass murders of Russian citizens in South Ossetia during the 2008 military conflict, while new criminal charges are pending. - The Investigative Committee of Russia’s Prosecutor’s Office says it has obtained new evidence that proves Georgia’s guilt in yet more crimes in the course of the August 2008 conflict and has initiated a new court case." -- also posted at AlethoNews & WarInIraq

Russia-Ukraine ties take "sharp turn"
A quote...."MOSCOW, March 5 (Xinhua) -- Ukraine's new President Viktor Yanukovych on Friday pledged to mend ties with Russia after bilateral relations had been worsened for five years under his pro-Western predecessor. -- Yanukovych, who took office last week, made his first visit as president to Moscow and promised a "sharp turn" in bilateral relations. It was the first visit to Russia by a Ukrainian head of state in two years, painting a seemingly rosy picture of increasing interaction."

Russia, India to develop joint 5G-fighter by 2016
A quote...."A Russian-Indian fifth-generation fighter jet could be developed by 2015-2016, a Russian defense industry official said on Tuesday. -- Moscow and New Delhi are expected to sign a contract on a joint development of the new fighter in the near future, focusing on the design concept and technical requirements put forward by India."

India set to buy 42 more Russian Su-30 fighter jets
A quote...."India and Russia are negotiating a new contract on the delivery of 42 Su-30MKI to the Indian Air Force, an Indian newspaper reported on Tuesday, citing military sources."
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Britain in law change bid after Livni warrant -  Brown....what a perfect name for an Israeli brown-noser. - mpg
A quote...."Brown proposes changes to British law to avoid arresting Israelis charged with war crimes." - For this website editor's take on the whole issue see the quote shown below.....


Respected Danish journalist admits 'I was a Mossad agent'
A quote...."There have always been journalists who "crossed the lines" and switched to being spokespersons, advisers or investigators of bodies that were previously the object of their coverage and commentary. There have presumably always been journalists whose work serves as a cover for clandestine work, but only a few are willing to admit it. One such person is Herbert Pundik (Nahum Pundak), a veteran Israeli-Danish journalist with an international reputation who a week ago in an interview with the Danish daily Dagbladet Information said that for about 10 years, he worked for the Mossad while doing his journalism job. His admission sent a shock wave through the serene Scandinavian country and aroused considerable media interest. "

US to share domestic civil aviation information with Israel
Why? So Israel's Mossad can set-up more false-flag events and kill some Americans? - mpg -- A quote...."WASHINGTON — US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano and Israeli Transport and Road Safety Minister Israel Katz on Tuesday announced a new agreement to enhance information sharing about civil aviation security incidents." - also posted at WarInIraq
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A Guide to the 9/11 Whistleblowers - Courageous insiders, gagged, hounded and ignored
Must Read - Contains Videos - BobKerry/Vid - SibelEdmonds/Vid - ColeenRowley/Vid -- A quote...."When losing a discussion on the facts of 9/11, a so-called 9/11 "debunker" will often rely on an old canard to "prove" that 9/11 could not have been an inside job: "So many people want their quarter hour of fame that even the Men in Black couldn't squelch the squealers from spilling the beans," write self-satisfied defenders of the government story. According to the logic of this argument, if there are no 9/11 whistleblowers then 9/11 was not an inside job."

Bush/Cheney Pulled Torture Strings
A quote...."George W. Bush’s White House stage-managed the Justice Department’s approval of torture techniques by putting pliable lawyers in key jobs, guiding their opinions and punishing officials who wouldn’t go along, according to details contained in an internal report that recommended disciplinary action against two lawyers."

Ron Paul Exposes CIA & Federal Reserves’s drug running business on Alex Jones TV
Videos - Special Note - Alt(1/2) - Alt(2/2) -- Ron Paul, telling it like it is. - mpg -- A quote...."Congressman Ron Paul follows up on recent statements, outlining the takeover of Constitutional government by the CIA and the Federal Reserve, including state-sponsored drug running."
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More On The Palestinian Situation....

Activists work to stop wall construction and uprooting of olive trees in Beit Jala
Contains Video - Alt -- A quote...."In the early morning on March 2, 2010, Israeli bulldozers started uprooting ancient olive trees in the garden of a Palestinian family in the town of Beit Jala, North-West of Bethlehem, in order to make room for the construction of yet another section of the Apartheid Wall. Wednesday morning, the family, which had already lost a significant portion of its lands when Israel seized them to build the “by-pass road” 60 that connects the equally illegal settlements, found the little playground for the children in the garden destroyed and three olive trees directly in front of the house chopped off. A red cross was painted two meters away from the front door to signal where the Wall is designed to pass. The remaining olive trees had been marked with yellow-tags, to be uprooted another day."

Israeli repression in Palestine is escalating Mazin Qumsiyeh: “The Israeli army wants me”
Interview - A quote...."The Israeli army invaded Mazin Qumsiyeh’s neighborhood in Beit Sahour, a suburb of Bethlehem, on 2 March in the night, waking up his mother, wife and sister. Heavily-armed soldiers blocked roads during "the operation". When his family opened the door, they demanded to see Mazin Qumsiyeh (*). They were told that Mazin already left to the US. He replies here to the questions of Silvia Cattori.

‘Eyewitness Gaza’ Report Back in House of Commons
A quote...."Gaza was worse than I ever thought’ said Sir Gerald 'it was incredible and callous destruction’. With the trauma inflicted on Palestinian children, sir Gerald argued that Israel was condemning itself; it is harvesting a generation of disaffected children driven with rage and anger at the injustice and intolerable situation imposed on them."

A [Canadian] Campaign of Intimidation Against NGOs Supporting Palestinians
A quote...."Alternatives is a Montreal-based NGO that has been campaigning for human rights, international development, peace, and justice for 15 years, in over 30 countries. They are under threat from the current Canadian government, which is targeting any organization that dares to speak up for Palestinian human rights."

Sink The Boats
A quote...."It is well known that fisherman in Gaza are among the worst affected by the Israeli blockade. Il Manifesto correspondant Michele Giorgio met with a former Israeli Navy officer, now working with Breaking The Silence, who gave a first hand account of how they were trained to police fishermen." -- also posted at Uruknet

Strawberry Fields Forever: A Struggle For Farming
A quote...."Trying to make a living as a farmer in Gaza these days is taking a toll on the family ties so integral to the Palestinian culture. Traditionally, occupations are passed from father to son for generations, and their tie to the land is particularly strong. Before Israel imposed a suffocating blockade on the 14-kilometer-long Gaza Strip in 2007 (as punishment for electing Hamas as its governing party), farmers could make a good living growing carnations and strawberries for export and vegetables for the local market."

Gaza police forces and their bereaved families rebuild one year on
A quote...."Rami Abu al-Sheikh's parents and siblings still remember how caring and tender their son was before he was killed during Israel's invasion of Gaza last winter. Rami was 27 years old and was one of hundreds of Gaza police personnel killed by Israeli air strikes during the 23-day assault. He was killed at the main Gaza Strip police station located on Salah al-din Street, the territory's main road."

Protest of the Friends of the IDF dinner at the Waldorf, NYC
A quote...."On March 9th 2010, The Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, a registered 501-(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that provides support and services to members of Israel’s national army, will be holding a gala $1,000 a plate fundraiser at the Waldorf Astoria. The keynote speaker will be Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi, IDF Chief of General Staff, who was responsible for the prosecution of last year’s Operation Cast Lead against the people of Gaza. At the same time as the dinner, a broad coalition of local groups will stage a mobile protest outside the hotel to highlight the crimes committed by the IDF during Operation Cast Lead and Israel’s ongoing illegal blockade of the Gaza Strip."

Once again, the PA is betraying our people
A quote...."The PA decision to resume "indirect talks" with Israel is undoubtedly a clear expression of its moral and political bankruptcy. It is also an expression of its inability to lead the Palestinian people."

Dubai Police Chief Makes Huge Mistake
Even though the Dubai police are dealing with the most crafty lying bunch of killers on earth, still, the Chief of the Dubai Police has issued this challenge to Israel, which might not have been a good idea, the answer why follows this:
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Obama Solution to Stop Outsourcing – Stop Counting Jobs Outsourced (No, Seriously!)
Special Note - A quote...." The numbers are outrageous, sickening even. How can anyone stand to look at them? --  Since 2000, the U.S. has lost 5.5 million manufacturing jobs, with 2.1 million of those jobs being lost in the last two years alone. Since 2001, over 42,400 factories have closed in the U.S., and another 90,000 are considered at severe risk of closing. The last time so few were employed in manufacturing was in 1941, before World War II spending pulled that sector out of its Great Depression slump."

Like Bush, Obama Moves to Bury Bad Economic Data
Related Article - A quote...."The Bush administration had a nasty penchant for trying to bury bad economic news - a nasty penchant that I was intimately familiar with when working on the House Appropriations Committee. One of the most egregious examples of this came in 2003. Here's the Washington Post [headline] on 1/2/03:"


"Luckily, because of progressive pressure and public outcry, this Bush move was overturned by Congress. But now, the same kind of thing is back. According to today's Washington Post, it looks like the Obama administration is reprising the same scheme: " - also posted at CommonDreams & WarInIraq

Fears of A Second Financial Crash Are Real - Congress Lacks “Appetite” for Action
Special Note - A quote...."What will it take?  What are they waiting for? What part of the reality of a systemic crisis that will get worse don’t they get? --  How is it possible that after near three years of economic turmoil, with possibly hundreds of TRILLIONs down the rabbit hole—not that anyone is counting or apparently can count—that the geniuses who run our economy still don’t “get” that the sh*t has already hit the fan? How many more jobs and homes have to be lost?"

Stiglitz, Nobel Prize-Winning Economist, Says Federal Reserve System 'Corrupt'
A quote...."One of the world's leading economists said Wednesday that the very structure of the Federal Reserve system is so fraught with conflicts that it's "corrupt." -- Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz, a former chief economist at the World Bank, said that if a country had applied for World Bank aid during his tenure, with a financial regulatory system similar to the Federal Reserve's -- in which regional Feds are partly governed by the very banks they're supposed to police -- it would have raised alarms." -- also posted at BLN

'Never seen anything like it'
Market Tech Note - A quote...."Based on the several hundred investment advisers I track, I'd have to say that bullish sentiment is approaching dangerously high levels. Consider the Hulbert Stock Newsletter Sentiment Index (HSNSI), which represents the average recommended stock market exposure among a subset of short term stock market timers tracked by the Hulbert Financial Digest. -- It currently stands at 62.8%, up from 13.8% just one month ago. That's an awfully big jump for so short a period of time, especially considering that the Dow Jones Industrial Average /quotes/comstock/10w!i:dji/delayed (INDU 10,566, +121.91, +1.17%) rose a modest 4.4% over this period. -- Also worrying is that, with but one exception, the HSNSI is now at its highest level since early 2007, more than three years ago." -  Website editor's caution....there is no normal "market" in this country anymore. Sentiment indicators may no longer be reliable.  The "market" is completely controlled by Fed. policy, several TBTF banks, Goldman Sachs and a few others. - mpg

Does Expiration Of Liquidity Facilities Mean A Steeper Curve?
Market Tech Note - Chart - (click on chart to enlarge) - A quote...."....can the market sustain itself without public-sector help? It may be too close to call, and this is why central banks may be reluctant to hike rates and could end up keeping them lower for longer. We expect to see periods of stress in the market that will keep central bankers from meaningfully hiking rates. Yesterday it was Dubai, today it is Greece, and tomorrow it may be some place else. As we see it, the market is far from being stable enough to bear a meaningful withdrawal of liquidity in the form of rate hikes from central banks. However, we do expect that liquidity facilities will expire – and since those facilities supported longer-term assets, we see this as akin to central banks hiking from the back-end first. Put this all together, and we see steeper curves and higher rates. Namely, we like owning front-end forward rates and being short back-end forwards against it. Bizarrely, the end of easing may keep front-end rates lower for longer."

NFP -36K, Unemployment Rate 9.7%, Average Hours Worked Down By 0.1 to 33.8
A quote...."Key highlights from the February report

• Total Civilian labor force at 153,512, compared to 153,170 in January
• Actual unemployment: 14,871, compared to 14,837 in January
• The pool of available workers at 21,041, 239k increase from January's 20,802
• The Over 20 split of unemployed men/women was 10.0%/8.0%
• The labor force participation rate was 64.8%, compared to 64.7% in January
• Average hourly earnings increased by +0.1% compared to consensus estimate of +0.2%
• Total average hours worked in the private industry at 33.8, down from 33.9 in January; The low was in the Leisure and Hospitality services at 25.7, the high in Mining and Logging at 42.6
  

Real Unemployment Rises 0.3% To 16.8%, Non-Seasonally Adjusted Number Near All Time Highs
Chart - (click on chart to enlarge) - A quote...."With economic optimism back over the U-3 data, which was "surprisingly" not impacted by mid-winter snow (but as Art Cashin says, a horrible number would have been seen as a buying catalyst due to the "non-recurring" nature of snow in February), many seem to have missed that real unemployment, or the BLS' U-6 series actually climbed by 0.3%, to 16.8% from 16.5% in January. Additionally, the Non-Seasonally Adjusted U-6 number was barely changed, and was flat at 17.9%, just a hair away from January's record 18%."

US payrolls shrank by 36,000 in February
Related Article - A quote...."The Labor Department’s employment report for February, released Friday, showed that the US economy is continuing to shed jobs, wages are continuing to decline, and the so-called economic “recovery” is based on an accelerating fall in the living standards of the working class."

4 more banks collapse; 2010 failure tally 26
A quote...."There seems to be no end to bank failures in the nation. Reeling under the effects of recession, four more banks have been shut down by federal regulators Friday, bringing the tally to 26 for this year."

Thursday March 4th 2010