"The white people of Alabama continue to cling to a racist, illiberal worldview that’s all about sticking it to the “other.” Unfortunately, they’re just fine with the Kochs, Scaifes, etc raking it in – just as long as the government can inflict pain on the pointy-headed intellectuals and those welfare-grubbing minorities. "
This is pretty close but doesn't really go far enough. You can get some idea of the idiocy Alabamans are willing to support if you listen to Anderson Cooper's interview with Good Ol' Boy Rep. Ed Henry. I fully expect Moore to be elected. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVQOUC6vKoI
Meanwhile Pruitt and Zinke r doing all they can to destroy the human habitat and Trump is running around the world selling American weapons of mass destruction.
Can I get an "Amen!" ?
"Everyone" thought Trump could never b elected. Now "everyone" thinks Trump won't complete his 1st term.
"Somebody" told Donna she could make her $1M with a book.
"Everybody" is wrong (again) and "somebody" is right.
"What other tools are there to stop him from ruining the country?"
IMHO, "he", being DJT, is not the one who needs to be stopped. Those people are the billionaires who are financing fascism and economic warfare against all the rest of us. They own the media, ALEC, Pharma, the weapons industries, the energy industries, the corporate farms, etc. etc.
Also, we do well to keep in mind it's not only a question of ruining only this country.
"We have to find someone with integrity to idolize as a Trump critic if we are actually going to dig out of this hole."
There are many people available, but none are in politics... or business. I like Pope Francis for it, but then, he's Catholic and there may be objections... Or Malala, but she's Muslim and there may be objections... Or Vandana Shiva, but she's Hindu and there may be objections...
Gosh, it' *is* hard to find someone!
Now *this* is a good idea:
" ...Mr. Stephens and his ilk should step off their balconies every once in a while to test whether the arrogant Mr. Newton and his seventeenth century mathematics could not reasonably be debated on the certainty that they will fall to their deaths every time."
"What constitutes a definition of fascism and fascist governments is a highly disputed subject that has proven complicated and contentious. Historians, political scientists, and other scholars have engaged in long and furious debates concerning the exact nature of fascism and its core tenets." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Definitions_of_fascism
Yes, but....
The Pentagon and the armed forces have already weighed in and concluded Global Climate Change is real - and they are planning for it.
Also, can anyone easily consume the idea that those leading the corporations don't understand what's happening, both ecologically and economically?
I can understand that 35 or 40 years ago an oil exec could ignore and bury research showing the impact fossil fuel burning would have. But now?
They can't *all* be Christian Dominionists eager to bring on the End of Days, led by their anti-Christ, Donnie.
What is their plan and where do they think they and their families will go to escape unbearable outdoor temperatures, poisoned air and water?
I agree wholeheartedly with the Prof's assessment of psychopaths and Mr. Trump. Add in an insatiable greed and lust for power and you have our government, as it is about to be constituted.
A lot of time has been spent on Trump, Trump, Trump. But what of Pence? Since it's quite likely this Christian Dominionist will be elevated to the Presidency, it might serve us to have Prof. Cole take a long hard look at him, too.
While it's hard to define Trump's agenda, I don't think that will be the case with Mr. Pence. And he may be the more terrifying of the two.
Yeow!! A.J. Bacevich is PISSED! I've read "America's War for the Greater Middle East" and found it to be excellent, but he doesn't lay it out in terms like this!
"The most expeditious approach: purge all currently serving three- and four-star officers; then, make a precondition for promotion to those ranks confinement in a reeducation camp run by Iraq and Afghanistan war amputees, with a curriculum designed by Veterans for Peace."
Why, one might be inclined to conclude that all those generals who've served didn't *want* the wars to end, especially judging by the corporate positions they now hold. Damn that Military-Industrial-Congressional Complex!
The leader of the right-wing Jewish Home party Naftali Bennett, claimed a Trump presidency allows Israel to fully dismiss the notion of a Palestinian state. "This is the position of the President-elect, as written in his platform, and it should be our policy, plain and simple. The era of a Palestinian state is over."
President Carter: Right when he put solar panels on the White House and right about what Nobel Peace prize winner Obama can do - immediately - to help prevent the eventual extermination of the Palestinian people.
But I really doubt Obama will do anything. He's not doing much for the Indians in North Dakota, either. I'd have to say, IMHO he's turned out to be a bit of a dick.
so it only took 50 f*cking years for the f*cking Nobel committee to figure it out. And they gave Obama the prize for peace. Well, Zimmy doesn't need it and Obama shouldn't have gotten it.
Darren,
I want to personally thank you for your help with my campaign.
Every time those motherlovin' lefties have told the truth about me you've been there trying to misdirect and obfuscate!
Now, I know 10¢/post isn't much, so your ability to baffle 'em with boosh hit has me in awe of your loyalty.
Together we will enter a new era of more-of-the-same: more for me and more-of-the-same for you!
Another one who fails upward on the corporate ladder. Really, she did her job very well and it must have been hard on her and her family, taking flak for Clinton.
And so she is rewarded according to plan.
Can anyone be surprised? These operatives and operations have become so transparent.
And America is left with a choice of two completely unacceptable "Major Party" options.
What a shame for American women that the first woman to be nominated by the Democrats can only win because her opponent is unthinkable; yes, when there are other women who would far better represent the Democratic Party.
Definition of rogue state in English:
rogue state
noun
A nation or state regarded as breaking international law and posing a threat to the security of other nations.
Is there any question that Israel is a rogue state? Prof Cole sez the Dem party should change it's name because it supports a rogue colonial power. But really both parties, the Congress and the Executive branch of our government ALL support this rogue colonial state. So, Prof Cole, what should we call our government? or our country?
I rather think Bernie's "little tilt" allowed us to see those who want government to deal with reality vs. those who prefer the status quo.
Also: Hillary is not "the Left", she's just a bit more left than Trump. Bernie is not "the Left", either. He just seems that way because he talks about solving real problems, and solving real problems and talking about real issues is not what the Tim Howes of the Democratic Party want.
Oh yeah: go ahead and tell me how "impossible" Bernie's economic plans are. How we can't possibly have Universal Education, or Universal Healthcare, or decent infrastructure or honestly address Global Climate Change. I suppose you'll also tell me how impossible the Manhattan project was, and how impossible Ike's highway system was, and how impossible it was to put a man on the Moon.
Yup, we know now who's on what side.
"Betraying Progressives...." An interesting headline in the original CommonDreams blogpost. Dr. Cole thoughtfully brings the rhetoric down a few degrees with "Dissing" and not "Betraying". Even more accurate would be "Ignoring". But really, what could be expected?
The "official" Democratic Party leadership is thoroughly corrupt.
IMHO, it would be best if the Bernie 5 simply refused to attend DNC Platform meetings, met on their own and released a People's Democratic Party Platform.
"This is classic corporatism, in which government mobilizes institutions like corporations, unions, and political parties for strategic ends."
Here, let me fix this for you:
"This is classic FASCISM, in which government mobilizes institutions like corporations, unions, and political parties for strategic ends."
"Steinitz said Israel would nevertheless not intervene in the Syrian civil war..."
In other words, the entire thing - "Israel Frets...etc." - is a disinformation/propaganda campaign.
"And look at how bad things have gone since that ultimate blackmail threat has ceased to exist." Your sophistry is on a par with Ms. Aronoff's. Blackmail? As an end to racism? Or the threat of violence as a means to attain the goals of a non-violent protest? Yes, that will clearly make black lives matter to everyone.
I disagree with Ms. Aronoff's conclusions with respect to Mr. Sanders. She sounds very young and feels she needs to lecture "us", telling us how we should be feeling and thinking . This line is particularly off putting: "a web page and a black staffer do not equal a commitment to racial justice." She needs to drill down a bit deeper into Bernie's life and record. She should also study the non-violent movements of Gandhi and MLK. They did not disrupt events by grabbing microphones and refusing to allow others to speak.
I sometimes see myself as a "cynical optimist".
I'm not sure if I'm sane, though. 😉
I am optimistic that it's better than being a "cynical pessimist". But who's to say?
Wow! This is the best AJ+ can do? The "reporter" comes off as an asshole without a clue. You're not exactly Jon Stewart replacement material, honey, but FOX may have a place for you...
Just as the TPP is kept hidden from Congress, so is the actual extent of illegal spying. Congress is a nuisance and can't be trusted with "important" stuff.
ANYONE who believes ANYTHING will be curtailed or that ANY information already collected will be shredded has not been paying attention and does not understand how fascists work.
Good point! Obama may not "love America", but Rudy hasn't a clue about what really makes that true. Mostly because Rudy doesn't "love America" in precisely the same way.
"He has not been charged with a crime in Sweden "
They want him only for questioning, yet they won't allow a video chat or skype with his lawyer present. It's so clear Sweden is acting as a cat's paw for the US and that once they have Assange on Swedish soil they'll extradite him.
"Just read Bruce Schneier, an independent computer security expert, and he is not at all convinced that the North Korean government is behind the hack. I also have my doubts."
Bingo! This movie and the Sony hack look like the perfect black-flag psy-op. Can the NSA prove they didn't do it?
" Now look boys, I ain't much of a hand at makin' speeches. But I got a pretty fair idea that something doggoned important's going on back there. And I got a fair idea of the kind of personal emotions that some of you fella's may be thinking. Heck, I reckon you wouldn't even be human beings if you didn't have some pretty strong personal feelings about nuclear combat. But I want you to remember one thing, the folks back home is a countin' on ya, and by golly we ain't about to let 'em down. Tell you somethin' else. This thing turns out to be half as important as I figure it just might be, I'd say that you're all in line for some important promotions and personal citations when this thing's over with. That goes for every last one of you, regardless of your race, color, or your creed. Now, let's get this thing on the hump. We got some flying to do."
Oh, I think we've had quite enough confirmation of that by now. What I'd like to hear about are the men and women in these services who REFUSED to torture. Aren't there ANY?
@Super 390
As noted in my response to this: https://www.juancole.com/2014/11/denialist-planetary-disaster.html
We are already faced with a "Samson Option" of our own making. And unless we or our children are willing create the final, ultimate defeat you're describing - and in the not too distant future - that greater Samson Option will cease to be "an" option. It will become the only option.
I like Prof Klare. No, I really do! But I wonder: is he telling us the only solution open to us now is to "help" these people leave the planet as soon as possible? I'm not seeing any real solutions. Hilary? I don't think so. Can we finally conclude that there will not be a political solution in time to "save the planet" and the only real solution will be the overthrow of our political and economic system?
I only watched the first 6:12. Complete horsesh*t: Anonymous Person: "...well, we were going after Turkey and Saudi Arabia 'cause that's where the money and weapons are coming from, but, um... er, we changed our minds and now we're just posting sh*t on social media so the money and guns can continue to flow..."
I'm taken aback that Professor Cole would allow this unsubstantiated nonsense on the site.
That is to say, the people Dr. Cole refers to as being in the "cult" of Israeli nationalism and Zionism are, in fact, fascists. And the behavior of the University of Illinois is cowardly and disgusting.
Situations like these will always produce the worst kind of blow-back, creating actual anti-semites. For it is seen that a small group of (probably wealthy) Jews have deprived and man of his livelihood because he dared speak his mind in a public forum.
Albert Einstein is an anti-semite by today's standards. He considered Menachen Begin and his Zionist Freedom Party a fascist movement in 1948.
"It is inconceivable that those who oppose fascism throughout the world, if correctly informed as to Mr. Begin's political record and perspectives, could add their names and support to the movement he represents."
Now it comes into focus. Cui bono? The merchants of death: arms dealers and the petro companies. The Palestinians are well and truly f#%ked. While the world pisses and moans about the poor Palestinians, the elites are having them eliminated on our dime. As Israel has shown time and time again, better to apologize after than to ask permission prior.
Apparently the majority in Israel fear that what will be done to them is exactly what they are doing to the Palestinians: slow genocide. But who is there to threaten Israel? Only their own policies and occupation, which, like the US "global war on terror", only ends up increasing the number of people who wish to do harm. Qui bono? Not the citizens of Israel and the "Occupied Territories". Hackneyed but true: Follow The Money.
I've read much by the Prof, but this is really an extremely clear and easily digested article. I'm sure it has not escaped his attention that simultaneous with the foreign repression in the 60's we had our own right here at home. The Kennedys, Dr. King, Malcolm X, Medgar Evers, the Black Panthers: any leader who might inspire the people to rally and demand real change was eliminated. And here we are today, about to witness the enactment of TPP and the demise of the free Internet, all to serve our Capitalist masters and create a virtual slave-planet. At least for the few decades left before our atmosphere is destroyed by methane when the Arctic waters thaw enough to release it.
Thanks for Professors Cole and Chomsky for attempting to shed some light.
Good article, Professor Cole. I would read his book but I don't need to be further incensed, exercised or outraged. And I have read Catch-22. ANYONE who believes our VOLUNTEER (read MERCENARY) armed forces are being used off-shore for noble purposes is just not paying attention.
The US is pursuing so many insane and stupid policies - totally upside down down and denying simple facts of life. The gun control argument becomes a distraction.
After listening/watching the entire debate it's clear that neither Mr. Dershowitz or Mr. Hayden could find any fault with Alexis Ohanian's argument. Finally it comes down to whether or not one feels they can trust government and it's contractors in the way Dershowitz and Hayden would like us to.
"...Yet it is pretty clear that they aren’t apprehending terrorists."
IMHO the central reason for (NSA, et al) spying is poitical blackmail. 2nd level priority is industrial/corporate/economic and last is "terrorism". Better to keep us afraid by letting a few "acts of terror" happen and it helps them justify the continued surveillance. The whole thing is so dark, cynical and downright evil. The 3rd Reich could only dream of what's been accomplished here.
Only 5 names? We can easily bring that to 10 if we include certain Supreme Court justices. Or 11 if we include the man responsible for the extra-judicial execution of an teenaged American citizen.
My dear Bill,
How did you find your way here? It seems you took a wrong turn on the information superhighway.
A "travesty" to report on Assange? Is it a travesty for Dr. Cole to report on Assange, too? Or to embrace Ed Snowden as a patriot?
You should hop on over to TPM where you'll find comments about Assange, Snowden and Greenwald as ignorant as yours. You'll feel right at home.
Seems the jury is still out on Ms. Jackson, but to say "Obama's EPA rocks" is either sarcasm or nonsense. Well, one other option: you're just not paying attention.
from wikipedia:
Preetinder Singh "Preet" Bharara (born 1968) is an Indian American attorney and the current U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.[1] In 2012, Bharara was named by Time magazine as one of "The 100 Most Influential People in the World," and by India Abroad as its 2011 Person of the Year.[2][3][4] Bharara was also featured on a cover of Time Magazine entitled "This Man is Busting Wall Street" for his office's prosecutions of insider trading and other financial fraud on Wall Street.[5][6] Bharara was included in Bloomberg Markets Magazine’s 2012 “50 Most Influential” list as well as Vanity Fair’s 2012 and 2013 annual “New Establishment” lists.
Preet soft on Indians? Not a chance! Although India Abroad may not be so happy with him now.
"...spends lavishly on campaigns to secure a political order that serves its own interests,..."
Mr Moyers is pulling his punch. It should read: "...spending obscenely and insanely..."
Thanks for posting this, Dr. Cole.
I watched the entire interview. The interviewer borders on being openly hostile. Glenn handled it very well, repeatedly smacking him down.
I'm grateful Laura, Glenn and Ed for their integrity and bravery.
Can we finally stop perpetuating the myth that the government of Israel wants peace with the Palestinians?
Can we finally face the fact that the US government puts on sham peace talks, spies on it's citizens, condones, aids and abets the looting of the national commons and is doing nothing to protect the human population from global climate change?
If we can pull our heads out of our butts long enough to admit these things, maybe we can get something moving in the direction of sanity. But hey, I'm an optimist.
Stunning distillation of many of my own thoughts and questions. There is just SO MUCH that makes no sense unless the "cui bono" solvent is applied. Then the obfuscations begin to dissolve
Well, that about sums it up on the political side; nice work! How about the economics of United Kingdom of the American States' "empire"? Surely the royal baby will need some tutoring on that subject to understand exactly who's footing the royal bill.
The Republicans and their masters are nothing short of diabolical in their efforts to destroy the American middle class and American democracy.
"The white people of Alabama continue to cling to a racist, illiberal worldview that’s all about sticking it to the “other.” Unfortunately, they’re just fine with the Kochs, Scaifes, etc raking it in – just as long as the government can inflict pain on the pointy-headed intellectuals and those welfare-grubbing minorities. "
This is pretty close but doesn't really go far enough. You can get some idea of the idiocy Alabamans are willing to support if you listen to Anderson Cooper's interview with Good Ol' Boy Rep. Ed Henry. I fully expect Moore to be elected.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVQOUC6vKoI
An awesome showing! Let's keep the ball rolling through 2018 and on to 2020.
Meanwhile Pruitt and Zinke r doing all they can to destroy the human habitat and Trump is running around the world selling American weapons of mass destruction.
Can I get an "Amen!" ?
"Everyone" thought Trump could never b elected. Now "everyone" thinks Trump won't complete his 1st term.
"Somebody" told Donna she could make her $1M with a book.
"Everybody" is wrong (again) and "somebody" is right.
"What other tools are there to stop him from ruining the country?"
IMHO, "he", being DJT, is not the one who needs to be stopped. Those people are the billionaires who are financing fascism and economic warfare against all the rest of us. They own the media, ALEC, Pharma, the weapons industries, the energy industries, the corporate farms, etc. etc.
Also, we do well to keep in mind it's not only a question of ruining only this country.
"We have to find someone with integrity to idolize as a Trump critic if we are actually going to dig out of this hole."
There are many people available, but none are in politics... or business. I like Pope Francis for it, but then, he's Catholic and there may be objections... Or Malala, but she's Muslim and there may be objections... Or Vandana Shiva, but she's Hindu and there may be objections...
Gosh, it' *is* hard to find someone!
Now *this* is a good idea:
" ...Mr. Stephens and his ilk should step off their balconies every once in a while to test whether the arrogant Mr. Newton and his seventeenth century mathematics could not reasonably be debated on the certainty that they will fall to their deaths every time."
Oh! Didn't know he was into pot.
"What constitutes a definition of fascism and fascist governments is a highly disputed subject that has proven complicated and contentious. Historians, political scientists, and other scholars have engaged in long and furious debates concerning the exact nature of fascism and its core tenets."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Definitions_of_fascism
"...born..." u mean "borne", I believe. 😉
Well.... Yeah! And I keep hoping the Rapture will come and take the rest of the troublemakers!!
They're just using the Muslim issue to get into power. Once in, they'll go after the Jews and the LGBTQ's, not to worry!
"...it borders on treason." Wow! What would it take for you to say, "it's treason!"?
"We are living in an alternate universe not so different from Philip K. Dick’s “Man in a High Castle.” The Nazis won after all."
Huh! it's only taken the rest of us 70+ years to figure it out.
Yes, but....
The Pentagon and the armed forces have already weighed in and concluded Global Climate Change is real - and they are planning for it.
Also, can anyone easily consume the idea that those leading the corporations don't understand what's happening, both ecologically and economically?
I can understand that 35 or 40 years ago an oil exec could ignore and bury research showing the impact fossil fuel burning would have. But now?
They can't *all* be Christian Dominionists eager to bring on the End of Days, led by their anti-Christ, Donnie.
What is their plan and where do they think they and their families will go to escape unbearable outdoor temperatures, poisoned air and water?
How *do* these imbeciles get elected?
This is not a rhetorical question.
Rep. Matt Gaetz, R - FL 1
https://gaetz.house.gov/contact/offices
has introduced a bill to TERMINATE the EPA:
https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/861
How do these imbeciles get elected?!!
soulmates...?
I do enjoy it when the Prof gets mad!
Your review of Mr. Miller's performance makes me glad I have no time to watch sunday tv.
I agree wholeheartedly with the Prof's assessment of psychopaths and Mr. Trump. Add in an insatiable greed and lust for power and you have our government, as it is about to be constituted.
A lot of time has been spent on Trump, Trump, Trump. But what of Pence? Since it's quite likely this Christian Dominionist will be elevated to the Presidency, it might serve us to have Prof. Cole take a long hard look at him, too.
While it's hard to define Trump's agenda, I don't think that will be the case with Mr. Pence. And he may be the more terrifying of the two.
Yeow!! A.J. Bacevich is PISSED! I've read "America's War for the Greater Middle East" and found it to be excellent, but he doesn't lay it out in terms like this!
"The most expeditious approach: purge all currently serving three- and four-star officers; then, make a precondition for promotion to those ranks confinement in a reeducation camp run by Iraq and Afghanistan war amputees, with a curriculum designed by Veterans for Peace."
Why, one might be inclined to conclude that all those generals who've served didn't *want* the wars to end, especially judging by the corporate positions they now hold. Damn that Military-Industrial-Congressional Complex!
The leader of the right-wing Jewish Home party Naftali Bennett, claimed a Trump presidency allows Israel to fully dismiss the notion of a Palestinian state. "This is the position of the President-elect, as written in his platform, and it should be our policy, plain and simple. The era of a Palestinian state is over."
President Carter: Right when he put solar panels on the White House and right about what Nobel Peace prize winner Obama can do - immediately - to help prevent the eventual extermination of the Palestinian people.
But I really doubt Obama will do anything. He's not doing much for the Indians in North Dakota, either. I'd have to say, IMHO he's turned out to be a bit of a dick.
so it only took 50 f*cking years for the f*cking Nobel committee to figure it out. And they gave Obama the prize for peace. Well, Zimmy doesn't need it and Obama shouldn't have gotten it.
Darren,
I want to personally thank you for your help with my campaign.
Every time those motherlovin' lefties have told the truth about me you've been there trying to misdirect and obfuscate!
Now, I know 10¢/post isn't much, so your ability to baffle 'em with boosh hit has me in awe of your loyalty.
Together we will enter a new era of more-of-the-same: more for me and more-of-the-same for you!
All the best,
HRC
Another one who fails upward on the corporate ladder. Really, she did her job very well and it must have been hard on her and her family, taking flak for Clinton.
And so she is rewarded according to plan.
Can anyone be surprised? These operatives and operations have become so transparent.
And America is left with a choice of two completely unacceptable "Major Party" options.
What a shame for American women that the first woman to be nominated by the Democrats can only win because her opponent is unthinkable; yes, when there are other women who would far better represent the Democratic Party.
Definition of rogue state in English:
rogue state
noun
A nation or state regarded as breaking international law and posing a threat to the security of other nations.
Is there any question that Israel is a rogue state? Prof Cole sez the Dem party should change it's name because it supports a rogue colonial power. But really both parties, the Congress and the Executive branch of our government ALL support this rogue colonial state. So, Prof Cole, what should we call our government? or our country?
I rather think Bernie's "little tilt" allowed us to see those who want government to deal with reality vs. those who prefer the status quo.
Also: Hillary is not "the Left", she's just a bit more left than Trump. Bernie is not "the Left", either. He just seems that way because he talks about solving real problems, and solving real problems and talking about real issues is not what the Tim Howes of the Democratic Party want.
Oh yeah: go ahead and tell me how "impossible" Bernie's economic plans are. How we can't possibly have Universal Education, or Universal Healthcare, or decent infrastructure or honestly address Global Climate Change. I suppose you'll also tell me how impossible the Manhattan project was, and how impossible Ike's highway system was, and how impossible it was to put a man on the Moon.
Yup, we know now who's on what side.
"Betraying Progressives...." An interesting headline in the original CommonDreams blogpost. Dr. Cole thoughtfully brings the rhetoric down a few degrees with "Dissing" and not "Betraying". Even more accurate would be "Ignoring". But really, what could be expected?
The "official" Democratic Party leadership is thoroughly corrupt.
IMHO, it would be best if the Bernie 5 simply refused to attend DNC Platform meetings, met on their own and released a People's Democratic Party Platform.
Yes, I agree with you. Though your comment doesn't really bear on the current discussion.
At least this speech wasn't made in secret.
I donate to Bernie weekly. If he isn't the Democrat's candidate I might have to vote for Mr. Trump. I mean, Merrick Garland?! Really?!
Gotta laff at this Prof! Great post, but I doubt anyone here (reading Informed Comment) will be by fooled by the likes of Lindsey Graham!
"This is classic corporatism, in which government mobilizes institutions like corporations, unions, and political parties for strategic ends."
Here, let me fix this for you:
"This is classic FASCISM, in which government mobilizes institutions like corporations, unions, and political parties for strategic ends."
"Steinitz said Israel would nevertheless not intervene in the Syrian civil war..."
In other words, the entire thing - "Israel Frets...etc." - is a disinformation/propaganda campaign.
" Whatever are you thinking about professor ?"
I was taking you seriously 'til i read your last sentence. ;=)
Professor Cole: Please keep it up! This takes up where Jon Stewart left off. 😉
"And look at how bad things have gone since that ultimate blackmail threat has ceased to exist." Your sophistry is on a par with Ms. Aronoff's. Blackmail? As an end to racism? Or the threat of violence as a means to attain the goals of a non-violent protest? Yes, that will clearly make black lives matter to everyone.
I agree with your points. Preventing Mr. Sanders from speaking and berating his supporters is really not the way to achieve a positive outcome, IMHO.
I disagree with Ms. Aronoff's conclusions with respect to Mr. Sanders. She sounds very young and feels she needs to lecture "us", telling us how we should be feeling and thinking . This line is particularly off putting: "a web page and a black staffer do not equal a commitment to racial justice." She needs to drill down a bit deeper into Bernie's life and record. She should also study the non-violent movements of Gandhi and MLK. They did not disrupt events by grabbing microphones and refusing to allow others to speak.
Bernie has already won the "Dem" debate, John. Please pay attention. And how has he won? By telling the truth.
Troll much...?
I sometimes see myself as a "cynical optimist".
I'm not sure if I'm sane, though. 😉
I am optimistic that it's better than being a "cynical pessimist". But who's to say?
Larry and Sergy haven't signed on. Nor has Bill Gates.
Hmmm.....
Wow! This is the best AJ+ can do? The "reporter" comes off as an asshole without a clue. You're not exactly Jon Stewart replacement material, honey, but FOX may have a place for you...
Just as the TPP is kept hidden from Congress, so is the actual extent of illegal spying. Congress is a nuisance and can't be trusted with "important" stuff.
ANYONE who believes ANYTHING will be curtailed or that ANY information already collected will be shredded has not been paying attention and does not understand how fascists work.
"I swear, the U.S. elite are working against American citizens."
All fix'd for you.
THIS. HAS. GOT. TO. STOP.
Good point! Obama may not "love America", but Rudy hasn't a clue about what really makes that true. Mostly because Rudy doesn't "love America" in precisely the same way.
Bingo!
You mean like Sheldon Adelson? Who else do you have in mind?
being an anti-war activist is dangerous. period.
"He has not been charged with a crime in Sweden "
They want him only for questioning, yet they won't allow a video chat or skype with his lawyer present. It's so clear Sweden is acting as a cat's paw for the US and that once they have Assange on Swedish soil they'll extradite him.
"Just read Bruce Schneier, an independent computer security expert, and he is not at all convinced that the North Korean government is behind the hack. I also have my doubts."
Bingo! This movie and the Sony hack look like the perfect black-flag psy-op. Can the NSA prove they didn't do it?
" Now look boys, I ain't much of a hand at makin' speeches. But I got a pretty fair idea that something doggoned important's going on back there. And I got a fair idea of the kind of personal emotions that some of you fella's may be thinking. Heck, I reckon you wouldn't even be human beings if you didn't have some pretty strong personal feelings about nuclear combat. But I want you to remember one thing, the folks back home is a countin' on ya, and by golly we ain't about to let 'em down. Tell you somethin' else. This thing turns out to be half as important as I figure it just might be, I'd say that you're all in line for some important promotions and personal citations when this thing's over with. That goes for every last one of you, regardless of your race, color, or your creed. Now, let's get this thing on the hump. We got some flying to do."
Oh, I think we've had quite enough confirmation of that by now. What I'd like to hear about are the men and women in these services who REFUSED to torture. Aren't there ANY?
@Super 390
As noted in my response to this:
https://www.juancole.com/2014/11/denialist-planetary-disaster.html
We are already faced with a "Samson Option" of our own making. And unless we or our children are willing create the final, ultimate defeat you're describing - and in the not too distant future - that greater Samson Option will cease to be "an" option. It will become the only option.
"Who gets hit first?" the American taxpayer.
yes, well... he already has, hasn't he?
I like Prof Klare. No, I really do! But I wonder: is he telling us the only solution open to us now is to "help" these people leave the planet as soon as possible? I'm not seeing any real solutions. Hilary? I don't think so. Can we finally conclude that there will not be a political solution in time to "save the planet" and the only real solution will be the overthrow of our political and economic system?
How few people have to vote before the election is considered invalid? What? There's no minimum?
I only watched the first 6:12. Complete horsesh*t: Anonymous Person: "...well, we were going after Turkey and Saudi Arabia 'cause that's where the money and weapons are coming from, but, um... er, we changed our minds and now we're just posting sh*t on social media so the money and guns can continue to flow..."
I'm taken aback that Professor Cole would allow this unsubstantiated nonsense on the site.
She's right.
Again.
"...gotten it ... wrong..."?!! Have you seen our corporate sponsors' profits?!!
Agreed!
Indeed, the position you take, kizilbash, is considered anitsemetic by the folks who think Schanzer is a liberal!
That is to say, the people Dr. Cole refers to as being in the "cult" of Israeli nationalism and Zionism are, in fact, fascists. And the behavior of the University of Illinois is cowardly and disgusting.
Situations like these will always produce the worst kind of blow-back, creating actual anti-semites. For it is seen that a small group of (probably wealthy) Jews have deprived and man of his livelihood because he dared speak his mind in a public forum.
Albert Einstein is an anti-semite by today's standards. He considered Menachen Begin and his Zionist Freedom Party a fascist movement in 1948.
"It is inconceivable that those who oppose fascism throughout the world, if correctly informed as to Mr. Begin's political record and perspectives, could add their names and support to the movement he represents."
http://www.globalwebpost.com/farooqm/study_res/einstein/nyt_orig.html
Now it comes into focus. Cui bono? The merchants of death: arms dealers and the petro companies. The Palestinians are well and truly f#%ked. While the world pisses and moans about the poor Palestinians, the elites are having them eliminated on our dime. As Israel has shown time and time again, better to apologize after than to ask permission prior.
Robert Shore: I could not agree more. Thanks for your comment.
Apparently the majority in Israel fear that what will be done to them is exactly what they are doing to the Palestinians: slow genocide. But who is there to threaten Israel? Only their own policies and occupation, which, like the US "global war on terror", only ends up increasing the number of people who wish to do harm. Qui bono? Not the citizens of Israel and the "Occupied Territories". Hackneyed but true: Follow The Money.
I've read much by the Prof, but this is really an extremely clear and easily digested article. I'm sure it has not escaped his attention that simultaneous with the foreign repression in the 60's we had our own right here at home. The Kennedys, Dr. King, Malcolm X, Medgar Evers, the Black Panthers: any leader who might inspire the people to rally and demand real change was eliminated. And here we are today, about to witness the enactment of TPP and the demise of the free Internet, all to serve our Capitalist masters and create a virtual slave-planet. At least for the few decades left before our atmosphere is destroyed by methane when the Arctic waters thaw enough to release it.
Thanks for Professors Cole and Chomsky for attempting to shed some light.
F*&king Russell Brand!! Who'd have thought?
Another Snider in FL only named "Scott". Here in NM we get hit hard with penalties for water use above allotment.
Snider to the Poor and others caught breathing while black or brown in Michigan: "Leave or die."
Good article, Professor Cole. I would read his book but I don't need to be further incensed, exercised or outraged. And I have read Catch-22. ANYONE who believes our VOLUNTEER (read MERCENARY) armed forces are being used off-shore for noble purposes is just not paying attention.
"I hope there’s some wise, spiritual and powerful aliens that can bring real wisdom, knowledge, love and cooperation to the idiots on Earth."
I understand how you feel but that's asking rather a lot!
The security state exists for its own ends and does not and will not answer to the population whose taxes go to support it.
The US is pursuing so many insane and stupid policies - totally upside down down and denying simple facts of life. The gun control argument becomes a distraction.
After listening/watching the entire debate it's clear that neither Mr. Dershowitz or Mr. Hayden could find any fault with Alexis Ohanian's argument. Finally it comes down to whether or not one feels they can trust government and it's contractors in the way Dershowitz and Hayden would like us to.
The motivation would be MONEY.
"...Yet it is pretty clear that they aren’t apprehending terrorists."
IMHO the central reason for (NSA, et al) spying is poitical blackmail. 2nd level priority is industrial/corporate/economic and last is "terrorism". Better to keep us afraid by letting a few "acts of terror" happen and it helps them justify the continued surveillance. The whole thing is so dark, cynical and downright evil. The 3rd Reich could only dream of what's been accomplished here.
Only 5 names? We can easily bring that to 10 if we include certain Supreme Court justices. Or 11 if we include the man responsible for the extra-judicial execution of an teenaged American citizen.
My dear Bill,
How did you find your way here? It seems you took a wrong turn on the information superhighway.
A "travesty" to report on Assange? Is it a travesty for Dr. Cole to report on Assange, too? Or to embrace Ed Snowden as a patriot?
You should hop on over to TPM where you'll find comments about Assange, Snowden and Greenwald as ignorant as yours. You'll feel right at home.
"Additionally, we have been unaware of this alleged NSA program targeting our products. We care deeply about our customers’ privacy and security..."
This is so obviously a lie it's ludicrous. Or risible. Or sad. Yes, that's it: it's really sad.
Seems the jury is still out on Ms. Jackson, but to say "Obama's EPA rocks" is either sarcasm or nonsense. Well, one other option: you're just not paying attention.
This is sarcasm, right?
Thanks for taking the time to write. Very informative and, sadly, not at all surprising.
Cynicism, greed and Zionism are not a winning combination for Israel or the U.S, yet those are the motivating elements of Netanyahu and AIPAC, IMHO.
from wikipedia:
Preetinder Singh "Preet" Bharara (born 1968) is an Indian American attorney and the current U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.[1] In 2012, Bharara was named by Time magazine as one of "The 100 Most Influential People in the World," and by India Abroad as its 2011 Person of the Year.[2][3][4] Bharara was also featured on a cover of Time Magazine entitled "This Man is Busting Wall Street" for his office's prosecutions of insider trading and other financial fraud on Wall Street.[5][6] Bharara was included in Bloomberg Markets Magazine’s 2012 “50 Most Influential” list as well as Vanity Fair’s 2012 and 2013 annual “New Establishment” lists.
Preet soft on Indians? Not a chance! Although India Abroad may not be so happy with him now.
Why is our government insane?
"...spends lavishly on campaigns to secure a political order that serves its own interests,..."
Mr Moyers is pulling his punch. It should read: "...spending obscenely and insanely..."
I wear size small in polo shirts.
Love the new format.
Hope my little contribution helps.
happy new year
Thanks for posting this, Dr. Cole.
I watched the entire interview. The interviewer borders on being openly hostile. Glenn handled it very well, repeatedly smacking him down.
I'm grateful Laura, Glenn and Ed for their integrity and bravery.
Here's a link to the full interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuothSrX1mQ
Can we finally stop perpetuating the myth that the government of Israel wants peace with the Palestinians?
Can we finally face the fact that the US government puts on sham peace talks, spies on it's citizens, condones, aids and abets the looting of the national commons and is doing nothing to protect the human population from global climate change?
If we can pull our heads out of our butts long enough to admit these things, maybe we can get something moving in the direction of sanity. But hey, I'm an optimist.
seen on a T-shirt during Indian Market in Santa Fe, NM:
"PARTY LIKE IT'S 1491"
Stunning distillation of many of my own thoughts and questions. There is just SO MUCH that makes no sense unless the "cui bono" solvent is applied. Then the obfuscations begin to dissolve
Thanks for your good work.
Yes, he did appear to speak up for the "working people", but I don't recall him getting anything done.
"...the brother..."? The "brother" is ill and needs an intervention, not a position of trust.
Well, that about sums it up on the political side; nice work! How about the economics of United Kingdom of the American States' "empire"? Surely the royal baby will need some tutoring on that subject to understand exactly who's footing the royal bill.