From The Peninsula
By MOBIN PANDIT & AHMED EL AMIN
DOHA: Top officials in several Arab countries have close links with the CIA, and many officials keep visiting US embassies in their respective countries voluntarily to establish links with this key US intelligence agency, says Julian Assange, founder of the whistle-blowing website, WikiLeaks.
“These officials are spies for the US in their countries,” Assange told Al Jazeera Arabic channel in an interview yesterday.
The interviewer, Ahmed Mansour, said at the start of the interview which was a continuation of last week’s interface, that Assange had even shown him the files that contained the names of some top Arab officials with alleged links with the CIA.
Assange or Mansour, however, didn’t disclose the names of these officials. The WikiLeaks founder said he feared he could be killed but added that there were 2,000 websites that were ready to publish the remaining files that are in possession of WikiLeaks after “he has been done away with”.
“If I am killed or detained for a long time, there are 2,000 websites ready to publish the remaining files. We have protected these websites through very safe passwords,” said Assange.
Currently, his whistle-blowing website is exposing files in a ‘responsible’ manner, he claimed. “But if I am forced we could go to the extreme and expose each and every file that we have access to,” thundered the WikiLeaks founder. “We must protect our sources at whatever cost. This is our sincere concern.”
Some Arab countries even have torture houses where Washington regularly sends ‘suspects’ for ‘interrogation and torture’, he said.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Learn A New Word: Kleptocracy
From Wikipedia.
Kleptocracy, alternatively cleptocracy or kleptarchy, from Greek: κλέπτης (thieve) and κράτος (rule), is a term applied to a government subject to control fraud that takes advantage of governmental corruption to extend the personal wealth and political power of government officials and the ruling class (collectively, kleptocrats), via the embezzlement of state funds at the expense of the wider population, sometimes without even the pretense of honest service. The term means "rule by thieves". Not an "official" form of government (such as democracy, republic, monarchy, theocracy) the term is a pejorative for governments perceived to have a particularly severe and systemic problem with the selfish misappropriation of public funds by those in power.
Kleptocracy, alternatively cleptocracy or kleptarchy, from Greek: κλέπτης (thieve) and κράτος (rule), is a term applied to a government subject to control fraud that takes advantage of governmental corruption to extend the personal wealth and political power of government officials and the ruling class (collectively, kleptocrats), via the embezzlement of state funds at the expense of the wider population, sometimes without even the pretense of honest service. The term means "rule by thieves". Not an "official" form of government (such as democracy, republic, monarchy, theocracy) the term is a pejorative for governments perceived to have a particularly severe and systemic problem with the selfish misappropriation of public funds by those in power.
Homeland Security Makes Rare Online Public Statement In Support Of TSA
Sorry for the bad language, but Homeland Security has a special tone now used for dealing with the slaves, I mean citizens. (Apparently the comment below was traced back to a Homeland Security internet address by the Wewontfly.com website.)
From Wewontfly.com
Fuck you, Fuck all you cocksuckers, you wont change anything. ride the bus, TSA is here to stay there doing a great job keeping americia safe.
From Wewontfly.com
Fuck you, Fuck all you cocksuckers, you wont change anything. ride the bus, TSA is here to stay there doing a great job keeping americia safe.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
NFL Great to Match Your BuildingWhat? Donations Through December 31
From 9/11 Blogger.
The BuildingWhat? campaign is pleased to announce beginning today, December 29, through December 31, NFL great Mark Stepnoski will match, up to $10,000, all donations made to the next TV ad campaign.
Thanks to the generosity of supporters across the globe, the BuildingWhat? campaign has raised almost $30,000 since the launch of the new fundraising drive on December 5. We are thrilled and grateful that two-time Superbowl champion Mark Stepnoski has so generously stepped forward to spur us toward the $50,000-milestone. Between now and the end of the year, Mark will match every dollar you donate; and just a reminder, every dollar you do give in 2010 will be fully tax-deductible when you file your taxes in the coming months!
Donate Now.
The BuildingWhat? campaign is pleased to announce beginning today, December 29, through December 31, NFL great Mark Stepnoski will match, up to $10,000, all donations made to the next TV ad campaign.
Thanks to the generosity of supporters across the globe, the BuildingWhat? campaign has raised almost $30,000 since the launch of the new fundraising drive on December 5. We are thrilled and grateful that two-time Superbowl champion Mark Stepnoski has so generously stepped forward to spur us toward the $50,000-milestone. Between now and the end of the year, Mark will match every dollar you donate; and just a reminder, every dollar you do give in 2010 will be fully tax-deductible when you file your taxes in the coming months!
Donate Now.
Max Keiser: Silver Campaign Working
From MaxKeiser.com
The global campaign to jack Silver to $500 and crash JP Morgan is working. Don’t be caught holding worthless paper “money.” Convert cash to Silver now while you still can. Once the price breaks $32.60 – $50 is in the bag.
The global campaign to jack Silver to $500 and crash JP Morgan is working. Don’t be caught holding worthless paper “money.” Convert cash to Silver now while you still can. Once the price breaks $32.60 – $50 is in the bag.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Hollywood and the war machine
From Aljazeera and Prison Planet.
...The Pentagon recognises the power of these celluloid dreams and encourages Hollywood to create heroic myths; to rewrite history to suit its own strategy and as a recruiting tool to provide a steady flow of willing young patriots for its wars.
What does Hollywood get out of this ‘deal with the devil’? Access to billions of dollars worth of military kit, from helicopters to aircraft carriers, enabling filmmakers to make bigger and more spectacular battle scenes, which in turn generate more box office revenue. Providing they accept the Pentagon’s advice, even toe the party line and show the US military in a positive light.
So is it a case of art imitating life, or a sinister force using art to influence life and death – and the public perception of both?
...The Pentagon recognises the power of these celluloid dreams and encourages Hollywood to create heroic myths; to rewrite history to suit its own strategy and as a recruiting tool to provide a steady flow of willing young patriots for its wars.
What does Hollywood get out of this ‘deal with the devil’? Access to billions of dollars worth of military kit, from helicopters to aircraft carriers, enabling filmmakers to make bigger and more spectacular battle scenes, which in turn generate more box office revenue. Providing they accept the Pentagon’s advice, even toe the party line and show the US military in a positive light.
So is it a case of art imitating life, or a sinister force using art to influence life and death – and the public perception of both?
Monday, December 27, 2010
Daniel Ellsburg Sees Need for New 9/11 Investigation
In the second video you can also see Chris Hedges preparing to be arrested in front of the White House. I remember when Chris Hedges was writing excellent articles in the New York Times. These days he is protesting in front of the White House and getting arrested and the New York Times has become a pro-war propaganda rag. How things have changed in the last 15 years.
From 9/11 Blogger.
July 14, 2006 inteview with Jack Blood on "Deadline Live", Ellsberg is passionate about the need for a new 9/11 investigation. Ellsberg's views are a challenge to Veterans For Peace, an organization for which he advocates support. Judging from the signs at the December 16 war protest in DC, VFP members remain mysteriously timid about using the need for a new 9/11 investigation as a powerful challenge to the pretext of the war that led to the war itself.
From 9/11 Blogger.
July 14, 2006 inteview with Jack Blood on "Deadline Live", Ellsberg is passionate about the need for a new 9/11 investigation. Ellsberg's views are a challenge to Veterans For Peace, an organization for which he advocates support. Judging from the signs at the December 16 war protest in DC, VFP members remain mysteriously timid about using the need for a new 9/11 investigation as a powerful challenge to the pretext of the war that led to the war itself.
Assange on Supposed Manipulation by Soros and Mossad
Stacy from MaxKeiser.com also adds her own two cents here.
From Economic Policy Journal
During a Julian Assange interview conducted by the Indian paper afaqs, the following exchange took place:
There has been speculation that you have the support of George Soros and Israeli intelligence service Mossad. Where do you think this is coming from?
(It is common) in the US to allege George Soros is behind everything. To be fair, the only vaguely conspiratorial things that George Soros has been behind is some of the 'Colour Revolutions' in Eastern Europe about five or six years ago that I know about.
As for Mossad, in the release of "Cablegate" material, there is no one spared. If you look closely, what has happened is that the New York Times as a media organisation has to be quite careful not to criticise Israel too much. So, if you look at the coverage in English that is coming out you will see little that is critical of Israeli behaviour and a lot critical of Iran, for example. That is not a true reflection of the "Cablegate" material. There is information in there that is critical of most countries - certainly including Israel.
There is a bias towards material that is critical of Iran because the information comes from US embassies and US diplomats reporting back to Washington. So, it does follow Washington's agenda in terms of what US diplomats and political officers are looking to report and what they do report back to Washington.
From Economic Policy Journal
During a Julian Assange interview conducted by the Indian paper afaqs, the following exchange took place:
There has been speculation that you have the support of George Soros and Israeli intelligence service Mossad. Where do you think this is coming from?
(It is common) in the US to allege George Soros is behind everything. To be fair, the only vaguely conspiratorial things that George Soros has been behind is some of the 'Colour Revolutions' in Eastern Europe about five or six years ago that I know about.
As for Mossad, in the release of "Cablegate" material, there is no one spared. If you look closely, what has happened is that the New York Times as a media organisation has to be quite careful not to criticise Israel too much. So, if you look at the coverage in English that is coming out you will see little that is critical of Israeli behaviour and a lot critical of Iran, for example. That is not a true reflection of the "Cablegate" material. There is information in there that is critical of most countries - certainly including Israel.
There is a bias towards material that is critical of Iran because the information comes from US embassies and US diplomats reporting back to Washington. So, it does follow Washington's agenda in terms of what US diplomats and political officers are looking to report and what they do report back to Washington.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Banks And Wikileaks
From The New York Times.
...Visa, MasterCard and PayPal announced in the past few weeks that they would not process any transaction intended for WikiLeaks. Earlier this month, Bank of America decided to join the group, arguing that WikiLeaks may be doing things that are “inconsistent with our internal policies for processing payments.”
The Federal Reserve, the banking regulator, allows this. Like other companies, banks can choose whom they do business with. Refusing to open an account for some undesirable entity is seen as reasonable risk management. The government even requires banks to keep an eye out for some shady businesses — like drug dealing and money laundering — and refuse to do business with those who engage in them.
But a bank’s ability to block payments to a legal entity raises a troubling prospect. A handful of big banks could potentially bar any organization they disliked from the payments system, essentially cutting them off from the world economy...
...Visa, MasterCard and PayPal announced in the past few weeks that they would not process any transaction intended for WikiLeaks. Earlier this month, Bank of America decided to join the group, arguing that WikiLeaks may be doing things that are “inconsistent with our internal policies for processing payments.”
The Federal Reserve, the banking regulator, allows this. Like other companies, banks can choose whom they do business with. Refusing to open an account for some undesirable entity is seen as reasonable risk management. The government even requires banks to keep an eye out for some shady businesses — like drug dealing and money laundering — and refuse to do business with those who engage in them.
But a bank’s ability to block payments to a legal entity raises a troubling prospect. A handful of big banks could potentially bar any organization they disliked from the payments system, essentially cutting them off from the world economy...
Pentagon’s Christmas Present: Largest Military Budget Since World War II
From Prison Planet.
...Pentagon spending has increased by 100 percent since 1998 and “the Obama budget plans to spend more on the Pentagon over eight years than any administration has since World War II.” [2]
With 2.25 million full-time civilian and military personnel, excluding part-time National Guard and Reserve members, the Defense Department is the U.S.’s largest employer, outstripping Walmart with 1.4 million employees and the U.S Post Office with 599,000. [3]
“Add in what Homeland Security, Veterans Affairs, and the Energy departments spend on defense and total US military spending will reach $861 billion in fiscal 2011, exceeding that of all other nations combined,” according to Todd Harrison, senior fellow for Defense Budget Studies at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments...
...Pentagon spending has increased by 100 percent since 1998 and “the Obama budget plans to spend more on the Pentagon over eight years than any administration has since World War II.” [2]
With 2.25 million full-time civilian and military personnel, excluding part-time National Guard and Reserve members, the Defense Department is the U.S.’s largest employer, outstripping Walmart with 1.4 million employees and the U.S Post Office with 599,000. [3]
“Add in what Homeland Security, Veterans Affairs, and the Energy departments spend on defense and total US military spending will reach $861 billion in fiscal 2011, exceeding that of all other nations combined,” according to Todd Harrison, senior fellow for Defense Budget Studies at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments...
Friday, December 24, 2010
Ho Ho Ho...Merry Patsy, Merry Merry Patsy....
Yes it is tiring, the endless barrage of fake terror FBI entrapped dupes...All so Joe Shmoe will think our excessive military and security boondoggles and expenditures and destructive wars are worth it to "keep America safe."
From 9/11 Blogger.
Alternet: Why Are the Feds Cultivating Their Own "Homegrown Terrorists"?
The FBI caught another homegrown terrorist this week, except like many recent plots the agency has “uncovered,” the attack was a plant, a plan concocted by the FBI itself. It’s the latest in a growing number of terrorism plots that the FBI stirs up by infiltrating communities and helping to devise attack plans. The practice raises serious questions about the government’s implementation of it’s ongoing war on terror.
The recent case involves 21-year-old from Baltimore named Antonio Martinez, who’d reportedly converted to Islam, changed his name to Muhammad Hussain and planned to blow up a bomb outside a military recruitment center in Baltimore. None of the plot, however, existed before the FBI instigated it and Martinez had no contact with any real terrorist organization...
From 9/11 Blogger.
Alternet: Why Are the Feds Cultivating Their Own "Homegrown Terrorists"?
The FBI caught another homegrown terrorist this week, except like many recent plots the agency has “uncovered,” the attack was a plant, a plan concocted by the FBI itself. It’s the latest in a growing number of terrorism plots that the FBI stirs up by infiltrating communities and helping to devise attack plans. The practice raises serious questions about the government’s implementation of it’s ongoing war on terror.
The recent case involves 21-year-old from Baltimore named Antonio Martinez, who’d reportedly converted to Islam, changed his name to Muhammad Hussain and planned to blow up a bomb outside a military recruitment center in Baltimore. None of the plot, however, existed before the FBI instigated it and Martinez had no contact with any real terrorist organization...
Want To See A Real Psy-Op In Action?
If you want to see how the powers that be can try to smear you, take a look at this disgusting article in the Mail Online.
It quotes from a Gawker article which tries to "make Assange seem creepy" through revealing some old emails of his where, if they are authentic, show him trying to win over some 19 year old who supposedly kissed him at a bar.
The establishment and their media whores want you "joe public" to support the mega-corporations and support the wars and the police state. If you oppose them, this is what they do to you. Get used to it. You might be next.
It quotes from a Gawker article which tries to "make Assange seem creepy" through revealing some old emails of his where, if they are authentic, show him trying to win over some 19 year old who supposedly kissed him at a bar.
The establishment and their media whores want you "joe public" to support the mega-corporations and support the wars and the police state. If you oppose them, this is what they do to you. Get used to it. You might be next.
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange: If extradited to U.S., I'll be killed 'Jack Ruby-style' in jail
From NY Daily News.
WikiLeaker Julian Assange is afraid of getting whacked "Jack Ruby-style" in a U.S. jail.
Assange, who posted 250,000 secret cables regarding American foreign and military policy on his Website, is fighting extradition to Sweden over allegations of rape and molestation of two women.
At the same time, there are reports the U.S. might try to haul him in to stand trial for espionage.
Assange, 39, says if he can garner enough support in London, where he is now free on bail, Britain might find it too heavy a political lift to extradite him to America for such a trial.
"It's all a matter of politics," he told British newspaper The Telegraph...
WikiLeaker Julian Assange is afraid of getting whacked "Jack Ruby-style" in a U.S. jail.
Assange, who posted 250,000 secret cables regarding American foreign and military policy on his Website, is fighting extradition to Sweden over allegations of rape and molestation of two women.
At the same time, there are reports the U.S. might try to haul him in to stand trial for espionage.
Assange, 39, says if he can garner enough support in London, where he is now free on bail, Britain might find it too heavy a political lift to extradite him to America for such a trial.
"It's all a matter of politics," he told British newspaper The Telegraph...
Rape victim arrested for refusing TSA pat down
It's good she was arrested isn't it? Don't you feel safer? I mean, like duh, you never know, she might be with Al-Qaeda. Yeah, dude.
From Raw Story.
A 56-year-old woman who says she is a rape victim was arrested and banned from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Wednesday after refusing to receive a pat down from a Transportation Security Agency (TSA) officer...
From Raw Story.
A 56-year-old woman who says she is a rape victim was arrested and banned from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Wednesday after refusing to receive a pat down from a Transportation Security Agency (TSA) officer...
Fusion Centers Put ACLU On Terror List, Monitor Ron Paul Supporters
Tennessee Fusion Center Puts ACLU On Terror List
From Prison Planet.
On Wednesday, the Chattanooga Free Press reported that Tennessee antiterrorism officials placed the legislative lobbying organization on an internet map detailing “terrorism events and other suspicious activity” after the group warned schools to ensure holiday celebrations “are inclusive.”...
Florida Fusion Center Surveilled Ron Paul’s Campaign for Liberty
From Prison Planet.
Public Intelligence, an international consortium of independent researchers, reports that a fusion center in Florida snooped on Ron Paul supporters and other political groups.
From Prison Planet.
On Wednesday, the Chattanooga Free Press reported that Tennessee antiterrorism officials placed the legislative lobbying organization on an internet map detailing “terrorism events and other suspicious activity” after the group warned schools to ensure holiday celebrations “are inclusive.”...
Florida Fusion Center Surveilled Ron Paul’s Campaign for Liberty
From Prison Planet.
Public Intelligence, an international consortium of independent researchers, reports that a fusion center in Florida snooped on Ron Paul supporters and other political groups.
CIA Helps Arms Smugglers Spread Atomic Bomb Blueprints Across Globe
Perhaps the only defense for the CIA in this story is that they helped "introduce flaws into the equipment sent to some of those countries." A similar story in regard to Iran can also be read about in George Bush insists that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. So why, six years ago, did the CIA give the Iranians blueprints to build a bomb? From The Guardian.
C.I.A. Secrets Could Surface in Swiss Nuclear Case
From The New York Times.
A seven-year effort by the Central Intelligence Agency to hide its relationship with a Swiss family who once acted as moles inside the world’s most successful atomic black market hit a turning point on Thursday when a Swiss magistrate recommended charging the men with trafficking in technology and information for making nuclear arms...
While it has been clear since 2008 that the Tinners acted as American spies, the announcement by the Swiss magistrate on Thursday, recommending their prosecution for nuclear smuggling, is a turning point in the investigation. A trial would bring to the fore a case that Pakistan has insisted is closed. Prosecuting the case could also expose in court a tale of C.I.A. break-ins in Switzerland, and of a still unexplained decision by the agency not to seize electronic copies of a number of nuclear bomb designs found on the computers of the Tinner family...
Based on Swiss investigators’ findings, the book suggests that the bomb designs may have spread to a half dozen outposts of Dr. Khan’s empire around the globe — including Thailand, Malaysia and South Africa — and sharply criticizes the C.I.A. for leaving those plans in the hands of people suspected of being nuclear traffickers...
C.I.A. Secrets Could Surface in Swiss Nuclear Case
From The New York Times.
A seven-year effort by the Central Intelligence Agency to hide its relationship with a Swiss family who once acted as moles inside the world’s most successful atomic black market hit a turning point on Thursday when a Swiss magistrate recommended charging the men with trafficking in technology and information for making nuclear arms...
While it has been clear since 2008 that the Tinners acted as American spies, the announcement by the Swiss magistrate on Thursday, recommending their prosecution for nuclear smuggling, is a turning point in the investigation. A trial would bring to the fore a case that Pakistan has insisted is closed. Prosecuting the case could also expose in court a tale of C.I.A. break-ins in Switzerland, and of a still unexplained decision by the agency not to seize electronic copies of a number of nuclear bomb designs found on the computers of the Tinner family...
Based on Swiss investigators’ findings, the book suggests that the bomb designs may have spread to a half dozen outposts of Dr. Khan’s empire around the globe — including Thailand, Malaysia and South Africa — and sharply criticizes the C.I.A. for leaving those plans in the hands of people suspected of being nuclear traffickers...
Portland City Council Hears About Fake War On Terror/ False Flag Terror
Companies That Made And Maintained Blow Out Preventer Have Had Hands-On Access To It
From Cryptogon.
A federal board allowed to monitor testing of a key piece of Gulf oil spill evidence — the blowout preventer — demanded Thursday that the analysis stop, saying representatives of the companies that made and maintained the 300-ton device have been getting preferential and sometimes hands-on access to it...
“Given the well-publicized history of improper relationships between the former Minerals Management Service and members of the oil industry, one would have expected that extraordinary care would be taken to conduct the BOP testing above reproach,” safety board chairperson Rafael Moure-Eraso said in the letter. “One would have expected an independent, second set of eyes like the CSB to be welcomed. Regrettably this has not been the case.”
The MMS was renamed the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement after two scathing reports by a federal inspector general. The reports highlighted drug use and sex among agency employees and oil and gas industry executives, and said drilling regulators accepted gifts and trips from oil and gas companies and even negotiated to go work for the industry while overseeing it.
A federal board allowed to monitor testing of a key piece of Gulf oil spill evidence — the blowout preventer — demanded Thursday that the analysis stop, saying representatives of the companies that made and maintained the 300-ton device have been getting preferential and sometimes hands-on access to it...
“Given the well-publicized history of improper relationships between the former Minerals Management Service and members of the oil industry, one would have expected that extraordinary care would be taken to conduct the BOP testing above reproach,” safety board chairperson Rafael Moure-Eraso said in the letter. “One would have expected an independent, second set of eyes like the CSB to be welcomed. Regrettably this has not been the case.”
The MMS was renamed the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement after two scathing reports by a federal inspector general. The reports highlighted drug use and sex among agency employees and oil and gas industry executives, and said drilling regulators accepted gifts and trips from oil and gas companies and even negotiated to go work for the industry while overseeing it.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
N.Korea: ready to fight "holy war" using nuclear deterrent
Seems as if the US and South Korea want a war. They may get it.
From Reuters.
(Reuters) - North Korea's minister of armed forces said on Thursday its military was prepared to wage a "holy war" against the South using its nuclear deterrent after what he called Seoul's attempt to initiate conflict.
Minister Kim Yong-chun repeated Pyongyang's charge that the South had been preparing to start a war by conducting live-fire drills off the west coast, speaking at a rally to mark leader Kim Jong-il's rise to the country's top military post 19 years ago.
He was quoted by North Korea's KCNA news agency which regularly threatens the South but which had up to now been relatively restrained in its criticism of the military drills.
From Reuters.
(Reuters) - North Korea's minister of armed forces said on Thursday its military was prepared to wage a "holy war" against the South using its nuclear deterrent after what he called Seoul's attempt to initiate conflict.
Minister Kim Yong-chun repeated Pyongyang's charge that the South had been preparing to start a war by conducting live-fire drills off the west coast, speaking at a rally to mark leader Kim Jong-il's rise to the country's top military post 19 years ago.
He was quoted by North Korea's KCNA news agency which regularly threatens the South but which had up to now been relatively restrained in its criticism of the military drills.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
South Korea readies major military drill near tense border
From AFP
SEOUL — South Korea on Wednesday prepared for a major show of military strength involving fighter jets and tanks near the tense North Korean border as Washington ruled out “feel-good” talks with Pyongyang.
The live-fire exercise, planned for Thursday with self-propelled guns and 800 soldiers, follows signs of an easing of tensions on the peninsula after the North backed down from a threat to retaliate against an earlier drill...
SEOUL — South Korea on Wednesday prepared for a major show of military strength involving fighter jets and tanks near the tense North Korean border as Washington ruled out “feel-good” talks with Pyongyang.
The live-fire exercise, planned for Thursday with self-propelled guns and 800 soldiers, follows signs of an easing of tensions on the peninsula after the North backed down from a threat to retaliate against an earlier drill...
CIA Sets Up the WTF to Assess Impact of Wikileaks
From ZeroPaid.
The Wikileaks drama has been unfolding for a while now, but it has now taken a rather humorous turn recently. The CIA is reportedly launching what it calls the Wikileaks Task Force. Observers quickly gave it the acronym, the WTF. The task force is said to be assessing the impact of the release of the diplomatic cables as well as the military war diaries.
It didn’t take long for the WTF to be a running joke online. But the task of the WTF is no joke. The WTFs goal is to assess what impacts the release of the Wikileaks diplomatic cables and military war diaries...
The Wikileaks drama has been unfolding for a while now, but it has now taken a rather humorous turn recently. The CIA is reportedly launching what it calls the Wikileaks Task Force. Observers quickly gave it the acronym, the WTF. The task force is said to be assessing the impact of the release of the diplomatic cables as well as the military war diaries.
It didn’t take long for the WTF to be a running joke online. But the task of the WTF is no joke. The WTFs goal is to assess what impacts the release of the Wikileaks diplomatic cables and military war diaries...
WikiLeaks cables: Bangladeshi 'death squad' trained by UK government
From The Guardian.
The British government has been training a Bangladeshi paramilitary force condemned by human rights organisations as a "government death squad", leaked US embassy cables have revealed.
Members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), which has been held responsible for hundreds of extra-judicial killings in recent years and is said to routinely use torture, have received British training in "investigative interviewing techniques" and "rules of engagement".
Details of the training were revealed in a number of cables, released by WikiLeaks, which address the counter-terrorism objectives of the US and UK governments in Bangladesh. One cable makes clear that the US would not offer any assistance other than human rights training to the RAB – and that it would be illegal under US law to do so – because its members commit gross human rights violations with impunity.
Since the RAB was established six years ago, it is estimated by some human rights activists to have been responsible for more than 1,000 extra-judicial killings, described euphemistically as "crossfire" deaths. In September last year the director general of the RAB said his men had killed 577 people in "crossfire". In March this year he updated the figure, saying they had killed 622 people.
The RAB's use of torture has also been exhaustively documented by human rights organisations. In addition, officers from the paramilitary force are alleged to have been involved in kidnap and extortion, and are frequently accused of taking large bribes in return for carrying out crossfire killings.
However, the cables reveal that both the British and the Americans, in their determination to strengthen counter-terrorism operations in Bangladesh, are in favour of bolstering the force...
The British government has been training a Bangladeshi paramilitary force condemned by human rights organisations as a "government death squad", leaked US embassy cables have revealed.
Members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), which has been held responsible for hundreds of extra-judicial killings in recent years and is said to routinely use torture, have received British training in "investigative interviewing techniques" and "rules of engagement".
Details of the training were revealed in a number of cables, released by WikiLeaks, which address the counter-terrorism objectives of the US and UK governments in Bangladesh. One cable makes clear that the US would not offer any assistance other than human rights training to the RAB – and that it would be illegal under US law to do so – because its members commit gross human rights violations with impunity.
Since the RAB was established six years ago, it is estimated by some human rights activists to have been responsible for more than 1,000 extra-judicial killings, described euphemistically as "crossfire" deaths. In September last year the director general of the RAB said his men had killed 577 people in "crossfire". In March this year he updated the figure, saying they had killed 622 people.
The RAB's use of torture has also been exhaustively documented by human rights organisations. In addition, officers from the paramilitary force are alleged to have been involved in kidnap and extortion, and are frequently accused of taking large bribes in return for carrying out crossfire killings.
However, the cables reveal that both the British and the Americans, in their determination to strengthen counter-terrorism operations in Bangladesh, are in favour of bolstering the force...
Obama Prepares Executive Order For Indefinite Detention
From Zerohedge.
First president Obama becomes Bush in all but name with respect to his predecessor's economic policies, and now he follows by espousing Bush's interpretation of "civil rights" as well. According to Pro Publica, the White House is preparing an Executive Order for indefinite detention. And while the premise behind a comparable draft has been circulating around for 18 months, the uptake was seen as problematic. The "humanitarian" premise behind the order is that it will "provide for the periodic reviews of evidence against dozens of prisoners held at Guantanamo Bay... and allow for the possibility that detainees from countries like Yemen might be released if circumstances change." That's the theory. The "practice" is that the Order will, as the name implies, afford the administration the option of "indefinite detention as a long-term Obama administration policy and makes clear that the White House alone will manage a review process for those it chooses to hold without charge or trial." In other words all those, and we assume that the Order is not merely targeting those involved in September 11, and is wider in its scope, who are perceived by the administration as "high value detainees" will be denied due process, and will be held in captivity essentially indefinitely with no legal recourse, for as long as the "review process" so deems fit. As for the "theory" aspect, Politico summarizes just how much of a bold lie Obama's promise two years ago to close Guantanamo has become: "Nearly two years after Obama's pledge to close the prison at Guantanamo, more inmates there are formally facing the prospect of lifelong detention and fewer are facing charges than the day Obama was elected." In other words, Obama has one upped Dubya not only when it comes to Republican economic policy, but has in fact surpassed his abrogation of basic human rights. And seeing how in the aftermath of the Assange arrest (speaking of which, Julian better run following this announcement), it is only a matter of time before that whole 'Internet free speech' premise is perceived to be a form of treason, by the likes of Biden, Palin and Lieberman, potentially punishable if not by death, then certainly indefinite, lifelong detention...
First president Obama becomes Bush in all but name with respect to his predecessor's economic policies, and now he follows by espousing Bush's interpretation of "civil rights" as well. According to Pro Publica, the White House is preparing an Executive Order for indefinite detention. And while the premise behind a comparable draft has been circulating around for 18 months, the uptake was seen as problematic. The "humanitarian" premise behind the order is that it will "provide for the periodic reviews of evidence against dozens of prisoners held at Guantanamo Bay... and allow for the possibility that detainees from countries like Yemen might be released if circumstances change." That's the theory. The "practice" is that the Order will, as the name implies, afford the administration the option of "indefinite detention as a long-term Obama administration policy and makes clear that the White House alone will manage a review process for those it chooses to hold without charge or trial." In other words all those, and we assume that the Order is not merely targeting those involved in September 11, and is wider in its scope, who are perceived by the administration as "high value detainees" will be denied due process, and will be held in captivity essentially indefinitely with no legal recourse, for as long as the "review process" so deems fit. As for the "theory" aspect, Politico summarizes just how much of a bold lie Obama's promise two years ago to close Guantanamo has become: "Nearly two years after Obama's pledge to close the prison at Guantanamo, more inmates there are formally facing the prospect of lifelong detention and fewer are facing charges than the day Obama was elected." In other words, Obama has one upped Dubya not only when it comes to Republican economic policy, but has in fact surpassed his abrogation of basic human rights. And seeing how in the aftermath of the Assange arrest (speaking of which, Julian better run following this announcement), it is only a matter of time before that whole 'Internet free speech' premise is perceived to be a form of treason, by the likes of Biden, Palin and Lieberman, potentially punishable if not by death, then certainly indefinite, lifelong detention...
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Ted Kaczynski and the CIA?
Harvard. Isn't that where Obama went?
From Cryptogon and Times Union.
Was my brother, Ted Kaczynski (AKA “the Unabomber”), a sort of “Manchurian candidate” - programmed to kill by our government in a CIA-funded thought-control experiment gone awry?
I hope you will excuse the provocative question - especially since I don’t know the answer to it.
What I do know is that my brother was a guinea pig in an unethical and psychologically damaging research project conducted at Harvard University where he attended college in the early 1960′s. While it is true that my brother suffers from paranoia, it is also true that he fell victim to a conspiracy of psychological researchers who used deceptive tactics to study the effects of emotional and psychological trauma on unwitting human subjects. My brother was harmed by psychologists who recognized - at least tangentially - that they were hurting him yet who made no attempt to undo or ameliorate the harm they’d caused to their young and vulnerable subject. Thus, it would be fair to say that my brother’s paranoia had a reference point in reality.
Fifteen years after his experience at Harvard, Ted Kaczynski embarked on a mail bomb campaign that targeted leading researchers in technology, behavioral psychologists among them. Is there a connection between my brother’s violent behavior and his earlier experience as a guinea pig at Harvard? It seems there must be some connection. But how much connection? And what role might the US government have played in unleashing the Unabomber’s anti-social behavior?
... In 1967, according to the CIA’s internal assessment, there were literally hundreds of college professors on more than 100 American college campuses under secret contract to the CIA. Needless to say, universities like Harvard that wanted a piece of the action decided to dispense with the ethical standard embedded in the Nuremberg Code. From 1953 to 1963, federal support for scientific research at Harvard increased from $8 million per year to $30 million.
One secret CIA research project that used unwitting American citizens as subjects was code-named MK Ultra. It lasted 10 years and ended in 1963, shortly after Ted graduated from Harvard. MK Ultra experiments used sensory deprivation, sleep learning, subliminal projection, electronic brain stimulation, and hallucinogenic drugs to study various applications for behavior modification. One project was designed to see if subjects could be programmed to kill on demand. Experiments were conducted in penal institutions, mental institutions, and on university campuses. Some hapless human subjects went crazy, and some are known to have committed suicide.
When the media began to catch wind of a program of secret government experimentation on American citizens, former CIA director Richard Helms ordered many records pertaining to MK Ultra destroyed. Thus, the full scope of the program and its abuses may never be known.
The Harvard study my brother participated in was called “Multiform Assessments of Personality Development Among Gifted College Men.” It was overseen by the noted psychologist Henry Murray, who during WWII worked for the OSS (which later became the CIA), where he developed methodologies for interrogating prisoners of war. In his professional life, Murray was known for his brilliance and his grandiosity. In his personal life, according to his biographer, he displayed sadistic tendencies. His research on college men bears a certain resemblance to his research on prisoners of war. He was quite a big wheel in his day, perhaps as well known and influential in military and government circles as he was in academia.
Were the so-called “Murray experiments” part of MK Ultra? It may be that no one living knows the answer to this question. We know that the experiments were highly unpleasant for my brother and for some others who participated. We know that the basic premise of the research was to study how bright college students would react to aggressive and highly stressful attacks on their beliefs and values.
From Cryptogon and Times Union.
Was my brother, Ted Kaczynski (AKA “the Unabomber”), a sort of “Manchurian candidate” - programmed to kill by our government in a CIA-funded thought-control experiment gone awry?
I hope you will excuse the provocative question - especially since I don’t know the answer to it.
What I do know is that my brother was a guinea pig in an unethical and psychologically damaging research project conducted at Harvard University where he attended college in the early 1960′s. While it is true that my brother suffers from paranoia, it is also true that he fell victim to a conspiracy of psychological researchers who used deceptive tactics to study the effects of emotional and psychological trauma on unwitting human subjects. My brother was harmed by psychologists who recognized - at least tangentially - that they were hurting him yet who made no attempt to undo or ameliorate the harm they’d caused to their young and vulnerable subject. Thus, it would be fair to say that my brother’s paranoia had a reference point in reality.
Fifteen years after his experience at Harvard, Ted Kaczynski embarked on a mail bomb campaign that targeted leading researchers in technology, behavioral psychologists among them. Is there a connection between my brother’s violent behavior and his earlier experience as a guinea pig at Harvard? It seems there must be some connection. But how much connection? And what role might the US government have played in unleashing the Unabomber’s anti-social behavior?
... In 1967, according to the CIA’s internal assessment, there were literally hundreds of college professors on more than 100 American college campuses under secret contract to the CIA. Needless to say, universities like Harvard that wanted a piece of the action decided to dispense with the ethical standard embedded in the Nuremberg Code. From 1953 to 1963, federal support for scientific research at Harvard increased from $8 million per year to $30 million.
One secret CIA research project that used unwitting American citizens as subjects was code-named MK Ultra. It lasted 10 years and ended in 1963, shortly after Ted graduated from Harvard. MK Ultra experiments used sensory deprivation, sleep learning, subliminal projection, electronic brain stimulation, and hallucinogenic drugs to study various applications for behavior modification. One project was designed to see if subjects could be programmed to kill on demand. Experiments were conducted in penal institutions, mental institutions, and on university campuses. Some hapless human subjects went crazy, and some are known to have committed suicide.
When the media began to catch wind of a program of secret government experimentation on American citizens, former CIA director Richard Helms ordered many records pertaining to MK Ultra destroyed. Thus, the full scope of the program and its abuses may never be known.
The Harvard study my brother participated in was called “Multiform Assessments of Personality Development Among Gifted College Men.” It was overseen by the noted psychologist Henry Murray, who during WWII worked for the OSS (which later became the CIA), where he developed methodologies for interrogating prisoners of war. In his professional life, Murray was known for his brilliance and his grandiosity. In his personal life, according to his biographer, he displayed sadistic tendencies. His research on college men bears a certain resemblance to his research on prisoners of war. He was quite a big wheel in his day, perhaps as well known and influential in military and government circles as he was in academia.
Were the so-called “Murray experiments” part of MK Ultra? It may be that no one living knows the answer to this question. We know that the experiments were highly unpleasant for my brother and for some others who participated. We know that the basic premise of the research was to study how bright college students would react to aggressive and highly stressful attacks on their beliefs and values.
Those Terrorists, They're Everywhere! My God, What Is A Corrupt Government To Do?
From Cryptogon and ABC News.
"The threat has changed from simply worrying about foreigners coming here, to worrying about people in the United States, American citizens -- raised here, born here, and who for whatever reason, have decided that they are going to become radicalized and take up arms against the nation in which they were born," he said.
"The threat has changed from simply worrying about foreigners coming here, to worrying about people in the United States, American citizens -- raised here, born here, and who for whatever reason, have decided that they are going to become radicalized and take up arms against the nation in which they were born," he said.
Monday, December 20, 2010
U.S. Government Storing Information on Americans in Vast Surveillance Database
From Cryptogon and The Washington Post.
Nine years after the terrorist attacks of 2001, the United States is assembling a vast domestic intelligence apparatus to collect information about Americans, using the FBI, local police, state homeland security offices and military criminal investigators.
The system, by far the largest and most technologically sophisticated in the nation’s history, collects, stores and analyzes information about thousands of U.S. citizens and residents, many of whom have not been accused of any wrongdoing.
The government’s goal is to have every state and local law enforcement agency in the country feed information to Washington to buttress the work of the FBI, which is in charge of terrorism investigations in the United States...
Nine years after the terrorist attacks of 2001, the United States is assembling a vast domestic intelligence apparatus to collect information about Americans, using the FBI, local police, state homeland security offices and military criminal investigators.
The system, by far the largest and most technologically sophisticated in the nation’s history, collects, stores and analyzes information about thousands of U.S. citizens and residents, many of whom have not been accused of any wrongdoing.
The government’s goal is to have every state and local law enforcement agency in the country feed information to Washington to buttress the work of the FBI, which is in charge of terrorism investigations in the United States...
Biden-White House Agrees with GOP: Assange is “High Tech Terrorist”
From Prison Planet and Activist Post.
Vice President Joe Biden confirmed on Meet the Press this Sunday that he and the White House agree with Mitch McConnell’s assessment that Julian Assange is a “high tech terrorist” claiming that the leaks have “done damage” to diplomatic relations.
Biden also said the the Justice Department is pursuing legal action against Assange. He claimed Assange would be committing a crime if he “conspired” to obtain the leaked information.
Vice President Joe Biden confirmed on Meet the Press this Sunday that he and the White House agree with Mitch McConnell’s assessment that Julian Assange is a “high tech terrorist” claiming that the leaks have “done damage” to diplomatic relations.
Biden also said the the Justice Department is pursuing legal action against Assange. He claimed Assange would be committing a crime if he “conspired” to obtain the leaked information.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Obama The Joke Punts On First Down
From Zerohedge
Obama's latest quid-pro-quo with the republican party over a doubling down on fiscal stimulus in the form of mutual back scratching, funding by yet another trillion in debt, may have well be the start of his toxic spiral to the the bottom of political insignificance. According to Politico, "The tax deal negotiated by President Barack Obama and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky is just the first part of a multistage drama that is likely to further divide and weaken Democrats." Next up on the path of what many see as the terminal alienation of the president from his liberal constituency, will occur during the next State of the Union Address, when the teleprompter in chief is expected to announce cuts in Social Security, according to Politico which quotes "well-placed sources." ...
Obama is finally getting the bipartisanship he craved — but entirely on Republican terms.
Republicans win three ways. They have a Democratic president doing their work for them, destroying the Democratic capacity to use affirmative government to address dire national problems and annihilating his own party.
Obama's latest quid-pro-quo with the republican party over a doubling down on fiscal stimulus in the form of mutual back scratching, funding by yet another trillion in debt, may have well be the start of his toxic spiral to the the bottom of political insignificance. According to Politico, "The tax deal negotiated by President Barack Obama and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky is just the first part of a multistage drama that is likely to further divide and weaken Democrats." Next up on the path of what many see as the terminal alienation of the president from his liberal constituency, will occur during the next State of the Union Address, when the teleprompter in chief is expected to announce cuts in Social Security, according to Politico which quotes "well-placed sources." ...
Obama is finally getting the bipartisanship he craved — but entirely on Republican terms.
Republicans win three ways. They have a Democratic president doing their work for them, destroying the Democratic capacity to use affirmative government to address dire national problems and annihilating his own party.
After BofA Escalates, Refuses To Process Wikileaks' Payments, Wiki Retaliates, Advises Americans To Put Their Money "Somewhere Safer"
From Zerohedge.
Bank of America just fired the preemptive escalation shot in its duel with Wikileaks. Late on Friday, America's biggest mortgage lender, and the firm that is now getting sued left and right for various mortgage transgressions, announced it is joining MasterCard, Paypal and Visa in ceasing transactions for Wikileaks. While this decision will certainly not improve Operation Anonymous' empathy toward the North Carolina bank, it may just precipitate overt retaliation by Assange, who is now rumored to be in possession of data that could provie harmful to BAC. Which is why this sudden escalation out of left field by the bank strikes as surprisingly odd: BofA's upside is very limited while its downside could be 100% - even if Wikileaks is bluffing, why provoke them. And as expected, Wikileaks has already retaliated: in two sequential tweets it advised its 568,117 (and very rapidly growing) subscribers to pull their money out of Bank of America, and also to close all their accounts with the firm, urging them to put their money "somewhere safer." ...
Read more.
Bank of America just fired the preemptive escalation shot in its duel with Wikileaks. Late on Friday, America's biggest mortgage lender, and the firm that is now getting sued left and right for various mortgage transgressions, announced it is joining MasterCard, Paypal and Visa in ceasing transactions for Wikileaks. While this decision will certainly not improve Operation Anonymous' empathy toward the North Carolina bank, it may just precipitate overt retaliation by Assange, who is now rumored to be in possession of data that could provie harmful to BAC. Which is why this sudden escalation out of left field by the bank strikes as surprisingly odd: BofA's upside is very limited while its downside could be 100% - even if Wikileaks is bluffing, why provoke them. And as expected, Wikileaks has already retaliated: in two sequential tweets it advised its 568,117 (and very rapidly growing) subscribers to pull their money out of Bank of America, and also to close all their accounts with the firm, urging them to put their money "somewhere safer." ...
Read more.
I Used To Believe In Our Government. Then I Fought In Iraq. Now I Support WikiLeaks
From Business Insider.
Veronica, a Business Insider reader, originally posted this as a comment to The Backlash Against Wikileaks Is Outrageous: What Happened To Freedom Of The Press?
I am an Iraqi war veteran (Operation Iraqi freedom, 2003) and I support WikiLeaks.
First, I did not support the war that I was obligated to partake in. Going through the events of the war (at the very beginning), there were some questionable actions. I did not like many of the things I saw or did and I often wondered how anyone could make the decisions they were making. Things were deplorable on my own conscience (still are) and I was not the one who made the judgement call.
I think the public has the right to know the truth about everything, especially how decisions are made. It is easy to be the guy in an office that is never faced with the eyes of people staring back at you or crying to you or handing you their dying children. Those are the people that decide the fates of others. Doesn't the public have a right to know the truth instead of government spun propaganda?...
Read more
Veronica, a Business Insider reader, originally posted this as a comment to The Backlash Against Wikileaks Is Outrageous: What Happened To Freedom Of The Press?
I am an Iraqi war veteran (Operation Iraqi freedom, 2003) and I support WikiLeaks.
First, I did not support the war that I was obligated to partake in. Going through the events of the war (at the very beginning), there were some questionable actions. I did not like many of the things I saw or did and I often wondered how anyone could make the decisions they were making. Things were deplorable on my own conscience (still are) and I was not the one who made the judgement call.
I think the public has the right to know the truth about everything, especially how decisions are made. It is easy to be the guy in an office that is never faced with the eyes of people staring back at you or crying to you or handing you their dying children. Those are the people that decide the fates of others. Doesn't the public have a right to know the truth instead of government spun propaganda?...
Read more
Right On Assange! Tabloid Schmuck He Is.
This is what I can't understand. It is so obvious that the reporter's question is tasteless and ridiculous. Yet Business Insider somehow criticizes Assange for calling the reporter a "tabloid schmuck." But the reporter is a tabloid schmuck! We need more people to stand up to the mainstream media when they are a bunch of foul, tasteless, mindless losers. We don't need all this constant sucking up to authority. We need the opposite. Assange is right on with his attitude. It isn't arrogance, it's a necessity in an absurd world full of idiots.
From Business Insider.
From Business Insider.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Poison Feelers Sent Out In Media; Christmas Attack And Nuclear Terror In Next Several Years In US City
As you can probably imagine, I don't really like Newsmax. However somehow I've ended up on their mailing list. And I found this in my emails today:
Full on warnings about imminent Christmas terror attacks, and eventually even nuclear ones. There was talk like this during last summer. In the fall however the chatter went away. Now it's back again. I honestly don't believe it is a good time to live in either New York, Washington or LA.
Here is how Newsmax presented one of their articles, the one on "Nuclear D-Day."
Of course there has been talk like this for decades, but now it has become talk not of a possible calamity, but of an inevitable one.
The article in Newsmax describes the situation so:
A Hiroshima-sized nuclear device smuggled into the U.S. inside a cargo container detonates in California's Port of Long Beach, killing 60,000 people instantaneously, exposing another 150,000 to deadly radiation, touching off massive fires and forcing the evacuation of 6 million panicked people in the Los Angeles basin.
Could it happen?
Top experts say it not only could happen, it is "more likely than not" to occur within the next several years.
Last month the Obama administration admitted that al-Qaida is frantically trying to acquire a nuclear device.
Unless you like the idea of waking up one day to a flash of light, a rumble and a big mushroom cloud, this is information that causes some concern.
No doubt nuclear terror, as other forms of terror, will be used to enact more stringent controls over the population, a complete loss of liberty and who knows what other evils, even if you are far away from the blast.
No doubt the blame will be put on the seemingly mythical "Al-Qaeda"...whatever that is.
Newsmax in their article entitled US Prepares, Says Nuclear Attack 'Survivable', quotes Craig Fugate, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency:
"We have to get past the mental block that says it’s too terrible to think about,” W. Craig Fugate, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, told the Times. “We have to be ready to deal with it” and help people learn how to “best protect themselves.”
With talk like this, if you think like me, you see this as a media preparation for an inevitability. A certainty, because perhaps somewhere along the chain of command is some group with very devious and devilish minds indeed. I doubt very much that they are either Arabs or in some cave under Afghanistan or Pakistan. I imagine the plan, if it is being hatched, is being hatched by men who wear suits and speak perfect english. At first there is just chatter in the media as the octopus, the squid lurking extends it's poison feelers, preparing its victim for the attack.
Full on warnings about imminent Christmas terror attacks, and eventually even nuclear ones. There was talk like this during last summer. In the fall however the chatter went away. Now it's back again. I honestly don't believe it is a good time to live in either New York, Washington or LA.
Here is how Newsmax presented one of their articles, the one on "Nuclear D-Day."
Of course there has been talk like this for decades, but now it has become talk not of a possible calamity, but of an inevitable one.
The article in Newsmax describes the situation so:
A Hiroshima-sized nuclear device smuggled into the U.S. inside a cargo container detonates in California's Port of Long Beach, killing 60,000 people instantaneously, exposing another 150,000 to deadly radiation, touching off massive fires and forcing the evacuation of 6 million panicked people in the Los Angeles basin.
Could it happen?
Top experts say it not only could happen, it is "more likely than not" to occur within the next several years.
Last month the Obama administration admitted that al-Qaida is frantically trying to acquire a nuclear device.
Unless you like the idea of waking up one day to a flash of light, a rumble and a big mushroom cloud, this is information that causes some concern.
No doubt nuclear terror, as other forms of terror, will be used to enact more stringent controls over the population, a complete loss of liberty and who knows what other evils, even if you are far away from the blast.
No doubt the blame will be put on the seemingly mythical "Al-Qaeda"...whatever that is.
Newsmax in their article entitled US Prepares, Says Nuclear Attack 'Survivable', quotes Craig Fugate, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency:
"We have to get past the mental block that says it’s too terrible to think about,” W. Craig Fugate, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, told the Times. “We have to be ready to deal with it” and help people learn how to “best protect themselves.”
With talk like this, if you think like me, you see this as a media preparation for an inevitability. A certainty, because perhaps somewhere along the chain of command is some group with very devious and devilish minds indeed. I doubt very much that they are either Arabs or in some cave under Afghanistan or Pakistan. I imagine the plan, if it is being hatched, is being hatched by men who wear suits and speak perfect english. At first there is just chatter in the media as the octopus, the squid lurking extends it's poison feelers, preparing its victim for the attack.
Are the Cyber Battles with the Enemies of WikiLeaks the New Civil Disobedience?
From Alternet.
Are distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks a legitimate and effective form of protest?
December 13, 2010 |
The WikiLeaks controversy has opened up one of the most complicated intersections of politics and the Internet that we’ve seen in a while. One particularly interesting development has been the launch of attacks against companies and politicians perceived to be foes of WikiLeaks, by a loose group of online activists called Anonymous.
At the Personal Democracy Forum’s symposium on Wikileaks over the weekend, organizer and blogger Noel Hidalgo put forth an idea that divided the room pretty quickly: that the distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks are a legitimate form of civil disobedience...
Are distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks a legitimate and effective form of protest?
December 13, 2010 |
The WikiLeaks controversy has opened up one of the most complicated intersections of politics and the Internet that we’ve seen in a while. One particularly interesting development has been the launch of attacks against companies and politicians perceived to be foes of WikiLeaks, by a loose group of online activists called Anonymous.
At the Personal Democracy Forum’s symposium on Wikileaks over the weekend, organizer and blogger Noel Hidalgo put forth an idea that divided the room pretty quickly: that the distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks are a legitimate form of civil disobedience...
The Daily Show: 9/11 First Responders React to the Senate Filibuster
From 9/11 Blogger.
Daily Show: 9/11 First Responders React to the Senate Filibuster - Thursday December 16, 2010
9/11 first responders watch as Mitch McConnell cries over a friend's retirement, and Jon Kyl explains why the Senate can't work the week after Christmas.
Daily Show: 9/11 First Responders React to the Senate Filibuster - Thursday December 16, 2010
9/11 first responders watch as Mitch McConnell cries over a friend's retirement, and Jon Kyl explains why the Senate can't work the week after Christmas.
Pulitzer-winner, ex-CIA analyst, FBI whistleblower among those arrested outside White House
From Raw Story.
As President Barack Obama was unveiling a new report on progress of the war in Afghanistan, a lineup of high-profile dissenters joined in an act of civil disobedience that ended with about 135 demonstrators being arrested outside the White House Thursday afternoon.
The number of arrestees came by way of an attorney for one of the defendants, who spoke to Raw Story. (Update: the official number of arrestees was 131.)
The military's assessment (.pdf) of the war effort found that while US troops can begin withdrawing as scheduled in July, a military presence will continue until at least 2014.
At the same time the president was speaking, dozens of protesters, organized by Veterans for Peace, lined up along the White House fence in an act of civil disobenience. Many chained or tied themselves to the fence and chanted "End, end, end the occupation. Troops out now!"
Police spent several hours arresting demonstrators, taking photos of each one before placing them into vans.
Notable participants risking arrest included Daniel Ellsberg, who leaked the Pentagon Papers, retired 27-year CIA analyst Ray McGovern, FBI whistleblower Colleen Rowley, and Pulitzer-winning former New York Times war correspondent Chris Hedges.
Raw Story was able to confirm the arrests of Ellsberg, McGovern, Rowley and Hedges, along with Veterans for Peace members Elliott Adams, Mike Ferner, Mike Hearington and Leah Bolger...
As President Barack Obama was unveiling a new report on progress of the war in Afghanistan, a lineup of high-profile dissenters joined in an act of civil disobedience that ended with about 135 demonstrators being arrested outside the White House Thursday afternoon.
The number of arrestees came by way of an attorney for one of the defendants, who spoke to Raw Story. (Update: the official number of arrestees was 131.)
The military's assessment (.pdf) of the war effort found that while US troops can begin withdrawing as scheduled in July, a military presence will continue until at least 2014.
At the same time the president was speaking, dozens of protesters, organized by Veterans for Peace, lined up along the White House fence in an act of civil disobenience. Many chained or tied themselves to the fence and chanted "End, end, end the occupation. Troops out now!"
Police spent several hours arresting demonstrators, taking photos of each one before placing them into vans.
Notable participants risking arrest included Daniel Ellsberg, who leaked the Pentagon Papers, retired 27-year CIA analyst Ray McGovern, FBI whistleblower Colleen Rowley, and Pulitzer-winning former New York Times war correspondent Chris Hedges.
Raw Story was able to confirm the arrests of Ellsberg, McGovern, Rowley and Hedges, along with Veterans for Peace members Elliott Adams, Mike Ferner, Mike Hearington and Leah Bolger...
"Two For One"; Ventura Exposes Multiple Motivations For Pentagon-9/11 False Flag
12 minutes in you hear Nasa engineer Dwain Deets talking about the impossibility of a passenger plane creating the damage at the Pentagon. 34 minutes in Ventura explodes explaining the various motivations for inside groups to cause the destruction on 9/11. At 41:30 you can hear Janice Kephart, 9/11 commission council, explain that "it's always about protection of the institution in the end." Watch the whole show as the program gets on a roll towards the finish.
Washington subway police to begin random bag checks
From Reuters.
(Reuters) - Officers will start random bag inspections on the sprawling Washington subway system, the Washington Metro Transit Police said on Thursday, a week after a man was arrested for making bomb threats to the rail system.
Metrorail police officers plan to randomly select bags before passengers enter subway stations and they will swab them or have an explosives-sniffing dog check the bags, according to the Metro police.
There is "no specific or credible threat to the system at this time," Metro said in a statement. Passengers who refuse to have their bags inspected will be denied entry into the subway system.
(Reuters) - Officers will start random bag inspections on the sprawling Washington subway system, the Washington Metro Transit Police said on Thursday, a week after a man was arrested for making bomb threats to the rail system.
Metrorail police officers plan to randomly select bags before passengers enter subway stations and they will swab them or have an explosives-sniffing dog check the bags, according to the Metro police.
There is "no specific or credible threat to the system at this time," Metro said in a statement. Passengers who refuse to have their bags inspected will be denied entry into the subway system.
U.S. Plans Manning Plea Bargain to Get Assange
From Prison Planet.
So determined is the U.S. government to corner Julian Assange, it plans to offer Pfc . Bradley Manning a plea bargain deal if he agrees to testify against the Wikileaks founder. Earlier in the week it was revealed that a secret grand jury was empaneled in northern Virginia to look at indicting Assange, who was released from jail yesterday in the United Kingdom...
...It appears likely the Justice Department will attempt to link Manning directly to Assange. Adrian Lamo, the former hacker who turned Manning in to the government, told the FBI that Assange had provided Manning with an encrypted internet conferencing service and a dedicated server for uploading the data ultimately released by Wikileaks....
...“When voters were asked whether ‘the owner of the website’ who received and leaked the classified government information should be arrested and put on trial, two-thirds (66 percent) think he should, according to a Fox News poll released Friday. When the focus was placed on the person who ‘stole and leaked the information,’ the feeling is even stronger, as 83 percent favor arrest and trial,” Fox News reported on Friday.
78 percent of respondents said the government has the right to keep classified national security information secret, even though 42 percent said they think the leaks of U.S. State Department cables were “just embarrassing” and did not seriously damage diplomatic relations.
Only 16 percent believe the government should be transparent.
Woa...what was that?
ONLY 16 PERCENT BELIEVE THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE TRANSPARENT.
Sheep is not even a fitting word anymore. How about dumb doomed slugs?
So determined is the U.S. government to corner Julian Assange, it plans to offer Pfc . Bradley Manning a plea bargain deal if he agrees to testify against the Wikileaks founder. Earlier in the week it was revealed that a secret grand jury was empaneled in northern Virginia to look at indicting Assange, who was released from jail yesterday in the United Kingdom...
...It appears likely the Justice Department will attempt to link Manning directly to Assange. Adrian Lamo, the former hacker who turned Manning in to the government, told the FBI that Assange had provided Manning with an encrypted internet conferencing service and a dedicated server for uploading the data ultimately released by Wikileaks....
...“When voters were asked whether ‘the owner of the website’ who received and leaked the classified government information should be arrested and put on trial, two-thirds (66 percent) think he should, according to a Fox News poll released Friday. When the focus was placed on the person who ‘stole and leaked the information,’ the feeling is even stronger, as 83 percent favor arrest and trial,” Fox News reported on Friday.
78 percent of respondents said the government has the right to keep classified national security information secret, even though 42 percent said they think the leaks of U.S. State Department cables were “just embarrassing” and did not seriously damage diplomatic relations.
Only 16 percent believe the government should be transparent.
Woa...what was that?
ONLY 16 PERCENT BELIEVE THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE TRANSPARENT.
Sheep is not even a fitting word anymore. How about dumb doomed slugs?
WikiLeaks cables: India accused of systematic use of torture in Kashmir
From The Guardian.
US officials had evidence of widespread torture by Indian police and security forces and were secretly briefed by Red Cross staff about the systematic abuse of detainees in Kashmir, according to leaked diplomatic cables.
The dispatches, obtained by website WikiLeaks, reveal that US diplomats in Delhi were briefed in 2005 by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) about the use of electrocution, beatings and sexual humiliation against hundreds of detainees...
US officials had evidence of widespread torture by Indian police and security forces and were secretly briefed by Red Cross staff about the systematic abuse of detainees in Kashmir, according to leaked diplomatic cables.
The dispatches, obtained by website WikiLeaks, reveal that US diplomats in Delhi were briefed in 2005 by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) about the use of electrocution, beatings and sexual humiliation against hundreds of detainees...
Exclusive: US empire could collapse at any time, Pulitzer winner tells Raw Story
From Raw Story.
America's military and economic empire could collapse at any time, but predicting the precise day, week or month of its potential demise is unattainable, according to a former New York Times war correspondent who spoke with Raw Story.
"The when and how is very dangerous to predict because there's always some factor that blindsides you that you didn't expect," Pulitzer-winning journalist Chris Hedges said in an exclusive interview. "It doesn't look good. But exactly how it plays out and when it plays out, having covered disintegrating societies, it's impossible to tell."...
"We've undergone a corporate coup d'état in slow motion," he said. "Our public education system has been gutted. Our infrastructure is corroding and collapsing. Unless we begin to physically resist, they are going to solidify neo-feudalism in this country."
"If we think that Obama is bad, watch the next two years because these corporate forces have turned their back on him," Hedges warned.
Hedges, author of "Death of the Liberal Class," said that his vision of America is one with a functioning social democracy, which stands in stark contrast to the nihilism of the corporate state.
"American workers, as they are repeatedly told, will have to become competitive with prison labor in China," he said. "That's where we're headed, and all the pillars of the liberal establishment are complicit in this."
"At least if you get sick in the UK, you don't go bankrupt or die," he added.
Hedges said that another pressure point is the US dollar, which he pointed out had been dropped by Russia and China in favor of modified ruble/renminbi exchanges.
"A few more deals like that, and our currency becomes junk," he said.
America's military and economic empire could collapse at any time, but predicting the precise day, week or month of its potential demise is unattainable, according to a former New York Times war correspondent who spoke with Raw Story.
"The when and how is very dangerous to predict because there's always some factor that blindsides you that you didn't expect," Pulitzer-winning journalist Chris Hedges said in an exclusive interview. "It doesn't look good. But exactly how it plays out and when it plays out, having covered disintegrating societies, it's impossible to tell."...
"We've undergone a corporate coup d'état in slow motion," he said. "Our public education system has been gutted. Our infrastructure is corroding and collapsing. Unless we begin to physically resist, they are going to solidify neo-feudalism in this country."
"If we think that Obama is bad, watch the next two years because these corporate forces have turned their back on him," Hedges warned.
Hedges, author of "Death of the Liberal Class," said that his vision of America is one with a functioning social democracy, which stands in stark contrast to the nihilism of the corporate state.
"American workers, as they are repeatedly told, will have to become competitive with prison labor in China," he said. "That's where we're headed, and all the pillars of the liberal establishment are complicit in this."
"At least if you get sick in the UK, you don't go bankrupt or die," he added.
Hedges said that another pressure point is the US dollar, which he pointed out had been dropped by Russia and China in favor of modified ruble/renminbi exchanges.
"A few more deals like that, and our currency becomes junk," he said.
Wikileaks Calls For Boycott Of Bank Of America
From Wikileaks Twitter.
Does your business do business with Bank of America? Our advise is to place your funds somewhere safer.
We ask that all people who love freedom close out their accounts at Bank of America.
Does your business do business with Bank of America? Our advise is to place your funds somewhere safer.
We ask that all people who love freedom close out their accounts at Bank of America.
Bank of America says it won't process payments intended for WikiLeaks
From The Kansas City Star.
By RICK ROTHACKER
McClatchy Newspapers
Bank of America Corp. said Friday evening that it was joining other financial institutions in declining to process payments intended for WikiLeaks.
"Bank of America joins in the actions previously announced by MasterCard, PayPal, Visa Europe and others and will not process transactions of any type that we have reason to believe are intended for WikiLeaks," the bank said in a statement.
"This decision is based upon our reasonable belief that WikiLeaks may be engaged in activities that are, among other things, inconsistent with our internal policies for processing payments."
By RICK ROTHACKER
McClatchy Newspapers
Bank of America Corp. said Friday evening that it was joining other financial institutions in declining to process payments intended for WikiLeaks.
"Bank of America joins in the actions previously announced by MasterCard, PayPal, Visa Europe and others and will not process transactions of any type that we have reason to believe are intended for WikiLeaks," the bank said in a statement.
"This decision is based upon our reasonable belief that WikiLeaks may be engaged in activities that are, among other things, inconsistent with our internal policies for processing payments."
Could WikiLeaks Kill Bank Of America Before The New Year? (BAC)
From Benzinga.
By Roger Nachman
Benzinga Staff Writer
December 17, 2010 11:06 AM
WikiLeaks co-editor Julian Assange was released from jail yesterday in Britain on bail and recently spoke to an NBC News affiliate regarding the information that he has on banks.
Assange said he and WikiLeaks has been attacked by banks, moreso than the U.S. government, and those attacks have come from Dubai, Switzerland, and America.
This leads to speculation, that if Assange is naming banks as a primary, if not the primary group that's attacking WikiLeaks, could he in fact release the bank documents that he claims to have even earlier than initially suggested?
If this happens, it could potentially take down the banking system, as Assange said the info he has could take down "a bank or two." Well, Julian, if you take down one or two banks, you very well could take them all down, and considering what we just went through and are still feeling the effects of, maybe it isn't the best idea to do that.
Some information is best left off not being known for sometime, despite your personal vendetta against the companies.
By Roger Nachman
Benzinga Staff Writer
December 17, 2010 11:06 AM
WikiLeaks co-editor Julian Assange was released from jail yesterday in Britain on bail and recently spoke to an NBC News affiliate regarding the information that he has on banks.
Assange said he and WikiLeaks has been attacked by banks, moreso than the U.S. government, and those attacks have come from Dubai, Switzerland, and America.
This leads to speculation, that if Assange is naming banks as a primary, if not the primary group that's attacking WikiLeaks, could he in fact release the bank documents that he claims to have even earlier than initially suggested?
If this happens, it could potentially take down the banking system, as Assange said the info he has could take down "a bank or two." Well, Julian, if you take down one or two banks, you very well could take them all down, and considering what we just went through and are still feeling the effects of, maybe it isn't the best idea to do that.
Some information is best left off not being known for sometime, despite your personal vendetta against the companies.
Friday, December 17, 2010
TSA Too Busy Groping, Perving, Playing God To Notice Guns And Bombs
We must be able to agree at least on one thing. Their goal is not to protect us. Their goal is to control us.
From Prison Planet.
TSA agents at a Houston airport failed to stop an Iranian-American with a loaded handgun passing through security and boarding a plane, yet they did stop a woman directly behind him who was carrying liquids in her hand luggage.
From Prison Planet.
TSA agents at a Houston airport failed to stop an Iranian-American with a loaded handgun passing through security and boarding a plane, yet they did stop a woman directly behind him who was carrying liquids in her hand luggage.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Hope and Change: Obama Regime Hiring Mercenaries ‘At a Rate That Would Make Bush Blush’
From Cryptogon and Daily Beast.
Without much notice or debate, the Obama administration has greatly expanded the outsourcing of key parts of the U.S.-led counterinsurgency wars in the Middle East and Africa, and as a result, for its secretive air war and special operations missions around the world, the U.S. has become increasingly reliant on a new breed of specialized companies that are virtually unknown to the American public, yet carry out vital U.S. missions abroad...
Some observers fear that the widespread use of contractors for U.S. counterinsurgency efforts in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the Horn of Africa could deepen the secrecy surrounding the American presence in those regions, making it harder for Congress to provide proper oversight...
Without much notice or debate, the Obama administration has greatly expanded the outsourcing of key parts of the U.S.-led counterinsurgency wars in the Middle East and Africa, and as a result, for its secretive air war and special operations missions around the world, the U.S. has become increasingly reliant on a new breed of specialized companies that are virtually unknown to the American public, yet carry out vital U.S. missions abroad...
Some observers fear that the widespread use of contractors for U.S. counterinsurgency efforts in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the Horn of Africa could deepen the secrecy surrounding the American presence in those regions, making it harder for Congress to provide proper oversight...
’9/11 on Steroids’ Dry Run Shows Urban Nuke Attack ‘A Survivable Event’
From Cryptogon and USA Today.
The plotters decided to trigger their bomb in Los Angeles during the morning rush, at a metro station a stone’s throw from Universal Studios and the set where Steven Spielberg filmed scenes from “War of the Worlds.”
This was no ordinary explosive. It was a 10-kiloton nuclear device packing roughly the destructive force of the Hiroshima bomb. A blast of that magnitude could engulf 50,000 to 150,000 people and reduce parts of L.A., Hollywood and Studio City — the historical heart of the movie industry — to radioactive rubble.
Al-Qaeda played no part in planning the July 28 attack. The conspirators were the leaders of a dozen state, local and federal agencies who were taking part in a simulated L.A. County security exercise code-named Operation Golden Phoenix. Their mission: to assure that if a terrorist does detonate a nuke in Los Angeles, first responders will be prepared to wade into the devastation and rescue survivors suffering from traumatic injuries, radiation sickness, shock and flash-blindness.
“This is a survivable event,” says Brendan Applegate, of the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Asymmetric Warfare, who helped design and carry out the exercise. “L.A. isn’t going to fall into the ocean and be gone forever. It will be a really bad day, but we need everyone to show up to work and save lives.”...
The plotters decided to trigger their bomb in Los Angeles during the morning rush, at a metro station a stone’s throw from Universal Studios and the set where Steven Spielberg filmed scenes from “War of the Worlds.”
This was no ordinary explosive. It was a 10-kiloton nuclear device packing roughly the destructive force of the Hiroshima bomb. A blast of that magnitude could engulf 50,000 to 150,000 people and reduce parts of L.A., Hollywood and Studio City — the historical heart of the movie industry — to radioactive rubble.
Al-Qaeda played no part in planning the July 28 attack. The conspirators were the leaders of a dozen state, local and federal agencies who were taking part in a simulated L.A. County security exercise code-named Operation Golden Phoenix. Their mission: to assure that if a terrorist does detonate a nuke in Los Angeles, first responders will be prepared to wade into the devastation and rescue survivors suffering from traumatic injuries, radiation sickness, shock and flash-blindness.
“This is a survivable event,” says Brendan Applegate, of the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Asymmetric Warfare, who helped design and carry out the exercise. “L.A. isn’t going to fall into the ocean and be gone forever. It will be a really bad day, but we need everyone to show up to work and save lives.”...
Interesting Cable Shows U.S. Involvement In Honduras, Negative Opinions Of Zelaya, Strategies
From Cable Viewer.
Other behavior by the President confirms, in my view, the depth of his feeling. While Zelaya was open to our point of view of the selection of key members of his Cabinet, he was absolutely closed to listening to us on his appointment of his Ambassador to the OAS and to his appointment of Jorge Arturo Reina as Ambassador to the UN. The Honduran voting record in the UN in terms of coincidence with US positions is at the lowest point in decades...
¶15. (S) GOING FORWARD: The last year and a half of the Zelaya Administration will be, in my view, extraordinarily difficult for our bilateral relationship. His pursuit of immunity from the numerous activities of organized crime carried out in his Administration will cause him to threaten the rule of law and institutional stability. Honduran institutions and friendly governments will need to be prepared to act privately and in public to help move Honduras forward.
¶16. (S) We will need, in my view, to continue to engage Zelaya whenever we can in order to minimize damage and to TEGUCIGALP 00000459 004 OF 004 protect our core interests...
Other behavior by the President confirms, in my view, the depth of his feeling. While Zelaya was open to our point of view of the selection of key members of his Cabinet, he was absolutely closed to listening to us on his appointment of his Ambassador to the OAS and to his appointment of Jorge Arturo Reina as Ambassador to the UN. The Honduran voting record in the UN in terms of coincidence with US positions is at the lowest point in decades...
¶15. (S) GOING FORWARD: The last year and a half of the Zelaya Administration will be, in my view, extraordinarily difficult for our bilateral relationship. His pursuit of immunity from the numerous activities of organized crime carried out in his Administration will cause him to threaten the rule of law and institutional stability. Honduran institutions and friendly governments will need to be prepared to act privately and in public to help move Honduras forward.
¶16. (S) We will need, in my view, to continue to engage Zelaya whenever we can in order to minimize damage and to TEGUCIGALP 00000459 004 OF 004 protect our core interests...
Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura: "The Gulf Oil Spill" (FULL LENGTH)
Though a somewhat sensational TV program, I think this episode is definitely worth watching for the issues it raises.
UK, not Sweden, behind efforts to keep Assange in jail: report
Ah right, it's the English who are making a mockery of justice while holding Assange for lack of condom.
From Raw Story.
Assange's lawyers say they were lied to on effort to prevent bail
Human Rights Watch: Don't prosecute Assange over cables
British prosecutors, rather than Swedish officials, are behind the effort to keep WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange from being granted bail, the Guardian reports.
Assange was granted bail by a London judge on Tuesday, but remained in custody reportedly because of plans by Swedish prosecutors to appeal the decision.
"But today the Swedish prosecutor's office told the Guardian it had 'not got a view at all on bail' and that Britain had made the decision to oppose bail," the newspaper reported.
"The decision was made by the British prosecutor," Swedish prosecution service spokeswoman Karin Rosander said. "I got it confirmed by the CPS this morning that the decision to appeal the granting of bail was entirely a matter for the CPS. The Swedish prosecutors are not entitled to make decisions within Britain. It is entirely up to the British authorities to handle it."
Assange's lawyers "reacted with shock" the news, the Guardian reports, saying they had been informed by prosecutors it was Sweden who had insisted on the appeal.
British prosecutors will reportedly request that Assange be kept in jail until his extradition hearing is complete.
According to his lawyer, Mark Stephens, Assange is being held in solitary confinement for 23-1/2 hours per day.
"He is in isolation. He doesn't have access to newspapers or television or other news devices. He is not getting mail, he is subject to the pettiest forms of censorship," Stephens said.
From Raw Story.
Assange's lawyers say they were lied to on effort to prevent bail
Human Rights Watch: Don't prosecute Assange over cables
British prosecutors, rather than Swedish officials, are behind the effort to keep WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange from being granted bail, the Guardian reports.
Assange was granted bail by a London judge on Tuesday, but remained in custody reportedly because of plans by Swedish prosecutors to appeal the decision.
"But today the Swedish prosecutor's office told the Guardian it had 'not got a view at all on bail' and that Britain had made the decision to oppose bail," the newspaper reported.
"The decision was made by the British prosecutor," Swedish prosecution service spokeswoman Karin Rosander said. "I got it confirmed by the CPS this morning that the decision to appeal the granting of bail was entirely a matter for the CPS. The Swedish prosecutors are not entitled to make decisions within Britain. It is entirely up to the British authorities to handle it."
Assange's lawyers "reacted with shock" the news, the Guardian reports, saying they had been informed by prosecutors it was Sweden who had insisted on the appeal.
British prosecutors will reportedly request that Assange be kept in jail until his extradition hearing is complete.
According to his lawyer, Mark Stephens, Assange is being held in solitary confinement for 23-1/2 hours per day.
"He is in isolation. He doesn't have access to newspapers or television or other news devices. He is not getting mail, he is subject to the pettiest forms of censorship," Stephens said.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Italian opposition asks: Who led Rome riots?
From The Guardian.
Italy's interior minister today agreed to address parliament on the rioting that broke out in Rome yesterday as Silvio Berlusconi won a controversial vote of confidence to keep his rightwing government alive .
Roberto Maroni of the Northern League gave the undertaking after opposition claims that some of the rioters were police. Anna Finocchiaro, leader in the Senate of Italy's biggest opposition group, the Democratic party, said: "There were evidently people who had been infiltrated [among the rioters] and who put at risk the demonstrators and the police. Who commanded them? Who paid them? What were they meant to cause?"
Photographs taken during the disturbances have prompted not only suspicions but bitter memories of the 1970s when rogue members of the police and intelligence services lent themselves to a so-called "strategy of tension" aimed at raising the level of violence to the point at which it could be used to justify draconian repression or even a coup d'état...
One of the participants in this week's rioting was photographed hurling a dustbin at members of the revenue guard and wielding a long shovel. But in other shots, he appears to be standing with the guards raising a truncheon in one hand and holding a pair of handcuffs in the other.
One blog carried a photograph of a demonstrator being held on the ground by officers whose uniform boots are seemingly identical to his. Further controversy surrounded a revenue guard who was ambushed by rioters.
An official statement said he was rescued "thanks to the intervention of colleagues, some in uniform and others in civilian clothes". But, according to Italian media reports, the revenue guard subsequently briefed reporters to the effect that it never deployed officers in civilian clothing in demonstrations or disturbances...
Italy's interior minister today agreed to address parliament on the rioting that broke out in Rome yesterday as Silvio Berlusconi won a controversial vote of confidence to keep his rightwing government alive .
Roberto Maroni of the Northern League gave the undertaking after opposition claims that some of the rioters were police. Anna Finocchiaro, leader in the Senate of Italy's biggest opposition group, the Democratic party, said: "There were evidently people who had been infiltrated [among the rioters] and who put at risk the demonstrators and the police. Who commanded them? Who paid them? What were they meant to cause?"
Photographs taken during the disturbances have prompted not only suspicions but bitter memories of the 1970s when rogue members of the police and intelligence services lent themselves to a so-called "strategy of tension" aimed at raising the level of violence to the point at which it could be used to justify draconian repression or even a coup d'état...
One of the participants in this week's rioting was photographed hurling a dustbin at members of the revenue guard and wielding a long shovel. But in other shots, he appears to be standing with the guards raising a truncheon in one hand and holding a pair of handcuffs in the other.
One blog carried a photograph of a demonstrator being held on the ground by officers whose uniform boots are seemingly identical to his. Further controversy surrounded a revenue guard who was ambushed by rioters.
An official statement said he was rescued "thanks to the intervention of colleagues, some in uniform and others in civilian clothes". But, according to Italian media reports, the revenue guard subsequently briefed reporters to the effect that it never deployed officers in civilian clothing in demonstrations or disturbances...
Leaked Cable: Hike food prices to boost GM crop approval in Europe
I'm not sure if the cable actually says that they would intentionally hike the price of food as the article implies, but it's in the ballpark.
From Activist Post.
In a January 2008 meeting, US and Spain trade officials strategized how to increase acceptance of genetically modified foods in Europe, including inflating food prices on the commodities market, according to a leaked US diplomatic cable released by WikiLeaks.
From Activist Post.
In a January 2008 meeting, US and Spain trade officials strategized how to increase acceptance of genetically modified foods in Europe, including inflating food prices on the commodities market, according to a leaked US diplomatic cable released by WikiLeaks.
How The Swedish Government Attempted To Avoid Their Own Parliament With "Informal" U.S. Intelligence Sharing
From Cable Viewer.
...The MOJ team expressed their appreciation for the flexibility of the U.S. side in regards to memorializing any agreement. They expressed a strong degree of satisfaction with current informal information sharing arrangements with the U.S., and wondered whether the putative advantages of an HSPD-6 agreement for Sweden would be offset by the risk that these existing informal channels, which cover a wide range of law enforcement and anti-terrorism cooperation, would be scrutinized more intensely by Parliament and perhaps jeopardized. Dr. Svensson reiterated MFA concerns about the current political atmosphere in Sweden. She believed that, given Swedish constitutional requirements to present matters of national concern to Parliament and in light of the ongoing controversy over Sweden's recently passed surveillance law, it would be politically impossible for the Minister of Justice to avoid presenting any formal data sharing agreement with the United States to Parliament for review. In her opinion, the effect of this public spotlight could also place other existing informal information sharing arrangements at jeopardy...
Also an article on the subject from The Telegraph.
The secret cables, seen by The Daily Telegraph, disclose how Swedish officials wanted discussions about anti-terrorism operations kept from public scrutiny.
They describe how officials from the Swedish Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Foreign Affairs had a “strong degree of satisfaction with current informal information sharing arrangements” with the American government. Making the arrangement formal would result in the need for it to be disclosed to Parliament, they said.
They disclose officials’ fear that intense Swedish Parliamentary scrutiny could place “a wide range of law enforcement and anti-terrorism” operations in jeopardy...
...The MOJ team expressed their appreciation for the flexibility of the U.S. side in regards to memorializing any agreement. They expressed a strong degree of satisfaction with current informal information sharing arrangements with the U.S., and wondered whether the putative advantages of an HSPD-6 agreement for Sweden would be offset by the risk that these existing informal channels, which cover a wide range of law enforcement and anti-terrorism cooperation, would be scrutinized more intensely by Parliament and perhaps jeopardized. Dr. Svensson reiterated MFA concerns about the current political atmosphere in Sweden. She believed that, given Swedish constitutional requirements to present matters of national concern to Parliament and in light of the ongoing controversy over Sweden's recently passed surveillance law, it would be politically impossible for the Minister of Justice to avoid presenting any formal data sharing agreement with the United States to Parliament for review. In her opinion, the effect of this public spotlight could also place other existing informal information sharing arrangements at jeopardy...
Also an article on the subject from The Telegraph.
The secret cables, seen by The Daily Telegraph, disclose how Swedish officials wanted discussions about anti-terrorism operations kept from public scrutiny.
They describe how officials from the Swedish Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Foreign Affairs had a “strong degree of satisfaction with current informal information sharing arrangements” with the American government. Making the arrangement formal would result in the need for it to be disclosed to Parliament, they said.
They disclose officials’ fear that intense Swedish Parliamentary scrutiny could place “a wide range of law enforcement and anti-terrorism” operations in jeopardy...
Martial Law: UK Police Chief Mulls Banning Protests
From Prison Planet.
Despite police being behind provocations that enraged demonstrators, Metropolitan commissioner considers using Public Order Act to kill free speech
Paul Joseph Watson
Prison Planet.com
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
UK police chief Sir Paul Stephenson is considering whether to ask the British government to ban protest marches altogether in response to last week’s student riots, a move that would place Britain under a de facto state of martial law.
Despite police being behind provocations that enraged demonstrators, Metropolitan commissioner considers using Public Order Act to kill free speech
Paul Joseph Watson
Prison Planet.com
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
UK police chief Sir Paul Stephenson is considering whether to ask the British government to ban protest marches altogether in response to last week’s student riots, a move that would place Britain under a de facto state of martial law.
Suicide Note Of Clay Duke
This is truly reminiscent of the Manifesto of Joe Stack, the writings of John Patrick Bedell and other left behind documents that appear shortly after the author has just been shot or otherwise killed in some kind of "act of rage." Unfortunately these incidents leave one with the impression that they might be orchestrated events, with mind control subjects, or otherwise staged events. We will need to find out more about Clay Duke before judging this one however.
The coincidence of this coming out at the same time that Wikileaks supporters throughout the world are wearing V for Vendetta masks is another interesting point. Suddenly this guy is spray painting the V for Vendetta symbol on the wall before he commits this act.
Another issue is the lack of injured other then the gunman, just as in the Bedell case Duke fails to hit anyone with his gun. Some even speculate it was loaded with blanks.
If this were an orchestrated event, it would be used to incriminate anyone who has issues with the current corrupt political establishment and paint them as crazy and dangerous radicals. Whether that is what we have here, or truly just an enraged man is yet to be discovered.
From HULIQ
My Testament: Some people (the government sponsored media) will say I was evil, a monster (V)… no… I was just born poor in a country where the Wealthy manipulate, use, abuse, and economically enslave 95% of the population. Rich Republicans, Rich Democrats… same-same… rich… they take turns fleecing us… our few dollars… pyramiding the wealth for themselves. The 95%… the us, in US of A, are the neo slaves of the Global South. Our Masters, the Wealthy, do, as they like to us…
“There’s class warfare, all right, but its my class, the rich class that’s making war and we’re winning”
- Warren Buffet
Rise like lions after slumber
In unvanquishable number.
Shake your chains to earth like dew.
Which in sleep has fallen on you.
Ye are many – they are few.
Want the TRUTH? => http://metanoia-films.org/psywar.php http://metanoia-films.org/humanresources.php Can you handle the TRUTH?
The coincidence of this coming out at the same time that Wikileaks supporters throughout the world are wearing V for Vendetta masks is another interesting point. Suddenly this guy is spray painting the V for Vendetta symbol on the wall before he commits this act.
Another issue is the lack of injured other then the gunman, just as in the Bedell case Duke fails to hit anyone with his gun. Some even speculate it was loaded with blanks.
If this were an orchestrated event, it would be used to incriminate anyone who has issues with the current corrupt political establishment and paint them as crazy and dangerous radicals. Whether that is what we have here, or truly just an enraged man is yet to be discovered.
From HULIQ
My Testament: Some people (the government sponsored media) will say I was evil, a monster (V)… no… I was just born poor in a country where the Wealthy manipulate, use, abuse, and economically enslave 95% of the population. Rich Republicans, Rich Democrats… same-same… rich… they take turns fleecing us… our few dollars… pyramiding the wealth for themselves. The 95%… the us, in US of A, are the neo slaves of the Global South. Our Masters, the Wealthy, do, as they like to us…
“There’s class warfare, all right, but its my class, the rich class that’s making war and we’re winning”
- Warren Buffet
Rise like lions after slumber
In unvanquishable number.
Shake your chains to earth like dew.
Which in sleep has fallen on you.
Ye are many – they are few.
Want the TRUTH? => http://metanoia-films.org/psywar.php http://metanoia-films.org/humanresources.php Can you handle the TRUTH?
Gunman Shooting at Bay County Florida School Board Meeting
From AP
Duke shot twice at Husfelt from about 8 feet away and squeezed off several more rounds before security guard Mike Jones bolted in and, after exchanging gunfire with Duke, wounded him in the leg or side. Duke then fatally shot himself, police Sgt. Jeff Becker said. Somehow, no one else who remained in the small board room was injured in the clash that lasted several minutes, and Husfelt said at least two rounds lodged in the wall behind him.
From Youtube.
Duke shot twice at Husfelt from about 8 feet away and squeezed off several more rounds before security guard Mike Jones bolted in and, after exchanging gunfire with Duke, wounded him in the leg or side. Duke then fatally shot himself, police Sgt. Jeff Becker said. Somehow, no one else who remained in the small board room was injured in the clash that lasted several minutes, and Husfelt said at least two rounds lodged in the wall behind him.
From Youtube.
Holbrooke’s Last Words: "End the War."
Of course, just banter, just meaningless banter. That's what people throughout history have thought about death bed confessions. Just meaningless banter. What the White House says in their press conferences however, that is the real Veritas, the real meaningful and truthful speech of our time...
From The Toronto Star
WASHINGTON—It is a testament to the gravitas of Richard Holbrooke that so many in Washington seized upon his last words Tuesday, poring over the meaning of the veteran diplomat’s deathbed entreaty to “stop this war in Afghanistan.”
Had the hard-nosed Holbrooke reached a new understanding of the futility of military engagement in his final hour? Did negotiation now rank as the uppermost priority toward ending America’s longest-ever war? If so, had Holbrooke taken that message to the White House before passing away?
But as the day unfolded, the heft of Holbrooke’s last words was tamped down by witnesses to the exchange. The Washington Post, which initially cited family members describing the “stop this war” comment, followed up with a fuller account of the conversation, indicating that the words amounted to little more than painful banter.
As he awaited surgery Friday after being rushed to the emergency room at George Washington University Hospital, Holbrooke was urged to relax by the attending physician, Dr. Jehan El-Bayoumi, according to an aide in the room.
Holbrooke, in severe pain, answered jokingly that it was hard to relax because he had to worry about the difficult situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The physician said she would do the worrying on his behalf, to which Holbrooke responded, “end the war,” the unnamed aide told the Washington Post.
From The Toronto Star
WASHINGTON—It is a testament to the gravitas of Richard Holbrooke that so many in Washington seized upon his last words Tuesday, poring over the meaning of the veteran diplomat’s deathbed entreaty to “stop this war in Afghanistan.”
Had the hard-nosed Holbrooke reached a new understanding of the futility of military engagement in his final hour? Did negotiation now rank as the uppermost priority toward ending America’s longest-ever war? If so, had Holbrooke taken that message to the White House before passing away?
But as the day unfolded, the heft of Holbrooke’s last words was tamped down by witnesses to the exchange. The Washington Post, which initially cited family members describing the “stop this war” comment, followed up with a fuller account of the conversation, indicating that the words amounted to little more than painful banter.
As he awaited surgery Friday after being rushed to the emergency room at George Washington University Hospital, Holbrooke was urged to relax by the attending physician, Dr. Jehan El-Bayoumi, according to an aide in the room.
Holbrooke, in severe pain, answered jokingly that it was hard to relax because he had to worry about the difficult situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The physician said she would do the worrying on his behalf, to which Holbrooke responded, “end the war,” the unnamed aide told the Washington Post.
Columbia j-school staff: WikiLeaks prosecution ‘will set a dangerous precedent’
A letter from the Columbia Journalism School to the President:
From Poynter
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500
Attorney General Eric Holder
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530-0001
December 13, 2010
Dear Mr. President and General Holder:
As faculty members and officers of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, we are concerned by recent reports that the Department of Justice is considering criminal charges against Julian Assange or others associated with Wikileaks.
Journalists have a responsibility to exercise careful news judgment when classified documents are involved, including assessing whether a document is legitimately confidential and whether there may be harm from its publication.
But while we hold varying opinions of Wikileaks’ methods and decisions, we all believe that in publishing diplomatic cables Wikileaks is engaging in journalistic activity protected by the First Amendment. Any prosecution of Wikileaks’ staff for receiving, possessing or publishing classified materials will set a dangerous precedent for reporters in any publication or medium, potentially chilling investigative journalism and other First Amendment-protected activity.
As a historical matter, government overreaction to publication of leaked material in the press has always been more damaging to American democracy than the leaks themselves.
The U.S. and the First Amendment continue to set a world standard for freedom of the press, encouraging journalists in many nations to take significant risks on behalf of transparency. Prosecution in the Wikileaks case would greatly damage American standing in free-press debates worldwide and would dishearten those journalists looking to this nation for inspiration.
We urge you to pursue a course of prudent restraint in the Wikileaks matter.
Please note this letter reflects our individual views, not a position of Columbia University or the Journalism School.
Respectfully,
Emily Bell, Professor of Professional Practice; Director, Tow Center for Digital Journalism
Helen Benedict, Professor
Sheila Coronel, Toni Stabile Professor of Professional Practice in Investigative;
Director, Toni Stabile Center for Investigative Journalism
June Cross, Associate Professor of Journalism
John Dinges, Godfrey Lowell Cabot Professor of Journalism
Joshua Friedman, Director, Maria Moors Cabot Prize for Journalism in the Americas
Todd Gitlin, Professor; Chair, Ph.D. Program
Ari Goldman, Professor
LynNell Hancock, Professor; Director, Spencer Education Journalism Fellowship
Marguerite Holloway, Assistant Professor; Director, Science and Environmental Journalism
David Klatell, Professor of Professional Practice; Chair, International Studies
Nicolas Lemann, Dean; Henry R. Luce Professor
Dale Maharidge, Associate Professor
Arlene Morgan, Associate Dean, Prizes and Programs
Victor S. Navasky, George T. Delacorte Professor in Magazine Journalism; Director,
Delacorte Center for Magazine Journalism; Chair, Columbia Journalism Review
Michael Schudson, Professor
Bruce Shapiro, Executive Director, Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma
Alisa Solomon, Associate Professor; Director, Arts Concentration, M.A. Program
Paula Span, Adjunct Professor
Duy Linh Tu, Assistant Professor of Professional Practice; Coordinator, Digital Media Program
From Poynter
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500
Attorney General Eric Holder
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530-0001
December 13, 2010
Dear Mr. President and General Holder:
As faculty members and officers of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, we are concerned by recent reports that the Department of Justice is considering criminal charges against Julian Assange or others associated with Wikileaks.
Journalists have a responsibility to exercise careful news judgment when classified documents are involved, including assessing whether a document is legitimately confidential and whether there may be harm from its publication.
But while we hold varying opinions of Wikileaks’ methods and decisions, we all believe that in publishing diplomatic cables Wikileaks is engaging in journalistic activity protected by the First Amendment. Any prosecution of Wikileaks’ staff for receiving, possessing or publishing classified materials will set a dangerous precedent for reporters in any publication or medium, potentially chilling investigative journalism and other First Amendment-protected activity.
As a historical matter, government overreaction to publication of leaked material in the press has always been more damaging to American democracy than the leaks themselves.
The U.S. and the First Amendment continue to set a world standard for freedom of the press, encouraging journalists in many nations to take significant risks on behalf of transparency. Prosecution in the Wikileaks case would greatly damage American standing in free-press debates worldwide and would dishearten those journalists looking to this nation for inspiration.
We urge you to pursue a course of prudent restraint in the Wikileaks matter.
Please note this letter reflects our individual views, not a position of Columbia University or the Journalism School.
Respectfully,
Emily Bell, Professor of Professional Practice; Director, Tow Center for Digital Journalism
Helen Benedict, Professor
Sheila Coronel, Toni Stabile Professor of Professional Practice in Investigative;
Director, Toni Stabile Center for Investigative Journalism
June Cross, Associate Professor of Journalism
John Dinges, Godfrey Lowell Cabot Professor of Journalism
Joshua Friedman, Director, Maria Moors Cabot Prize for Journalism in the Americas
Todd Gitlin, Professor; Chair, Ph.D. Program
Ari Goldman, Professor
LynNell Hancock, Professor; Director, Spencer Education Journalism Fellowship
Marguerite Holloway, Assistant Professor; Director, Science and Environmental Journalism
David Klatell, Professor of Professional Practice; Chair, International Studies
Nicolas Lemann, Dean; Henry R. Luce Professor
Dale Maharidge, Associate Professor
Arlene Morgan, Associate Dean, Prizes and Programs
Victor S. Navasky, George T. Delacorte Professor in Magazine Journalism; Director,
Delacorte Center for Magazine Journalism; Chair, Columbia Journalism Review
Michael Schudson, Professor
Bruce Shapiro, Executive Director, Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma
Alisa Solomon, Associate Professor; Director, Arts Concentration, M.A. Program
Paula Span, Adjunct Professor
Duy Linh Tu, Assistant Professor of Professional Practice; Coordinator, Digital Media Program
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Metropolitan Police And BBC Scared Of Wheel Chair Cerebral Palsy "Revolutionary"
Missiles at the police! Oh great god...how dare they....those revolutionaries! Revolutionaries! In wheel chairs no less!
From Kushmonster.
The appalling attack on cerebral palsy victim Jody McIntyre by the London Police in last weeks student protests is only equaled by the transparent attempts of the BBC to pillory, intimidate, and discredit him in this very revealing interview.
From Kushmonster.
The appalling attack on cerebral palsy victim Jody McIntyre by the London Police in last weeks student protests is only equaled by the transparent attempts of the BBC to pillory, intimidate, and discredit him in this very revealing interview.
Bribery Charges For Cheney? No Worry. Just Bribe Them Some More.
From Cryptogon.
Nigeria’s anti-corruption police said on Tuesday it may drop bribery charges against former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney and oil services firm Halliburton after the company offered to pay a fine...
Nigeria’s anti-corruption police said on Tuesday it may drop bribery charges against former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney and oil services firm Halliburton after the company offered to pay a fine...
FBI Entraps Another Useful “Homegrown” Idiot to Push the Fake War On Terror
From Prison Planet.
Kurt Nimmo
Prison Planet.com
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Scary Muslims donning turbans and satellite phones have not attacked the United States since September 11, 2001, when a gaggle of cave dwellers magically commandeered the laws of physics and made NORAD stand down.
Instead, the government and the military-industrial-intelligence complex has engaged in a series of small attacks and would-be attacks in order to keep the global war on manufactured terror chugging along.
Last week we were subjected to yet another phony baloney FBI orchestrated entrapment of a clueless Muslim.
Antonio Martinez, a recent Muslim convert, who calls himself Muhammed Hussain, was arrested after undercover FBI agents supplied him with a fake car bomb. It is said Martinez aka Hussain wanted to bomb a recruiting center.
Kurt Nimmo
Prison Planet.com
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Scary Muslims donning turbans and satellite phones have not attacked the United States since September 11, 2001, when a gaggle of cave dwellers magically commandeered the laws of physics and made NORAD stand down.
Instead, the government and the military-industrial-intelligence complex has engaged in a series of small attacks and would-be attacks in order to keep the global war on manufactured terror chugging along.
Last week we were subjected to yet another phony baloney FBI orchestrated entrapment of a clueless Muslim.
Antonio Martinez, a recent Muslim convert, who calls himself Muhammed Hussain, was arrested after undercover FBI agents supplied him with a fake car bomb. It is said Martinez aka Hussain wanted to bomb a recruiting center.
Air Force blocks media sites that post WikiLeaks
Can't have the Luftwaffe reading Wikileaks.
From The Washington Post.
WASHINGTON -- The Air Force says it is blocking computer access to The New York Times and other media sites that have published sensitive diplomatic documents released by the Internet site WikiLeaks.
An Air Force spokeswoman, Maj. Toni Tones, says more than 25 websites have been blocked and cannot be viewed by any Air Force computer. The ban does not apply to personal computers.
She says the action was taken by the 24th Air Force, which is commanded by Maj. Gen. Richard Webber and is responsible for cyberwarfare and computer security for the service.
The Army and Navy say they have not taken similar actions.
From The Washington Post.
WASHINGTON -- The Air Force says it is blocking computer access to The New York Times and other media sites that have published sensitive diplomatic documents released by the Internet site WikiLeaks.
An Air Force spokeswoman, Maj. Toni Tones, says more than 25 websites have been blocked and cannot be viewed by any Air Force computer. The ban does not apply to personal computers.
She says the action was taken by the 24th Air Force, which is commanded by Maj. Gen. Richard Webber and is responsible for cyberwarfare and computer security for the service.
The Army and Navy say they have not taken similar actions.
If there is to be any change...
We are dealing with a police state folks. In my opinion whatever anyones thoughts about Julian Assange, if he is shut up, we all are. The establishment of the West is corrupt, and in my humble opinion, also evil. That goes for Hillary, Obama, Limbaugh, Gingrich or Lieberman, just to mention a few.
We can be pessimistic and say it's hopeless and Wikileaks is just another conspiracy. I think it's an opportunity.
We can be pessimistic and say it's hopeless and Wikileaks is just another conspiracy. I think it's an opportunity.
Julian Assange remains in jail as Sweden appeals against bail decision
I guess Sweden must make sure that Assange doesn't go around and have sex with someone in London without a condom. God, who knows what could happen. He might have a child that also hates our corrupt world establishment.
From The Guardian
Sweden tonight decided to fight a British judge's decision to grant bail to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who has spent more than a week in prison over sexual assault allegations involving two Swedish women.
A dramatic day in and around City of Westminster magistrates court saw Assange win bail, but then be forced to return to what his lawyer Mark Stephens described as "Dickensian conditions" at Wandsworth prison while the international legal battle played out.
Sweden has decided to contest the granting of bail to Assange, who is being held pending an extradition hearing, on the grounds that no conditions imposed by a judge could guarantee that he would not flee, a legal source told the Guardian.
From The Guardian
Sweden tonight decided to fight a British judge's decision to grant bail to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who has spent more than a week in prison over sexual assault allegations involving two Swedish women.
A dramatic day in and around City of Westminster magistrates court saw Assange win bail, but then be forced to return to what his lawyer Mark Stephens described as "Dickensian conditions" at Wandsworth prison while the international legal battle played out.
Sweden has decided to contest the granting of bail to Assange, who is being held pending an extradition hearing, on the grounds that no conditions imposed by a judge could guarantee that he would not flee, a legal source told the Guardian.
UK court grants bail to WikiLeaks' Julian Assange
From AP
A British judge has granted bail to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.
The judge at a London court said Tuesday that Assange must abide by strict bail conditions as he fights extradition to Sweden in a sex-crimes investigation.
The 39-year-old Australian has been held in a London prison for a week after surrendering to Scotland Yard police to answer a Swedish arrest warrant.
A British judge has granted bail to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.
The judge at a London court said Tuesday that Assange must abide by strict bail conditions as he fights extradition to Sweden in a sex-crimes investigation.
The 39-year-old Australian has been held in a London prison for a week after surrendering to Scotland Yard police to answer a Swedish arrest warrant.
Assange still committed to publishing secret documents: mother
From Reuters.
"My convictions are unfaltering. I remain true to the ideals I have expressed. This circumstance shall not shake them," said Assange, according to his mother who supplied the network with a written statement of her son's answer.
"If anything this process has increased my determination that they are true and correct."
WikiLeaks has provoked fury in Washington with its publications of secret U.S. cables and has vowed to make public
the 250,000 embassy documents it had obtained.
Assange is under arrest in Britain over sexual assault charges in Sweden.
Assange was also critical of the major finance companies who suspended payments to his WikiLeaks site.
"We now know that Visa, Mastercard, Paypal and others are instruments of U.S. foreign policy. It's not something we knew before," he said.
"My convictions are unfaltering. I remain true to the ideals I have expressed. This circumstance shall not shake them," said Assange, according to his mother who supplied the network with a written statement of her son's answer.
"If anything this process has increased my determination that they are true and correct."
WikiLeaks has provoked fury in Washington with its publications of secret U.S. cables and has vowed to make public
the 250,000 embassy documents it had obtained.
Assange is under arrest in Britain over sexual assault charges in Sweden.
Assange was also critical of the major finance companies who suspended payments to his WikiLeaks site.
"We now know that Visa, Mastercard, Paypal and others are instruments of U.S. foreign policy. It's not something we knew before," he said.
10 Signs That Confidence In U.S. Treasuries Is Dying And That Financial Armageddon May Be Approaching
From Prison Planet and Economic Collapse
Selling government debt is a gigantic confidence game. For decades, investors all over the globe have gobbled up massive amounts of U.S. debt at incredibly low interest rates because they believed that it was a certainly that they would be paid back and be able to make a little bit of profit on top of it. Unfortunately, things have changed. Confidence is U.S. Treasuries is dying, and if confidence in U.S. government debt completely collapses at some point we could literally be looking at financial Armageddon. Why is that so? Well, when the world totally loses faith in U.S. Treasuries, interest rates on U.S. Treasuries will have to keep going up until enough investors are found to buy them. But much higher interest rates will mean much higher interest on the national debt and thus much higher federal budget deficits. That will erode confidence in U.S. Treasuries even further. In the end, a vicious cycle of eroding confidence and higher interest rates could ultimately lead to hyperinflation as the U.S. government and the Federal Reserve flood the system with endless amounts of paper money to try to keep the system solvent...
Read More
Selling government debt is a gigantic confidence game. For decades, investors all over the globe have gobbled up massive amounts of U.S. debt at incredibly low interest rates because they believed that it was a certainly that they would be paid back and be able to make a little bit of profit on top of it. Unfortunately, things have changed. Confidence is U.S. Treasuries is dying, and if confidence in U.S. government debt completely collapses at some point we could literally be looking at financial Armageddon. Why is that so? Well, when the world totally loses faith in U.S. Treasuries, interest rates on U.S. Treasuries will have to keep going up until enough investors are found to buy them. But much higher interest rates will mean much higher interest on the national debt and thus much higher federal budget deficits. That will erode confidence in U.S. Treasuries even further. In the end, a vicious cycle of eroding confidence and higher interest rates could ultimately lead to hyperinflation as the U.S. government and the Federal Reserve flood the system with endless amounts of paper money to try to keep the system solvent...
Read More
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