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US- Venezuela Relations: A Case Study of Imperialism and Anti-Imperialism
James Petras
US relations with Venezuela illustrate the specific mechanisms with which an imperial power seeks to sustain client states and overthrow independent nationalist governments. By examining US strategic goals and its tactical measures, we can set forth several propositions about (1) the nature and instruments of imperial politics, (2) the shifting context and contingencies influencing the successes and failures of specific policies, and (3) the importance of regional and global political alignments and priorities.[1]
Method of Analysis
A comparative historical approach highlights the different policies, contexts and outcomes of imperial policies during two distinct Presidential periods: the ascendancy of neo-liberal client regimes (Perez and Caldera) of the late 1980’s to 1998; and the rise and consolidation of a nationalist populist government under President Chavez (1999-2012).[2]
Increasing Data Collection and Surveillance in the North American Homeland
By Dana Gabriel
Some of the corporate interests that are steering the U.S.-Canada Beyond the Border integration agenda are not quite satisfied with its progress so far and they would like the implementation process to be accelerated. The bilateral initiative which was launched almost two years ago promotes a shared vision for perimeter security. It seeks to improve information sharing between security agencies.Under the agreement, both countries are moving towards a coordinated entry/exit system and are developing a harmonized cargo security strategy.
How to Protect Ourselves on Social Networks and from Data Collection Systems of Governments and Corporations
via chycho
I. What’s Going On
Online, we are both a product for corporations and a person of interest to governments (2, 3).
Corporations are taking advantage of these times by changing their privacy policies so that they can track us, use us, and sell us whatever their algorithms decide that we need or want based on data they have acquired about our movements, contacts, desires, fantasies, or kinks. Governments on the other hand are using our data to make sure that we will never acquire enough power to change any policies that we deem to be a threat to our happiness, livelihood, or survival. In essence, we are at war with these organizations and we should act as such:
“…this is truly unprecedented in history. And what we’re seeing is secrecy and surveillance are completely subverting security and liberty, not just in the United States, but for many, many citizens around the world.”
Guantanamo Hunger Striking Continues
by Stephen Lendman
In early February, detainees began hunger striking for justice. Dozens joined others. Numbers rose to about 130. Some were force-fed. Doing so constitutes torture.
Most detainees continued courageously for months. About two dozen refuse food now.
Brutalizing conditions took their toll. Force-fed strikers suffered most. Previous articles explained.
Detainees are restrained in chairs. They're called "padded cells on wheels." Masks cover their mouths.
Tubes are forced painfully through their noses and throats to their stomachs. It's done abrasively. It draws blood.
Suffocating Palestine Toward Extinction
by Stephen Lendman
Israel wants Palestine to disappear. Stealing all valued Judea and Samaria areas advances its agenda. So do other lawless acts.
Gaza's siege is Exhibit A. Imposing it has nothing to do with security. It's called the world's largest open air prison for good reason.
It followed months after Palestinians elected Hamas their legitimate government. Suffocating them is called slow-motion genocide for good reason.
It's been ongoing for over six years. Around 1.7 million Palestinians suffer hugely.
Israel unjustifiably calls Gaza a "hostile entity." It claims a unilateral right to lay siege. Land crossings are blocked. So are sea and air access.
War on Terror Advocate to Head Homeland Security
by Stephen Lendman
Obama intends to nominate former Defense Department general counsel Jeh Johnson as new DHS chief.
He's responsible for endorsing some of Washington's most lawless policies. His rap sheet reveals great cause for concern. More on him below.
Post-9/11, police state terror followed. Obama expanded it.
It's unprecedented in size, scope and ruthlessness.
DHS is America's Gestapo. The November 25, 2002 Homeland Security Act established it. Twenty-two federal agencies were combined under one authority.
Study Shows Palestinian Authority Corruption
by Stephen Lendman
Palestinians under PA governance are ill-served, abused, lied to, exploited and otherwise mistreated.
Illegitimate president Mahmoud Abbas is a longtime Israeli collaborator. Betrayal pays well. He amassed a personal fortune.
It's stashed in overseas bank accounts and other investments. Reportedly he's worth hundreds of millions of dollars. It's stolen money.
He enriched himself throughout his tenure. He has secret land deals. He helped his sons become millionaires.
A July 2012 House Foreign Relations Committee investigated chronic PA corruption.
Testimony given said fraud and other venal practices "within the Palestinian political establishment have been endemic for decades."
Empire Building, the Debt Ceiling the Budget Deficit and the Samson Solution
James Petras
Introduction
US and world political and economic leaders are faced with what they describe as a ‘systemic catastrophe’: the inability to pay global creditors, including domestic and foreign banks, investors and governments, who hold $16.7 trillion in US Treasury notes. There is a related crisis: the government cannot secure passage of a budget to finance its military and civilian agencies and activities, including large-scale payments to military contractors, the financing of business, agriculture and banking operations and social programs. The raising of the debt-ceiling is central to the functioning of the financial ruling class as it extracts hundreds of billions of tax dollars in interest payments from the US Treasury. Raising the debt ceiling allows the State to keep borrowing and pay its billionaire creditors. In turn, as long as the US Treasury has liquidity, it remains a ‘safe haven’ for investors thus providing guaranteed profits. In addition, as long as the dollar remains the principle currency for global transactions, it allows the US Treasury to print money at will and to borrow at a lower cost - at the expense of its competitors and adversaries.
New NSA Revelations
by Stephen Lendman
NSA is one of 16 known US spy agencies. They're all up to no good. They violate core rule of law principles.
They do whatever they want. They operate out-of-control. They're powers unto themselves. NSA reflects Big Brother writ large.
It operate globally. It's the world's biggest spy agency. It watches everyone. Advanced technology lets it go where no previous counterpart went before.
Privacy no longer exists. Congress ignores its lawlessness. Oversight is absent. NSA takes full advantage.
Two Washington Post articles revealed more. They're based on documents Edward Snowden provided. Expect lots more disclosures ahead.
Washington Brinksmanship Resolution
by Stephen Lendman
Beltway theatrics don't surprise. Ordinary people lose out most often. For sure this time. More on that below.
Late Wednesday, 16 days of government shutdown ended. Denouement came with a whimper, not a bang.
The Senate approved reopening government 81 - 18. The House followed suit 285 - 144. Obama signed the measure shortly after midnight.
HR 2775: Continuing Appropriations Act, 2014 authorizes funding through January 15. It raises the debt ceiling through February 7.
It maintains $986.3 billion for five appropriation bills. It includes other unreported provisions. It's standard Washington sausage-making. It makes the real thing look good by comparison.
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