Fighting Fake News with REAL 18/2/21; The stains the Right- Wing leave behind;
Author: peterimrich
But it seems strange to say that, having just defeated an attempt to overturn a democratic election in his own country, Biden is in some way disqualified from criticising a similar attempt in Myanmar. The answer to this question is to recognise that Biden does not speak for “the United States”, but for the Party he leads. To the extent that his party supports democracy in the U.S., it is naturally aligned with supporters of democracy everywhere, and against supporters of dictatorship, both at home and abroad.
All politics is global: The struggle between democracy and dictatorship
A Democratic congressman has accused Donald Trump in a federal lawsuit of inciting the deadly insurrection at the US Capitol and of conspiring with his lawyer and extremist groups to try to prevent the Senate from certifying the results of the presidential election he lost to Joe Biden. The lawsuit from Mississippi’s Representative Bennie Thompson, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, is part of an expected wave of litigation over the January 6 riot and is believed to be the first filed by a member of Congress. It seeks unspecified punitive and compensatory damages.
Donald Trump, Rudy Giuliani accused of conspiring to incite riot in new lawsuit
If the American people do not embrace a new maturity about the enduring power of fascism and authoritarianism in America, Biden’s presidency will prove to be no more than an interlude or brief respite in the Age of Trump, after which the trauma of Donald Trump’s time in office will be viewed as the good old days, when compared to what comes later.
Republican Party is now a terrorist organization — and none of this is a surprise | Salon.com
According to AFP Arabic, Palestinian Minister of Health Dr. Mai Al-Kilah announced Monday that Israeli authorities halted a shipment of the Russian Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine sent to the Palestinian Gaza Strip by the Palestine Authority that is based in Ramallah in the Palestinian West Bank.
Israel stops Palestinians of Gaza from getting 2K doses of Russian Coronavirus Vaccine
A new study from Australian and Chinese researchers adds weight to scientists’ warnings from recent United Nations reports about how sea levels are expected to rise dangerously in the coming decades because of human activity that’s driving global heating.
Bolstering Alarm Over Scientists’ Warnings, New Study Finds Sea Level Rise Projections ‘Are On the Money’ | Common Dreams News
Pay The Bully? Townsville paper hits peak nasty as Rupert Murdoch demands bail-out – Michael West
Hiding behind a pay wall and in hoc to its advertisers, The Bully, The Townsville Bulletin, is a law unto itself in Queensland as its owners demand subsidies from the Government. Should we pay? asks Kim Wingerei? Meanwhile, Seven Network gets the first forced payment from Google for its “journalism”.
Pay The Bully? Townsville paper hits peak nasty as Rupert Murdoch demands bail-out – Michael West
My thought for the day History is just an ongoing commentary on the incompetence of men.( John Lord)
When will Conservatives ever treat women with a modicum of decency, even dignity? – » The Australian Independent Media Network
With all the things that the Coalition have swept under the carpet, I can’t help but think it’s about time someone asked the Promo Minister if he has any plans to get a bigger one.
Note To Morrison: “You’re Going To Need A Bigger Carpet!” – » The Australian Independent Media Network
Since World War II Australia has progressively ceded its sovereignty to the United States. The process was hastened by former Prime Minister John Howard who had little sense of national independence. Australia is now tied to a state suffering economic decline, a collapse in political consensus that may turn violent and diminishing international influence. In order to maintain supremacy, America has decided to confront rather than co-operate with China. And Australia is allowing itself to be dragged along behind the back of the truck.
Australia’s sovereignty is in unsafe hands
Is this ‘the most innocent man anywhere in the history of the United States’?
Donald Trump: what crimes has the ex-president been accused of?
Prosecutors in New York who have been probing more than $350 million in loans Donald Trump took out on Trump Tower and three other Manhattan properties are honing in on allegations of financial crimes. The years-old criminal investigation has made the former US president vulnerable to prosecution despite being acquitted at his second impeachment trial.
Donald Trump escapes impeachment, but still faces criminal charges
Other Republican state legislatures have responded to overwhelming 2020 voter turnout by stripping voting rights from their constituents, introducing 100 voter suppression bills in 28 states ahead of the 2022 midterms. Meanwhile Trump still has not conceded, thus the rationale for violence continues. Trump remains under investigation. Georgia has launched a criminal probe in the wake of the recorded call in which Trump orders election officials to “find 11,000 votes” for him. A commission into the January 6 insurrection also looks likely. However, short of invocation of the 14th amendment, Trump remains free to run for office again. The world will watch these development just as it watched the Capitol attacks. Allies could be forgiven for wondering how the US can come to their aid when it declines to protect its own seat of government. The work of President Joe Biden to repair US standing on the world stage just became a little tougher.The Conversation
Trump evades conviction again as Republicans opt for self-preservation
The upside of the acquittal is that it may well be the death of the Republican Party as we have known it, the party of the super-wealthy justifying ever growing inequality in America. The only way they have left to make that justification is to bring in the cultists and white supremacists. County and state Republican Party leaders are marginalizing the few Republicans who had the courage to call out this cult of Trump. They are bankrupt of any positive solutions, or the intellectual capital to justify themselves. Their day is done.
Trump is What Republicans Have Always Wanted
Nancy Pelosi announced Monday afternoon that she has authorized a 9/11-style commission to further probe the events of that day as well the various dynamics and actions that led up to it. In a letter to congressional colleagues Monday, Pelosi said that an initial probe and report presented by (ret.) Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honoré focused on the security failings of January 6, as well as the case presented during the impeachment hearings in the House and the trial in the Senate make clear that a more comprehensive investigation is warranted. “It is clear from [Honoré’s] findings and from the impeachment trial that we must get to the truth of how this happened,” Pelosi stated.
‘We Must Get to the Truth’: Pelosi Announces Far-Reaching Probe Into Insurrection Incited by Trump | Common Dreams News
At least 57 state and local Republican officials attended the Jan. 6 rally in Washington that turned into a deadly insurrection, according to an updated HuffPost tally. Almost all of them are resisting calls to resign.
57 GOP State And Local Officials Were At The Capitol Insurrection | HuffPost Australia
Now amidst a once-in-a-century pandemic, the United States has record-high stock prices while 54 million Americans are at times going hungry. Perhaps not even King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette of Revolutionary-era France could be so blind as not to see the enormous social issues the response of policymakers and central bankers are creating before our very eyes.
Bank neoliberalism sets the stage for the next Trump
The Trump era might not yet be over. But the Trump presidency – or at least one Trump presidency – certainly is. For the United States, it’s time to clean up the wreckage. For the rest of us, there’s also damage to undo.
‘Trumpism’ in Australia has been overstated — our problems are mostly our own
Neckties made global news last week when Maori MP, Rawiri Waititi, was ejected from the debating chamber of New Zealand Parliament. He refused to wear a tie, evocatively describing it as a “colonial noose”.
The politics of the necktie — ‘colonial noose’, masculine marker or silk status symbol?
A few weeks ago, Peter Dutton decided to release dozens of refugees who had been held in Melbourne hotel rooms for more than a year because it was “cheaper for people to be in the community than it is to be at a hotel or for us to be paying for them to be in detention.” What a revelation. Dutton told 2GB radio the released men had been assessed as not being a threat. Which is a turnaround from his fearmongering 2 years ago that the medevac bill, allowing these refugees to receive medical treatment on mainland Australia, would lead to “Alleged murderers, rapists and paedophiles” coming to Australia. Speaking of not being a threat, another court decision will be made today about the ongoing detention of the Biloela family. Priya, Nades, and their Australian-born daughters, Kopika, five, and Tharunicaa, three, were taken from their home in Queensland and moved to Melbourne in March 2018 and have been detained on Christmas Island since August 2019. Department figures provided to the Senate estimates process last month show keeping the family detained has cost $1.4m in the past year.
If there is one thing you can rely on from our government, it’s inconsistency – » The Australian Independent Media Network
Pascoe also noted that Morrison refused to condemn the violence that occurred when the US Capitol was stormed by rioters in January, unlike Conservatives such as the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. A week later, Acting Prime Minister and Nationals Party leader Michael McCormack added fuel to the fire generated by LNP backbenchers spreading false or unsubstantiated statements on social media by stating Facts are sometimes contentious, and what you might think is right somebody else might think is completely untrue. “That is part of living in a democratic country. In 2015, on the release of a report into bullying and harassment in the military, Australian Army Lieutenant General David Morrison stated: ‘The standard you walk past is the standard you accept’. The comment was reflected on by a writer for The Huffington Post who went on to suggest Every time we accept the status quo of poor behavior, we are endorsing it. A strong leader should not only advise of behavior that is appropriate, they should embody it. They should be the person telling us that we don’t tolerate bullying or harassment. Morrison and the state premiers aren’t necessarily being booted permanently from Twitter or Facebook or inciting mobs to invade the Parliamentary buildings on Capital Hill, Spring St or George St, but they are implicitly supporting behaviours that demean the democratic process by not speaking out about them. They, and the parties they represent, are also openly involved in a winner take all battle where belittling, bullying and harassment of those with different opinions is not only common, but expected. In recent months, the US has seen the results of a winner take all battle of wills for the future of the country. Let’s hope our leaders observe, reflect and actually lead, before it’s too late.
The sad joke – » The Australian Independent Media Network
A lot can be explained about conservatives’ view by Scotty’s belief that “the economy is what people live in. It’s real.” Actually, we live in a society. Rather than Morrison’s view that “it all begins with keeping our economy strong”, it begins with supporting our people to be strong – facilitating them to be their best. Economic and social benefits flow from this rather than the other way around. Coalition governments measure their success by corporate profits and private wealth. Labor governments invest in the people.
Claiming credit when it’s not due – » The Australian Independent Media Network
The “For the People Act” Would Make America a Democracy
Without such a law empowering democracy, it’s unlikely any of that will ever happen. And the Democratic majority in the House will almost certainly be extinguished in the 2022 midterms, blocking the bill for the foreseeable future. It’s difficult to believe, based on its lamentable history of squabbling and in-fighting, that the Democratic Party will manage to hang together and pass a significant bill that’s both in their own obvious self-interest and in that of the country. But stranger things have happened, such as the fact that the For the People Act has gotten this far in the first place.
The “For the People Act” Would Make America a Democracy
The Senate acquitted Donald Trump, again, on Saturday, but the former president’s legal worries are far from over. As a private citizen, Trump is no longer protected by the Justice Department’s policy against charging a sitting president with federal crimes. And Trump, his family and businesses, also have to worry about investigations in various local jurisdictions and at least one foreign country, lawsuits he used his presidency to dodge, and probes by congressional committees. Here are some highlights:
The Senate Acquitted Trump. His Legal Problems Are Just Starting. – Mother Jones
This is not even about Donald Trump any more. It’s about a Republican party that has lost its way, forgotten its core values, and kicked American democracy in the guts.It’s about justice, common sense, and honour, and how they were trampled deep into the churned-up ground of Capitol Hill by a mob of liars and dissemblers who call themselves GOP senators.
Republicans have betrayed American democracy – and boosted the world’s dictators | Donald Trump | The Guardian
The odious Trump once smugly observed that “I could stand in the middle of 5th Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldn’t lose voters.” When it comes to the Republican base, he was clearly correct. The opinion polling shows that registered Republicans still overwhelmingly support Trump even after he unleashed a mob on the Capitol in a way that resulted in the murder of policeman Brian Sicknick. What Trump did not imply, and what no one could have foreseen, was that even the man he shot would continue to vote for him. The 43 Republican senators who voted to acquit Trump were in mortal danger of their lives on January 6, and had they been evacuated only a few moments later than they were, some of them would likely have been taken hostage. We know that behind the scenes the Republican senators are furious at the former president for so endangering them, and that they talk dirty about him among themselves. And yet. And yet.
Who were the Republican Senators afraid of when they Acquitted their own attempted murderer?
We can’t look away from this simple set of facts: All the evidence points to the conclusion not just that Trump recklessly whipped up a mob that went on to storm the Capitol, but also that he wanted that mob to succeed in finding and attacking those who stood in the way of his return to the presidency. Of course, nobody can know what exactly went on inside Trump’s mind that day, but his conversation with Tuberville, the subsequent tweet, and his conversation with McCarthy point in a very dark direction.
Let’s Be Honest About What Trump Wanted on January 6
Perhaps if politicians paid a little more attention to their job and less to their photo shoots and “announcables” they might have a better handle on what is happening in their offices and departments. But that might mean they had to take some responsibility when it’s so much easier to blame someone else and, if necessary, find them a new lucrative position elsewhere.
Who’s running this show? – » The Australian Independent Media Network
My thought for the day We exercise our involvement in our democracy every three years by voting. After that, the vast majority takes very little interest. Why is it so? ( John Lord )
The revolving door of Conservative wrongdoings – » The Australian Independent Media Network
IF THERE WAS one thing which should unite all media commentators, economic analysts, religious leaders and decent citizens in outrage against the Morrison Government, it is this. After the robodebt scandal in which the Government relentlessly pursued debt repayment from countless poor people, it can’t be bothered chasing millions rorted by the rich. The Coalition was ruthless in harassing pensioners for puny debts, that were often non-existent. It didn’t stop even when it was proven many were taking their own lives in despair. But they now refuse to require corporations to repay taxpayer funds fraudulently pocketed.
Public servants confirm mismanagement by Morrison ministers
My thought for the day We exercise our involvement in our democracy every three years by voting. After that, the vast majority takes very little interest. Why is it so? ( John Lord )
The revolving door of Conservative wrongdoings – » The Australian Independent Media Network
Morrison must have known, when he made his announcement one month ago, that there was no possibility of vaccinating 80,000 people in February and 4 million by the end of March. He must have known this, and yet he delivered this message to the country anyway. This is not how we need a leader to behave in these circumstances, or any other.
When you can’t trust the leader… – » The Australian Independent Media Network
Trump Had ‘Expletive-Laced’ Call With McCarthy, Siding With Rioters | Crooks and Liars
As the fourth day of Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial wrapped up, CNN reported shocking new details about the January 6th insurrection on the Capitol. They report that there was an “expletive-laced phone call” with House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy while the rioters were actively attacking the Capitol and shocking no one, Donald Trump gleefully told McCarthy that the “rioters cared more about the election results than McCarthy did.”
Trump Had ‘Expletive-Laced’ Call With McCarthy, Siding With Rioters | Crooks and Liars
“Even if you’re convinced no testimony will change the minds of 40 Republicans—and I think that’s a fair assumption—leaving witnesses on the table is an incredible mistake,” tweeted HuffPost’s Matt Fuller. “After impeachment managers presented a fantastic case, the decision to fold is what will be remembered.”
‘A Complete Capitulation’: Outrage as Democrats Abruptly Back Off Push for Witnesses in Trump Trial | Common Dreams News
On Saturday February 13, a month later, Republican senators proved Trump’s “shoot somebody” boast had been dead-on accurate: in his second impeachment trial they voted to let the man who had incited a lethal and seditious riot off the hook.
Senate Republicans Acquit Trump…and Indict the GOP – Mother Jones
Former President Donald Trump was impeached twice. Now he’s been acquitted twice too, thanks to Republican senators.
Senate Votes To Acquit Donald Trump For Inciting Insurrection | HuffPost Australia
The US Justice Department has appealed a British judge’s ruling that prevents Wikileaks founder Julian Assange being extradited to the United States to face espionage charges.
Biden administration appeals Assange’s non-extradition ruling
Establishment Jewish organizations are working to shut down all criticism of Israel. Will their challengers on the left finally take a stance?
US Jews are increasingly vocal on Israel. Why are their progressive groups still silent?
This database is exposing decades of Israel’s shady arms deals
Israel has been exporting arms to the world’s most repressive governments. A new project aims to hold it accountable by tracking these confidential sales.
This database is exposing decades of Israel’s shady arms deals
Or could we start by simply acknowledging that the Canberra press gallery have basically argued that they need to keep sweet with politicians and print their press releases without much criticism or else they’ll miss out on getting the scoop of the early press release?
Why The Public Don’t Understand The Give And Take Of Political Interviews! – » The Australian Independent Media Network
Global White supremacist attitudes are on the decline, including those of Australia’s bogan racists, writes Bilal Cleland. IN THE USA, we see White supremacists arming themselves, applauding the police killings of blacks, invading state and national legislatures and threatening prominent White politicians who resist them. Here in relatively COVID-19-free Australia, we suffer more from moronic bogan supremacists than armed insurgents. That there are terrorists amongst us is certain, as we saw from the Christchurch massacre, perpetrated by an Australian export. That we have wannabe fascist militias was indicated by the recent neo-Nazi weekend camp in the Grampians, although we are told that ‘they broke no laws’.
Systemic ‘bogan’ racism is on the decline in Australia
He destroyed the great American tradition of the honorable concession, a sin which gave rise to the Capitol attack.
Trump’s Highest Crime | Washington Monthly
Throughout his ownership of Mar-a-Lago, Trump has feuded with neighbors and local officials and violated zoning rules with abandon. He has repeatedly attempted to build a dock at the property, one time going so far as to seek approval from the federal government despite never having notified the town he was intending to build a marina. And after the town told him he couldn’t build an 80-foot flagpole (nearly twice the allowed height), he built it anyway, opting to pay daily fines. Eventually, after he wracked up $120,000 in fines, the town relented and allowed Trump to build a 70-foot flagpole, dropping the fines if Trump donated $100,000 to a veteran’s charity.
In Residency Fight, Donald Trump Claims He’s Just a Regular ‘Ol Mar-a-Lago Staff Member – Mother Jones
The US is wealthy per capita, so it should have a high chance of continuing to transit to more democracy, not less. So why is the place falling apart? Well, I called the system capitalist democracy, and that is increasingly a contradiction. American capitalism is unhealthily dominated by monopolies and is marching toward a world of billionaires on the one hand and of workers barely making it on the other. Economic insecurity has increased, which is associated with heightened racism as ethnic groups feel they are competing for a shrinking pie. Remember I said that in 2014 the losers in Libya’s election refused to go home or to acknowledge the rules of the game? And I said that then Libya fell into civil war? And now I am saying that in 2021 a substantial section of the Republican Party doesn’t want to go home after losing and also does not agree on the rules of the game? You do the math.
America’s Transition Away from Democracy and the World’s Wave of De-Democratization
Not just a US Domestic Threat: Beating Back the Far Right Globally
After four years of shock, confusion, and paralysis, the United States is finally taking action against the far right. Perhaps most dramatic has been the deplatforming of Donald Trump: the suspension of his Twitter and Facebook accounts and the targeting of his prominent followers across social media platforms. Even a few months ago, such a radically sensible action would have been inconceivable. Kick a president off of social media?
Not just a US Domestic Threat: Beating Back the Far Right Globally
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