Very important interview about foreign policy of the opposition in Turkey. Directly Kilicdaroglu answers and clearly an effort to contain what has been said by his deputy to politico. Here:
https://medyagunlugu.com/kilicdaroglundan-rusya-mesajlari/

and, the interview with Politico CHP deputy specialized on foreign policy Unal Cevikoz
https://www.politico.eu/article/turkey-anti-recep-tayyip-erdogan-opposition-reset-eu-nato/

Mr. Cevikoz apparently will not hold a position in the new cabinet after this interview

Posted by: kemerd | Mar 19 2023 14:47 utc | 1

Now the Empire is trying to propagandise the NZ public into consent to join the joke by broadcasting radio messaging by repartition.

For the record NZ is broke, has no military assets and no will to join in military adventurism.
On the empire's side there is a fast developing NZ uni party, like Australia, UK and US.

Posted by: Paul GV | Mar 19 2023 14:58 utc | 2

Good Day Barflys!

I can't remember, are we in the jungle or the garden?

Someone projected on another thread that our civilization war was going to lead to two trade blocks that wouldn't talk to each other. I hope that doesn't occur because I believe that are too many benefits to human sharing. The posting from Xinhuanet below describes China taking the next step into global leadership, IMO

BEIJING, March 17 (Xinhua) -- The Global Civilization Initiative, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, will inject fresh and strong energy into the common development and progress of human society in a world fraught with multiple challenges and crises.

Elaborating on the new initiative at the CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-Level Meeting on Wednesday, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, called for respecting the diversity of civilizations, advocating the common values of humanity, valuing the inheritance and innovation of civilizations, and strengthening international people-to-people exchanges and cooperation.

The initiative is another major public product provided to the world by China after the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, both put forward by Xi, in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

In the history of humanity, over thousands of years, various civilizations have come into being, developed, and have in return promoted the overall development of human society. Diversity has been a prominent feature of civilizations.

In spite of differences in histories, cultures, political systems and development phases, countries around the world share the common aspiration for peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom -- the common values of humanity.

People need to keep an open mind in appreciating how different civilizations perceive values, and refrain from imposing their own values or models on others, and from stoking ideological confrontation.

As the world is facing old and new challenges, there are more reasons for us to promote dialogue and consultation when addressing international issues, and to let cultural exchanges transcend estrangement, mutual learning transcend clashes, and coexistence transcend feelings of superiority.

Spanning thousands of miles, the ancient Silk Road has embodied the spirit of cooperation, mutual learning and mutual benefit. The year 2023 marks the 10th anniversary of China's proposal of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), another public good which has brought tangible benefits to people of participating countries and promoted people-to-people exchanges.

The diversity of civilizations is in nature a source of vitality and momentum in human development. Promoting people-to-people exchanges and mutual learning is of great value in summoning the enormous wisdom and energy needed to advance the progress and development of human civilizations.

The BRI has delivered fruitful outcomes and won widespread support and participation. It has created jobs, improved infrastructure and promoted common development, especially in developing countries.

Security is the precondition for development. The Global Security Initiative calls for peacefully resolving differences and disputes between countries through dialogue and consultation, and supporting all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of crises.

The recent Saudi Arabia-Iran dialogue in Beijing is a successful case of the practice of the Global Security Initiative, leading to the resumption of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

The future of all countries are closely and increasingly connected. And tolerance, coexistence, exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations play an irreplaceable role in advancing humanity's modernization process.

To realize a world with lasting peace and ever-improving welfare, we should embrace the Global Civilization Initiative and draw on it to jointly create a better, shared future for humanity.

A single flower does not make spring, while one hundred flowers in full blossom bring spring to the garden. Together, we can make the garden of world civilizations full of colors and life.

Posted by: psychohistorian | Mar 19 2023 15:00 utc | 3

In regard to SVB everyone should watch Ben Norton‘s latest video:

US government bailout of Silicon Valley and banks is $300B gift to rich oligarchs

Posted by: Zet | Mar 19 2023 15:04 utc | 4

Thank you kindly b. Added to my reading list. The Aussies are getting screwed, including by their own, suspect it is only going to get worse.

Posted by: Outraged | Mar 19 2023 15:07 utc | 5

For the Cosmologist barflys there is the posting link below from Xinhuanet

China to launch Einstein Probe to observe changing universe

The quotes

BEIJING, March 18 (Xinhua) -- China plans to launch a new X-ray astronomical satellite, Einstein Probe (EP), at the end of this year, said Yuan Weimin, principal investigator of the satellite project.
.....
Further research requires a new generation of detection equipment with extremely large fields of view, high sensitivity, high resolution, and fast response capabilities, he added.

But the important question in this regard is how to make such equipment.

Biologists discovered early on that the lobster's eye is different from other animals. Lobster eyes are made up of numerous tiny square tubes, pointing to the same spherical center. This structure allows light from all directions to reflect in the tubes and converge on the retina, which gives the lobster a large field of view.

Scientists then simulated the lobster eye to create a telescope to detect X-rays in space.

Through cooperation with other organizations, the X-ray Imaging Laboratory of NAOC began the research and development work on lobster-eye X-ray imaging technology in 2010 and finally made a breakthrough.

The team carried out the test validation of the technology on the telescope Lobster Eye Imager for Astronomy (LEIA) -- a pathfinder of the EP instrument -- which was launched in July 2022, and revealed the world's first batch of large-field X-ray snapshots of the sky captured by the LEIA.

"Thanks to the lobster-eye telescope technology, the Einstein Probe will be able to monitor the currently poorly known soft X-ray band with a large field of view and high sensitivity," Yuan said.

Posted by: psychohistorian | Mar 19 2023 15:08 utc | 6

Paul GV [2]

NZ seems to have Zero refining capacity. Quite how it will run cars, trucks or planes when Indonesia gets irritated is not clear - then again Oz has 2 refineries which might cease to function and a lot of dependence on ICE for transportation

Posted by: Paul Greenwood | Mar 19 2023 16:03 utc | 7

thanks so much b! plenty to ponder... happy sunday everyone..

Posted by: james | Mar 19 2023 16:06 utc | 8

Oh boy, do I have some catching up to do!!!Thank you, b, and thank you to the commenter on your March 13 post which heads this review for the following link:

https://pamho.medium.com/never-go-full-democrat-c671b7b04438

I cannot believe that I missed that March 13 post! mea culpa, hugely! First, b's post on the Iran/Saudi situation being resolved by China is excellent in its question concerning the feasibility of China's peaceful monitoring of the situation -- I hope his pessimism will be rewarded by ongoing events turning the tide as other nations recognize the immense possibilities and the drawbacks if each nation does not pick up its skirts and follow suit. I can see it happening just in the US, which is the fulcrum for all instabilities -- the fulcrum! And it is falling apart before our very eyes.

He who has eyes to see, let him see!!! Now I will do my diligence and read through that chain of comments at b's first post last week. So far, so good!

To our US companions: Never Go Full Democrat!! Thank you, Pam Ho.

Posted by: juliania | Mar 19 2023 16:21 utc | 9

Why the Banking Crisis is not over.

Two years on, Credit Suisse has been in the news and on the ropes. Last evening employees of the Swiss giant were called in to clear their desk; the rumour was that UBS was in talks to take in the ailing competitor.

Rumour is now fact. UBS wants Swiss National Bank (BOE Equivalent) to help with loser’s balance sheet.
https://www.rt.com/business/573225-credit-suisse-government-guarantees/

However, on this side of the Atlantic, The FED and Ms. Yellen are very concerned. It’s the derivatives and which US banks are exposed to Credit Suisse. UBS should be looking for guarantees - parked on pallets in their vaults.

Read at link the potential exposure of US banks to Credit Suisse - the next bomb to go off.

https://wallstreetonparade.com/2023/03/the-next-bomb-to-go-off-in-the-banking-crisis-will-be-derivatives/

Imho, I do not expect this new bombshell will calm the panic. We could have another announcement this evening.

Fanning the panic; yesterday newspaper NYPost, read by main street Jack and Jill, had this:

Nearly 200 banks at risk for same fate as SVB

Nearly 200 more banks may be vulnerable to the same type of risk that took down Silicon Valley Bank: The value of the assets they hold.

There are 186 banks across the country that could fail
if half of their depositors quickly withdraw their funds, a new study published on the Social Science Research Network found.

Even insured depositors — those with $250,000 or less in the bank — could have problems getting their cash if these institutions face the sort of run that Silicon Valley saw a week ago. (emphasis added here)

The concern is that these banks hold a significant amount of their assets in interest-rate sensitive financial instruments like government bonds and mortgage-backed securities. The value of those older, low-interest investments dropped sharply as the Federal Reserve hiked interest rates over the past year.[.]

https://nypost.com/2023/03/18/nearly-200-banks-could-fail-the-same-way-svb-did-study/

Market Mavens have time and again stated, 'a majority remain focused on the stock market but the bond market is the larger casino and when that house implodes...only Trillions of mouse clicks will save the day.'

FED and Yellen will save the banks and collapse the dollar.

Posted by: Likklemore | Mar 19 2023 16:26 utc | 10

Before I go do my homework, I must first thank psychohistorian for his two posts, at #3 and #6, and point of disclosure I have two half Chinese grandsons (one of whom I introduced to this forum through his orchestral accomplishments. I am immensely proud of them both, and so happy for them in China's current leadership budding forth. I also have part Russian progeny so my cup is overflowing, or would be if the Ukraine situation can be resolved peacefully.

There are always springtime storms - we've just had one. It's always, in my region, a risky project for the trees to successfully bear fruit each year. And each year some fail; but some succeed. Success to all this year, that's my wish!

Posted by: juliania | Mar 19 2023 16:36 utc | 11

Even insured depositors — those with $250,000 or less in the bank
Posted by: Likklemore | Mar 19 2023 16:26 utc | 10

What kind of person would park $250,000 in the bank?

Posted by: Vikichka | Mar 19 2023 16:39 utc | 12

Posted by: Paul GV | Mar 19 2023 14:58 utc | 2

Hi, Paul. I'm a Kiwi but don't live in NZ. I'm afraid I don't understand your post. What do you mean by 'broadcasting radio messaging by repartition'? Do you mean there is a propaganda campaign for NZ to join an AUKUS-type organisation? As far as I know NZ's non-nuclear policy is still in force and has already resulted in its practical suspension from the the ANZUS Treaty? And what is a 'NZ uni party'?

My apologies for what might appear to be dumb questions.

Posted by: B. Wildered | Mar 19 2023 16:44 utc | 13

More bad news for NATO: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad arrives in UAE for an official visit.

https://mobile.twitter.com/s_m_marandi/status/1637438347688701955

Posted by: Arata | Mar 19 2023 16:49 utc | 14

https://geopoliticaleconomy.com/2023/03/13/michael-hudson-us-bank-crisis/

https://www.counterpunch.org/2023/03/15/why-the-bank-crisis-isnt-over/print/

the hudson piece for anyone who doesn't want to wade through the scum right river of shit that is "unz".

Posted by: the pair | Mar 19 2023 16:50 utc | 15

Posted by: Likklemore | Mar 19 2023 16:26 utc | 10

The UBS/Credit Suisse deal is not yet done. Here’s an update from ZH:

Update (10:30am ET): So much for Credit Suisse thinking it has leverage by balking at the proposed CHF0.25 offer from UBS. Just hours after it was floated that UBS could buy Credit Suisse for $1BN, a proposal which the bank's shareholders balked at, Bloomberg reported that authorities are now considering a full or partial nationalization of Credit Suisse - an outcome which would wipe out the equity and bail-in bondholders - as the only other viable option outside a UBS Group AG takeover. And yes, 0.25 is still more than 0.0.

According to BBG, "the country is considering either taking over the bank in full or holding a significant equity stake if a takeover by UBS Group AG falls apart because of the complexities in arranging the deal and the short time frame involved."

Needless to say, the situation remains "very fluid" and is changing by the hour as authorities seek to finalize a solution for the bank by the time Asian markets open, which is late evening in Europe, the people said.

It looks as if UBS tried to push their luck, going in with a bid of CHF0.25 per share, compared with Friday’s close of CHF1.86. Plus UBS still wanted the equivalent of $6 billion in guarantees from the SNB for any further provisional items outstanding in CS’s accounts, or in any further regulatory actions.

Posted by: West of England Andy | Mar 19 2023 17:02 utc | 16

It looks as if UBS tried to push their luck, going in with a bid of CHF0.25 per share
@ West of England Andy | Mar 19 2023 17:02 utc | 17

---

UBS shareholders are powerful people. They don't want to be made bagholders for CS's shit risk management.

The chief problem here is that there aren't enough little guys to stick this problem with. Big men are going to have a sad.

Posted by: too scents | Mar 19 2023 17:07 utc | 17

Posted by: too scents | Mar 19 2023 17:07 utc | 18

Yes, could well be the case that once they saw what is really in Credit suise’s books they said “Woah, not so fast, SNB!”

All the parties are under time pressure though, they need to get something together that’s sellable to the financial markets; Asia opens in a few hours.

Posted by: West of England Andy | Mar 19 2023 17:16 utc | 18

*Credit Suisse

(wretched spoilchuckers!)

Posted by: West of England Andy | Mar 19 2023 17:18 utc | 19

The UBS/Credit Suisse deal is not yet done. Here’s an update from ZH:

Posted by: West of England Andy | Mar 19 2023 17:02 utc | 17

Never said it was a done deal. Here is what I wrote: the rumour was that UBS was in talks to take in the ailing competitor.

You cited bait click ZH. Rumour is now fact.

4 Hrs ago @ 1.24 pm EST

Swiss Banking Giant UBS Agrees to Buy Credit Suisse for $1 Bln After Behemoth Bank Goes Bust

Share prices of century-and-a-half old Zurich-based corporate bank and financial services giant Credit Suisse tumbled this week in the wake of the collapse of three major US banks, and after Saudi National Bank said it could no longer continue to prop it up. Clients pulled over $10.8 billion out of the bank, pushing the government to intervene.

UBS has offered to buy its troubled banking cousin Credit Suisse for a cool $1 billion, with a deal being finalized and expected to be signed before the weekend is out, German and British media have reported, citing sources with direct knowledge of the agreement.

The all-share deal will reportedly involve changing Switzerland’s laws to allow for the bank to be sold without a shareholder vote, with the sale expected to wipe out what’s left of the value of shares. The banking giants were pressed into negotiations last week by the government and Switzerland’s central bank, the Swiss National Bank, with the $1 billion agreement said to be designed to halt the bloodletting and return stability to the banking system.

The buy offer is substantially below than the $6.72 billion in market capitalization left in Credit Suisse as of Friday. In 2022, the banking behemoth boasted 1.29 trillion Swiss francs ($1.4 trillion) in assets under management, and 531 billion ($575 billion) in total assets, making it one of the top fifty largest banks in the world (UBS incidentally, ranked 34th, according to a 2021 estimate).

Credit Suisse’s imminent liquidation comes as the fallout continues from the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank last week, and the toppling of Signature and Silvergate banks shortly thereafter, with big banks and the governments pumping tens of billions into other beleaguered banks in a bid to prevent the contagion from spreading.[.]

https://sputniknews.com/20230319/swiss-banking-giant-ubs-agrees-to-buy-credit-suisse-for-1-bln-after-behemoth-bank-goes-bust-1108571941.html

That $1 bln buy equates in legalese to "the conventional $1 and other valuable considerations."

So what of the US banks’ exposure and the derivatives?

Create another bad bank or SPV.

Posted by: Likklemore | Mar 19 2023 17:33 utc | 20

This is a good breakdown of the lead up to the umpteenth western banking crisis:

Grayzone How Covid lockdowns primed the current financial crisis

Excellent discussion from Prof Wolff:

Prof. Richard Wolff The Economics of the US-China Cold War & Ukraine War

Posted by: LightYearsFromHome | Mar 19 2023 17:45 utc | 21

Norwegian @ 11

and the actual arrest this morning of Boris Johnson. Is this a civil war among the elites, and is that why China is going to Moscow tomorrow?

Johnson got arrested? Didn't find anything on Google.

Posted by: LightYearsFromHome | Mar 19 2023 17:48 utc | 22

Another excellent ALASTAIR CROOKE article is out on Strategic Culture:

Betting All on Hegemony; Risking All, To Stave Off Ruin

I have no idea whether Alastair Crooke reads MoA regularly but if he does, I have this suggestion for him, which would fit in well with the above article:

After Project Fear and Control Part 1 (Covid-19 saga, which he covers in the above article), we get Project Fear and Control Part 2 (Ukraine war, collapse of western economies and society, NATO war with Russia). What is the nature of the links between the two? Was the Covid-19 Fear and Control operation explicitly intended as population training in preparation for the Ukraine war, or are the parallels coincidental?

This question would make a great topic in his capable hands!

Posted by: BM | Mar 19 2023 17:52 utc | 23

Posted by: Likklemore | Mar 19 2023 17:33 utc | 21

Don’t know why you took my post as personal attack. No matter, other (clickbait and non-clickbait) sources are now reporting an agreed $2 billion, plus a $100 billion line of liquidity from the SNB.

Posted by: West of England Andy | Mar 19 2023 17:53 utc | 24

Had to laugh when I heard on the News that Zelenski is imposing sanctions on Syria. The jews have already swiped a big chunk of Syria aka Golan Heights. And it's not long ago that Zel was daydreaming about making Ukraine the 2nd "Israel". Is he ajusting his ambitions in anticipation of losing NATO's war with Russia? Or has he forgotten that the Iran-Saudi truce has breathed new life into "Israel's" worst nightmare - Arab Unity?

Posted by: Hoarsewhisperer | Mar 19 2023 18:36 utc | 25

Posted by: LightYearsFromHome | Mar 19 2023 17:48 utc | 23

wow I hadn't heard that either. events are moving too fast to keep up with.

Posted by: pretzelattack | Mar 19 2023 18:48 utc | 26

RE: The ridiculous AP story about "pro-Moscow" Tweeter accounts spreading "disinformation" about the train derailment in Ohio.

https://twitter.com/aaronjmate/status/1637280996591562754

AP repeatedly cites "Reset, a London-based nonprofit that studies social media’s impact on democracy" in their crucially important "reporting" to inform Americans that Russia is behind every non Ministry of Information pre-approved message. Reset is funded by guess whom......The Intercept's Daddy Warbucks, Pierre Omidyar.

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 19 2023 18:52 utc | 27

psychohistorian | Mar 19 2023 15:00 utc | 3
A single flower does not make spring, while one hundred flowers in full blossom bring spring to the garden. Together, we can make the garden of world civilizations full of colors and life.

Mao Zedong 100 Flowers Campaign

The excert from Xi's new piece is a reference to Mao's 100 Flowers Campaign, which was a program he initiated to bring forth let us say construction criticism of the Communist programs which meet with an overwhelmingly positive response from the citizens. This in turn alarmed the Politbureau which proceeded to overwhelmingly suppress the critics. Many viewed this in retrospect, as a trap Mao deliberately set for the dissidents to expose themselves. It worked very.

Ye, MOA vassals, Xi too is setting a trap. Beware then and don't fall into this trap. All flowers wither and die. Don't find yourselves singing, "Where have all the Flowers Gone", as you sleep under the fields of poppies.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hundred_Flowers_Campaign

Posted by: Jerr | Mar 19 2023 18:53 utc | 28

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 19 2023 18:52 utc | 28

I'm surprised Omidyar ever gave Greenwald a platform, I guess thinking he was more bribeable than he turned out to be.

Posted by: pretzelattack | Mar 19 2023 18:54 utc | 29

Posted by: pretzelattack | Mar 19 2023 18:54 utc | 30

Omidyar is probably the most confusing of the Silly Cone Surveillance Valley oligarchs to me. People like Thiel, not so much. He's always been a smarmy surveillance state leech and police state enabler (Palantir) masquerading as a libertarian. Omidyar mostly stays out of the news. I wouldn't be surprised if he was one of the parties that made the initial run on SVB along with Thiel, though. Regardless, Omidyar is just as dangerous as any of them. I'm not even sure how much direct say he has in what The Intercept publishes. Of course, Greenwald could have done a deep dive investigation after he left, but he has so far refused to and continues to claim that prior to the Hunter Biden story, he was never interfered with and Omidyar was never present or participating in editorial (or TMK any other) TI day-to-day activities.

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 19 2023 19:00 utc | 30

There was a truly bizarre edition of DW Conflict Zone a few days ago. Tim Sebastian interviewed Belarus' Opposition Leader-in-exile (in Lithuania), Sviatlana Tsiksikhanouskaya, about her plan to overthrow the Belarus Govt. She has asked Zenlenski to attack Belarus when Ukraine has defeated Russia. Tim wanted to know whether her ambition to be Prez of Belarus justified a "bloody civil war?"

While she was explaining why it wouldn't be bloody, Tim reminded her that Zel has already publicly laughed at her scheme and called her "irrelevant". Her explanation of why she's not stupid or irrelevant was verbose but didn't make much sense...

Posted by: Hoarsewhisperer | Mar 19 2023 19:03 utc | 31

I mean, is it possible that Pierre Omidyar, unlike Thiel, is just a useful idiot for the surveillance state? Maybe he's really just kinda dumb and thinks he's helping "democracy"?

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 19 2023 19:17 utc | 32

"...there is a fast developing NZ uni party, like Australia, UK and US..." Paul GV@2
And Canada.

Outraged@5

You might be wrong, I expect that you, like me, hope that you are proved to be by the coalescing of a sovereigntist opposition around figures such as Keating and issues which will include anti-monarchism.
The reasons for Australians to slip away from the imperialist embrace are simply too many and too obvious not to attract mass support. Australia is an Asian country.

b's link to - From Nurseries To Nazis, Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 - Deborah Armstrong / Regis Tremblay is essential reading. Especially for those needing an introduction to Ukrainian 'nationalism' which is revealed as being the most virulent form of Nazism.
Nazism, as its name suggests, had some political aspects which were defensible. Although most of them were insincere demagogic attempts to attract popular support to a ruling class project, they were important and were sincerely defended by both Party members and supporters.

The OUN is naked anti-socialism based on crass racist theories of the silliest kind. It is racial hatred masquerading as ideology, the sort of idealism that is to be expected from a nation which has never existed, a language that nobody speaks and a leadership whose deepest ambition is to find a powerful foreign patron who will supply it with the military protection needed to allow it to torture and murder a list of enemies that begins with its nearest neighbours and extends to the rest of the human race.
Fascism of the Ukrainian sort originates in the precursor philosophy of anti-communism/socialism, the dominant idea of the ruling classes for two and a half centuries. The support it receives from imperialism- and has done since General Hoffman's 1917 offensive- is automatic. The OUN is a bespoke product of imperialist culture.

It is also a merely provincial thing- its importance depends entirely on foreign sponsors accepting it as the Galician franchise of the war against popular revolution, democracy, socialist regulation of capital and trade unions. It is no accident that its signature achievement, in its current iteration, was the burning of the Odessa Union building and the killing of its occupants.

Even after thirty years of propagandising under the aegis of the US and Canadian governments it could never win anything approaching a majority in an election. It is as marginal as a well armed biker gang. It has nothing to offer anyone in Ukraine who earns a living and depends on work in the actual economy. And yet it is an indication of what is to come across the declining empire- the last stage of capitalism in terminal crises is fascism. And it begins, as noted above, in a culture so suffused in anti-communism that those within it cannot understand that the source of their problems is the dictatorship of a class which controls the economy and therefore society itself.

It is this failure to face up to the obvious fact of class rule that leads to the generation of conspiracy theories in which just about everyone but the capitalist ruling class is blamed for social ills.

And these theories, centred around events like the assassinations of capitalist politicians, events such as the World Trade Centre destruction, or, as is the case currently, attacks on public health infrastructure (complete with reams of worthless anecdotes proving that vaccinations against a disease which does not exist are the primary cause of an undeniable increase on mortality) are all in essence excuses for not looking at the reality of imperialism in the face. And they lead, inexorably, to the adoption by the ruling class of fascist terrorist policies designed to repeat the formative disenfranchisements (of conquered peoples, of peasants and of wage workers) of capitalism.

This has been the way that neo-liberalism has been working since the brief post war interlude of socialist regulation and social protection, adopted reluctantly by ruling classes surrounded by millions of trained soldiers looking for rewards for their sacrifices.

Now neo-liberalism has run its course- the opponents of imperialism and capitalism have been weakened, almost to the point of impotence, by assaults on class protective institutions and by the dismantling "privatisation' of social safety nets from public educational systems to pensions, unemployment insurance, state funded healthcare and such basic social infrastructure as drains, roads, water supplies and public transit.
Every trace of anything resembling socialism having been eradicated or weakened to a terminal degree, a politically triumphant ruling class (oligarchy/elite etc) can only defend its ruinous and unpopular 'reforms' while its economic and ideological power is in rapid decline by using the state to impose fascism by police terror.

And that is what is happening across the empire. Happily it is a course of action which the rest of the world-distinguished by its consciousness of having been victimised by the Empire- cannot follow. Its rulers know that their strength lies in their ability to mobilise popular forces against imperial aggression. And that those popular forces are ready, indeed able to oppose imperialism only if their social needs are met: their health protected, their nutritional needs met, their educational aspirations satisfied, their requirements for lodging and fuel catered to. And their voices attended to.

In the west generations of indoctrination have established that such basic needs add up to the dangerous state of 'socialism.' And must therefore be avoided to preserve the 'freedom' of plantation proprietors to make their own business decisions, even when those 'decisions' involve the destruction of the economic bases of their societies, the export in financial form of national capital and the impoverishment of the great majority of people.

In France the fear among ordinary people is that what was done to the English working class is now being done to them. There is little understanding of what has been done to American people, but Reagan and Thatcher (and Clinton and Blair) had the same objects. And their victims, at home and abroad, similar fates.

Posted by: bevin | Mar 19 2023 19:18 utc | 33

@29 jerr

That flower quote came from a Ming dynasty children's book. You should read up a little bit more, troll.

Posted by: cindy6 | Mar 19 2023 19:21 utc | 34

@ #22: thanks for the Wolff youtube. Much better than most.

AI watch (general interest):
https://asiatimes.com/2023/03/ai-warship-designer-accelerating-chinas-naval-lead/

China is set to supercharge its naval shipbuilding program with AI, accelerating production rates and potentially cementing its quantitative lead over the US.

This month, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that a research team from the China Ship Design and Research Center used AI operating on a small computer system to design a warship’s electrical systems in one day.

This task would reportedly take human designers 300 days using the most advanced computer tools, the source says. SCMP notes that the research team published their findings in the Chinese-language journal Computer Integrated Manufacturing Systems last month.

This is the sort of thing which AI will excel at. There is too much fascination with the 'artificial intelligence' angle, talking bot programs etc. (which no doubt will soon be used everywhere instead of customer service and probably journalists too etc.) but getting AI to write computer code after inputting the end result capabalities you want is going to be a huge leap forward in many fields as the quote above demonstrates.

Posted by: Scorpion | Mar 19 2023 19:30 utc | 35

the pair @ 16

Free Money Turned Brains to Mush. Now Some Banks Fail

This from Wolf Richter reinforces what Hudson said about the spread from what the banks offered in interest and what they lent at. Other than elite grift I'm not sure what modern banking serves? Supposedly 60% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, might as well keep your money in a coffee can, and I'm sure most do.

Anyway, idiot greed, criminal greed, doesn't matter, if you hit someone while driving drunk you go to jail.

Posted by: LightYearsFromHome | Mar 19 2023 19:39 utc | 36

Posted by: bevin | Mar 19 2023 19:18 utc | 34

Glad to have you back.

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 19 2023 19:49 utc | 37

In the west generations of indoctrination have established that such basic needs add up to the dangerous state of 'socialism.' And must therefore be avoided to preserve the 'freedom' of plantation proprietors to make their own business decisions, even when those 'decisions' involve the destruction of the economic bases of their societies, the export in financial form of national capital and the impoverishment of the great majority of people.

Don't forget the freedom to externalize the negative effects of their actions/activities onto the environment. And I'm not only referring to climate change, but real-time and near-term destruction wrought by toxic pollution of many kinds, which is what leads the capitalist ruling class to constantly pick away at the regulatory state and apparatuses of environmental protection.

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 19 2023 19:53 utc | 38

talking bot programs etc. (which no doubt will soon be used everywhere instead of customer service and probably journalists too etc.)

Posted by: Scorpion | Mar 19 2023 19:30 utc | 36

I have yet to see a bot program of a customer service that actually works.

Most companies can't get even their human customer service to work.

Posted by: Vikichka | Mar 19 2023 19:58 utc | 39

BM @ 24

Was the Covid-19 Fear and Control operation explicitly intended as population training in preparation for the Ukraine war, or are the parallels coincidental?

Probably not, I think it is pretty obvious they thought Russia would instantly implode from the sanctions tsunami while the concomitant Serbia like military terror attack on the Donbas with the flood of refuges, that Putin preempted, was supposed to be the coup de grace that removed his administration. Somewhere in there I'd guess was a timed orange uprising of some crazy sort, millions of Russian youth screaming for iphones and McDonalds liberating Navalny as the Russian Nelson Mandella, some atlanticist oligarch faction (now rubbed out) in the wings to crown him.

The plotters can't be both staggering idiots and over-arching geniuses, so that's why I say probably not. There's hope, they're idiots, keep fighting the good fight.

Posted by: LightYearsFromHome | Mar 19 2023 20:00 utc | 40

And I'm not only referring to climate change, but real-time and near-term destruction wrought by toxic pollution of many kinds, which is what leads the capitalist ruling class to constantly pick away at the regulatory state and apparatuses of environmental protection.

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 19 2023 19:53 utc | 39

Your car is pollution.
Your face mask is pollution.
Your cigarette is pollution.
Your groceries are pollution.
Your electronic devices are pollution.
Your heating and cooling is pollution.
Your clothes are pollution.

Posted by: Vikichka | Mar 19 2023 20:02 utc | 41

Press release from Credit Suisse: https://www.credit-suisse.com/about-us-news/en/articles/media-releases/credit-suisse-and-ubs-to-merge-202303.html

Credit Suisse and UBS have entered into a merger agreement on Sunday following the intervention of the Swiss Federal Department of Finance, the Swiss National Bank and the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA (FINMA). UBS will be the surviving entity upon closing of the merger transaction. Under the terms of the merger agreement all shareholders of Credit Suisse will receive 1 share in UBS for 22.48 shares in Credit Suisse. Until consummation of the merger, Credit Suisse will continue to conduct its business in the ordinary course and implement its restructuring measures in collaboration with UBS. The Swiss National Bank will grant Credit Suisse access to facilities that provide substantial additional liquidity. On March 19, 2023, Swiss Federal Department of Finance, the Swiss National Bank and FINMA have asked Credit Suisse and UBS to enter into the merger agreement. Pursuant to the emergency ordinance which is being issued by the Swiss Federal Council, the merger can be implemented without approval of the shareholders. The consummation of the merger remains subject to customary closing conditions.

Credit Suisse and UBS have entered into a merger agreement on Sunday with UBS being the surviving entity. After negotiations that took place during the weekend leading up to the signing of the merger agreement, UBS and Credit Suisse concluded that it would be in the best interest of their shareholders and their stakeholders to enter into the merger. This move comes after the Swiss Federal Department of Finance, the Swiss National Bank and FINMA asked both companies to conclude the transaction to restore necessary confidence in the stability of the Swiss economy and banking system.

The merger transaction provides for the following key terms:

All shareholders of Credit Suisse will receive 1 share in UBS for 22.48 shares in Credit Suisse as merger consideration. This exchange ratio reflects a merger consideration of CHF 3 billion for all shares in Credit Suisse.
The merger transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions. Both parties are confident that all conditions can be met. The merger is expected to be consummated by end of 2023 if possible.
The Swiss National Bank will grant Credit Suisse access to facilities that provide substantial additional liquidity.
For the purpose of a seamless integration of Credit Suisse into UBS, UBS is expected to appoint key personnel to Credit Suisse as soon as legally possible.
Credit Suisse continues to operate in the ordinary course of business and implement its restructuring measures in collaboration with UBS.
UBS has expressed its confidence that the employment of the staff of Credit Suisse will be continued.

On Sunday, Credit Suisse has been informed by FINMA that FINMA has determined that Credit Suisse’s Additional Tier 1 Capital (deriving from the issuance of Tier 1 Capital Notes) in the aggregate nominal amount of approximately CHF 16 billion will be written off to zero.

In consideration of the unique circumstances affecting the Swiss economy as a whole, the Swiss Federal Council is issuing an emergency ordinance (Notverordnung) tailored to this particular transaction. Most importantly, the merger will be implemented without the otherwise necessary approval of the shareholders of UBS and Credit Suisse to enhance deal certainty.

Axel P. Lehmann, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Credit Suisse said: “Given recent extraordinary and unprecedented circumstances, the announced merger represents the best available outcome. This has been an extremely challenging time for Credit Suisse and while the team has worked tirelessly to address many significant legacy issues and execute on its new strategy, we are forced to reach a solution today that provides a durable outcome.”

Posted by: West of England Andy | Mar 19 2023 20:02 utc | 42

cindy6 | Mar 19 2023 19:21 utc | 35

FYI Mao Zedong used that reference when discussing his 100 Flowers Campaign. His intention was to integrate his new initiative within the context of the broader Confusian philosophy underlying Chinese society to facilitate acceptance.

Same here with Xi and his New Deal fir Greater World Order.

Posted by: Jerr | Mar 19 2023 20:07 utc | 43

@Tom_Q_Collins 38

Good to be back. I thought about you a lot while I was away.

Posted by: bevin | Mar 19 2023 20:08 utc | 44

@ bevin | Mar 19 2023 19:18 utc | 34

Whoo-hoo, yer back! Kickin' ass & taking names with eloquent insightful exposition. Bravo. :)

Would be most pleasantly content if my 'suspect' turns out otherwise. Commented to that effect/possibility in the Modern Western Aircraft thread.

May one buy you a welcome back drink at the bar ?

Posted by: Outraged | Mar 19 2023 20:08 utc | 45

Posted by: Vikichka | Mar 19 2023 20:02 utc | 42

LOL.

Your car is pollution - No worries, I drive VERY little. But yeah, wouldn't it be nice if we could have real long distance mass transit like HSR instead of this car culture in the USA? I mean, god forbid that we all came together and agreed on some limitations and shared solutions in this "rugged individualist" capitalism-for-the-poor / socialism-for-the-capitalists society.

Your face mask is pollution - Certainly the industrial scale mfg. of them cause pollution. Needs regulation. But I no longer wear a mask in public.

Your cigarette is pollution - Don't smoke and I doubt all the smokers in the world contribute as much pollution to the environment in a whole year as the plantation-capitalist class do in a single day.

Your groceries are pollution - Some of them, sure. I refer back to adequate management through regulation.

Your electronic devices are pollution - Yep, and especially since the capitalist class continually churns out disposable electronics with planned obsolescence making it necessary to take some of them to court for 'right to repair' - aka those dreaded "laws" and "regulations."

Your heating and cooling is pollution - Refer to the answer on cigarettes.

Your clothes are pollution - Refer to the answers on groceries and electronics.

Your reply, however, is thought pollution caused by years of advertising and programming upon which predatory capitalism depends for it being continually allowed to exist.

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 19 2023 20:13 utc | 46

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 19 2023 20:13 utc | 47

You are causing pollution whether you admit it or not doesn't matter. And as a rule the poorer the person the more pollution they are causing because they want nice things they can't afford so they buy all the cheap polluting stuff. That's why we all have plastic in our veins.

Posted by: Vikichka | Mar 19 2023 20:19 utc | 47

From the earlier press release #43, this part has got me wondering:

On Sunday, Credit Suisse has been informed by FINMA that FINMA has determined that Credit Suisse’s Additional Tier 1 Capital (deriving from the issuance of Tier 1 Capital Notes) in the aggregate nominal amount of approximately CHF 16 billion will be written off to zero.

Some entities somewhere were holding CHF16 billion of ‘Additional Tier 1 Capital’ notes that are now worth zero. That should hurt some balance sheets. Has contagion been contained, or does the game of ‘pass the ticking parcel’ continue?

Posted by: West of England Andy | Mar 19 2023 20:35 utc | 48

That's why we all have plastic in our veins.
Posted by: Vikichka | Mar 19 2023 20:19 utc | 48

The reason we all have microplastics in our veins is that the capitalist class successfully squelched sufficient research and regulation related to the proliferation of increasingly exotic plastics. Same thing goes for that shit in Roundup.

You again fail to account for the concept of scale. My household produces pollution, and so does every other. But compared to, say, the US military which functions as the enforcer for western private capital around the world, or Amazon or Chevron/Exxon/etc. it's a drop in the ocean.

Furthermore, the amount of pollution I produce living in the USA (or that produced by the poor in developing countries of the Global South) is a function of what types of processes and systems are made available to us by the capitalist ruling class. If all I can afford to heat my home is burning a dirty fuel of some kind, is it my fault? And I'm still buying that fuel from someone else who bought it from someone else further up the food chain.

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 19 2023 20:36 utc | 49

@Vikichka re: pollution.

The biggest polluter in the world is of course <drumroll> the US Department of Defense.

Please aim your ire at them before you start picking on us plebs, thank you.

Posted by: West of England Andy | Mar 19 2023 20:52 utc | 50

Norwegian | Mar 19 2023 16:30 utc | 11

Impostor games. I didn't post this.

Posted by: Norwegian | Mar 19 2023 21:12 utc | 51

@LightYearsFromHome | Mar 19 2023 17:48 utc | 23

You were responding to someone playing games. It was an impostor trying to discredit.

Posted by: Norwegian | Mar 19 2023 21:15 utc | 52

Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 19 2023 19:53 utc | 39

Vikichka | Mar 19 2023 20:02 utc | 42

The worse source of pollution is from the mind, not the factory.

Posted by: Jerr | Mar 19 2023 21:37 utc | 53

LightYearsFromHome @ 54

Not me, the Body Snatchers are back.

Posted by: LightYearsFromHome | Mar 19 2023 21:39 utc | 54

This is me, a body snatcher wouldn't post this 😇

I thought it would be boilerplate but it's actually pretty good:

Vladimir Putin’s Article for People’s Daily Newspaper, Russia and China: A Future-Bound Partnership

Posted by: LightYearsFromHome | Mar 19 2023 21:43 utc | 55

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 19 2023 20:36 utc | 50

Ironically hypocricy and socialist ideology go hand in hand. Next time when you go to the store and you can't afford that non-plastic product, but you can afford that plastic one, decide whether you care about pollution and the health of others or you care about yourself. And if you buy the plastic one, maybe tell yourself that you had no choice and others buy much more plastic stuff. Maybe post on the internet about how socialism cares for others. It may make you feel better.

Posted by: Vikichka | Mar 19 2023 22:13 utc | 56

Comex folks are busy with pushing gold prices down now. Things can get much worser if they will loose control.

Posted by: asehi | Mar 19 2023 22:25 utc | 57

Local and parochial elections are of little interest to their own constituents, and even less so to others not targeted.

But as a new poster, Chris, indulged the @bar with a discourse on “shifuckery” on the Ukraine thread, I’m provoked to share.
I’d viewed this yesterday and thought some here might find it amusing (you don’t have to know the particular politicians or the issues… it’s state politics and corruption…the same same same the world over).
Anyway. An election advert for the March 25 NSW state election:
https://twitter.com/thejuicemedia/status/1636474068122894337

Oh. And something also not receiving merited corporate media coverage is this fish kill in the far west of NSW. (Loops back to NSW corruption)
You can smell it through your screen.
https://twitter.com/BillOrmonde_2/status/1637296921600757764
https://twitter.com/Gergyl/status/1636883824423600128
https://twitter.com/SueHigginson_/status/1636875598705598464

We have to go to war with China at U$ behest…because… we do..
https://twitter.com/barriecassidy/status/1637241116268593152

People still apoplectic about performance NAZIs in Melbourne.
Some people noted a less than organic vibe about them, but are being taken out by the media (of course)
https://twitter.com/barriecassidy/status/1637241116268593152
And the NAZIs had police protection from the crowd.
https://twitter.com/akaWACA/status/1636912565870788609

Posted by: Melaleuca | Mar 19 2023 22:29 utc | 58

Not only has American hubris succeeded in pushing Russia and China together, they seem to be close to uniting the Arab world as well, and even quelling Arab and Iranian feuding.

Ironically, in its twilight era America may have finally in some way become a force for peace, by uniting all sane nations in opposition against the unhinged and belligerent western foreign policy of the Great Satan.

Posted by: FVK | Mar 19 2023 22:53 utc | 59

Tom_Q_Collins @ 33:

You might be interested in reading these related articles by Alexander Rubinstein and Max Blumenthal (The Gray Zone) about Pierre Omidyar on Mint Press News:

HOW ONE OF AMERICA’S PREMIER DATA MONARCHS IS FUNDING A GLOBAL INFORMATION WAR AND SHAPING THE MEDIA LANDSCAPE

PIERRE OMIDYAR’S FUNDING OF PRO-REGIME-CHANGE NETWORKS AND PARTNERSHIPS WITH CIA CUTOUTS

Influencewatch.org notes that the Omidyar Network operates secretly which may help explain why you find getting a handle on Pierre Omidyar and his philanthropic activities hard.

Posted by: Refinnejenna | Mar 19 2023 23:20 utc | 60

So, if the US says no ceasefire and Xi is in Moscow this week who is the audience for this bit of theater? And what is Russia's next move, specifically?

Posted by: Figleaf23 | Mar 19 2023 23:27 utc | 61

Tom_Q_Collins @ 39 and after:

Disturbing to see that you are banging your head against a brick wall but if that is what it takes to expose Vikichka and his/her/its controllers as boring and banal in repeating their tired Ayn-Randian claptrap and taking cheap shots at working class people, you have my sympathy and support.

Posted by: Refinnejenna | Mar 19 2023 23:28 utc | 62

Posted by: FVK | Mar 19 2023 22:53 utc | 62

Yep ...
Cut thru all the propaganda and crap -
Thru-out my long life, - the one consistent State Sponsor of Terrorism has been the U$ofA.
Time for a new dawn !

Posted by: Engineer-John | Mar 19 2023 23:35 utc | 63

Will Occupied Palestine soon explode? Crooke provides more background to the ongoing drama that's seeing zero coverage here or elsewhere, "In the War Between Judaism and Democracy in Israel, Anything Is Possible". As noted upthread, the various Persian Gulf Peace Initiatives proposed over the years are taking hold as global dynamics quickly change, a variable Crooke notes as being a negative for Nuttyahoo, but is he really in control? I don't think so and IMO Crooke is of the same opinion. The Hellfire Zionist Zealots are now in the majority and that's going to mean big trouble when they finally try to oust the remaining Palestinians--and I mean when not if.

IMO, this is a huge event that's being completely overshadowed by Ukraine with even farther reaching consequences. The Zionist Zealots don't give a fig if their actions spark regional war as they think they'll prevail; IMO, they are far too high on their Zionist Keef. I'd really like to know what Assad said to Putin, Lavrov and team about the brewing bomb to his South. I know Assad wants more Russians inside Syria and elimination of al-Tanf and the remaining Outlaw US Empire bases, but he's wanted the latter for sometime and the deed's yet to be done. Here's a critcal excerpt:

The project’s content is explicitly acknowledged: To annex the West Bank and to transfer any political rights of Palestinians remaining there to a new national state to the east of the River Jordan, on the site of what now is the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. In the confusion and violence which would accompany such a move, Palestinians would be ‘persuaded’ to migrate to the ‘other bank’. As Hussein Ibish warned two weeks ago:

“We’re getting awfully close to the point where the Israeli government, and even Israeli society, could countenance a big annexation – and even expulsion [of Palestinians] – done in the middle of an outbreak of violence, and it would be framed as a painful necessity,” Ibish said. Such a move, he added, would be justified “as the government saying ‘We’ve got to protect Israeli settlers – they are citizens too – and we can’t let this go on anymore. Therefore we have to annex and even expel Palestinians.’”

To be fair, the unspoken fear of many secular protesters in Israel today, is not just that of being politically deposed, and their secular lifestyle circumscribed by religious zealots (though that is a major driver to sentiment), but rather, by the unspoken fear that to implement such a radical project against the Palestinians would lead to Regional war.

Clearly, there's a race against time to gather all the Islamic nations together into a pact before the Zionist Zealots unleash their next round of terror. A regional War between the Gulf Pact and Occupied Palestine to liberate Palestinians and end the Zionist presence would rapidly eclipse Russia's war against NATO and present the Outlaw US Empire with a massive dilemma.

Posted by: karlof1 | Mar 19 2023 23:37 utc | 64

Impostor at 23:50?

Posted by: malenkov | Mar 20 2023 0:05 utc | 65

Clearly, there's a race against time to gather all the Islamic nations together into a pact before the Zionist Zealots unleash their next round of terror. A regional War between the Gulf Pact and Occupied Palestine to liberate Palestinians and end the Zionist presence would rapidly eclipse Russia's war against NATO and present the Outlaw US Empire with a massive dilemma.

Posted by: karlof1 | Mar 19 2023 23:37 utc | 67

Indeed. An excellent time to turn up the heat in Occupied Palestine and free the rest of Syria.

---

Today I finally understood what Putin meant when he said of Joe Biden "We understand each other perfectly." Bhadrakumar says Putin told him off in person more than ten years ago.

Posted by: Bemildred | Mar 20 2023 0:11 utc | 66

@ malenkov | Mar 20 2023 0:05 utc | 69

Yep.

Posted by: Outraged | Mar 20 2023 0:15 utc | 67

Zio posing as Norwegian writes:

“The Jews have historical claims to the Levant. Not as historical as they claim but historical nonetheless.”

They have no such “historical claims” whatsoever.

“As for the Samaritans, well, they would be happier with their cousins on the east bank.”

The “Samaritans”—what kind of crap language is that?—would beg to differ.

Posted by: malenkov | Mar 20 2023 0:25 utc | 68

@ Norwegian | Mar 20 2023 0:18 utc | 72

Irgun, Haganah, Lehi, King David Hotel, lynched soldier captives, USS Liberty, Gaza strip, Golan Heights ...

Posted by: Outraged | Mar 20 2023 0:26 utc | 69

For those interested in litigation for harms resulting from the pandemic response, an interesting convention occurs in the US next weekend:

Covid Litigation Conference: Saturday, March 25 & Sunday, March 26, Atlanta, Georgia

The Covid Litigation Conference 2023 (CLC 2023) is a unique gathering of trial lawyers advancing Covid-19-related litigation. Over the next 10 years, Covid lawsuits are projected to experience tremendous growth. The conference will offer networking opportunities and panel discussions led by attorneys engaged in Covid-19 litigation. The conference is designed for an attorney audience; however, the public is also welcome to purchase tickets. [my emphasis]

There are some stellar professionals appearing in that conference. If you've followed any of this fiasco of the last 3 years in any depth you'll recognize many people - click through to see the lineup.

I know we wondered whatever happened to Reiner Fuellmich and his long preparation for potential litigation - which seems to have disappeared, and I certainly can't explain why - but this one looks very real.

These lawyers and doctors are sharing information in preparation for, and to assist in current, litigation for harms from vaccines, treatments, lockdowns and other grievances arising out of official response to the pandemic.

They think this endeavor could go on for a decade...well, it will be an interesting time.

Posted by: Grieved | Mar 20 2023 0:31 utc | 70

@ Grieved | Mar 20 2023 0:31 utc | 75

A bonanza of unimaginable dimensions in the making!

For the lawyers, that is. For actual identifiable victims, not so much.

Posted by: malenkov | Mar 20 2023 0:38 utc | 71

@76 malenkov | Mar 20 2023 0:38 utc

Many of the people in the convention have lost a great deal of their livelihood standing up for the truth of things to appear in the light of day. They won't be looking to enrich themselves in frivolous litigation, but rather to push for a little bit of justice wherever they can help. They will be up against strong forces, and yet they continue on.

Posted by: Grieved | Mar 20 2023 0:47 utc | 72

The Zionists are invaders and are trying to finish an "ethnic cleansing" otherwise known as Genocide of the original inhabitants all financed by the collective West as the project served its purposes at the time but has waned over the years as the criminality has grown and is justly decried by RoW. Zionist ideology doesn't accept the equality of humans and is thus Anti-Human AND Anti-Judaic. To them, only one type of Jew can be a Jew, and the reality is that person cannot be a Jew whatsoever according to Torah. In other words, Zionists are Zionists, not Jews. Zionists are Exclusivist as I wrote above and consist of a closed tribe. They are Extremists on par with Daesh and share the same ally--the Outlaw US Empire.

The great question raised by Crooke: Will the Empire aide the Zionists when they foment their Genocidal War? And the related question: How much of the Arc of Resistance will arise to defend Palestinians? And a last question by me: The Chinese surely see what's transpiring and have worked to bring together the Gulf Nations; how does that affect their attitude toward Zionists and what a just outcome would be?

Posted by: karlof1 | Mar 20 2023 1:06 utc | 73

In response to
"
So, if the US says no ceasefire and Xi is in Moscow this week who is the audience for this bit of theater? And what is Russia's next move, specifically?

Posted by: Figleaf23 | Mar 19 2023 23:27 utc | 64
"

This next week might just be a barn burner.

I expect serious military exchange in Ukraine in preface to the Xi/Z exchange....down to a telephone call the last I read.

I expect that Putin and Xi are coordinating The Art Of War against empire with Russia playing the Bad Cop and China playing the Good Cop. I expect China/Xi to start pushing the Global Civilization Initiative that I reported on in comment #3 above and , at some point soon, empire will be forced to go along with it but will declare US/Reserve Currency bankruptcy on the way out.

Posted by: psychohistorian | Mar 20 2023 1:06 utc | 74

Putin has written an article for publication in China, "Vladimir Putin’s Article for People’s Daily Newspaper, Russia and China: A Future-Bound Partnership":

I am glad to seize this opportunity to address the friendly Chinese people in one of the largest and most authoritative world media in advance of the state visit of President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping to Russia. This landmark event reaffirms the special nature of the Russia-China partnership, which has always been built on mutual trust, respect for each other's sovereignty and interests.

We have high expectations for the upcoming talks. We have no doubt that they will give a new powerful impetus to our bilateral cooperation in its entirety. This is also a great opportunity for me to meet with my good old friend with whom we enjoy the warmest relationship.

I made acquaintance with Comrade Xi Jinping in March 2010 when he visited Moscow as head of a high-level Chinese delegation. Our first meeting was held in a very business-like and at the same time sincere and friendly atmosphere. I really like this style of communication. I know that people in China attach great importance to friendship and personal relationships. It is no coincidence that Confucius the Sage said: ”Is it not a joy to have friends coming from afar!“ In Russia we share this value and hold real friends for brothers. Our two peoples have very much in common here.

Three years later, about the same days in March, we met again in the capital of Russia. It was Xi Jinping's first state visit to our country after his election as President of the People's Republic of China. The summit set the tone and dynamics of Russia-China relations for many years to come, became clear evidence of the special nature of relations between Russia and China, and outlined the trajectory for their accelerated and sustainable development.

Since then, a decade has passed, which is but a fleeting moment in the history of our countries sharing a centuries-old tradition of good neighbourliness and cooperation. During this time, the world has seen many changes, often not for the better. Yet the main thing has remained unchanged: I am talking of the firm friendship between Russia and China, which is consistently growing stronger for the benefit and in the interest of our countries and peoples. The progress made in the development of bilateral ties is impressive. The Russia-China relations have reached the highest level in their history and are gaining even more strength; they surpass Cold War-time military-political alliances in their quality, with no one to constantly order and no one to constantly obey, without limitations or taboos. We have reached an unprecedented level of trust in our political dialogue, our strategic cooperation has become truly comprehensive in nature and is standing on the brink of a new era. President Xi Jinping and I have met about 40 times and have always found time and opportunity to talk in a variety of official formats as well as at no‑tie events.

Our priorities include trade and economic partnership. In 2022, our bilateral trade, which had already been considerable by the time, doubled to reach USD 185 billion. This is a new record. What is more, we have every reason to believe that the USD 200 billion target, which was set by President Xi Jinping and myself, will be exceeded as early as this year instead of 2024. It is noteworthy that the share of settlements in national currencies in our mutual trade is growing, further strengthening the sovereignty of our relations.

Long-term joint plans and programs are being successfully implemented. It will be no exaggeration to say that the Power of Siberia Russian-Chinese gas pipeline has become the ”deal of the century“ for its scale. The supplies of Russian oil and coal have increased significantly. Our specialists are involved in building new nuclear power units in China, while Chinese companies actively engage in LNG projects; our industrial and agricultural cooperation is growing stronger. Together we explore outer space and develop new technologies.

Russia and China are powers with ancient and unique traditions and an enormous cultural heritage. Now that all pandemic-related restrictions on mutual contacts have been lifted, it is important that we increase humanitarian and tourist exchanges as soon as possible, thereby strengthening the social basis of the Russian-Chinese partnership. Interstate thematic years have a special role to play in this context. For example, the 2022/2023 biennium is dedicated to cooperation in the field of physical culture and sports, which is very popular among our citizens.

Unlike some countries claiming hegemony and bringing discord to the global harmony, Russia and China are literally and figuratively building bridges. Last year our border regions were connected by two new bridge crossings over the Amur river, which has been a ”river of friendship“ since time immemorial. Amidst the ”waves and winds“ that sweep the planet, we closely cooperate in international affairs and effectively coordinate our foreign policy positions, counter common threats, and respond to current challenges, standing shoulder to shoulder as a ”rock amid a fast flowing stream.“ We actively promote democratic multilateral structures such as the SCO and BRICS, which become more and more authoritative and influential and attract new partners and friends. The work aimed at coordinating the development of the Eurasian Economic Union with the One Belt, One Road Initiative also goes in this vein.

Our countries, together with like-minded actors, have consistently advocated the shaping of a more just multipolar world order based on international law rather than certain ”rules“ serving the needs of the ”golden billion.“ Russia and China have consistently worked to create an equitable, open and inclusive regional and global security system that is not directed against third countries. In this regard, we note the constructive role of China's Global Security Initiative, which is in line with the Russian approaches in this area.

We can feel the geopolitical landscape in the outside world change dramatically. Sticking more stubbornly than ever to its obsolete dogmata and vanishing dominance, the ”Collective West“ is gambling on the fates of entire states and peoples. The US's policy of simultaneously deterring Russia and China, as well as all those who do not bend to the American dictation, is getting ever more fierce and aggressive. The international security and cooperation architecture is being dismantled. Russia has been labelled an ”immediate threat“ and China a ”strategic competitor.“

We appreciate the well-balanced stance on the events in Ukraine adopted by the PRC, as well as its understanding of their historical background and root causes. We welcome China's readiness to make a meaningful contribution to the settlement of the crisis. Like our friends in China, we advocate for the strict compliance with the UN Charter, respect for the norms of international law, including humanitarian law. We are committed to the principle of the indivisibility of security, which is being grossly violated by the NATO bloc. We are deeply concerned over the irresponsible and outright dangerous actions that jeopardize nuclear security. We reject illegitimate unilateral sanctions, which must be lifted.

Russia is open to the political and diplomatic resolution of the Ukraine crisis. It was not Russia who broke off the peace talks back in April 2022. The future of the peace process depends solely on the will to engage in a meaningful discussion taking into account current geopolitical realities. Unfortunately, the ultimatum nature of requirements placed on Russia shows that their authors are detached from these realities and lack interest in finding a solution to the situation.

The crisis in Ukraine, which was provoked and is being diligently fuelled by the West, is the most striking, yet not the only, manifestation of its desire to retain its international dominance and preserve the unipolar world order. It is crystal clear that NATO is striving for a global reach of activities and seeking to penetrate the Asia-Pacific. It obvious that there are forces persistently working to split the common Eurasian space into a network of ”exclusive clubs“ and military blocs that would serve to contain our countries' development and harm their interests. This won't work.

In fact, today, the Russia-China relations serve as the cornerstone of regional and global stability, driving the economic growth and securing the positive agenda in international affairs. They provide an example of harmonious and constructive cooperation between major powers.

I am convinced that our friendship and partnership based on the strategic choice of the peoples of the two countries will further grow and gain strength for the well-being and prosperity of Russia and China. This visit of the President of the PRC to Russia will undoubtedly contribute to that.

Posted by: karlof1 | Mar 20 2023 1:18 utc | 75

Norwegian @83--

You clearly didn't read Crooke's essay or you wouldn't have commented as you did.

Posted by: karlof1 | Mar 20 2023 1:42 utc | 76

@ karlof1..

norwegian doesn't usually post this late.. i think we have a name hijacker here who is having fun at others expense..

Posted by: james | Mar 20 2023 2:25 utc | 77

@ james | Mar 20 2023 2:25 utc | 86

Concur. Impostor. Same with rk, which apparently happens regularly ... unless bipolar.

it is the only real democracy in the Middle East

???

Posted by: Outraged | Mar 20 2023 2:43 utc | 78

Posted by: in_Oz | Mar 20 2023 3:12 utc | 79

A new wave of indiscriminate anti-Asian hate crime is coming soon to Australia:

HREF="https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3213950/asian-australians-fear-red-alert-warmongering-will-fuel-rise-racist-hate?module=lead_hero_story&pgtype=homepage">SCMP

Posted by: in_Oz | Mar 20 2023 3:24 utc | 80

Psychohistorian ( Mar 19 2023 15:08 utc | 6 ):
Thanks! I'm not a cosmologist but this subject is one I'm tangentially familiar with and this news made me retread old paths.

And indeed.... it seems the University of Leicester (in the UK) is involved with supplying the "lobster telescope" for yet another satellite and mission. I haven't kept up, I thought they at some point got ISS-Lobster up on the ISS but I'm not entirely sure how that worked out. I never heard much about the (also with the involvement of Leicester) Mercury Imaging X-ray Spectrometer (MIXS) on the BepiColombo satellite (third Mercury flyby on 20 June 2023 according to Wikipedia), but it's supposed to be on there... :)

It's an idea that has been around in various forms since the seventies until among others George Fraser (1955-2014) at Leicester managed to somehow get the ball rolling in the early 2000nds. Or at least that's the impression I got back then.

Good to see the technology is still going and that Leicester is still closely involved.

Would be nice to see it finally reach "completion" and become "ordinary"/mass-produced but I suppose that's not likely yet. I seem to remember the idea/notion/aspiration of it becoming a great supplement to or replacement for star-trackers.

...because space isn't actually black ...if you have real-time high definition false-color "full" x-ray vision :D

Posted by: Sunny Runny Burger | Mar 20 2023 4:05 utc | 81

A thread including comment on the insultingly puerile AUKUS confidence trick would be incomplete without at least a passing reference to Bribes and Kickbacks to politicians and other local 'defense' enthusiasts in Western arms deals.

It's hard to forget that Oz Defense Minister, Chris Pyne, took early retirement as soon as the ink was dry on Oz's contract to buy F-35 maintenance black holes from AmeriKKKa.

Having to buy 3x the number of jet fighters, or submarines, one might need just to ensure that 1/3 will be available and operational, if needed, begs the question: "Wouldn't skillful Diplomacy be smarter and cheaper than War - as a dispute resolution "mechanism?"

Posted by: Hoarsewhisperer | Mar 20 2023 4:22 utc | 82

Different topic: underwater explosions aka UNDEX.

I haven't read this yet, there was a small page with some Norwegian on it but other than that it's supposed to be in English and meant to be a decent introduction to UNDEX.

It's an 81 pages long pdf from the "Norwegian Defence Research Establishment"/"Forsvarets forskningsinstitutt" (FFI) titled "Aspects of Underwater Explosions and
Preliminary Modeling in Impetus" (Impetus is some physics software modelling/simulation thing).

Maybe it could be of interest to anyone who wishes to learn a little bit about underwater explosions and how they differ from explosions on land/in air.

Because gas pipes :)

Some of it might also apply even if the explosion was used to cut rather than to simply (or only) "blow up".

But as said I haven't read it yet.

Posted by: Sunny Runny Burger | Mar 20 2023 4:26 utc | 83

Posted by: Jerr | Mar 19 2023 21:37 utc | 55

I said that about 15 comments before your reply.

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 20 2023 4:29 utc | 84

Ironically hypocricy and socialist ideology go hand in hand. Next time when you go to the store and you can't afford that non-plastic product, but you can afford that plastic one, decide whether you care about pollution and the health of others or you care about yourself. And if you buy the plastic one, maybe tell yourself that you had no choice and others buy much more plastic stuff. Maybe post on the internet about how socialism cares for others. It may make you feel better.

Posted by: Vikichka | Mar 19 2023 22:13 utc | 59

Make all the plastic stuff you want. There need to be rules and regs about how to dispose of it. Even the guts of plastic shelled products can be repaired. But the capitalist class would prefer we just throw them away or that we don't recycle plastic products and instead throw them away only to buy new ones.

Governmental socialism doesn't "care" for anyone. But those people who are part of a true socialist government make sure that it behaves (as in actually functions in real life) as though it does. This is in contrast to the capitalist-dominated "democracy" in the West that think it suffices if governmental capitalism *acts* (as in kabuki theater) as though it does, or really even could.

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 20 2023 4:35 utc | 85

Posted by: Refinnejenna | Mar 19 2023 23:20 utc | 63
and
Posted by: Refinnejenna | Mar 19 2023 23:28 utc | 65

Appreciate the support and the links. I'll be reading the latter as soon as I have a chance tomorrow.

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 20 2023 4:37 utc | 86

@ Grieved | Mar 20 2023 0:31 utc | 75

There was no statutory obligation to perform pre-clinical and clinical trials due to the laws used by the USG. The DOD used OTA (other transaction authority which allows for secrecy and avoids regulations) to contract for “prototypes” with the pharmaceutical manufacturers. The contracts between DOD and the pharma manufacturers, instead of specifying “good manufacturing practices,” as is usual, inserted “a plan”— to be reviewed by the DOD, with indeterminate language. There was no oversight by the CDC or FDA over any of the pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, including testing for safety and effectiveness, as was represented to the public. All theatre.

At ~ 56:00 to ~ 1:00:00 the question, “But is there not a contractual obligation by the pharma companies?” is addressed. Robert Barnes, one of the conference presenters, is arguing according to RFK jr, “Yes, there is.” Sasha Latypova , someone who has experience with these contracts, disagrees with Barnes and gives her reasons.

This entire exchange between Latypova and Kennedy deserves a transcript to enable discussion. There are not very many of us down this rabbit hole ...

https://rumble.com/v2df7hg-militarized-healthcare.html

Posted by: suzan | Mar 20 2023 4:49 utc | 87

Posted by: Sunny Runny Burger | Mar 20 2023 4:26 utc | 92
(Modelling underwater explosions update)

The poms did that research during WWII during the development of the bouncing bomb used by the Dambusters. They found that water pressure helps to confine the blast of a charge placed close to a rigid demolition target, thus maximising the % of energy impacting the target.

And they were right.
And it worked as anticipted.
It's Physics - apparently.

Posted by: Hoarsewhisperer | Mar 20 2023 4:54 utc | 88

This is what I wrote in a Twitter thread about "pro-Moscow accounts" sawing distrust of authorities exploiting the derailment in East Palestine:

It was proven many times that fear of toxic substances is pro-Moscow. E.g. phosphates from Morocco, unlike those from Russia and Syria, contain cadmium, so Europe avoids pro-Moscowitism by banning cadmium-free phosphates.

To my dismay, I got one like, apparently from a lady tucking Estonian, Ukrainian and Norwegian (?) flags next to her handle. Throwing snark before believers.

Posted by: Piotr Berman | Mar 20 2023 5:00 utc | 89

It looks like the Fed just blinked as noted on their web site

Coordinated central bank action to enhance the provision of U.S. dollar liquidity

The Bank of Canada, the Bank of England, the Bank of Japan, the European Central Bank, the Federal Reserve, and the Swiss National Bank are today announcing a coordinated action to enhance the provision of liquidity via the standing U.S. dollar liquidity swap line arrangements.

To improve the swap lines' effectiveness in providing U.S. dollar funding, the central banks currently offering U.S. dollar operations have agreed to increase the frequency of 7-day maturity operations from weekly to daily. These daily operations will commence on Monday, March 20, 2023, and will continue at least through the end of April.

The network of swap lines among these central banks is a set of available standing facilities and serve as an important liquidity backstop to ease strains in global funding markets, thereby helping to mitigate the effects of such strains on the supply of credit to households and businesses.

And from ZH

And once the USD swap lines are reopened, the rest of the cavalry follows: rate cuts, QE (the real stuff, not that Discount Window nonsense), etc, etc. In fact, we have already seen a near record surge in reserve injections:

The Fed may as well formalize it now and at least preserve some confidence in the banking sector, even if it means destroying all confidence left in the "inflation fighting" Fed, with all those whose were in charge handing in their resignation for their catastrophic handling of this bank crisis.

Posted by: psychohistorian | Mar 20 2023 6:03 utc | 90

But the capitalist class would prefer we just throw them away or that we don't recycle plastic products

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 20 2023 4:35 utc | 94

The infamous "capitalist class" that is blamed for not cleaning up after the polluting mess that the "working class" is creating. If you want to stop pollution, start with yourself and stop polluting.

Posted by: Vikichka | Mar 20 2023 6:41 utc | 91

Strange days with a hopeful wannabe candidate for Prez 2024.

Hilariously in the 2020 campaign. The bookies began giving longer odds for the sitting lame duck clue free economic bank destroying lazy narcissistic vain wanker @1600 Swamp Road DC.

Thus the next round of fake rumours of the dumb&dumber blue clowns rigging the fake vote to win. To lay the foundations for for the famous lie of 2020 "we was robbed". So says. whilst provide zero evidence. For it did not exists as Roy DePooponme from the Florida prison everglades. Was later to show the world in 2022.

For the leaders of fake voters in the USSA were none other than the dead headless and legless red donkey party of the sitting you know who Prez.

How was it done. Any time a fool signed at the petitioners booth at your local chain super market. If you read the fine print "I hereby apply for a postal vote". For only a fool signs any document without reading the fine print. Lol

Back in 2020. A number of wire fraud thieves and scammers got to together to steal millions. Simply creating a fake polywanker "PAC" registered with the FEC. Well they certainly raised a nice stipend of $3.5 million air dollars.

Showing those who are one eyed blinded by idiocracy to support this particular lying every day of the week polywanker fake white rich man. Have near zero brain thinking capacity and are all to easily fooled 100% of the time.

From that principal sum. A lowly cheque valued at $19.00 air dollars was sent to the fool sitting in the Swamp Oval office. The rest of the loot was spent on themselves after costs.

Fraudsters defrauding the then sitting oval office soon to be convicted company tax fraudster(2023). Has a nice ring, one can say. lol

As to when organised tax fraud, fake real estate valuation certificates, fake income from fake kiddy loans, sex crimes and slander? Became political persecution? Who knows?

Will the easily fooled 100% of the time TDS mononeurons repeat the January 6th debacle. Facing down 20,000 of New York's finest in Manhattan on a Tuesday in March 2023?

Are they that stupid?

Posted by: Bad Deal Motors On | Mar 20 2023 11:24 utc | 92

james & Outraged @78-79--

I was rather certain I was replying to an imposter and the rk thing is just another turd.

I do have something new that doesn't jibe with either of the new threads--Xi Jinping's mirror article to Putin's published today in Rossiskya Gazeyeta, which I've translated and posted at my VK, "To persevere in moving forward to new prospects for friendship, cooperation and joint development between China and Russia". Putin's article is here, "Vladimir Putin’s Article for People’s Daily Newspaper, Russia and China: A Future-Bound Partnership".

Also, Putin had several important events prior to greeting Xi at the airport which I've yet to translate and post, speech at the International Parliamentary Conference "Russia–Africa in a Multipolar World" and Putin's remarks at an Extended meeting of the Board of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. IMO, the most important for our purposes is the "Russia-Africa in a Multipolar World" speech, which will soon grace my VK Wall. When it does, I'll link to it as usual.

Relative to the Crooke Article, I see Special Presidential Representative for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov continues to meet with regional players at a feverish pace. Also, Lavrov held a presser after talks with Armenia's FM over the issue with Azerbaijan. The most important Q&A exchange IMO follows:

Question: What steps does Russia intend to take to prevent a new aggression hanging over Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh? What are Russia's actions to guarantee the security of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh?

Sergey Lavrov: We support the position expressed by Prime Minister of Armenia Nikolai Pashinyan at the time, stressing that he proceeds from the premise that the issues of guaranteeing security for the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh and ensuring their rights should be resolved between the representatives of Karabakh and Baku. We encourage the parties to do this. Armenia is also interested in this. Of course, it is important for us to understand how high-quality the agreements will be.

There are examples of very recent history. The Minsk agreements roughly discussed the same thing: what rights should residents of the eastern part of Ukraine have in accordance with these very Minsk agreements: this is the right to their native language, to teach children in this language, to live, work, using it, to preserve their culture, religion, to have the opportunity for local self-government and to have special economic and trade ties with their compatriots (in the case of Donbass, it was Russia).

Approximately the same rights were provided for in the agreement signed ten years ago between Belgrade and Pristina on the establishment of the Community of Serb Municipalities of Kosovo: language, local self-government, education, culture, religion, special economic ties with Serbia. The Karabakh people will need the same set of rights as in any similar situation: Donbass, Kosovo and the Serbian regions of Kosovo, Nagorno-Karabakh (in the context of the reaffirmation by the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan of their commitment to the provisions of the Alma-Ata Declaration of December 21, 1991).

It's not as hard to do as it sounds. Everything will depend on how decently those who will fulfill the agreements reached behave. In the case of Donbass (Minsk agreements), in the case of the agreement on the creation of the Community of Serb Municipalities of Kosovo, there can be no question of any decency.

This is a prologue to the answer to the question of whether interaction with the West is allowed. The West has completely discredited itself. We see what goals it pursues in the South Caucasus. He does not hide them, but declares – to tear Russia away. The Russian Federation is promoting, for example, together with Armenia and other countries in the region, the "3+3" format: three South Caucasian states (Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia) and their three neighbours (Russia, Turkey and Iran). The Georgian side is still thinking about joining this format, but the first meeting took place. The door for Tbilisi remains open. Now we are working on convening a second meeting in the 3+3 format.

The West is already actively working to undermine this structure, which has just begun to take shape, trying to impose its services on the three South Caucasian countries (the EU and the United States). Thus, he again makes claims to dominate, to assert his hegemony everywhere, far from his own borders, directly stepping on the legitimate interests of the three closest neighbors of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. I am referring to Turkey, Iran and Russia. What guides the West when it starts some games in the South Caucasus? Along with these geopolitical plans, he promotes support, including financial, material support for various NGOs, which in this part of the world, as in any other region, are engaged in activities that can be called "preparation for the next color revolution." It's not much hidden either. All these NGOs are known. The way they speak publicly, defending the interests of the West and trying to discredit the actions of Russia, Iran, is also known.

Therefore, I do not see any possibility and necessity for the development of any dialogue with the West on the South Caucasus, as well as most other issues on the international regional agenda. [My Emphasis]

Posted by: karlof1 | Mar 20 2023 17:17 utc | 93

@ karlof1 | Mar 20 2023 17:17 utc | 94

b has already cleaned up the fecal matter.

Everything will depend on how decently those who will fulfill the agreements reached behave.

Therefore, I do not see any possibility and necessity for the development of any dialogue with the West on the South Caucasus, as well as most other issues on the international regional agenda.

It's obvious what's left of the Vampyres higher faculties have atrophied, all they do is draw from the same covert ops playbook of the last 78 years and somehow, under current accelerating changed paradigm, delude themselves into believing it will save the day. Psychopathic, Queen of Hearts, morons.

Yes, "Russia/China/RoW-Africa in a Multipolar World", the development, as opposed to centuries long suppression & exploitation of the peoples thereof, will over time transform & cement the balance re the 'Garden' forevermore on Terra.

Thank you kindly for all your posts. Cheers.

Posted by: Outraged | Mar 20 2023 19:40 utc | 94

Apologies to all if this has previously been posted. This link is from a comment at an article by Yves at nakedcapitalism.com today concerning the recent bank failures in the US. It is a recent discussion by Bill Black that is an hour long. He has a little trouble at the beginning getting the format set in place, but once it was, I found the video very helpful, as were the questions and answers at the end of it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4axBfNjnZQ&list=LL&index=3

Posted by: juliania | Mar 20 2023 21:03 utc | 95

@88 suzan | Mar 20 2023 4:49 utc

wow, thank you so much for that link. I watched from your suggested start until the end, and Kennedy ends up coming down on her side, and makes the point that she's lost her livelihood fighting Pharma - which as we know, down this rabbit hole, is what happens to those who stand for the reality, while those who promulgate the lies keep their jobs, further their careers, and line their own nests.

Anyway, I'll watch that whole video because it looks like supremely intelligent argumentation of the law happening there, which is something I love, as a triumph of reason. And I really like Robert Barnes too, who appears to have lost this argument, so I look forward to the consensus that arises out of all this.

That link again, a discussion with Bobby Kennedy JR regarding Pfizer's weasel contracts written by the Pentagon, by an expert at negotiating Pfizer contracts:

Militarized Healthcare

Posted by: Grieved | Mar 20 2023 23:44 utc | 96

@Sunny Runny Burger #82:

...because space isn't actually black ...if you have real-time high definition false-color "full" x-ray vision :D

Indeed. (Read Russian Space Research Institute’s article about this image.)

Posted by: S | Mar 21 2023 0:44 utc | 97

Moscow will wipe the floor with European capitals in the number of electric buses (EurAsia Daily, March 20, 2023 — in Russian)

Moscow is the leader among European capitals in terms of the number of electric buses. And soon their number will more than double.

“Moscow has signed the largest contract in Europe for the supply of 1,000 electric buses in 2023–2024. We continue to develop environmentally friendly transport and purchase modern Russian-made electric buses from KAMAZ PJSC. In the near future, we will sign another contract for 200 electric buses with the GAZ Group,” states the Telegram channel of Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin.

According to him, 1,055 electric buses are already operating in the capital, running on 79 routes.

The plans for 2023 are to launch another 29 electric bus routes, Sergey Sobyanin said. He added that since 2022, improved electric buses are delivered to Moscow. For example, they can travel about 80 km on a single charge, and electric heaters are installed in the salons [previous models had a separate diesel engine for winter heating — S].

Despite the fact that in other European capitals, the topic of environmental protection is being voiced much louder, the Russian capital owns the largest fleet of electric buses in Europe. Closest to Moscow is only London. According to Electrek, about 850 electric buses are operating in the British capital. At the same time, their numbers do not exceed 500 in Paris, and 300 in Berlin.

Posted by: S | Mar 21 2023 1:12 utc | 98

Prediction: Upcoming summit will see some sort of go-forward announcement about new system or currency in BRIC et alia zone.

Some links:

A short piece on how the conflict is going to be as much about the new global reserve currency as anything military.

ZH. Title: "This Financial Crisis Will Be Like None Other In History"

Article with 50 minute interview about global finance, possible new BRIC currency. March 5th.
https://quoththeraven.substack.com/p/a-tsunami-of-inflation-one-interview
(warning: subject is a precious metals player)

Posted by: Scorpion | Mar 21 2023 2:28 utc | 99

Prediction 2:

RF will announce they are willing to follow Xi's 12 point plan for resolving the Ukraine situation.

Posted by: Scorpion | Mar 21 2023 2:56 utc | 100