The Weekly Watch

Can We Escape the War Economy?

Yes, but we would have to want to change. This week we see a chance for peace on the Korean peninsula, so quick start a war with Iran and boost the market! The irony that Iran is the terrorist nation as Israel bombs them ...while Israel shoots children and journalists for marching against the conditions of their open air interment camp. Then consider the repressive kingdom of Saud and the horrors of the US-Saudi war in Yemen. But Iran is the terrorist nation? Looks like our allies are the biggest terrorists in the region to me. This echoes Iraq's WMD. We're gonna have our war like it or not. What citizens want no longer plays a role in our faux democracy. The oligarchs will have their way. Is it possible to escape this insanity? It would take a new system. This week let's look and listen to some forward thinking economists and consider other approaches as we look at the weeks events.

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Jimmy Dore had some great interviews this week. I was really impressed with the out of the box thinking and proposals of Peter Joseph, best known for the Zeitgeist film series, and founder of the related The Zeitgeist Movement.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgIbNIElE20 (16 min on a new human rights movement)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnouYE_8-zM (15 min on our current situation)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVPHDgbsAlw (18 min unwinding neoliberalism)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbPPWMlxBRU (17 min on creating a better system)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I34BEknDijs (8 min dealing with inequality)

Jimmy hosted another of my favorite economist, Richard Wolff,a proponent of worker coops.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qT1JAzhywfA (16 min on Marxists economics)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQr5k7pl4PQ (16 min on worker coops)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUPeRRRhGjo (19 min on politics and capitalism)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpOHWIZvim8 (8 min on retirement accounts and crypto)

Paul Jay had a wide ranging discussion with Rana Foroohar, the Financial Times columnist and author of “Makers and Takers”. The six part series in video or text deals primarily with our current economic situation and how we got here.
https://therealnews.com/series/reality-asserts-itself-rana-foroohar

The contrast between the three economists is interesting particularly on the topic of robotics and AI. Like it or not AI is here to stay. It could be used for good instead of profit – instead of streamlining corporate efficiencies and playing war games, they could be used to better manage environmental sustainability, transportation, and so on. Asimov painted a scenario like that in his series from the 60's, Irobot.

Perhaps there will be a natural evolution to an economy focused on people and the planet but it is difficult to see how it happens given our current condition.

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Noam Chomsky thinks we are at the moment of a perfect storm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sprot_gEYoA (5 min)

In a nice montage of interviews Noam continues to explain how we manufacture consent
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTBWfkE7BXU (9 min)

Despite TPTB, some countries are making progress. Costa Rica is doing their part going carbon free. https://www.commondreams.org/news/2018/05/10/costa-rica-will-become-worl...
Bhutan is carbon negative and has a national happiness index https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/destinations/asia/bhutan/carbo...

Teach your children well....

Schools are an excellent tool for manufacturing consent, and school charters and vouchers really are a threat to the existence of public education
http://educationopportunitynetwork.org/charter-schools-are-an-existentia...

There has been some success with the teacher strikes, but what’s not clear is whether the shorter-term salary hikes they’ve won … will help shake down solutions to long-term, structural budget issues. https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2018/05/09/the-teachers-are-winning-w...

Will the teacher strikes expand? If a national movement does emerge it will depend heavily on the vision and commitment of the nation’s unions in this crucial hour.
http://prospect.org/article/chalk-dust-settles-building-on-2018-teachers...

TPTB do not like protestors...

Ray McGovern, who worked as a CIA analyst for 27 years, disrupted the Senate confirmation hearing for CIA director nominee Gina Haspel, protesting her overseeing of torture. Police threw the 78-year-old whistleblower to the ground, dislocating his arm. Bob Scheer talks straight about Gina's appointment and the CIA in general. (2 parts video and text)
https://therealnews.com/series/trumps-nomination-of-torturer-to-lead-out...

John Kiriakou, a former CIA officer, speaks out too
https://www.truthdig.com/articles/gina-haspel-debate-spotlights-americas...

Black folks have it even worse. I knew Paul Robeson was an independent thinker and activist, but I had no idea that he was targeted and poisoned by the CIA. Includes interviews with Paul's children. (16 min) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOHV_O0uXsQ

Chris Hedges suggests we must focus on building new, radical movements that do not depend on foundation grants, a media platform or the Democratic Party or revolve around the cult of leadership. https://www.truthdig.com/articles/the-danger-of-leadership-cults/


The insanity of our aggression

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What is the deal with our Iran policy?
Two part interview with James Dorsey, a senior fellow at S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University, and he’s also a syndicated columnist and the author of the blog The Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer.
https://therealnews.com/series/james-dorsey-on-the-us-iran-nuclear-deal

Trita Parsi, president of the National Iranian American Council discusses the situation. (video and text) https://therealnews.com/stories/as-trump-takes-aim-israel-hits-iran-in-s...

John Pilger speaks about the events behind the mainstream media headlines on Syria, Salisbury, Yemen and the Korean peninsula. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIok3VKp17k (27 min)

David Swanson and Ben Norton explore how American nationalism and the myth of US superiority is used to justify hyper-militarism and capitalist oppression.
https://therealnews.com/stories/how-american-exceptionalism-is-exploited...

When will we ever learn? US hypocrisy reigns supreme.
https://www.truthdig.com/articles/u-s-hypocrisy-creates-perpetual-enemie...

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It isn't just the ME

the US government has continued and even intensified its regime change agenda in Latin America and successfully helped reverse the so-called “pink tide” of left-of-center governments over the past ten years, says CEPR’s Mark Weisbrot (video and text) https://therealnews.com/stories/us-interventions-in-latin-america-contin...

The trick is to follow the money...it is always about the money.
https://www.truthdig.com/articles/conflicts-of-interest-drive-wars-from-...

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...and so we return full circle back to the economy. We have a war economy we must escape...driven by fossil fuels which are destroying the biosphere. Our for-profit economy provides profits for the few...the oligarchs. But we can't have a conversation despite the obvious failure of capitalism. No we must impede any effort to try to develop an economy that serves the people. Peter Joseph tells the story of Allende and his efforts to nationalize his country....we made sure that didn't happen (see part 4 of Jimmy's interview with him). Just consider the decades long blockade and sanctions against Cuba...Venezuela...and Russia for that matter. Perhaps the oligarchs fear we might want what those socialist countries have.

I'm off at a local festival this weekend, and won't be able to respond till this evening. However I hope you will carry on the conversation without me. I'm posting this essay Friday morning (scheduled to appear on Sunday), and in our volatile world there is no telling what the situation is today. I think we often get hung up in our analysis of what is wrong instead of discussing what should be. Many of us have a concept of what we are aiming for, but lack an understanding of how to find a path to our destination. Perhaps you have some ideas? I'll trust your Sunday is a good one, and that you have stories and insights to share.

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The Aspie Corner's picture

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Modern education is little more than toeing the line for the capitalist pigs.

Guerrilla Liberalism won't liberate the US or the world from the iron fist of capital.

Lookout's picture

@The Aspie Corner

Although TN Ernie is a good singer...

It is interesting, now a day the company store has morphed into Amazon.

Thanks for the song.

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“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

The Aspie Corner's picture

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Modern education is little more than toeing the line for the capitalist pigs.

Guerrilla Liberalism won't liberate the US or the world from the iron fist of capital.

Raggedy Ann's picture

So much to read and listen to. I’ve heard some of that JD four-part interview with Peter Joseph this week. So much to digest. Now I need to finish listening.

Noam hits it out of the park, as usual. I had a discussion with a professor in our program and he wants to ask his freshman class, in the fall, to write down what they think freedom is. I’m sending him that five minutes with Noam to ponder.

Going to take it easy today. I’m using my hand more and walking with a bit more ease. I hope to be fully healed in a couple of weeks. I also need to slow down and be more aware of my surroundings. This fall was an eye-opener for me.

Hope you had a nice time at the festival, Lookout.

Have a beautiful day and lovely Mother’s Day, everyone! Pleasantry Give rose

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"The “jumpers” reminded us that one day we will all face only one choice and that is how we will die, not how we will live." Chris Hedges on 9/11

Lookout's picture

@Raggedy Ann @Raggedy Ann

The mountain is covered with Rhododrendron and laurel in full bloom. The river is a little low, but rain's called for next week.

I'm headed down to Montgomery tomorrow for the poor people's march. I'll report on it sometime next week.

A friend due to gather with us this weekend fractured a pelvis last week. We need to take care as we age. The old gray matter it ain't what it used to be.

All the best!

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“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

Meteor Man's picture

Keep hope alive:

In that book, Solnit studied the unusual solidarity demonstrated in catastrophes as varied as the 1906 San Francisco and 2008 Tang Shan earthquakes, the 2003 European heat wave, and the 1917 Halifax munitions explosion. And she found the same result, every time. When chaos arrives, the human reaction is cooperation and innovation.

If humanity has a saving grace it will be disaster Solidarity. This quote came from The Real Reason Tech Billionaires Are Prepping For Doomsday

They hate Democracy:

What are the tech-preppers really worried about? Not death by fire, quake, or ice. Not the rising seas, or the zombie plague, not the return of Christ or rogue comets. Seen clearly, the calamity that the wealthy fear is democracy returning to the United States. Every tall tale they tell involves the specter of the mob.

Because they know that they are the real freeloaders and welfare bums:

The tech-preppers understand, at a deep level, that their ill-gotten gains are predicated on an unjust system. Deep in the brain, where reptile impulses live, tech-bros know hoarding is wrong. Human beings — even very wealthy human beings — have a bone-deep sense of injustice. We know a freeloader.

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"They'll say we're disturbing the peace, but there is no peace. What really bothers them is that we are disturbing the war." Howard Zinn

Meteor Man's picture

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"They'll say we're disturbing the peace, but there is no peace. What really bothers them is that we are disturbing the war." Howard Zinn

Lookout's picture

@Meteor Man

Everyone I spoke with this weekend opposes it...and wants us out of the wars we are in.

Rana an economist in the lead story suggest the rich have an escape plan
https://therealnews.com/stories/the-rich-have-escape-plan

When chaos arrives, the human reaction is cooperation and innovation.

That's been my experience. Why is it that a crisis is needed for us be our best?

Hope you're doing well, and thanks for the links.

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“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

ggersh's picture

I did an essay on the Jimmy Dore/Peter Joseph
interview, hope everyone gives it a watch, its
well worth it.

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I never knew that the term "Never Again" only pertained to
those born Jewish

"Antisemite used to be someone who didn't like Jews
now it's someone who Jews don't like"

Heard from Margaret Kimberley

Lookout's picture

@ggersh

I'll look forward to reading it. I found Peter Joseph to be thought provoking on many levels... that's why I led with him.

Have a good one!

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“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

GreyWolf's picture

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Lookout's picture

@GreyWolf

hope you find something interesting in the mix. I put this together Thursday night. I hoped the world wouldn't change dramatically till after Sunday. Worked out this week. But it could turn on a dime ... one good asteroid for example.

hope your world is a good one. Good to see you.

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“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

detroitmechworks's picture

That for the past ten years, I've been playing the mom role to my kids. Not perfect, and and I've made my share of mistakes, but that's part and parcel of the job, right? I remember making this point over at TOP a few years back, and immediately being dogpiled for being an "MRA".

I think that was the first time I really started getting pissed about TOP. I mean, I'd seen my share of bullshit, tribalism and stupidity, but to slam a single father for pointing out that he worked just as hard as a Mom... Well, it made it very clear to me that TOP wasn't about helping people, it was about beating down political opponents.

And really, that's what the entire political system is devoted to. They really don't give a shit about helping anyone, as long as their enemies suffer. It's the entire underlying philosophy of war.

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1lXdLus2WI]

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I do not pretend I know what I do not know.

snoopydawg's picture

@detroitmechworks

and misogyny. Their argument for that went down the sewer when they went after women who accused Franklin of groping them and then when other women had complaints about other congress members they liked.

You should read what they say about Melania.

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Which AIPAC/MIC/pharma/bank bought politician are you going to vote for? Don’t be surprised when nothing changes.

Lookout's picture

@snoopydawg

...of course I never was anything but a lurker at the DailyLost. I sure appreciate your contributions here and am glad you can report the happenings over at TOP.

Always good to see you.

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“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

Lookout's picture

@detroitmechworks

...is a challenge...just like being a good kid...or a good person of any age...al of us with an array of responsibility. We are a product of our genetics and environment. We can only control our personal environment. I think the trick is creating as rewarding an environment as our situation allows. There are externalalities within our communities with which we must adapt, but our approach to our various situations are up to us as individuals. Or as I learned make do or do without. Loving others involves sacrifice, but offers great rewards beyond any view of economies or societies or politics. I sing this one and as it ends ...I say love!

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ON0BV9Swwp4]

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“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

We may not be strong enough yet to win at the ballot box, but there isn't a doubt in my mind that we are strong enough to make the enemy lose be they Democrat or Republican. All the effort to win primaries against Democrats in their own backyards is fine, but it is limited in vision because it is only step one. If the progressive loses the primary, they need to cross over in the general and take out the corporate Dem in general by crossing over and voting for the Republican. If the Dems get hit upside the head with a 2x4 ala Norquist, they will learn to quit turning their backs on us. This is step two.

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"Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich."--Napoleon