The Weekly Watch

Truth-tellers and Liars

What an upside down world. Journalists are jailed for telling us the truth about our governments, and liars are paid big bucks to read propaganda off their teleprompters. Chelsea, Julian, and now Glenn all punished for revealing the crimes committed by those in power.

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Glenn wrote in a fund raising email:

I’ve been deeply humbled by the outpouring of support since Brazilian prosecutors filed a criminal complaint against me in retaliation for our reporting on the misconduct of senior officials in the Bolsonaro government.

Our legal team is confident that we’ll defeat the baseless accusation that I committed cybercrimes, the alleged evidence for which the country’s Federal Police already dismissed once before.

The Bolsonaro government and the movement that supports it has made repeatedly clear that it does not believe in basic press freedoms, but we will not be intimidated by their tyrannical attempts to silence journalists.

I am working right now on new reporting and will continue to do so. Many courageous Brazilians sacrificed their liberty and even lives for Brazilian democracy and against repression, and I feel an obligation to continue their noble work.

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In Brazil, federal prosecutors have filed a criminal complaint against journalist and Intercept co-founder Glenn Greenwald in connection to a major investigation he spearheaded that exposed misconduct among federal prosecutors and a former judge. Called “The Secret Brazil Archive,” the series of pieces published in The Intercept and The Intercept Brasil used a trove of documents to offer new and damning insight into the sweeping anti-corruption campaign that brought down former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and paved the way for the election of right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro. The investigation used previously undisclosed private chats, audio recordings, videos and other information provided by an anonymous source to expose the wrongdoing of top officials, including Justice Minister Sérgio Moro, who oversaw the anti-corruption crusade known as “Operation Car Wash.” On Tuesday, a justice minister filed a denunciation of Glenn Greenwald, claiming he “directly assisted, encouraged and guided” individuals who allegedly accessed online chats related to Operation Car Wash. A judge will now decide whether to press charges. The move has sparked international outrage at what many are condemning as an attack on the free press in Brazil.

Andrew Fishman, managing editor of The Intercept Brasil and reporter for The Intercept.
https://www.democracynow.org/2020/1/22/glenn_greenwald_cybercrimes_charg...

Glenn explains the car wash scandal (15 min)
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCnSJ5yDv1g]

Caitlin Johnstone compares the Brazilian case against Glenn Greenwald with the U.S. persecution of Julian Assange.

This is all being done to prevent the public from gaining a clear understanding of what’s really going on in their world, because if the public had a clear understanding of what’s going on in their world, the empire would forever lose its ability to control them and rule them.

https://consortiumnews.com/2020/01/23/empire-war-on-oppositional-journal...

The Similarities Between The US's Case Against Julian Assange And Brazil's Against Glenn Greenwald Are Uncanny
...recognize that the US DOJ has given a great playbook to every authoritarian country out there on how to arrest and jail journalists reporting on leaks, and to claim that they're just doing the same thing as the supposed bastion of a free press, the United States.
https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20200122/10123443777/similarities-betw...

...Glenn was charged as a resident of Brazil for actions taken in Brazil. Assange was charged as an Australian citizen for actions taken in the UK affecting the US government, which has asked the Brits to extradite him for charges (Espionage) that fit under the kind of political crime that often will not merit extradition. Of course, Assange is fighting against Five Eyes governments that, post Vault 7 leak, are likely far less interested in such legal distinctions...

Glenn, however, is facing charges in the increasingly authoritarian country he lives in with his spouse and children. So even though, as I understand it, the high court will have to approve his charges before he is actually prosecuted, Glenn still faces political retaliation within his resident country.
https://www.emptywheel.net/2020/01/22/the-glenn-greenwald-versus-the-jul...

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The imprisonment of Manning and arrest of Assange were quickly followed by the Macron government initiating moves to prosecute eight journalists over the exposure of France’s complicity in Saudi Arabia’s illegal war in Yemen. In June 2019, unprecedented police raids on journalists’ homes and media offices took place in Australia. Three journalists are threatened with prosecution over the publication of leaks exposing war crimes committed by Australian troops in Afghanistan and plans to legalise mass surveillance.

Glenn Greenwald had not visited the US since 2013 due to his legitimate concern that he would be arrested. With Bolsanaro now in power, the hands of the CIA, NSA and FBI can well and truly reach into Brazil, where Greenwald has residency rights through his partner.

https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2020/01/23/pers-j23.html

So not just by my analysis but by the leading legal scholars in Brazil, not only are they frivolous, but they represent an abuse of authority on the part of this public prosecutor who is a close ally of Justice Minister Sergio Moro. The reaction to it, it’s interesting because obviously everyone who’s progressive or kind of on the Brazilian left, which is like almost half of the population here, pretty much automatically believing that these are frivolous charges, but some key figures on the Brazilian right have come out in defense of Glenn Greenwald including Congressional President Rodrigo Maia who tweeted out yesterday that this is an attack against freedom of the press in Brazil.

https://therealnews.com/stories/brazil-bolsonaro-attacks-critic-glenn-gr...

As Wendy reported...

Imprisoned WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has reportedly been moved out of solitary confinement in the medical wing of Belmarsh Prison, thanks to a revolt by fellow inmates who petitioned the prison and demanded he receive fair treatment.

Assange is currently imprisoned in London’s highest security prison awaiting a trial, which begins next month, to determine if he will be extradited to the United States.

Assange faces charges under the Espionage Act in the United States for his publication of the Iraq and Afghan War Logs. If extradited and convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of 175 years for the “crime” of publishing material that the US government did not want the population to know.
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2020/01/julian-assange-moved-out-of-sol...
https://consortiumnews.com/2020/01/25/belmarsh-inmates-prove-more-ethica...

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Further detailed evidence has been produced in a Spanish court that the CIA systematically and illegally recorded conversations between WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and his lawyers, and all other visitors, while he was trapped inside Ecuador’s London embassy before he was dragged out and arrested last April to face extradition to the US.
https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2020/01/22/ucgl-j22.html

While being held in solitary confinement in a maximum high security prison in London, Assange was awarded the 2019 Dignity Prize for his support of the Catalan peoples’ struggle for independence and their fight against Spanish police brutality. Just as he aspired to walk alongside Catalans on their path for self-determination, from behind the computer screen inside a tiny room in the Ecuadorian embassy, where his every move was monitored by the CIA, he also cared about the destiny of America and what it was becoming.

https://consortiumnews.com/2020/01/23/american-ideals-at-heart-of-assang...

Despite the good news they intend to torture him for several months to come...
The London hearing to decide whether WikiLeaks’ founder Julian Assange can be extradited to the United States to face charges including spying will be split in two, with the second half delayed until May, a judge ruled on Thursday.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-assange/extradition-hearing-f...

In a statement issued outside the court, WikiLeaks editor-in-chief Kristinn Hrafnsson told reporters, “We have now learned from submissions and affidavits presented by the US...that they do not consider foreign nationals to have a First Amendment protection.”
He continued, “It is quite obvious that this is a carbon copy of the indictment against Julian Assange. There is very grave concern that Bolsonaro is taking cues from the Trump administration, from Pompeo, Barr and Pence and saying, if they can do it, we can do it as well. The serious precedent that we have always been warning about in relation to Julian Assange and his case has certainly been manifested in the attack on Glenn Greenwald.”
https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2020/01/24/assa-j24.html

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Lee Camp spends the first 10 min explaining the current situation in Venezuela before he and Gareth Porter explore the current attacks on Iran.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ec0WQcY6lnM

Iraq wants the US to leave but law doesn't apply to rogue states like the US.
As the US escalates its military aggression in the Middle East, Max Blumenthal and Ben Norton speak with journalist Elijah Magnier about the future of the Axis of Resistance. After the assassination of top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, Iraq’s parliament voted unanimously to expel American troops. But the Trump administration is refusing to withdraw.
https://moderaterebels.com/us-iran-iraq-resistance-elijah-magnier/

Jimmy Dore and Brigida Santos discuss the first phase of President Trump’s partial trade deal with China. Why are Republicans and Democrats coming together to replace NAFTA with the United States Mexico Canada Agreement? Doctor Ron Paul talks about how Trump’s financial warfare is affecting the American economy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Hxm-Z8c34s (27 min)

Chris Hedges discusses the importance of historian Howard Zinn for a fuller understanding of American history, with journalist Ray Suarez, author of Truth has a Power of its Own: A Conversation about A People’s History with Howard Zinn.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7KHRb2dxkY

Bezos phone was hacked by Saudi Arabia in response to negative reporting in the WaPo news.
https://www.truthdig.com/articles/the-saudi-hacking-scandal-is-much-bigg...

China Locks Down 3 Cities With 18 Million to Stop Virus
“To my knowledge, trying to contain a city of 11 million people is new to science,” Gauden Galea, the World Health Organization’s representative in China, said in an interview. “It has not been tried before as a public health measure. We cannot at this stage say it will or it will not work.”
https://www.truthdig.com/articles/china-locks-down-3-cities-with-18-mill...

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Jimmy and Michael Tracey talk democratic primary...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6dFvqqjK6Y (22 min)

Micheal was also on Aaron's show Push Back
As Bernie Sanders ignores Hillary Clinton's attacks, Tulsi Gabbard is fighting back. Gabbard has filed a $50 million defamation suit against Clinton for labeling her a "Russian asset." Independent journalist Michael Tracey joins Pushback to discuss.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0BhVyWLBfQ (31 min)

Glenn was on Matt and Katie's podcast prior to charges being filed against him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5h_44RKUGAg (57 min)
They talk politics and journalism.

Dennis Kucinich has been out supporting Tulsi this week on Mat and Katie's podcast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wowjS2Yp28k (Dennis starts at 56 min)
....and in conversation with Jimmy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P61WI_UQzek (36 min)

Then there's the impeachment distraction...

Matt Taibbi: On impeachment and 2020, media doesn't realize their impotence
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qZl_CKGPAs (10 min)

https://www.truthdig.com/videos/chris-hedges-democrats-have-no-moral-aut...
Journalist Chris Hedges describes what's happened so far in the Senate's impeachment trial.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jo9EyozJ-yA (8 min)

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The real issue is the ecosystem...(19 min)

Dr. Luiz Marques, Professor of Environmental History at the State University of Campinas in São Paolo, Brazil shares an in-depth exploration and explanation of how our current 'neoclassical' economic system is responsible for the climate crisis and ecological deterioration, leading to a probable collapse of local ecosystems, and the general inability to grow food for human consumption.
Dr. Marques discusses capitalism as the precursor and root cause of the current environmental collapse tightening its grip on the Earth's biosphere. He argues that an economy based on continual exponential economic growth, which is entirely the program of our current 'neoclassical economics' taught universally in business schools around the world, where nature and the environment are considered mere externalities, is unsustainable. A philosophy professor specializing in logic, Dr. Marques provides the logical connections between current economic systems and ecological devastation.

There is a war on journalism. I didn't even mention all the journalist who have been murdered in places like Mexico. More than 100 media workers have been killed or disappeared there since 2000, and most of these crimes remained unsolved, improperly investigated, and with few perpetrators arrested and convicted. As Caitlin wrote, this is all being done to keep people ill informed. The oligarchs struggle to retain power as their empire crumbles around them (and us). Controlling the narrative provides a powerful position to spew propaganda. Thankfully we have alternatives at present that shine a glimmer of light on the dark stories they wish to be untold. I appreciate all that you do to shine those lights and look forward to your comments below.

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Comments

Raggedy Ann's picture

Beautiful morning here in the Land of Enchantment. Weather is supposed to turn tomorrow - needed moisture moving into the state.

Looking forward to going back up to listen and read. So much is going on in our world - you can feel the earth moving under your feet. Small trembles - much like the small rumblings that occur every minute, but I've a feeling they will grow and get stronger. Will the people notice - it is they who have the ability to bring on the tsunami.

Getting closer to Iowa has everyone losing their minds. Too bad the corporatist dimwits heads don't really explode - the rethugs, too. Oh, well, I can always dream of better people to come! I'm loving AOC speaking the truth. We've needed this for so long and she's getting through. Backing Bernie was key. We need these voices to move in a better direction.

Onward toward the fifth dimension! (wasn't that a song?)
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjxSCAalsBE]

Have a beautiful Sunday, everyone! Pleasantry

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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

I always appreciate your optimism. It is time for the revolution as you often say.

So odd how TPTB try to make us accept their rule, and how compliant people are about it.

Lots to see if the people will look.

Thanks for the visit and good news about your well!

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6 users have voted.

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

mimi's picture

@Lookout
to see and therefore don't look. I am always amazed how much people believe in their own lies. That's like a mental condition. I am even more shocked about it here in Germany now.

Thank you for your excellent Weekly Watch. Saved and bookmarked.

Hope your garden is coming along well. Nice to meet you each Sunday. Have a good one.

PS I actually don't remember me lying, but I can be silent, if needed be. May be that's also a form of lying? Most people would say they don't believe me if I say I don't lie. Their problem, I know I don't lie. I get angry if someone wants to force me to lie out of politeness. Sometimes then i speak the truth, nothing but the truth and that's usually not that comfortable for the listeners. Smile

You do believe me, right?

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Lookout's picture

@mimi

...or at least misleading.

Other times silence is best... sometimes I must say something. It depends. No black and white...just lots of gray. I once always interjected my views...now I tend to filter that through the effort to effectively communicate. Like trying to get people to change their religion...may as well save your breath.

We're heading south. Stay tuned to the weekly watch over the next few weeks.

Be well!

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3 users have voted.

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

mimi's picture

@Lookout
don't want to be misleading. I am following your Weekly Watch. And I really don't watch US media. It would be kind of hard to do that other than look at a couple of clips posted here or on youtube, democracy now, truthdig, the real news ... and the rest I must be pointed to, don't go there by myself. May be in the future, when I have more time.

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ggersh's picture

Cindy McCain of all people.....another CT pretty much becomes fact

https://www.zerohedge.com/

"We All Knew About Epstein" Admits Cindy McCain - Who Did Nothing About It

It must take a hero to say something...

573

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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

https://www.zerohedge.com/political/we-all-knew-about-epstein-admits-cin...

I sure didn't need McCain's widow to inform me, but am glad for the link...thanks.

Here's another accurate piece...

Hidden in Plain Sight: The Shocking Origins of the Jeffrey Epstein Case

Epstein is only the latest incarnation of a much older, more extensive and sophisticated operation that offers a frightening window into how deeply tied the U.S. government is to the modern-day equivalents of organized crime.

Many questions have since been asked about how much Epstein’s famous friends knew of his activities and exactly what Epstein was up to. The latter arguably received the most attention after it was reported that Alex Acosta — who arranged Epstein’s “sweetheart” deal in 2008 and who recently resigned as Donald Trump’s Labor Secretary following Epstein’s arrest — claimed that the mysterious billionaire had worked for “intelligence.”

Other investigations have made it increasingly clear that Epstein was running a blackmail operation, as he had bugged the venues — whether at his New York mansion or Caribbean island getaway — with microphones and cameras to record the salacious interactions that transpired between his guests and the underage girls that Epstein exploited. Epstein appeared to have stored much of that blackmail in a safe on his private island.

https://www.mintpressnews.com/shocking-origins-jeffrey-epstein-blackmail...

Have a good one!

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7 users have voted.

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

but so worth finding.
Thanks for round-up lookout!
Allotta' bull to be corralled.

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Lookout's picture

@QMS

to detect BS. Thanks for the song.

One person's truth is another person's lie...and evidence seems to have little to do with the situation and conclusions.

All the best!

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2 users have voted.

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

Cant Stop the Macedonian Signal's picture

These are the times that try men's souls.

They're the sort of times that reveal to you what your fundamental values are.

Apparently mine is truth. A very inconvenient one to have, and especially now.

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"More for Gore or the son of a drug lord--None of the above, fuck it, cut the cord."
--Zack de la Rocha

"I tell you I'll have nothing to do with the place...The roof of that hall is made of bones."
-- Fiver

Lookout's picture

@Cant Stop the Macedonian Signal

...by the lack of awareness of the old hippie dance crowd. Trump derangement syndrome has impaired the critical thinking of these once sane people. Lots of vote blue no matter who. When I would say, that's exactly how we got Trump...blank stares.

Oh well, on we go...speaking what truth we can find.

Have a good day. It's cool but pleasant here.

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8 users have voted.

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

Cant Stop the Macedonian Signal's picture

@Lookout

seem to have abandoned logic, reason, knowledge of what constitutes evidence and what constitutes proof--all for team spirit.

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5 users have voted.

"More for Gore or the son of a drug lord--None of the above, fuck it, cut the cord."
--Zack de la Rocha

"I tell you I'll have nothing to do with the place...The roof of that hall is made of bones."
-- Fiver

Azazello's picture

From The Duran:
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZZPSz8YY6A width:500 height:300]
I thought this was good too, at least the first half.
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ct-5oNxIPM width:500 height:300]
Have a nice day.

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4 users have voted.

We wanted decent healthcare, a living wage and free college.
The Democrats gave us Biden and war instead.

Lookout's picture

@Azazello

I caught Max and Stacy, but missed the Duran piece. Isn't Schiff an enemy of the people? There is so much they could have impeached Trump for, but they blow it once again. I'm hearing deluded Dims say how much people are supporting the impeachment...whattt?

https://www.redstate.com/sister-toldjah/2019/11/20/new-impeachment-poll-...
Unfortunately for Democrats, several days of impeachment inquiry hearings have not helped them with independents. The latest Morning Consult poll, released Tuesday, shows a dramatic drop in their support for impeaching Trump as well as a dramatic drop in their support for the inquiry:

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6 users have voted.

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

@Lookout
those scary little critters hiding under the bridge
between truth and 'opinion'
the political pulse of independents
is hard to capture
but easy to opinionate

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2 users have voted.
Lookout's picture

@QMS

...but she passed on a few years back. Now people can drive in freely without being accosted by the troll. Sure was good for security when we were gone.

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2 users have voted.

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

Azazello's picture

@Lookout
the impeachment circus has nothing to do with removing Donald Trump.
The impeachment, and the non-stop coverage thereof, is part of a propaganda campaign to manufacture consent for the New Cold War against Russia.

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8 users have voted.

We wanted decent healthcare, a living wage and free college.
The Democrats gave us Biden and war instead.

Lookout's picture

@Azazello

https://www.theepochtimes.com/trump-impeachment-trial-is-designed-to-hur...

Trump suggested Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) was attempting to aid the 2020 candidacy of former Vice President Joe Biden by timing the impeachment trial to keep Sanders, Sen. Elizbeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) from campaigning on the ground.

“They are rigging the election again against Bernie Sanders, just like last time, only even more obviously,” Trump wrote. “They are bringing him out of so important Iowa in order that, as a Senator, he sit through” the trial, giving Biden a “strong edge,” Trump added.

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6 users have voted.

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

Azazello's picture

@Lookout
From Antiwar.com: Adam Schiff’s Very Scary Warmongering Speech

All the usual suspects are praising Adam Schiff’s marathon two-and-a-half-hour Senate speech on Wednesday to the skies. Neocon columnist Jennifer Rubin calls it "a grand slam" in the Washington Post. Legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin describes it as "dazzling" on CNN. New York Times columnist Gail Collins says it was "a great job" and that Schiff is "a rock star" for pulling it off.

But in fact it was the opposite – a fear-mongering, sword-rattling harangue that will not only raise tensions with Russia for no good reason, but sends a chilling message to dissidents at home that if they deviate from Russiagate orthodoxy by one iota, they’ll be driven from the fold.

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6 users have voted.

We wanted decent healthcare, a living wage and free college.
The Democrats gave us Biden and war instead.

Lookout's picture

@Azazello

...so we won't have to fight them here. Yeah right you warmonger.

He almost spells his name correctly.

edit to add...
Jimmy, Aaron and the gang...
Jim Acosta Destroyed Over Julian Assange At “Newseum”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HXER8vKo5Q (28 min)

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3 users have voted.

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

Cant Stop the Macedonian Signal's picture

@Lookout

Strap on that LMG.

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3 users have voted.

"More for Gore or the son of a drug lord--None of the above, fuck it, cut the cord."
--Zack de la Rocha

"I tell you I'll have nothing to do with the place...The roof of that hall is made of bones."
-- Fiver

OzoneTom's picture

@Azazello
Not disqualifying to the "woke" resistance Democrats.

But his war-mongering support for the Ukraine coup/arms sales and invasions of Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria plus the genocide in Yemen might give others pause.

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5 users have voted.
Lookout's picture

@OzoneTom

But his war-mongering support for the Ukraine coup/arms sales and invasions of Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria plus the genocide in Yemen might give others pause.

Funny how the demonratic party has become the enemy. I come from a FDR yellow dog democrat background but I woke up... and little adam shit and his ilk pisses me off these days.

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6 users have voted.

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

magiamma's picture

Started three times to post and just get interrupted. Good problem to have. Days are clicking past lickety split. Did not even have time to read this - but am looking forward to it, probably about 3am. We are working harder than ever now here in SC. I bounce between feeling elated and feeling stressed. Neither of which I am too pleased about. But I can feel it in the air now. We can win this time. Yes, 'they' will do everything in their power to prevent it. Hoping there is no way for them to herd people into the Iowa caucuses for ByeDoneWithYou.

Anyway, thanks for all you do, be well and have a good evening...

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Stop Climate Change Silence - Start the Conversation

Hot Air Website, Twitter, Facebook

Lookout's picture

@magiamma

....are you in SC or just working there in the digital world?

Be careful and thanks again!

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3 users have voted.

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

magiamma's picture

@Lookout
That would be confusing. Santa Cruz. Lol. Lol

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3 users have voted.

Stop Climate Change Silence - Start the Conversation

Hot Air Website, Twitter, Facebook

Lookout's picture

@magiamma

Santa Cruz - I immediately thought of South Carolina since it is an early primary and a nearby state.

Well all the best working for Bernie in Santa Cruz. I'm hearing hopeful thing from folks talking Bernie here...though most folks think ByeDone will win AL.

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1 user has voted.

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