The Weekly Watch

Rules, Rulers, and Ruin

Open Thread Image.jpg

Estonian President Alar Karis said in his first address of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Wednesday:

The Russian invasion, including the illegal occupation of Crimea and Russia's prior land grabs in Georgia and Moldova, demonstrate Russia's total disrespect of international law and the rules-based international order, and are an assault on the UN Charter, every value and principle the United Nations stands for.

Their defense minister said it more clearly...(30 sec)

Estonia hubris.png

The "Russia Bad, Putin Bad" messaging was similar from all the western leaders.

The problem with this rhetoric is whose rules, and to whom do they apply?

Did you catch Lavarov's rebuttal speech (19 min) at the UN this week? I found his recounting of the history more reliable than western governments accusations. He spoke again yesterday in a speech (20 min) which is relevant this week's topic.
"The future of the world order is being decided today. This is clear to any impartial observer. The question is whether it will be an order where one hegemon forces everyone else to live according to their notorious 'rules' which benefit only itself. Or will it be a democratic, just world - a world without blackmail and intimidation of unwanted peoples, without neo-Nazism and neo-colonialism? Russia has made a firm choice in favor of the latter, and together with our allies, partners and like-minded people are calling for work on its implementation," Lavrov said.
...
Western powers' attempt to preserve their 'rules-based order' has led to the drawing of dividing lines of bloc confrontation across the globe, with their motto being "you're either with us or against us," Lavrov said.
"Clearly, the notorious Monroe Doctrine is becoming global in scope. Washington is trying to turn the entire world into its own backyard, using the means of unlawful unilateral sanctions which have been used for many years in violation of the UN Charter and as a tool of political blackmail to do so," Lavrov said.
...
"How has Russia been infringing on the interests of our opponents in recent decades? Is it that we cannot be forgiven for making the military and strategic detente of the 1980s and 1990s possible? Or is it that we voluntarily dissolved the Warsaw Treaty Organization and thus removed the reason for NATO's existence? Is it that we supported the reunification of Germany without any preconditions and against the position of London and Paris? That we withdrew our military from Europe, Asia, Latin America? That we recognized the independence of former Soviet republics? That we believed the promises of Western leaders not to expand 'one inch east', and when it began, agreed to basically legitimize it by signing the Russia-NATO Founding Act? Did we infringe on the interests of the West when we warned them that it was unacceptable to bring a threatening military infrastructure closer to our borders?" Lavrov asked.
More here.

IMG_4872.JPG

Wild sunflowers are blooming in my world providing a little relief from the miseries of the world.

I think the collective west has been caught off guard as Russia holds referendums in the Donbass, and has called up 300,000 reservists to reinforce it's borders. If the referendum is successful, (and remember this population has been shelled and persecuted by the US/NATO puppet, Ukraine for 8 years) then henceforth when Ukraine shells the Donbass, that will be like attacking Russia. Of course the west is already calling the referendum vote a sham in another case of rules for thee, but not for me...

Recall that in 2008—9 years after NATO had been used for the very first time ever in warfare (to bomb Belgrade, the first such bombing of a European capital since 1945, and to carve out the NATO protectorate of Kosovo in the heart of historical Serbia—the U.S. announced it was recognizing Kosovo as an independent nation. The NATO bombing had been justified by Clinton as necessary to prevent “genocide” (the same excuse as used by Hillary in destroying Libya in 2011); some NATO allies participated reluctantly. When the announcement was made in 2008 the Spaniards and Greeks were indignant, noting that they’d agreed to participate on the assurance that Serbia would not be divided. NATO members Spain, Greece, Romania, and Hungary do not recognize Kosovo.

Ahead of the snap parliamentary elections scheduled for June 11 in the self-proclaimed Republic of Kosovo, Sputnik Serbia talked to Kosovan political scientist Nexhmedin Spahiu, who explained that Kosovo is the "creation of the west", and it will be the west who will now form the country's parliament.

https://sputniknews.com/20170519/kosovo-parliamentary-elections-10537766...
"The west plays the key role in forming of the new government, as it was with the former cabinet, which was a joint product of Germany and the US. Nothing could have been done without them. It depends, first of all, on the western embassies [deciding] which coalition will come to power. They will break and unite parties at their own will," he told Sputnik

So the US and NATO, with no provocation and false rationale invade and destroy Iraq, Libya, Syria, illegally withhold Afghanistan's national wealth after destroying their country, steal Venezuela's gold and declare a puppet president. and more...much more. Endless sanctions on any country which does not do as we tell them and allow us to rape their resources....all done in the name of spreading democracy.

And, the west will declare who has a democracy or not...
EU lawmakers declare that Hungary is no longer a democracy So unelected EU appointees declare the elected government of Hungary isn't a democracy. Kinda ironic. Evidently democracy is when people elect the people the west wants... otherwise you're not a democracy. Much like the US has done in Venezuela and Nicaragua.

Alexander defines democracy in the first few minutes of this clip as a state where the people exercise power. Alex discusses current news and Italian election as he walks through the Turkish border in Cyprus. The EU is already warning the people of Italy they better vote the way the collective west wants or else...(4 min)

A recent statement by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has shocked Italians and other European nations alike. She was asked a question regarding “political figures close to Putin” contesting in the upcoming legislative elections in Italy. To this, her reply landed more like a threat and irked many Italian leaders. She said, “We’ll See. If things go in a difficult direction — and I’ve spoken about Hungary and Poland — we have the tools.”

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, spoke to reporters about the rise of far right-wing politics in Europe ahead of the Italian elections on Sunday. Sweden already is moving away after their recent election.

In an excellent exchange Alex and Alexander of The Duran speak to Garland Nixon (1 hour - last 10 min highly recommended)

Garland present his concept of a fact based exchange vs a narrative (story based) discussion. He suggests right and left can unite around facts. From the comments below the clip:
"To paraphrase Garland Nixon: It's not about left or right, it's about the facts. Indeed, we need to move on! We need to surpass party agenda's and get real again."
"Garland Nixon has an exceptional ability to explain social, political, and economic dynamics in a way that dummies like myself can understand. I love his analogies. Thanks for the fantastic show."

Jimmy, Jackson, and Craig discuss MAGACommunism. (16 min)

You may have seen the hashtag #MAGACommunism trending on Twitter and elsewhere and wondered, “What the hell is that?” Put simply, it’s the idea of uniting the right and left around shared working class interests and against the establishment, the elites and the most powerful interests that control practically every aspect of our lives. But is it a good idea? And even if it is a good idea, is it a good label to use to describe the phenomenon.

I found Craig's analysis the best because he attends MAGA events. I liked his labels divide philosophy.

George and Chris have an interesting conversation (13 min)

In an ideal world Chris Hedges not Anthony Blinken would be US Secretary of State. Veteran former NYT Foreign Editor Hedges lifts the lid on current events in the #UkraineRussiaWar and discusses his fascinating new book The Greatest Evil is War.

George also spoke with Gonzalo last week... (17 min)

While the Western MSM pushes one side of the story in the Ukraine advances into Kherson and Kharkov, Gonzalo Lira helps tell the other. It took Russia six months to bomb infrastructure in Ukraine, something we’d have done in six hours.

Gonzalo hosted some interesting round table discussions this week too. The first with Suzie Dawson, John Kiriakou, and Ray McGovern and the next one with Alex Christoforou, Larry Johnson, Brian of The New Atlas

George explains the poor leadership in the west. (2 min)

US hegemony sinks while the BRICS rise and rise! The pound and the euro crash as the ruble becomes the strongest performing currency in the world! Our leaders are singularly unfit to govern us in this economic melt-down!

One of the more egregious examples of western "disrespect for international rules and law" can easily be seen in Julian Assange's persecution. Chris and Julian's dad, John, discuss the absurdity and illegality of his torture and imprisonment. (33 min)

Julian Assange has spent over a decade fighting imprisonment, extradition, and CIA espionage. On Oct. 8, Chris Hedges and others will gather in Washington, DC, to demand Assange's release at the same time that protestors surround the British Parliament. For this special episode of The Chris Hedges Report, John Shipton, Assange's father, shares updates on the international campaign to free his son.

There is a War on Journalism.

julian_1.png

Check out the 40 min film at the link above followed by commentary from Daniel Ellsberg, James Goodale, Stefania Maurizi, John Kiriakou, Chip Gibbons, Cathy Vogan, Juan Passarelli and host, Joe Lauria.

There are new legal avenues being pursued... (6 min)

The defense has submitted its perfected grounds for appeal to the UK High Court against the United States Government and UK Home Secretary Priti Patel. High Court judges will now determine if Assange’s legal team can bring the case before the UK courts. Meanwhile, two American journalists and two American lawyers file a lawsuit against the CIA for infringing on their human rights by violating their privacy while visiting Julian Assange in Ecuador’s embassy in England.

IMG_4876.JPG

So a new world order is coming. I hope it is a fair world order in which journalists will not be tortured for exposing war crimes. Where all people will be treated with kindness and respect. That seems to be what India suggested at the UNGA this week.

Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister for External Affairs of the Republic of India, addresses the general debate of the 77th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (New York, September 2022).
Noting that the COVID-19 pandemic has called into question the over-centralized nature of globalization, Mr. Jaishankar said that the world is poised for “transformational change”. The war in Ukraine and climate events have also, he continued, added to the disruption the world is already facing.
The Minister declared that India is pursuing climate action and climate justice, and stands ready to “support any collective and equitable endeavour to protect our environment and to further global wellness.”
India’s approach, he explained, is based on principles of mutual respect and national ownership with a commitment to sustainable development for all, and he announced that, as it assumes the presidency of the G20 organization of advanced economies, India will work with other members to address serious issues of debt, economic growth, food and energy security and the environment.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/09/1127891

It is the BRICS+ and the SCO countries that offer the possibility of a new "Fair World Order". I wish them luck in creating a peaceful world focused on National sovereignty rather than the globalist goals of the WEF. We live in interesting times when the world is in flux. Enjoy the ride if you can.

I look forward to your ideas, comments and thoughts in the comments below.

Share
up
26 users have voted.

Comments

Thanks for a serious contemplation on rules and rulers during this clash of world views.
Saw this morning Russia is nominating India to the UN Security Council. That will bring
out the crazy 'fools based' characters.

Your example of the Julian Assange treatment is a good way to show the dichotomy
between rhetoric and actions.

Multi-polar power sharing and respect for independent nations is what will help us to have
a better future IMO.

cheers!
Q

up
18 users have voted.
Lookout's picture

@QMS
next year...
https://g20.org/sai20-set-to-realize-summit-results-in-2023/

I didn't really get to explore the ruin part I intended because the WW as already getting long. My point was to be that civilizations collapse when they use up all their resources....fuel (which historically involved their forests), soil (and therefore food), and lose their manufacturing capacity.

Hope all is well in your corner. We've got a hurricane barreling toward the gulf coast due to hit Thursday or Friday. We did get a bit of rain this morning...the first in a while. Sure will help the fall cover crop.

Take care and be well!

up
14 users have voted.

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

@QMS will be gaining strength.

Global South Rising.

The bad ship Atlantis soon to be sinking to the bottom of the sea---joining its--Cousin. The Not so terrific Britannia, who no longer rules the waves.

Or anything else.

Good days.

Difficult days.

All coming, Ready or not

Go India! Go.

up
10 users have voted.

NYCVG

Lookout's picture

Has anyone asked you, "what is woke culture?"
Here's a great explanation...

Out-of-control wokeness has been a subject of much discussion in recent years, but not nearly enough quality parody. But the Australian show Kinne Tonight did an excellent job sending up the hypersensitivity to the point of paralysis that has come to rule the recent public discourse. In the video a group of people’s rigid adherence to inoffensive language renders them incapable of taking a group photo.

up
10 users have voted.

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

up
11 users have voted.
mhagle's picture

It's a nice part of my Sunday morning.

I have watched several of the speeches at the UN. Very interesting. Seems like the representatives of many countries are really speaking their minds. They are not praising the collective west.

Have a great day everyone! I-m so happy

up
18 users have voted.

Marilyn

"Make dirt, not war." eyo

Lookout's picture

@mhagle

no longer fears nor supports the collective west (about 12% of world population).

There were many excellent speeches this week at the UN.
The S. African minister's speech was good, as well as Honduras president.

I appreciate you coming by and reading the column. Hope things are better with your TX weather and power bills. All the best!

up
14 users have voted.

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

@mhagle speaking about the Decline and Fall of US hegemony?

Great.

That is what I missed during my lights out Hospital stay.

up
8 users have voted.

NYCVG

The Liberal Moonbat's picture

Will there be a Marshall Plan for a fallen "West"?

I am still young, yet I already feel like my life is long over; I've turned into Boo Radley.
It feels like not only is there no place for me - which wouldn't be so bad, that was always mostly true - but now, it is no longer possible to make a place for myself.

up
12 users have voted.

In the Land of the Blind, the One-Eyed Man is declared mentally ill for describing colors.

Yes Virginia, there is a Global Banking Conspiracy!

Lookout's picture

@The Liberal Moonbat

He found a coop/commune/community.

I wrote a piece a while back about intentional community that might be helpful. I'll post it here if I can find it, but here's a start.

you can search by location and intention here: https://www.ic.org/directory/

So if I was young, I would seek a self sufficient oriented community like this. But you'll have to research and find a community that works for you. Plus it might require relocating.

I wish you the best in this uncertain future. It is unsettled, but we've always had to navigate difficult waters at times...like the hurricane headed my way (maybe). In the end, we make our own path and only we as individuals can make our own "life changing" decisions. All the best with your choices!

up
11 users have voted.

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

lotlizard's picture

@Lookout  
in order to join this intentional community, the Svanholm collective in Denmark, decades ago.

https://svanholm.dk/english/

up
3 users have voted.
enhydra lutris's picture

@The Liberal Moonbat

Were I younger I could see wandering down to any of the above, especially if i had a goodly sum of bread or a steady income.

be well and have a good one

up
9 users have voted.

That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --

Lookout's picture

@enhydra lutris
I also like San Cristóbal de las Casas in Mexico. A very international and Mayan/native city.

There are options, but you have to be willing to explore. Thanks for the suggestions.

up
9 users have voted.

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

@The Liberal Moonbat sinking in the same boat.

You are an American rarity,

In that you can see the danger we are all facing.

Only PROFIT Will remain.

We are the eventual cannon fodder..

up
8 users have voted.

NYCVG

enhydra lutris's picture

should avoid any compliance with a "Rules Based Order". I mean, "Wir mussen ordnung haben" simply rings false. Order = regimentation, some sort of arbitrary formalized organization and Rules = oversimplified illogical constraints, usually also of an arbitrary nature. Beyond that, rules are invariably imposed for the primary benefit of those making them up, as is any resultant "order". Disobedience is almost obligatory and, in any case, consent should always be withheld. But, that's in the abstract.

In actuality, the collective west's rules based order is anything but rule based and far from orderly. The entire regime of sanctions, for example, follows no objective rules and does not result in any order.

be well and have a good one

up
16 users have voted.

That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --

Lookout's picture

@enhydra lutris

The US doesn't recognize the international court?

And the U.S. actually had long supported the concept of an international criminal court. Congress had actually voted resolutions back in the 1990s calling for the creation of an international criminal court based on the Nuremberg tribunals after World War II. But as you said, when the Clinton administration participated in the negotiations of the treaty, the Rome Statute that created this International Criminal Court, the U.S. was not comfortable with the outcome and ended up being one of only seven countries in the world that voted against the treaty.

Someone reached this conclusion...
After much research, I have come to the conclusion that other country's government will punish American soldiers by using the International Criminal Court to prosecute soldiers who have killed others unlawfully in times of war.

Another reason to silence Julian and his ilk.

Hope you've got a nice day. Cloudy with some much needed sprinkles here. All the best!

up
13 users have voted.

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

Lookout's picture

that makes the point of this essay...
Lavrov UN masterclass. EU forbids Cyprus to meet Lavrov. Iran CCTV. Collective Jacinda.
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heZGRAw2Lnc]

I've not seen the press conference which he refers, but Lavrov is something else. Too bad the west lacks his quality of diplomats!

up
12 users have voted.

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

@enhydra lutris @Lookout Is what a sane, grown up, in possession of all of the facts sounds like.

Sane? Grown-ups? Informed leaders?

We do not have any such appearances on MSM.

Not one.

Unless my brain seizure, or episode or whatever the F the doctors have not so far been able to explain..... will some day give me a name for what is happening to me.

I am stronger and better every day.

up
10 users have voted.

NYCVG

so I can take my laptop out to the porch, view the presented videos.
I really like Galloway. I wonder if he is still as supportive of the EU as he was during the Brexit debates. That position he took was surprising.
My yard has some non-offending morning glories, one Shepherd's hook being completely cover with lovely flowers in the morning.
The hummingbirds are few in number, but they are still in fight mode, as they were last year. Lizzards are all tiny babies this year, with no large ones in sight. I didn't have my phone in hand when I watched 2 babies fighting. They were biting each other in the mouth, face, and neck. It was over quickly, no injuries, and the loser leapt away.
Hubby just read some meme about "US citizens were terrified by a virus that kills very few, but have little concern about nuclear war."
Glad you mentioned Ranting Rooster. Last time I heard from him, he is still very happy in the commune.
Oh! A life long pal came into possession of a second wood stove, so he told us to come to his house and he would help load it on the truck. It will be very useful if we have a utility failure this winter!
More later after I watch some stuff.

up
13 users have voted.

"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981

Lookout's picture

@on the cusp

I hope you get some relief! I think cooler weather should be coming in your area in the near term. Hurricane Ian may be a game changer for you. It looks like it may bring rain our way, but we'll see what we'll see.

Hummers are working the feeders here...gassing up for the long trip South. Hope you find something interesting out of today's collection.

The reason I mentioned Ranting Rooster up thread is he was in a fix...and solved his dilemma by stepping out of his situation into a totally new experience...which I find admirable. I hope he'll check in and let us know how it is going.

Hope you find something worthwhile in the WW this week. Thanks for the visit.

up
11 users have voted.

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

Creosote.'s picture

@Lookout
He also had the grit to ask for help here, and found that it appeared!

up
3 users have voted.

Who knows what else has arrived behind the scenes?

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-receives-us-air-defence-sys...

Sept 25 (Reuters) - President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in an interview broadcast on Sunday that Ukraine had received sophisticated air defence systems from the United States.

It was the first acknowledgment that Ukraine had received the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), long sought by Kyiv and whose shipment was approved by Washington late last month.

"We absolutely need the United States to show leadership and give Ukraine the air defence systems. I want to thank President (Joe) Biden for a positive decision that has been already made," Zelenskiy said, according to an English-language transcript of the interview.

up
11 users have voted.
Lookout's picture

@humphrey

Another game changer...yeah, right.

I feel sorry for Ukraine's people thrown under the bus by it's inept puppet clown comedian president. The west insists on fighting to the last Ukrainian.

Good to "see" you. Hope all is well!

up
12 users have voted.

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

@humphrey are in transit now

Who do we think we are fooling.

up
6 users have voted.

NYCVG

up
11 users have voted.
Lookout's picture

@humphrey

or perhaps it is to liberate the first nations peoples?

Either way they have a massive military. But poke the bar, poke the dragon cause we're the baddest ass county....oops dumbest ass country.

Thanks for the clip/tweet!

up
12 users have voted.

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

Good day Lookout.

In no particular order:

Julian still imprisoned means we are all at death's door. He is not free and if you think you are you are living in a fake world.

George Galloway quoting Robert Browning, I think.

"The Lost Leader"

"Just for a handful of silver he l @Lookout eft us,
Just for a riband to wear on his breast..."

up
7 users have voted.

NYCVG

Lookout's picture

@NYCVG

Glad you're still in it and getting stronger. I wish you rapid recovery and happy life.

We all need "a cup o' kindness" in these times
Auld Lang Syne’ is a poem that addresses old acquaintances and the memories associated with them at the end of a year.
In this poem, the poet upholds the value of friendship and brotherhood. The song is about not forgetting the past and welcoming the new. It’s more about valuing the old acquaintances and the memories associated with them.
https://poemanalysis.com/robert-burns/auld-land-syne/

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPnhaGWBnys&t=10s]

Take care my friend!

up
8 users have voted.

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

lotlizard's picture

@Lookout  
but our Western leaders — following in the footsteps of the American St. George, beatified after 9/11 and canonized having given Michelle candy and appearing on the Ellen DeGeneres show — aren’t clever or insightful enough to strike a deal.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Reluctant_Dragon_%28short_story%29

up
3 users have voted.

@humphrey Fabulous.

Love it.

up
4 users have voted.

NYCVG

Alex brought up a very interesting thought. Referendums are a sham, so why the push to interrupt the sham? Waste war materiel for what? I think in a couple, 3 days, Russia will have a different border, larger land mass.
I have visited RR at his commune, met the owner of the land, her number one manager, have a very clear understanding of their project. Internet is shared, so RR can only use it in a rotation. Communes are possible, and can elevate your health, happiness, and sense of community. Everyone must pitch in to their abilities to maintain it, and get along with others.

up
9 users have voted.

"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981

Lookout's picture

@on the cusp

I was hoping all was well with him and his cat. It takes some courage to pick up and reshuffle your life...but needed if your situation is unhealthy. I certainly wish him well.

I don't even understand the pronoun wokeness stuff...he/him she/her? I just don't even understand the purpose nor objective (which came to my mind as I considered is it he or him in the 1st sentence).

The Garland interview is memorable and thought provoking. Thanks for checking it out. Wishing you all the best!

up
6 users have voted.

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

@Lookout the 2 or 3 commune cats love him above all others. As do the commune dogs.
If we get up that way, we will stop in for another visit. He has never lived outside a city, has discovered rural life, and loves it.
His living quarters, a camper trailer, is pretty much up to snuff, and all he needs. Access to medical care, a vehicle that runs, fresh eggs when he wants them!

up
9 users have voted.

"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981

Lookout's picture

@on the cusp

One thing lots of folks don't think about is the soundscape around us. You block out all the noise when in the city. When you get in the country the nature of the sounds is so peaceful.

Another difference as one kid said to us, "There sure are a lot of stars in the country." And sure enough there are.

Hope all is well, and thanks for the RR update!

up
8 users have voted.

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

soryang's picture

aka Democracy movement is the old fashioned left opposition to the emerging reactionary right wing authoritarian government in South Korea. In the video below, banner claims 100,000 singing human wave spills out into Kwanghwamun plaza in central Seoul. "This is the beginning." "Yoon Seok-yeol resign! Arrest Kim Gon-hee!"

up
6 users have voted.

語必忠信 行必正直

Lookout's picture

@soryang

Thanks for the news!

I sure thought it was wise when S Korea didn't kowtow to Pelosi when she visited. I see where word salad Kamala is to visit the area and stick her foot in her mouth. We'll see (hear) soon.

You really can't make it up. Thanks for the visit!

up
6 users have voted.

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

soryang's picture

@Lookout Thanks for the link to the Kamala article.

South Korea basically has no interest in the Taiwan dispute. They generate some bland boilerplate about the Taiwan Strait when it is forced out of them by the US.

Kamala could make the obligatory trip to the Joint Security Area (I remember when Dan Quayle did that) for the photo op. It's so 19th century imperial, that her visit to South Korea is planned about the time of the US carrier strike group exercises in the Sea of Japan.

Yoon is incompetent. These military exercises with US "strategic assets" in the Korean theater, are provocative, and won't deter a thing.

up
7 users have voted.

語必忠信 行必正直

@soryang

https://www.rt.com/news/563515-south-korea-faces-kimchi-shortage/

Asian country hit with shortage of national dish

Extreme weather has damaged the cabbage crop in South Korea, driving up prices and leaving kimchi in short supply

South Koreans face soaring costs for kimchi, a key staple of their daily diets, after extreme heat and flooding rains wiped out much of the country’s cabbage crop, making the pickled radish dish far more expensive to make and increasingly difficult to buy.

Prices for the cabbage used to make the most common type of kimchi have more than doubled in the past year and have surged 41% in just the past month to about 3,300 won ($2.32) per kilogram, according to data from the state-run Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp. Prices for white radish used in another popular type of kimchi have surged even more in the past year, by 146%, to more than 2,800 won.

he increases couldn’t come at a much worse time, given that South Koreans are already being squeezed by historically high inflation and are heading into kimchi-making season in November, when families typically produce stockpiles of pickled vegetables to eat during the winter months. “Every time I go grocery shopping, I see the prices of vegetables going up,” Seoul resident Hong Seong-jin told Arirang News.

With costs of making the iconic staple at home soaring, consumers are increasingly looking to buy factory-made kimchi. However, shipments of the product to supermarkets have dropped by about half from normal levels, and supplies have “completely disappeared” from online shops, YTN News reported last week.

up
6 users have voted.
soryang's picture

@humphrey Thanks for pointing out this report. I had missed it going through the Korean news. I guess I'm distracted by Ian approaching Florida. This is going to mess up some travel plans.

Kimchi reports are never "off topic." Luckily we have quite a bit here in FL. Wish all Floridians good luck this week.

Thank you for your earlier thoughtful posts, to which I don't think I responded. Been busy trying to get ready for anything Ian may bring. Got a huge stack of debris in front of the house, hope the garbage truck crew take it away today, otherwise it will be flying all over the neighborhood. I still have 40 or so sandbags from the last hurricane a few years ago and plywood sized to cover the windows. Hope i don't need them.

up
4 users have voted.

語必忠信 行必正直

Lookout's picture

@soryang

somewhere in the great bend near Cedar Key, which is a wonderful taste of old FL. with an interesting history as a major rail connector from the East coast to the Gulf. Pencils, sponges, oysters, and now clams have all been major products there. Hope they weather Ian well...They've ridden out many a hurricane there.

Hope all goes well in your location. Tampa bay area looks like lots of water. Take care and be well!

up
3 users have voted.

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

lotlizard's picture

@humphrey  
here in Dresden at Rusmarkt, a shop that specializes in groceries from Russia and other CIS countries.

http://rusmarkt.info/

Food traditions have a way of diffusing across borders and barriers.

up
3 users have voted.

results in Italy?

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-italy-swings-to-the-hard-r...

Giorgia Meloni’s upstart Brothers of Italy and its two coalition partners placed first in the Italian election, putting the European Union’s third-largest economy on course to take its most radical swing to the hard right since the Fascist era ended at the close of the Second World War and install the country’s first female prime minister.Their win was expected – the only question was the size of their majority.

The first exit polls published by Rai, the national broadcaster, had the right-wing coalition taking 42 per cent of the vote, giving them a majority in both houses of Parliament, the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies. But their showing was expected to be short of the landslide that would have handed them the super-majority of seats required to change the constitution.

The right’s victory came as a blow to the centre-left Democratic Party, or PD, which had hoped to pick up broad support among the millions of undecided voters who feared that Ms. Meloni’s populist, Euroskeptic, highly nationalistic and anti-LGBTQ stances – which she has tried to tone down in recent months – would resurface and come to define her rule. Exit polls said the PD-led coalition was set to win 26 per cent.

The victory of the 45-year-old Ms. Meloni, whose party won about 25 per cent of the votes, against a mere 4 per cent in the last election, delivers a boost to the European right, whose leading forces include Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the new alliance in Sweden that defeated the centre-left government this month, and Spain’s rising Vox party.

The Brothers will start negotiations to form a government with two vastly diminished but still somewhat influential right-wing parties: Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia and the hard-right League party, led by Matteo Salvini, a former interior minister whose term was defined by his aggressive anti-migrant policies.

Both Mr. Berlusconi and Mr. Salvini have expressed support for Russian President Vladimir Putin, creating fears in the NATO alliance that Italy’s pro-Ukraine, pro-sanctions stance forged under prime minister Mario Draghi might crumble under a Meloni government.

up
9 users have voted.
Lookout's picture

@humphrey
As Alex calls her...I think Ursala Von der Lying is also appropriate..
https://yournews.com/2022/09/24/2421205/we-have-tools-eus-von-der-leyen-...
Warned them... the EU has tools...like the ones we used on Poland and Hungary.

The EU is self destructing. Thanks for the update!

up
9 users have voted.

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

lotlizard's picture

@Lookout  
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cow_Tools

up
2 users have voted.

@humphrey this news.

Next challenge will be understanding what the bond market collapse is.

Maybe, tomorrow.

up
3 users have voted.

NYCVG

Lookout's picture

See you tomorrow
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXn9ZKPx6CY]

I think we are going to experience a hard rain. I never learned all the words. It is a head full and mine holds many lyrics, but not these.

"A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall"

Oh, where have you been, my blue-eyed son?
And where have you been, my darling young one?
I've stumbled on the side of twelve misty mountains
I've walked and I've crawled on six crooked highways
I've stepped in the middle of seven sad forests
I've been out in front of a dozen dead oceans
I've been ten thousand miles in the mouth of a graveyard
And it's a hard, it's a hard, it's a hard, and it's a hard
It's a hard rain's a-gonna fall

Oh, what did you see, my blue-eyed son?
And what did you see, my darling young one?
I saw a newborn baby with wild wolves all around it
I saw a highway of diamonds with nobody on it
I saw a black branch with blood that kept drippin'
I saw a room full of men with their hammers a-bleedin'
I saw a white ladder all covered with water
I saw ten thousand talkers whose tongues were all broken
I saw guns and sharp swords in the hands of young children
And it's a hard, it's a hard, it's a hard, and it's a hard
It's a hard rain's a-gonna fall

And what did you hear, my blue-eyed son?
And what did you hear, my darling young one?
I heard the sound of a thunder, that roared out a warnin'
I heard the roar of a wave that could drown the whole world
I heard one hundred drummers whose hands were a-blazin'
I heard ten thousand whisperin' and nobody listenin'
I heard one person starve, I heard many people laughin'
Heard the song of a poet who died in the gutter
Heard the sound of a clown who cried in the alley
And it's a hard, it's a hard, it's a hard, it's a hard
It's a hard rain's a-gonna fall

Oh, what did you meet, my blue-eyed son?
Who did you meet, my darling young one?
I met a young child beside a dead pony
I met a white man who walked a black dog
I met a young woman whose body was burning
I met a young girl, she gave me a rainbow
I met one man who was wounded in love
I met another man who was wounded in hatred
And it's a hard, it's a hard, it's a hard, it's a hard
It's a hard rain's a-gonna fall

And what'll you do now, my blue-eyed son?
And what'll you do now, my darling young one?
I'm a-goin' back out 'fore the rain starts a-fallin'
I'll walk to the depths of the deepest dark forest
Where the people are many and their hands are all empty
Where the pellets of poison are flooding their waters
Where the home in the valley meets the damp dirty prison
And the executioner's face is always well hidden
Where hunger is ugly, where souls are forgotten
Where black is the color, where none is the number
And I'll tell and speak it and think it and breathe it
And reflect from the mountain so all souls can see it
And I'll stand on the ocean until I start sinkin'
But I'll know my song well before I start singin'
And it's a hard, it's a hard, it's a hard, and it's a hard
It's a hard rain's a-gonna fall

Have a good night everyone!

up
12 users have voted.

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

@Lookout thanks to the curative power of Mr. Dylan.

up
4 users have voted.

NYCVG

as usual. Thanks for the roundup of news Lookout. The Hedges interview was good as were the Galloway pieces. I'm hoping to listen to a few of those speeches given at the UN later this week. Hope you have a good week and that that hurricane doesn't dump too much rain on you. All the Best.

up
9 users have voted.
Lookout's picture

@randtntx

coming in during high tide. Rakes the coast and makes land fall somewhere in the big bend.

May or may not bring rain here, but looking more likely...currently calling for a couple of (much needed) inches of rain on Sat. here. Central FL may get a foot as the system creeps up the coast.

Wish all our FL friends the best.

Glad you found some worthwhile clips, and glad to see you early or late!

up
7 users have voted.

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

Lookout's picture

@NYCVG

And makes the point of this column...
Link just below the fold of the WW...

Kim Dotcom
@KimDotcom
·
Follow
This is a very powerful speech from Sergei Lavrov at the UN. No wonder the US Govt didn’t approve his travel visa until the last minute. This indictment against the United States and its subjugated western “partners” deserves attention. Change is coming.

up
9 users have voted.

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

@Lookout

Night to all the thinkers who post here.

up
4 users have voted.

NYCVG