The Weekly Watch
The Waste of War
Wars are largely created to enrich the elite at the expense of everyone else. The cost can be measured in lives, money, environmental destruction, social and mental health, and much more, as the oligarchs count their profits. Yesterday used to be Armistice Day, the end of the war to end all wars, but now we honor war and warriors, not peace.
This year we celebrate the 105th anniversary of the signing of the World War I armistice that ceased hostilities on the Western Front, which took effect on the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month" of 1918. With this instrument, nations still recovering from the dreadful nightmare of WWI, one of the deadliest conflicts in human history, collectively embraced peace as a universal principle and called for an end to all wars. Armistice Day was initially designated as “a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated."
(17 min)
Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children. The cost of one modern heavy bomber is this: a modern brick school in more than 30 cities. It is two electric power plants, each serving a town of 60,000 population. It is two fine, fully equipped hospitals. It is some fifty miles of concrete pavement. We pay for a single fighter plane with a half million bushels of wheat. We pay for a single destroyer with new homes that could have housed more than 8,000 people. This is, I repeat, the best way of life to be found on the road the world has been taking. This is not a way of life at all, in any true sense. Under the cloud of threatening war, it is humanity hanging from a cross of iron. […] Is there no other way the world may live?
—Dwight David Eisenhower, “The Chance for Peace,” speech given to the American Society of Newspaper Editors, Apr. 16, 1953.
Matthew Hoh talks about some of the current waste of our wars, as public support wanes...
cued to the last 20 min
He discusses the opportunity lost because of war.
Michael Hudson is insightful. He explains the goal of the Ukraine war, and discusses the purposeful economic costs. The conversation is wide ranging touching on many geopolitical topics.
Highly recommended.
I'm posting the entire 75 min interview because I learned new things throughout the conversation.
Based on his view of the Ukraine war, we won, and achieved our goal of enslaving Europe to the US.
This contrast with the standard take that the purpose of the Ukraine war is to "weaken Russia" as Medea tells Chris during their interview this week. Most of their 35 min conversation is focused on Gaza and Israel, but begins by discussing Ukraine.
Is the purpose of the Palestinian genocide a canal?
Gita Pather's take on Ben Gurion Canal (7 min)
Richard Medhurst also discusses the canal (8 min)
Another deep thinker is Pepe Escobar, international geopolitical correspondent.
They discuss the latest developments in Gaza, Ukraine, the Belt and Road Initiative as the multipolar world faces unprecedented challenges.
Over 2 hours long. I listen in bits and pieces.
I found his comment that he considered the Yugoslavia war to be the beginning of the forever war interesting. He mentions that the US created their own statelet of Kosovo and that is where the US' largest air force base in Europe is located. He suggests it was used for drug running during the Afghan war.
Those who speak against war are censured...
House lawmakers on Tuesday censured Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the sole Palestinian American in Congress, over her remarks and actions in response to the Israel-Hamas war.
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) delivered a speech on the House floor on the attempts to silence her:
I’m the only Palestinian American serving in Congress, Mr. Chair, and my perspective is needed here now more than ever. I will not be silenced, and I will not let you distort my words.
...
There are millions of people across our country who oppose Netanyahu’s extremism and are done watching our government support collective punishment and the use of white phosphorous bombs that melt flesh to the bone. They are done watching our government, Mr. Chair, supporting cutting off food, water, electricity, and medical care to millions of people with nowhere to go. Like me, Mr. Chair, they don’t believe the answer to war crimes is more war crimes. The refusal of Congress and the Administration to acknowledge Palestinian lives is chipping away at my soul. Over 10,000 Palestinians have been killed—majority, majority were children.
...
Speaking up to save lives, Mr. Chair, no matter of faith, no matter ethnicity, should not be controversial in this chamber. The cries of the Palestinian and Israeli children sound no different to me. What I don’t understand is why the cries of Palestinians sound different to you all. We cannot lose our shared humanity, Mr. Chair.
...
71% of Michigan Democrats support a ceasefire. So you can try to censure me, but you can’t silence their voices. I urge my colleagues to join with the majority of Americans and support a ceasefire now to save as many lives as possible. President Biden must listen to and represent all of us, not just some of us. I urge the President to have the courage to call for a ceasefire and the end of killings.
Israel is 75 years old, Judaism is 2500 years old. Why are TPTB conflating the two? It is the same trope used to jettison Jeremy Corbin from his position in the UK parliament.
Journalist Katie Halper censored and fired for telling the truth about Israeli apartheid over a year ago. The Video That Got Me Fired: Israel IS An Apartheid State (12 min)
TPTB can't censor everyone...There's push back world wide.
‘No More Business As Usual’: 300+ cities Shut It Down For Palestine in Global Day of Action
The next day of action will be Nov 17, according to the initiating organizations at https://ShutItDown4Palestine.org
Hundreds of thousands of pro-Palestinian activists have descended on the UK capital on Armistice Day to call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict.
South Africa has called for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue a warrant of arrest for Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other key decision-makers in Tel Aviv for alleged contraventions of international law in the war in Gaza.
Minister Pandor (12 min)
"We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians."
~ Nelson Mandela
Algeria and Columbia have also called for Netanyahu's arrest.
Is Israel committing the crime of Genocide against Palestinians in Gaza?
3.5 min
Chris Hedges: The Horror, The Horror
Israel's genocidal attacks, which are killing hundreds of Palestinians a day, including some 160 children, have expanded to shelling the remaining hospitals in Gaza.
...
The indifference of Europe is bad enough. The active complicity by the United States is unfathomable. Nothing justifies this. Nothing. And Joe Biden will go down in history as an accomplice to genocide. May the ghosts of the thousands of children he has participated in murdering haunt him for the rest of his life.
...
Israel’s orgy of death will not crush Hamas. Hamas is an idea. This idea is fed on the blood of martyrs. Israel is giving Hamas an abundant supply.
We just got the report from Shifa Hospital that the Israeli attack forces have placed snipers around the hospital, these snipers are shooting through the windows of the hospital, killing, targeting, damaging health care workers trying to save lives inside.
Alastair Crooke : Israel vs Gaza: The elephant in the room. (24 min) The first 6 min deal with Ukraine.
Prof. John J. Mearsheimer: Ukraine/Israel: How China benefits.
He addresses the idea of war crimes in the Gaza. (15 min) The previous 8 min focuses on Ukraine.
US Military has Overextended Itself - John Mearsheimer, Alexander Mercouris and Glenn Diesen (1.5 hours)
Prof. Jeffrey Sachs: The dangers of unbridled war.
Excellent interview with Ray. (85 min)
Dima, the host, is an excellent interviewer... allowing his guest to complete their thoughts.
Ray recounts the history he experienced in the ME. Ray suggest a one state solution as does Larry Wilkerson. One person one vote in a state of Jews, Muslim, and Christian as Palestine existed for centuries. Very informative.
SCOTT RITTER LIVE : ISRAEL PALESTINE , UKRAINE CHINA WAR | End oF Gaza?
The Israel-Palestine conflict has captured the world's attention for decades, and understanding its intricacies is crucial. Scott Ritter, a seasoned expert in international relations and geopolitical analysis, will offer his insights into the historical, political, and social dynamics that shape this ongoing dispute. (2.2 hours)
Scott discusses the environmental impacts of bombardment, and much more.
The Israel campaign has united the ME.
Arab and Muslim leaders meeting in the Saudi capital Saturday roundly condemned Israel’s actions in its war against Hamas in Gaza, as fears mount the conflict could draw in other countries.
...
Syria’s Bashar Al Assad, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad, and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi are among those who are attending the combined extraordinary summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League. The joint summit replaces two separate gatherings which were scheduled earlier this month.
...
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said at the summit that “it is a shame that Western countries, which always talk about human rights and freedoms, remain silent in the face of the ongoing massacres in Palestine.”
The culture/society is divided. Division is created on purpose in order to maintain the status quo. This conversation (20 min) exposes some of the hypocrisy of the Trump haters. Last April, upon the occasion of Donald Trump’s indictment in Lower Manhattan on charges relating to his hush money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, anti-Trump protesters came out to celebrate the event. Also visiting the site was Due Dissidence host Russell Dobular, who asked rallygoers whether they felt that George Bush should similarly be charged for his crimes.
Speaking of hypocrisy...
Max Blumenthal challenges the US State Department on the contradictions between its accusations of genocide against official enemies like Russia and China, and its diplomatic support for Israel in the midst of its unprecedented slaughter of civilians in the besieged Gaza Strip. (4 min)
Larry Johnson is sick of US hypocrisy...(45 min)
I must admit I'm sick of US hypocrisy too.
Ukraine Proxy War & Gaza Genocide Fatally Expose Western Hypocrisy and Moral Bankruptcy
The whole world, including Russia and China and the vast majority of the United Nations, is demanding an immediate end to the mass murder of innocent people. Not meaningless “pauses” for rearming and further cycles of killing. There is a renewed, strenuous call across the globe for historic justice for the Palestinian people who have endured decades of vile occupation and aggression from the Zionist regime enabled by Western governments.
...
Now that Russia has largely defeated the NATO-backed Kiev regime there is hardly a mention of the war in Western media or by Western governments. Nevertheless, what is astounding is the absence of any genuine concern among Western leaders about actual war crimes on a massive scale in Palestine. Biden and his Western accomplices talk about “mourning innocent deaths” while weaponizing and supporting Israeli state terrorism.
The barbarity that is happening in Gaza and the West Bank is shocking. What is all the more repugnant is the explicit guilt of Western states in enabling the genocide.
Neil Oliver: No good deed goes unpunished, but lying for the Establishment is a path to success (9 min)
Repeating the Establishment’s lies, cheerleading for them, pushing and supporting whatever lies the Establishment tells, carries no damaging consequences for the liars.'
Western leaders are liars. Perhaps they believe their own lies? The protests make it obvious they don't want to listen to the people. Lies are the basis for war....from WMD to unprovoked attacks. These are volatile times, and only time will reveal the outcomes. Like John, I can imagine a world of peace, but given Western leadership I have no idea how we might get there. None the less I wish you all peace and look forward to your stories, thoughts, and insights below.
Comments
Top of the morning
Found a related essay to share.
by Julian Rose
a snippet ..
~
He makes some very good points.
https://21stcenturywire.com/2023/11/11/we-are-the-resistance/
Thanks for the watch!
truth is considered foreign influence, world peace is a threat to national security
Thanks for the article...
Hope all is well in your world!
A gray day with light drizzle. We're happy for the moisture...not enough to break the drought, but at least the dust has settled.
Take care!
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Good morning, Lookout
I've posted the meme and music before but I thought since they fit today's WW theme they were worth posting again. The photo was taken yesterday at Fort Rosecrans Nation Cemetery.
Thanks for the WW.
I'm great at multi-tasking. I can waste time, be unproductive, and procrastinate all at the same time.
Good morning...
Thanks for the meme, music, and cemetery shot!
Funding both sides of conflict...and creating the conflict to begin with...is sadly common isn't it?
What is war good for? Profit for the elite, but bad for everyone else.
Thanks for dropping by and posting your thematic material. Take care!
We're running out of time and can't afford to wait for change.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
New Flag
Yesterday I saw a flag which was half U.S. and half Confederate. Does anyone know what this means. I have never seen this before. If I drive by there again, I will take a picture.
I see plenty of both flags...
But I've never noticed the hybrid...
https://rebelnationok.com/product/american-and-rebel-flag/
Here's one guy's explanation.
One of my buddies has a funny routine about flags...the Europeans arrive in the new world and ask the inhabitants, Where's your Flag? What you don't have a flag? Well we do and as we put it up this land is ours. (Not too different than the US moon landing really.)
That's the idea but the routine is longer and funnier.
Hope all is well on the panhandle!
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
If I recall correctly --
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flags_of_the_Confederate_States_of_America
What it means I don't know.
"The expansion of Israel and its proxies is an absolute fundamental necessity for the United States." - Tim Walz
I have no idea if there are many of these flags out there.
But they are available.
Actually it is the battle flag...
The stars and bars was the first flag...
Then there's the Bonnie Blue flag which actually pre-dates the war.
Many different designs were proposed during the solicitation for a second Confederate national flag, nearly all based on the Battle Flag. By 1863, it had become well-known and popular among those living in the Confederacy.
I have friends on both sides of the "Rebel flag" issue. The Civil War is still playing out in the South. A few years back Georgia changed their flag to escape the battle flag, only to adopt the real confederate flag...
The 50's vintage GA flag...
Today's...
A governor lost his seat over the debate, so it is still controversial. However, the irony is they went from the battle flag to the national flag of the Confederacy. You can't make it up.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Neo-colonialism at work...the players remain the same
The USUKIS axis of evil at work....here is a great explanation
of it
https://www.globalresearch.ca/israel-killing-fields-albert-einstein-fore...
Albert Einstein had the foresight to know that the creation of
an Israel was going to end like this
Thanks for the WW, LO!!
EDIT: Caitlin has been nailing the Palestinian/Israel conflict
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
Thanks for the link and clip...
Good article. Many Jews are against the Zionist movement...Albert among them. I've been thinking the US excuse for genocide was "Manifest Destiny"
Manifest Destiny, a phrase coined in 1845, is the idea that the United States is destined—by God, its advocates believed—to expand its dominion and spread democracy and capitalism across the entire North American continent. The philosophy drove 19th-century U.S. territorial expansion and was used to justify the forced removal of Native Americans and other groups from their homes.
Not too different than Zionism.
Glad you came by and hope all is well!
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Damn
Thanks
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Forever Wars?
H.G. Wells may have been very prescient, but he sure miscalculated when he declared that WWI was "the war to end all war". How can war result in less war? The day Nov. 11 was officially designated Armistice Day, to honor those veterans who served in WWI. In the 1950's, Nov. 11 was declared Veteran's Day, due to those veterans who served in WWII and the Korean War. It now includes those veterans who served in Vietnam, Iraq, etc.
What and celebrate peace...how un-American!
I remember Obomber's peace prize speech basically saying war is peace - like something out of 1984.
Too bad we can't create peace and cooperation. Thanks for coming by today. Have a good one!
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
The new AXIS of Evil
Is the US, Ukraine and Israel.
Formerly, RantingRooster
You forgot the UK and EU...
Who are all warmongers.
Sad but true. As Jimmy often says the US is the world's biggest terrorist.
Hope all is well. Nice to see you around the site!
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Ground reports from around the world;
this WSWS article shows that many see this as genocide.
https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2023/11/12/qwyu-n12.html
The blinders are off, I don't see how the U.S. ever recovers even a small remnant of distinction after this. When so many around the world refer to the U.S. president as genocidejoe, it puts this head of state and the whole state in the same company as the most bloodthirsty of people in history.
The many marches around the world...
Have been amazing. The London march yesterday was something else. Thanks for the wsws report.
The US has no idea how bad they look on the world stage. I expect blow back, perhaps with an action in the US itself. Generating ill-will around the world isn't a good idea.
Looks like y'all have been getting some rain. We've only had 0.2" after a month without rain, but more is predicted this week.
Take care and be well!
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Talk about blowback
Ray McGovern mentions blowback in the clip you posted. I'm not sure I agree with his example but in any case, generating ill will=bad, generating ill will by means of genocide=pretty much unforgivable. So yes, blowback seems inevitable.
We are getting a bit of rain here and I am enjoying it. However we are still short and still under water restrictions. Rainfall to date for us =17.38 " (give or take) and the Normal to date should be 29.33". So we still need more to keep the aquifer(and everything else) happy.
I'm not complaining though, any rain at this point is much appreciated.
Hope all is well with you and you get a bit of rain soon.
Thanks for the OT, it's a great relief and a respite to hear voices and see people around the world questioning the narrative.
it is indeed!
...that's the reason they want to censor the internet and social media. All's well here, and wishing the same for you. We've had 48" of rain this year. It has only been the last two month we've done with out much to no rain.
Take care!
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Incubator babies, then and now
Ironic that the 1990 Kuwait incubator babies story was fake and a pure PR exercise, yet worked, helping the U.S. and its allies inflame public sentiment for war.
While now, incubator babies seem to be genuinely at risk of death in Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza — and no one in power in U.S. leadership or the so-called international community gives a damn.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/39-babies-at-risk-of-death-at-al-sh...
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/11/37-babies-at-risk-of-dying-in-...
The lie of decapitated babies
was reminiscent of the incubator lie in Kuwait.
It is more than the fog of war. It is the purposeful deceit and darkness of war.
I saw where there is suppression of protests in Germany.
German police crack down on pro-Palestine rallies, raising alarm
Officers seized several banners at a recent Berlin protest, fueling fears that free expression does not extend to the Palestinian cause.
Be careful!
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
I remember that in the past people would compare
Bernie and Jeremy Corbyn as being similar in their views.
This is no longer the case.
Those who acussed him of being antisemite...
will feel confirmed in their warped view. We must help people distinguish between Zionism and Judaism.
Jeremy has stood steady. Bernie sold out.
Thanks for the X post.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Bernie Who?
It's weird not having anyone in government to admire...
We have no anti-war, pro-working people politicians. I've given up on politics as a solution. I'm back to the solution of my youth...
All we have are individual actions. The massive pro-Palestine marches are inspiring, but the leaders don't give a damn about what the people want.
So I'll continue hiding in the holler, and hoping for the best. All the best to you!
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Good afternoon, LO, et. al...
In anticipation of doing some shopping today, I watched the Hudson interview last night. Long, but riveting. His opinion that the Ukraine war is not about weakening Russia is quite compelling. The war has strengthened Russia, both economically and politically. Why haven't we tried to stop it? Destroying Nordstream II didn't hurt Russia, but it is causing the quality of life in western Europe to drop in an obvious and abrupt way. Since when do allies treat each other that way?
Well, the shopping trip is called off, so I can spend the day watching videos! Dear One played a song about a cocaine addict. He said for me to substitute "video" for "cocaine", and that song would describe me.
Well, my addiction is getting well fed today, and I really appreciate it, friend!
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Nice to "see" you...
Looks like rain out your way. We had a needed drizzle yesterday. Hoping for more this week.
Hudson tickled me saying Putin should call Biden and thank him for the sanctions.
Y'all have a great evening!
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
It looks like the US has given the OK for Israel to start a
second front in Lebanon. They are practicing for this.
I heard something about ...
a possible Lebanon front on George's show today.
Sorry I can't point to the conversation in the MOATS episode, but the idea was that Lebanon was the next target and plan to be Gaza-ed.
We're at a nexus of global power me thinks, and if not it is extinction. Thanks for the X post. SIMPLICIUS The Thinker is interesting.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Israeli propaganda believes that we are gullible idiots and
that we will believe drivel like this.
Well, there you go
what other proof do you need?
Exterminate a generation because of
some book he pulled out of his butt.
Bit of a stretch.
truth is considered foreign influence, world peace is a threat to national security
That is a stretch
They can sure dish it out. Indeed they think were are idiots to e manipulated. Thanks for the heads up.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Evening Lookout. Thanks a lot for the WW and OT, epecially the
information on the Ben gurion Canal and, of course, pepe.
be well and have a good one
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 --
I thought the impetus for the war
My last video viewing tonight will be Pepe'. Bet it is great.
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
I hate to say...
I think genocide is the goal to grow a greater Israel.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
I don't know if there is a principal goal, there are the gas
fields, and the canal, and the longstanding drive for a much greater Israel with no Palestinians in it or nearby.
be well and have a good one
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 --
a threefer?
Lordy, I am homebound!
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
Several years back my nephews wandered around Europe
on Eurail passes and then briefly visited the middle east. When I asked about the kind of reception they got they replied that they told everybody that they were Canadians. I guess the drawl kind of kills that, though.
be well and have a good one
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 --
I remember
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
A caught the canal hypothesis...
from a George Webb clip...that I can't find. I've not seen him for years ...since the days of the Bernie campaign, but he's still out there.
Funny how people come and go.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
signing out for the night...
see you tomorrow.
Bob Dylan - Masters of War
We sang this one tonight...
I'm a product of my time, and despite the challenges we face I still Imagine...
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
A speech by Cornel West that will not be heard by many.
But it is worth listening to.
Sound doesn't travel in a vacuum but that is the way the MSM planned it.
I wish with all my heart
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
A pretty good assessment of the situation in Ukraine.
Armchair Warlord @ArmchairW
This seems somewhat related.
It is all over but the shouting...
However, it may take several more months before a peace settlement is worked out. I think the plan is to ditch 'elensky and use someone else to developed a settlement. We'll see.
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
No Single Force...
Freedom. Essays By John Dewey