Propeller.com Stories voted on by hyperbola

The global economy is at the point of maximum danger

engineer — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:09:00 EDT

It feels like the summer of 1931. The world's two biggest financial institutions have had a heart attack. The global currency system is breaking down. The policy doctrines that got us into this mess are bankrupt. No world leader seems able to discern the problem, let alone forge a solution.

Channel: Money Tags: economy global finances institutions danger maximum

One Soldier's Suicide: James Jenkins

jovial — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:38:11 EDT

Suicides among veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan are reaching epidemic proportions. More than 6,000 veterans took their lives in 2005 alone, according to a study by CBS News. By some estimates, veterans are attempting suicide 1,000 times a month.

Channel: Do No Evil Tags: Jenkins military suicide story ANP

McCain crosses the border, but Mexico backs El Negrito

hyperbola — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:17:16 EDT

If American Mexicans have a stake in 2008, Mexican Mexicans don't see much difference between the Democrats and the Republicans. As Berta Robledo, an activist friend, laughs, both want to be the president of the biggest criminal gang in the world. Asked for who she might cast a ballot: "Why of course for the Negrito - Memin Penguin!"

Channel: Politics Tags: US Mexico election

The Democrats are the Real Problem

hyperbola — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 12:56:29 EDT

The Democrats are a party of blood just like the Republicans, they're just more discreet about it. That's why people who are serious about ending the war have to support candidates outside the two-party charade. The Democrat/Republican duopoly will not deliver the goods; it's as simple as that.

Channel: Politics Tags: US military imperialism oligarchy

Iraqi Leader Stirs up US Campaign

jovial — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:28:57 EDT

Obama is pleased, but McCain certainly is not. In an interview with SPIEGEL, Iraqi Prime Minister al-Maliki expressed support for Obama's troop withdrawal plans. Despite a half-hearted retraction, the comments have stirred up the US presidential campaign. SPIEGEL stands by its version of the conversation.

Channel: Politics Tags: Maliki pullout Obama Spiegel no retraction

Having the 'Best Military' Is Not Always a Good Thing

populist — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 02:22:25 EDT

When did American troops become "warfighters" Ã¢â;¬" members of "Generation Kill" Ã¢â;¬" instead of citizen-soldiers? And when did we become so proud of declaring our military to be "the world's best"? These are neither frivolous nor rhetorical questions

Channel: Politics Tags: military soldiers militarism empire imperialism

'Justifying' Torture: Two Big Lies

hyperbola — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 17:49:51 EDT

Lie Number One - Keeping the country safe from terror attacks. Lie Number 2: Torture Saves Lives. Review of US use of torture shows these are just cynical lies. The "old hands" in the CIA, the ones who know something of interrogation and intelligence, don't believe administration claims. Worse still, they say, torture is counterproductive

Channel: Do No Evil Tags: bush torture failure corruption

Nine Reasons to Investigate War Crimes Now

hyperbola — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 17:38:45 EDT

General Taguba, who led the Army's investigation into Abu Ghraib, recently wrote in the new report, Broken laws, Broken Lives: "There is no longer any doubt the current administration has committed war crimes." The specter of more war crimes haunts our future. Nothing provides greater deterrent to future war crimes than accountability.

Channel: Do No Evil Tags: bush war crimes trial

The Pentagon and the Hunt for Black Gold

hyperbola — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 17:07:49 EDT

Until the mainstream media begins to tease out the close-knit relationships among Hunt Oil, other energy corporations, and the Pentagon, key aspects not just of major scandals but of how our world works will remain hidden.

Channel: Politics Tags: bush pentagon corruption

It's the Economic Stupidity, Stupid

TrueProgressive — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 16:01:31 EDT

By his own admission, simple math and economics have never been McCain's forte. Indeed, McCain's self-contradictory, flip-flopping economic pronouncements are just plain old incoherence, as if he were compulsively consulting one of those old Magic 8 Balls.

Channel: Politics Tags: McCain Campaign Economics Phil Gramm

Tripartite Peace Pipeline Between Iran-Pakistan-India!

omerazam — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 14:25:56 EDT

Modern economies depend on energy and the limited supplies of oil and gas have seen a huge increase in prices. Both India and Pakistan face the problem of insufficient natural gas to meet the increasing domestic demand for energy

Channel: Politics Tags: gas pipeline India Pakistan Iran Tripartite gas pipeline

Israel's nuclear arsenal--'undeclared'

tehranchik — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 12:37:00 EDT

Dimona--'undeclared' nuclear arsenal map. Interactive.

Channel: Politics Tags: Israel nuclear Dimona undeclared

UK 'cover-up' on Israel's nukes

tehranchik — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 12:28:59 EDT

"We were party to the development of a nuclear facility in Israel that has been used for the manufacture of nuclear weapons"

Channel: Science Tags: Israel nukes UK cover up heavy water

Amitai Etzioni Notes: Israel's Nukes

tehranchik — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 12:24:12 EDT

Before I proceed, I should note that I do not view criticizing Israeli policies as inappropriate, and surely not as anti-Semitic. Indeed, most Israelis criticize their nation's policies in no uncertain terms, and they are Semites.

Channel: Politics Tags: Israel nukes Amitai Etzioni semites

Why Afghanistan is Not the Good War

hyperbola — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 10:00:52 EDT

This is not the "good" war. It is just as wrong as the US adventure in Iraq. Likewise, it can not be won, no matter what the politicians and the generals say. The solution to Afghanistan begins, just like in Iraq, with the unconditional and immediate withdrawal of the US military.

Channel: Politics Tags: afghanistan imperialism failure corruption

Afghanistan's Descent

hyperbola — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 09:54:25 EDT

A new book by one of the most respected journalists of Afghanistan and Pakistan contends that the years between 2002 and 2007 were as crucial to the stability of the region as they were squandered by the Bush administration.

Channel: Books Tags: afghanistan bush failure corruption

Uk Parliament: US 'can't be trusted on torture'

hyperbola — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 09:44:23 EDT

THE British government should no longer accept US assurances that it does not use torture, a parliamentary oversight committee said today in a wide-ranging report looking at London's human rights policy.

Channel: News Tags: bush torture lies corruption failure

Nobel Winner Stiglitz: The End of NeoLiberalism

hyperbola — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 09:20:32 EDT

Neo-Liberalism has never had a basis in economic theory and was mostly propaganda for transferring wealth to the super-rich. Since Reagan, Neo-Liberalism has failed spectacularly and repeatedly, and continues to do so. It is now time to recognize the death of neo-liberalism and replace it in the world's political and economic decisions.

Channel: Money Tags: neo liberalism failure corruption death

AP's Problem Is Not What It Thinks It Is

rumple4skin — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 08:55:11 EDT

If the "objectivity" pretense is eradicated there will always remain 1,001 other ways to be dishonest. But it is creative new online journalism that is driving the changes we're seeing, and if those changes lead us finally to give serious support to independent journalism, we will then see deep and meaningful change in our public communic

Channel: News Tags:

America First

rumple4skin — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 08:47:21 EDT

Politicians with an urge to see poverty only need to visit some of the neighborhoods in American cities. For more exotic poverty, visit the Indian reservations that do not have casinos. We live in strange times when politicians expect to get a pat on the back for returning to Americans $300 dollars while giving Israel $3B and Egypt $2B.

Channel: Do No Evil Tags:

Parents of Truant Students Charged

rumple4skin — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 08:38:34 EDT

Criminal charges have been filed against 13 parents of Los Angeles kids who routinely skip school. The parents of habitually truant students were arraigned on criminal charges filed by Los Angeles City Attorney for failing to comply with state law and keep their children in school.

Channel: News Tags: obligation gangs failing classes

Veterans Cheated of Benefits: VA, Courts Ignore Promises Made to Veterans

bubba2 — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 23:22:01 EDT

Rep. Bob Filner, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, will hold a press conference on Wednesday, July 23 to announce the introduction of the Agent Orange Equity Act. The bill restores equity to all Vietnam veterans that were exposed to Agent Orange.

Channel: Do No Evil Tags: Vietnam Agent Orange veterans VA military medical care support the troops Congress

13 electrocutions, few answers

bubba2 — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 23:03:42 EDT

Halliburton KBR improperly installed electrical wiring or failed to fix known electrical hazards at U.S. bases in Iraq that resulted in the deaths of 11 service members and 2 civilians, family members and former employees of the contracting giant testified at a Congressional hearing.

Channel: Do No Evil Tags: Iraq Halliburton KBR private contractors electrocutions substandard wiring electrical hazards no oversight

ACLU Challenges the FISA Amendments Act

Beeboppin71 — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 23:01:30 EDT

The Constitution is the bedrock of our democracy; it ensures Americans the right to privacy and free speech. Electronic surveillance is highly invasive. By reading our emails and listening to our phone calls the government gets direct access to our thoughts, our feelings, our associates and our political views. The power to spy is easily abused...

Channel: Politics Tags:

How much oil is off South Carolina shores?

bubba2 — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 22:45:16 EDT

Despite a push by some in the South Carolina business community to drill for oil off shore, geologists say such efforts will bring no quick relief at the pump. Those same scientists say the waters off the Palmetto State have little oil to offer.

Channel: Science Tags: South Carolina oil prices oil drilling geologists Congress ban on offshore drilling

Is Bush going out with 'a whimper'?

bubba2 — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 22:40:56 EDT

The White House wants the American public to think it's on the rebound, scoring important triumphs in Iraq and North Korea and on domestic spying while taking tough stands on oil drilling and relief for homeowners. The White House, the experts and the polls say, however, is wrong. President Bush hasn't begun a comeback.

Channel: Politics Tags: President Bush White House approval rating Iraq Iran oil companies Medicare

Bill Moyers: Usury and American Dream

TechnologyExpert — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 21:30:25 EDT

BILL MOYERS: That's what you mean by usury? WILLIAM GREIDER: That's the narrowest meaning. But the larger meaning is wealthy people, whether they're banks or individuals, ought not to be able to use their power, their wealth to exploit people who don't have wealth, great wealth.

Channel: Politics Tags: Usury Bill Moyers Wealth America Mortgage Crisis

The Debt Trap - a NY Times Series

TechnologyExpert — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 21:08:34 EDT

A series about the surge in consumer debt and the lenders who made it possible.

Channel: Money Tags: Lenders Debt Subprime Lending

Cosmic Markdown: EPA Says Life Is Worth Less

Beau7890 — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 20:23:39 EDT

The EPA has lowered its official estimate of life's value, from about $8.04 million to about $7.22 million. "By reducing the value of human life...the perceived benefits of cleaning up the air seem less," said Frank O'Donnell of Clean Air Watch. "That has the effect of weakening the case for pollution cleanup."

Channel: Do No Evil Tags: EPA undermining its mission decreased value of life pollution environment

"The blackout on Israel's nukes"

tehranchik — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 19:00:18 EDT

The Guardian made a welcome mention on its pages on July 1 that Israel is "an undeclared nuclear power". But you would struggle to learn from the British media that Israel has a huge nuclear arsenal.

Channel: Politics Tags: Israel nukes blackout British arsenal Carter

Whoops! White House Touts Obama News

TimALoftis — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 14:21:27 EDT

The White House this afternoon accidentally sent to its extensive distribution list a Reuters story headlined "Iraqi PM backs Obama troop exit plan - magazine."

Channel: News Tags: iraq iraq war troop withdrawal timetable iraq prime minister bush

U.S. Joins Nuclear Talks With Iran

elizabeth84 — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 14:09:05 EDT

After years of refusing to do so, the United States on Saturday participated for the first time in international talks with Iran over its nuclear program. The move confirmed a shift in American diplomacy and was viewed by officials here as a sign that the Bush administration wanted to avoid a military confrontation with Iran.

Channel: Politics Tags: news america iran

Kafka Comes to America : A Public Defender's Inside Account

tehranchik — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 14:08:53 EDT

OUR GOVERNMENT CAN MAKE YOU DISAPPEAR.

Channel: Books Tags: Wax Kafka America public defender black sites Oregon attorney

Fig-Leaf Rationales for Five Year Occupation

tehranchik — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 13:24:59 EDT

If Bush's "democracy" rationale meant anything, it presumably would include respecting the will of the Iraqi people and their elected leaders. How could Bush, McCain and other war supporters continue to tout that uplifting cause if they brushed aside what the Iraqis want?

Channel: Politics Tags: Iraq occupation Maliki Bush Iraqis democracy

US Special Interests , Iran

tehranchik — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 13:09:58 EDT

The idea would be to open a so-called interests section, rather than a fully staffed embassy, with American diplomats who could issue visas to Iranians seeking to visit the United States....

Channel: Politics Tags: Rice Iran US diplomats

Resisting Israeli Land Seizures: The Untold Story of Ni'lin

hyperbola — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 10:42:55 EDT

Christians, jews and moslems are all fighting zionist land thefts in the village of Nilin. Many of those injured by the IDF are Israelis. Despite mass peaceful protest and resistance, US corporate media have refused to cover the story.

Channel: Politics Tags: israel zionism racism corruption crimes against humanity

The New FISA Compromise: It's Worse than You Think

hyperbola — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 10:37:42 EDT

The FISA Amendments Act of 2008 opens up loopholes so large that the feds could drive a truck loaded down with purloined civil liberties through it. So the telecom immunity stuff is just the smoke; let's take a look at the fire.

Channel: Politics Tags: bush fisa corruption anti american unconstitutional

Phil Gramm: Master of Disaster (capitalism)

idyll — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 08:37:38 EDT

Gramm says government regulation of the economy is "akin to communism", and must be destroyed. He championed and pushed through the law that exempted Enron from both government regulation and public disclosure, on the grounds these were "unacceptable fetters on the free market".

Channel: News Tags: gramm enron deregulation

GOP whistleblower names Karl Rove in Ohio's 04 election theft

idyll — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 07:37:42 EDT

"[W]e anticipate Mr. Rove will be identified as having engaged in a corrupt, ongoing pattern of corrupt activities specifically affecting the situation here in Ohio."

Channel: Politics Tags: ohio voting election theft

Obama lands in Afghanistan to tour war zone

phipphin — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 04:34:25 EDT

Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama arrived in Afghanistan on Saturday, the first stop on a campaign-season tour of war zones, a spokesman said.

Channel: News Tags: Obama visit war Afghanistan