Surviving Capitalism (Not) : Syrian rebels who received first U.S. missiles of war see shipment as ‘an important first step’

We’ve lived so long under the spell of hierarchy—from god-kings to feudal lords to party bosses—that only recently have we awakened to see not only that “regular” citizens have the capacity for self-governance, but that without their engagement our huge global crises cannot be addressed. The changes needed for human society simply to survive, let alone thrive, are so profound that the only way we will move toward them is if we ourselves, regular citizens, feel meaningful ownership of solutions through direct engagement. Our problems are too big, interrelated, and pervasive to yield to directives from on high.
—Frances Moore Lappé, excerpt from Time for Progressives to Grow Up

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Syrian rebels who received first U.S. missiles of war see shipment as ‘an important first step’

Click here to access article by Liz Sly from The Washington Post.

Several items in today's news have me wondering if our masters have lost their grip on reality. Hopefully today's news is some kind of aberration; but if it isn't, then we will soon be wading in deep doo-doo.

I started my day by reading this disturbing article. It looks like our masters intend to keep stirring the cauldron of terrorism, death, and destruction in Syria. Then I read about more arm sales to the Philippines. Well, that means jobs for Americans, doesn't it? (sarcasm)

Then in Al-Monitor I read...

US Secretary of State John Kerry told Fahmy prior to his visit to Washington that he is "certifying to Congress that Egypt is sustaining the strategic relationship with the United States," although Kerry is "not yet able to certify that Egypt is taking steps to support a democratic transition."

The first part of his justification is certainly true, but the last part is the understatement of the year (see this). Ruling class media is justifying it as competition with Russian suppliers.

Finally, I read a piece entitled "War: What Is It Good For?", published in the Post and several other prominent Empire media outlets such as the Chicago Tribune and the The Telegraph, which essentially argues that war is good for us!

Then, of course, there is all the war-mongering associated with the Ukrainian coup that was financed by Empire operatives (listen especially at 7:26m).

Yes, indeed, I think that the stench of doo-doo coming from the offices of the Empire is overwhelming, and I worry that we will all soon be wading in it.