If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re the sort of person who would have taken a stand against the Nazis in Germany, the answer is that you would have behaved however you’re behaving toward the murderous imperialist power of today, namely the United States government.

Words cannot describe my disdain for people who claim US imperialism is a “complicated” issue. It’s like, well, figure it the fuck out then asshole, you’re killing people. Isn’t it worth a few moments of your time to work out why they’re murdering people in your name?

Living in the US or one of its vassal states without opposing its imperialist warmongering is a morally indefensible position. “I just focus on domestic policy” is an illegitimate stance while your rulers are butchering human beings around the world.

I oppose western imperialism against China and Venezuela and they say it’s because I love communism.

I oppose western imperialism against Iran and they say I love theocracy.

I oppose western imperialism against Syria and Russia and they say I love autocracy.

Maybe I just oppose imperialism.

“I oppose ALL imperialism, not just western imperialism!”

So western imperialism and also imaginary fantasy world imperialism? Cool!

“I criticize all governments equally.”

Okay, well you’re a fucking idiot then. All things are not equal. Only one government is dominating the planet with nonstop military and economic warfare. It and its allies deserve more criticism than other governments.

Saying the US and China are equally bad is dumber than saying Nazis and Antifa are equally bad. Only one nation in the world is waging nonstop wars, circling the planet with hundreds of military bases, and working to destroy any nation which disobeys it. And it ain’t China.

China has the same government it had a few years ago. If you find yourself thinking more negative thoughts about China now, it’s not because it has been doing anything differently, it’s because you’ve been successfully propagandized.

Me: The western empire is running an aggressive and deceitful propaganda campaign against China.

My comments section: Okay but I don’t understand why you’re defending a government of genocidal organ harvesters who’s trying to take over the world and give me a social credit score.

If you oppose imperialism but are also parroting the US empire’s propaganda narratives about China, then you don’t oppose imperialism. The agenda to halt China’s rise is by far the single most crucial agenda for the empire, and you’re helping to grease the wheels for that agenda.

Imperialists are so, so happy that they get to call people questioning a major imperialist propaganda narrative “genocide deniers” now. You can see the glee in their tweets. Calling people “conspiracy theorists” has lost its punch since Russiagate, but now they have a new toy.

It sure would be nice if US liberals pushed as hard for an end to the Trump administration’s policies as they did for an end to the Trump administration.

Conservative pundit: Aha look at what I am doing to offend the liberals

The liberals: Rahh we feel offended by that thing he did

Imperialist mass murder: *continues unnoticed*

[Repeat]

Our problems don’t exist because of some deep flaw in humanity as a whole, but in the fact that a few humans lack well-developed empathy centers in their brains and then go on to obtain positions of power and influence. Most people understand that it’s wrong to judge an entire ethnic or religious group for the negative actions of a few of its members, but too few see that this also applies to humanity as a whole. None of our problems are due to any flaw in human nature itself, but to the actions of a few manipulative sociopaths.

There’s nothing inherently wrong with humanity itself that is making a mess of things. The problem is that we’re swimming in lies that we’ve been indoctrinated into by liars who benefit from our remaining deceived. All our problems can be solved by moving from lies to truth.

There are no human-generated problems that can’t be solved by truth. The truth about imperialism. The truth about power. The truth about propaganda. The truth about mental narrative. The truth about consciousness. There’s nothing wrong with us, we’ve just been confused by lies.

And sure, you can say we’re flawed because we haven’t yet awakened en masse to the truth, but in my opinion that’s just unhelpful victim blaming. Like the “Why didn’t you leave sooner?” question abuse victims too often get. The blame rests on the abusers.

We are surrounded by constant radiant beauty and have no ultimate understanding about anything we experience. Awe and reverence is the only sane response to any given moment. It would be a shame to miss this.

___________________________

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113 responses to “Opposing US Imperialism Is A Moral Imperative: Notes From The Edge Of The Narrative Matrix”

  1. “All things are not equal. Only one government is dominating the planet with nonstop military and economic warfare.”

    …and for those of us from the USA, add another sentence: “Only one government ostensibly represents you and governs by your consent.”

  2. Caitlin,
    I get a lot of my inspiration from Chris Hedges:
    “Resistance is not only about battling the forces of darkness. It is about becoming a whole and complete human being. It is about overcoming estrangement. It is about the capacity to love. It is about honoring the sacred. It is about dignity. It is about sacrifice. It is about courage. It is about being free. Resistance is the pinnacle of human existence.”
    Thanks for giving me a much-needed kick in the ass to go along with it.

  3. I appreciate the article, generally speaking.
    However, the reference to the “Nazis” takes away from it. What happened in Germany post WWI, is completely irrelevant to US circumstances. There has been no violent overthrow of the US and state governments by Communists, declaring themselves Soviet Republics. There has been no blockade by foreign nations causing the starvation deaths of millions. Was Congress set on fire by a foreign communist, with the only other people in the building being Congressional members of the Communist party? Yes, there was Antifa, attacking political opponents in the street, just as they are today, but to Communists, everyone who isn’t a communist is a fascist. Was the NSDAP perfect? No, but no political ideology is. They made it abundantly clear that their ideology was not for export, it was a German solution for German problems. That the WJC declared war on Germany in 1933 only exacerbated the situation.

    1. Luckily for the rest of us, your final solution didn’t work.

    2. Nonsense. The Nazi made it very clear their ideology was going to be exported as war and genocide against Slavic peoples in central Europe. Lebensraum. Defending Nazism and trying to pass it off off as no worse than any other political ideology is frankly disgusting.

    3. Julius Skoolafish Avatar
      Julius Skoolafish

      Caitlin writes:
      .
      “There are no human-generated problems that can’t be solved by truth. The truth about imperialism. The truth about power. The truth about propaganda. The truth about mental narrative. The truth about consciousness. There’s nothing wrong with us, we’ve just been confused by lies.”
      .
      Let me preface this short comment with this quote from “Falsehood of War-Time” by Arthur Ponsonby:
      .
      “… the injection of the poison of hatred into men’s minds by means of falsehood is a greater evil in wartime than the actual loss of life. The defilement of the human soul is worse than the destruction of the human body.
      .
      I invite readers to listen to the following (40 minutes)
      .
      • Truth Will Out Radio: Jewish Emigration in the Third Reich I – TWOR 031921
      .
      https://www.radioalbion.com/2021/03/truth-will-out-radio-jewish-emigration.html

  4. speedbird
    “Start with accepting we’re all flawed in some subtle way. This is incredibly liberating. Then let that go and move on from there.”

    Good comments here, this is my current favorite. We live to learn and it’s good to realize we have much to learn. However learning is made more difficult given the inherently coercive nature of our dominant narrative. I would suggest that the core element and force of this narrative is our reliance on a split model of reality where objects and their manipulation become a primary measure of success. If we were to assume that the spiritual and the physical are the same thing rather than being considered as being fundamentally different we might change from an object based(biased) consciousness toward a relationship based consciousness.

    The central task for controllers has always been and still is, to interfere with heart connection to source within the general population. Proper cultivation of our heart connection will be much easier if we have a better initial premise to work with.

    1. Thanks Paul. The split between spiritual / physical is very interesting. Some people struggle with the idea of spirituality. Accepting that the spiritual and material might overlap is a whole other level. You might like a book called ‘One World’ by John Polkinghorne (if you don’t know it already).

      1. Because an initial assumption, by it’s nature, cannot be proven, I am free to imagine (assume) that the spiritual and physical not only overlap but are functionally the same thing. It works for me, but the hesitancy toward such an idea is understandable given our living under a split model of reality for so many centuries.

        Cheers

  5. Regardless of what is better or worst about left-right-capitalism-socialism and all bullshit coming from it, the picture still the same with one difference: It’s been a little bit more than an year and we are living an unprecedented legal debate being slowly imposed to stay for good: the right to impose limits on the movement of people. Only a few are openly suggesting civil disobedience, that is, not respecting the decrees. The terror of all government is disobedience. In small crowds, you can shoot a bullet to the sky and the sound of it will make people shit their pants and run. Its the basic of tactics about how to disperse a crowd with minimal staff.
    But, the world follows its normal course. Newspapers with superficial reports never revealing the causes show the economy proliferating or deteriorating. Bad news and tragedies compromising the reputation of the same outlets working to the government (left or right, it doesn’t matter) are abolished from the desktop of the editor.
    On social networks, government virtual troops search daily for ideas that would undermine the new order, ensuring account suspension and even major complications In extreme cases,. But be at easy, it will not happen in a shit blog like this one or in your social network accounts. You are no consequence.
    Mayors and governors contrary with the new rules would be constantly undermined on the media in order to remove them from their posts, as their attitudes would be jeopardizing the State’s action, perhaps even under house arrest.
    War, social media, press media, oil, gas to protect those on the top and health, food, comedy, sports to the masses. Every activity that sustains the government of any country and the elites is essential, at least for them or for who depends or is involved in the theme.

  6. Exactly at what point in time was there NOT a nation or nations at the very least seeking empire if not imposing it, since the ability arose to do so? It only happens when omnipotent central governments fail to survive their insanity, and the ability to do so no longer exists. As long as there is a nation capable of empire, there will be an attempt to impose one. It appears to me that the current and expanding US empirical adventures are an orgasmic reaction to its eminent failure. Much like a dying plant will often produce an abundance of fruit.

  7. USA-ma Bin Laden Avatar
    USA-ma Bin Laden

    The oh-so-precious American way of life is based on America’s ability to subjugate the planet and impose its rapacious market reforms like privatization, de-regulation, and economic austerity on small and large nations alike.

    Basically, the American Empire wants to turn the entire world into a shithole state like Texas or Mississippi.

    See John Perkins’ book _Confessions of an Economic Hitman_ for an insider account of the mechanics of this American economic rape and pillage.

    Confessions of an Economic Hitman
    https://resistir.info/livros/john_perkins_confessions_of_an_economic_hit_man.pdf

    THIS is why Americans of all political stripes will regurgitate the propaganda that their country is spewing against whomever is on the USA’s Enemies List at the moment.

    The funniest thing of all, these same Americans love to boast about how “free” and “individualistic” they are–even as they parrot these US government’s smear campaigns!

    The American people are not innocent.

    They are will reap at home all the crimes that the American Empire has inflicted around the world.

    Message to Americans: Karma is coming for your asses.

    1. Lol. FYI, I lived in mississippi for years. The people are some of the most friendly in the US. The state is rural and peaceful. There are many armpits in America but mississippi is not one of them.

  8. To directly address your essay that there is nothing wrong with us but sociopaths, well that in itself would be something wrong with us, because it’s on a spectrum of narcissism, but I don’t want to address that, but a quote I found in an essay I read the other day regarding the passage of Obamacare, made by an individual who helped write it, and have it passed, who Biden put on team. “There’s a little bit of Homer Simpson in all of us and that’s what we’ll use to manipulate them to accept it.”
    Of course, just because someone says it is, doesn’t make it so, but even beyond that, just because we have a mind to be able to imagine that something might actually be so, the very fact that we need to eat that which is alive in order for us to be alive, makes us something that is inherently evil. We all, almost all, have the ability to transcend our flesh without the need of having to die to get there. But, of course, as you say 2500 years of narrative control says that we can’t, in the end its all a state of mind and maybe there is and maybe there isn’t anything wrong with us, but while we have the our minds to manipulate the physical universe to our will, such that all needs are provided for by thought alone, we can never be manipulated by the sort of people we call sociopaths?

  9. truth. you could go to jail for that. proof. they’ll kill ya for that one. empathy gets a long torture run. i dunno.
    i’ve heard a few shitloads of what’s all wrong…any way…things stay the same. no one knew i was gonna fly off to sweden before i’d kill any VCs. my parents volunteered to “support” me. we kids only could end the draft…which came after a BA degree. unless you were married…they replaced it w/ an economic draft, of those who were too poor or hopeless to go to college. a “volunteer” crap shoot.
    that assured their perfect record of me having a war going on every fuckin’ day of my life…and never them here, always us over there.
    solutions might start with: ask why? and prove it?
    see if they still say al Qaeda….who is our ally in Syria. kind of a proxy posse for us, which goes back to the Russkies in Kabul. does anyone even know what ever happened to the special ops who killed bin Laden?

    1. Obama awarded Presidential Unit Citations to the units involved in the Pakistan mission, the official said. The citation is the highest such honor that can be given to a military unit. [And I seem to remember their dog got one too.]

      https://edition.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/05/06/bin.laden.obama/index.html

    2. They were hung out to dry on a stupidly dangerous mission in an old helicopter.

  10. Right on
    and the other truth I’d add is Infinite growth on a finite planet is impossible

    1. Probably not true and even if it is it wouldn’t have to be for a very long time from now. People have been talking about an over crowded planet for centuries now, it’s just a state of mind of how many humans you’d tolerate in your life.

      1. Dwindling resources, mounting pollution and an ongoing mass extinction are a bit more than a state of mind.

        “Earth Overshoot Day marks the date when humanity’s demand for ecological resources and services in a given year exceeds what Earth can regenerate in that year. In 2020, it fell on August 22.”
        https://www.overshootday.org/

      2. “‘Right on and the other truth I’d add is Infinite growth on a finite planet is impossible’

        “Probably not true and even if it is it wouldn’t have to be for a very long time from now. People have been talking about an over crowded planet for centuries now, it’s just a state of mind of how many humans you’d tolerate in your life.”

        When *exponential* growth is involved the danger is that general complacency takes over as most of the public are unaware of the characteristics of such growth and indeed actually welcome such growth. We can support the current massive numbers of humans on the planet but we cannot support the accelerating exponential population growth. On this point I agree with the cabal and the Committee of 300 in their [apparent] concern about human population but I most certainly do not agree with their [eugenic] methods of murder and genocide but I digress. The issue is exponential growth and I’ve found the best exposition of exponential growth was that given by Professor Albert A. Bartlett here summarised in a short 6:44 video https://youtu.be/1J_dE_aR_tw but if you prefer, the original brilliant seminar is available here albeit in several parts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6A1FD147A45EF50D. (The original long version is no longer available for some strange reason but I have it so I’ll upload it as soon as I am able.)

        1. The wonderful world of exponents, but as the poor multiply the wealthy wither and die; the latest evidence is that background pollution by forever chemicals that will make reproduction of humans, by humans impossible within 35 years, so apparently the eugenics program has already been 100% successful

          1. One thing’s for sure, Lynn. Nature will get us one way or another if humanity doesn’t change its ways. Either Mother Nature with Her diverse and irresistible forces will intervene or human nature will get us with follies such as arsenals bursting with accident prone nuclear weaponry, devastating ecocidal addictions to [imaginary] money, you name it. Windows of opportunity still exist for our redemption though. I choose to fight usury as that over centuries in the long game has been the root cause of our current carefully manufactured stupidity. Usury, of course, has exponentially rising but false ‘debt’ as a direct consequence of it. Here’s just a peek at one bit of it: https://commodity.com/data/debt-clock/

          2. There is evidence that various chemicals are reducing sperm counts and so on, but it’s by no means a certainty that humans will be unable to reproduce in thirty-five years. In fact, I haven’t seen that claim from any scientists.

        2. I don’t know if you are being sarcastic, but a nice drive across the country would show tens of thousands of square miles of unused land that could be farmed and productive, thousands of miles of forests that could be razed and replaced with fruit trees. We could easily feed ten times the population. Furthermore here in US we have a zero population growth now, actually it is slightly negative. Cows eat five to seven times what humans do. How about stop eating beef and meat. Look at your teeth, no predator’s fangs. Humans have teeth like chimpanzees for biting and grinding = not for tearing flesh. We are naturally herbivores, to eat fruits, veggies, roots, and nuts. Growing them instead of meats would produce ten times more in that kind of productive farming.

          1. Good point, thanks!

          2. Hi Michael, I’m not being sarcastic. The central issue here is *exponential* population growth. As in a reply I gave earlier I do recommend a viewing of “The Most Important Video You’ll Ever See” which is in 8 parts starting here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6A1FD147A45EF50D but is condensed into just under 7 minutes here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1J_dE_aR_tw. The tens of thousands of square miles of unused USofA lands would not last long and I’m not joking. The math is serious. The USofA might be experiencing population decline but the population of the rest of the world, particularly the developing world, is growing exponentially for reasons I believe to be economic/bankonomic in origin as well as edicts from dogmatic religion(s). I myself am a vegetarian and am both familiar with and have agreement with your assertions of our natural diet. Even if the world ate properly, population growth would ultimately engulf us like a tsunami if not checked. There’s no need for cabal-backed genocide, btw. Instead give families economic security so they don’t have to produce endless numbers of children in the hope that enough of them survive to help the parents through their old age. I personally do not believe for a moment that women wish to be constantly producing children for the entirety of their fertile years. Please do check out the video(s). Thanks.

            1. My answer to all world problems, here is an excerpt
              I have a blueprint for a type of  society that would rid us of all these bad elements, and the removal of them would be permanent; basically this is a map to the Garden of Eden living for all future generations, a wonderful alternative to the world fascist police state of slavery planned by the elite and Vatican. This is not rocket science, neither is the path to take to achieve it. It is self-sustaining agricultural communities. First of all, this way of life is practiced by a few people in the US already, but my idea has quite a few variations from their model; but we can take many pointers from the Amish, who live quite peaceably and healthily outside of modern society’ s norms. Their idea of self-sustaining agricultural communities without any technology is the basic path to healing the planet. The Amish have been doing this successfully for centuries. Kibbutzes in Israel also showed the benefits of this way of life also. It is do-able and sustainable. Here is the idea: Build housing on fertile land, each community should house about 150 people, which is the scientifically optimal maximum of population for relational community to have everyone familiar with one another, and to have peace and order with one another. Men and women living separately, discouraging any sex. Procreation shall be done by artificial insemination. Sex can lead to disease, addictive lust, unwanted pregnancy, confusion in thinking that lust is love (calling it “making love” does not make it love), and the introduction to the hell realm (insanity). These communities, in which the one hundred and twenty to a hundred and fifty will live, will be situated on about a hundred acres of farmable land. There will be planted thereon fruit trees, vegetables, nuts, have some hens for eggs, perhaps some catfish farms if the local stream will allow it, and some places for other farm products like sheep and goats for wool and dairy; and cotton for clothing. Farming chores will be rotated on an equal basis to allow for fairness. There will also be other vocations- carpentry, blacksmithing, glassblowing, pottery, weaving, tanning, candle and soap making, etc….which can each be apprenticed and learned by several youths of the community. Regarding youth: I propose a whole new paradigm, one not known to the west in all recorded history: A removal of the institution of marriage and the family as we know it. I am aware that this is contrary to what we are told is gods’ will, but I have soundly debunked the Bible as being a good moral guide, in fact, THE UNTOLD NATURE proves beyond any doubt that the ethics promoted in the Bible are intentionally subversive. So here goes: Upon being weaned, the child is handed over to mentors-and there will be five to seven children under the care of each mentor-and a mentor should be carefully chosen by the community as one having high intellect, outstanding ethics, excelling teaching skills, patience, and wisdom. The mentors will spend 24/7 with the children, and shall impart the proper SHARES (the code to live by, as introduced in THE UNTOLD NATURE OF CHRISTIANITY) ethical standards, give the youth a strong disciplined habit of developing strong bodies and minds, impart on them the necessity for respectful independent thinking and critical analytical ability to test everything for truth, community mindedness, and all other desirable traits, along with good relational abilities and the three Rs. Notice that I don’t introduce the idea of instilling good leadership values- I want to make sure that the future generations have NO leaders, that teamwork and reasoning are what makes the community work and be strong. Leaders tend to work for self, and followers tend to let leaders think for them, and look at what has resulted. There will be no leaders to lord over the people, no masters and no slaves. Everything will be done democratically, with reason and debate resulting in accord and mutually beneficial decisions.

              Kahn, Michael. ANGRY LOUD AND CLEAR TRUTH: THE GROWTH AND MECHANISMS OF THE ROMERICAN EMPIRE . Kindle Edition.

              1. Some of what you outline I’d go along with but not, for example, artificial insemination. ‘Artificial’ gives it away. Let those who wish for a simpler lifestyle be allowed to practice and enjoy it. Have a look at the Kogi way. The preparation of their Mamas is quite something. https://www.taironatrust.org/about-the-kogi/the-culture/how-kogi-mamas-are-trained-sacred-sites-and-kogi-leadership

            2. i gave a small portion of a great solution, and you cannot find any legitimate fault, but instead resort to ridicule, the weapon of the less intelligent, as they find no real weapon against a good point.

              1. Ridicule? This was not intended. Please point this out.

            3. I gave a real solution, and you bring in totally and obviously primitive and useless ways. Dont’ deny it, you fukn liar

              1. There’s nothing wrong with the Kogis. They’ve forgotten more than you’ll ever know so the disrespect you are now offering them rebounds upon yourself. Depart from this conversation with me and take your wilful ignorance with you.

    2. Which is why a species has a die back when it overpopulates. A self correcting problem. Excepting nuclear war sterilizing the planet, even the poisoning currently in effect is a temporary problem. It may take a1000 years or more for it to heal, but heal it will. We as a species may be around to see it, or perhaps not.
      Some years ago, I read an argument that we had already reached peak civilization. That once a species becomes civilized to the point it starts taking care of those unable to contribute, it can advance no further. It was not suggested, and I certainly don’t, that this was a flaw . Simply an observation of likely results.

  11. A great resource for those who would like to know the facts of who and why the world is the shit hole that it is;
    https://www.globalresearch.ca/latest-news-and-top-stories

    1. With some absolutely loony articles too. For some reason the comments machine isn’t letting me quote from the current top story there, but look through “The Coronavirus Vaccine: The Real Danger is …” to read that various forms of SARS-CoV-2 (or perhaps MERS) were deliberately introduced to China, Iran and then Italy as part of some Davos plot.

  12. I’ve been anti-war since Vietnam. There has been no moral justification for it. Americans are lazy and don’t seem to care we’re controlled by psychopaths. It will be our undoing.

  13. It is the Rights-Conservatives complete inability to create the verbiage needed to defend their positions that is dooming them to slow slide into total obsolescence.
    ~
    We have all seen pictures from the growing “trend” of having transsexuals in full regalia read to children at public libraries. This interaction with the youth of America to a less twitter-trendy extent also encompases gay pride parades and what looks to be a recent birthday party with strip show that went viral on Tik Tok.
    ~
    On an instinctual level something about this does not sit right with most people. Getting small children involved in things of a sexual nature before they are old enough to understand it has been generally considered a terrible idea by the great civilizations of humanity.
    ~
    When exactly and how the shift from a sex-free childhood to the adult world of physical pleasures should happen is up for debate but we all know, on a primal level, that children should be divided from sex.
    ~
    But these “instincts” of ours have failed over and over again to be a valid argument in the political realm where it matters most.
    ~
    In fact todays postmodern society seems to stand in direct opposition to the “gut feelings” that used to keep us in check. And it is the Rights-Conservatives complete inability to create the verbiage needed to defend their positions that is dooming them to slow slide into total obsolescence.
    ~
    The things that are happening now to children and the family are a direct result of the ineloquence of any forces that tried to resist the Sexual Revolution (and Feminism) and its subsequent gains.
    ~
    This article can be read here:
    The American Right Has Not Even Found an Answer to Elvis. What Hope Is There for Conservatism? by Tim Kirby
    https://www.strategic-culture.org/news/2021/03/20/american-right-hasnt-even-found-answer-elvis-what-hope-there-conservatism/

    1. And what of say Shock and Awe being broadcast live on every TV channel? Might that have adversely affected the impressionable?

  14. As United States President Joe Biden enters the ninth week of his “shadow presidency” without a single press conference under his belt, while uttering absolute nonsense when forced to speak, the possibility of Vice President Kamala Harris assuming the reins of power – exactly as many predicted would happen – is looking more likely with each passing day.
    ~
    This fine article can be read here:
    Make Way for Kamala Harris, the Deep States Dream President by Robert Bridge!
    https://www.strategic-culture.org/news/2021/03/20/make-way-for-kamala-harris-deep-state-dream-president/

  15. Yes Caitlin as you say, “Opposing US Imperialism Is A Moral Imperative”. I advise you to start on this noble task, at home. Follow the affairs of Australian Government officials connected to US business. See who the American diplomats (Ambassador, Military attaché and trade Secretary meet and what business they discuss.

    Follow Australian diplomats in Washington, with the same aim. Eavesdrop on United Nations (both in New York and Geneva) conversations and agreements between Australian and American diplomats.

    Ask the Governments of India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Gulf countries, African countries, Latin American countries, why do they promote American Imperialism.

    Alberto
    President HUFUD

  16. Groundhog Day!

    “Our problems don’t exist because of some deep flaw in humanity as a whole, but in the fact that a few humans lack well-developed empathy centers in their brains and then go on to obtain positions of power and influence. Most people understand that it’s wrong to judge an entire ethnic or religious group for the negative actions of a few of its members, but too few see that this also applies to humanity as a whole. None of our problems are due to any flaw in human nature itself, but to the actions of a few manipulative sociopaths.”
     
    Lack of “well developed empathy centers” in “a few humans” in powerful positions is the cause of the USA’s murderous behavior over centuries!? No, Caitlin and Tim, that isn’t why the current situation for our species is the way it is. The reason for the current situation is exactly the same as it has always been throughout human history – the moment-to-moment performance of behavior by ALL human beigns that was/has been/is being “reinforced” with the basic necessities of life – shelter, clothing, food, warmth, “love”, etc. If that means killing better than whatever other animal is in the neighborhood, that will be done.
     
    For at least most of the last thousand years, for most humans living in cities, anyway, survival means somehow acquiring (doing absolutely anything to acquire) “money” that can be exchanged for those necessities of life, 24/7. Your article completely ignores the, for lack of a better word, “immediacy” of an individual human being’s existential requirements at any point in human history.
     
    Why do underground miners continue, day after day after day, to risk their lives going deep underground to mine whatever? Money. That’s how they “make a living”. They’ll do absolutely anything to keep their jobs.
     
    Why do mercenaries risk their lives, day after day after day, killing and killing and killing whomever? Money. That’s how they “make a living”. They’ll do absolutely anything to keep their jobs.
     
    Why do people employed in the cigarette industry, from tobacco farmers to factory workers to retail stores, continue to produce and market a cancer-causing substance that will kill millions of people all over the world, year after year after year? Money. That’s how they “make a living”. They’ll do absolutely anything to keep their jobs.
     
    Why do the millions of people directly or indirectly (the pizza parlor, hospital, movie theater, auto-dealership, etc. just down the street from the local Lockheed Martin sub-sub-sub-contractor) employed in the military-security-congressional-industrial complex – SA/FBI/NSA/DHS/CIA/JSOC/USMC/USN/BIW etc. ad infinitum – continue to do, day after day after day, what they do? Money. That’s how they “make a living”. They’ll do absolutely anything to keep their jobs (including regime changes and, very unfortunately, starting a nuclear war).
     
    Why do people employed in the whaling industry continue to risk their lives at sea, day after day after day, killing mammals that live in the oceans of the world? Money. That’s how they “make a living”. They’ll do absolutely anything to keep their jobs.
     
    Why do people employed in the fossil fuel industry continue to explore for fossil fuel on land and at sea, day after day after day when they know in their heart of hearts that what they are doing is poisoning their Mother Earth’s biosphere to the point where Mother Earth will no longer support human life? Money. That’s how they “make a living”. They’ll do absolutely anything to keep their jobs.
     
    What specific behavior does “doing absolutely anything to keep their jobs” consist of? What are all of these people going to do if they feel that their livelihoods are being threatened (that they’re going to become unemployed) by candidates for political offices who have control over foreign (war) policy, energy policy, fishing policy, tobacco/asbestos/GM food/GHG policies? Specifically, which candidates for political office are they going to vote for? “Naturally”, candidates whose platforms they believe will lead to the continuation of their livelihoods.
     
    THIS – how we “make our livings” – not a few beings lack of well-developed empathy centers, or an ability to see things better, or time spent navel-contemplating, is EXACTLY why the current situation is the way it is.
     
    The slowly evolving “system” we human beings have, whether intentionally or unintentionally, agreed upon and lived within for the past many thousand of years is the problem. Therefore, WE have to figure out a better “system” (way of life) very soon or we (the living end of the eons-old human species) are going to die in a nuclear war or an environmental catastrophe.
     
    So, instead of ignoring how we produce and acquire the daily necessities of life, let us, each and every one of us, start figuring out the specific details of a better way of life. On a day to day basis, just exactly WHAT does that better world “look like”? How does it operate? If humanity is going to survive beyond the lifetimes of the present human beings born TODAY, imagining and giving birth to this at-first-only-imagined better world is exactly what WE, not THEM, not SOMEONE ELSE, and definitely not the Oligarchic Transnational Elite Collective (OTEC), are going to have to do.
     
    If I were you, I’d first try to imagine a system in which each and every person involved in the ways of life I’ve described above is satisfied that they’ll be able to “make a living” (literally survive) should that new system come into being. Put differently, they’d vote for it.
     
    That’s your challenge. Humanity’s survival depends upon your ability to think outside the present-day, soon-to-fail, irresolvable conundrum in which we are now living.
     
    What will the “foundation stone” of YOUR system be? Will it be the same one at the foundation of the present conundrum – “greed is good” – that all every single human being of 7.4 billion individuals has to do is get out of bed every day and attempt to satisfy his/her insatiable greed and “the current situation” will turn out just fine for the collective whole of humanity?
     
    No, the foundation stone of a better world must not be “greed is good”. It is something miraculously simple and works prefectly not only at the neighborhood level, but at inter-national relations. It is to …………….

    1. I am going to create a video which will make that point in a few minutes. Thank you for reminding me. My book ANGRY LOUD AND CLEAR TRUTH has a new idea for new civilization- a blueprint and strategies to bring us there, that would be a pemanent solution to all world problems- and you hit it right on the head.

    2. “If I were you, I’d first try to imagine a system in which each and every person involved in the ways of life I’ve described above is satisfied that they’ll be able to ‘make a living’ (literally survive) should that new system come into being.” Your advice was taken by a now-forgotten novelist from America’s first Gilded Age, who saw then what you see now and devoted the final decade of his life to envisioning, in vivid and concrete detail, a socioeconomic system based on something bigger and better than greed and desperation. The breadth and depth of Edward Bellamy’s vision have never been equaled, yet who in the Age of Twitter is willing to read two sequential Victorian novels–“Looking Backward” and “Equality”–even when they’re freely available on the net? 21st Century revision of a 19th Century vision is in order, certainly, but there’s no need, perhaps not even time, to reinvent the wheel, especially one that runs as true as this one.

  17. Harry S Nydick Avatar
    Harry S Nydick

    I think that, you Caity, are both wrong about some thing and oversimplifying others. Just because I was glad to see Trump and his big mouth leave, doesn’t mean that I was any happier to see a sexist, perverted, lying, war-mongering ass like Biden take his place. I’m regularly in research discussion and ore about how to end the direction of my country. It’s a given that our electoral system is rigged against anyone part of the two-party duopoly (wherein the parties have some different ideas, but are actually more similar than not and answering to the psychopathic oligarchs at the top. Because of those facts, I’ve often describe our government as Tolkien’s Sauron, with a near strangle hold on Mordor. I’ve come to the conclusion that it will likely take a second revolution for Independence. So, maybe Trump’s followers were behaving for the wrong reasons at the capital – and maybe the had little and poor planning, but I can’t see how one peaceful David can successfully overcome a full army of Goliaths. Mind you, nine is an analysis, not a call to arms. At my age, where I am far, far closer to the end than to the beginning and also subject to serious medical concerns, I see my current efforts as far better than if I were to die. I talk t anyone, email everyone (including political representatives, often telling that their lies are so obvious that even Stevie Wonder can see them). My profile photo is not of me, but of the cover of John Lennon’s Imagine album. It’s virtually my entire position.
    I oppose all imperialism, not just that of my country.
    I also disagree with your that that our problems are not part of a basic flaw in most of humanity. Yes we all have empathy centers and can recognize what is right or wrong. However, for the majority it is a thought, not a call to action – unless the problem directly affects them or those who the personally care about. The most populated protest marches in U.S. history brought out no more than 3.5 million people. That’s 1% of the U.S. population and probably reflects the total percentage who will do more than complain against the worst atrocities of our country. so, while you probably experience something close to that number as caring enough to do something about it, you should realize that most humans simply cannot, or do not, think on a global scale. So, for those like me, where marching in protest is no longer an option, the best vehicle we have, in hopes to effect change, is the same reason that you write you columns. We are fed up with the status quo, want better for everyone and realize that are best hope lies in discovering truth and sharing it. It may be a slow process, because many will reject what we say due to the propaganda effort of those whose world we would bring tumbling down. So, as they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day. And the majority will not accept the truth unless it comes from someone they trust equivocally.
    The self-oriented motive is very, very strong in humanity. Why else do you think that so many openly ridicule and deny the benefits of a world in which the needs of the people come before all other concerns.
    On the whole, you and I agree on most things. Sometimes we differ slightly. But in either case, it is why I follow you.

    1. Sorry about the few typos. It would be nice if we had the opportunity to go back and edit them after posting.

    2. Oh boy….just a couple thoughts.
      ~
      1. Do what you can on a small-scale. Little things add up. Sorry if that seems cliché.
      2. Sadly, sometimes its only through suffering that change occurs, maybe one day we will be collectively smart enough to avoid the suffering in the first place.
      ~
      But for today, the question is “how much” suffering does it take? If somebody presses the button tomorrow, I reckon that question won’t matter. Free will – ain’t it something?
      ~
      That is why it basically it is “do or die” time best I can figure.
      ~
      Now, how about a video out of respect for you Harry S:
      ~

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0VTHLa_SgE

      ~

      BK

  18. Roundball Shaman Avatar
    Roundball Shaman

    “It sure would be nice if US liberals pushed as hard for an end to the Trump administration’s policies as they did for an end to the Trump administration.”
    .
    It sure would be nice if the US had REAL liberals and not the grotesque distortion of true liberalism now embodied by those badly lost souls under that banner in today’s times. True legacy liberals from prior generations would be appalled at what creatures bear that name now.
    .
    “… a few humans lack well-developed empathy centers in their brains and then go on to obtain positions of power and influence.”
    .
    The most ruthless predators always rule the jungle. For examples, see a jungle.
    .
    “None of our problems are due to any flaw in human nature itself, but to the actions of a few manipulative sociopaths.”
    .
    There is a flaw in human nature. Human nature is a mixture of the divine and the demonic, the good and the not-so-good. For examples, see the human jungle… especially the local town police blotter.
    .
    “We are surrounded by constant radiant beauty…”
    .
    Does radiant beauty exist if no one is there to see it? Today, too many people busy shaming others, participating in Cancel Culture, Karen-ing, indulging in pathological tribalism, suffocating behind useless face cloths, and in general just humans acting the fool. And all that radiant beauty getting lost in the fog.
    It’s there, but getting harder to see beneath all of today’s fog of delusions.

    1. YES.
      ~
      Yes I can say with confidence radiant beauty exists even if unseen.
      ~
      Therefore, I can say with confidence it will and does exist whether I’m aware of it or not or anybody else is aware of it or not at any given moment in time. I’ve sensed it so I know its out there whether I sense it again or not. So, on a small-scale, I can say yes, and I can’t fathom any basis to argue why that would not be the case on a large-scale as well.
      ~
      So whether, “we” are able to sense it or not, radiant beauty exists and it always will because it doesn’t emanate from my brain or your brain or our brains – it just is.
      ~
      You shaman you – take a potion maybe and get out in the sun when you can. I think the “shaming” thing so vogue just now might actually “metamorphise” into a means of quick communication put to better use….imagine the possible beauty of our ability to communicate so quickly, so effectively and so truthfully with humility and awareness to so many? It is a possibility, so try not to despair because good communication is the key to overcoming our oppressor’s, who by the way, are staring to split up amongst themselves as I type this. Can’t you sense it?
      ~
      BK

  19. “There’s nothing inherently wrong with humanity itself that is making a mess of things ”
    I disagree. We are innately greedy and from this stems most of the problems you repeatedly write about.

    1. Speak for yourself Rudolf. I disagree with you.
      ~
      Read a bit of Kropotkin’s Mutual Aid for a scientific study on this matter.
      ~
      Regards,
      BK

      1. The systems we live with didn’t fall from Mars, as far as I know, and in fact are exactly what I’d expect from apes that evolved as small hunting and warring bands until they happened to develop a certain amount of intelligence. As has often been pointed out, in most cases intelligence doesn’t enlighten people, it just makes them more convinced of their unintelligent tribal instincts because they can produce rationalizations of them. I suppose the evolutionary way out of the problem will be: (1) aggressive types slaughter each other; (2) meek inherit the earth.

        1. YOu are mistaken, Mankind’s nature is by innate character one of goodness. Once he becomes a god, then the evil begins. It is with the introduction of sex, and the warrior and intelligent evil influences which have promoted their essence into deceiving and manipulating the innocent natural beings, that greed, power, love of money, selfishness, and the like are developed.

          1. Almost sounds like you are speaking of the story of Adam and Eve and the garden of eden.

            1. That is the usual interpretation, and holds merit. But what if the garden was an individual thing, not for the whole human race, and what if the “knowledge of good and evil” referred to the religion, which tells us how to behave?

  20. From Merriam Webster – “Imperialism”:
    ~
    1: the policy, practice, or advocacy of extending the power and dominion of a nation especially by direct territorial acquisitions or by gaining indirect control over the political or economic life of other areas
    broadly : the extension or imposition of power, authority, or influence

    ~
    In support of this article, let me add my voice. I’m against imperialism.
    ~
    I’m for Peace.
    ~
    Only peace achieved in a non-violent way has a meaningful probability of success.
    ~
    So that is the quandary is it not? How do you achieve peace non-violently when “your oppressors” are so willing to resort to violence and mayhem and misinformation? I don’t think turning cheeks is a large-scale solution, but when amongst friends, I advocate turning your cheek at least one time. I reckon it boils down to “good communication” and when I was a kid I was taught not to lie if you want others to believe what you say. There is no “beating” the truth into anybody’s skull, but just maybe, some things will become self-evident and the best way to learn anything is if you are self-taught. So perhaps the solution lies in creating an environment where individuals and communities are able to learn on their own and make their own decisions about their own fate and the fate of their children. There are many ways to insist upon this to the authorities and to send the message that – “we mean business”.
    ~
    I’m against imperialism and I’m willing to suffer at the hands of those who feel they must perpetuate suffering of innocence. After they torture my stupid ass (consider Julian Assange), I will still know that I was true to my principles and I will die easy and in peace.
    ~
    BK

    1. Your children, if they survive, and all future generations will be slaves, thanks to your dying easily.

      1. Hi Michael,
        ~
        You are being extreme in your response — in my humble opinion. Any anger you have towards me is misdirected. Do you feel somehow I have harmed your ego? I haven’t nor have you harmed mine.
        ~
        The metaphoric dying I referred to will be “easy” because if one is true to their principles, and the principles are based on a foundation of commonweal, then dying is easy so to speak versus those who die either brain-dead or realizing they have caused more harm than benefit. Pain is temporary. Death is sort of a new beginning and my spirit will live on at least in the minds of my children, so please keep them out of this pal.
        ~
        If you think I meant, I wouldn’t fight like hell, then you have misinterpreted. I love my children and will gladly bleed for them and I care about future generations, which means I don’t want anybody to be a slave. I’m against Imperialism and bullies really piss me off.
        ~
        If you are going to project out slavery for all future generations to anybody who doesn’t ascribe to your self-proclaimed conclusions or somebody you just want to pick on, then I don’t think your views have merit cause you have stopped learning and think you know it all. Let me be the first to tell you in a paradoxical sort of way – you are wrong on this topic.
        ~
        You know, or you should, as well as I do that you and I pretty much agree on most things. Why can’t we build upon that and treat each other with a modicum of respect.
        ~
        OK – I’ll ignore you going forward and that is probably for the best because it is the peaceful thing to do.
        ~
        Later hombre…..
        BK

        1. Your “humble” opinion places you as far more intelligent and aware and principled than me. I assure you that you are as intelligent and principled as you are humble. I have also been pacifist, and have been assaulted thirty times due to that proclivity, and my non resistance didnt change their behavior one iota. But upon learning to defend myself and others courageously and with a righteous means, I not only gained real self-respect (how many times have you been beat up?) but gained respect of the bullies, and protected the other victims. Our rulers have a 500 million world population by 2025 (currently at 7.7 billion) in a world fascist totalitarian police state- with surveillance beyond homeland security. THAT IS THE FUTURE. My ego was not hurt, so why were you so concerned over that? I was simply telling you to stop your fukn pacifism (cowardice) and learn to fight like a man, not somebody who has principles to NOT take down evil people who want to bring all people into hell and slavery under them. It takes more balls and effort to fight overbearing evil than to let them have their way, despite what your decieved small mind can contrive as an excuse to ease your conscience from any speck of blemish. Pacifism is not principles, it is cowardice.

        2. Look up “Georgia Stones”= 500 million population goal= authored by “RC CHRISTIAN”

  21. I love most of what Caitlin Johnstone writes, however, she tends to confuse liberal with fake liberal or fake progressive, e.g.: https://www.facebook.com/OccupySavannah/videos/calling-out-fake-liberals/408042079315291/

  22. Start with accepting we’re all flawed in some subtle way. This is incredibly liberating. Then let that go and move on from there.

    1. Thanks Speedbird for the wisdom. Ain’t nobody or nothing perfect –
      ~
      I said to my daughter today, I’m not fixing myself in any opinion regarding a family member based on hearsay. I’m not into this “group-think” judging that has become so prevalent of late – I think it is very harmful.
      ~
      It is nice to think you will perform perfectly, but if you even think that is possible, then there is the most important lesson still to be learned in my humble opinion……but, best to learn it on your own versus having somebody else tell you, cause then more often than not you won’t learn in the first place…….and worse yet, you might just end up resentful, which has the effect of kicking the can of learning down the road. Better to learn today what could be learned tomorrow is what I think, but it helps to be amongst those you love and who love you back.
      ~
      Small-scale is where it is at.
      ~
      Regards,
      BK

  23. William T Conklin Avatar
    William T Conklin

    Good Morning Cait: As usual, your prose is wonderful! I do have a suggestion, if you could make your text work with the Apple Reader View on the IPhone, it would be wonderful. I can’t read the small print on my phone and I have to go to a computer to read your writing. There are over 100 million I phones in the United States, so it would be a good thing to do.

  24. Carolyn L Zaremba Avatar
    Carolyn L Zaremba

    Thank you, Caitlin, once again for calling a spade a spade. The liberals will weep and whine and deny and cavil and call you names. The right-wingers will call you a communist and enemy of the people. They will both be wrong. It is especially hard to bring truths into the consciousness of citizens of the United States because those citizens have been the most heavily propagandized of any other citizens. (Except, perhaps, the citizens of the UK, who still fawn over their monarchy and think Brexit was a good idea.) Keep up the good work.

  25. Journalists with the largest and most influential media outlets disseminated an outright and quite significant lie on Tuesday to hundreds of thousands of people, if not millions, on Twitter. While some of them were shamed into acknowledging the falsity of their claim, many refused to, causing it to continue to spread up until this very moment. It is well worth examining how they function because this is how they deceive the public again and again, and it is why public trust in their pronouncements has justifiably plummeted.
    ~
    This fine article can be read here:
    Journalists, Illustrating How They Operate, Yesterday Spread a Significant Lie All Over Twitter By Glenn Greenwald
    http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/56470.htm

  26. I am OK. You are OK. Leave me alone.
    Or if you prefer…Live and let live. Alas instead we have….Do as I say not as I do.
    Or Gimme what you got or I am gonna beat you up.

    Playground Philosophy 101

    1. live and let live = live and let die.
      We are social animals living like predators and/or sheep

    2. I like Art Spiegelman’s formulation: ‘Can’t we all just hate one another in peace?’

      1. I like it! It would be an improvement.

  27. THE ROTHSCHILDS
    ‘While distracting us with sex and sports, our political and cultural “leaders” attack our national, religious, racial and family foundations using war, homosexuality, pornography, feminism, migration and “diversity.””
    Jonas E. Alexis

    1. Julius Skoolafish Avatar
      Julius Skoolafish

      I appreciate and resonate with your posts, Lynn.
      .
      This may seem a little off topic (it is not) but worth sharing for those who wish to make the time. The legacy and mysterious death of President Magufuli goes way deeper than just his exposure of the COVID Hoax.
      .
      • The Daily Nationalist: A Tribute to John Magufuli
      .
      https://www.radioalbion.com/2021/03/the-daily-nationalist-tribute-to-john.html
      .
      (I download such podcasts as mp3 and play them through an audio player (FTW) at a higher speed.)

  28. And more ” Stuck on Stupid “!
    ~
    In the West, and especially the USA, today, we observe an inability to imagine, understand, come to terms with or tolerate difference.
    ~
    Einstein is said to have observed that insanity is doing the same thing, over and over again, and expecting a different result. What a perfect description for U.S. foreign policy since the end of the Cold War. Two decades in Iraq and Afghanistan is not enough: keep doing it. Sanctions on Russia haven’t made any difference, keep doing them. Beijing is not the least deterred by “freedom of navigation” cruises, keep doing them. Iran won’t bend to Washington’s will, keep doing the same thing.
    ~
    This fine article can be read here:
    Why Do They Keep Doing It? by Patrick Armstrong
    https://www.strategic-culture.org/news/2021/03/19/why-do-they-keep-doing-it/

    1. The idea that rich psychopaths are stupid is a completely worn-out false idea feeding directly into their agenda. It’s just one more piece of powerful propaganda. Stop spreading it.
      It is a matter of incontestable fact that all the “stupid” actions have resulted in a huge transfer of wealth and power to a tiny group of sociopaths at the top of the food pyramid. And we are supposed to believe that’s because they are stupid!? Really, what morn would believe that?

      1. Exactly. Well said.

      2. Indeed, the psychopath, and the sociopath as well, is quite often very intelligent. Just free of any human virtue.

    2. Nonsense. In the political arena we are indeed incapable of coming to terms with difference. In the personal arena, not so much. But only one of those arenas matter, and it ain’t the one full of psychopaths.

  29. “I oppose [indoctrinating the entire US’ population] against [the rest of the world in the name of God] and they say it’s because I [am evil or lost/with them or against them].” https://seaclearly.com/2017/09/24/beatitudes-a-godless-jesus/
    “Maybe I [am] just [saved, and standing up for truth to power — as Jesus Christ did].”

  30. And once again, the Buddha Ms Caitlin brings the ” unsugar-coated ” truth to us human beings to ponder. My government is very evil and very murderous and has been that way throughout its entire history. It is a shame that so many people in this country prefer to just ” look the other way ” than to say or do anything to oppose this bleak reality. Thank You, Ms Johnstone!!

    1. Which is true of every single person on the planet subject to a government. Every single government there is has been founded on the notion that they, and they alone, have acquired authority to kill you if you don’t comply. Without that notion, government is just a bunch of lunatics that occasionally annoy you. No Buddha required.

  31. Auwal Mohammed Nyako Avatar
    Auwal Mohammed Nyako

    Wow this is really a wonderfull article. I think the last narrative is captivating………..

  32. I love many of your articles Caitlin Johnstone, including for their clarity, insight and style. I love the first part of this article, and agree with your passionate attack on imperialists and those who are not 100% against it. I also think you are right when you say we are led by sociopaths who have little feeling for other people. And anyone who reads what you wrote should become 100% against imperialism.

    Where I part company with you is where you say the problem is we are only confused. Yes you are right we are constantly being propagandized, lied to, intimidated … What I have learned from the work of a great and very kind man is that we also must be critical of that in ourselves which allows us to ever be cold to the suffering of all those people overseas, and should, as you have pointed out, see it as intimately connected to our domestic problems. We need to be critical of the sociopath in ourselves which has us feel other people’s lives don’t mean that much.

    Until we can see, as you have said, the pleasures of a collaborative, healthy Earth and ALSO criticize that in ourselves which agrees with those psychopaths, we will not rise up and have a great victory over evil. That we have the same evil in ourselves should never be used to soften the criticism of mass murderers. It should be used to be even more fierce critics of that evil. We should hate the evil wherever it is, including in ourselves otherwise we will not really be against it, only against in it when it is in the other guy – and then it is not wholly sincere.

    1. Carolyn L Zaremba Avatar
      Carolyn L Zaremba

      Caitlin has written extensively already on the subject you say she missed. For me, that is the only thing I slightly disagree with. Since I am a Marxist, I believe the only answer is socialism, the overthrow of the capitalist system which is responsible for war and all of the evils that come with it, as the Nuremburg judges rightly said about the Nazis. Of course, working on oneself is never a bad thing. Clarity of mind is necessary in order to be able to struggle one’s way against a crowd going the other way. But I absolutely agree that the mainstream corporate media is the propaganda outlet with the power to chloroform the public–and it does exactly that.

      1. Why did the ex-slave Hebrews have to die off during the 40 years in the desert before the promised land could be reached? Were they still worshipping a Golden Calf (i.e. a god that they could reduce to a golden sculpture and own?) How much do we protect the lies we tell ourselves?

        If you want to dominate even one person in your life, as most people do, you will not be wholly against your country dominating other countries. Unless one is willing to look straight at all the illusions one has accumulated to get a sense of self-importance, one cannot see the truth un-interfered with. I could not see my clients accurately until I began giving up my sense of superiority in being a lawyer. Oh yes, lawyers, especially to juries, can portray themselves humbly. Yet, I will bet my bottom dollar that most, if not every, lawyer uses knowing law and having the easiest access to the courts to feel superior to other people. Eugene V. Debs, in effect, said what every one of us criminal defense lawyer should aspire to feel: “I recognize[d] my kinship with all living beings, and made up my mind that I was not one bit better than the meanest on earth. I said then, and I say now, that while there is a lower class, I am in it, and while there is a criminal element I am of it, and while there is a soul in prison, I am not free.”

        Until we see the sociopathic desire in ourselves to use other people for our own importance and profit without enough regard for such people, and be willing to consciously criticize it we will never really be wholly against it. One of the biggest deficits in media coverage is the self-criticism the US should have of itself. So that much I agree with you. But we still have to see ourselves related to the worst among us, and criticize ourselves and them at the same time – because we can all be better.

        1. Newton E. Finn Avatar
          Newton E. Finn

          Thank you, Alan, for an insightful corrective of Caitlin’s position. To alter the old parable, while our so-called leaders have logs in their eyes, we, the led, should be aware of the splinters in our own. You sound like my kind of lawyer.

  33. War is a moral imperative for the morally impaired.

    – Ned B.

  34. Caitlin-

    Do you consider the Australian Government to be one of the ‘allies’ of the American Government? You should.

    Why has Australia not demanded that England send Julian Assange home?

    It is Easier to criticize the American Government and we Americans who are trying to change it, when you don’t live here.

    1. Carolyn L Zaremba Avatar
      Carolyn L Zaremba

      Plenty of Australians have done so and are doing so right now, with Julian’s father touring the country and addressing rallies. Some people in the Australian parliament are finally speaking out against this very thing. But you are correct in saying that the Australian government is the willing handmaiden and accomplice of the United States in the “pivot to Asia” initiated by no less than Barack Obama. There are now many American military bases in Australia. Until the Australian people demand that they be decommissioned, nothing will happen.

    2. I agree. And as much as I am in agreement with Caitlin about US government policy, as an Australian citizen I wish she would direct more of her writing at trying to change Australian government policy, which for the most part is consistent with that of the US.

  35. Thank you for speaking the truth, Caitlin.

  36. ‘”I just focus on domestic policy” is an illegitimate stance while your rulers are butchering human beings around the world.’

    Equally illegitimate, if you ask me, is “I’m not interested in politics,” followed by cheering on ‘our’ side in their latest imperialist war – something I encountered a lot in the UK.

    1. I think what people are trying to say by, “I’m not interested in politics”, is ‘I’m not interested in *party* politics!’ I myself furthermore regard party politics with needle-bending levels of contempt. However, the politically uninterested people don’t realise that politics pervades all. If they’re not interested in politics they very much need to know that politics is seriously interested in them.

      1. Carolyn L Zaremba Avatar
        Carolyn L Zaremba

        It was Trotsky who said that last. I am an American Trotskyist and believe that socialism must prevail or nuclear war is assured.

        1. It’s a truth and maybe he did say that. There’s nothing new in the universe! However, I regard Trotsky as a Bolshevik, a full blown mass murderer with precisely zero in common with what I personally regard as socialism. The vulnerable should be helped and lifted to a position of basic security depicted in the lowest two levels of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, the physiological and security needs. Those that wish to ascend higher up that hierarchy should be free to do so.
          ~
          I’ll join with anyone who opposes financial capitalism which is the absolutely the very worst type of capitalism that is rightly called usury, interest upon a loan of money. Lesser forms such as lending a bag full of seeds expecting 1¼ bags back is nowhere near as evil since it is actually possible to discharge the debt whereas in usury the debt can only increase since money does not have fecundity.

          1. “Those that wish to ascend higher up that hierarchy should be free to do so.”
            I think that’s the trouble with Maslow’s pyramid – it focuses on individuals. Hence the apex is self-actualisation, seen as an individual, not a collective thing.

            1. We’re all different and we’re all unique but we all belong to everything that is. I feel there will be an absolutely splendid awe inspiring view for each of us at the very pinnacle of Maslow’s pyramid.

              1. Yes, we’re all different, but we’re social beings, which is why I don’t think we can actualise our selves individually, only collectively.

                1. Yes, indeed! The old ‘Bootstrap’ saying does spring to mind!

        2. Trotsky was a communist, not a socialist. If you want to understand what socialism is, read Proudhon and Bakunin, not the Rothschild agent Marx.

  37. Henry Homburger Avatar
    Henry Homburger

    Caitlin: Your columns are getting better and better!

      1. Caitlin=TRUTH!! I LOVE TRUTH AS TOLD BY CAITLIN!!

  38. I just don’t know how you do it Caitlin – every day a fully-formed perfectly stated position with which I totally agree!

    Thank-you for your efforts – all of them!

  39. I just don’t know how you do it Caitlin – every day a fully-formed perfectly stated position with which I totally agree!

    Thank-you for your efforts – all of them!

  40. It’s a great way to build followers and to wake up people calling them: idiots, brainless. Why no one else tried it before and succeed? Guess our dementia has no boundaries.

    1. Hey, call them what they are. If people want ice cream and someone to tell them that they’re bright, perceptive imperialist rubes they can go watch the MSM. Maybe her goal is to tell the truth rather than to ‘build followers’.

      1. Carolyn L Zaremba Avatar
        Carolyn L Zaremba

        Yes, I think Caitlin is more interested in educating the clueless than in being what media society calls “an influencer”. I mean, influencers can tell you what mascara to use and all, but they don’t know shit about politics or history.

      2. I guess you’re right. No one would follow a troll unless they are familiar with bondage, submission, fascism. Speak the truth as you wish.

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