June 2012

Israel Upside Down

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Miko Peled has written a perfect book for people, including Israelis, who have always heard that the Israeli government can do no wrong.  The General’s Son: Journey of an Israeli in Palestine is partly an account of the author’s father’s life.  His father, Matti Peled, was an Israeli general, war hero, military governor of the Gaza strip, member of Parliament, professor, and columnist who turned against the occupation of Palestine. 

Largely, however, the book is read more

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The Spread of Sacrifice Zones

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Chris Hedge’s and Joe Sacco’s new book, “Days of Destruction, Days of Revolt,” is a treasure. Hedges wrote the plain text. Sacco produced the text-heavy cartoon sections and other illustrations, which even I — not a big fan of cartoon books — found to enrich this book enormously.

Hedges and Sacco visit Pine Ridge, South Dakota, to examine the misery of the Native Americans who remain there. It’s nice to think that we’ve corrected our crimes through read more

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Second Thoughts on Publicly Displaying 10 Commandments

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Until now, I’ve always opposed the idea of posting the 10 Commandments on government buildings.

I don’t want a theocracy. I don’t want religion at all, even separated from government. I’m embarrassed for my species that so many people imagine we haven’t advanced at all in millennia. Must we really turn to an ancient book that sanctions slavery and rape, stonings and genocide, to find not only guidance but unquestionable dictates? I’m disgusted by the notion that read more

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Can We Get Along Without Authorities?

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Some years ago, I watched a screening of a film about Daniel Ellsberg and the release of the Pentagon Papers.  The film was shown in the U.S. Capitol, and Ellsberg was present, along with others, to discuss the movie and take questions afterwards. 

I’ve just read Chris Hayes’ new book “Twilight of the Elites,” and am reminded of the question that progressive blogger and then-Congressman Alan Grayson staffer Matt Stoller asked Ellsberg.

What, Stoller wanted to know, read more

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Talk Nation Radio: Chase Madar on the Passion of Bradley Manning

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Chase Madar discusses his new book “The Passion of Bradley Manning: The Story of the Suspect Behind the Largest Security Breach in U.S. History.”  Madar is a civil rights attorney.  He writes for the London Review of Books, Le Monde diplomatique, the American Conservative, CounterPunch, and TomDispatch.  He discusses with host David Swanson the voluminous information that Manning is accused of providing to Wikileaks and to us, and some of the startling insights it gives read more

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Charlottesville Passes Resolution Against Citizens United

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As of Monday evening, Charlottesville City Council has joined the list of over 250 localities, several state legislatures, 22 state attorneys general, the Supreme Court of Montana, four Supreme Court justices, dozens of Congress members, countless clubs and organizations and political parties, and — in poll after poll — the vast majority of the people of the United States — all of whom want the U.S. Constitution amended or by other means wish to undo the Citizens United read more

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David Swanson: A Voice For Never-Ending Activism

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By Joanne Boyer of Wisdom Voices

For activist, author, and blogger David Swanson, it really is about the never-ending struggle for social and economic justice; the same battle that has been fought since time began.  And for him, “success” or “defeat” cannot be defined by one election or one Supreme Court ruling.  For Swanson, “victory” may be generations away, but that does not deter him from keeping the activism fires burning via every avenue he can find.

David read more

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