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UNITED STATES BULLY

January 26th 2009 02:18
The ‘War on Terror’ is just another chapter in the story of United States Government’s determination to gain and maintain control of the whole world. Spurred by greed, fear and the absolute conviction that the rights of other nations simply do not compare to the interests of the US. A couple of days ago I watched John Pilger’s 2007 documentary – The War on Democracy. It broadly covers the ruthless US attitude towards Latin America since 1945. Oil is mentioned a number of times.The first part of the documentary focuses on Venezuela where, in 2002, democratically elected president Hugo Chavez was ousted from office in a US funded coup d’etat. Here is a short video which advertises the documentary. The talking heads are enlightening. US newsreaders reveal their terrible ignorance. CIA chiefs justify their involvement. Victims of torture recount their experiences. In 1989, an American Catholic missionary nun Dianna Ortiz was kidnapped, raped and tortured after she spoke out about the barbaric treatment of the indigenous people of Guatemala. She says that her ordeal opened her eyes to the oppression and deceit of the US government and she wonders how people can believe that the more recent events at Abu Ghraib are isolated incidents. ‘I have to shake my head and say: Are we on the same planet? Aren’t you aware of our history? Isn’t history taught in the classroom about the role of the US government in human rights violations?’ That, of course, does not happen because US Government censorship and media manipulation allows only its version of events to be broadcast. This documentary describes how the US set about installing leaders who were agreeable to US demands. It is a testament to the ways in which the ordinary people of Latin America have resisted US domination. John Pilger describes it as a raw, grassroots democracy of a kind that Western countries no longer even consider. *****
SORRY - MANY TRIES BUT CAN'T GET THE VIDEO TO LINK. STILL TRYING. JUST GOOGLE 'WAR ON DEMOCRACY' AND YOU'LL HAVE A GOOD CHOICE OF A NUMBER OF SHORT VIDEOS AND THE FULL-LENGTH DOCO.

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Comment by Janet Collins

January 26th 2009 02:46


Acceptable Etiquette
The Social Critic
Janet Collins Blog
Teresa

I will take a look at this. I am a fan of John Pilger but I really have to be in the mood because sometimes his stuff can be a bit depressing.

Thanks for sharing this.

Comment by Teresa Ralton

January 26th 2009 03:14


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I know just what you mean by having to be in the mood. These things need to be told but hearing about so much injustice and stupidity is very wearing on your psyche. Thanks, janet.

Comment by S.L.

January 26th 2009 12:40


The Political Brief
You're probably a Michael Moore fan, too, huh?

Comment by Teresa Ralton

January 26th 2009 13:46


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I actually find Michael Moore's style a bit annoying but I believe he is on the side of disadvantaged Americans.

Comment by S.L.

January 26th 2009 13:49


The Political Brief
If you believe what Michael Moore says, Teresa, ask yourself one simple question. "If Michael Moore is right, why does he still live in America?"

Comment by Teresa Ralton

January 26th 2009 14:20


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SL, he obviously believes there is a lot to be fixed. Perhaps he is doing his bit to find a solution. Just because a person is disgruntled about the way their country is being run doesn't mean they will want to abandon it. I have seen other documentaries that expose the ruthlessness of big American corporations - Coca -cola and Wal-mart spring to mind. Why, in a country that is so wealthy and which prides itself on fairness, are so many people denied basics like health-care?
But this is a bit of the track. The John Pilger documentary has a number of ex CIA chiefs talking, very openly revealing the attitude of the US government as one of utter disregard for the rights of all other nations. Beyond disregard, actually. Positive aggression.

Comment by S.L.

January 26th 2009 14:34


The Political Brief
Sorry Teresa, I don't watch used toilet paper, I flush it. I know nothing about the guy you're talking about. But I do know that every time Moore makes a movie, he's hit with a string of lawsuits from the people he took out of context and dubbed over. I know that his "facts and evidence" are even flimsier (if possible) than what Al Gore used to make himself important at our expense.

Don't waste your time with garbage, Teresa. Try looking at history if you really want to know about America. The only "nation building" we have done was by way of freeing enslaved people and helping them to get their own countries back. We have "exported" freedom all over the world without trying to take control of any other countries. And Hugo Chavez is NOT a good example of a South American leader. His own people hate him while they're starving. The Castro brothers are very poor examples, as well. In spite of Moore's devotion to communism and pretty lies about the "wonderfulness" of Cuba, people risk their lives trying to escape from the "Utopia." Most of them are escaping to the USA.

Comment by Teresa Ralton

January 26th 2009 14:49


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The John Pilger does exactly that. Looks at the history of th United States interference in Latin America.

Comment by S.L.

January 26th 2009 15:01


The Political Brief
Fine, Teresa. Believe whatever pleases you. You invited me here and I showed up. Your welcome. Bye.

Comment by Teresa Ralton

January 26th 2009 15:34


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SL, I invited you to view the documentary and give an opinion because you live in the US and you seem to have strong political views. The documentary gives convincing evidence of US aggression and I would be interested in knowing why someone would condone it. But thanks for your comments.

Comment by Damo

January 27th 2009 03:34
I am not fan of many of the South American doctrines that the USA has adopted over the years. Often supporting brutal dictators in the name of stability or anti-communism.

Yet I am also no fan of John Pilger.

John Pilger’s 2007 documentary – The War on Democracy.

The history of John Pilger is not one of an unbiased observer but one of a hard left ideologue on a crusade.

International Socailists (aka Green Left Weekly, aka Democratic Socialist Perspective) features his endorsements on the front page of their website.

Unlike Michael Moore who has not been associated with radicals or violence, John Pilger is happy with his friends who engage in such tactics as intimidation, incitement of violence, directly engaging in violence at demonstrations, entrism and a whole list of underhanded methods.

Despite his long list of impressive credentials Pilger has to be viewed as an ideologue with a hardcore socialist agenda.
Really Long Link


Comment by Anonymous

January 27th 2009 04:04
Hi Damo
I just did a quick read of the article you sent the link for. Thanks for that. Yes, John Pilger is clearly on the side of the Palestinians, but I don't see how this is evidence of a hardcore socialist agenda. One reason that I do pay attention to what he says is that he actually visits the countries he talks about and investigates. He doesn't simply regurgitate second hand news, as many so-called journalists seem to do. Even if his perspective is rosier than the reality - i.e. presenting the alternative to US interference as more utopian than it is - he nevertheless reveals the extent to which the US has imposed its will on these countries. Is there anything specific in the doco that you disagree with? Also, which friends? What instances of intimidation & violence are you referring to?

Comment by Teresa Ralton

January 27th 2009 04:06


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woops, sorry, that was me, of course.

Comment by Damo

January 27th 2009 04:57
Teresa

I gave no links to his views on Palestine but a link to the front page of Green Left Weekly.

His picture down near the right hand bottom of the page.

He writes and I quote: "Without Green Left Weekly, freedom of the press and public truth-telling in Australia would gravely ill."

Maybe you were unaware that 'Green Left Weekly' is a front magazine for (IS) 'International Socialists' who are also a front the (DSP) The 'Democratic Socialist Perspective.'

Maybe you were unaware that the DSP aka (,IS and Green Left Weekly et al) are a self described Marxist Revolutionary organization that has operated in Australia for years.

Maybe you were unaware of John Pilger's long association with these fronts and the support that they give to his articles.

However the evidence is all there for you to chase up.
Starting with Green Left Weekly and working backwards.

For example research the DSP attempt to branch stack the Nuclear Disarmament Party when Peter Garret was running it.

The bottom line is: Just because I do not agree with much of the US foreign policy it does not mean that I will mindlessly embrace every critic as being a saint.


Comment by Anonymous

January 27th 2009 05:27
When I clicked the link it took me to Green Left weekly online reprinting of an article by John Pilger about Palestine. I know nothing about the Green Left weekly though I don't see socialist views as a basis for criticism. But neither do I embrace someone as a saint simply because they are opposed to US domination. I am actually interested in what any one has to say, for or against, in light of the revelations in that documentary. It is unfortunate that groups will often ally themselves to extremists to advance their fight. Years ago I knew some people who were actively involved in the Free Palestine movement. I was absolutely horrified one day to meet a Nazi that had attached to the group.The either/or situation doesn't need to develop.

Comment by Damo

January 27th 2009 06:20
Anon (Teresa I think)

Truth is very hard to find in moments of world conflict.
Everyone is shouting for their voice to be heard.

You have the right to believe whom you want but I think it is always better to know who is actually speaking and whether they have an agenda.

That way you can make an informed choice about what is being told rather than being victim to some slick propaganda.

Extreme left or extreme right are not going to provide you with a balance view.

I think I have said enough.

Comment by Teresa Ralton

January 27th 2009 07:08


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Damn! Yes, that was me. My inner cynic is always on the alert but, like I mentioned, this doco has ex CIA chiefs speaking openly - whatever John Pilger's agenda. Thanks for your input.

Comment by Bill Green

January 28th 2009 06:51


Talking Headlines
Hi Theresa, thanks for the steer on the doco. Pilger uses documentaries like a scalpel, and this one is no exception. He carves up American political hypocrisy and brutality in much the same way as David Runciman in his recent book, Political Hypocrisy. Unlike Pilger Runciman is an academic but they each use scalpels when they have the evidence of which they speak.

Runciman is senior lecturer in political theory at the University of Cambridge and a fellow of Trinity Hall. He is not a left wing idealogue and neither is Pilger. Pilger praises The Green Left Weekly but that doesn't actually make him a Marxist. I myself am not a Marxist, more a capitalist than anything else BUT suddenly capitalism has turned to socialism to save themselves: can't believe the continuing handouts to car yards and banks and dodgy corporations. That's called socialism guys NOT capitalism. I'd like to see those with bad financial policies go under so others can enliven the financial scene.

By the way The Green Left Weekly was the only media outlet in Australia to use my story that Packer owned all the chemicals that burned at Coode Island, endangering Melbourne. All the other outlets had a chance to use it. I had an MP announce it with all the evidence in State Parliament but no one used it. Actually John Hindle used it on 3AW but was immediately taken off air. My last resort was The Green Left Weekly.

The thing is I sighted and had copies of the chemical manifest given to me in the boardroom of Coode Island's chemical depot after I asked the foreman," Hey mate, who's going to wear this?' Of course he did.

Comment by Teresa Ralton

January 28th 2009 13:21


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Hi Damo
I never just accept that something is true but always try to reserve my judgement. I had a look on the internet to see what I could find out about Green Left Weekly/DSP - and the various splits and reformations which caused me some confusion. I couldn't find anything about this group using intimidation and incitement to violence. Could you direct me to that?
As for 'slick propoganda' - The War on Democracy describes a lot of that, as perpetrated by the US government.

Comment by Teresa Ralton

January 28th 2009 14:01


MRS SMITH
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Hi Bill
Why am I not surprised that the media shied away from your story? It is hard to take news seriously because everything is so media managed - not censored, of course! A lot of the time it sounds like even the journalist doesn't understand what they're talking about.

Here's another John Pilger Link I found on the website:-an address he gave at Columbia University in 2006. It is a very pointed assessment of the failings of journalism.
Really Long Link
If the link doesn't work it is just out of date so copy and paste.

I am far from being Marxist. Although I think our society is nowhere near as equitable as it should be, i recoil from extreme left views. I have no idea what John Pilger's political stance is but just because he thanks the Green Left Weekly for printing his stuff doesn't mean that he follows their doctrine(whatever that is!).
I will look out for Runciman's book. Thanks for that.

Comment by Cibbuano

January 29th 2009 22:28


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whew, complicated stuff...

...as Damo mentions, it's important to know where the person is standing from, and where they gain support from. Unfortunately, it's all a bit thick to decipher. That's politics, I guess - and I'm not cut out for it.

Comment by Teresa Ralton

January 29th 2009 22:55


MRS SMITH
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Hi Cib,
I don't really have much interest in politics myself and I stopped automatically believing what I read in the papers years ago when I realized there was almost never a balanced viewpoint. The history of the US activities in Latin America, however, is an accumulation of substantiated evidence of inexcusable aggression. It seems to me that the the US govt simply creates a reason to invade other countries - weapons of mass destruction, whatever - because it must maintain economic control. But, with regards to John Pilger and the Green Left Weekly: he simply thanks them for publishing his articles. Nowhere (that I have seen) does he offer any support for terrorist activities.

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