thewakingtimes--2020-06-20--‘Orgy of Wealth’ Continues as US Billionaires Grew $584 Billion Richer Over Last 3 Months While 45 M

‘ Orgy of Wealth ’ Continues as US Billionaires Grew $ 584 Billion Richer Over Last 3 Months While 45 Million Lost Their Jobs A devastating trend of soaring inequality in the U.S. continues .
In their weekly analysis of wealth data Thursday , the Institute for Policy Studies ( IPS ) and Americans for Tax Fairness ( ATF ) found that billionaires have seen their combined net worth grow by $ 584 billion in the three months since the Covid-19 pandemic shuttered much of the U.S. economy and threw more than 45 million people out of work .
Jeff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Warren Buffett , and Larry Ellison—the five wealthiest billionaires in the U.S.—saw their collective riches grow by $ 101.7 billion between March 18 and June 17 , according to the new report .
A dozen other American billionaires saw their wealth more than double during that same period .
Frank Clemente , ATF executive director , said in a statement that over the past three months , “ about 600 billionaires increased their wealth by far more than the nation ’ s governors say their states need in fiscal assistance to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Their wealth increased twice as much as the federal government paid out in one-time checks to more than 150 million Americans , ” said Clemente .
“ This orgy of wealth shows how fundamentally flawed our economic system is.
” “ If this pandemic reveals anything , ” Clemente added , “ it ’ s how unequal our society has become and how drastically it must change.
” IPS , a progressive think-tank , has been publishing annual analyses of billionaire wealth increases since 2015 .
But in May , IPS began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in billionaire wealth amid the Covid-19 pandemic and resulting economic collapse—a phenomenon the group dubbed “ pandemic profiteering.
” Since March 18 , when social distancing measures and economic shutdowns were in place across the U.S. , the combined wealth of America ’ s billionaires has grown from $ 2.948 trillion to $ 3.531 trillion , the latest report by IPS and ATF found .
“ During the same approximate three-month period , nearly 2.1 million Americans fell ill with the virus and about 118,000 died from it , ” the report notes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 27 million Americans who may lose their employer-provided healthcare coverage .
Low-wage workers , people of color , and women have suffered disproportionately in the combined medical and economic crises.
” Chuck Collins , executive director of the IPS Program on Inequality , said in a statement that “ the last thing U.S. society needs is more economic and racial polarization.
” “ The surge in billionaire wealth and pandemic profiteering undermines the unity and solidarity that the American people will require to recover and grow together , not pull further apart , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a staff writer for Common Dreams .
Follow him on Twitter : @ johnsonjakep

‘Orgy of Wealth’ Continues as US Billionaires Grew $584 Billion Richer Over Last 3 Months While 45 Million Lost Their Jobs
Jake Johnson, Common Dreams
Waking Times
A devastating trend of soaring inequality in the U.S. continues.
In their weekly analysis of wealth data Thursday, the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS) and Americans for Tax Fairness (ATF) found that billionaires have seen their combined net worth grow by $584 billion in the three months since the Covid-19 pandemic shuttered much of the U.S. economy and threw more than 45 million people out of work.
Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Warren Buffett, and Larry Ellison—the five wealthiest billionaires in the U.S.—saw their collective riches grow by $101.7 billion between March 18 and June 17, according to the new report. A dozen other American billionaires saw their wealth more than double during that same period.
Frank Clemente, ATF executive director, said in a statement that over the past three months, “about 600 billionaires increased their wealth by far more than the nation’s governors say their states need in fiscal assistance to keep delivering services to 330 million residents.”
“Their wealth increased twice as much as the federal government paid out in one-time checks to more than 150 million Americans,” said Clemente. “This orgy of wealth shows how fundamentally flawed our economic system is.” “If this pandemic reveals anything,” Clemente added, “it’s how unequal our society has become and how drastically it must change.”
NEW FINDINGS from our @inequalityorg + @4TaxFairness: In 3 months, the U.S. added 29 more billionaires while 45.5 million filed for unemployment. Billionaires have seen their net worth skyrocket $584 billion, or 20%, since the beginning of the pandemic. pic.twitter.com/lXsZ9MTuwQ — Institute for Policy Studies (@IPS_DC) June 18, 2020
IPS, a progressive think-tank, has been publishing annual analyses of billionaire wealth increases since 2015. But in May, IPS began releasing weekly reports documenting the steady surge in billionaire wealth amid the Covid-19 pandemic and resulting economic collapse—a phenomenon the group dubbed “pandemic profiteering.”
Since March 18, when social distancing measures and economic shutdowns were in place across the U.S., the combined wealth of America’s billionaires has grown from $2.948 trillion to $3.531 trillion, the latest report by IPS and ATF found.
“During the same approximate three-month period, nearly 2.1 million Americans fell ill with the virus and about 118,000 died from it,” the report notes. “Among other pandemic victims are 27 million Americans who may lose their employer-provided healthcare coverage. Low-wage workers, people of color, and women have suffered disproportionately in the combined medical and economic crises.” Chuck Collins, executive director of the IPS Program on Inequality, said in a statement that “the last thing U.S. society needs is more economic and racial polarization.” “The surge in billionaire wealth and pandemic profiteering undermines the unity and solidarity that the American people will require to recover and grow together, not pull further apart,” said Collins.
About the Author
Jake Johnson is a staff writer for Common Dreams. Follow him on Twitter: @johnsonjakep


thewakingtimes--2020-06-20--Gene Drive Technology: What Species Should We Make Extinct Today?

Gene Drive Technology : What Species Should We Make Extinct Today ?
—Freedom includes the natural right to resist and reject any technology that endangers life .
In the next fraction of a second , a flurry of questions pops up and jumps up .
Does this mean genetic manipulation can make ANY species extinct ?
Welcome to the world of gene drive technology .
Here is a passage from Gene Drive Files , a vital site with an enormous amount of referenced information on the subject : “ Gene drives are a gene-editing application that allows genetic engineers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entire population by ensuring that all of an organism ’ s offspring carry that trait .
For example , recent experiments are fitting mice with ‘ daughterless ’ gene drives that will cascade through mouse populations so that only male pups are born , ensuring that the population becomes extinct after a few generations.
” “ Proponents have framed gene drives as a breakthrough tool for eradicating pests or invasive species .
However , the Gene Drive Files reveal that these ‘ conservation ’ efforts are primarily supported by military funds.
” So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gene drive technology could be deployed to wipe out troublesome plant-parasites , weeds , crops , animal pests , animals , and…humans .
Mull that over with your morning coffee .
Several years ago , the UN was considering a recommendation to call a moratorium on the use of gene drives .
Here is what the Gene Drive Files reports about that tussle and the appearance of Bill Gates on the scene : “ Documents received under Freedom of Information requests reveal that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation paid a private agriculture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for activities on Gene Drives .
This included running a covert ‘ advocacy coalition ’ which appears to have intended to skew the only UN expert process addressing gene drives… ” “ Following global calls in December 2016 from Southern countries and over 170 organizations for a UN moratorium on gene drives , emails to gene drive advocates received under a freedom of Information request by Prickly Research reveal that a private public affairs firm ‘ Emerging Ag ’ received funds from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to co-ordinate the ‘ fight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
” There ’ s more from the Gene Drive Files .
It involves the military : “ A trove of emails ( The Gene Drive Files ) from leading U.S. gene drive researchers reveals that the U.S. Military is taking the lead in driving forward gene drive development.
” “ Emails obtained through a freedom of Information request by U.S.–based Prickly Research reveal that the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency ( DARPA ) has given approximately $ 100 million for gene drive research , $ 35 million more than previously reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funder of gene drive research on the planet .
The emails also reveal that DARPA either funds or co-ordinates with almost all major players working on gene drive development as well as the key holders of patents on CRISPR gene editing technology.
” “ These funds go beyond the US ; DARPA is now also directly funding gene drive researchers in Australia ( including monies given to an Australian government agency , CSIRO ) and researchers in the UK .
The files also reveal an extremely high level of interest and activity by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Intelligence community.
” People will argue the military involvement is “ defensive ” in nature .
The Pentagon must know what our enemies are doing in their gene drive research labs , so we can hopefully combat those efforts .
As we ’ ve seen in the past , such claims about US military research on nuclear weapons and bio/chemical warfare were proven false .
The “ defensive ” research included the push to develop offensive capability .
Knowing how military planner think ( and not just in the US ) , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to figure out how to use gene drives to eliminate “ just a select part ” of the human population .
Meaning the enemy .
Which leads to the next point : The what-could-possibly-go-wrong question .
As I ’ ve shown in past articles , the latest and greatest gene editing tools ( e.g.
, CRISPR ) , which are used for gene drives , are far from slam-dunk precise , despite official assurances .
For example , Nature Communications , May 31 , 2017 , “ CRISPR/Cas9 targeting events cause complex deletions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mouse genome.
” Unintended genetic “ deletions and insertions.
” And how about this study ?
It was published in Genome Biology on June 14 , 2017 , and is titled , “ CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing induces exon skipping by alternative splicing or exon deletion.
” An exon is “ a segment of a DNA or RNA molecule containing information coding for a protein or peptide sequence.
” So you can see that exon skipping or deletion is a very bad idea .
In other words , ANY gene editing done on ANY @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sorts of errors and unforeseen consequences .
Doomsday genetic warfare and mutually assured destruction are the far shore of insanity…but closer in , where the highly limited experiments are taking place , there is no safety zone , either .
Insanity reigns there as well .
Jon Rappoport is the author of three explosive collections , THE MATRIX REVEALED , EXIT FROM THE MATRIX , and POWER OUTSIDE THE MATRIX , Jon was a candidate for a US Congressional seat in the 29thDistrict of California .
He maintains a consulting practice for private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the expansion of personal creative power .
Nominated for a Pulitzer Prize , he has worked as an investigative reporter for 30 years , writing articles on politics , medicine , and health for CBS Healthwatch , LA Weekly , Spin Magazine , Stern , and other newspapers and magazines in the US and Europe .
Jon has delivered lectures and seminars on global politics , health , logic , and creative power to audiences around the world .
You can sign up for his free emails at NoMoreFakeNews.com or OutsideTheRealityMachine .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ species should we make extinct today ? )
was originally created and published by Jon Rappaport ’ s Blog and is re-posted here with permission .
Like Waking Times on Facebook .
Follow Waking Times on Twitter .

Gene Drive Technology: What Species Should We Make Extinct Today?
Jon Rappoport, Guest
Waking Times
—Freedom includes the natural right to resist and reject any technology that endangers life.
A passionate and dedicated scientist says, “I have a plan. By manipulating genes, we can make invasive rodents extinct, on an island where humans are living.”
In the next fraction of a second, a flurry of questions pops up and jumps up.
The overarching question is:
Does this mean genetic manipulation can make ANY species extinct?
Welcome to the world of gene drive technology.
Here is a passage from Gene Drive Files, a vital site with an enormous amount of referenced information on the subject:
“Gene drives are a gene-editing application that allows genetic engineers to drive a single artificial trait through an entire population by ensuring that all of an organism’s offspring carry that trait. For example, recent experiments are fitting mice with ‘daughterless’ gene drives that will cascade through mouse populations so that only male pups are born, ensuring that the population becomes extinct after a few generations.” “Proponents have framed gene drives as a breakthrough tool for eradicating pests or invasive species. However, the Gene Drive Files reveal that these ‘conservation’ efforts are primarily supported by military funds.”
So it appears the answer is yes. Gene drive technology could be deployed to wipe out troublesome plant-parasites, weeds, crops, animal pests, animals, and…humans. Mull that over with your morning coffee.
Several years ago, the UN was considering a recommendation to call a moratorium on the use of gene drives. Here is what the Gene Drive Files reports about that tussle and the appearance of Bill Gates on the scene:
“Documents received under Freedom of Information requests reveal that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation paid a private agriculture and biotechnology PR firm $1.6 million for activities on Gene Drives. This included running a covert ‘advocacy coalition’ which appears to have intended to skew the only UN expert process addressing gene drives…” “Following global calls in December 2016 from Southern countries and over 170 organizations for a UN moratorium on gene drives, emails to gene drive advocates received under a freedom of Information request by Prickly Research reveal that a private public affairs firm ‘Emerging Ag’ received funds from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to co-ordinate the ‘fight back against gene drive moratorium proponents’.”
There’s more from the Gene Drive Files. It involves the military:
“A trove of emails (The Gene Drive Files) from leading U.S. gene drive researchers reveals that the U.S. Military is taking the lead in driving forward gene drive development.” “Emails obtained through a freedom of Information request by U.S.–based Prickly Research reveal that the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has given approximately $100 million for gene drive research, $35 million more than previously reported, making them likely the largest single funder of gene drive research on the planet. The emails also reveal that DARPA either funds or co-ordinates with almost all major players working on gene drive development as well as the key holders of patents on CRISPR gene editing technology.” “These funds go beyond the US; DARPA is now also directly funding gene drive researchers in Australia (including monies given to an Australian government agency, CSIRO) and researchers in the UK. The files also reveal an extremely high level of interest and activity by other sections of the U.S. military and Intelligence community.”
People will argue the military involvement is “defensive” in nature. The Pentagon must know what our enemies are doing in their gene drive research labs, so we can hopefully combat those efforts.
As we’ve seen in the past, such claims about US military research on nuclear weapons and bio/chemical warfare were proven false. The “defensive” research included the push to develop offensive capability.
Knowing how military planner think (and not just in the US), I’m sure their researchers are trying to figure out how to use gene drives to eliminate “just a select part” of the human population. Meaning the enemy. Which leads to the next point:
The what-could-possibly-go-wrong question. As I’ve shown in past articles, the latest and greatest gene editing tools (e.g., CRISPR), which are used for gene drives, are far from slam-dunk precise, despite official assurances.
For example, Nature Communications, May 31, 2017, “CRISPR/Cas9 targeting events cause complex deletions and insertions at 17 sites in the mouse genome.” Unintended genetic “deletions and insertions.” And how about this study? It was published in Genome Biology on June 14, 2017, and is titled, “CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing induces exon skipping by alternative splicing or exon deletion.” An exon is “a segment of a DNA or RNA molecule containing information coding for a protein or peptide sequence.” So you can see that exon skipping or deletion is a very bad idea.
In other words, ANY gene editing done on ANY species opens the door wide to all sorts of errors and unforeseen consequences. Doomsday genetic warfare and mutually assured destruction are the far shore of insanity…but closer in, where the highly limited experiments are taking place, there is no safety zone, either. Insanity reigns there as well.
“I went to Monsanto, and I spent a lot of time with the scientists there, and I have revised my outlook, and I’m very excited about telling the world. When you’re in love, you want to tell the world.” (Bill Nye, the science guy) “I know it’s a long shot and people would say it’s ‘too absurd’… but I’m doing this with hopes of making a Mickey Mouse some day.” (Arikuni Uchimura, quoted in “Japan bio-scientists produce ‘singing mouse’”, The Independent, 21 December 2010.) “Genetic engineering is to traditional crossbreeding what the nuclear bomb was to the sword.” (Andrew Kimbrell, executive director of Center for Food Safety)
About the Author
Jon Rappoport is the author of three explosive collections, THE MATRIX REVEALED, EXIT FROM THE MATRIX, and POWER OUTSIDE THE MATRIX, Jon was a candidate for a US Congressional seat in the 29thDistrict of California. He maintains a consulting practice for private clients, the purpose of which is the expansion of personal creative power. Nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, he has worked as an investigative reporter for 30 years, writing articles on politics, medicine, and health for CBS Healthwatch, LA Weekly, Spin Magazine, Stern, and other newspapers and magazines in the US and Europe. Jon has delivered lectures and seminars on global politics, health, logic, and creative power to audiences around the world. You can sign up for his free emails at NoMoreFakeNews.com or OutsideTheRealityMachine.
(To read about Jon’s mega-collection, Exit From The Matrix, click here.)
This article (Gene drive technology: what species should we make extinct today?) was originally created and published by Jon Rappaport’s Blog and is re-posted here with permission.


thewakingtimes--2020-06-20--On Maintaining Perspective In The Year 20 Effing 20

On Maintaining Perspective In The Year 20 Effing 20 Whenever an author , filmmaker or other artist sets out on the noble endeavor of pointing people toward the ideal of living life to its fullest , they usually wind up depicting a character going off on all sorts of wild adventures , skydiving , trekking across the Himalayas , and so on .
In my opinion reminding people to live life to its fullest is the artist ’ s single most important job , but this is also where most storytellers get it wrong .
Most people who live wild @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ride just like everyone else ; in the end they ’ re left with a few amusing anecdotes rattling around in their skulls and a secret sense of dissatisfaction .
This is because most people don ’ t really show up for life .
Even if they ’ re outwardly doing all sorts of amazing things and racking up a bunch of impressive accomplishments , their attention was mostly consumed with babbling mental chatter almost the entire time .
Whatever happens in their life , they weren ’ t really there for it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to its fullest is to simply be present for it .
A housekeeper who actually pays attention to life as it happens will have lived a lot more actual life than any billionaire playboy who ’ s constantly out chasing extraordinary experiences while internally preoccupied with other matters .
I point this out because , at the midway point of the year 2020 , I think it ’ s extremely relevant .
Just today there are news stories about major escalations between India and China and between North and South Korea .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests against the police state sweeping the most powerful nation in the world have almost eclipsed from memory the major news events from earlier in the year like dangerous escalations with Iran , Australia burning to a crisp , and a wildly corrupt US presidential primary .
And it seems a safe bet at this point that all of this will soon be eclipsed by far more significant events .
For better or for worse , we are at a time of great change from which the world will likely never return .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most significant period in human history to date , and it would be wise to pay attention .
But when I look at what people are talking about in my social media feeds , even relatively awake and tuned-in people , I see a lot of chatter about the same-old , same-old .
People are still yammering on about the same old electoral politics they ’ ve been on about for years , still babbling about PC culture being out of control and how crazy some people ’ s gender pronouns are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and retweets .
Even my own articles I notice get a lot more shares and attention if they involve something that tickles mainstream partisan interests like criticizing Trump or bashing the Democrats .
And I just can not for the life of me imagine continuing to hold such priorities halfway through the year 20 fucking 20 .
At this time we need to drastically change our perspectives and seriously re-evaluate our priorities .
We ’ re all standing on a precipice together and we have no idea what the plunge will look like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether or not you should wear a face mask at the grocery store .
This , to me , is a nonsensical approach to our current predicament .
All the stuff that used to consume so much of our attention in the analysis of establishment power structures has been rendered far less important by recent developments .
All these recent developments will probably be rendered less relevant by whatever major events are coming next .
The only consistent pattern this year has been a greater and greater deviation from old patterns .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do two things : • Shift toward emphasizing a bigger-picture perspective of what ’ s going on .
Fixate less on smaller occurrences and pay more attention to broader overall trends .
It doesn ’ t mean ignore the smaller things , it just means view them in the proper context of a world that ’ s moving into more and more unfamiliar territory in bigger and bigger ways .
• Pay attention .
Big things are happening right now , and it would be a damn shame to miss them .
Don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up a bunch of amazing experiences and impressive achievements while preoccupied with irrelevant mental chatter .
We are experiencing something huge here , and it would be a shame to let it go to waste .
We should rather all approach our current situation at this point in history like someone who is trying to live life to its fullest : mindful , curious , not hung up on petty mental narratives , and appreciative of how lucky we are to be here right now to witness this thing .
And , much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life , this moment in history should ideally cause us to cast aside petty differences and bring us closer together .
The best way to get around the internet censors and make sure you see the stuff she publishes is to subscribe to the mailing list for her website , which will get you an email notification for everything .
Her articles are entirely reader-supported , so if you enjoyed this piece please consider sharing it around , liking her on Facebook , following her antics on Twitter , checking out her podcast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Patreon or Paypal , or buying her book Woke : A Field Guide for Utopia Preppers .

On Maintaining Perspective In The Year 20 Effing 20
Caitlin Johnstone, Guest
Waking Times
“As Jane looked around her, she felt that dissatisfied feeling she often experienced when she was somewhere new and lovely. She couldn’t quite articulate it, except with the words: if only I was here. This little beachside cafe was so exquisite she longed to really be there, except of course, she was there, so it didn’t make sense.”
~ Liane Moriarty, “Big Little Lies”
Whenever an author, filmmaker or other artist sets out on the noble endeavor of pointing people toward the ideal of living life to its fullest, they usually wind up depicting a character going off on all sorts of wild adventures, skydiving, trekking across the Himalayas, and so on.
In my opinion reminding people to live life to its fullest is the artist’s single most important job, but this is also where most storytellers get it wrong. Most people who live wild, interesting lives sleepwalk through the whole ride just like everyone else; in the end they’re left with a few amusing anecdotes rattling around in their skulls and a secret sense of dissatisfaction.
This is because most people don’t really show up for life. Even if they’re outwardly doing all sorts of amazing things and racking up a bunch of impressive accomplishments, their attention was mostly consumed with babbling mental chatter almost the entire time. Whatever happens in their life, they weren’t really there for it.
The real way to live life to its fullest is to simply be present for it. A housekeeper who actually pays attention to life as it happens will have lived a lot more actual life than any billionaire playboy who’s constantly out chasing extraordinary experiences while internally preoccupied with other matters.
I point this out because, at the midway point of the year 2020, I think it’s extremely relevant.
As if 2020 wasn't batshit crazy enough: “Twenty members of India’s armed forces have been killed in a ‘violent face-off’ with Chinese soldiers on their disputed Himalayan border in the worst military crisis between the two countries in nearly 60 years.” https://t.co/dZ9x1DOOsG — Jerome Roos (@JeromeRoos) June 16, 2020
Just today there are news stories about major escalations between India and China and between North and South Korea. A novel virus with bizarre worldwide lockdowns and protests against the police state sweeping the most powerful nation in the world have almost eclipsed from memory the major news events from earlier in the year like dangerous escalations with Iran, Australia burning to a crisp, and a wildly corrupt US presidential primary. And it seems a safe bet at this point that all of this will soon be eclipsed by far more significant events.
For better or for worse, we are at a time of great change from which the world will likely never return. We are heading into what is probably the most significant period in human history to date, and it would be wise to pay attention.
But when I look at what people are talking about in my social media feeds, even relatively awake and tuned-in people, I see a lot of chatter about the same-old, same-old. People are still yammering on about the same old electoral politics they’ve been on about for years, still babbling about PC culture being out of control and how crazy some people’s gender pronouns are, still dunking on shitlibs for likes and retweets. Even my own articles I notice get a lot more shares and attention if they involve something that tickles mainstream partisan interests like criticizing Trump or bashing the Democrats.
And I just cannot for the life of me imagine continuing to hold such priorities halfway through the year 20 fucking 20.
At this time we need to drastically change our perspectives and seriously re-evaluate our priorities. We’re all standing on a precipice together and we have no idea what the plunge will look like, and people are still babbling about whether or not you should wear a face mask at the grocery store. This, to me, is a nonsensical approach to our current predicament.
All the stuff that used to consume so much of our attention in the analysis of establishment power structures has been rendered far less important by recent developments. All these recent developments will probably be rendered less relevant by whatever major events are coming next. The only consistent pattern this year has been a greater and greater deviation from old patterns.
For that reason, it makes sense to do two things:
Shift toward emphasizing a bigger-picture perspective of what’s going on. Fixate less on smaller occurrences and pay more attention to broader overall trends. It doesn’t mean ignore the smaller things, it just means view them in the proper context of a world that’s moving into more and more unfamiliar territory in bigger and bigger ways. Pay attention. Big things are happening right now, and it would be a damn shame to miss them.
Don’t be like the playboy racking up a bunch of amazing experiences and impressive achievements while preoccupied with irrelevant mental chatter. We are experiencing something huge here, and it would be a shame to let it go to waste.
We should rather all approach our current situation at this point in history like someone who is trying to live life to its fullest: mindful, curious, not hung up on petty mental narratives, and appreciative of how lucky we are to be here right now to witness this thing.
And, much like the approach of the end of life, this moment in history should ideally cause us to cast aside petty differences and bring us closer together.
About the Author
Caitlin Johnstone – Rogue journalist. Bogan socialist. Anarcho-psychonaut. Guerrilla poet. Utopia prepper.
The best way to get around the internet censors and make sure you see the stuff she publishes is to subscribe to the mailing list for her website, which will get you an email notification for everything. Her articles are entirely reader-supported, so if you enjoyed this piece please consider sharing it around, liking her on Facebook, following her antics on Twitter, checking out her podcast, throwing some money into her hat on Patreon or Paypal, or buying her book Woke: A Field Guide for Utopia Preppers.


thewakingtimes--2020-06-22--Why Changing CHAZ to CHOP Is Actually a Very Big Deal

Why Changing CHAZ to CHOP Is Actually a Very Big Deal I just wanted to share with you a couple of thoughts that have been on my mind lately and see how it resonates with you out there .
It has been very interesting for me in tracking the rioting that ’ s predominately been going on in the US .
It ’ s obviously happening in other countries as well in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and other organizations emerging around their concerns of systemic racism in the US .
One thing for those reading from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you ’ re aware of how widespread the support for that movement and this message actually is ?
Even here in Sweden , we ’ ve seen protests occurring in different areas , as well as clashes with the police under these slogans and banners .
Protesters have taken over several blocks in Seattle .
In the US on June 8th , a group of protesters took over a 6 block area in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle , Washington .
A Black Lives Matter protest escalated and the police were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The group set up blockades barring law enforcement from entering the area and set up camp under the acronym CHAZ .
Within the zone , they set up a display dedicated to people who died at the hands of police and Black Lives Matter .
Many buildings now bear BLM graffiti .
Descriptions of the area vary from it being a dangerous warzone to a utopian street fair .
Politico says that Fox News is completely misleading readers and viewers and that Black Lives Matters organizers are running it , although other groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Fox that has been all over the story of the so-called Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone or CHAZ ( which its Black Lives Matter organizers on Saturday renamed the Capitol Hill Organized Protest , CHOP ) : four-plus blocks of street and sidewalk in Seattle ’ s traditional gay and bohemian nightlife district , surrounding a boarded-up police precinct headquarters that the mayor ordered vacated last Monday to dampen a week-and-a-half of escalating confrontations between police and protesters .
From there , the fluid protests , spearheaded by BLM but involving a wide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coalesced with surprising rapidity into something like a provisional government .
( source ) They have a list of demands , which you can read here .
The first thing that has my attention is the name change .
One thing that really stuck out in my mind happened just a few days ago .
The Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone , known as the CHAZ , changed its name to the Capitol Hill Occupy Protests .
So it ’ s now CHOP .
It ’ s very easy to dismiss that as something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of people when they ’ re writing , still calling it the CHAZ , and even to the extent of some mocking the name change : with “ See ?
They can ’ t even decide what they are called ’ type of commentary… Why is this important to me ?
Why does this get my attention ?
One , it ’ s about seeing if people are ‘ on-script ’ .
So if people are supporting that cause specifically , how quickly do they change the vocabulary ?
How quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ onboard ” are they with the message ?
That ’ s important for tribal identity reasons .
Tribal identity is a very important factor in the strength of the movement going forwards .
The second reason it ’ s important is that they were losing some ground under the title of CHAZ .
These occupiers were losing some PR ground .
They were getting mocked , basically , because people were saying , “ Well , you ’ re not autonomous , you know .
You ’ ve declared this an independent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re not part of America .
Autonomous should mean self-sufficient and you ’ re clearly not .
You ’ re constantly asking for help .
You ’ re constantly asking for handouts .
You ’ re constantly asking for donations .
You ’ re constantly asking for support , so you ’ re not autonomous.
” So switching to CHOP , or as another “ occupy ” protest , basically mutes out that public relations problem because they no longer claim autonomy .
Now that ’ s very slick .
That ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very smart , actually .
And that goes to a deeper part of the problem .
It ’ s very easy to look at this as just a scraggly , ragtag bunch of people just sort of wandering around with this Utopian vision .
But this small thing really shows a much deeper commitment , leadership , structure , and ability .
An order has come down from somewhere and is very quickly spread throughout the key people , and then down to the ‘ foot soldiers ’ , “ This is what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is why.
” Now we can look at it as a kind of PR swing , which in and of itself would be quite worrisome that they can be so on-message .
But in addition to this , we should note how quickly the change was implemented , communicated , and adopted .
But then what ’ s really captured me is the name : Capitol Hill Occupied Protest .
The Occupy Movement gained strength from the back of the financial crisis in the last decade , and notably from 2009 , swelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slogan was , “ We are the 99 % .
” It peaked in 2011 with the Occupy Wall Street movement .
So the Occupy movement is much much , much bigger enabler and tribal identity .
In fact , there were Occupy movement protests through 2010 onwards in 31 different countries , and most of those were major Western countries .
So this is now basically allowing , tempting , and goading those people who identified with the Occupy movement to join and rally around this cause .
There may have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , perhaps Antifa-type in the beginning , getting the boots on the ground , actually , performing the occupation , and now they can broaden out and become more widespread .
I think we ’ re going to see a very sharp consolidation of the power base of this movement and you ’ re going to see a massive increase in the ranks .
This is notable for me in two different ways .
One is timing .
As of publication , it ’ s June the 19th .
So you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fourth , or America ’ s Independence Day , which is obviously a massively iconic date and not only in the US .
It ’ s interesting again , that a lot of Western countries have sort of adopted their own July 4th variation .
It ’ s not exactly a worldwide holiday , but certainly a day of note .
In two weeks , a lot can happen .
We ’ ve seen that often this year .
It ’ s enough time for major additional plans to be put in place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be very eventful .
Then there ’ s the second point that ’ s gotten my attention .
Think back to 2009-2011 – this was the real peak of the Occupy movement .
We ’ re now in 2020 .
We ’ re nine years on .
So those young , idyllic people that were the main rank and file of that movement are 10 years older now .
Those who were quite high profile students from good universities were getting behind this , what positions are they in nowadays ?
They ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or high-level management in major corporations .
They ’ re going to have a whole other sphere of influence .
Or they might be on the city council .
A Seattle City Council member , Kshama Sawant , was part of the original Occupy Wall Street protests and is also part of this one .
No longer is this about wearing a funny t-shirt and waving a flag on the street and feeling the reward of being ‘ part of the crowd ’ anymore .
These people have progressed into places that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that leads to funding .
In the last week , there is something that has been notable in a way that I can ’ t say I ’ ve seen before with any of the previous campaigns .
And that is how many major companies are openly pledging their support , either specifically for Black Lives Matter , or for affiliate organizations .
I ’ m not getting into the rights and wrongs of tackling racism .
That ’ s not what this post is about .
This is about identifying and really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the big circle is worth it .
These kinds of moments should get your attention .
And it ’ s significant sums , like $ 50,000 a week , $ 100,000 a month , a one-time donation of $ 250,000 .
So not only are we seeing an increase in the number of participants , we ’ re seeing a massive increase in funding .
And I do believe there was already significant funding for these organizations anyway .
This is all piled onto a situation that clearly has concise and controlling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ huge amount of news on a daily basis just to kind of track everything from China to America , and everything in between , locally , upscale , and downscale .
When something really gets my attention , it is leaping out of a massive information maelstrom .
What I ’ m trying to highlight here is more of a thought process .
You need to consume the news but not be consumed by it .
But allowing yourself to absorb a wide stream of information from broad and varying sources gives you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , too see how certain ‘ key things ’ fit together and gives the possibility of better trend assessment and therefore , a prediction .
I ’ m not going to say this is perfect storm territory yet , but it ’ s definitely trending in that direction .
It ’ s something that I ’ m keeping my eye on more and more .
I just wanted to share with you a little bit of what was going through my thoughts in the last two or three days .
What I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for you to please comment below if you ’ re seeing the same things ?
Are you getting those emails from companies pledging support ?
Are you hearing from work colleagues or friends or family that this is a movement they ’ re increasingly getting behind and they feel that they need to do something ?
Where is everybody else out with this ?
And this isn ’ t just an American question .
Again , go right back to the beginning .
These movements are occurring in different countries at various levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ definitely seeing the spread .
So wherever you ’ re based , please do share your observations , if you care to , in the comments below .
Thank you so much .
Toby has an extensive background in the military , emergency services , risk management , and business continuity , combined with applied wilderness and urban survival skills .
He discusses personal safety , security , and the crossover of military skills to the average civilian .

Why Changing CHAZ to CHOP Is Actually a Very Big Deal
Toby Cowern, Guest
Waking Times
I just wanted to share with you a couple of thoughts that have been on my mind lately and see how it resonates with you out there. It has been very interesting for me in tracking the rioting that’s predominately been going on in the US. It’s obviously happening in other countries as well in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and other organizations emerging around their concerns of systemic racism in the US.
One thing for those reading from the US: I don’t know if you’re aware of how widespread the support for that movement and this message actually is? Even here in Sweden, we’ve seen protests occurring in different areas, as well as clashes with the police under these slogans and banners.
Protesters have taken over several blocks in Seattle.
In the US on June 8th, a group of protesters took over a 6 block area in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. A Black Lives Matter protest escalated and the police were driven out of the local precinct. The group set up blockades barring law enforcement from entering the area and set up camp under the acronym CHAZ.
Within the zone, they set up a display dedicated to people who died at the hands of police and Black Lives Matter. Many buildings now bear BLM graffiti.
There’s also a large street mural.
Descriptions of the area vary from it being a dangerous warzone to a utopian street fair. Politico says that Fox News is completely misleading readers and viewers and that Black Lives Matters organizers are running it, although other groups are also involved.
But it’s Fox that has been all over the story of the so-called Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone or CHAZ (which its Black Lives Matter organizers on Saturday renamed the Capitol Hill Organized Protest, CHOP): four-plus blocks of street and sidewalk in Seattle’s traditional gay and bohemian nightlife district, surrounding a boarded-up police precinct headquarters that the mayor ordered vacated last Monday to dampen a week-and-a-half of escalating confrontations between police and protesters. From there, the fluid protests, spearheaded by BLM but involving a wide spectrum of activists and ordinary citizens, coalesced with surprising rapidity into something like a provisional government. (source)
They have a list of demands, which you can read here.
The first thing that has my attention is the name change.
One thing that really stuck out in my mind happened just a few days ago. The Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone, known as the CHAZ, changed its name to the Capitol Hill Occupy Protests. So it’s now CHOP. It’s very easy to dismiss that as something very small and insignificant. I see a lot of people when they’re writing, still calling it the CHAZ, and even to the extent of some mocking the name change: with “See? They can’t even decide what they are called’ type of commentary…
Why is this important to me? Why does this get my attention?
A couple of things really.
One, it’s about seeing if people are ‘on-script’. So if people are supporting that cause specifically, how quickly do they change the vocabulary? How quickly do they adopt new terminology? How “onboard” are they with the message?
That’s important for tribal identity reasons. Tribal identity is a very important factor in the strength of the movement going forwards. The second reason it’s important is that they were losing some ground under the title of CHAZ. These occupiers were losing some PR ground. They were getting mocked, basically, because people were saying, “Well, you’re not autonomous, you know. You’ve declared this an independent state. You’re saying you’re not part of America. Autonomous should mean self-sufficient and you’re clearly not. You’re constantly asking for help. You’re constantly asking for handouts. You’re constantly asking for donations. You’re constantly asking for support, so you’re not autonomous.”
So switching to CHOP, or as another “occupy” protest, basically mutes out that public relations problem because they no longer claim autonomy.
Now that’s very slick. That’s very savvy. That’s very smart, actually.
And that goes to a deeper part of the problem.
It’s very easy to look at this as just a scraggly, ragtag bunch of people just sort of wandering around with this Utopian vision. But this small thing really shows a much deeper commitment, leadership, structure, and ability. An order has come down from somewhere and is very quickly spread throughout the key people, and then down to the ‘foot soldiers’, “This is what we will now be called and this is why.”
Now we can look at it as a kind of PR swing, which in and of itself would be quite worrisome that they can be so on-message. But in addition to this, we should note how quickly the change was implemented, communicated, and adopted.
But then what’s really captured me is the name: Capitol Hill Occupied Protest.
Do you remember Occupy Wall Street?
The Occupy Movement gained strength from the back of the financial crisis in the last decade, and notably from 2009, swelled. You may remember, the political slogan was, “We are the 99%.” It peaked in 2011 with the Occupy Wall Street movement. So the Occupy movement is much much, much bigger enabler and tribal identity. In fact, there were Occupy movement protests through 2010 onwards in 31 different countries, and most of those were major Western countries.
So this is now basically allowing, tempting, and goading those people who identified with the Occupy movement to join and rally around this cause. There may have been a small sort of core key group, perhaps Antifa-type in the beginning, getting the boots on the ground, actually, performing the occupation, and now they can broaden out and become more widespread.
I think we’re going to see a very sharp consolidation of the power base of this movement and you’re going to see a massive increase in the ranks.
This is notable for me in two different ways.
One is timing. As of publication, it’s June the 19th. So you’re just two weeks short of July the fourth, or America’s Independence Day, which is obviously a massively iconic date and not only in the US. It’s interesting again, that a lot of Western countries have sort of adopted their own July 4th variation. It’s not exactly a worldwide holiday, but certainly a day of note. In two weeks, a lot can happen. We’ve seen that often this year. It’s enough time for major additional plans to be put in place and so this 4th of July could be very eventful.
Then there’s the second point that’s gotten my attention.
Think back to 2009-2011 – this was the real peak of the Occupy movement. We’re now in 2020. We’re nine years on.
So those young, idyllic people that were the main rank and file of that movement are 10 years older now. Those who were quite high profile students from good universities were getting behind this, what positions are they in nowadays? They’re going to be sitting at mid, or high-level management in major corporations. They’re going to have a whole other sphere of influence.
Or they might be on the city council.
A Seattle City Council member, Kshama Sawant, was part of the original Occupy Wall Street protests and is also part of this one.
While the protest does have some loose leadership, there are few formal structures. Sawant compares the space to the “Night of 500 tents” during the Occupy Wall Street movement in Seattle in October 2011, of which she was a part. Back then, Occupy protesters were able to drive police from their space before police returned and cleared out the area where the protests took place. Already, said Sawant, CHOP has outlasted what they were able to achieve with that Occupy action, which only lasted three days. But she said she expects police to clear the area sometime in the near future. “I don’t think that we can in any way assume that the police will not come back and specifically attack this space,” she said. “I think we should expect that that could happen at any moment, because that’s exactly what happened in Occupy.” (source)
No longer is this about wearing a funny t-shirt and waving a flag on the street and feeling the reward of being ‘part of the crowd’ anymore. These people have progressed into places that they have major corporate clout.
And that leads to funding.
In the last week, there is something that has been notable in a way that I can’t say I’ve seen before with any of the previous campaigns. And that is how many major companies are openly pledging their support, either specifically for Black Lives Matter, or for affiliate organizations.
I’m not getting into the rights and wrongs of tackling racism. That’s not what this post is about. This is about identifying and really highlighting to you how keeping an eye on the big circle is worth it. These kinds of moments should get your attention.
Now we’re looking at major corporate identification, either through genuine backing of the cause, societal pressure, or the perception of societal pressure. I imagine that people in boardrooms are saying, “If we don’t get on board with this campaign, we really risk running a loss here or hurting our bottom line or affecting our sales base,” whichever the case may be. Virtue signaling now begins to transform into more tangible corporate action. The key thing I’m seeing in the emails that I receive is donations. Big companies are saying. “We support this cause and we’re actively putting money into it.”
And it’s significant sums, like $50,000 a week, $100,000 a month, a one-time donation of $250,000. So not only are we seeing an increase in the number of participants, we’re seeing a massive increase in funding. And I do believe there was already significant funding for these organizations anyway.
This is all piled onto a situation that clearly has concise and controlling leadership behind it.
We’re trending toward a perfect storm.
I read a huge amount of news on a daily basis just to kind of track everything from China to America, and everything in between, locally, upscale, and downscale. When something really gets my attention, it is leaping out of a massive information maelstrom.
What I’m trying to highlight here is more of a thought process. You need to consume the news but not be consumed by it. But allowing yourself to absorb a wide stream of information from broad and varying sources gives you the chance, every now and then, too see how certain ‘key things’ fit together and gives the possibility of better trend assessment and therefore, a prediction.
I’m not going to say this is perfect storm territory yet, but it’s definitely trending in that direction. It’s something that I’m keeping my eye on more and more. I just wanted to share with you a little bit of what was going through my thoughts in the last two or three days.
What I’d love on this particular issue is for you to please comment below if you’re seeing the same things? Are you getting those emails from companies pledging support? Are you hearing from work colleagues or friends or family that this is a movement they’re increasingly getting behind and they feel that they need to do something? Where is everybody else out with this?
And this isn’t just an American question. Again, go right back to the beginning. These movements are occurring in different countries at various levels of tenacity. And we’re definitely seeing the spread.
So wherever you’re based, please do share your observations, if you care to, in the comments below. Thank you so much.
About the Author
Toby has an extensive background in the military, emergency services, risk management, and business continuity, combined with applied wilderness and urban survival skills. He discusses personal safety, security, and the crossover of military skills to the average civilian.


thewakingtimes--2020-06-22--How To Check If Your iPhone Is Secretly A Coronavirus Tracker

How To Check If Your iPhone Is Secretly A Coronavirus Tracker If you downloaded the latest iOS update back in May , and any following updates , then congratulations…your COVID-19 infection status will likely soon be tracked by state health officials as part of each state ’ s contact tracing efforts .
Many iPhone users across the US have over the past few days started to notice a new setting under the “ privacy ” subtab of the iPhone health app .
It looks like this , and allows users to “ toggle on ” COVID-19 exposure logging .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ update of Apple ’ s iOS operating system for iPhone , iOS13.5 .
Some on twitter have only just noticed the toggle button , and we must note that it appears to have been quietly installed by Apple in recent days .
A similar setting has been installed on Android phones .
Some users questioned whether Apple will truly respect their privacy regarding their COVID-19 status , or whether they ’ ve interacted with anyone who has the virus…or maybe even just passed them on the street or in the supermarket .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most patients are infected by someone who either lives in , or frequently shares , the same space as them .
Are you awake yet ?
By Tyler Durden / Republished with permission / Zero Hedge

How To Check If Your iPhone Is Secretly A Coronavirus Tracker
Tyler Durden, Zero Hedge
Waking Times
If you downloaded the latest iOS update back in May, and any following updates, then congratulations…your COVID-19 infection status will likely soon be tracked by state health officials as part of each state’s contact tracing efforts.
Many iPhone users across the US have over the past few days started to notice a new setting under the “privacy” subtab of the iPhone health app. It looks like this, and allows users to “toggle on” COVID-19 exposure logging.
It’s all thanks to the latest update of Apple’s iOS operating system for iPhone, iOS13.5.
Let’s take a closer look.
Some on twitter have only just noticed the toggle button, and we must note that it appears to have been quietly installed by Apple in recent days.
http://twitter.com/aubrey_huff/status/1273970104875679745
A similar setting has been installed on Android phones.
http://twitter.com/conservdmc/status/1273973801676673024
Some users questioned whether Apple will truly respect their privacy regarding their COVID-19 status, or whether they’ve interacted with anyone who has the virus…or maybe even just passed them on the street or in the supermarket.
http://twitter.com/ndafed1776/status/1273971241674772481
This is happening even as evidence suggests that most patients are infected by someone who either lives in, or frequently shares, the same space as them. Are you awake yet?
By Tyler Durden / Republished with permission / Zero Hedge


thewakingtimes--2020-06-22--Technocracy Inside Your Body: Not Science Fiction

—Freedom includes the natural right to resist and reject any technology that endangers life .
Technocracy is the engineering of civilization to make it resemble a machine in which all the parts fit .
And that includes humans .
It is the preferred method of Globalism-for-control .
In prior articles , I ’ ve detailed how Bill Gates , the World Economic Forum , and others are using the false pandemic as the rationale for leading the human race into a Brave New World .
“ The new normal.
” “ We can never go back to the way it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ borderless planet , global governance , and total surveillance , so we can detect epidemics more quickly and head them off before they become scourges… ” I ’ ve described ongoing research in nanotechnology , which would involve placing tiny sensors in the body and brain that report , in real time , physical indicators , leading to remote diagnoses of diseases and prescriptions for treatment .
However , diseases and disorders are often grossly exaggerated and , in fact , are invented fictions in many instances , at the behest of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Therefore , people would be caught inside an AUTOMATED system of sensors , crooked diagnoses , and imposed toxic treatments .
In this article , I want to extend the analysis of technocracy “ in your body.
” The reference is “ The last mile to civilization 2.0 : technologies from our not too distant future—nanobots , smart dust , 5G wireless , and smart cities , ” by Jay Stanley , 12/13/2017 , techspot.com .
Buckle up : “ …most of today ’ s nanobots are actually created from algae , bacteria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in nature .
Scientists and engineers discovered long ago that piggybacking on nature by controlling a biological organism is easier than building one from scratch… ” “ These types of ‘ nanobots ’ are currently being used in humans to target cancerous tumors and can be remote controlled with magnetic pulses or ultrasound after being injected into the bloodstream near the targeted area ( usually in oxygen-depleted zones ) carrying some sort of drug payload.
” “ Magneto-aerotactic bacteria nanobots – ‘ …new nanorobotic agents capable of navigating through the bloodstream to administer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the active cancerous cells of tumours… ‘ These legions of nanorobotic agents were actually composed of more than 100 million flagellated bacteria — and therefore self-propelled — and loaded with drugs that are moved by taking the most direct path between the drug ’ s injection point and the area of the body to cure.
’ … ” “ Algal-based nanobots – Another remote-controlled , biodegradable , cancer-killing nanobot , this time made from spirulina algae with fluorescent and magnetic properties for tracking and controlling it to remote areas of the body.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this creation is capable of performing nanomechanical tasks such as finding , carrying and sorting molecular cargo like chemicals by using their nucleotide arms , hands , legs and feet to perform tasks and move around .
They ’ re smart enough to work alongside other bots in the same area without interfering with their tasks and it could be used to deliver medicines throughout the body , transport gene editing tools or for other programmable therapeutics.
” “ Bio-based solutions represent a bulk of the nanotech in this category and scientists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eventually be programmed with as much detail as full sized mechanized robots.
” “ However , researchers are also exploring nanobots made with electronics , such as ‘ neural dust , ’ which is perhaps best described as a Fitbit for the nervous system .
Created from CMOS circuits/sensors , neural dust uses ultrasound to power a 3mm-wide implant that can wirelessly track and transmit real-time data from nerves , organs and muscles.
” There ’ s a bit of a blur here between what is already being deployed and what is still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implication is clear : researchers are on the cusp of a radical shift in body/brain surveillance and manipulation .
The public relations campaigns always stress astonishing prospects for curing diseases ; but behind that front , you can be sure the military community is heavily involved .
For example , as the techspot.com article continues : “ Development of neural dust took rise with funding from DARPA [ the technology branch of the Pentagon ] and a 2013 UC Berkeley paper ( PDF ) titled ‘ Neural Dust : An Ultrasonic , Low @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the technology , which could be used to create an implantable brain-machine interface [ ! ]
with ultrasonic sensors that can stimulate specific brain areas.
” “ Our bodies are quite permeable by ultrasound and DARPA envisions that ultrasonically powered brain implants with biosensors may one day be used to monitor health and regulate bodily functions ranging from bladder control to the movement of prosthetic limbs , eventually enabling ‘ self-healing ’ of the body and mind through so-called ‘ electroceuticals ’ .
” “ Before neural dust , DARPA financed research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smart dust ’ — technically known as ‘ microelectromechanical sensors ’ ( MEMS ) — which is essentially an IoT device that can be placed anywhere in the environment to wirelessly monitor changes such as light , vibrations , temperature , humidity , magnetism or chemical signatures , acting as nerve-endings in an ad-hoc distributed network that provides full-spectrum intelligence.
” All this research and deployment detailed in the techspot article I ’ m quoting comes under the heading of : if they can do it , they will do it .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obeying orders from Pandemic Central these days , you have to think many of them will go along with a program of implanting tiny bots in their bodies to “ facilitate medical treatment.
” Why should these bots need to be injected ?
How about spraying them by the millions ?
Far less precise , but a “ useful experiment.
” Another basic principle at work here : it ’ s only science fiction until it ’ s actually happening .
A planetary lockdown was a bad sci fi thriller until it happened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , our readout of your body sensors reveals you ’ re in a pre-infection stage of a potentially contagious disease .
Your [ driverless ] car will transport you to a facility near your home for further testing and treatment .
Get in your car now… ” “ Ms .
Jones , this is your GFC [ Google , Facebook , Cisco ] brain sensor letting you know we ’ re making a few changes in your neural response rate so you ’ ll be more alert at work .
The changes will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Don ’ t be alarmed if you notice new feelings popping up here and there… ” “ Hi Fred , this is your BMI [ brain machine interface ] .
To prep you for your new job category , we ’ ll be downgrading your adrenaline levels… ” Of course , none of this has to be communicated .
It can simply be DONE .
Technocratic dictatorship doesn ’ t need permission .
It ’ s “ science , ” so it must be true , important , and necessary .
Unless and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the author of three explosive collections , THE MATRIX REVEALED , EXIT FROM THE MATRIX , and POWER OUTSIDE THE MATRIX , Jon was a candidate for a US Congressional seat in the 29thDistrict of California .
He maintains a consulting practice for private clients , the purpose of which is the expansion of personal creative power .
Nominated for a Pulitzer Prize , he has worked as an investigative reporter for 30 years , writing articles on politics , medicine , and health for CBS Healthwatch , LA Weekly , Spin Magazine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ magazines in the US and Europe .
Jon has delivered lectures and seminars on global politics , health , logic , and creative power to audiences around the world .
You can sign up for his free emails at NoMoreFakeNews.com or OutsideTheRealityMachine .
This article ( Technocracy inside your body : not science fiction ) was originally created and published by Jon Rappaport ’ s Blog and is re-posted here with permission .
Like Waking Times on Facebook .
Follow Waking Times on Twitter .

Technocracy Inside Your Body: Not Science Fiction
Jon Rappoport, Guest
Waking Times
—Freedom includes the natural right to resist and reject any technology that endangers life.
Merriam-Webster: “nanobot-a microscopically small robot: a robot built on the scale of nanometers.”
Technocracy is the engineering of civilization to make it resemble a machine in which all the parts fit. And that includes humans. It is the preferred method of Globalism-for-control.
In prior articles, I’ve detailed how Bill Gates, the World Economic Forum, and others are using the false pandemic as the rationale for leading the human race into a Brave New World. “The new normal.” “We can never go back to the way it was.” “We must have a borderless planet, global governance, and total surveillance, so we can detect epidemics more quickly and head them off before they become scourges…”
I’ve described ongoing research in nanotechnology, which would involve placing tiny sensors in the body and brain that report, in real time, physical indicators, leading to remote diagnoses of diseases and prescriptions for treatment.
However, diseases and disorders are often grossly exaggerated and, in fact, are invented fictions in many instances, at the behest of the pharmaceutical industry, to expand profits. Therefore, people would be caught inside an AUTOMATED system of sensors, crooked diagnoses, and imposed toxic treatments.
In this article, I want to extend the analysis of technocracy “in your body.” The reference is “The last mile to civilization 2.0: technologies from our not too distant future—nanobots, smart dust, 5G wireless, and smart cities,” by Jay Stanley, 12/13/2017, techspot.com. Buckle up:
“…most of today’s nanobots are actually created from algae, bacteria, DNA and other organisms already occurring in nature. Scientists and engineers discovered long ago that piggybacking on nature by controlling a biological organism is easier than building one from scratch…” “These types of ‘nanobots’ are currently being used in humans to target cancerous tumors and can be remote controlled with magnetic pulses or ultrasound after being injected into the bloodstream near the targeted area (usually in oxygen-depleted zones) carrying some sort of drug payload.” “Magneto-aerotactic bacteria nanobots – ‘…new nanorobotic agents capable of navigating through the bloodstream to administer a drug with precision by specifically targeting the active cancerous cells of tumours… ‘These legions of nanorobotic agents were actually composed of more than 100 million flagellated bacteria — and therefore self-propelled — and loaded with drugs that are moved by taking the most direct path between the drug’s injection point and the area of the body to cure.’…” “Algal-based nanobots – Another remote-controlled, biodegradable, cancer-killing nanobot, this time made from spirulina algae with fluorescent and magnetic properties for tracking and controlling it to remote areas of the body.” “DNA-based nanobots – Made of DNA, this creation is capable of performing nanomechanical tasks such as finding, carrying and sorting molecular cargo like chemicals by using their nucleotide arms, hands, legs and feet to perform tasks and move around. They’re smart enough to work alongside other bots in the same area without interfering with their tasks and it could be used to deliver medicines throughout the body, transport gene editing tools or for other programmable therapeutics.” “Bio-based solutions represent a bulk of the nanotech in this category and scientists believe that these types of bots could eventually be programmed with as much detail as full sized mechanized robots.” “However, researchers are also exploring nanobots made with electronics, such as ‘neural dust,’ which is perhaps best described as a Fitbit for the nervous system. Created from CMOS circuits/sensors, neural dust uses ultrasound to power a 3mm-wide implant that can wirelessly track and transmit real-time data from nerves, organs and muscles.”
Getting the picture?
There’s a bit of a blur here between what is already being deployed and what is still in the research phase, but the implication is clear: researchers are on the cusp of a radical shift in body/brain surveillance and manipulation.
The public relations campaigns always stress astonishing prospects for curing diseases; but behind that front, you can be sure the military community is heavily involved.
For example, as the techspot.com article continues: “Development of neural dust took rise with funding from DARPA [the technology branch of the Pentagon] and a 2013 UC Berkeley paper (PDF) titled ‘Neural Dust: An Ultrasonic, Low Power Solution’ conceptualizes a mature version of the technology, which could be used to create an implantable brain-machine interface [!] with ultrasonic sensors that can stimulate specific brain areas.” “Our bodies are quite permeable by ultrasound and DARPA envisions that ultrasonically powered brain implants with biosensors may one day be used to monitor health and regulate bodily functions ranging from bladder control to the movement of prosthetic limbs, eventually enabling ‘self-healing’ of the body and mind through so-called ‘electroceuticals’.” “Before neural dust, DARPA financed research through Berkeley in 1998 to create ‘smart dust’ — technically known as ‘microelectromechanical sensors’ (MEMS) — which is essentially an IoT device that can be placed anywhere in the environment to wirelessly monitor changes such as light, vibrations, temperature, humidity, magnetism or chemical signatures, acting as nerve-endings in an ad-hoc distributed network that provides full-spectrum intelligence.”
All this research and deployment detailed in the techspot article I’m quoting comes under the heading of: if they can do it, they will do it.
And when you see untold numbers of people obeying orders from Pandemic Central these days, you have to think many of them will go along with a program of implanting tiny bots in their bodies to “facilitate medical treatment.”
Why should these bots need to be injected? How about spraying them by the millions? Far less precise, but a “useful experiment.”
Another basic principle at work here: it’s only science fiction until it’s actually happening. A planetary lockdown was a bad sci fi thriller until it happened this year.
“Mr. Smith, our readout of your body sensors reveals you’re in a pre-infection stage of a potentially contagious disease. Your [driverless] car will transport you to a facility near your home for further testing and treatment. Get in your car now…” “Ms. Jones, this is your GFC [Google, Facebook, Cisco] brain sensor letting you know we’re making a few changes in your neural response rate so you’ll be more alert at work. The changes will happen over the next three days. Don’t be alarmed if you notice new feelings popping up here and there…” “Hi Fred, this is your BMI [brain machine interface]. To prep you for your new job category, we’ll be downgrading your adrenaline levels…”
Of course, none of this has to be communicated. It can simply be DONE.
Technocratic dictatorship doesn’t need permission. It’s “science,” so it must be true, important, and necessary.
Unless and until people REVOLT.
About the Author
Jon Rappoport is the author of three explosive collections, THE MATRIX REVEALED, EXIT FROM THE MATRIX, and POWER OUTSIDE THE MATRIX, Jon was a candidate for a US Congressional seat in the 29thDistrict of California. He maintains a consulting practice for private clients, the purpose of which is the expansion of personal creative power. Nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, he has worked as an investigative reporter for 30 years, writing articles on politics, medicine, and health for CBS Healthwatch, LA Weekly, Spin Magazine, Stern, and other newspapers and magazines in the US and Europe. Jon has delivered lectures and seminars on global politics, health, logic, and creative power to audiences around the world. You can sign up for his free emails at NoMoreFakeNews.com or OutsideTheRealityMachine.
(To read about Jon’s mega-collection, Exit From The Matrix, click here.)
This article (Technocracy inside your body: not science fiction) was originally created and published by Jon Rappaport’s Blog and is re-posted here with permission.
SOURCES:
http://www.techspot.com/article/1534-civilization-20-next-gen-technologies/page2.html
http://www.cnet.com/news/berkeley-scientists-have-smart-dust-on-the-brain/
http://arxiv.org/pdf/1307.2196v1.pdf


thewakingtimes--2020-06-22--Is There Really Strong Evidence for Wearing Masks?

Is There Really Strong Evidence for Wearing Masks ?
During the COVID-19 pandemic , there has been conflicting advice about wearing face masks or face coverings , even within the same public health agencies .
For example , some medical organizations claim that wearing a mask only protects others from you if you are carrying the virus , but urge you to wear one if you are in close contact with a COVID-19 patient — which infers that a mask could protect you from an infected person .
The advice raises several questions .
First , many people can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because they are asymptomatic and have not been tested .
How would these people know to wear a mask ?
Secondly , if a mask is indicated if you are in close contact with a COVID-19 patient , then that would indicate that a mask does protect you from others and not just others from you .
So , which is the truth ?
There is another element to the conflicting advice .
Some medical experts claim that wearing a face mask is harmful to the wearer .
Not only does it not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it can limit your oxygen and even redirect harmful pathogens that you may be carrying back into your airway .
As COVID-19 lockdowns end and people are getting out in the public again , what does the evidence say about wearing masks ?
Advice From WHO and CDC About Face Masks Differs The World Health Organization , founded in 1948 , consists of more than 7,000 people from more than 150 countries .
Its staff includes medical doctors , public health specialists , scientists , epidemiologists and experts in health statistics , economics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to masks for COVID-19 , this body of experts does not cast masks as the panacea .
Originally , the WHO listed these guidelines as to who should wear masks : • If you are healthy , you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with COVID-19 .
• Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing .
• Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water .
• If you wear a mask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use it and dispose of it properly .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is the U.S. ’ s leading health agency , administered under the Department of Health and Human Services .
When it comes to battling COVID-19 , its advice is not the same as WHO ’ s .
Pointing out that people can carry the virus with no symptoms or before symptoms like coughing and sneezing surface , it wrote on its website April 3 , 2020 : By May 22 , 2020 , the CDC had added a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ A cloth face covering may not protect the wearer , but it may keep the wearer from spreading the virus to others.
” Many medical and political leaders support wearing masks .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , the high-profile medical member of the White House coronavirus task force and director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , has endorsed them .
So has former acting CDC director Dr. Richard Besser .
Virginia Gov .
Ralph Northam signed an executive order at the end of May 2020 mandating masks in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DeWine said wearing a mask is an expression of “ loving your fellow human being.
” Countries that routinely use face masks have lowered their COVID-19 transmission .
Does that mean those who reject face masks are increasing the risk of transmission to themselves and others ?
Many questions remain .
What Does Research Say About Face Mask Effectiveness ?
Dr. Chris Murray , director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation , has said that face masks represent “ probably a 50 % protection against transmission , ” but other estimates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a study on the ability of masks to block COVID-19 , which is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus , published by South Korean researchers in the Annals of Internal Medicine in April 2020 , found : Contamination was found on the outside of the masks , wrote the researchers : Criticism of the study by other researchers was brisk , ranging from questioning the handling of the masks before the experiment , which could have caused the observed contamination , to noting that only a small number of subjects were involved .
Paul @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industrial engineering , mechanical engineering and materials science at the University of Pittsburgh , noted in a letter to the editor that the premise of the research was wrong since masks are not intended to “ shorten the trajectory of droplets emitted during coughing.
” Instead , he wrote : Research that appeared in April 2020 on medRxiv found that : However , Ian Jones , professor of virology at the University of Reading , disagreed with these findings , according to the journal BMJ .
“ If an aerosol droplet hits the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hole it is clearly arrested … helps to slow the epidemic , ” he said , stating that masks are not a “ cure ” but are useful in flattening the curve .
Also according to BMJ , Simon Clarke , associate professor in cellular microbiology at the University of Reading , saw another problem with widespread wearing of masks .
“ Mass face mask wearing by the public would likely cause shortages among people who genuinely need protective equipment — health care workers on the front line in our hospitals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mayo Clinic , even though masks are useful , the fear of a shortage of them shaped the CDC ’ s original recommendations .
The clinic wrote on its website : There was another reason for the CDC ’ s delay in endorsing masks when the pandemic first surfaced , wrote Mayo .
Another hurdle to a full endorsement of face masks by public health groups was the concern that they could provide a false sense of security .
Experts also feared the masks could lead to more touching of the face or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down on an unclean surface .
When it comes to health care workers , they should not work without respiratory protection of some kind , according to the authors of a 2015 study who updated their comments in April 2020 : Face Masks May Do Harm , Some Experts Say The face mask controversy does not just revolve around whether they are effective or ineffective in preventing infections or whether widespread use would create shortages for health care professionals .
Some medical experts say the masks can cause harm to wearers .
Virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fame has been very outspoken about the dangers of face masks .
According to Weblyf.com , in social media posts she has written : Mikovits is not the only expert warning about face mask dangers .
According to News-Medical.Net , Dr. Jenny Harries , England ’ s deputy chief medical officer , has warned the public against wearing facemasks “ as the virus can get trapped in the material and causes infection when the wearer breathes in.
” Nationally recognized board-certified neurosurgeon Dr. Russell Blaylock also believes face masks are capable of causing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pose a danger to health care workers , wrote Blaylock , by causing “ a reduction in blood oxygenation ( hypoxia ) or an elevation in blood CO2 ( hypercapnia ) , ” as well as headaches .
The elderly are at risk , too , he warns : Face Shields May Be More Effective Than Face Masks Face shields , plastic covers over the whole face that function as visors , may look extreme or “ dorky ” but they have some advantages over cloth masks .
First , unlike cloth masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and water or disinfectants and reused over and over because they are plastic and won ’ t degrade .
Second , face shields are more comfortable to wear , especially on hot days , since they are not placed directly over your mouth and nose and allow free breathing .
Finally , and most importantly , face shields protect you better than face masks because the mouth and nose are not the only inlets of infection .
According to the National Post , face shields also : Face shields , when studied with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of flu-laden droplets produced by a cough even when the face shield wearers were only 18 inches of someone coughing , the Post said .
Clearly , they provide some of the protections of social distancing which may explain why we are increasingly seeing them used by health care practitioners .
If You Do Wear a Face Mask Follow These Guidelines Clearly , there is evidence both for and against wearing face masks during the pandemic .
If you do decide to wear a face mask , here are useful tips from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure you use your mask safely : • Before putting on a mask , ideally clean your hands with soap and water .
• Cover your mouth and nose with the mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask .
• Avoid touching the mask while using it ; if you do , clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water .
• Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not reuse single-use masks .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it from behind ( do not touch the front of the mask ) ; discard it immediately in a closed bin ; and clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water .

Is There Really Strong Evidence for Wearing Masks?
Dr. Mercola, Guest
Waking Times
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been conflicting advice about wearing face masks or face coverings, even within the same public health agencies. For example, some medical organizations claim that wearing a mask only protects others from you if you are carrying the virus, but urge you to wear one if you are in close contact with a COVID-19 patient — which infers that a mask could protect you from an infected person.
The advice raises several questions. First, many people can be carrying the virus and not know it because they are asymptomatic and have not been tested. How would these people know to wear a mask? Secondly, if a mask is indicated if you are in close contact with a COVID-19 patient, then that would indicate that a mask does protect you from others and not just others from you. So, which is the truth?
There is another element to the conflicting advice. Some medical experts claim that wearing a face mask is harmful to the wearer. Not only does it not protect you, they say, but it can limit your oxygen and even redirect harmful pathogens that you may be carrying back into your airway. As COVID-19 lockdowns end and people are getting out in the public again, what does the evidence say about wearing masks?
Advice From WHO and CDC About Face Masks Differs
The World Health Organization, founded in 1948, consists of more than 7,000 people from more than 150 countries. Its staff includes medical doctors, public health specialists, scientists, epidemiologists and experts in health statistics, economics and emergency relief. When it comes to masks for COVID-19, this body of experts does not cast masks as the panacea. Originally, the WHO listed these guidelines as to who should wear masks:
If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with COVID-19.
Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.
The WHO changed its mind, though, and modified its recommendations June 5, 2020, to advise the general public to wear a mask in specific situations when social distancing isn’t possible. Otherwise, “… there is no direct evidence (from studies on COVID- 19 and in healthy people in the community) on the effectiveness of universal masking of healthy people in the community to prevent infection with respiratory viruses, including COVID-19.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is the U.S.’s leading health agency, administered under the Department of Health and Human Services. When it comes to battling COVID-19, its advice is not the same as WHO’s. Pointing out that people can carry the virus with no symptoms or before symptoms like coughing and sneezing surface, it wrote on its website April 3, 2020:
“This means that the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity … CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission …
CDC is additionally advising the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.”
By May 22, 2020, the CDC had added a yellow-highlighted banner to its page, saying, “A cloth face covering may not protect the wearer, but it may keep the wearer from spreading the virus to others.”
Many medical and political leaders support wearing masks. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the high-profile medical member of the White House coronavirus task force and director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has endorsed them. So has former acting CDC director Dr. Richard Besser.
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam signed an executive order at the end of May 2020 mandating masks in his state and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said wearing a mask is an expression of “loving your fellow human being.”
Countries that routinely use face masks have lowered their COVID-19 transmission. Does that mean those who reject face masks are increasing the risk of transmission to themselves and others? Many questions remain.
What Does Research Say About Face Mask Effectiveness?
Dr. Chris Murray, director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, has said that face masks represent “probably a 50% protection against transmission,” but other estimates are less reassuring. For example, a study on the ability of masks to block COVID-19, which is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, published by South Korean researchers in the Annals of Internal Medicine in April 2020, found:
“Neither surgical nor cotton masks effectively filtered SARS-CoV-2 during coughs by infected patients. Prior evidence that surgical masks effectively filtered influenza virus informed recommendations that patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 should wear face masks to prevent transmission.
However, the size and concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 in aerosols generated during coughing are unknown.
Oberg and Brousseau demonstrated that surgical masks did not exhibit adequate filter performance against aerosols measuring 0.9, 2.0, and 3.1 μm in diameter … assuming that SARS-CoV-2 has a similar size [to SARS–CoV], surgical masks are unlikely to effectively filter this virus.”
Contamination was found on the outside of the masks, wrote the researchers:
“Of note, we found greater contamination on the outer than the inner mask surfaces … The mask’s aerodynamic features may explain this finding. A turbulent jet due to air leakage around the mask edge could contaminate the outer surface. Alternatively, the small aerosols of SARS-CoV-2 generated during a high-velocity cough might penetrate the masks.
In conclusion, both surgical and cotton masks seem to be ineffective in preventing the dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 from the coughs of patients with COVID-19 to the environment and external mask surface.”
Criticism of the study by other researchers was brisk, ranging from questioning the handling of the masks before the experiment, which could have caused the observed contamination, to noting that only a small number of subjects were involved.
Paul W. Leu, an associate professor of industrial engineering, mechanical engineering and materials science at the University of Pittsburgh, noted in a letter to the editor that the premise of the research was wrong since masks are not intended to “shorten the trajectory of droplets emitted during coughing.” Instead, he wrote:
“The conclusions of this study … are not only erroneous but misleading … The function of the mask is to reduce how far aerosol droplets travel during breathing, speaking, singing, sneezing, or coughing. This is the same reason one should cover one’s mouth or nose with your forearm, inside of your elbow, or tissue when sneezing.” Another critic, Ken Lim of CyberMedia Convergence Consulting, wrote that the experiment should have been “how many viral droplets appeared on another person or surface,” not on the masks themselves. Subsequently, in June, the authors retracted this study. Acknowledging that readers had called attention to flaws in their work, they said they had offered to correct it “with new experimental data from additional patients, but the editors requested retraction.”
More Questions About Face Mask Effectiveness
Research that appeared in April 2020 on medRxiv found that:
“The evidence is not sufficiently strong to support widespread use of facemasks as a protective measure against COVID-19. However, there is enough evidence to support the use of facemasks for short periods of time by particularly vulnerable individuals when in transient higher risk situations.”
However, Ian Jones, professor of virology at the University of Reading, disagreed with these findings, according to the journal BMJ. “If an aerosol droplet hits the weave of the mask fabric rather than the hole it is clearly arrested … helps to slow the epidemic,” he said, stating that masks are not a “cure” but are useful in flattening the curve.
Also according to BMJ, Simon Clarke, associate professor in cellular microbiology at the University of Reading, saw another problem with widespread wearing of masks. “Mass face mask wearing by the public would likely cause shortages among people who genuinely need protective equipment — health care workers on the front line in our hospitals,” he said.
According to the Mayo Clinic, even though masks are useful, the fear of a shortage of them shaped the CDC’s original recommendations. The clinic wrote on its website:
“The CDC acknowledged this concern when it recommended cloth masks for the public and not the surgical and N95 masks needed by health care providers.”
There was another reason for the CDC’s delay in endorsing masks when the pandemic first surfaced, wrote Mayo.
“At that time, experts didn’t yet know the extent to which people with COVID-19 could spread the virus before symptoms appeared. Nor was it known that some people have COVID-19 but don’t have any symptoms. Both groups can unknowingly spread the virus to others.
These discoveries led the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to do an about-face on face masks. The CDC updated its guidance to recommend widespread use of simple cloth face coverings to help prevent transmission of the virus by people who have COVID-19 but don’t know it.”
Another hurdle to a full endorsement of face masks by public health groups was the concern that they could provide a false sense of security. Experts also feared the masks could lead to more touching of the face or contamination if the wearer puts the mask down on an unclean surface.
When it comes to health care workers, they should not work without respiratory protection of some kind, according to the authors of a 2015 study who updated their comments in April 2020:
“There are now numerous reports of health workers wearing home made cloth masks, or re-using disposable mask and respirators, and asking for guidance. If health workers choose to work in these circumstances, guidance should be given around the use.
There have been a number of laboratory studies looking at the effectiveness of different types of cloth materials, single versus multiple layers and about the role that filters can play. However, none have been tested in a clinical trial for efficacy. If health workers choose to work using cloth masks, we suggest that they have at least two and cycle them, so that each one can be washed and dried after daily use.
Sanitizer spray or UV disinfection boxes can be used to clean them during breaks in a single day. These are pragmatic, rather than evidence-based suggestions, given the situation.
Finally for COVID-19, wearing a mask is not enough to protect healthcare workers — use of gloves and goggles are also required as a minimum, as SARS-CoV-2 may infect not only through the respiratory route, but also through contact with contaminated surfaces and self-contamination.”
Face Masks May Do Harm, Some Experts Say
http://youtu.be/3STOGvsVCPs
The face mask controversy does not just revolve around whether they are effective or ineffective in preventing infections or whether widespread use would create shortages for health care professionals. Some medical experts say the masks can cause harm to wearers.
Virus expert Judy Mikovits of “Plandemic” fame has been very outspoken about the dangers of face masks. According to Weblyf.com, in social media posts she has written:
“Do you not know how unhealthy it is to keep inhaling your carbon dioxide and restricting proper oxygen flow? … The body requires AMPLE amounts of oxygen for optimal immune health. Proper oxygenation of your cells and blood is ESSENTIAL for the body to function as it needs to in order to fight off any illness. Masks will hamper oxygen intake.
Unless you are working in a hospital setting, it is NOT necessary … [If] [y]ou want to be healthy … Stop smoking, change your diet, stop consuming alcohol, turn off your wifi and cell phone, stop getting injected with neurotoxins, stop taking toxic medications, stop using so many chemicals … get some sun, drink plenty of (filtered) water [and] sleep well.”
Mikovits is not the only expert warning about face mask dangers. According to News-Medical.Net, Dr. Jenny Harries, England’s deputy chief medical officer, has warned the public against wearing facemasks “as the virus can get trapped in the material and causes infection when the wearer breathes in.”
Nationally recognized board-certified neurosurgeon Dr. Russell Blaylock also believes face masks are capable of causing serious harm:
“Now that we have established that there is no scientific evidence necessitating the wearing of a face mask for prevention, are there dangers to wearing a face mask, especially for long periods? Several studies have indeed found significant problems with wearing such a mask.
This can vary from headaches, to increased airway resistance, carbon dioxide accumulation, to hypoxia, all the way to serious life-threatening complications … By wearing a mask, the exhaled viruses will not be able to escape and will concentrate in the nasal passages, enter the olfactory nerves and travel into the brain.”
Face masks can also pose a danger to health care workers, wrote Blaylock, by causing “a reduction in blood oxygenation (hypoxia) or an elevation in blood CO2 (hypercapnia),” as well as headaches. The elderly are at risk, too, he warns:
“Unfortunately, no one is telling the frail elderly and those with lung diseases, such as COPD, emphysema or pulmonary fibrosis, of these dangers when wearing a facial mask of any kind — which can cause a severe worsening of lung function.
This also includes lung cancer patients and people having had lung surgery, especially with partial resection or even the removal of a whole lung.”
Face Shields May Be More Effective Than Face Masks
Face shields, plastic covers over the whole face that function as visors, may look extreme or “dorky” but they have some advantages over cloth masks. First, unlike cloth masks, they can be cleaned with soap and water or disinfectants and reused over and over because they are plastic and won’t degrade.
Second, face shields are more comfortable to wear, especially on hot days, since they are not placed directly over your mouth and nose and allow free breathing. Finally, and most importantly, face shields protect you better than face masks because the mouth and nose are not the only inlets of infection. According to the National Post, face shields also:
“… block the virus from entering ‘portals, (mouths, noses and eyes) and ‘reduce the potential for autoinoculation,’ meaning implanting the virus into our own bodies after touching a contaminated surface, by preventing the wearer from touching his or her face …
While SARS-CoV-2 is spread by breathing in tiny liquid virus-containing droplets, there is evidence it can enter the body through mucus membranes, including the mucus membranes on the surface of the eye and inner eye lids.”
Face shields, when studied with influenza, protected people from inhaling 96% of flu-laden droplets produced by a cough even when the face shield wearers were only 18 inches of someone coughing, the Post said. Clearly, they provide some of the protections of social distancing which may explain why we are increasingly seeing them used by health care practitioners.
If You Do Wear a Face Mask Follow These Guidelines
Clearly, there is evidence both for and against wearing face masks during the pandemic. If you do decide to wear a face mask, here are useful tips from WHO for usage and disposal to make sure you use your mask safely: