thewakingtimes--2020-08-21--Bill Gates Secretly Dictates Global Food Policy Too

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Bill Gates has built a global empire around his technologies and “ philanthropic ” endeavors , the magnitude of which is now becoming increasingly clear .
His sheer wealth has allowed him to become a veritable superpower in his own right .
He ’ s not only risen to become the largest funder of the World Health Organization and the unelected global COVID-19 health czar but he ’ s also a secret powerbroker of the global food system .
As revealed in the AGRA Watch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : The Gates Foundation ’ s Influence on the UN Food Systems Summit , ” published August 2020 , Gates wields powerful influence over global food and agriculture policy through his funding of a large number of organizations involved in agricultural development and policy making .
While Gates is just one man , his clout is significantly leveraged and magnified by the fact that he funds such a large number of companies and organizations that can then do his bidding on the sly .
When you see long lists of groups , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the game when , in fact , Gates is the singular thread running through most or all of them .
The AGRA Watch report2 makes a perfect case in point with the story of Agnes Kalibata .
Kalibata is the president of Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa ( AGRA ) , an organization funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation .
In December 2019 , Kalibata was appointed special envoy to the 2021 United Nations Food Systems Summit by the secretary general of the UN , Antonio Guterres .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ farmer groups from 83 countries urged Guterres to withdraw the appointment of Kalibata due to her clear conflicts of interest with corporate actors .
A second statement , signed by more than 500 academics and organizations , also opposed Kalibata ’ s appointment to , and her organization of , the Summit .
That ’ s significant pushback , illustrating there ’ s widespread concern about Kalibata ’ s appointment .
Coming forward in her defense were a dozen individuals representing development banks , academic institutions and the private sector .
They urged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership qualities and work ethic , among other things .
However , of those 12 defenders , “ 11 had past or current connections to the Gates Foundation , ” AGRA Watch says , adding:3 In other words , while it may look like Kalabata had support from a dozen separate and independent individuals or groups , in reality , there are really only two voices speaking in her defense .
It ’ s just that Gates ’ voice is magnified times 11 .
What ’ s more , his name is never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it would appear he has nothing to do with it at all .
The following graphic , included in the AGRA Watch report , illustrates the direct and indirect funding ties between the Gates Foundation and the UN Food Systems Summit ’ s special envoy , Kalibata .
AGRA Watch has raised concerns about the Gates Foundation ’ s influence on the agribusiness for many years .
Gates Foundation Isn ’ t in It to Solve Real-World Problems In its 2014 report,8 “ Three Examples of Problems with Gates Foundation Grants , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ massive investments in global food production have failed to solve any of the very real problems we face .
First and foremost , many of the solutions that he backs are “ Band-Aid solutions ” that in fact worsen the root problems .
Examples include the funding of the development of genetically engineered ( GE ) foods designed to be higher in certain nutrients .
The problem is that these crops then end up replacing local diversity with just a few GE varieties that don ’ t even take local conditions into account @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fortified ” crop varieties , malnutrition actually deepens , as biodiversity is reduced .
A third problem highlighted in the report is Gates ’ funding of European and American research organizations and scientists rather than African ones , even though the programs are being implemented in Africa .
Additional observations can be found in the AGRA Watch article9 “ Philanthrocapitalism : The Gates Foundation ’ s African Programs Are Not Charity , ” published December 2017 , in which philanthrocapitalism is described as “ an attempt to use market processes to do good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ as markets are ill-suited to producing socially constructive ends.
” Put another way , Gates ’ brand of philanthropy creates several new problems for each one it solves .
As noted in the article , advocates of philanthrocapitalism : One of the reasons many are now becoming aware of just how powerful Gates has become is because of his frequent appearances as the COVID-19 expert du jour .
It ’ s an odd choice , considering his complete and total lack of formal medical training .
It ’ s particularly perplexing in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical doctors , award-winning scientists and researchers who conflict with his views are being scrubbed off the internet .
Gates has repeatedly stated that life can not go back to normal until and unless we vaccinate the entire global population against COVID-19 .
This , despite the fact that scientists and medical researchers have discovered a variety of safe , simple and inexpensive strategies to prevent and treat COVID-19 .
The fact that Gates ’ irrational and scientifically unsound opinions are shaping pandemic responses around the globe while real medical professionals are being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ platforms is proof positive that we ’ re no longer operating from a base of science and medical truth .
Instead , the whole world is expected to fall into line with the self-serving agenda created by Gates and his many allies in technology and medicine .
In an April 30 , 2020 , GatesNotes post,11,12 Gates even states he “ suspect [ s ] the COVID-19 vaccine will become part of the routine newborn immunization schedule ” — a nice little piece of predictive programming , if you ask me .
Mind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against COVID-19 will alter your genetic expression , turning your body into a viral protein factory .
Is it really wise to consider using such a novel vaccine on newborns ?
In a sane and rational world , the answer would be a resounding no .
Unfortunately , we now live in a world run by Gates ’ goons , and thus reason and logic have largely vanished from the equation .
In predictable Hegelian dialectic problem-reaction-solution fashion , the problem of COVID-19 led to illogical and ill-conceived pandemic responses such as mask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , followed by the “ ultimate solution ” of a hastily thrown together vaccine using novel mRNA technology .
Radical as all of that may seem , Gates ’ plans for the world do not stop here .
He ’ s also pushing for the implementation of a vast , global surveillance system to track and trace everyone ’ s infection and vaccination status .
He ’ s even funding the contact tracing group Partners in Health , along with George Soros .
( The William J. Clinton Foundation has also funded Partners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surprisingly , Gates ’ recommendations end up benefiting himself most of all .
As discussed in “ Bill Gates — Most Dangerous Philanthropist in Modern History ?
” the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation donates billions to the very same companies and industries that the Foundation owns stocks and bonds in .
Using nonprofit money to advance research for companies you ’ re invested in is illegal , yet he ’ s been getting away with this for many years .
At the same time , his Foundation gets tax breaks for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Remember , he has “ donated ” tens of billions of dollars over the years , yet his net worth hasn ’ t dropped — it has doubled , and this is largely because his donations are treated as tax deductible investments .
It ’ s philanthrocapitalism at its finest .
The COVID-19 pandemic is undoubtedly Gates ’ biggest philanthrocapitalist project to date , and he stands to cash in big , as he ’ s funding/investing in both therapeutics and COVID-19 vaccines .
In March 2020 , the Gates Foundation announced14 a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Therapeutics Accelerator , ” with Wellcome and Mastercard to “ coordinate R & D efforts and remove barriers to drug development.
” According to the press release:15 The Gates Foundation has also teamed up with Serum Institute of India ( SII ) to manufacture 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines developed by AstraZeneca and Novavax .
The vaccines , which will cost less than $ 3 per dose , are slated for delivery to low-income countries.16,17 The funding is being funneled as an interest-free forgivable loan to Gavi , the Vaccine Alliance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which will then provide the needed capital to SII .
Over the next five years , the Foundation has also pledged to provide Gavi with a total of $ 1.6 billion in additional funds.18 Having an overarching influence over technology , food and medicine ( vaccines in particular ) still doesn ’ t adequately describe Gates ’ influence on our daily lives .
He ’ s also had a profound influence over education .
The much-criticized Common Core curriculum was the Gates Foundation ’ s attempt at remaking American education,19 and most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was.20 Despite that abysmal failure , May 6 , 2020 , New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo announced the state is partnering with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop “ a smarter education system ” for the post-COVID world that will focus on online learning and permanently integrate technology into every aspect of civic life.21 The state is also partnering with Google , and Cuomo has asked former Google CEO Eric Schmidt to head a new panel to plan the state ’ s technological infrastructure.22 As noted by The Intercept,23 the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against is now being rebranded as the answer to everyone ’ s health concerns .
Gates Is the Most Visible Figurehead of Modern Technocracy Whether preplanned or not , the COVID-19 pandemic is clearly being used to usher in highly controversial changes that are unmistakably totalitarian-building , including the private take-over of government through public-private partnerships .
Surveillance has become the biggest for-profit industry on the planet , and your entire existence is now being targeted for profit .
Among those who stand to profit the most is Gates himself .
For a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giving up by going along with the mainstream narrative that we need Big Tech to save us , see my article about social psychologist and Harvard professor Shoshana Zuboff and her extraordinary book , “ The Age of Surveillance Capitalism.
” You also won ’ t want to miss my recent interview with Patrick Wood , featured in “ The Pressing Dangers of Technocracy.
” I ’ ve embedded that interview below for your convenience .
He paints a picture that can be hard to swallow , especially if you ’ re just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this for the first time , but it ’ s really crucial that everyone begin to understand what we ’ re facing .
Time is running out .
To have any chance of stopping it , we must understand our trajectory , and unite to change the course Gates and others like him have set for us .

Bill Gates Secretly Dictates Global Food Policy Too
Dr. Mercola, Guest
Waking Times
Bill Gates has built a global empire around his technologies and “philanthropic” endeavors, the magnitude of which is now becoming increasingly clear. His sheer wealth has allowed him to become a veritable superpower in his own right. He’s not only risen to become the largest funder of the World Health Organization and the unelected global COVID-19 health czar but he’s also a secret powerbroker of the global food system.
As revealed in the AGRA Watch report,1 “The Man Behind the Curtain: The Gates Foundation’s Influence on the UN Food Systems Summit,” published August 2020, Gates wields powerful influence over global food and agriculture policy through his funding of a large number of organizations involved in agricultural development and policy making.
Gates-Funded Organizations Defend Gates-Funded UN Envoy
While Gates is just one man, his clout is significantly leveraged and magnified by the fact that he funds such a large number of companies and organizations that can then do his bidding on the sly.
When you see long lists of groups, you automatically think there are many players in the game when, in fact, Gates is the singular thread running through most or all of them. The AGRA Watch report2 makes a perfect case in point with the story of Agnes Kalibata.
Kalibata is the president of Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), an organization funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. In December 2019, Kalibata was appointed special envoy to the 2021 United Nations Food Systems Summit by the secretary general of the UN, Antonio Guterres.
In response, 176 civil society organizations and farmer groups from 83 countries urged Guterres to withdraw the appointment of Kalibata due to her clear conflicts of interest with corporate actors. A second statement, signed by more than 500 academics and organizations, also opposed Kalibata’s appointment to, and her organization of, the Summit.
The Gates Foundation seeks to exercise influence not only through its funding of projects and shaping of expertise, but also in funding the governance platforms that determine food and agricultural policy. ~ AGRA Watch
That’s significant pushback, illustrating there’s widespread concern about Kalibata’s appointment. Coming forward in her defense were a dozen individuals representing development banks, academic institutions and the private sector.
They urged Guterres to retain Kalabata, citing her leadership qualities and work ethic, among other things. However, of those 12 defenders, “11 had past or current connections to the Gates Foundation,” AGRA Watch says, adding:3
“In some instances, the organizations were directly funded by the Gates Foundation, and in others, the Gates Foundation funded specific programs in which the signers had played roles. One organization was funded by AGRA, which is funded by the Gates Foundation.”
Gates’ Undue Influence Over UN Food Systems Summit
In other words, while it may look like Kalabata had support from a dozen separate and independent individuals or groups, in reality, there are really only two voices speaking in her defense. It’s just that Gates’ voice is magnified times 11. What’s more, his name is never actually mentioned, so to the uninitiated, it would appear he has nothing to do with it at all.
“These findings illustrate the influence of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) on global food and agricultural policy. AGRA Watch has continually documented the role of the BMGF in influencing agricultural development, which has grown immensely in recent years,” AGRA Watch writes.
“The Gates Foundation seeks to exercise influence not only through its funding of projects and shaping of expertise, but also in funding the governance platforms that determine food and agricultural policy. This role of the BMGF in driving policy decisions based on its proprietary and technological model of agricultural development is often overlooked …
In this report, we have demonstrated just some of the connections between the Gates Foundation and those who have supported Kalibata’s appointment as head of the UN Food Systems Summit.
While hundreds of civil society organizations called for her removal, only twelve signatories were willing to support her appointment, almost all of whom were direct beneficiaries of the Gates Foundation. This raises critical questions about the role of Bill Gates in shaping the agenda of the UN Food Systems Summit as well as its outcomes.”
The following graphic, included in the AGRA Watch report, illustrates the direct and indirect funding ties between the Gates Foundation and the UN Food Systems Summit’s special envoy, Kalibata.
Gates Foundation’s Revolving Door to Monsanto
AGRA Watch has raised concerns about the Gates Foundation’s influence on the agribusiness for many years.
For example, among its many research reports4 is the 2010 report “The Revolving Door: Monsanto-Gates Links,”5 which details the direct links between the Gates Foundation and Monsanto representatives Rob Horsch, Florence Wambugu, Don Doering,6 the late Sam Dryden and Lawrence Kent. Another 2010 report, “Gates Foundation Links to Monsanto and GE Crops Development in Kenya,” points out:7 “AGRA Watch formed in 2008 to challenge the Gates Foundation’s participation in the problematic Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), and to support sustainable agro-ecological alternatives already practiced in Africa.
We have witnessed acceleration in the push for genetic engineering (GE) as a ‘solution’ to hunger in Africa, a criminalization of GE’s opponents as eco-imperialists unwilling to accept scientific advancements, and a misplaced reverence for philanthropic support for corporate solutions to global food issues. Corporate interests are clearly exhibited in the AGRA agenda, as seen below.”
Gates Foundation Isn’t in It to Solve Real-World Problems
In its 2014 report,8 “Three Examples of Problems with Gates Foundation Grants,” AGRA Watch highlights why Gates’ massive investments in global food production have failed to solve any of the very real problems we face. First and foremost, many of the solutions that he backs are “Band-Aid solutions” that in fact worsen the root problems.
Examples include the funding of the development of genetically engineered (GE) foods designed to be higher in certain nutrients. The problem is that these crops then end up replacing local diversity with just a few GE varieties that don’t even take local conditions into account. So, by pushing for “fortified” crop varieties, malnutrition actually deepens, as biodiversity is reduced.
Secondly, “a stubborn focus on yield” is at odds with research showing that low yield or insufficient production is not causing world hunger. “There is ample evidence today that the problem instead is poverty and lack of access, which is deepened by destruction of local food systems and commercialization of food,” AGRA Watch notes, adding: “Grants by the Gates’ Foundation and AGRA continue to focus on yield, priming Africa for a system suited to the needs of the profit-seeking, yield-oriented commercial farmer rather than the peasant or small farmer producing diverse crops for a local community.”
A third problem highlighted in the report is Gates’ funding of European and American research organizations and scientists rather than African ones, even though the programs are being implemented in Africa.
According to AGRA Watch, “This may not be a result of conscious intentions but of a deeply embedded structural bias that casts African scientists and scientific institutions as not qualified or legitimate enough to receive grant funding.”
Gates’ Specialty: Philanthrocapitalism
Additional observations can be found in the AGRA Watch article9 “Philanthrocapitalism: The Gates Foundation’s African Programs Are Not Charity,” published December 2017, in which philanthrocapitalism is described as “an attempt to use market processes to do good,” but which is inherently problematic “as markets are ill-suited to producing socially constructive ends.”
Put another way, Gates’ brand of philanthropy creates several new problems for each one it solves. As noted in the article, advocates of philanthrocapitalism:
“… often expect financial returns or secondary benefits over the long term from their investments in social programs. Philanthropy becomes another part of the engine of profit and corporate control. The Gates Foundation’s strategy for ‘development’ actually promotes neoliberal economic policies and corporate globalization:
‘It is … likely that Bill Gates, who has regular access to world leaders and is in effect personally bankrolling hundreds of universities, international organizations, NGOs and media outlets, has become the single most influential voice in international development.
Closer examination of the BMGF is critical given that its influence is vast, indeed greater than most donor governments. The BMGF provides more aid to global health than any country donor and is the fifth largest donor to agriculture in developing countries.
In 2013, only 11 countries spent more on aid than the BMGF, making it the world’s 12th largest donor. The Gates Foundation has become a bigger donor than countries such as Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Ireland and Italy.’10“
Gates’ Medical Plan: Global Immunization and Surveillance
One of the reasons many are now becoming aware of just how powerful Gates has become is because of his frequent appearances as the COVID-19 expert du jour. It’s an odd choice, considering his complete and total lack of formal medical training. It’s particularly perplexing in light of how the opinions of actual medical doctors, award-winning scientists and researchers who conflict with his views are being scrubbed off the internet.
Gates has repeatedly stated that life cannot go back to normal until and unless we vaccinate the entire global population against COVID-19. This, despite the fact that scientists and medical researchers have discovered a variety of safe, simple and inexpensive strategies to prevent and treat COVID-19.
The fact that Gates’ irrational and scientifically unsound opinions are shaping pandemic responses around the globe while real medical professionals are being censored by mainstream media and social media platforms is proof positive that we’re no longer operating from a base of science and medical truth.
Instead, the whole world is expected to fall into line with the self-serving agenda created by Gates and his many allies in technology and medicine. In an April 30, 2020, GatesNotes post,11,12 Gates even states he “suspect[s] the COVID-19 vaccine will become part of the routine newborn immunization schedule” — a nice little piece of predictive programming, if you ask me.
Mind you, the mRNA vaccines being developed against COVID-19 will alter your genetic expression, turning your body into a viral protein factory. Is it really wise to consider using such a novel vaccine on newborns? In a sane and rational world, the answer would be a resounding no. Unfortunately, we now live in a world run by Gates’ goons, and thus reason and logic have largely vanished from the equation.
In predictable Hegelian dialectic problem-reaction-solution fashion, the problem of COVID-19 led to illogical and ill-conceived pandemic responses such as mask mandates and house arrest of healthy people, followed by the “ultimate solution” of a hastily thrown together vaccine using novel mRNA technology.
Radical as all of that may seem, Gates’ plans for the world do not stop here. He’s also pushing for the implementation of a vast, global surveillance system to track and trace everyone’s infection and vaccination status. He’s even funding the contact tracing group Partners in Health, along with George Soros. (The William J. Clinton Foundation has also funded Partners in Health in the past.13)
Not surprisingly, Gates’ recommendations end up benefiting himself most of all. As discussed in “Bill Gates — Most Dangerous Philanthropist in Modern History?” the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation donates billions to the very same companies and industries that the Foundation owns stocks and bonds in.
Using nonprofit money to advance research for companies you’re invested in is illegal, yet he’s been getting away with this for many years. At the same time, his Foundation gets tax breaks for the charitable donations it makes money from.
Remember, he has “donated” tens of billions of dollars over the years, yet his net worth hasn’t dropped — it has doubled, and this is largely because his donations are treated as tax deductible investments. It’s philanthrocapitalism at its finest.
Gates Is Major Benefactor of Pandemic Fear-Mongering
The COVID-19 pandemic is undoubtedly Gates’ biggest philanthrocapitalist project to date, and he stands to cash in big, as he’s funding/investing in both therapeutics and COVID-19 vaccines.
In March 2020, the Gates Foundation announced14 a new partnership, dubbed “The COVID-19 Therapeutics Accelerator,” with Wellcome and Mastercard to “coordinate R&D efforts and remove barriers to drug development.” According to the press release:15
“The COVID-19 Therapeutics Accelerator will play a catalytic role by accelerating and evaluating new and repurposed drugs and biologics to treat patients with COVID-19 in the immediate term, and other viral pathogens in the longer-term.”
The Gates Foundation has also teamed up with Serum Institute of India (SII) to manufacture 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines developed by AstraZeneca and Novavax. The vaccines, which will cost less than $3 per dose, are slated for delivery to low-income countries.16,17
The funding is being funneled as an interest-free forgivable loan to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, founded by the Gates Foundation in 2000, which will then provide the needed capital to SII. Over the next five years, the Foundation has also pledged to provide Gavi with a total of $1.6 billion in additional funds.18
Gates’ Attempt to Improve Education Was a Massive Failure
Having an overarching influence over technology, food and medicine (vaccines in particular) still doesn’t adequately describe Gates’ influence on our daily lives. He’s also had a profound influence over education. The much-criticized Common Core curriculum was the Gates Foundation’s attempt at remaking American education,19 and most parents can tell you how dumb that was.20
Despite that abysmal failure, May 6, 2020, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the state is partnering with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop “a smarter education system” for the post-COVID world that will focus on online learning and permanently integrate technology into every aspect of civic life.21
The state is also partnering with Google, and Cuomo has asked former Google CEO Eric Schmidt to head a new panel to plan the state’s technological infrastructure.22 As noted by The Intercept,23 the surveillance apparatus that consumers have been railing against is now being rebranded as the answer to everyone’s health concerns.
Gates Is the Most Visible Figurehead of Modern Technocracy
Whether preplanned or not, the COVID-19 pandemic is clearly being used to usher in highly controversial changes that are unmistakably totalitarian-building, including the private take-over of government through public-private partnerships.
Surveillance has become the biggest for-profit industry on the planet, and your entire existence is now being targeted for profit. Among those who stand to profit the most is Gates himself.
For a better understanding of what you’re giving up by going along with the mainstream narrative that we need Big Tech to save us, see my article about social psychologist and Harvard professor Shoshana Zuboff and her extraordinary book, “The Age of Surveillance Capitalism.”
You also won’t want to miss my recent interview with Patrick Wood, featured in “The Pressing Dangers of Technocracy.” I’ve embedded that interview below for your convenience.
He paints a picture that can be hard to swallow, especially if you’re just coming around to hearing about all of this for the first time, but it’s really crucial that everyone begin to understand what we’re facing. Time is running out. To have any chance of stopping it, we must understand our trajectory, and unite to change the course Gates and others like him have set for us.


thewakingtimes--2020-08-25--Oregon May Soon Decriminalize the Low-Level Possession of All Drugs, Massively Reducing Arrests

Oregon May Soon Decriminalize the Low-Level Possession of All Drugs , Massively Reducing Arrests Get the latest Waking Times articles delivered to your inbox .
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With opinions changing across the country over the need for urgent criminal justice reform , there ’ s no time like the present to enact a much-needed overhaul of laws that criminalize poverty and social ills such as drug use .
And this November , voters in Oregon will have an opportunity to decriminalize the low-level possession of all drugs .
Under the proposed Measure 110 , or the Drug Addiction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possession of illegal substances would be reclassified from a misdemeanor to a violation , punishable by either a $ 100 fine or a health assessment .
Drug trafficking would remain a felony offense , while substantial possession of drugs would be reduced to a felony .
Rehabilitation services would be expanded under the measure , and 24-hour Addiction Recovery Centers would also be opened .
By effectively decriminalizing the small-scale possession of drugs , the proposed measure would effectively halt one of the most pernicious means by which the “ War on Drugs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and poor communities that have suffered disproportionate over-policing and mass incarceration .
According to the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission , the reclassifications proposed by the measure would see roughly 1,800 fewer Oregon residents facing conviction for felony possession of a controlled substance annually – leading to a mammoth 95-percent drop from current conviction rates .
The report from the commission also found that Measure 110 would be of particular benefit for communities of color , with racial disparities in arrests and convictions falling “ substantially.
” However , the benefits would also cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeing a fall in arrests by 93.7 percent and an 82.9-percent fall for Asians , 86.5 for Hispanics , 94.2 for Native Americans , and 91.1 for whites .
The state would fund Measure 110 ’ s addiction programs , which are expected to cost $ 57 million yearly , entirely through excess taxes collected on cannabis sales .
Current tax revenue from cannabis sales are expected to yield $ 182.4 million from 2021 to 2023 .
And as tax revenues increase and decriminalization incurs further savings for the state , petitioners for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even more funds can be reallocated to help treat and rehabilitate drug addicts .
Supporters of the measure have been enthusiastically organizing online , and have found that many Oregonians are on the same page with them over the need to end the failed “ War on Drugs ” and pursue an alternative course to tackle widespread drug addiction .
“ There ’ s no playbook for how to campaign in a pandemic , ” said Anthony Johnson , one of the chief petitioners for the campaign .
However , he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really good chance of winning ” come November .
“ Our communications with voters all across the state shows that voters understand that the status quo is not working , ” Johnson added .
“ We ’ re clearly not going to arrest our way out of addiction.
” A large number of prominent groups and individuals have backed the measure .
This includes trade unions , faith groups and churches , groups representing Asian , Black , Indigenous and Latino communities , human rights organizations , several county district attorneys , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ranks of police .
Oregon is no stranger to blazing new trails in drug policy and criminal justice reforms .
In 2014 , the state legalized cannabis through a 2014 ballot measure , while a 2017 law drastically reduced the penalty for possessing small quantities of cocaine , LSD , and other substances .
This November , Oregonians will also have the opportunity to end the prohibition of psilocybin or “ magic ” mushrooms and establish a new statewide framework for licensed psilocybin therapy treatment centers .

Oregon May Soon Decriminalize the Low-Level Possession of All Drugs, Massively Reducing Arrests
Elias Marat, The Mind Unleashed
Waking Times
With opinions changing across the country over the need for urgent criminal justice reform, there’s no time like the present to enact a much-needed overhaul of laws that criminalize poverty and social ills such as drug use. And this November, voters in Oregon will have an opportunity to decriminalize the low-level possession of all drugs.
Under the proposed Measure 110, or the Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act, the low-level possession of illegal substances would be reclassified from a misdemeanor to a violation, punishable by either a $100 fine or a health assessment.
Drug trafficking would remain a felony offense, while substantial possession of drugs would be reduced to a felony. Rehabilitation services would be expanded under the measure, and 24-hour Addiction Recovery Centers would also be opened.
By effectively decriminalizing the small-scale possession of drugs, the proposed measure would effectively halt one of the most pernicious means by which the “War on Drugs” has adversely impacted communities of color and poor communities that have suffered disproportionate over-policing and mass incarceration.
According to the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission, the reclassifications proposed by the measure would see roughly 1,800 fewer Oregon residents facing conviction for felony possession of a controlled substance annually – leading to a mammoth 95-percent drop from current conviction rates.
The report from the commission also found that Measure 110 would be of particular benefit for communities of color, with racial disparities in arrests and convictions falling “substantially.” However, the benefits would also cut across the board – with Black people seeing a fall in arrests by 93.7 percent and an 82.9-percent fall for Asians, 86.5 for Hispanics, 94.2 for Native Americans, and 91.1 for whites.
The report also notes that “inequities [may] exist in police stops, jail bookings, bail, pretrial detention, or other areas” but there is not “sufficient or appropriate data to examine those stages.”
The state would fund Measure 110’s addiction programs, which are expected to cost $57 million yearly, entirely through excess taxes collected on cannabis sales. Current tax revenue from cannabis sales are expected to yield $182.4 million from 2021 to 2023. And as tax revenues increase and decriminalization incurs further savings for the state, petitioners for the Yes for 110 Campaign predict that even more funds can be reallocated to help treat and rehabilitate drug addicts.
Supporters of the measure have been enthusiastically organizing online, and have found that many Oregonians are on the same page with them over the need to end the failed “War on Drugs” and pursue an alternative course to tackle widespread drug addiction.
“There’s no playbook for how to campaign in a pandemic,” said Anthony Johnson, one of the chief petitioners for the campaign. However, he’s confident that the measure has “a really good chance of winning” come November. “Our communications with voters all across the state shows that voters understand that the status quo is not working,” Johnson added. “We’re clearly not going to arrest our way out of addiction.”
A large number of prominent groups and individuals have backed the measure. This includes trade unions, faith groups and churches, groups representing Asian, Black, Indigenous and Latino communities, human rights organizations, several county district attorneys, and even drug policy reform advocates from the ranks of police.
Oregon is no stranger to blazing new trails in drug policy and criminal justice reforms. In 2014, the state legalized cannabis through a 2014 ballot measure, while a 2017 law drastically reduced the penalty for possessing small quantities of cocaine, LSD, and other substances. This November, Oregonians will also have the opportunity to end the prohibition of psilocybin or “magic” mushrooms and establish a new statewide framework for licensed psilocybin therapy treatment centers.
By Elias Marat | Creative Commons | TheMindUnleashed.com


thewakingtimes--2020-08-24--Virginia Plans Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccinations For All Residents

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As Friday ’ s hospitalization numbers across the Sun Belt appear to confirm CDC head Dr. Robert Redfield ’ s assertion that the American COVID-19 outbreak has peaked and is starting to fade , the State of Virginia is setting a new precedent by seriously discussing forcing Virginians to be vaccinated with whatever rushed-to-marked candidate the FDA approves first .
During an interview that aired on Friday , the state ’ s health commissioner said he planned to invoke state law to make vaccinations mandatory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , presumably .
State Health Commissioner Dr. Norman Oliver told 8News on Friday that he plans to mandate coronavirus vaccinations for Virginians once one is made available to the public .
Virginia state law gives the Commissioner of Health the authority to mandate immediate immunizations during a public health crisis if a vaccine is available .
Health officials say an immunization could be released as early as 2021 .
Dr. Oliver says that , as long as he is still the Health Commissioner , he intends to mandate the coronavirus vaccine .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t have a treatment for it and if we develop a vaccine that can prevent it from spreading in the community we will save hundreds and hundreds of lives , ” Oliver said .
Pro-medical-choice activists in the state argue that the issue is a matter of medical choice , and that the hasty “ expedited ” approval process being implemented by the FDA is grounds for concern .
State health authorities insist , meanwhile , that they would never mandate a vaccine that hadn ’ t already proven to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Communications Kathleen Medaries , a mother of three from Chesterfield , says this is a matter of medical choice.This is not a Republican or Democrat issue .
It ’ s not a pro-vaccine or anti-vaccine issue , ” Medaries said .
“ For me , it ’ s an issue of being able to assess each vaccine for myself and my family one at a time.
” “ He shouldn ’ t be the one person to make a decision for all of Virginians , ” ” Medaries responded .
The state ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bill that has been put forth in the state assembly that would create more exemptions to the mandatory vaccination power , allowing exemptions on religious and other grounds .
Oliver believes that COVID-19 is a public health emergency that should take precedent over everything else , and that vaccine-assisted herd immunity is the state ’ s best and only real defense .
The decision comes after Massachusetts said it would make the flu vaccine mandatory this year as part of a campaign to protect the state ’ s medical system .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the only states to discuss mandatory COVID and/or flu vaccination in the coming weeks , as the school year begins .
By Tyler Durden / Republished with permission / Zero Hedge Like Waking Times on Facebook .
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Virginia Plans Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccinations For All Residents
Tyler Durden, Zero Hedge
Waking Times
As Friday’s hospitalization numbers across the Sun Belt appear to confirm CDC head Dr. Robert Redfield’s assertion that the American COVID-19 outbreak has peaked and is starting to fade, the State of Virginia is setting a new precedent by seriously discussing forcing Virginians to be vaccinated with whatever rushed-to-marked candidate the FDA approves first.
During an interview that aired on Friday, the state’s health commissioner said he planned to invoke state law to make vaccinations mandatory – once a western product is available, presumably.
Here’s more from ABC News 8:
State Health Commissioner Dr. Norman Oliver told 8News on Friday that he plans to mandate coronavirus vaccinations for Virginians once one is made available to the public. Virginia state law gives the Commissioner of Health the authority to mandate immediate immunizations during a public health crisis if a vaccine is available. Health officials say an immunization could be released as early as 2021. Dr. Oliver says that, as long as he is still the Health Commissioner, he intends to mandate the coronavirus vaccine. “It is killing people now, we don’t have a treatment for it and if we develop a vaccine that can prevent it from spreading in the community we will save hundreds and hundreds of lives,” Oliver said.
Pro-medical-choice activists in the state argue that the issue is a matter of medical choice, and that the hasty “expedited” approval process being implemented by the FDA is grounds for concern. State health authorities insist, meanwhile, that they would never mandate a vaccine that hadn’t already proven to be safe.
Virginia Freedom Keepers Director of Communications Kathleen Medaries, a mother of three from Chesterfield, says this is a matter of medical choice.This is not a Republican or Democrat issue. It’s not a pro-vaccine or anti-vaccine issue,” Medaries said. “For me, it’s an issue of being able to assess each vaccine for myself and my family one at a time.” […] “He shouldn’t be the one person to make a decision for all of Virginians,””Medaries responded.
The state’s top medical official is opposed to a bill that has been put forth in the state assembly that would create more exemptions to the mandatory vaccination power, allowing exemptions on religious and other grounds.
Oliver believes that COVID-19 is a public health emergency that should take precedent over everything else, and that vaccine-assisted herd immunity is the state’s best and only real defense.
The decision comes after Massachusetts said it would make the flu vaccine mandatory this year as part of a campaign to protect the state’s medical system. We suspect Virginia and Massachusetts won’t be the only states to discuss mandatory COVID and/or flu vaccination in the coming weeks, as the school year begins.
By Tyler Durden / Republished with permission / Zero Hedge
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thewakingtimes--2020-08-24--Cops Brag About Forcing Lies About Marijuana on School Children Using Bogus ‘Weed Goggles’

Cops Brag About Forcing Lies About Marijuana on School Children Using Bogus ‘ Weed Goggles ’ Get the latest Waking Times articles delivered to your inbox .
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Moline , IL — This year , Illinois became the 11th state to legalize recreational marijuana for adult use .
As of Jan. 2020 , consumers aged 21 and older can buy marijuana products from licensed sellers in Illinois – with or without a medical marijuana card .
This was a giant leap forward in terms of the war on drugs and is also propping up the state ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sales have totaled over $ 300 million since the beginning of the year and that number is growing .
Because marijuana is far safer than alcohol and other drugs , it is a viable option for many people who don ’ t wish to experience the side effects of other harder “ legal ” drugs .
Despite the proven safety of the plant and the fact that no one ever has died from its use , in most of the country , recreational marijuana remains illegal .
As the following example shows , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , police are still devoting resources — using scare tactics and propaganda — to deter its use .
The Moline police department took to Facebook this week to brag about AAA giving them a grant to propagandize school children with false information about marijuana .
Police said in their Facebook post that these “ kits will be brought to area schools and community events as a way to educate people about the effects marijuana impaired driving.
” But are these kids really going to be “ educated ” about marijuana ?
The answer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be lied to and manipulated by police who don ’ t seemed interested in facts and honesty .
Fatal Vision company makes several dubious claims on their website , where their kits sell from $ 1,859 for the “ Program Kit ” to upwards of $ 4,330 for the “ Campaign Kit.
” Fatal Vision says their product is supposed to be “ a hands-on awareness building tool that models the distorted processing of visual information , loss of motor coordination , and slowed decision making and reaction time resulting from recreational marijuana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these goggles do is simulate an actual experience while on marijuana .
While parents and police are understandably concerned with abuse of alcohol and other drugs , the use of the goggles , which creates fear based on false realities , is questionable at best .
The goggles take away the ability to see red , which is somehow meant to simulate being stoned .
Of course , you can see the color red perfectly well under the influence of cannabis .
In other instances in which the marijuana googles have been used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right in front of them .
Others couldn ’ t complete menial tasks like putting a basketball into a garbage can .
While we in no way condone driving under the influence , the lies these goggles tell about marijuana are as asinine as they are outlandish .
While the abuse of any substance can cause impairment , responsible use of cannabis can actually increase some areas of cognitive function , such as creativity .
It is a laudable effort to keep kids from driving under the influence of any substance , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ false realities the best way to go about this ?
Also , promoting them may have the reverse effect of getting more kids interested in cannabis .
The use of such a device that does not actually simulate the effects of marijuana , hearkens to the 1930 ’ s-era propaganda Reefer Madness , which presented a false reality of madness and violence under the influence of cannabis .
The only thing that came from all these lies and propaganda were setbacks , fear , and eventually the war on drugs which helped usher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jail population on the planet .
Perhaps honesty , logic , reason , and facts should be given a chance instead of lies and fear .
Teenagers and adults would be much better off getting real information on cannabis and other substances , so they and their families can rationally decide for themselves what is responsible and what should be avoided .
Matt Agorist is an honorably discharged veteran of the USMC and former intelligence operator directly tasked by the NSA .
This prior experience gives him unique insight into the world of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Agorist has been an independent journalist for over a decade and has been featured on mainstream networks around the world .
Agorist is also the Editor at Large at the Free Thought Project .
Follow @ MattAgorist on Twitter , Steemit , and now on Minds .

Cops Brag About Forcing Lies About Marijuana on School Children Using Bogus ‘Weed Goggles’
Matt Agorist, The Free Thought Project
Waking Times
Moline, IL — This year, Illinois became the 11th state to legalize recreational marijuana for adult use. As of Jan. 2020, consumers aged 21 and older can buy marijuana products from licensed sellers in Illinois – with or without a medical marijuana card. This was a giant leap forward in terms of the war on drugs and is also propping up the state’s economy amid the pandemic disaster. Sales have totaled over $300 million since the beginning of the year and that number is growing.
Because marijuana is far safer than alcohol and other drugs, it is a viable option for many people who don’t wish to experience the side effects of other harder “legal” drugs. Despite the proven safety of the plant and the fact that no one ever has died from its use, in most of the country, recreational marijuana remains illegal.
As the following example shows, even in Illinois where it is legal, police are still devoting resources — using scare tactics and propaganda — to deter its use. The Moline police department took to Facebook this week to brag about AAA giving them a grant to propagandize school children with false information about marijuana.
“These goggles model the effects of recreational marijuana, so the user can experience the impact of what it’s like to be under the influence of marijuana while driving,” police said in the Facebook post. “Marijuana affects the brain differently than alcohol, and the goggles simulate marijuana’s true effects — they diminish the participant’s capacity to make quick, accurate decisions, and that causes a driver to miss important external cues that could lead to a crash.”
Police said in their Facebook post that these “kits will be brought to area schools and community events as a way to educate people about the effects marijuana impaired driving.”
http://www.facebook.com/MolinePolice/posts/1377558352444122
But are these kids really going to be “educated” about marijuana? The answer is no. However, they will be lied to and manipulated by police who don’t seemed interested in facts and honesty.
Fatal Vision company makes several dubious claims on their website, where their kits sell from $1,859 for the “Program Kit” to upwards of $4,330 for the “Campaign Kit.”
Fatal Vision says their product is supposed to be “a hands-on awareness building tool that models the distorted processing of visual information, loss of motor coordination, and slowed decision making and reaction time resulting from recreational marijuana use”
“The purpose of the Fatal Vision Marijuana Simulation Experience is to give participants an understanding of cognitive impairments associated with recreational marijuana use.”
However, the last thing these goggles do is simulate an actual experience while on marijuana.
While parents and police are understandably concerned with abuse of alcohol and other drugs, the use of the goggles, which creates fear based on false realities, is questionable at best.
The goggles take away the ability to see red, which is somehow meant to simulate being stoned. Of course, you can see the color red perfectly well under the influence of cannabis.
In other instances in which the marijuana googles have been used, people could grab things that were right in front of them. Others couldn’t complete menial tasks like putting a basketball into a garbage can. While we in no way condone driving under the influence, the lies these goggles tell about marijuana are as asinine as they are outlandish.
The company says their product “…simulates the distortion of visual information and altered visual perception, loss of motor coordination, and reaction time that results from recreational marijuana use.”
While the abuse of any substance can cause impairment, responsible use of cannabis can actually increase some areas of cognitive function, such as creativity.
It is a laudable effort to keep kids from driving under the influence of any substance, but are “marijuana goggles” that mimic false realities the best way to go about this? Also, promoting them may have the reverse effect of getting more kids interested in cannabis.
The use of such a device that does not actually simulate the effects of marijuana, hearkens to the 1930’s-era propaganda Reefer Madness, which presented a false reality of madness and violence under the influence of cannabis. The only thing that came from all these lies and propaganda were setbacks, fear, and eventually the war on drugs which helped usher in the largest militarized police force and jail population on the planet.
Perhaps honesty, logic, reason, and facts should be given a chance instead of lies and fear.
Teenagers and adults would be much better off getting real information on cannabis and other substances, so they and their families can rationally decide for themselves what is responsible and what should be avoided.
About the Author
Matt Agorist is an honorably discharged veteran of the USMC and former intelligence operator directly tasked by the NSA. This prior experience gives him unique insight into the world of government corruption and the American police state. Agorist has been an independent journalist for over a decade and has been featured on mainstream networks around the world. Agorist is also the Editor at Large at the Free Thought Project. Follow @MattAgorist on Twitter, Steemit, and now on Minds.


thewakingtimes--2020-08-24--Pentagon Forms Task Force To Investigate UFO Sightings

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Last week , the Pentagon announced the formation of a new task force that will be studying UFOs or “ Unidentified Flying Objects.
” This term is most typically associated with alien spacecraft , but technically describes anything spotted in the sky that can ’ t be identified , this can include foreign military aircraft or civilian drones .
The formation of this new task force is something that has been in motion for a long time , since the Pentagon released declassified videos to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with UFOs in the sky .
In a press release earlier this year confirming the authenticity of the videos , the US Department of Defense said , “ DOD is releasing the videos in order to clear up any misconceptions by the public on whether or not the footage that has been circulating was real , or whether or not there is more to the videos .
The aerial phenomena observed in the videos remain characterized as ‘ unidentified.
’ ” In June , the Senate Intelligence Committee voted to investigate the phenomenon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Senator Marco Rubio , suggested that he might be relieved to find that these UFOs are from another planet instead of from a rival country .
“ We have things flying over our military bases and places where we are conducting military exercises , and we don ’ t know what it is and it isn ’ t ours , so that ’ s a legitimate question to ask .
Frankly , if it ’ s something from outside this planet , that might actually be better than the fact that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leap on behalf of the Chinese or the Russians or some other adversary , ” he said , according to CNN .
The footage that provoked this renewed interest in UFOs was captured in 2014 and 2015 .
One of the videos , taken from US Navy aircraft , seems to show the pilots chasing a UFO off the east coast of the United States .
Navy pilots reported spotting the objects flying around 30,000 feet in the air at hypersonic speeds and showing no visible engines or exhaust plumes typical of any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the footage can be viewed below : John Vibes is an author and journalist who takes a special interest in the counter culture , and focuses solutions-oriented approaches to social problems .
He is also a host of The Free Your Mind Conference and The Free Thought Project Podcast .

Pentagon Forms Task Force To Investigate UFO Sightings
John Vibes, Truth Theory
Waking Times
Last week, the Pentagon announced the formation of a new task force that will be studying UFOs or “Unidentified Flying Objects.” This term is most typically associated with alien spacecraft, but technically describes anything spotted in the sky that can’t be identified, this can include foreign military aircraft or civilian drones.
The formation of this new task force is something that has been in motion for a long time, since the Pentagon released declassified videos to the public which showed government aircraft interacting with UFOs in the sky.
In a press release earlier this year confirming the authenticity of the videos, the US Department of Defense said, “DOD is releasing the videos in order to clear up any misconceptions by the public on whether or not the footage that has been circulating was real, or whether or not there is more to the videos. The aerial phenomena observed in the videos remain characterized as ‘unidentified.’”
In June, the Senate Intelligence Committee voted to investigate the phenomenon after reviewing the videos.
Committee chairman, Senator Marco Rubio, suggested that he might be relieved to find that these UFOs are from another planet instead of from a rival country.
“We have things flying over our military bases and places where we are conducting military exercises, and we don’t know what it is and it isn’t ours, so that’s a legitimate question to ask. Frankly, if it’s something from outside this planet, that might actually be better than the fact that we’ve seen some sort of technological leap on behalf of the Chinese or the Russians or some other adversary,” he said, according to CNN.
The footage that provoked this renewed interest in UFOs was captured in 2014 and 2015. One of the videos, taken from US Navy aircraft, seems to show the pilots chasing a UFO off the east coast of the United States. Navy pilots reported spotting the objects flying around 30,000 feet in the air at hypersonic speeds and showing no visible engines or exhaust plumes typical of any known aircraft currently on Earth.
Some of the footage can be viewed below:
About the Author
John Vibes is an author and journalist who takes a special interest in the counter culture, and focuses solutions-oriented approaches to social problems. He is also a host of The Free Your Mind Conference and The Free Thought Project Podcast.
Image: Unsplash


thewakingtimes--2020-08-25--Favoring Ayahuasca Over Hospitals, Indigenous Kokama See COVID-19 Deaths Drop in the Amazon

Favoring Ayahuasca Over Hospitals , Indigenous Kokama See COVID-19 Deaths Drop in the Amazon Get the latest Waking Times articles delivered to your inbox .
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TABATINGA , Brazil — Since mid-May , a multidisciplinary health team formed by members of the Kokama Indigenous group has been visiting community homes in Brazil ’ s upper Solimões River region to monitor for symptoms of coronavirus .
Whenever they find potentially infected Kokamas , they warn the local shamans .
The patients are then prescribed treatment consisting of rituals using ayahuasca , the sacred forest brew used for millennia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case of COVID-19 infection among Brazil ’ s Indigenous peoples came from the Kokama community .
The infection was confirmed on March 31 in the district of Santo Antônio do Içá , in Amazonas province , after a 20-year-old Indigenous health agent had contact with a doctor from the government ’ s Special Secretariat of Indigenous Health ( SESAI ) who had returned from vacation without quarantining .
Since then , the virus has spread rapidly among the Kokama , leaving a death toll of 60 and more than 1,000 people infected throughout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Chief Samias lost 17 direct relatives to the disease , but it was the death of his father , community leader Guilherme Padilha Samias , on May 14 , that changed how the community treated those with COVID-19 symptoms .
Their confidence in Western medicine collapsed as a result of the series of deaths and the prejudice that the Kokama say they suffered at the Tabatinga military hospital , including negligence in the way they were treated .
Since then , the Kokama have abided by an internal decision to no longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of community cases with COVID-19 symptoms .
They have instead turned to traditional medicine and indigenous knowledge to treat the disease , replacing doctors with shamans and Western medicine with ayahuasca , ginger , garlic and lemon .
“ White man ’ s medicine killed our people , ” Samias says .
He says the ayahuasca treatment to fight COVID-19 has already been offered to more than 800 Indigenous community members in Tabatinga , a municipality on Brazil ’ s border with Peru and Colombia , and home to around 5,500 Kokama .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are considered non-villagers , they are not included in SESAI ’ s statistics .
Of the 60 deaths recorded among the Kokama , 56 occurred between mid-April and mid-June .
The four other deaths were reported in the more than six weeks since then .
The reduction in the death rate , even with the large number of patients being treated at home , is the result they say they expected when they shunned the hospitals in favor of their traditional medicines combined with hygiene practices and social distancing .
For Glades Kokama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Federation of Brazil , Peru and Colombia , Western medicine has not worked for them “ because the resources and medicines come all too late ” and discourages the community .
“ In the past , people survived without laboratory medicine .
We will vouch for what ’ s ours and maintain our millenary culture .
I hope that everyone within traditional medicine will respect us because , if not for us , we don ’ t know what it will be , ” she says .
There are no scientific @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ayahuasca in fighting the coronavirus .
However , there is evidence of the drink ’ s therapeutic potential as an auxiliary treatment for psychological disorders and diseases such as cancer .
Ayahuasca is made from a combination of two plants : the jagube vine ( Banisteriopsis caapi ) and the chacrona bush ( Psychotria viridis ) .
The rituals with the sacred brew take place three times a week during the night and can last until dawn .
They are performed in a dedicated space and are guided by a group of shamans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 105 years old and , according to community members interviewed for this story , he did not present any symptoms of the disease .
In specific cases , the ceremony can take place at the patient ’ s home .
The ayahuasca ritual is considered by the Kokama as the most powerful cure , and it is a moment of experience , discovery , visions of the future and the past , and learning about traditions .
It is a secret ceremony , with all the secrets transmitted directly from master to disciple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ayahuasca , but before the disease came I stopped for three months .
I got scared and thought it was better to reach out to white men because they have respirators , medicines , doctors , and could cure .
And I forgot that I could cure my family myself , ” Samias says .
“ I regret it .
I shouldn ’ t have believed in the white man ’ s medicine , nor should I have taken anyone to the hospital.
” According to Glades , the homemade medicine and home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Contamination spreads more easily in the hospital .
With our own medicine we stay at home .
Ancestral medicine is the essence of the cure for us .
We can ’ t wait for a doctor , ” she says .
She adds that now is the time to encourage community members to begin cultivating “ healing gardens ” with medicinal plants like those used to make ayahuasca .
“ We ’ re going to teach because there ’ s a right way to grow and work ayahuasca plants , it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Now it ’ s time to strengthen [ the traditions ] .
” Like Waking Times on Facebook .
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Favoring Ayahuasca Over Hospitals, Indigenous Kokama See COVID-19 Deaths Drop in the Amazon
Maria Fernanda Ribeiro, Mongabay
Waking Times
TABATINGA, Brazil — Since mid-May, a multidisciplinary health team formed by members of the Kokama Indigenous group has been visiting community homes in Brazil’s upper Solimões River region to monitor for symptoms of coronavirus. Whenever they find potentially infected Kokamas, they warn the local shamans. The patients are then prescribed treatment consisting of rituals using ayahuasca, the sacred forest brew used for millennia in healing ceremonies.
“At first, we relied on the medicine of non-Indigenous people, but our people went to the hospital and left there in a coffin,” says Edney Samias, chief of the Kokama people. “Now, everyone with coronavirus symptoms is treated at home, only with ayahuasca and other traditional medicines. Now we are saving many lives.”
The first confirmed case of COVID-19 infection among Brazil’s Indigenous peoples came from the Kokama community. The infection was confirmed on March 31 in the district of Santo Antônio do Içá, in Amazonas province, after a 20-year-old Indigenous health agent had contact with a doctor from the government’s Special Secretariat of Indigenous Health (SESAI) who had returned from vacation without quarantining.
Since then, the virus has spread rapidly among the Kokama, leaving a death toll of 60 and more than 1,000 people infected throughout Amazonas as of the end of July.
Chief Samias lost 17 direct relatives to the disease, but it was the death of his father, community leader Guilherme Padilha Samias, on May 14, that changed how the community treated those with COVID-19 symptoms.
Their confidence in Western medicine collapsed as a result of the series of deaths and the prejudice that the Kokama say they suffered at the Tabatinga military hospital, including negligence in the way they were treated.
“They said [my father] wasn’t Indigenous because he didn’t have RANI [Indigenous birth certificate],” Samias says. “They called us fake Indigenous.” For the Kokama, being buried as a non-Indigenous person is considered a disrespect to ancestry, with the belief that the soul will be lost because it is not considered Indigenous. “If you are a Kokama, you are a Kokama, either alive or dead,” Samias says.
Since then, the Kokama have abided by an internal decision to no longer seek out public health units in case of community cases with COVID-19 symptoms. They have instead turned to traditional medicine and indigenous knowledge to treat the disease, replacing doctors with shamans and Western medicine with ayahuasca, ginger, garlic and lemon. “White man’s medicine killed our people,” Samias says.
He says the ayahuasca treatment to fight COVID-19 has already been offered to more than 800 Indigenous community members in Tabatinga, a municipality on Brazil’s border with Peru and Colombia, and home to around 5,500 Kokama. Because they live in the city and are considered non-villagers, they are not included in SESAI’s statistics.
Of the 60 deaths recorded among the Kokama, 56 occurred between mid-April and mid-June. The four other deaths were reported in the more than six weeks since then. The reduction in the death rate, even with the large number of patients being treated at home, is the result they say they expected when they shunned the hospitals in favor of their traditional medicines combined with hygiene practices and social distancing.
For Glades Kokama, president of the Kukami-Kukamiria Indigenous People’s Federation of Brazil, Peru and Colombia, Western medicine has not worked for them “because the resources and medicines come all too late” and discourages the community. “In the past, people survived without laboratory medicine. We will vouch for what’s ours and maintain our millenary culture. I hope that everyone within traditional medicine will respect us because, if not for us, we don’t know what it will be,” she says.
There are no scientific studies to date proving the effectiveness of ayahuasca in fighting the coronavirus. However, there is evidence of the drink’s therapeutic potential as an auxiliary treatment for psychological disorders and diseases such as cancer.
Healing rituals
Ayahuasca is made from a combination of two plants: the jagube vine (Banisteriopsis caapi) and the chacrona bush (Psychotria viridis). The rituals with the sacred brew take place three times a week during the night and can last until dawn. They are performed in a dedicated space and are guided by a group of shamans. The oldest of them is now 105 years old and, according to community members interviewed for this story, he did not present any symptoms of the disease. In specific cases, the ceremony can take place at the patient’s home.
“In rituals, we make the sick person’s body connect with the mururé tree [Brosimum acutifolium] through singing,” says Edney Samias, referring to an Amazonian tree known for its many medicinal properties. “But when there are several patients at once, we gather up to eight people taking ayahuasca to strengthen their souls.”
The ayahuasca ritual is considered by the Kokama as the most powerful cure, and it is a moment of experience, discovery, visions of the future and the past, and learning about traditions. It is a secret ceremony, with all the secrets transmitted directly from master to disciple.


thewakingtimes--2020-08-25--Where is the Virus? Fear is the Only Virus

Where is the Virus ?
Fear is the Only Virus Get the latest Waking Times articles delivered to your inbox .
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Conventional researchers “ discover new viruses ” in their hidden labs , without independent observers watching and filming every step and move , so virology has become a mystical farce .
They SAY they ’ ve found a new coronavirus that is infecting and killing people , justifying the fear and the lockdowns and economic and human devastation .
But they may as well be saying they ’ ve found a pink and purple ghost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ huddle in the dark until it goes away .
Longtime friend , colleague , and relentless independent investigator , Harry Blazer wrote this in a blistering email to his list : “ …science has even co-opted and bastardized the term ‘ isolated ’ to mean putting a sample [ from a patient ] in a cell culture , adding various agents to create a reaction including antibiotics and various caustic chemicals to see if the cells die – REALLY !
!
!
How could you possibly know what caused what to happen when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cause something to happen ?
It is like adding adjuvants ( poisons ) to a vaccine in order to produce an antibody response to prove that the vaccine works .
REALLY !
… ” Yes , in that mystical lab ritual , researchers are putting together a cell culture , which includes what they claim is the new virus ; and then to “ prove ” this supposed virus is harmful and kills those cells , they add caustic substances that do , indeed , cause harm to cells .
This reminds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1970s , at the US National Institutes of Health , where the obsessed ( and failed ) goal was proving viruses could cause cancer .
To “ prepare ” the animals for injections of the purported viruses , all sorts of toxic chemicals were jammed into the animals—in an effort to weaken them to the point at which the viruses would hopefully “ create uncontrolled cell growth , ” the hallmark of cancer .
There ’ s a simple name for this sort of lunatic research : stacking the deck .
What Harry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is just one piece of the arcane lab protocol designed to “ find a new virus and prove it is harmful.
” We need EVERY piece of the process brought out into the light for all to see and understand and analyze .
A hundred years of Rockefeller-medicine propaganda has entrained gullible populations to “ fear the germ , ” forget the inherent strength and resilience of their own immune systems , and forget what health is .
As I keep mentioning , if germs were the basic problem , we would all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because the gigantic number of microbes in our bodies and the environment is incalculable .
In several key articles , I ’ ve described how a proper large-scale study should be done , utilizing electron microscopy , in order to demonstrate the likelihood that a new virus is present and causes illness .
Such studies are never done .
The reason is clear .
The naked results would torpedo absurd hypotheses about supposed viral epidemics .
Expert propagandists know , and have stated , that the best lie to tell is a huge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re in .
For example , once the population has internalized religious faith in The Germ , reversing that belief seems preposterous .
Yes , it could be , and it is .
Back in the 1980s , when I was writing my first book , AIDS INC. , I decided to check up on efforts to infect animals with ( purported ) HIV and produce AIDS .
These animal experiments involved chimps kept in sealed facilities across the US .
Keep in mind , the chimps were no longer living @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no longer among their traditional communities .
They were existing in cages , kept there for long periods .
Years .
In other words , every possible psychological assault on them was being deployed—in order to impair their immune systems .
I spoke with the scientist who was in charge of tracking every one of those lab chimps .
I asked him whether the injections had caused any “ AIDS effects.
” No , he said .
Not in any of the animals .
Who knows what horrors he would have unleashed on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their immune systems were failing from “ the virus.
” Welcome to the science of virology .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 article ( Where is the virus ?
Fear is the only virus ) was originally created and published by Jon Rappaport ’ s Blog and is re-posted here with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Follow Waking Times on Twitter .

Where is the Virus? Fear is the Only Virus
Jon Rappoport, Guest
Waking Times
Conventional researchers “discover new viruses” in their hidden labs, without independent observers watching and filming every step and move, so virology has become a mystical farce.
They SAY they’ve found a new coronavirus that is infecting and killing people, justifying the fear and the lockdowns and economic and human devastation. But they may as well be saying they’ve found a pink and purple ghost in a closet, and we should huddle in the dark until it goes away.
Longtime friend, colleague, and relentless independent investigator, Harry Blazer wrote this in a blistering email to his list:
“…science has even co-opted and bastardized the term ‘isolated’ to mean putting a sample [from a patient] in a cell culture, adding various agents to create a reaction including antibiotics and various caustic chemicals to see if the cells die – REALLY!!! How could you possibly know what caused what to happen when you are adding all kinds of shit to cause something to happen? It is like adding adjuvants (poisons) to a vaccine in order to produce an antibody response to prove that the vaccine works. REALLY!…”
Yes, in that mystical lab ritual, researchers are putting together a cell culture, which includes what they claim is the new virus; and then to “prove” this supposed virus is harmful and kills those cells, they add caustic substances that do, indeed, cause harm to cells.
This reminds me of animal experiments back in the 1970s, at the US National Institutes of Health, where the obsessed (and failed) goal was proving viruses could cause cancer. To “prepare” the animals for injections of the purported viruses, all sorts of toxic chemicals were jammed into the animals—in an effort to weaken them to the point at which the viruses would hopefully “create uncontrolled cell growth,” the hallmark of cancer.
There’s a simple name for this sort of lunatic research: stacking the deck.
What Harry Blazer is referring to in his statement is just one piece of the arcane lab protocol designed to “find a new virus and prove it is harmful.” We need EVERY piece of the process brought out into the light for all to see and understand and analyze.
A hundred years of Rockefeller-medicine propaganda has entrained gullible populations to “fear the germ,” forget the inherent strength and resilience of their own immune systems, and forget what health is.
As I keep mentioning, if germs were the basic problem, we would all be dead a thousand times over, because the gigantic number of microbes in our bodies and the environment is incalculable.
In several key articles, I’ve described how a proper large-scale study should be done, utilizing electron microscopy, in order to demonstrate the likelihood that a new virus is present and causes illness. Such studies are never done. The reason is clear. The naked results would torpedo absurd hypotheses about supposed viral epidemics.
Expert propagandists know, and have stated, that the best lie to tell is a huge lie. Sell that one, and you’re in. For example, once the population has internalized religious faith in The Germ, reversing that belief seems preposterous.
“You mean they’ve been lying to us about THAT? No, that couldn’t be…”
Yes, it could be, and it is.
“You mean, they’re a selling a STORY about a virus?”
Bingo. We have a winner.
Back in the 1980s, when I was writing my first book, AIDS INC., I decided to check up on efforts to infect animals with (purported) HIV and produce AIDS. These animal experiments involved chimps kept in sealed facilities across the US.
Keep in mind, the chimps were no longer living in their native environments. They were no longer among their traditional communities. They were existing in cages, kept there for long periods. Years. In other words, every possible psychological assault on them was being deployed—in order to impair their immune systems.
I spoke with the scientist who was in charge of tracking every one of those lab chimps. I asked him whether the injections had caused any “AIDS effects.”
No, he said. Not in any of the animals.
Robert Gallo, the “co-discoverer of HIV,” was reported to have said: “Let me take a crack at those damn chimps! I’ll infect them!”
Who knows what horrors he would have unleashed on the animals, to make it appear their immune systems were failing from “the virus.”
Eventually, researchers did announce they had been able to “infect” some chimps. This is like saying, “We dropped bombs on the enemy and they continued to fight, so we dropped much, much bigger bombs, and then they gave in…”
Welcome to the science of virology.
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 (Where is the virus? Fear is the only virus) was originally created and published by Jon Rappaport’s Blog and is re-posted here with permission.


thewakingtimes--2020-08-25--Here’s How a Cashless Society Would Affect Day to Day Life

Here ’ s How a Cashless Society Would Affect Day to Day Life Get the latest Waking Times articles delivered to your inbox .
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Have you ever thought about the ramifications of a cashless society ?
I ’ m talking about the real , first-person effects , not some ephemeral conspiracy theory or possible biblical prophecy .
This is bad news for a lot of reasons , not the least of which are the ways it would affect day-to-day life .
Here ’ s my definition of a cashless society , so we ’ re all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would no longer be legal tender , therefore you could not make purchases with it , pay bills with it , or spend it in any way .
You would not be able to deposit cash into your bank account so you wouldn ’ t be able to accept cash for an exchange of goods or services .
Therefore , cash would be nothing more than a worthless piece of paper .
( I know , I know .
Debt-based currency is a totally different article though . )
We ’ re heading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Venezuela is rapidly becoming cashless and here in the United States a concerning early sign is that there is a “ change shortage ” which is causing many stores to give you your change on a store loyalty card or invite you to donate that change to some cause .
Think of all the times that cash is an appropriate gift .
I ’ ve always given money , like stuffing a child ’ s birthday card with a $ 20 bill or giving a new graduate some cash to put toward college @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we received quite a bit of money from various loved ones .
My dad always gave my daughters some spending money of their own each time we visited and they were surprised and delighted every single time .
However , in a cashless society , there are two problems with this .
First of all , the recipient would not be able to use the cash .
He or she would not be able to spend or deposit it .
Secondly , if a monetary gift is given , it would have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transfer .
This means that the government ( and the Tax Man ) would know precisely how much money any person is given .
That might not be a big deal for the 7-year-old who got $ 20 from grandpa , but what about the graduate who raked in a couple thousand in gifts from family members to celebrate his or her accomplishments ?
At what point will the government have their hands out for “ their fair share ?
” A lot of folks are really struggling right now with the COVID @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours have been cut , and financial problems abound .
One of the ways that these people are making ends meet is with side gigs .
Folks are cutting grass , cleaning houses , driving for Uber , delivering food , babysitting – they ’ re coming up with all sorts of ways to make some extra money .
A huge percentage of these people are being paid in cash .
But if suddenly you can no longer spend your cash , you ’ d need to be paid electronically .
How many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a business have a merchant account for taking credit or debit cards ?
There are options like Paypal and Venmo , which take a percentage fee , but they ’ re going to have to figure out something .
And then , as above , every single bit of this side gig money is traceable and trackable .
This could quickly turn your 20 bucks from lawn mowing into $ 15 after taxes .
Raise your hand if you ’ ve ever sold something to pay a bill .
Me too !
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exercise equipment – all sorts of stuff to meet an obligation when in a pinch .
Not only that , but I have a yard sale every single year to downsize the things that I found I don ’ t really use , which often brings in a few hundred dollars .
How will this work in a cashless society ?
Well , if you are selling just one larger item , you ’ d probably end up using some kind of payment app like Venmo or Paypal .
On the other hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impossible to conduct electronically .
Who is really going to be able to sit there and do Paypal transactions all day , especially when folks are buying things that cost 25 cents ?
And there we are , down another way of making some quick money .
Lots of folks who work in food service and the beauty industry , just to name two niches , depend on tips to make a living .
Generally , tips are collected from tables or paid out at the end of the shift if they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is no cash , these tips will have to end up going on a regular paycheck .
One hundred percent of this money will be subject to payroll withholdings .
This will mean that a lot of people see a sharp decrease in their earnings , plus they ’ ll have to wait for their checks to get the money .
It puts a lot of power into the hands of the management and it would not be difficult at all for someone to manipulate the amounts the workers have earned .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the importance of allowing children to handle their own money .
It teaches them responsibility and life skills that will serve them well in the future .
( Learn more about talking to your kids about money in this article . )
My daughters have had access to money since they were in kindergarten , and possibly before .
Now , how are you going to give a five-year-old access to money if it ’ s all electronic ?
Are they going to end up with their own bank accounts and debit cards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also the option of gift cards , but that means the money can only be spent at certain places , taking away the vital learning curve of saving your money to put it toward a Big Goal .
Forget lemonade stands , gifts from Grandpa , or putting change in a piggy bank – these will all be things of the past .
Eight million households in the United States are “ underbanked ” or “ unbanked.
” This means that they don ’ t have any kind of bank account due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other obstacles .
These people rely on check-cashing businesses that already take a hefty fee to give them the pay they ’ ve earned .
What will they do when this is no longer an option ?
Most of the people who are unbanked or underbanked are living under the poverty line already .
This would mean that they can no longer pick up side-gigs to make ends meet , they can ’ t do odd jobs , and getting them any kind of assistance will be more difficult .
Slate reports how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : And this is just a coin shortage .
Imagine how difficult it would be if our society became completely cashless .
There is an alarming amount of power in access .
So , we can see this isn ’ t an ideal situation for any of us .
But even these things are relatively minor in comparison to the potential for abuse against citizens in a cashless society .
If every single dime you bring in is tracked and recorded , you will have no financial privacy , and you ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Many of us keep some cash savings around the house for emergencies .
Even if there is a bank holiday , we ’ ll be okay because we have the money sitting around to take care of any incidentals while we are unable to access our banked money .
But what happens when things are cashless ?
All that money we ’ ve stashed away over the years would have to go into the coffers and we ’ d lose a certain amount of control .
It ’ s all well and good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happens when there ’ s a Cyprus-style event and the government decides a bail-in is in order ?
If you don ’ t recall , back in 2013 , billions of dollars were seized from depositors to protect the small country ’ s banking system .
This was done to make good on an $ 11.6 billion dollar debt owed to creditors outside the country .
If you think that sounds far-fetched – like something that could “ never happen here , ” it ’ s incredibly important to note that we already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the United States .
After the bailouts for the economic crisis of 2008 , Congress passed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Act of January 2010 , which prohibits government bailouts but allows bail-ins .
So , yes , the money in your account could indeed be used to save a floundering bank .
Not only that , but think about the outrageous phenomenon of civil asset forfeiture .
If you aren ’ t familiar with it , that means that an entity can seize your property or money even when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crime .
Civil asset forfeiture provides billions of dollars to the US Government and local police departments every single year .
Imagine how much easier that would be if your wealth was all in one place .
And let me take it just one step further before I take off the tinfoil – think about how many websites , YouTube channels , and social media accounts have been purged and demonetized over the past few years .
Is it that much of a stretch of the imagination that this could be taken a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be fined and money immediately be withdrawn from the accounts of those who dissent with the status quo ?
Maybe I ’ m just another paranoid conspiracy theorist .
But are you actually paranoid when “ they ” are really out to control you ?
What do you think ?
Do you think we ’ re headed toward a cashless society ?
Are you concerned about this ?
Have you considered how you ’ d deal with this situation if it were to occur ?
Share your thoughts in the comments .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ blogger who writes about current events , preparedness , frugality , voluntaryism , and the pursuit of liberty on her website , The Organic Prepper .
She is widely republished across alternative media and she curates all the most important news links on her aggregate site , PreppersDailyNews.com .
Daisy is the best-selling author of 4 books and runs a small digital publishing company .
She lives in the mountains of Virginia with her family .
You can find her on Facebook , Pinterest , and Twitter .

Here’s How a Cashless Society Would Affect Day to Day Life
Daisy Luther, The Organic Pepper
Waking Times
Have you ever thought about the ramifications of a cashless society? I’m talking about the real, first-person effects, not some ephemeral conspiracy theory or possible biblical prophecy. This is bad news for a lot of reasons, not the least of which are the ways it would affect day-to-day life.
Here’s my definition of a cashless society, so we’re all singing from the same songbook:
Cash would no longer be legal tender, therefore you could not make purchases with it, pay bills with it, or spend it in any way. You would not be able to deposit cash into your bank account so you wouldn’t be able to accept cash for an exchange of goods or services.
Therefore, cash would be nothing more than a worthless piece of paper. (I know, I know. Debt-based currency is a totally different article though.)
We’re heading this way. Jose recently wrote that Venezuela is rapidly becoming cashless and here in the United States a concerning early sign is that there is a “change shortage” which is causing many stores to give you your change on a store loyalty card or invite you to donate that change to some cause.
Gifts
Think of all the times that cash is an appropriate gift. I’ve always given money, like stuffing a child’s birthday card with a $20 bill or giving a new graduate some cash to put toward college expenses. When I got married, we received quite a bit of money from various loved ones. My dad always gave my daughters some spending money of their own each time we visited and they were surprised and delighted every single time.
However, in a cashless society, there are two problems with this.
First of all, the recipient would not be able to use the cash. He or she would not be able to spend or deposit it.
Secondly, if a monetary gift is given, it would have to be done with a check or electronic transfer. This means that the government (and the Tax Man) would know precisely how much money any person is given. That might not be a big deal for the 7-year-old who got $20 from grandpa, but what about the graduate who raked in a couple thousand in gifts from family members to celebrate his or her accomplishments? At what point will the government have their hands out for “their fair share?”
Side Gigs
A lot of folks are really struggling right now with the COVID shutdowns. Jobs have been lost, hours have been cut, and financial problems abound. One of the ways that these people are making ends meet is with side gigs. Folks are cutting grass, cleaning houses, driving for Uber, delivering food, babysitting – they’re coming up with all sorts of ways to make some extra money. A huge percentage of these people are being paid in cash.
But if suddenly you can no longer spend your cash, you’d need to be paid electronically. How many people who don’t already have a business have a merchant account for taking credit or debit cards? There are options like Paypal and Venmo, which take a percentage fee, but they’re going to have to figure out something.
And then, as above, every single bit of this side gig money is traceable and trackable. This could quickly turn your 20 bucks from lawn mowing into $15 after taxes.
Selling Secondhand Goods
Raise your hand if you’ve ever sold something to pay a bill. Me too! I’ve sold jewelry, furniture, exercise equipment – all sorts of stuff to meet an obligation when in a pinch. Not only that, but I have a yard sale every single year to downsize the things that I found I don’t really use, which often brings in a few hundred dollars.
How will this work in a cashless society? Well, if you are selling just one larger item, you’d probably end up using some kind of payment app like Venmo or Paypal. On the other hand, a yard sale would be nearly impossible to conduct electronically. Who is really going to be able to sit there and do Paypal transactions all day, especially when folks are buying things that cost 25 cents?
And there we are, down another way of making some quick money.
Tips
Lots of folks who work in food service and the beauty industry, just to name two niches, depend on tips to make a living. Generally, tips are collected from tables or paid out at the end of the shift if they were put on a debit card. But…once there is no cash, these tips will have to end up going on a regular paycheck. One hundred percent of this money will be subject to payroll withholdings.
This will mean that a lot of people see a sharp decrease in their earnings, plus they’ll have to wait for their checks to get the money. It puts a lot of power into the hands of the management and it would not be difficult at all for someone to manipulate the amounts the workers have earned.
Children
I’ve written many times about the importance of allowing children to handle their own money. It teaches them responsibility and life skills that will serve them well in the future. (Learn more about talking to your kids about money in this article.) My daughters have had access to money since they were in kindergarten, and possibly before.
Now, how are you going to give a five-year-old access to money if it’s all electronic? Are they going to end up with their own bank accounts and debit cards? That hardly seems realistic. There is also the option of gift cards, but that means the money can only be spent at certain places, taking away the vital learning curve of saving your money to put it toward a Big Goal. Forget lemonade stands, gifts from Grandpa, or putting change in a piggy bank – these will all be things of the past.
The unbanked or underbanked
Eight million households in the United States are “underbanked” or “unbanked.” This means that they don’t have any kind of bank account due to fees, bad credit, or other obstacles. These people rely on check-cashing businesses that already take a hefty fee to give them the pay they’ve earned. What will they do when this is no longer an option?
Most of the people who are unbanked or underbanked are living under the poverty line already. This would mean that they can no longer pick up side-gigs to make ends meet, they can’t do odd jobs, and getting them any kind of assistance will be more difficult.
Slate reports how the coin shortage is affecting these Americans:
To the average American, this shortage may only cause minor headaches—a harder time paying at a parking meter or exact change required at a coffee shop. But some 8 million American households, or 6 percent of Americans, are “unbanked,” meaning that because of fees and other financial hurdles, they have no checking, savings, or money market account. Many rely instead on services such as money orders, pawn shop loans, or payday loans. According to Venky Shankar, a marketing professor at the Center for Retailing Studies at Texas A&M University, Americans who make $25,000 a year or less use cash for around 45 percent of their purchases. So those Americans might struggle to pay for essential services without change on hand. They also might find it more stressful to round up or donate their change, should stores ask for it. “For an unbanked or underbanked person, it could leave them in a horrible situation if they don’t have access to the cards,” saidAngela Lyons, a professor of economics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. (source)
And this is just a coin shortage. Imagine how difficult it would be if our society became completely cashless.
There is an alarming amount of power in access.
So, we can see this isn’t an ideal situation for any of us.
But even these things are relatively minor in comparison to the potential for abuse against citizens in a cashless society. If every single dime you bring in is tracked and recorded, you will have no financial privacy, and you’ll also be at far more risk. Many of us keep some cash savings around the house for emergencies. Even if there is a bank holiday, we’ll be okay because we have the money sitting around to take care of any incidentals while we are unable to access our banked money.
But what happens when things are cashless? All that money we’ve stashed away over the years would have to go into the coffers and we’d lose a certain amount of control.
It’s all well and good when times are okay, but what happens when there’s a Cyprus-style event and the government decides a bail-in is in order? If you don’t recall, back in 2013, billions of dollars were seized from depositors to protect the small country’s banking system. This was done to make good on an $11.6 billion dollar debt owed to creditors outside the country.
If you think that sounds far-fetched – like something that could “never happen here,” it’s incredibly important to note that we already have language that allows for bail-ins here in the United States. After the bailouts for the economic crisis of 2008, Congress passed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Act of January 2010, which prohibits government bailouts but allows bail-ins. So, yes, the money in your account could indeed be used to save a floundering bank.
Not only that, but think about the outrageous phenomenon of civil asset forfeiture. If you aren’t familiar with it, that means that an entity can seize your property or money even when you have not been convicted of a crime. Civil asset forfeiture provides billions of dollars to the US Government and local police departments every single year. Imagine how much easier that would be if your wealth was all in one place.
And let me take it just one step further before I take off the tinfoil – think about how many websites, YouTube channels, and social media accounts have been purged and demonetized over the past few years. Is it that much of a stretch of the imagination that this could be taken a step further? That perhaps unpopular opinions could be fined and money immediately be withdrawn from the accounts of those who dissent with the status quo?
Maybe I’m just another paranoid conspiracy theorist. But are you actually paranoid when “they” are really out to control you?
What do you think?
Do you think we’re headed toward a cashless society? Are you concerned about this? Have you considered how you’d deal with this situation if it were to occur? Share your thoughts in the comments.
About the Author
Daisy Luther is a coffee-swigging, gun-toting blogger who writes about current events, preparedness, frugality, voluntaryism, and the pursuit of liberty on her website, The Organic Prepper. She is widely republished across alternative media and she curates all the most important news links on her aggregate site, PreppersDailyNews.com. Daisy is the best-selling author of 4 books and runs a small digital publishing company. She lives in the mountains of Virginia with her family. You can find her on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.