theduran--2020-04-30--Fighting the invisible enemy: imperial fascism 2020, not covid-19

What could possibly be a better way to usher in a racist New World Order , that ’ s hell-bent on population control , than an invisible enemy that gets nearly everyone to gladly jail themselves , fear physical contact with their family , friends , and neighbors , and that disproportionately kills the impoverished and African Americans ?
What could possibly be a better way to bail out Wall Street ’ s failing repurchasing ( repo ) market , increase surveillance on a more granular level , and mandate an experimental global vaccination program that ’ s eagerly awaited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bill Gates , the second richest man in the world , whose major concern is ending overpopulation in predominately non-white populations ?
What could possibly provide wide enough cover to desensitize all to the massive troop buildup in Europe that encircles Russia , and the deployment of warships that threaten Venezuela , Iran , and China with invasion , and that ratchets-up its criminal economic sanctions against the most vulnerable people in these respective countries and 36 others under the hypocritical ruse that these measures are really to protect them ?
What could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accomplish repatriation , seal borders , discourage protest , and position the United States into perfect alignment for WWIII ?
If you ’ ve correctly answered imperial fascism 2020 , you ’ ve won , they ’ ve lost , and the resistance takes a quantum leap forward .
At minimum , one could convincingly argue that the arrival of COVID-19 is fortuitous for certain economic sectors within the United States .
For even if COVID-19 is not perceived as a U.S. bioweapon , Washington is undeniably its pimp .
While most activists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event that ’ s exacerbated by rabid industrialization , and that it reveals the unequivocal failure of the capitalist system to provide for its people – a very strong unifying argument on its own volition – some venture to argue COVID-19 is a bioweapon that originated in U.S. labs , believing it was first released in China , Iran , and Italy .
Yet , others say it was first released in the U.S. in Wisconsin last summer and its ravages were wrongly attributed to it being a deadly reaction to vaping .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the flu-like symptoms ; ground-glass opacities visible in lung CT scans ; and deaths of EVALI patients are eerily similar to those found in COVID-19 cases .
Consider that Wisconsin , the center of the EVALI outbreak , had a biosafety-3 lab that was caught in 2007 , by a watchdog group , doing biosafety-4 experimentation with Ebola .
This occurrence demonstrates the lack of oversight by the National Institutes of Health ( NIH ) , the University of Wisconsin , Madison , and the CDC .
Subsequently , the researcher , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus , based on H5N1 , an avian influenza strain , that allows transmission between ferrets , the animal that most closely mimics the human response to flu .
Another researcher was doing similar work in the Netherlands .
“ Scientists believe it ’ s likely that the pathogen , if it emerged in nature or were released , would trigger an influenza pandemic , quite possibly with many millions of deaths.
” Since this possibility was unnerving to many scientists at the time , it resulted in Kawaoka ’ s work being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , he was allowed to resume the research .
Studies like this that have a potential public health benefit ( i.e .
vaccine development ) but could also be useful for nefarious purposes like biowarfare or bioterrorism and are referred to by scientists as dual-use research .
So , no matter how you spin it , a pandemic based on bat soup is a hard sell – despite how many times it ’ s repeated in the news media .
It ’ s like 9/11 .
No one ’ s really sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is patently unbelievable to anyone not suffering from cognitive dissonance .
Overall , it ’ s stunning to read how the scientific community marvels at the ability of influenza type viruses to cause pandemics , because unlike Ebola people don ’ t die-off within days of exposure but productively transmit the airborne pathogen for two weeks undetected when asymptomatic .
“ Influenza is usually transmitted by direct contact but can also be transmitted by aerosol ( e.g .
on a passenger plane ) .
Indeed , international transmission is increasingly frequent .
Notably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 27,000 times fewer virions to induce equivalent disease .
Taken together with the fact that the influenza virus is readily accessible and may be causing more deaths than previously suspected , the possibility for genetic engineering and aerosol transmission suggests an enormous potential for bioterrorism.
” Some of the more fascinating discussions in the scientific community involve ethical issues with gain-of-function experimentation .
Gain-of-function research involves genetic manipulations that expand the adaptability and/or virulence of a given pathogen .
“ Ralph Baric , an infectious-disease researcher at the University of North Carolina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ November 9 ) published a study on his team ’ s efforts to engineer a virus with the surface protein of the SHC014 coronavirus , found in horseshoe bats in China , and the backbone of one that causes human-like severe acute respiratory syndrome ( SARS ) in mice .
The hybrid virus could infect human airway cells and caused disease in mice , according to the team ’ s results.
” Other interesting discussions involve the resistance of certain DNA and blood types to particular infections and the sensitivity of others : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be so fatal to some people is because of their bodies elicit an overzealous immune response called a cytokine storm , which may originate in their DNA .
A small study of patients who died from the 2009 H1N1 flu outbreak found that many carried mutations that triggered this self-destructive flood of cytokine molecules .
Results from studies on the genetics of COVID-19 susceptibility and severity are beginning to trickle in .
One study suggests that variants in the HLA genes likely play a role .
Others point to differences in the ABO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the ACE2 gene , which codes for the protein SARS-CoV-2 latches onto to infect human cells .
But the findings are all preliminary and require follow-up with larger datasets.
” Also noted by scientists are the distribution of similar DNA and blood types to particular geographical regions and ethnic groups which could potentially enable effective targeting .
“ Rather than specifically triggering the toxic effects of organisms such as anthrax , the Sunshine project warned that weapons based on a new medical technique called RNA interference could shut down vital genes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ varies between two different populations the technique could be used to interrupt key body functions in one population and not the other .
If as little as 10 % or 20 % of a target population would be affected , this would wreak havoc among enemy soldiers on a battlefield or in an enemy society as a whole , the group said.
” Many activists discussed the U.S. unabashed proclivity for using biological weapons against its foreign enemies , especially Cuba and even testing these weapons out on its prisoners , orphans , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rural and urban settings .
U.S. commerce secretary , Wilbur Ross , glibly remarked in January that the COVID-19 epidemic in China would be positive for the U.S. economy .
Some cynical journalists believe Wuhan was a good spot for release because any genetic modifications revealed in its sequence could later be blamed on Wuhan ’ s biosafety level-4 lab , thus achieving plausible deniability – the CIA ’ s operational hallmark .
Moreover , any blowback to the U.S. from the release of COVID-19 could be used to whip-up the gullible into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Chinese Communists against Trump ’ s America – when in fact all economic , political and social indicators show that China is eclipsing the United States .
China didn ’ t need to shoot itself in the lung in Wuhan to take out the United States , Washington ’ s failing repo market , militarism , and unique brand of gangster capitalism already did the work .
“ As of November 2019 , the U.S. debt to China was $ 1.09 trillion .
That ’ s 16 % of the total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Many are concerned that this gives China political leverage over U.S. fiscal policy and worry about what would happen if China started selling its Treasury holdings .
It also would be disastrous if China merely cut back on its Treasury purchases .
By buying Treasurys , China helped keep U.S. interest rates low .
If China were to stop buying Treasurys , interest rates would rise .
That could throw the United States into a recession.
” While the designing of pathogens to attack particular DNA and blood types , remains top-secret , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s extensive efforts to collect biometric data from diplomats worldwide that include DNA samples .
Without question , these efforts have been met with considerable resistance and suspicion .
“ Russia has raised its concerns over attempts by the U.S. military to collect DNA samples from Russian nationals , noting the potential use of such biological samples for the purpose of creating new genetic warfare weaponry.
” Domestically , the Intelligence Community has made it a stated goal to collect DNA widely but discourages its personnel from taking “ at home ” DNA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Russia , China , and Iran have made claims that COVID-19 is a bioweapon that was released by the U.S. during training exercises in Wuhan in October .
And they have pointed out that the early pattern of COVID-19 cases showed a massive geographical leap from China to Iran and Italy – countries Washington has threatened and targeted with economic sanctions .
While Italy was a surprise to many , others understood their trade with China to be a point of contention in Washington .
Either way , all respected activists see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans to COVID-19 as a function of a domestic & foreign policy that ’ s rooted in slavery and exploitation .
So , no matter how COVID-19 arrived , it ’ s time to understand its appearance as an unprecedented opportunity to unleash class warfare on a global scale .
Despite the CIA ’ s longstanding and pervasive operations Gladio and Condor , and Trump ’ s political strategist Steve Bannon ’ s promotion of U.S. imperial fascism throughout Europe and Latin America , massive grassroots protests erupted in France , Chile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policies , fascist governments and austerity measures in 2019 .
What hasn ’ t been seen is massive protests in the United States since the invasion and occupation of Iraq in 2003 .
But , given the Intelligence Community ’ s stranglehold over the news , social media , and Hollywood style productions through operation Mockingbird and its actual infiltration now into the corporate and alternative news media as writers and newscasters , this is no surprise .
Moreover , the Intelligence Community actively continues COINTELPRO against dissidents , especially African Americans and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with religious organizations .
Yet , despite extrajudicial killings , lawfare jailings and persecutions of resistance leaders worldwide – such as the bounty placed on the sitting elected president of Venezuela , Nicolas Maduro , it ’ s an accomplishment that protest and independent new media remain inextinguishable .
This is a clear victory and not to be underestimated .
While the resistance doesn ’ t have a cohesive global movement under one leader , what it ’ s achieved is a patchwork quilt of independent activist groups .
It can be argued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it more difficult to infiltrate and eradicate .
The only vulnerability remains typical COINTELPRO type sabotage such as infighting , competition , and identity politics .
Since all dissidents bleed red blood irrespective of gender , race , color , creed , and sexual orientation and preference , and view each other as comrades and companeros , the movement will advance .
When party platform differences are placed aside and the imperial enemy is clear , resistance is unstoppable .
Activist , educator , and co-host of WBAI ’ s Voices of Resistance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter what obstacles are put in the resistance ’ s path , the solution is always “ organize , educate and mobilize ” .
Many activist groups follow this playbook faithfully to great success .
Through webinars , educational forums are becoming membership drives and effective calls to actions despite COVID-19 restrictions on assembly and movement .
Through webinars , political economy is taught by the Party for Socialism & Liberation ; labor history is taught by Workers World ; and , Struggle LaLucha , teaches about Vladimir Lenin and unites essential workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ajamu Baraka , the national organizer and spokesperson for The Black Alliance for Peace ( BAP ) , explains the connection between domestic and global issues and leads actions that protect Venezuela and Iran from military invasion and economic sanctions – critical situations that are concealed by the pandemic ’ s hype CODE PINK hosts “ WTF is Going on in Latin America ” , which provides ongoing critical news coverage that shows resistance to Washington ’ s imperial fascism .
Co-founder , Medea Benjamin ’ s reports from the front-lines in Bolivia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fascist coup against indigenous president Evo Morales were invaluable , and CODE PINK ’ s campaign to Divest from the War Machine is not to be missed .
Tangible results from webinars and outreach involve support for communities through mutual-aid as well as the organizing of strikes and car caravans to free prisoners and ICE detainees ; defend workers , and put rent payments on hold .
Sara Flounders , writer and organizer with the International Action Center , Workers World Newspaper and SanctionsKill.org , says she ’ s “ extremely busy coordinating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car caravan is scheduled for International Workers Day ( May 1 ) in NYC , the epicenter of COVID-19 in the United States .
It will conclude at Governor Cuomo ’ s Manhattan office .
Cooperation Jackson ’ s called for a general strike on May 1 .
“ A Call to Action : Towards a General Strike to End the COVID-19 Crisis and Create a New World , provides the rationale and the broad demands that Cooperation Jackson says must ground the strike .
The overall principle and strategic goal of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demands that will transform our broken and inequitable society , and build a new society run by and for us – the working-class , poor , oppressed majority.
” Kevin Zeese , co-director of Popular Resistance , speaks about the importance of strikes , seeing the one scheduled for May 1 as the beginning : “ The General Strike campaign will be ongoing with actions on the first of every month…This new era of mass strikes builds on successful strikes by teachers , healthcare workers , hotel workers , and others .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the last two years , there has been the largest number of major work stoppages in 35 years with more than 400,000 workers involved in strikes in both 2018 and 2019 .
This continues in 2020 with a wave of wildcat strikes .
Striking is the most powerful tool of the people .
United action magnifies popular power and shows those in power that they can not ignore us any longer.
” Many voters dissatisfied with the United States ’ corporate party duopoly , and/or still reeling from the recent loss of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gabbard , are actively engaged and now seeking to support socialist candidates such as Gloria La Riva & Leonard Peltier and those offered by the Green Party .
Many believe this is a critical time for third party candidates to gain ballot access throughout the United States at all electoral levels .
Will third party candidates win the presidency ?
Probably not , but they raise bread & butter issues and unite constituencies that resist neoliberal economic policies and fascism both nationally and internationally .
Additionally , incremental change at the local level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups know this is not a time for exclusivity and nitpicking , this is a time to adopt the well-known adage “ the enemy of my enemy is my friend.
” By focusing on commonalities , imperial fascism and its deep state intelligence community lackeys can be defeated .
COVID-19 shows the world that the system is totally out of control and must be stopped by any means necessary .
Activists recognize that former intelligence community members and military personal have undermined the opposition with their heroism and truth-telling .
Shining examples of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Edward Snowden , and Chelsea Manning .
In NYC , The Big Apple Coffee Party has taken the lead in defending journalist , Julian Assange , and whistleblower , Chelsea Manning .
While COVID-19 certainly benefits members of the ruling elite that are most vested in the military-industrial complex , fossil fuel , financial and pharmaceutical industries , and its tech titans , it doesn ’ t benefit them all and some may not believe the end justifies the means when it comes to pandemics .
The ruling elite might agree on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ static .
Jockeying for position reveals exploitable fissures .
Capitalism remains , even at the highest echelons , a zero-sum game that is inherently cannibalistic by its contradictions – as evident by the fight between Amazon and Microsoft for the Pentagon ’ s Jedi cloud contract – a contract that reads like the premise of the Hollywood blockbuster movie Terminator .
These contradictions are now ripe for weaponization .
While the proletariat and underclass are not surprised by the ravages of COVID-19 against them in an intrinsically unjust sociopolitical economic system , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and even the bourgeoisie itself that quarantines are no party ; essential workers are essential ; all the best restaurants are closed ; and now their maid , driver or sex-slave ’ s cough can kill them .
And , it ’ s a real drag to find a country that allows a jet to land these days .
Dissidents within the ruling elite can join the resistance in its divestment campaigns and also anonymously fund independent grassroots organizations ; striking workers go-fund-me campaigns , and independent news media – just leave co-optation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progressive organizations and independent news media that were neutered by the donner class and are alert to the tricks .
Sabotage and whistleblowing are also great ways for the dissident elite to get down with the people .
COVID-19 is not the time to fight for breadcrumbs and concessions , but the time to fight for revolutionary changes .
Join one of the activist groups listed above ; follow webinars ; help your neighbors and community ; support the growth of Socialist and Green political parties and , observe general strikes as workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ videographers , etc .
Lauren Smith is an independent journalist .
Her work has been published by Alliance for Global Justice , Black Agenda Report , Common Dreams , Counterpunch , The Duran , Global Research , CA , Monthly Review , and Telesur amongst others .
She holds a BA in Politics , Economics , and Society from SUNY at Old Westbury and an MPA in International Development Administration from New York University .
Her historical fiction novel based on Nicaragua ’ s 1979 revolution is due out this year .

The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of this site. This site does not give financial, investment or medical advice.
Submitted by Lauren Smith…
What could possibly be a better way to usher in a racist New World Order, that’s hell-bent on population control, than an invisible enemy that gets nearly everyone to gladly jail themselves, fear physical contact with their family, friends, and neighbors, and that disproportionately kills the impoverished and African Americans?
What could possibly be a better way to bail out Wall Street’s failing repurchasing (repo) market, increase surveillance on a more granular level, and mandate an experimental global vaccination program that’s eagerly awaited even though it’s spearheaded by Bill Gates, the second richest man in the world, whose major concern is ending overpopulation in predominately non-white populations?
What could possibly provide wide enough cover to desensitize all to the massive troop buildup in Europe that encircles Russia, and the deployment of warships that threaten Venezuela, Iran, and China with invasion, and that ratchets-up its criminal economic sanctions against the most vulnerable people in these respective countries and 36 others under the hypocritical ruse that these measures are really to protect them?
What could possibly be a more effective way to accomplish repatriation, seal borders, discourage protest, and position the United States into perfect alignment for WWIII? If you’ve correctly answered imperial fascism 2020, you’ve won, they’ve lost, and the resistance takes a quantum leap forward. At minimum, one could convincingly argue that the arrival of COVID-19 is fortuitous for certain economic sectors within the United States. For even if COVID-19 is not perceived as a U.S. bioweapon, Washington is undeniably its pimp.
BIOWEAPONS
While most activists organize based on COVID-19 being a natural event that’s exacerbated by rabid industrialization, and that it reveals the unequivocal failure of the capitalist system to provide for its people – a very strong unifying argument on its own volition – some venture to argue COVID-19 is a bioweapon that originated in U.S. labs, believing it was first released in China, Iran, and Italy. Yet, others say it was first released in the U.S. in Wisconsin last summer and its ravages were wrongly attributed to it being a deadly reaction to vaping. In hindsight, it can be argued that the flu-like symptoms; ground-glass opacities visible in lung CT scans; and deaths of EVALI patients are eerily similar to those found in COVID-19 cases.
Consider that Wisconsin, the center of the EVALI outbreak, had a biosafety-3 lab that was caught in 2007, by a watchdog group, doing biosafety-4 experimentation with Ebola. This occurrence demonstrates the lack of oversight by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and the CDC. Subsequently, the researcher, Yoshihiro Kawaoka, invented a genetically altered virus, based on H5N1, an avian influenza strain, that allows transmission between ferrets, the animal that most closely mimics the human response to flu. Another researcher was doing similar work in the Netherlands.
“Scientists believe it’s likely that the pathogen, if it emerged in nature or were released, would trigger an influenza pandemic, quite possibly with many millions of deaths.”
Since this possibility was unnerving to many scientists at the time, it resulted in Kawaoka’s work being halted in 2014. However, in 2019, he was allowed to resume the research. Studies like this that have a potential public health benefit (i.e. vaccine development) but could also be useful for nefarious purposes like biowarfare or bioterrorism and are referred to by scientists as dual-use research.
So, no matter how you spin it, a pandemic based on bat soup is a hard sell – despite how many times it’s repeated in the news media. It’s like 9/11. No one’s really sure what happened, but the official story is patently unbelievable to anyone not suffering from cognitive dissonance.
Overall, it’s stunning to read how the scientific community marvels at the ability of influenza type viruses to cause pandemics, because unlike Ebola people don’t die-off within days of exposure but productively transmit the airborne pathogen for two weeks undetected when asymptomatic.
“Influenza is usually transmitted by direct contact but can also be transmitted by aerosol (e.g. on a passenger plane). Indeed, international transmission is increasingly frequent. Notably, aerosol transmission of influenza requires up to 27,000 times fewer virions to induce equivalent disease. Taken together with the fact that the influenza virus is readily accessible and may be causing more deaths than previously suspected, the possibility for genetic engineering and aerosol transmission suggests an enormous potential for bioterrorism.”
Some of the more fascinating discussions in the scientific community involve ethical issues with gain-of-function experimentation. Gain-of-function research involves genetic manipulations that expand the adaptability and/or virulence of a given pathogen.
“Ralph Baric, an infectious-disease researcher at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, last week (November 9) published a study on his team’s efforts to engineer a virus with the surface protein of the SHC014 coronavirus, found in horseshoe bats in China, and the backbone of one that causes human-like severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in mice. The hybrid virus could infect human airway cells and caused disease in mice, according to the team’s results.”
Other interesting discussions involve the resistance of certain DNA and blood types to particular infections and the sensitivity of others:
“One of the reasons COVID-19 can be so fatal to some people is because of their bodies elicit an overzealous immune response called a cytokine storm, which may originate in their DNA. A small study of patients who died from the 2009 H1N1 flu outbreak found that many carried mutations that triggered this self-destructive flood of cytokine molecules. Results from studies on the genetics of COVID-19 susceptibility and severity are beginning to trickle in. One study suggests that variants in the HLA genes likely play a role. Others point to differences in the ABO blood type, as well as variants in the ACE2 gene, which codes for the protein SARS-CoV-2 latches onto to infect human cells. But the findings are all preliminary and require follow-up with larger datasets.”
Also noted by scientists are the distribution of similar DNA and blood types to particular geographical regions and ethnic groups which could potentially enable effective targeting.
“Rather than specifically triggering the toxic effects of organisms such as anthrax, the Sunshine project warned that weapons based on a new medical technique called RNA interference could shut down vital genes. If the sequence of the target gene varies between two different populations the technique could be used to interrupt key body functions in one population and not the other. If as little as 10% or 20% of a target population would be affected, this would wreak havoc among enemy soldiers on a battlefield or in an enemy society as a whole, the group said.”
Many activists discussed the U.S. unabashed proclivity for using biological weapons against its foreign enemies, especially Cuba and even testing these weapons out on its prisoners, orphans, military personnel, and civilians in both rural and urban settings.
U.S. commerce secretary, Wilbur Ross, glibly remarked in January that the COVID-19 epidemic in China would be positive for the U.S. economy. Some cynical journalists believe Wuhan was a good spot for release because any genetic modifications revealed in its sequence could later be blamed on Wuhan’s biosafety level-4 lab, thus achieving plausible deniability – the CIA’s operational hallmark.
Moreover, any blowback to the U.S. from the release of COVID-19 could be used to whip-up the gullible into believing that the virus was a plot by the Chinese Communists against Trump’s America – when in fact all economic, political and social indicators show that China is eclipsing the United States. China didn’t need to shoot itself in the lung in Wuhan to take out the United States, Washington’s failing repo market, militarism, and unique brand of gangster capitalism already did the work.
“As of November 2019, the U.S. debt to China was $1.09 trillion. That’s 16% of the total public debt owned by foreign countries. Many are concerned that this gives China political leverage over U.S. fiscal policy and worry about what would happen if China started selling its Treasury holdings. It also would be disastrous if China merely cut back on its Treasury purchases. By buying Treasurys, China helped keep U.S. interest rates low. If China were to stop buying Treasurys, interest rates would rise. That could throw the United States into a recession.”
BIOMETRICS
While the designing of pathogens to attack particular DNA and blood types, remains top-secret, what’s not is Washington’s extensive efforts to collect biometric data from diplomats worldwide that include DNA samples. Without question, these efforts have been met with considerable resistance and suspicion.
“Russia has raised its concerns over attempts by the U.S. military to collect DNA samples from Russian nationals, noting the potential use of such biological samples for the purpose of creating new genetic warfare weaponry.”
Domestically, the Intelligence Community has made it a stated goal to collect DNA widely but discourages its personnel from taking “at home” DNA tests because these tests can compromise security.
Russia, China, and Iran have made claims that COVID-19 is a bioweapon that was released by the U.S. during training exercises in Wuhan in October. And they have pointed out that the early pattern of COVID-19 cases showed a massive geographical leap from China to Iran and Italy – countries Washington has threatened and targeted with economic sanctions. While Italy was a surprise to many, others understood their trade with China to be a point of contention in Washington.
GLOBAL CLASS WARFARE
Either way, all respected activists see the vulnerability of the impoverished and African Americans to COVID-19 as a function of a domestic & foreign policy that’s rooted in slavery and exploitation. So, no matter how COVID-19 arrived, it’s time to understand its appearance as an unprecedented opportunity to unleash class warfare on a global scale.
Despite the CIA’s longstanding and pervasive operations Gladio and Condor, and Trump’s political strategist Steve Bannon’s promotion of U.S. imperial fascism throughout Europe and Latin America, massive grassroots protests erupted in France, Chile, Columbia, Brazil and Argentina against neoliberal policies, fascist governments and austerity measures in 2019. What hasn’t been seen is massive protests in the United States since the invasion and occupation of Iraq in 2003.
But, given the Intelligence Community’s stranglehold over the news, social media, and Hollywood style productions through operation Mockingbird and its actual infiltration now into the corporate and alternative news media as writers and newscasters, this is no surprise. Moreover, the Intelligence Community actively continues COINTELPRO against dissidents, especially African Americans and Environmentalists and has a long-standing symbiotic relationship with religious organizations. Yet, despite extrajudicial killings, lawfare jailings and persecutions of resistance leaders worldwide – such as the bounty placed on the sitting elected president of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, it’s an accomplishment that protest and independent new media remain inextinguishable. This is a clear victory and not to be underestimated.
RESISTANCE
While the resistance doesn’t have a cohesive global movement under one leader, what it’s achieved is a patchwork quilt of independent activist groups. It can be argued that this is its strength and makes it more difficult to infiltrate and eradicate. The only vulnerability remains typical COINTELPRO type sabotage such as infighting, competition, and identity politics. Since all dissidents bleed red blood irrespective of gender, race, color, creed, and sexual orientation and preference, and view each other as comrades and companeros, the movement will advance. When party platform differences are placed aside and the imperial enemy is clear, resistance is unstoppable.
Activist, educator, and co-host of WBAI’s Voices of Resistance program, Lucy Pagoada-Quesada explains that no matter what obstacles are put in the resistance’s path, the solution is always “organize, educate and mobilize”. Many activist groups follow this playbook faithfully to great success. Through webinars, educational forums are becoming membership drives and effective calls to actions despite COVID-19 restrictions on assembly and movement.
Through webinars, political economy is taught by the Party for Socialism & Liberation; labor history is taught by Workers World; and, Struggle LaLucha, teaches about Vladimir Lenin and unites essential workers from different economic sectors in actions; Ajamu Baraka, the national organizer and spokesperson for The Black Alliance for Peace (BAP), explains the connection between domestic and global issues and leads actions that protect Venezuela and Iran from military invasion and economic sanctions – critical situations that are concealed by the pandemic’s hype
CODE PINK hosts “WTF is Going on in Latin America”, which provides ongoing critical news coverage that shows resistance to Washington’s imperial fascism. Co-founder, Medea Benjamin’s reports from the front-lines in Bolivia during Washington’s backed white nationalist fascist coup against indigenous president Evo Morales were invaluable, and CODE PINK’s campaign to Divest from the War Machine is not to be missed.
Tangible results from webinars and outreach involve support for communities through mutual-aid as well as the organizing of strikes and car caravans to free prisoners and ICE detainees; defend workers, and put rent payments on hold. Sara Flounders, writer and organizer with the International Action Center, Workers World Newspaper and SanctionsKill.org, says she’s “extremely busy coordinating webinars and car caravans lately.” A car caravan is scheduled for International Workers Day (May 1) in NYC, the epicenter of COVID-19 in the United States. It will conclude at Governor Cuomo’s Manhattan office.
Cooperation Jackson’s called for a general strike on May 1.
“A Call to Action: Towards a General Strike to End the COVID-19 Crisis and Create a New World, provides the rationale and the broad demands that Cooperation Jackson says must ground the strike. The overall principle and strategic goal of the action is that the people must make demands that will transform our broken and inequitable society, and build a new society run by and for us – the working-class, poor, oppressed majority.”
Kevin Zeese, co-director of Popular Resistance, speaks about the importance of strikes, seeing the one scheduled for May 1 as the beginning:
“The General Strike campaign will be ongoing with actions on the first of every month…This new era of mass strikes builds on successful strikes by teachers, healthcare workers, hotel workers, and others. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in the last two years, there has been the largest number of major work stoppages in 35 years with more than 400,000 workers involved in strikes in both 2018 and 2019. This continues in 2020 with a wave of wildcat strikes. Striking is the most powerful tool of the people. United action magnifies popular power and shows those in power that they cannot ignore us any longer.”
Many voters dissatisfied with the United States’ corporate party duopoly, and/or still reeling from the recent loss of the campaigns of Bernie Sanders and Tulsi Gabbard, are actively engaged and now seeking to support socialist candidates such as Gloria La Riva & Leonard Peltier and those offered by the Green Party. Many believe this is a critical time for third party candidates to gain ballot access throughout the United States at all electoral levels. Will third party candidates win the presidency? Probably not, but they raise bread & butter issues and unite constituencies that resist neoliberal economic policies and fascism both nationally and internationally. Additionally, incremental change at the local level can’t be underestimated.
ROLE OF INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY DEFECTORS
Activist groups know this is not a time for exclusivity and nitpicking, this is a time to adopt the well-known adage “the enemy of my enemy is my friend.” By focusing on commonalities, imperial fascism and its deep state intelligence community lackeys can be defeated. COVID-19 shows the world that the system is totally out of control and must be stopped by any means necessary. Activists recognize that former intelligence community members and military personal have undermined the opposition with their heroism and truth-telling. Shining examples of whistleblowers are Philip Agee, John Kiriakou, Edward Snowden, and Chelsea Manning. In NYC, The Big Apple Coffee Party has taken the lead in defending journalist, Julian Assange, and whistleblower, Chelsea Manning.
ROLE OF THE RULING ELITE
While COVID-19 certainly benefits members of the ruling elite that are most vested in the military-industrial complex, fossil fuel, financial and pharmaceutical industries, and its tech titans, it doesn’t benefit them all and some may not believe the end justifies the means when it comes to pandemics. The ruling elite might agree on bottom-line benefits, but power is never static. Jockeying for position reveals exploitable fissures. Capitalism remains, even at the highest echelons, a zero-sum game that is inherently cannibalistic by its contradictions – as evident by the fight between Amazon and Microsoft for the Pentagon’s Jedi cloud contract – a contract that reads like the premise of the Hollywood blockbuster movie Terminator. These contradictions are now ripe for weaponization.
While the proletariat and underclass are not surprised by the ravages of COVID-19 against them in an intrinsically unjust sociopolitical economic system, the pandemic has now demonstrated to the petty-bourgeois and even the bourgeoisie itself that quarantines are no party; essential workers are essential; all the best restaurants are closed; and now their maid, driver or sex-slave’s cough can kill them. And, it’s a real drag to find a country that allows a jet to land these days. Dissidents within the ruling elite can join the resistance in its divestment campaigns and also anonymously fund independent grassroots organizations; striking workers go-fund-me campaigns, and independent news media – just leave co-optation and capture out. Activists know many progressive organizations and independent news media that were neutered by the donner class and are alert to the tricks. Sabotage and whistleblowing are also great ways for the dissident elite to get down with the people.
CONCLUSION
COVID-19 is not the time to fight for breadcrumbs and concessions, but the time to fight for revolutionary changes. Join one of the activist groups listed above; follow webinars; help your neighbors and community; support the growth of Socialist and Green political parties and, observe general strikes as workers, consumers, protesters, writers, videographers, etc.
Power to the people.
Lauren Smith is an independent journalist. Her work has been published by Alliance for Global Justice, Black Agenda Report, Common Dreams, Counterpunch, The Duran, Global Research, CA, Monthly Review, and Telesur amongst others. She holds a BA in Politics, Economics, and Society from SUNY at Old Westbury and an MPA in International Development Administration from New York University. Her historical fiction novel based on Nicaragua’s 1979 revolution is due out this year.
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theduran--2020-04-30--Big banks profit amid pandemic

Big banks profit amid pandemic

Submitted by InfoBrics , authored by Lucas Leiroz , research fellow in international law at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro… It is no secret the global new coronavirus pandemic is causing an unprecedented economic crisis , but this crisis does not seem to have the same effects for everyone .
Undoubtedly , there are those who are profiting from the global crisis and accumulating more and more money , while a larger part of the population becomes increasingly poorer and more vulnerable , aggravating the scenario of global inequality and creating small expectations for the post-coronavirus world .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ an almost apocalyptic situation , where a small financial oligarchy accumulates a huge amount of capital , while the number of poor people increases exponentially .
According to data from the Wall Street Journal , in the first quarter of 2020 , American banks registered 1 trillion dollars from companies and consumers .
In parallel , the United States becomes the global epicenter of the pandemic , with more than 60,000 dead .
Most of the money was received by the four largest American banks : JP Morgan Chase & Co. , Bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Co. and Citigroup Inc .
Apparently , the power of the largest US banks only increases .
These four banks alone raise more than 590 billion dollars , practically double of the previous quarterly record ( about 313 billion dollars ) .
Each of these banks has already exceeded one trillion dollars in loans since March .
Contrary to what happened in the 2008 crisis , people and companies are looking to save their money in banks , instead of avoiding them .
Interestingly , the pandemic and the world crisis arrive at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ banking system .
In Italy , more than 100 banks were bankrupt before the pandemic .
In Germany , the serious crisis of Deutsche Bank and Commerzebank could no longer be hidden .
All of these were symptoms of the final stage of financial capitalism and of the age of unproductive profit .
The great bubbles of the banking system have been multiplying all over the world , increasing its debts exponentially , so that nothing else could save such a system or the economic model it presupposes .
Or , rather , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ magnitude of a pandemic or a world war , which would cancel debts due to force majeure events , as is foreseen in most contracts worldwide .
Thus , the system could be revitalized .
In fact , financial capitalism is very unlikely to survive the coronavirus crisis .
The age of speculation seems to be coming to an end .
Since 1991 , capitalism has suffered from a structural crisis .
Expansion is one of the basic principles of this system ; it is a condition for the existence of capitalism .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the old socialist world was inserted into the global market , in order to exhaust the possibilities for the expansion of capitalism , which then begins its phase of decline .
With specific regard to financial capitalism , we can see that this system arises precisely in the period of greatest stability of capitalism in the western world , beginning its structural and existential crisis in recent decades .
The 2008 crisis puts an end to financial system , but it didn ’ t really overwhelm it , thanks mainly to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American State in order to save its main banks , allowing the economic model to survive .
Since then , however , the situation has only worsened .
It is curious why people are relying on banks .
Fear of the coming crisis is having a reverse effect to that of many previous crises .
Everyone knows that a time of brutal difficulties will come around the world , with increasingly harsh economic conditions .
In general , companies are allocating their remaining earnings to banks or , in other cases , are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future investments .
International society believed in the salvation of financial capitalism in 2008 and did not realize that that crisis killed this system forever .
Therefore , the effect is the opposite : in 2008 , people struggled to take their money from banks , now they run to keep it , as they see banking institutions as the only form of refuge in the midst of social chaos .
In the words of Paul Donofrio , chief financial officer of Bank of America : “ We believe companies viewed us as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stress ” .
It can only be concluded that these people are making a big mistake .
All this money invested will disappear and the world will face the greatest crisis of the contemporary era .
The belief in the indestructibility of capitalism has deeply shaken people ’ s ability to analyze complex situations and establish plans and strategies .
Banks will survive the crisis , but not the companies that take services from these banks .
The global market will ruin , as already shown in the drastic fall of all stock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of consumption will drop absurdly and large populations will be thrown entirely into poverty , so that the poor will become increasingly poorer – and we can include even today ’ s millionaires among the “ poor ” .
The banks will save themselves and render the financial oligarchy an extraordinary profit by canceling debts and ending bubbles by the pandemic force majeure , thus making a select group of billionaires achieve trillionaires status .
Finally , what is on our horizon is a dystopian future , in which world society will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a large global mass of poor and precarious people .

The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of this site. This site does not give financial, investment or medical advice.
Submitted by InfoBrics, authored by Lucas Leiroz, research fellow in international law at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro…
It is no secret the global new coronavirus pandemic is causing an unprecedented economic crisis, but this crisis does not seem to have the same effects for everyone. Undoubtedly, there are those who are profiting from the global crisis and accumulating more and more money, while a larger part of the population becomes increasingly poorer and more vulnerable, aggravating the scenario of global inequality and creating small expectations for the post-coronavirus world. The concentration of income is heading towards an almost apocalyptic situation, where a small financial oligarchy accumulates a huge amount of capital, while the number of poor people increases exponentially.
According to data from the Wall Street Journal, in the first quarter of 2020, American banks registered 1 trillion dollars from companies and consumers. In parallel, the United States becomes the global epicenter of the pandemic, with more than 60,000 dead. Most of the money was received by the four largest American banks: JP Morgan Chase & Co., Bank of America Corp, Wells Fargo & Co. and Citigroup Inc. Apparently, the power of the largest US banks only increases. These four banks alone raise more than 590 billion dollars, practically double of the previous quarterly record (about 313 billion dollars). Each of these banks has already exceeded one trillion dollars in loans since March.
Contrary to what happened in the 2008 crisis, people and companies are looking to save their money in banks, instead of avoiding them. Interestingly, the pandemic and the world crisis arrive at an exact moment of instability in the banking system. In Italy, more than 100 banks were bankrupt before the pandemic. In Germany, the serious crisis of Deutsche Bank and Commerzebank could no longer be hidden. All of these were symptoms of the final stage of financial capitalism and of the age of unproductive profit. The great bubbles of the banking system have been multiplying all over the world, increasing its debts exponentially, so that nothing else could save such a system or the economic model it presupposes. Or, rather, nothing, except an event of the magnitude of a pandemic or a world war, which would cancel debts due to force majeure events, as is foreseen in most contracts worldwide. Thus, the system could be revitalized.
In fact, financial capitalism is very unlikely to survive the coronavirus crisis. The age of speculation seems to be coming to an end. Since 1991, capitalism has suffered from a structural crisis. Expansion is one of the basic principles of this system; it is a condition for the existence of capitalism. With the fall of the Soviet Union, the old socialist world was inserted into the global market, in order to exhaust the possibilities for the expansion of capitalism, which then begins its phase of decline. With specific regard to financial capitalism, we can see that this system arises precisely in the period of greatest stability of capitalism in the western world, beginning its structural and existential crisis in recent decades. The 2008 crisis puts an end to financial system, but it didn’t really overwhelm it, thanks mainly to the strong damage control investments applied by the American State in order to save its main banks, allowing the economic model to survive. Since then, however, the situation has only worsened.
It is curious why people are relying on banks. Fear of the coming crisis is having a reverse effect to that of many previous crises. Everyone knows that a time of brutal difficulties will come around the world, with increasingly harsh economic conditions. In general, companies are allocating their remaining earnings to banks or, in other cases, are preparing to take out giant loans for future investments. International society believed in the salvation of financial capitalism in 2008 and did not realize that that crisis killed this system forever. Therefore, the effect is the opposite: in 2008, people struggled to take their money from banks, now they run to keep it, as they see banking institutions as the only form of refuge in the midst of social chaos. In the words of Paul Donofrio, chief financial officer of Bank of America: “We believe companies viewed us as a safe haven in this period of stress”. It can only be concluded that these people are making a big mistake.
All this money invested will disappear and the world will face the greatest crisis of the contemporary era. The belief in the indestructibility of capitalism has deeply shaken people’s ability to analyze complex situations and establish plans and strategies. Banks will survive the crisis, but not the companies that take services from these banks. The global market will ruin, as already shown in the drastic fall of all stock exchanges. The people’s power of consumption will drop absurdly and large populations will be thrown entirely into poverty, so that the poor will become increasingly poorer – and we can include even today’s millionaires among the “poor”. The banks will save themselves and render the financial oligarchy an extraordinary profit by canceling debts and ending bubbles by the pandemic force majeure, thus making a select group of billionaires achieve trillionaires status.
Finally, what is on our horizon is a dystopian future, in which world society will be divided between a small faction of trillionaires and a large global mass of poor and precarious people.
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theduran--2020-04-30--Rinat Akhmetov’s energy miracle: demand is falling, and prices are rising

In April , 17 DTEK mines were put into idle mode in Ukraine .
The owner is Rinat Akhmetov .
The company is part of the “ Pavlograd coal ” association and is one of the largest energy companies in Europe .
The company controls up to 90 % of coal production and up to 80 % of thermal generation in Ukraine .
She owns 9 out of 15 Ukrainian thermal power plants and 17 mines .
The shutdown of the mines in the company was argued by dissatisfaction with the pricing policy in the energy sector .
The company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for this is “ a systemic crisis in the energy sector of Ukraine , which led to its imbalance , manual regulation of the market , ill-conceived decisions , uncontrolled import of electricity from Russia and Belarus.
” The management of DTEK has repeatedly stated its problems .
Last year , the volume of coal mined decreased by seven percent compared to 2018 and amounted to 22.4 million tons .
At the same time , electricity generation fell by 16 percent from 34 to 28.4 billion kilowatt-hours .
The total capacity of DTEK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is due to a significant decline in Ukrainian industry in the second half of last year .
Which caused a reduction in electricity consumption .
Also in November last year , the Burshtyn TPP integrated into the EU energy system and providing European consumers was put into idle mode .
The objective reason is most likely the expensive Ukrainian coal , which makes the power station uncompetitive on the EU energy market .
Another point of discontent of the oligarch is the state debt in the amount of 1.1 billion hryvnias at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ introduced in Ukraine in 2009 and initially was a scheme for obtaining superprofits .
The tariff is fixed in euros , several times higher than normal tariffs and is the highest in Europe .
For solar power plants , it is seven to eight times , for wind power plants , it is six to seven times higher than the tariff for electricity from nuclear power generation .
It turns out that green power plants produce about two percent of the electricity consumed , and their electricity costs about eight percent of all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got the state to abolish the collection of VAT tax and duties on the import of equipment for green power plants for 2019 , which allowed more than double the production of electricity for them in a year .
And one more “ trick ” of green power plants .
The state is obliged to pay for the electricity generated by them even if it disconnects them from the power grid .
And in the context of reduced consumption , such cases have become regular since the end of last year .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Akhmetov is not very upset .
His business should not suffer because of the crisis .
And this will help consumers who can be offered to pay more for electricity .
And friends will help in promoting such a decision to an entrepreneurial businessman .
Prime Minister Denis Shmygal , who previously headed the Burshtyn TPP owned by Akhmetov and the acting head of the Ministry of Energy , Olga Buslavets ( is also from the oligarch ’ s team ) .
Problems with external electricity supplies seem to be resolved .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Field of Energy and Utilities adopted Resolution No .
776 “ On the actions of electricity market participants during the period of quarantine and restrictive measures related to the spread of coronavirus disease ( COVID-19 ) .
” Also , from April 15 , a special duty of 65 % was imposed on imports of coal grades used in the production of thermal energy .
Although it is worth noting that the volume of electricity imported from outside was less than one percent of the volume of consumption .
The Ukrainian energy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s beneficial miracles .
Despite the reduction in electricity consumption , its cost for enterprises has grown significantly since the end of March .
At present , Ukrainian enterprises pay two to three times more than European ones for electricity .
To achieve a profitable pricing mechanism , manipulations with sales of atomic generation electricity were carried out .
Then , two power units of the Zaporizhzhya NPP were sequentially shut down .
Statements about the need to increase approximately twice the tariffs for the population have already been made .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practice .
It seems that Rinat Akhmetov is building a monopoly in the country ’ s energy sector .
And by analogy with Naftogaz , it is unlikely to be controlled by the state .
And the profitability of oligarch enterprises should not be dependent on crises .
With a drop in demand for electricity , Rinat Akhmetov ’ s business will be supported by consumers .

The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of this site. This site does not give financial, investment or medical advice.
In April, 17 DTEK mines were put into idle mode in Ukraine.
The owner is Rinat Akhmetov. The company is part of the “Pavlograd coal” association and is one of the largest energy companies in Europe. The company controls up to 90% of coal production and up to 80% of thermal generation in Ukraine. She owns 9 out of 15 Ukrainian thermal power plants and 17 mines.
The shutdown of the mines in the company was argued by dissatisfaction with the pricing policy in the energy sector. The company’s management believes that the reason for this is “a systemic crisis in the energy sector of Ukraine, which led to its imbalance, manual regulation of the market, ill-conceived decisions, uncontrolled import of electricity from Russia and Belarus.”
The management of DTEK has repeatedly stated its problems.
Last year, the volume of coal mined decreased by seven percent compared to 2018 and amounted to 22.4 million tons. At the same time, electricity generation fell by 16 percent from 34 to 28.4 billion kilowatt-hours. The total capacity of DTEK was used only 19%.
This is due to a significant decline in Ukrainian industry in the second half of last year. Which caused a reduction in electricity consumption.
Also in November last year, the Burshtyn TPP integrated into the EU energy system and providing European consumers was put into idle mode. The objective reason is most likely the expensive Ukrainian coal, which makes the power station uncompetitive on the EU energy market.
Another point of discontent of the oligarch is the state debt in the amount of 1.1 billion hryvnias at the green tariff.
The green tariff was introduced in Ukraine in 2009 and initially was a scheme for obtaining superprofits. The tariff is fixed in euros, several times higher than normal tariffs and is the highest in Europe. For solar power plants, it is seven to eight times, for wind power plants, it is six to seven times higher than the tariff for electricity from nuclear power generation.
It turns out that green power plants produce about two percent of the electricity consumed, and their electricity costs about eight percent of all funds.
In addition, Rinat Akhmetov got the state to abolish the collection of VAT tax and duties on the import of equipment for green power plants for 2019, which allowed more than double the production of electricity for them in a year.
And one more “trick” of green power plants. The state is obliged to pay for the electricity generated by them even if it disconnects them from the power grid. And in the context of reduced consumption, such cases have become regular since the end of last year.
However, it is very likely that Mr. Akhmetov is not very upset. His business should not suffer because of the crisis. And this will help consumers who can be offered to pay more for electricity.
And friends will help in promoting such a decision to an entrepreneurial businessman. Prime Minister Denis Shmygal, who previously headed the Burshtyn TPP owned by Akhmetov and the acting head of the Ministry of Energy, Olga Buslavets (is also from the oligarch’s team).
Problems with external electricity supplies seem to be resolved. The Ukrainian National Commission for State Regulation in the Field of Energy and Utilities adopted Resolution No. 776 “On the actions of electricity market participants during the period of quarantine and restrictive measures related to the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).” Also, from April 15, a special duty of 65% was imposed on imports of coal grades used in the production of thermal energy. Although it is worth noting that the volume of electricity imported from outside was less than one percent of the volume of consumption.
The Ukrainian energy market has also begun to show DTEK’s beneficial miracles. Despite the reduction in electricity consumption, its cost for enterprises has grown significantly since the end of March. At present, Ukrainian enterprises pay two to three times more than European ones for electricity.
To achieve a profitable pricing mechanism, manipulations with sales of atomic generation electricity were carried out. Then, two power units of the Zaporizhzhya NPP were sequentially shut down.
Statements about the need to increase approximately twice the tariffs for the population have already been made. So soon you should wait for this in practice.
It seems that Rinat Akhmetov is building a monopoly in the country’s energy sector. And by analogy with Naftogaz, it is unlikely to be controlled by the state.
And the profitability of oligarch enterprises should not be dependent on crises. With a drop in demand for electricity, Rinat Akhmetov’s business will be supported by consumers.
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theduran--2020-04-30--Turkey’s “Mask Diplomacy” Mends Bad Relations with U.S.

A letter from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to U.S. President Donald Trump accompanied medical supplies sent to the U.S. from Turkey .
There is little hiding that the U.S. is the most affected country from the coronavirus pandemic with over a million cases and about 60,000 deaths .
Turkey too is also struggling with the coronavirus , with over 3,000 deaths and 117,000 cases , if official data is to be believed .
In the letter to Trump , Erdoğan said “ You can be sure , as a reliable and strong partner of the U.S. , we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible.
” Turkey seems to be getting inspiration from China by engaging in “ mask diplomacy ” and is helping many coronavirus affected countries in a bid to try and create good will after it tarnished its reputation when it attempted to asymmetrically invade Greece with illegal immigrants in February and March .
However , its mask diplomacy initiative with the U.S. is for a very different purpose than that with the EU , and this was revealed in a statement by Fahrettin Altun , Erdoğan ’ s Director of Communications .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States , our NATO ally , against COVID-19 , ” he said on Twitter .
U.S. Secretary of State , Mike Pompeo , then went to Twitter to thank Turkey for their donation of medical supplies and their “ friendship , partnership and support ” while emphasizing that “ during times of crisis , NATO allies must stand together.
” Erdoğan ’ s relationship with the U.S. became openly confrontational as the Turkish president insisted on purchasing Russia ’ s powerful S-400 missile defense system that the U.S. argued is not compatible with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NATO threats and purchased the missile defense system , but he opened Russo-Turkish relations to flourish to unprecedented levels .
Trump resisted calls from the U.S. Congress to impose sanctions on Turkey , and it has proven to be a masterstroke from the president ’ s perspective as he knew sooner or later Erdoğan would break from Russia .
The Turkish president in recent months has become enraged at Moscow for not budging on its Syria and Libya policy .
Erdoğan wanted Russia to convince the Syrian Army not to engage in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Idlib , while also demanding Russia to force the Wagner volunteer group to withdraw its fighting force from operating in Libya .
As Erdoğan ’ s geopolitical goals in Syria and Libya failed and he wants to put the blame on Russia , coupled with the coronavirus putting a heavy strain on the volatile Turkish economy , he has no choice but to reopen relations with Washington to have some respite from the ever-increasing problems he is dealing with .
Yesterday , the Turkish lira plummeted to 6.98 for $ 1USD , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign exchange reserves .
The Turkish Statistical Institute found that confidence in the Turkish economy is at its lowest possible level after confidence fell from 91.8 % to 51.03 % in the past month .
Turkish officials said in April that Ankara was in talks with Washington to secure a swap line from the U.S. Federal Reserve .
However , the Fed has not included Turkey in its program of opening up the credit line of accepting foreign currencies in exchange for dollars .
As the Fed is yet to do this , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. to convince Trump to allow the bank to open up a line of credit ?
According to an Ipsos poll , 59 % of Turks consider the coronavirus pandemic to be their biggest worry .
This means the economy is taking a backseat for now , giving Erdoğan some respite from public scrutiny .
But coronavirus will not be a pandemic forever and the economy will have to come to the forefront of public attention once again .
It is for this reason that Turkey is pre-emptively attempting to recover relations with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NATO allies .
This is in the hope that sanctions against Turkey can be averted and some economic assistance can be provided to help recover the dire situation .
Although some thought Turkey was finally entering the multipolar world order and escaping the grasps of U.S. hegemony , it now appears that Ankara was only using Russia as a leverage against Trump who was not supporting Erdoğan ’ s ambitions in Syria .
The Turkish president thought that perhaps Russian President Vladimir Putin would endorse and support Turkey ’ s Syria policy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end , thus forcing Erdoğan back towards NATO .
Whether Trump will speak to the Fed to open up a line of credit to Turkey remains to be seen , but what is undoubtful is that Erdoğan has certainly increased his chance of this occurring as he desperately seeks a way to avoid economic catastrophe and find other methods of economic assistance outside of the International Monetary Fund .

The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of this site. This site does not give financial, investment or medical advice.
Submitted by InfoBrics, authored by Paul Antonopoulos, independent geopolitical analyst…
A letter from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to U.S. President Donald Trump accompanied medical supplies sent to the U.S. from Turkey. There is little hiding that the U.S. is the most affected country from the coronavirus pandemic with over a million cases and about 60,000 deaths. Turkey too is also struggling with the coronavirus, with over 3,000 deaths and 117,000 cases, if official data is to be believed.
In the letter to Trump, Erdoğan said “You can be sure, as a reliable and strong partner of the U.S., we will continue to demonstrate solidarity in every way possible.”
Turkey seems to be getting inspiration from China by engaging in “mask diplomacy” and is helping many coronavirus affected countries in a bid to try and create good will after it tarnished its reputation when it attempted to asymmetrically invade Greece with illegal immigrants in February and March. However, its mask diplomacy initiative with the U.S. is for a very different purpose than that with the EU, and this was revealed in a statement by Fahrettin Altun, Erdoğan’s Director of Communications.
“We stand in solidarity with the United States, our NATO ally, against COVID-19,” he said on Twitter.
U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, then went to Twitter to thank Turkey for their donation of medical supplies and their “friendship, partnership and support” while emphasizing that “during times of crisis, NATO allies must stand together.”
Erdoğan’s relationship with the U.S. became openly confrontational as the Turkish president insisted on purchasing Russia’s powerful S-400 missile defense system that the U.S. argued is not compatible with NATO. Not only did Erdoğan resist NATO threats and purchased the missile defense system, but he opened Russo-Turkish relations to flourish to unprecedented levels.
Trump resisted calls from the U.S. Congress to impose sanctions on Turkey, and it has proven to be a masterstroke from the president’s perspective as he knew sooner or later Erdoğan would break from Russia. The Turkish president in recent months has become enraged at Moscow for not budging on its Syria and Libya policy. Erdoğan wanted Russia to convince the Syrian Army not to engage in a highly successful operation to liberate large swathes of Idlib, while also demanding Russia to force the Wagner volunteer group to withdraw its fighting force from operating in Libya.
As Erdoğan’s geopolitical goals in Syria and Libya failed and he wants to put the blame on Russia, coupled with the coronavirus putting a heavy strain on the volatile Turkish economy, he has no choice but to reopen relations with Washington to have some respite from the ever-increasing problems he is dealing with.
Yesterday, the Turkish lira plummeted to 6.98 for $1USD, forcing the central bank to burn other foreign exchange reserves. The Turkish Statistical Institute found that confidence in the Turkish economy is at its lowest possible level after confidence fell from 91.8% to 51.03% in the past month. Turkish officials said in April that Ankara was in talks with Washington to secure a swap line from the U.S. Federal Reserve. However, the Fed has not included Turkey in its program of opening up the credit line of accepting foreign currencies in exchange for dollars. As the Fed is yet to do this, is Erdoğan’s gift to the U.S. to convince Trump to allow the bank to open up a line of credit?
According to an Ipsos poll, 59% of Turks consider the coronavirus pandemic to be their biggest worry. This means the economy is taking a backseat for now, giving Erdoğan some respite from public scrutiny. But coronavirus will not be a pandemic forever and the economy will have to come to the forefront of public attention once again. It is for this reason that Turkey is pre-emptively attempting to recover relations with the U.S. and emphasizing that they are NATO allies. This is in the hope that sanctions against Turkey can be averted and some economic assistance can be provided to help recover the dire situation.
Although some thought Turkey was finally entering the multipolar world order and escaping the grasps of U.S. hegemony, it now appears that Ankara was only using Russia as a leverage against Trump who was not supporting Erdoğan’s ambitions in Syria. The Turkish president thought that perhaps Russian President Vladimir Putin would endorse and support Turkey’s Syria policy, but this too came to a dead end, thus forcing Erdoğan back towards NATO. Whether Trump will speak to the Fed to open up a line of credit to Turkey remains to be seen, but what is undoubtful is that Erdoğan has certainly increased his chance of this occurring as he desperately seeks a way to avoid economic catastrophe and find other methods of economic assistance outside of the International Monetary Fund.
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theduran--2020-04-30--Deep State moves Saakashvili to Ukraine to block Barr-Durham (Video)

The Duran ’ s Alex Christoforou and Editor-in-Chief Alexander Mercouris discuss Ukraine president Zelensky ’ s invitation to deep state asset and former leader of Georgia , Mikhail Saakashvili , to return to Ukraine and be appointed as the deputy prime minister in charge of reforms .
A McCain protege , Saakashvili is being positioned back into the Ukraine government in order to deal with and stonewall an eventual Barr-Durham fact finding probe into Kiev ’ s role in the Russiagate hoax .
Georgia has already threatened to recall their envoy from Kiev if Zelensky proceeds with this appointment .
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Georgia ’ s former leader Mikhail Saakashvili on Friday said he ’ d accepted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ’ s offer to become a deputy prime minister in charge of reforms .
Saakashvili , who was the president of Georgia from 2004 to 2013 , told reporters that Zelensky specifically asked him to conduct talks with the International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) .
Last year , Zelensky restored the Ukrainian citizenship of Saakashvili , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Odessa region in 2015-2016 .
The new job offer to Saakashvili angered the government of Georgia , led by his political foes .
“ Saakashvili ’ s appointment by the country that is our strategic partner is categorically unacceptable for us , ” Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia was quoted as saying .
Gakharia noted that Saakashvili has been convicted by a Georgian court and a warrant has been issued for his arrest , AP reported .
The PM added that Georgia will recall its ambassador from Kiev “ at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made .

The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of this site. This site does not give financial, investment or medical advice.
The Duran’s Alex Christoforou and Editor-in-Chief Alexander Mercouris discuss Ukraine president Zelensky’s invitation to deep state asset and former leader of Georgia, Mikhail Saakashvili, to return to Ukraine and be appointed as the deputy prime minister in charge of reforms.
A McCain protege, Saakashvili is being positioned back into the Ukraine government in order to deal with and stonewall an eventual Barr-Durham fact finding probe into Kiev’s role in the Russiagate hoax.
Georgia has already threatened to recall their envoy from Kiev if Zelensky proceeds with this appointment.
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Via RT…
Georgia’s former leader Mikhail Saakashvili on Friday said he’d accepted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s offer to become a deputy prime minister in charge of reforms. Saakashvili, who was the president of Georgia from 2004 to 2013, told reporters that Zelensky specifically asked him to conduct talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Last year, Zelensky restored the Ukrainian citizenship of Saakashvili, who also served as governor of Ukraine’s Odessa region in 2015-2016.
The new job offer to Saakashvili angered the government of Georgia, led by his political foes. “Saakashvili’s appointment by the country that is our strategic partner is categorically unacceptable for us,” Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia was quoted as saying.
Gakharia noted that Saakashvili has been convicted by a Georgian court and a warrant has been issued for his arrest, AP reported. The PM added that Georgia will recall its ambassador from Kiev “at least for consultations” if the appointment is made.
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theduran--2020-04-30--Boris Johnson Returns to a Barrage of Criticism over Covid-19

Submitted by InfoBrics , authored by Johanna Ross , journalist based in Edinburgh , Scotland… 3 weeks is a long time in politics these days , and a particularly long time in this coronavirus pandemic .
As UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson returned to 10 Downing Street on Monday , it was to a different Britain from the one he had left when admitted to hospital at the beginning of April .
Gone was the # PrayForBoris hashtag on Twitter , it had been replaced with # Panorama after the BBC programme which aired on Monday night , exposing gaping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Covid-19 crisis .
The surge of patriotic enthusiasm that was reflected by the ‘ clapping for carers ’ trend has gradually waned .
People are now beginning to question why the nation wasn ’ t more prepared .
The dire lack of Personal Protective Equipment ( PPE ) for healthcare workers has in part led to the deaths so far of over 100 NHS staff .
The Panorama programme detailed that not only had the government stockpiled inadequate levels of PPE , but their lists included things like bin liners which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The plastic aprons and surgical masks also being counted as PPE are a far cry from what we see medical staff wearing in other countries – they are fully clothed in hazmat suits and goggles .
The BBC programme contains interviews from medical personnel who feel let down by the system , who compare it to going into battle without armour .
These doctors and nurses know that they may die at work .
There are clearly problems with a mismanaged NHS and a malfunctioning supply chain which results in companies which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , sitting without any orders from the British government .
Obviously , someone hasn ’ t read an email ; someone , somewhere isn ’ t doing their job .
But aside from incompetence , which is a natural human trait , and can be found everywhere , there appears a lack of understanding of the importance of PPE on a national level in Britain .
I compare my experience of Russian hospitals , and in particular infection wards , with hospitals in Britain .
The first thing I am obliged to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Russia is hand over my coat to the cloakroom assistant and put on a pair of ‘ bakhili ’ or blue plastic shoe coverings .
And this is nothing new – it dates back to Soviet times – has always long been the case , long before the days of Covid-19 .
Doctors and nurses are immaculate , women wear hair tied back and often covered .
Infections wards are completely out of bounds for visitors and even the fathers of newborn babies are not allowed into the neonatal wards – in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you will see the father shouting through the window to his wife .
Now efforts have been stepped up .
As one nursing relative told me : ‘ Masks are obligatory for everyone in hospital , as are shoe coverings .
For medical staff they must wear head coverings and two layers of overalls .
It is forbidden now to visit hospitals and if something needs to be passed on to a patient , it is cleaned with antiseptic.
’ In Britain , once upon a time , it was also the case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the 1960s she spoke of the high hygiene standards , maintained by ‘ matron ’ on each ward , and compared the way doctors and nurses dressed in the past to nowadays .
Hair had to be short or covered up and male doctors had to be clean shaven .
Nursing uniforms were taken off before leaving the hospital .
Visitor numbers were strictly limited as were visiting hours .
All this has changed in recent decades .
Take for example the video uploaded to social media of 94 year old coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trolley out of the Barnet hospital in North London just the other week .
All the medical staff lining the corridors , and onlookers , were completely bereft of PPE .
One would assume that all hospital staff , particularly in areas of a hospital treating Covid-19 patients , would have a basic level of PPE such as an overall and a mask .
But this is clearly not the case , and it was not even obtained for a PR moment such as this .
Only the strictest of measures will beat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Russia to close its borders .
Why has Britain not done the same ?
Not only has it not shut its borders , but it is not testing any incomers to the country , nor are any travellers obliged to sit in quarantine .
As the FT puts it , Britain is ‘ setting itself apart ’ by not imposing stricter measures .
It quotes Professor Gabrielle Scally , president of epidemiology and public health at the Royal Society of Medicine , who refers to the UK as an ‘ outlier ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to understand why it persists in having this open borders policy .
It is most peculiar.
” In a world where 90 % of people live in countries where restrictions are placed on incomers , Britain still is not testing the 15,000 daily arrivals to its border .
And the experts don ’ t understand why Britain is not following the example of other countries such as Japan , China and Germany , that have all tightened their travel restrictions since the outbreak began .
It ’ s a strange , ironic twist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spent the last several years explaining why Britain needed tighter border controls and immigration control .
In politics , stupidity is not a handicap , Napoleon Bonaparte is supposed to have said .
Some things never change .

The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of this site. This site does not give financial, investment or medical advice.
Submitted by InfoBrics, authored by Johanna Ross, journalist based in Edinburgh, Scotland…
3 weeks is a long time in politics these days, and a particularly long time in this coronavirus pandemic. As UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson returned to 10 Downing Street on Monday, it was to a different Britain from the one he had left when admitted to hospital at the beginning of April. Gone was the #PrayForBoris hashtag on Twitter, it had been replaced with #Panorama after the BBC programme which aired on Monday night, exposing gaping holes in the government’s handling of the Covid-19 crisis.
The surge of patriotic enthusiasm that was reflected by the ‘clapping for carers’ trend has gradually waned. People are now beginning to question why the nation wasn’t more prepared. The dire lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers has in part led to the deaths so far of over 100 NHS staff. The Panorama programme detailed that not only had the government stockpiled inadequate levels of PPE, but their lists included things like bin liners which would not normally be considered as PPE. The plastic aprons and surgical masks also being counted as PPE are a far cry from what we see medical staff wearing in other countries – they are fully clothed in hazmat suits and goggles. The BBC programme contains interviews from medical personnel who feel let down by the system, who compare it to going into battle without armour. These doctors and nurses know that they may die at work. There are clearly problems with a mismanaged NHS and a malfunctioning supply chain which results in companies which manufacture PPE in the UK, right now, sitting without any orders from the British government. Obviously, someone hasn’t read an email; someone, somewhere isn’t doing their job.
But aside from incompetence, which is a natural human trait, and can be found everywhere, there appears a lack of understanding of the importance of PPE on a national level in Britain. I compare my experience of Russian hospitals, and in particular infection wards, with hospitals in Britain. The first thing I am obliged to do when visiting any hospital or clinic in Russia is hand over my coat to the cloakroom assistant and put on a pair of ‘bakhili’ or blue plastic shoe coverings. And this is nothing new – it dates back to Soviet times – has always long been the case, long before the days of Covid-19. Doctors and nurses are immaculate, women wear hair tied back and often covered. Infections wards are completely out of bounds for visitors and even the fathers of newborn babies are not allowed into the neonatal wards – in many a Russian TV series or film you will see the father shouting through the window to his wife. Now efforts have been stepped up. As one nursing relative told me: ‘Masks are obligatory for everyone in hospital, as are shoe coverings. For medical staff they must wear head coverings and two layers of overalls. It is forbidden now to visit hospitals and if something needs to be passed on to a patient, it is cleaned with antiseptic.’
In Britain, once upon a time, it was also the case. When my mother was a nurse in the 1960s she spoke of the high hygiene standards, maintained by ‘matron’ on each ward, and compared the way doctors and nurses dressed in the past to nowadays. Hair had to be short or covered up and male doctors had to be clean shaven. Nursing uniforms were taken off before leaving the hospital. Visitor numbers were strictly limited as were visiting hours. All this has changed in recent decades. Take for example the video uploaded to social media of 94 year old coronavirus patient Dennis Palmer being wheeled on a trolley out of the Barnet hospital in North London just the other week. All the medical staff lining the corridors, and onlookers, were completely bereft of PPE. One would assume that all hospital staff, particularly in areas of a hospital treating Covid-19 patients, would have a basic level of PPE such as an overall and a mask. But this is clearly not the case, and it was not even obtained for a PR moment such as this.
Only the strictest of measures will beat this pandemic. Take even the decision by Russia to close its borders. Why has Britain not done the same? Not only has it not shut its borders, but it is not testing any incomers to the country, nor are any travellers obliged to sit in quarantine. As the FT puts it, Britain is ‘setting itself apart’ by not imposing stricter measures. It quotes Professor Gabrielle Scally, president of epidemiology and public health at the Royal Society of Medicine, who refers to the UK as an ‘outlier’ and that “It is very hard to understand why it persists in having this open borders policy. It is most peculiar.” In a world where 90% of people live in countries where restrictions are placed on incomers, Britain still is not testing the 15,000 daily arrivals to its border. And the experts don’t understand why Britain is not following the example of other countries such as Japan, China and Germany, that have all tightened their travel restrictions since the outbreak began. It’s a strange, ironic twist from a party of Brexiteers that has spent the last several years explaining why Britain needed tighter border controls and immigration control.
In politics, stupidity is not a handicap, Napoleon Bonaparte is supposed to have said. Some things never change.
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theduran--2020-05-01--New Russian Orthodox Cathedral set to open on Victory Day [Video]

The Russian Orthodox Church has been on the rise since the fall of Communism in 1991 .
The country has been opening new parishes at the rate of two to three per day .
This new Cathedral of the Armed Forces , built at a military theme park outside Moscow , is one of the largest Christian edifices in Russia , and hence one of the largest Orthodox Christian cathedrals on the planet .
Dr Steve Turley gives a phenomenal explanation of the building and more importantly , delves into Orthodox Christian cosmology , which is unique among all Christian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very interesting ( to say the least ) is the presence of Soviet symbols , as well as military hardware , in and around the building .
This may be scandalizing to many , since it is the rise of Communism that led to the martyrdom of uncounted multitudes of Christians ( here , an estimate of at least 300,000 clergy alone that met their deaths ) .
It may further be scandalizing to see Joseph Stalin himself depicted here , though he , a man expelled from Seminary , was responsible for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ martyrdom now known as the Red Terror .
Yet , he and other Communist superstars are shown .
But as part of Russia ’ s history , which for 1,000 years is also very much a part of what we call Sacred History , the arc of the salvation of the world from Genesis until the Last Day , the episode of Communism turns out to have been the cause of the rebirth of the Orthodox Church from a previously rather highly corrupted state .
That period separated the true believers from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believers met their death .
Many nominal believers became true believers , and then met their death .
But many also survived , and from the horror of their experience appear to have come two very important words : We used to be taught that the reason to study history is so we do not repeat it .
If we remember our errors , we have a chance not to do them again .
In this regard , there may be good reason for the depictions of symbols and figures from the darkest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that this can happen again if Christianity is rejected again ; that God is triumphant over all things and every incident in history happens to move in such a way as to fulfill all things that God intends ( whether we understand this or not ) ; and that the nation of Russia will stand strong as she embraces all of her past .
When we look at attempts in the West , particularly the United States , to whitewash history , to tear down monuments to Confederate heroes , for example , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the school rooms , or to prevent prayer , while promoting things like social justice , “ sexual equivalency ” ( packaged as “ equality ” ) , that Black is good , White is inherently evil , that Jesus was a social justice warrior and not the Lord of the heavens and the earth… As this sort of willful rejection of Truth and history rises in the West , we should not wonder that the society is breaking down into mass shootings , drug use , decadence and despair , misery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the coronavirus pandemic , a refusal to repent of anything but instead increased vitriol and viciousness in the United States , especially against Christian believers .
All this has happened before .
Most recently it happened in Russia .
They got through it and now they are determined to remember it .
Perhaps in one hundred years we may see an Orthodox Temple rise in what remains of the United States to commemorate the darkness of our present time , and hopefully , the determination to repent of it , and never @ @ @ @

The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of this site. This site does not give financial, investment or medical advice.
The Russian Orthodox Church has been on the rise since the fall of Communism in 1991. The country has been opening new parishes at the rate of two to three per day. This new Cathedral of the Armed Forces, built at a military theme park outside Moscow, is one of the largest Christian edifices in Russia, and hence one of the largest Orthodox Christian cathedrals on the planet.
Dr Steve Turley gives a phenomenal explanation of the building and more importantly, delves into Orthodox Christian cosmology, which is unique among all Christian confessions.
What the viewer may find very interesting (to say the least) is the presence of Soviet symbols, as well as military hardware, in and around the building. This may be scandalizing to many, since it is the rise of Communism that led to the martyrdom of uncounted multitudes of Christians (here, an estimate of at least 300,000 clergy alone that met their deaths). It may further be scandalizing to see Joseph Stalin himself depicted here, though he, a man expelled from Seminary, was responsible for the worst and most terrifying period of martyrdom now known as the Red Terror. Yet, he and other Communist superstars are shown.
As saints? No.
But as part of Russia’s history, which for 1,000 years is also very much a part of what we call Sacred History, the arc of the salvation of the world from Genesis until the Last Day, the episode of Communism turns out to have been the cause of the rebirth of the Orthodox Church from a previously rather highly corrupted state.
That period separated the true believers from the nominal ones. Many of the true believers met their death. Many nominal believers became true believers, and then met their death. But many also survived, and from the horror of their experience appear to have come two very important words:
Never again.
We used to be taught that the reason to study history is so we do not repeat it. If we remember our errors, we have a chance not to do them again. In this regard, there may be good reason for the depictions of symbols and figures from the darkest era in Russian history – to remember that this can happen again if Christianity is rejected again; that God is triumphant over all things and every incident in history happens to move in such a way as to fulfill all things that God intends (whether we understand this or not); and that the nation of Russia will stand strong as she embraces all of her past.
When we look at attempts in the West, particularly the United States, to whitewash history, to tear down monuments to Confederate heroes, for example, or to prevent Christianity from being taught in the school rooms, or to prevent prayer, while promoting things like social justice, “sexual equivalency” (packaged as “equality”), that Black is good, White is inherently evil, that Jesus was a social justice warrior and not the Lord of the heavens and the earth…
As this sort of willful rejection of Truth and history rises in the West, we should not wonder that the society is breaking down into mass shootings, drug use, decadence and despair, misery, and most shocking of all especially during the coronavirus pandemic, a refusal to repent of anything but instead increased vitriol and viciousness in the United States, especially against Christian believers.
All this has happened before. Most recently it happened in Russia. They got through it and now they are determined to remember it.
Perhaps in one hundred years we may see an Orthodox Temple rise in what remains of the United States to commemorate the darkness of our present time, and hopefully, the determination to repent of it, and never do it again.
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