wakingtimes--2020-09-04--How Many People Have ‘Psychological COVID?’

How Many People Have ‘ Psychological COVID ?
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For months , I ’ ve been laying out evidence that : a new coronavirus was never properly discovered ; the diagnostic tests are therefore meaningless ; and most of the people who are sick are suffering from traditional illnesses which have been re-packaged under the empty umbrella label , “ COVID.
” Of course , most people in the world have a religious belief in the new virus .
And that opens the door to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what it can look like .
A person is watching TV for hours .
He ’ s treated to wall-to-wall news , ads , public service announcements—all about the virus and the pandemic .
After days and weeks and months of this solid operant conditioning , he ’ s in the COVID frame of mind .
He ’ s IN the context , the box , the pattern , the story line .
He occasionally feels a bit of this and that : a scratchy throat , a sniffle .
So he thinks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID.
” One day , he has a headache .
He thinks , “ Didn ’ t they say that could be a symptom , too ?
” He takes his temperature .
99.8 .
He tries to remember— “ Isn ’ t my normal always a bit low ?
” He calls his sister and asks her .
She says , “ Yes , you usually came up 98 .
Why ?
What ’ s the matter ?
” After talking to his sister , his throat feels raw .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the apartment .
He feels tired .
For a second , a pain shoots up his arm .
“ They said the virus could cause a heart problem.
” He goes to the fridge , takes out half a cake and eats a large slice .
Now he really feels tired , so he lies down and goes to sleep .
When he wakes up , his nose is stuffed .
He walks into the bathroom and blows his nose .
He looks at himself in the mirror .
His eyes are a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The next day he does .
For two days , while he ’ s waiting for the results , he ’ s sneezing on and off .
His head is stuffed .
He ’ s sleeping more than usual .
His limbs ache a bit .
Is he feeling a chill , or is that a breeze blowing in through the screen ?
If you told him his thoughts and his mindset could be bringing on physical symptoms , he wouldn ’ t believe you .
Every year for the past ten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least one episode of cough-sneeze-slight fever , and he ’ s thought nothing of it…but if you reminded him of that now , he wouldn ’ t pay attention .
No , this is different .
He begins to feel fear .
In that state of mild fear , he imagines going to the hospital and being put on a ventilator .
He imagines infecting someone else and being found out .
He imagines dying .
The fear ratchets up .
He sits in front of the TV , hoping to distract himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks .
The next day , the phone rings .
It ’ s the nurse .
She tells him he ’ s positive for COVID .
He ’ s infected .
He ’ ll need to isolate himself for two weeks , and if the symptoms become worse , he should go to Emergency… Now his fever inches over 100 .
He ’ s coughing more .
If you don ’ t think the mind and thoughts can affect the body , think again .
If you don ’ t think the ability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ story-line is important , think again .
If you don ’ t think the refusal to accept official pronouncements is vital… This person I ’ m describing , who has now been tagged with the COVID label , is suffering from NOTHING .
As in : NOTHING .
He ’ s adding up and making up his own story line , which puts him in a hole .
If someone slapping him in the face could wake him up , someone should slap him in the face .
He ’ s just been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suckering himself in .
—Oh but wait…what about the people who are REALLY sick ?
As I mentioned at the top , most of those people are suffering from traditional illnesses that have nothing to do with “ a new virus.
” Give me control of all major news outlets in the world , and venal mouthpieces like Fauci to put on television day after day , and I ’ ll convince the population that pink panthers escaped from a zoo in the Antarctic , and they ’ re roaming the globe spitting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And whatever the symptoms of pink poisoning are supposed to be , people WILL BEGIN TO EXPERIENCE THEM .
Before some people jump to erroneous conclusions , let me state this yet AGAIN : Yes , there are people in the world who are actually sick and dying , as always , and most of those who have been labeled “ COVID ” are suffering from traditional diseases , such as pneumonia , TB , flu , other lung problems , etc .
The remaining people who are labeled COVID—you would have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live , to discover causes , such as : new toxic vaccine campaigns ; new levels or new content of deadly pollution ; pesticides ; treatments with ventilators and toxic antiviral drugs , etc .
NO NEW VIRUS REQUIRED .
Mind control or psychological COVID is its own creature , and it is widespread .
If anyone thinks my use of the term Sucker ’ s Disease is too strong , and is unkind , and I should have called it something like Befuddlement Syndrome , let me point out that , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t cut through the mind control .
In fact , Nice and Polite , as they have spread across society like a moldy blanket , are main components of the reason why people are buying the virus story and the consequent lockdowns and economic destruction .
They don ’ t want to make waves .
They want to be kinder and gentler toward Authority .
They want to cozy up to Fascism and cooperate in their own downfall .
George Carlin laid it out 20 years ago : “ What we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Where did this sudden fear of germs come from in this country ?
Have you noticed this ?
The media , constantly running stories about all the latest infections – salmonella , e-coli , hanta virus , bird flu – and Americans , they panic easily so now everybody ’ s running around , scrubbing this and spraying that and overcooking their food and repeatedly washing their hands , trying to avoid all contact with germs .
It ’ s ridiculous and it goes to ridiculous lengths… bunch of goddamn pussies !
Besides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an immune system for ?
It ’ s for killing germs !
…Let me tell you a true story about immunization okay ?
When I was a little boy in New York City in the 1940s , we swam in the Hudson River and it was filled with raw sewage okay ?
We swam in raw sewage !
You know… to cool off !
And at that time , the big fear was polio ; thousands of kids died from polio every year but you know something ?
In my neighborhood , no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
Ever !
You know why ?
Cause we swam in raw sewage !
It strengthened our immune systems !
The polio never had a prayer ; we were tempered in raw shit !
So personally , I never take any special precautions against germs .
I don ’ t shy away from people that sneeze and cough , I don ’ t wipe off the telephone , I don ’ t cover the toilet seat , and if I drop food on the floor , I pick it up and eat it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m at a sidewalk café !
In Calcutta !
The poor section !
On New Year ’ s morning during a soccer riot !
And you know something ?
In spite of all that so-called risky behavior , I never get infections , I don ’ t get them , I don ’ t get colds , I don ’ t get flu , I don ’ t get headaches , I don ’ t get upset stomach , you know why ?
Cause I got a good strong immune system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” A person suffering from self-induced psychological COVID needs to take a sledgehammer to his own complicity AND the propaganda of the State .
Crack the egg and climb out and breathe .
Jon Rappoport is the author of three explosive collections , THE MATRIX REVEALED , EXIT FROM THE MATRIX , and POWER OUTSIDE THE MATRIX , Jon was a candidate for a US Congressional seat in the 29thDistrict of California .
He maintains a consulting practice for private clients , the purpose of which is the expansion of personal creative power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he has worked as an investigative reporter for 30 years , writing articles on politics , medicine , and health for CBS Healthwatch , LA Weekly , Spin Magazine , Stern , and other newspapers and magazines in the US and Europe .
Jon has delivered lectures and seminars on global politics , health , logic , and creative power to audiences around the world .
You can sign up for his free emails at NoMoreFakeNews.com or OutsideTheRealityMachine .
This article ( Where is the virus ?
Fear is the only virus ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rappaport ’ s Blog and is re-posted here with permission .
Like Waking Times on Facebook .
Follow Waking Times on Twitter .

How Many People Have ‘Psychological COVID?’
Jon Rappoport, Guest
Waking Times
For months, I’ve been laying out evidence that: a new coronavirus was never properly discovered; the diagnostic tests are therefore meaningless; and most of the people who are sick are suffering from traditional illnesses which have been re-packaged under the empty umbrella label, “COVID.”
Of course, most people in the world have a religious belief in the new virus. And that opens the door to: “psychological COVID.”
Here is what it can look like.
A person is watching TV for hours. He’s treated to wall-to-wall news, ads, public service announcements—all about the virus and the pandemic. After days and weeks and months of this solid operant conditioning, he’s in the COVID frame of mind.
He’s IN the context, the box, the pattern, the story line.
He occasionally feels a bit of this and that: a scratchy throat, a sniffle. So he thinks, “Maybe this is the start of COVID.” One day, he has a headache. He thinks, “Didn’t they say that could be a symptom, too?”
He takes his temperature. 99.8. He tries to remember—“Isn’t my normal always a bit low?”
He calls his sister and asks her. She says, “Yes, you usually came up 98. Why? What’s the matter?”
“Nothing. I had a little cough yesterday, so I took my temperature. It was 99.8.” “Call the doctor.” “I’ll be fine.” “You don’t know that. CALL THE DOCTOR.”
After talking to his sister, his throat feels raw. He makes some tea. He putters around the apartment. He feels tired. For a second, a pain shoots up his arm. “They said the virus could cause a heart problem.”
He goes to the fridge, takes out half a cake and eats a large slice. Now he really feels tired, so he lies down and goes to sleep. When he wakes up, his nose is stuffed. He walks into the bathroom and blows his nose. He looks at himself in the mirror. His eyes are a little red. His face is pale.
He coughs three times.
He calls his doctor. A nurse says, “Well, you might have a few symptoms. You should come in and get tested.”
The next day he does.
For two days, while he’s waiting for the results, he’s sneezing on and off. His head is stuffed. He’s sleeping more than usual. His limbs ache a bit. Is he feeling a chill, or is that a breeze blowing in through the screen?
If you told him his thoughts and his mindset could be bringing on physical symptoms, he wouldn’t believe you. Every year for the past ten years, he’s had at least one episode of cough-sneeze-slight fever, and he’s thought nothing of it…but if you reminded him of that now, he wouldn’t pay attention. No, this is different. He begins to feel fear.
In that state of mild fear, he imagines going to the hospital and being put on a ventilator. He imagines infecting someone else and being found out. He imagines dying.
The fear ratchets up. He sits in front of the TV, hoping to distract himself. But the commercials show people wearing masks.
The next day, the phone rings. It’s the nurse. She tells him he’s positive for COVID. He’s infected. He’ll need to isolate himself for two weeks, and if the symptoms become worse, he should go to Emergency…
Now his fever inches over 100. He’s coughing more.
Getting the picture?
If you don’t think the mind and thoughts can affect the body, think again.
If you don’t think the ability to resist and shake off a concocted story-line is important, think again.
If you don’t think the refusal to accept official pronouncements is vital…
This person I’m describing, who has now been tagged with the COVID label, is suffering from NOTHING.
As in: NOTHING.
He’s adding up and making up his own story line, which puts him in a hole.
If someone slapping him in the face could wake him up, someone should slap him in the face.
He’s just been suckered in, and he’s suckering himself in.
“Sir, you have psychological COVID. It goes under a better name. Sucker’s Disease.”
—Oh but wait…what about the people who are REALLY sick?
As I mentioned at the top, most of those people are suffering from traditional illnesses that have nothing to do with “a new virus.”
Give me control of all major news outlets in the world, and venal mouthpieces like Fauci to put on television day after day, and I’ll convince the population that pink panthers escaped from a zoo in the Antarctic, and they’re roaming the globe spitting pink poison at billions of victims.
And whatever the symptoms of pink poisoning are supposed to be, people WILL BEGIN TO EXPERIENCE THEM.
“Sir, you’re not feeling pink poison symptoms. They don’t exist.” “I saw three panthers this afternoon on my lawn.” “They were your cats. You might recall that your wife, who is divorcing you, had them at her apartment. She dropped them off in your yard early this morning.”
Before some people jump to erroneous conclusions, let me state this yet AGAIN: Yes, there are people in the world who are actually sick and dying, as always, and most of those who have been labeled “COVID” are suffering from traditional diseases, such as pneumonia, TB, flu, other lung problems, etc. The remaining people who are labeled COVID—you would have to look at these groups, wherever they live, to discover causes, such as: new toxic vaccine campaigns; new levels or new content of deadly pollution; pesticides; treatments with ventilators and toxic antiviral drugs, etc. NO NEW VIRUS REQUIRED.
Mind control or psychological COVID is its own creature, and it is widespread.
If anyone thinks my use of the term Sucker’s Disease is too strong, and is unkind, and I should have called it something like Befuddlement Syndrome, let me point out that, in this situation, being Nice and Polite doesn’t cut through the mind control. In fact, Nice and Polite, as they have spread across society like a moldy blanket, are main components of the reason why people are buying the virus story and the consequent lockdowns and economic destruction. They don’t want to make waves. They want to be kinder and gentler toward Authority. They want to cozy up to Fascism and cooperate in their own downfall.
George Carlin laid it out 20 years ago: “What we have now is a completely neurotic population… Where did this sudden fear of germs come from in this country? Have you noticed this? The media, constantly running stories about all the latest infections – salmonella, e-coli, hanta virus, bird flu – and Americans, they panic easily so now everybody’s running around, scrubbing this and spraying that and overcooking their food and repeatedly washing their hands, trying to avoid all contact with germs. It’s ridiculous and it goes to ridiculous lengths… bunch of goddamn pussies! Besides, what do you think you have an immune system for? It’s for killing germs!…Let me tell you a true story about immunization okay? When I was a little boy in New York City in the 1940s, we swam in the Hudson River and it was filled with raw sewage okay? We swam in raw sewage! You know… to cool off! And at that time, the big fear was polio; thousands of kids died from polio every year but you know something? In my neighborhood, no one ever got polio! No one! Ever! You know why? Cause we swam in raw sewage! It strengthened our immune systems! The polio never had a prayer; we were tempered in raw shit! So personally, I never take any special precautions against germs. I don’t shy away from people that sneeze and cough, I don’t wipe off the telephone, I don’t cover the toilet seat, and if I drop food on the floor, I pick it up and eat it! Yes I do. Even if I’m at a sidewalk café! In Calcutta! The poor section! On New Year’s morning during a soccer riot! And you know something? In spite of all that so-called risky behavior, I never get infections, I don’t get them, I don’t get colds, I don’t get flu, I don’t get headaches, I don’t get upset stomach, you know why? Cause I got a good strong immune system and it gets a lot of practice…”
A person suffering from self-induced psychological COVID needs to take a sledgehammer to his own complicity AND the propaganda of the State. Crack the egg and climb out and breathe.
About the Author
Jon Rappoport is the author of three explosive collections, THE MATRIX REVEALED, EXIT FROM THE MATRIX, and POWER OUTSIDE THE MATRIX, Jon was a candidate for a US Congressional seat in the 29thDistrict of California. He maintains a consulting practice for private clients, the purpose of which is the expansion of personal creative power. Nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, he has worked as an investigative reporter for 30 years, writing articles on politics, medicine, and health for CBS Healthwatch, LA Weekly, Spin Magazine, Stern, and other newspapers and magazines in the US and Europe. Jon has delivered lectures and seminars on global politics, health, logic, and creative power to audiences around the world. You can sign up for his free emails at NoMoreFakeNews.com or OutsideTheRealityMachine.
(To read about Jon’s mega-collection, Exit From The Matrix, click here.)
This article (Where is the virus? Fear is the only virus) was originally created and published by Jon Rappaport’s Blog and is re-posted here with permission.


wakingtimes--2020-09-04--Michigan Supreme Court Decision Delivers Win For Man Who Had His House Stolen Over $8 Tax Debt

Michigan Supreme Court Decision Delivers Win For Man Who Had His House Stolen Over $ 8 Tax Debt Get the latest Waking Times articles delivered to your inbox .
Sign up here .
You have a situation where people owe eight dollars and they lost their house .
How is that equitable ?
” In a recent unanimous decision , the Michigan Supreme Court confirmed what FEE readers , and anyone with an ounce of common sense for that matter , always knew : It isn ’ t .
That ’ s not too big a surprise .
You could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bernstein ’ s voice when he posed the question above to Oakland County attorneys at oral argument last November .
For those unfamiliar with the case , Rafaeli v. Oakland County concerned Michigan ’ s practice of foreclosing on people ’ s homes to satisfy small tax debts and pocketing the resultant profits ( leaving the former homeowners with nothing ) .
Uri Rafaeli , for example , owed only $ 8.41 ( about the cost of a Chipotle burrito ) .
To get after that pocket change , the government took his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They kept every penny for themselves .
The practice is called home equity theft , and in some form or another , it ’ s the law of the land in 12 states .
Thanks to the Michigan Supreme Court ’ s July decision in Rafaeli , Michigan is no longer among them .
The opinion is a forceful defense of property rights .
Even the Magna Carta , the opinion noted , prohibited tax collectors from holding onto the excess property of debtors .
And the same principle has always been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was violated by the state ’ s tax code .
Quoting celebrated legal scholar and former Michigan Supreme Court Justice Thomas M. Cooley , the court reaffirmed that the “ right to private property is a sacred right … it was the old fundamental law , springing from the original frame and constitution of the realm.
” The court also took care to eviscerate the government ’ s defense of home equity theft .
Oakland County argued that taking Mr. Rafaeli ’ s home and keeping the profits was a legitimate exercise of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of home equity theft in other states , too .
The court recognized that , while the taxing power may be used “ to adjust the benefits and burdens of economic life to promote the common good , ” home equity theft is something else entirely .
It requires some taxpayers “ alone to bear public burdens which , in all fairness and justice , should be borne by the public as a whole.
” That language , quoted from the US Supreme Court ’ s decision in Armstrong v. US , defines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considerations in mind , the Michigan Supreme Court saw the government ’ s argument for exactly what it is : “ an exceedingly poor attempt at disguising a physical taking of property requiring just compensation as an arbitrary and disproportionate tax.
” Victims of home equity theft in Michigan finally can get some justice .
Mr. Rafaeli , for example , may now return to the trial court and fight to get just compensation for the theft of his property .
Others in a similar situation , like Erica Perez—from whom the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to satisfy a $ 114 debt—are now well-positioned to get back what they ’ re owed , as long as they do so within the right time frame .
Another bright spot is that counties in Michigan will no longer be incentivized to foreclose homes over tiny debts .
It has been frustratingly common for Michigan counties to fail to give proper notice of delinquency , for example , and it ’ s not hard to figure out why : until now they stood to gain a windfall at the tax debtor ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can reap huge profits from minor mistakes , we can hope to see fewer foreclosures overall in the future .
None of this bodes well for the treasuries of the dozen other states that practice home equity theft .
The Michigan decision isn ’ t legally binding on those states , but much of its logic applies with equal force .
States that do not want to see themselves subject to expensive lawsuits ought to take note .
They even can work with my organization , Pacific Legal Foundation ( PLF ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an outcome , as Montana did last year .
But the longer they wait , the more likely they are to end up in court .
The victory in Michigan is worth celebrating , but the work is not done .
PLF has launched a nationwide campaign to end home equity theft in the states where it is still practiced , and we intend to restore justice to every last one of them .
David Deerson is a Sacramento , CA-based attorney with the Pacific Legal Foundation focusing on property rights , economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Michigan Supreme Court Decision Delivers Win For Man Who Had His House Stolen Over $8 Tax Debt
David Deerson, FEE
Waking Times
You have a situation where people owe eight dollars and they lost their house. How is that equitable?”
In a recent unanimous decision, the Michigan Supreme Court confirmed what FEE readers, and anyone with an ounce of common sense for that matter, always knew: It isn’t.
That’s not too big a surprise. You could hear the incredulity in Justice Richard H. Bernstein’s voice when he posed the question above to Oakland County attorneys at oral argument last November.
For those unfamiliar with the case, Rafaeli v. Oakland County concerned Michigan’s practice of foreclosing on people’s homes to satisfy small tax debts and pocketing the resultant profits (leaving the former homeowners with nothing). Uri Rafaeli, for example, owed only $8.41 (about the cost of a Chipotle burrito). To get after that pocket change, the government took his house and sold it for $24,500. They kept every penny for themselves.
The practice is called home equity theft, and in some form or another, it’s the law of the land in 12 states. Thanks to the Michigan Supreme Court’s July decision in Rafaeli, Michigan is no longer among them.
The opinion is a forceful defense of property rights. Even the Magna Carta, the opinion noted, prohibited tax collectors from holding onto the excess property of debtors. And the same principle has always been true in Michigan, even though it was violated by the state’s tax code.
Quoting celebrated legal scholar and former Michigan Supreme Court Justice Thomas M. Cooley, the court reaffirmed that the “right to private property is a sacred right … it was the old fundamental law, springing from the original frame and constitution of the realm.”
The court also took care to eviscerate the government’s defense of home equity theft.
Oakland County argued that taking Mr. Rafaeli’s home and keeping the profits was a legitimate exercise of their taxing power—a favorite argument among defenders of home equity theft in other states, too. The court recognized that, while the taxing power may be used “to adjust the benefits and burdens of economic life to promote the common good,” home equity theft is something else entirely. It requires some taxpayers “alone to bear public burdens which, in all fairness and justice, should be borne by the public as a whole.”
That language, quoted from the US Supreme Court’s decision in Armstrong v. US, defines the quintessential takings violation. With these considerations in mind, the Michigan Supreme Court saw the government’s argument for exactly what it is: “an exceedingly poor attempt at disguising a physical taking of property requiring just compensation as an arbitrary and disproportionate tax.”
The ultimate takeaway is a victory for justice, fairness, equity, and common sense: “[G]overnment shall not collect more in taxes than are owed, nor shall it take more property than is necessary to serve the public.”
Victims of home equity theft in Michigan finally can get some justice. Mr. Rafaeli, for example, may now return to the trial court and fight to get just compensation for the theft of his property. Others in a similar situation, like Erica Perez—from whom the government stole more than $100,000 of equity to satisfy a $114 debt—are now well-positioned to get back what they’re owed, as long as they do so within the right time frame.
Another bright spot is that counties in Michigan will no longer be incentivized to foreclose homes over tiny debts. It has been frustratingly common for Michigan counties to fail to give proper notice of delinquency, for example, and it’s not hard to figure out why: until now they stood to gain a windfall at the tax debtor’s expense. Because they no longer can reap huge profits from minor mistakes, we can hope to see fewer foreclosures overall in the future.
None of this bodes well for the treasuries of the dozen other states that practice home equity theft. The Michigan decision isn’t legally binding on those states, but much of its logic applies with equal force.
States that do not want to see themselves subject to expensive lawsuits ought to take note. They even can work with my organization, Pacific Legal Foundation (PLF), to implement legislative reform and avoid such an outcome, as Montana did last year.
But the longer they wait, the more likely they are to end up in court.
The victory in Michigan is worth celebrating, but the work is not done. PLF has launched a nationwide campaign to end home equity theft in the states where it is still practiced, and we intend to restore justice to every last one of them.
About the Author
David Deerson is a Sacramento, CA-based attorney with the Pacific Legal Foundation focusing on property rights, economic liberty, and the First Amendment.


wakingtimes--2020-09-07--Dozens Of Cops, Judges, Prosecutors Present Letter To Congress To Legalize Weed, Expunge All Convict

Dozens Of Cops , Judges , Prosecutors Present Letter To Congress To Legalize Weed , Expunge All Convictions Get the latest Waking Times articles delivered to your inbox .
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The organization formerly known as Law Enforcement Against Prohibition ( LEAP ) , now known as Law Enforcement Action Partnership , along with the National Black Police Association , and Fair and Just Prosecution have signed onto a revolutionary letter to Congress urging the federal government to legalize marijuana and expunge all past convictions relating to marijuana .
In addition to the three major groups signing on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and former prosecutors , judges and police officers .
Cook County State Attorney Kim Foxx and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison ( D ) also signed on .
The letter went out last month and is addressed to Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-Calif. ) and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer ( D-Md. )
.
It calls on House lawmakers to “ swiftly bring ” the bill , dubbed the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement ( MORE ) Act , to the floor for a vote this month .
The group accurately portrays the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and how it degrades trust in police .
A significant driver of public distrust in law enforcement is our focus on low-level marijuana arrests .
As the most visible part of the justice system , we police are already met with animosity every day .
Our effectiveness and morale should not suffer unnecessarily .
If marijuana had never been criminalized , many more Americans would greet us with warmth and cooperation rather than fear and malice .
Without the trust of the people we serve , we lose a valuable crime-fighting resource .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ us , fail to present evidence or even to report crime , our jobs become much more difficult .
Legalizing marijuana will help alleviate this tension and allow us to focus on our shared priorities : responding to emergencies and curbing serious crime .
The resources used to enforce marijuana law violations could be shifted and used to more effectively tackle serious and violent crimes .
Americans were arrested for marijuana seven million times between 2001 and 2010 , the vast majority of which were just for possession .
Even as more states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 663,000 marijuana arrests — 92 % of them for possession — last year alone .
Meanwhile , homicide and sex crimes units struggle to get evidence examined in a timely manner .
While that evidence sits in storage for years collecting dust , predators roam free to harm more innocent people .
This misallocation of resources is disgraceful .
By legalizing marijuana at the federal level , we will send a message to every police department in this country about our real priorities .
Our allegiance lies with crime survivors and would-be victims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focusing on serious crime and creating safe neighborhoods — rather than arresting people for a drug most Americans think should be legal — we will be able to solve more crimes and earn back the trust of our communities This letter contains no new information .
However , the fact that it is receiving coverage in the mainstream and is directed at Congress is encouraging .
This conversation is long overdue and it needs to change now as the war on drugs fosters a violent and criminal society .
It should go further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all substances , not just marijuana .
As readers of TFTP know , America has the largest prison population in the world .
It is estimated that victimless crime constitutes 86 % of the federal prison population .
That means the only reason that these individuals are incarcerated is because the state deemed their non-violent personal choices , “ illegal.
” The majority of that 86 % is for illegal drugs only .
Most of the people who are thrown in prison are non-violent .
However , when they are locked in cages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like cattle in a factory farm , they come out forever changed .
America is breeding a torturous and violent environment , and they have the audacity to call this the “ justice system.
” This system — whether or not the right wants to admit it — disproportionately targets minorities , fostering a violent and tyrannical environment .
The research cited in the letter also points this fact out .
If you honestly believe that black lives matter , it is your duty to call for an end to the drug war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ profound effects on police interactions in black communities .
No longer would cops be able to launch fishing expeditions in an attempt to catch black people with a substance deemed illegal by the state .
This would drastically reduce the amount of police interactions as a whole .
What ’ s more , as the letter points out , it would decrease crime by eliminating the monopoly on drug sales held by organized criminal gangs .
It would defund the gangs and remove much of the incentive to wage violence in their community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such a drastic effect , you have to realize that when the government makes certain substances illegal , it does not remove the demand .
Instead , the state creates crime by pushing the sale and control of these substances into the illegal black markets — usually monopolized by gang members in poor communities .
All the while , demand remains constant .
Because this market is not regulated by free market principals , safety and child possession fall to the wayside .
The authors of the letter understand this and point out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Regulation reduces youth access and keeps adult consumers safe .
Criminalizing marijuana has been a boon to the illegal market where there are no regulations , product testing , etc .
Resourceful teenagers do not usually have trouble accessing marijuana when it is illegal .
Underground sellers do not have to obtain age verification before making a sale and may sell other far more dangerous substances .
Legalizing marijuana shrinks the size of the market available to teens , which simultaneously reduces their exposure to criminal activity in general .
A profitable underground @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , much as it did during the prohibition of alcohol in the 1920s and ‘ 30s .
Calling marijuana a “ controlled ” substance is illusory ; where it is illegal , we have no control .
We can not ensure the purity of the product , require the use of childproof containers , or determine who can buy and sell it .
Over time , marijuana legalization will drive out the underground market , just as alcohol bootleggers disappeared after repealing alcohol prohibition .
Right now , the underground market still flourishes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and not others .
The most impactful way to take marijuana profits away from criminal organizations and reduce youth access is to regulate marijuana similarly to how we regulate alcohol and cigarettes .
The illegality of drug possession and use is what keeps the low-level users and dealers in and out of the court systems , and most of these people are poor black men .
Black people are more likely to receive a harsher punishment for the same drug crime as a white person .
This revolving door of creating and processing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is the tendency of those who are processed into the system and the likelihood of future criminal behavior .
The War on Drugs takes good people and turns them into criminals every single minute of every single day .
The system is set up in such a way that it fans the flames of violent crime by essentially building a factory that turns out violent criminals .
The system knows this too !
As stated by the law enforcement experts in their letter , when drugs are legalized , gang violence drops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a huge effect on the localized gangs in America , but the legalization of drugs is crippling to the violent foreign drug cartels too .
Until Americans educate themselves on the cause of this violence , uninformed and corrupt lawmakers will continue to focus on controlling the symptoms .
We will see more senseless killings and more innocent lives stripped of opportunity by getting entangled in the system .
We must end the drug war now .
Matt Agorist is an honorably discharged veteran of the USMC and former intelligence operator directly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience gives him unique insight into the world of government corruption and the American police state .
Agorist has been an independent journalist for over a decade and has been featured on mainstream networks around the world .
Agorist is also the Editor at Large at the Free Thought Project .
Follow @ MattAgorist on Twitter , Steemit , and now on Minds .

Dozens Of Cops, Judges, Prosecutors Present Letter To Congress To Legalize Weed, Expunge All Convictions
Matt Agorist, The Free Thought Project
Waking Times
The organization formerly known as Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP), now known as Law Enforcement Action Partnership, along with the National Black Police Association, and Fair and Just Prosecution have signed onto a revolutionary letter to Congress urging the federal government to legalize marijuana and expunge all past convictions relating to marijuana. In addition to the three major groups signing on to the letter, dozens of current and former prosecutors, judges and police officers. Cook County State Attorney Kim Foxx and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison (D) also signed on.
I'm proud to join these law enforcement officials in saying we need to right the wrongs of the failed war on drugs. We remain focused on combating violent crime, and the work we've done clearing cannabis records is opening doors for thousands and strengthening our communities. https://t.co/gRITyvZYDV — State’s Attorney Kim Foxx (@SAKimFoxx) August 19, 2020
The letter went out last month and is addressed to Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.). It calls on House lawmakers to “swiftly bring” the bill, dubbed the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, to the floor for a vote this month.
The group accurately portrays the problem created by the war on marijuana and how it degrades trust in police.
A significant driver of public distrust in law enforcement is our focus on low-level marijuana arrests. As the most visible part of the justice system, we police are already met with animosity every day. Our effectiveness and morale should not suffer unnecessarily. If marijuana had never been criminalized, many more Americans would greet us with warmth and cooperation rather than fear and malice. Without the trust of the people we serve, we lose a valuable crime-fighting resource. When community members refuse to talk to us, fail to present evidence or even to report crime, our jobs become much more difficult. Legalizing marijuana will help alleviate this tension and allow us to focus on our shared priorities: responding to emergencies and curbing serious crime. The resources used to enforce marijuana law violations could be shifted and used to more effectively tackle serious and violent crimes. Americans were arrested for marijuana seven
million times between 2001 and 2010, the vast majority of which were just for possession. Even as more states legalize marijuana, police made more than 663,000 marijuana arrests — 92% of them for possession — last year alone. Meanwhile, homicide and sex crimes units struggle to get evidence examined in a timely manner. While that evidence sits in storage for years collecting dust, predators roam free to harm more innocent people. This misallocation of resources is disgraceful. By legalizing marijuana at the federal level, we will send a message to every police department in this country about our real priorities. Our allegiance lies with crime survivors and would-be victims, not with marijuana prohibition. By focusing on serious crime and creating safe neighborhoods — rather than arresting people for a drug most Americans think should be legal — we will be able to solve more crimes and earn back the trust of our communities
This letter contains no new information. However, the fact that it is receiving coverage in the mainstream and is directed at Congress is encouraging. This conversation is long overdue and it needs to change now as the war on drugs fosters a violent and criminal society.
It should go further, however, and move to decriminalize all substances, not just marijuana.
As readers of TFTP know, America has the largest prison population in the world. It is estimated that victimless crime constitutes 86% of the federal prison population. That means the only reason that these individuals are incarcerated is because the state deemed their non-violent personal choices, “illegal.” The majority of that 86% is for illegal drugs only.
Most of the people who are thrown in prison are non-violent. However, when they are locked in cages with society’s worst and treated like cattle in a factory farm, they come out forever changed. America is breeding a torturous and violent environment, and they have the audacity to call this the “justice system.”
This system — whether or not the right wants to admit it — disproportionately targets minorities, fostering a violent and tyrannical environment. The research cited in the letter also points this fact out.
If you honestly believe that black lives matter, it is your duty to call for an end to the drug war. Ending the drug war would have profound effects on police interactions in black communities.
No longer would cops be able to launch fishing expeditions in an attempt to catch black people with a substance deemed illegal by the state. This would drastically reduce the amount of police interactions as a whole. What’s more, as the letter points out, it would decrease crime by eliminating the monopoly on drug sales held by organized criminal gangs. It would defund the gangs and remove much of the incentive to wage violence in their community.
To understand why this would have such a drastic effect, you have to realize that when the government makes certain substances illegal, it does not remove the demand. Instead, the state creates crime by pushing the sale and control of these substances into the illegal black markets — usually monopolized by gang members in poor communities. All the while, demand remains constant. Because this market is not regulated by free market principals, safety and child possession fall to the wayside. The authors of the letter understand this and point out how legalization would curb this problem.
Regulation reduces youth access and keeps adult consumers safe. Criminalizing marijuana has been a boon to the illegal market where there are no regulations, product testing, etc.
Resourceful teenagers do not usually have trouble accessing marijuana when it is illegal. Underground sellers do not have to obtain age verification before making a sale and may sell
other far more dangerous substances. Legalizing marijuana shrinks the size of the market available to teens, which simultaneously reduces their exposure to criminal activity in general. A profitable underground market supports the high demand for marijuana, much as it did during the prohibition of alcohol in the 1920s and ‘30s. Calling marijuana a “controlled” substance is illusory; where it is illegal, we have no control. We cannot ensure the purity of the product, require the use of childproof containers, or determine who can buy and sell it. Over time, marijuana legalization will drive out the underground market, just as alcohol bootleggers disappeared after repealing alcohol prohibition. Right now, the underground market still flourishes because marijuana is legal in some places and not others. The most impactful way to take marijuana profits away from criminal organizations and reduce youth access is to regulate marijuana similarly to how we regulate alcohol and cigarettes.
The illegality of drug possession and use is what keeps the low-level users and dealers in and out of the court systems, and most of these people are poor black men. Black people are more likely to receive a harsher punishment for the same drug crime as a white person.
This revolving door of creating and processing criminals fosters the phenomenon known as Recidivism which is the tendency of those who are processed into the system and the likelihood of future criminal behavior.
The War on Drugs takes good people and turns them into criminals every single minute of every single day. The system is set up in such a way that it fans the flames of violent crime by essentially building a factory that turns out violent criminals.
The system knows this too!
As stated by the law enforcement experts in their letter, when drugs are legalized, gang violence drops — drastically. Not only does it have a huge effect on the localized gangs in America, but the legalization of drugs is crippling to the violent foreign drug cartels too.
Until Americans educate themselves on the cause of this violence, uninformed and corrupt lawmakers will continue to focus on controlling the symptoms.
We will see more senseless killings and more innocent lives stripped of opportunity by getting entangled in the system. We must end the drug war now.
About the Author
Matt Agorist is an honorably discharged veteran of the USMC and former intelligence operator directly tasked by the NSA. This prior experience gives him unique insight into the world of government corruption and the American police state. Agorist has been an independent journalist for over a decade and has been featured on mainstream networks around the world. Agorist is also the Editor at Large at the Free Thought Project. Follow @MattAgorist on Twitter, Steemit, and now on Minds.


wakingtimes--2020-09-07--Amazon Working With Landlords To Put Alexa In Your Apartment Before You Move In

Amazon Working With Landlords To Put Alexa In Your Apartment Before You Move In Get the latest Waking Times articles delivered to your inbox .
Sign up here .
Amazon ’ s Alexa smart home gadgets are becoming more popular by the day , but there are still many people holding out on buying these types of devices because they have privacy concerns .
However , soon some of us may not have a choice because Amazon is making moves to have the devices pre-installed in places like apartment buildings .
Amazon has also been working hard to ensure that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ single hotel room .
Last week , Amazon announced “ Alexa for Residential , ” a plan that would allow landlords and apartment complex owners to make bulk purchases of Alexa devices so they can be pre-installed into their rental units .
IOTAS , STRATIS IoT , and Sentient Property Services are the first smart home integrators to use Alexa for Residential , and they will open multiple smart apartment residences across the U.S. this fall , according to a press release from the company .
Liron Torres , Head of Smart Properties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ installed through this program will have specific features for landlords and tenants .
“ Our vision was to create a service that makes having an Alexa-enabled home accessible for anyone , regardless of whether they rent or own their home .
Alexa for Residential goes beyond the smart home—it also enables property managers to provide custom voice experiences for their residents , including information about property amenities and custom services .
We ’ re excited to be teaming up with IOTAS , STRATIS IoT and Sentient Property Services to start , and look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more apartment residences across the US , ” Torres said .
Amazon claims that landlords won ’ t have any access to data or voice recordings , but Amazon will , and so will the police if they want to request it .
Alexa has already been used as a witness in numerous criminal cases , and while this data was mostly used to solve murders , it is not unreasonable to imagine a scenario where a spy agency like the NSA cooperates with Amazon to use Alexa for dragnet data gathering on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to object to this type of operation , an organization like the NSA would surely have the resources to either hack the technology , or just infiltrate the corporation in order to make use of the data .
Alexa ’ s short history has shown that Amazon can be very careless and devious with the data collected from these devices .
According to a Bloomberg investigation last year , Amazon employees were listening to Alexa voice recordings and transcribing them .
The employees were reportedly tasked with helping the device respond to commands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when they discovered this was happening .
After the controversy , the company added an option to opt-out of human reviews , but many customers are still extremely suspicious , and potential customers are even more reluctant to get involved .
According to another report last year , Alexa doesn ’ t always delete data when the user tells it to .
Still , despite these very serious concerns , over 100 million Alexa-powered devices have been sold as of last year .

Amazon Working With Landlords To Put Alexa In Your Apartment Before You Move In
John Vibes, The Mind Unleashed
Waking Times
Amazon’s Alexa smart home gadgets are becoming more popular by the day, but there are still many people holding out on buying these types of devices because they have privacy concerns.
However, soon some of us may not have a choice because Amazon is making moves to have the devices pre-installed in places like apartment buildings.
Amazon has also been working hard to ensure that there is an Alexa device is every single hotel room.
Last week, Amazon announced “Alexa for Residential,” a plan that would allow landlords and apartment complex owners to make bulk purchases of Alexa devices so they can be pre-installed into their rental units.
IOTAS, STRATIS IoT, and Sentient Property Services are the first smart home integrators to use Alexa for Residential, and they will open multiple smart apartment residences across the U.S. this fall, according to a press release from the company.
Liron Torres, Head of Smart Properties, Amazon Alexa said that the devices installed through this program will have specific features for landlords and tenants.
“Our vision was to create a service that makes having an Alexa-enabled home accessible for anyone, regardless of whether they rent or own their home. Alexa for Residential goes beyond the smart home—it also enables property managers to provide custom voice experiences for their residents, including information about property amenities and custom services. We’re excited to be teaming up with IOTAS, STRATIS IoT and Sentient Property Services to start, and look forward to expanding this experience to even more apartment residences across the US,” Torres said.
Amazon claims that landlords won’t have any access to data or voice recordings, but Amazon will, and so will the police if they want to request it.
Alexa has already been used as a witness in numerous criminal cases, and while this data was mostly used to solve murders, it is not unreasonable to imagine a scenario where a spy agency like the NSA cooperates with Amazon to use Alexa for dragnet data gathering on innocent citizens.
Even if Amazon were to object to this type of operation, an organization like the NSA would surely have the resources to either hack the technology, or just infiltrate the corporation in order to make use of the data.
Alexa’s short history has shown that Amazon can be very careless and devious with the data collected from these devices.
According to a Bloomberg investigation last year, Amazon employees were listening to Alexa voice recordings and transcribing them.
The employees were reportedly tasked with helping the device respond to commands better, but customers were obviously concerned when they discovered this was happening.
After the controversy, the company added an option to opt-out of human reviews, but many customers are still extremely suspicious, and potential customers are even more reluctant to get involved.
According to another report last year, Alexa doesn’t always delete data when the user tells it to.
Still, despite these very serious concerns, over 100 million Alexa-powered devices have been sold as of last year.
By John Vibes | Creative Commons | TheMindUnleashed.com


wakingtimes--2020-09-07--Three More Arrested In Australia For Making Anti-Lockdown Posts Online

Three More Arrested In Australia For Making Anti-Lockdown Posts Online Get the latest Waking Times articles delivered to your inbox .
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Earlier this week we reported that a pregnant woman from Melbourne , Australia , was arrested in her home for creating a social media page for an anti-lockdown protest .
According to a new report from ABC news , three other Australians have also been arrested for making anti-lockdown posts online .
On Friday morning , a man named James Bartolo was also arrested in his home , and his arrest was recorded as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live-streamed through his Facebook page , Bartolo can be seen arguing with police who were gathered outside of his door , insisting that they did not have permission to enter his property .
“ You don ’ t have authorization to be on the property , ” he said .
Eventually , police busted through the door and made the arrest anyway .
Since he did not go with the police willingly they stacked up additional charges against him , including resisting arrest and possession of prohibited weapons that were found in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Australian the be arrested for incitement related to anti-lockdown posting online .
After his arrest , Bartolo posted followup videos urging his friends and supporters to stay away from the upcoming protests in Melbourne on Sunday , calling the protests a “ trap.
” He also suggested that large crowds at the protest could be used as an excuse to extend the lock-down measures .
The region of Victoria is currently under level 4 restrictions , which includes a curfew and a limit on how far people can travel from their homes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear date for when the lockdown restrictions will be lifted in the region .
The crackdown and string of arrests were criticized by the Australian Human Rights Commission who posted a statement on Twitter regarding 28-year-old Zoe Buhler , the woman who was arrested in front of her children for organizing a protest on Facebook .
John Vibes is an author and journalist who takes a special interest in the counter culture , and focuses solutions-oriented approaches to social problems .
He is also a host of The Free Your Mind Conference and @ @ @ @ @ @

Three More Arrested In Australia For Making Anti-Lockdown Posts Online
John Vibes, Truth Theory
Waking Times
Earlier this week we reported that a pregnant woman from Melbourne, Australia, was arrested in her home for creating a social media page for an anti-lockdown protest. According to a new report from ABC news, three other Australians have also been arrested for making anti-lockdown posts online.
On Friday morning, a man named James Bartolo was also arrested in his home, and his arrest was recorded as well.
In the video, which was live-streamed through his Facebook page, Bartolo can be seen arguing with police who were gathered outside of his door, insisting that they did not have permission to enter his property.
“You don’t have authorization to be on the property,” he said.
Eventually, police busted through the door and made the arrest anyway. Since he did not go with the police willingly they stacked up additional charges against him, including resisting arrest and possession of prohibited weapons that were found in his home.
Bartolo is reportedly the fourth Australian the be arrested for incitement related to anti-lockdown posting online. After his arrest, Bartolo posted followup videos urging his friends and supporters to stay away from the upcoming protests in Melbourne on Sunday, calling the protests a “trap.”
He also suggested that large crowds at the protest could be used as an excuse to extend the lock-down measures. The region of Victoria is currently under level 4 restrictions, which includes a curfew and a limit on how far people can travel from their homes. As of now, there is no clear date for when the lockdown restrictions will be lifted in the region.
The crackdown and string of arrests were criticized by the Australian Human Rights Commission who posted a statement on Twitter regarding 28-year-old Zoe Buhler, the woman who was arrested in front of her children for organizing a protest on Facebook.
About the Author
John Vibes is an author and journalist who takes a special interest in the counter culture, and focuses solutions-oriented approaches to social problems. He is also a host of The Free Your Mind Conference and The Free Thought Project Podcast.


wakingtimes--2020-09-07--The Esoteric Meaning Behind Neo’s Interrogation Scene In The Matrix

The Esoteric Meaning Behind Neo ’ s Interrogation Scene In The Matrix Get the latest Waking Times articles delivered to your inbox .
Sign up here .
More than 20 years old now , The Matrix is recognized by fans across the world as being one of the most brilliant films in history , most notably for its deeper meaning and esoteric philosophy .
One scene that is particularly intriguing , considering the social climate of today , is Neo ’ s interrogation by the Agents of the Matrix .
Now , before we dig into the potential hidden meaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this uncomfortable position to begin with , let ’ s first establish some key points in relation to the overall story line that will help us to appreciate the implications behind this scene a little bit more .
What Does The Character Neo Represent in the Matrix ?
Neo in ancient Greek ( νέος ) means new/young one .
This is an important piece of the puzzle to help us understand what the directors of the film are trying to communicate to us .
With that said , when we assess Neo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we find that he is a solitary individual that keeps to himself and is struggling to find deeper meaning in this world by constantly searching the internet .
What Does The Character Morpheus Represent in the Matrix ?
Morpheus in Greek mythology is a messenger of the gods .
He appears to humans through dreams with the intention of delivering divine Knowledge and Truth .
In the Greek mythos , he can appear in almost any form in people ’ s dreams , which could be because anyone , regardless of race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be a messenger of enlightenment and Truth .
The First Matrix Film is About The Beginning of the Journey to Awakening With the understanding of the deeper meaning behind what Neo and Morpheus ’ characters represent in the film , we can now appreciate the intro scene of Neo sleeping ( whilst searching for Morpheus ) through a different lens of perception and awareness .
ou see , Neo sleeping whilst searching online for Morpheus represents the early stages of the Truth seekers journey — “ asleep ” but still searching for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to find that meaning by seeking out a “ messenger ” of higher Knowledge and Truth .
Truth is Terrorism in the Empire of Lies Through his incessant efforts , Neo begins to get closer and closer to finding the elusive Morpheus .
This , however , also attracts the unwanted attention of the Agents in the Matrix , which represent the enforcers of the shadow government of this system .
Their job is to ensure that no one exposes what the Matrix really is , and how it turns unsuspecting every day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can use and exploit .
The Agents proceed to apprehend Neo and interrogate him , where they make it very clear that they ’ ve been spying on him and keeping meticulous records of his activities , both online and offline , for quite some time now .
As we all know very well today , all around the world intelligence agencies are doing exactly that — tracking what we view online and keeping meticulous records on many of our movements .
The agents , however , do not see Neo as being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as he is still in the early stages of his awakening and does not know enough to be a major threat .
Instead , they offer him a deal where they will be willing to “ wipe the slate clean ” on his illegal activities online , if Neo will simply help them track down the man they call Morpheus , who they claim is “ a known terrorist ” that is “ considered by many authorities to be the most dangerous man alive ” .
This represents that the single greatest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is overwhelmingly ruled by deception and exploitation — is any messenger of higher Knowledge and Truth that can potentially awaken those who are still “ asleep ” to what the proverbial Matrix really is .
In fact , one could argue this sort of power struggle has been going on for thousands of years , and is possibly why Socrates was accused of “ corrupting the youth ” by the ruling class more than 2,000 years ago and subsequently sentenced to death ; or why , Fred Hampton was assassinated by government authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent history , why civilians that were peacefully protesting against Wall Street and the bankers for their part in destroying the world economy in 2008 , were targeted by the FBI and even labelled as potential “ domestic terrorists “ .
Simply put , Truth is terrorism in the empire of lies .
Neo , still being somewhat naïve and unbegun in his journey , rejects the Agent ’ s offer and demands he get a phone call because “ I know my rights !
” To this , Agent Smith retorts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good is a phone call if you ’ re unable to speak ?
” , which results in Neo ’ s mouth warping in the most eerie of ways .
This scene represents a lesson that all genuine Truth seekers eventually come to learn — this system is not concerned with human rights nor is it concerned with upholding authentic justice .
Instead , it inculcates these beliefs and misperceptions into our minds from a very young age , because it serves to help legitimize its unnecessary existence in the eyes of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why we think we need it .
But in reality , our government guaranteed “ rights ” can be taken away from us in the blink of an eye .
In relation to current events , for example , many thousands of people worldwide have been arrested for violating curfew orders ; In one Indian state , civilians were told they must take selfies every hour and send it to the authorities to prove that they are staying indoors ; in South Africa , some have been fined for not wearing masks while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United States , people have even been told that they will be fined if they walk “ the wrong direction ” down the street ; Homeless people in France have reportedly been fined for not staying indoors ; Some people have been arrested for attending funerals of loved ones because it violated lockdown orders ; Others ( including doctors and scientists ) have had their right to freedom of speech censored online ; In Australia , a pregnant woman was actually arrested in her home for facebook posts that encouraged protesting against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labor Organization , tens of millions are being pushed into unemployment ; and travel all around the world has been severely restricted by these authorities who have taken it upon themselves to be the rulers of this planet by dictating what the rest of us can and can not do .
Whether you agree with these policies or not , these things can not logically be called “ rights ” since they are so very easily violated and taken away from us .
There are many other examples that demonstrate how our government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a comforting illusion than an actual reality , such as the CIA ’ s secretive Black Site torture programs , which have been done in cooperation with other intelligence agencies and authorities throughout the world .
In these programs , people have been kidnapped — without any legal criminal charge or trial — and then taken to undisclosed secret locations where many of them are tortured for many months on end , in ways that are considered to be in violation of international law and basic human rights .
The CIA , of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrorists .
In 2014 , however , a Senate Intelligence Committee Report found that at least 26 of the people that were kidnapped and tortured were actually “ wrongfully detained ” .
Wake Up Neo — You Are the One Fortunately , Neo manages to escape this unthinkable situation without any serious injury or harm .
Soon after , he is contacted by Morpheus , where he is told that he was very lucky that the Agents underestimated his great potential and spared him , because if the Agents had known the great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would probably be dead .
Confused by the obvious strangeness of everything taking place , Neo asks Morpheus what the hell is going on , and what exactly is he talking about ?
?
Without hesitation , Morpheus replies to him , “ You are the one Neo — You see , you may have spent the last few years looking for me , but I have spent my entire life looking for you.
” This is perhaps the most important lesson the new Truth seeker must eventually come to learn — We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for to change this corrupt world my friends ; and we must stop looking for heroes and human leaders to absolve us of this very serious responsibility .
Instead , we must all take on the role of Morpheus — which is to awaken as many Neo ’ s ( new minds ) as we possibly can , whilst also taking on the role that represents the journey of Neo , by challenging ourselves to become the best version of who we authentically are .
By doing this , we will help to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of each individual ’ s problem solving imagination ; and we will also find unity in our shared struggle against the injustices , and corruption , of this inhumane system which invariably exploits us all .
If not us , then who ?
And if not now , then when ?
Gavin Nascimento is the founder of aNewKindofHuman.com

The Esoteric Meaning Behind Neo’s Interrogation Scene In The Matrix
Gavin Nascimento, aNewKindOfHuman.com
Waking Times
More than 20 years old now, The Matrix is recognized by fans across the world as being one of the most brilliant films in history, most notably for its deeper meaning and esoteric philosophy.
One scene that is particularly intriguing, considering the social climate of today, is Neo’s interrogation by the Agents of the Matrix.
Now, before we dig into the potential hidden meaning here, and how Neo found himself in this uncomfortable position to begin with, let’s first establish some key points in relation to the overall story line that will help us to appreciate the implications behind this scene a little bit more.
What Does The Character Neo Represent in the Matrix?
Neo in ancient Greek (νέος) means new/young one. This is an important piece of the puzzle to help us understand what the directors of the film are trying to communicate to us. With that said, when we assess Neo’s character in the first film, we find that he is a solitary individual that keeps to himself and is struggling to find deeper meaning in this world by constantly searching the internet.
What Does The Character Morpheus Represent in the Matrix?
Morpheus in Greek mythology is a messenger of the gods. He appears to humans through dreams with the intention of delivering divine Knowledge and Truth. In the Greek mythos, he can appear in almost any form in people’s dreams, which could be because anyone, regardless of race, gender, or outward appearance, can be a messenger of enlightenment and Truth.
The First Matrix Film is About The Beginning of the Journey to Awakening
With the understanding of the deeper meaning behind what Neo and Morpheus’ characters represent in the film, we can now appreciate the intro scene of Neo sleeping (whilst searching for Morpheus) through a different lens of perception and awareness.
ou see, Neo sleeping whilst searching online for Morpheus represents the early stages of the Truth seekers journey — “asleep” but still searching for deeper meaning in life — and hoping to find that meaning by seeking out a “messenger” of higher Knowledge and Truth.
Truth is Terrorism in the Empire of Lies
Through his incessant efforts, Neo begins to get closer and closer to finding the elusive Morpheus. This, however, also attracts the unwanted attention of the Agents in the Matrix, which represent the enforcers of the shadow government of this system. Their job is to ensure that no one exposes what the Matrix really is, and how it turns unsuspecting every day human beings into useful resources that it can use and exploit.
The Agents proceed to apprehend Neo and interrogate him, where they make it very clear that they’ve been spying on him and keeping meticulous records of his activities, both online and offline, for quite some time now. As we all know very well today, all around the world intelligence agencies are doing exactly that — tracking what we view online and keeping meticulous records on many of our movements.
The agents, however, do not see Neo as being a major threat to the Matrix system, as he is still in the early stages of his awakening and does not know enough to be a major threat. Instead, they offer him a deal where they will be willing to “wipe the slate clean” on his illegal activities online, if Neo will simply help them track down the man they call Morpheus, who they claim is “a known terrorist” that is “considered by many authorities to be the most dangerous man alive”.
This represents that the single greatest threat to this manipulative system — which is overwhelmingly ruled by deception and exploitation — is any messenger of higher Knowledge and Truth that can potentially awaken those who are still “asleep” to what the proverbial Matrix really is. In fact, one could argue this sort of power struggle has been going on for thousands of years, and is possibly why Socrates was accused of “corrupting the youth” by the ruling class more than 2,000 years ago and subsequently sentenced to death; or why, Fred Hampton was assassinated by government authorities in 1969; or, in more recent history, why civilians that were peacefully protesting against Wall Street and the bankers for their part in destroying the world economy in 2008, were targeted by the FBI and even labelled as potential “domestic terrorists“.
Simply put, Truth is terrorism in the empire of lies.
Imaginary Rights
Neo, still being somewhat naïve and unbegun in his journey, rejects the Agent’s offer and demands he get a phone call because “I know my rights!”
To this, Agent Smith retorts, “tell me Mr. Anderson, what good is a phone call if you’re unable to speak?”, which results in Neo’s mouth warping in the most eerie of ways.
This scene represents a lesson that all genuine Truth seekers eventually come to learn — this system is not concerned with human rights nor is it concerned with upholding authentic justice. Instead, it inculcates these beliefs and misperceptions into our minds from a very young age, because it serves to help legitimize its unnecessary existence in the eyes of the unsuspecting public and indoctrinate us as to why we think we need it. But in reality, our government guaranteed “rights” can be taken away from us in the blink of an eye.
In relation to current events, for example, many thousands of people worldwide have been arrested for violating curfew orders; In one Indian state, civilians were told they must take selfies every hour and send it to the authorities to prove that they are staying indoors; in South Africa, some have been fined for not wearing masks while driving their cars; In Boston in the United States, people have even been told that they will be fined if they walk “the wrong direction” down the street; Homeless people in France have reportedly been fined for not staying indoors; Some people have been arrested for attending funerals of loved ones because it violated lockdown orders; Others (including doctors and scientists) have had their right to freedom of speech censored online; In Australia, a pregnant woman was actually arrested in her home for facebook posts that encouraged protesting against the lockdown; According to the International Labor Organization, tens of millions are being pushed into unemployment; and travel all around the world has been severely restricted by these authorities who have taken it upon themselves to be the rulers of this planet by dictating what the rest of us can and cannot do. Whether you agree with these policies or not, these things cannot logically be called “rights” since they are so very easily violated and taken away from us.
There are many other examples that demonstrate how our government given “rights” are more of a comforting illusion than an actual reality, such as the CIA’s secretive Black Site torture programs, which have been done in cooperation with other intelligence agencies and authorities throughout the world. In these programs, people have been kidnapped — without any legal criminal charge or trial — and then taken to undisclosed secret locations where many of them are tortured for many months on end, in ways that are considered to be in violation of international law and basic human rights. The CIA, of course, simply claims they are suspected terrorists. In 2014, however, a Senate Intelligence Committee Report found that at least 26 of the people that were kidnapped and tortured were actually “wrongfully detained”.
Wake Up Neo — You Are the One
Fortunately, Neo manages to escape this unthinkable situation without any serious injury or harm. Soon after, he is contacted by Morpheus, where he is told that he was very lucky that the Agents underestimated his great potential and spared him, because if the Agents had known the great secret that Morpheus knows, then Neo would probably be dead.
Confused by the obvious strangeness of everything taking place, Neo asks Morpheus what the hell is going on, and what exactly is he talking about?? Without hesitation, Morpheus replies to him, “You are the one Neo — You see, you may have spent the last few years looking for me, but I have spent my entire life looking for you.”
This is perhaps the most important lesson the new Truth seeker must eventually come to learn — We are the ones we have been waiting for to change this corrupt world my friends; and we must stop looking for heroes and human leaders to absolve us of this very serious responsibility. Instead, we must all take on the role of Morpheus — which is to awaken as many Neo’s (new minds) as we possibly can, whilst also taking on the role that represents the journey of Neo, by challenging ourselves to become the best version of who we authentically are.
By doing this, we will help to awaken and unleash the unique creative forces of each individual’s problem solving imagination; and we will also find unity in our shared struggle against the injustices, and corruption, of this inhumane system which invariably exploits us all.
If not us, then who? And if not now, then when?
About the Author
Gavin Nascimento is the founder of aNewKindofHuman.com
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wakingtimes--2020-09-08--‘Horrifically Catastrophic’: Report Finds So-Called US War On Terror Has Displaced As Many As 59 Mil

‘ Horrifically Catastrophic ’ : Report Finds So-Called US War On Terror Has Displaced As Many As 59 Million People Get the latest Waking Times articles delivered to your inbox .
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The ongoing U.S. “ war on terror ” has forcibly displaced as many as 59 million people from just eight countries in the Middle East , Africa , and Asia since 2001 , according to a new report published Tuesday by Brown University ’ s Costs of War Project .
The latest figure represents a dramatic increase from the Costs of War Project ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million people had been displaced internally or forced to flee their home countries due to violence inflicted or unleashed by U.S.-led wars over the past two decades .
That report also put the death toll of the so-called war on terror at 801,000 and the price tag at $ 6.4 trillion .
The new report argues that “ wartime displacement ( alongside war deaths and injuries ) must be central to any analysis of the post-9/11 wars and their short- and long-term consequences.
” “ Displacement also must be central to any possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force by the United States or others , ” the report states .
“ Ultimately , displacing 37 million—and perhaps as many as 59 million—raises the question of who bears responsibility for repairing the damage inflicted on those displaced.
” In addition to the tens of millions displaced by U.S. military actions in Afghanistan , Iraq , Pakistan , Yemen , Somalia , the Philippines , Libya , and Syria , the report notes that millions more have been displaced by “ smaller combat operations , including in : Burkina Faso , Cameroon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic Republic of the Congo , Mali , Niger , Saudi Arabia , and Tunisia.
” “ To put these figures in perspective , displacing 37 million people is equivalent to removing nearly all the residents of the state of California or all the people in Texas and Virginia combined , ” the report says .
“ The figure is almost as large as the population of Canada .
In historical terms , 37 million displaced is more than those displaced by any other war or disaster since at least the start of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of World War II.
” David Vine , professor of anthropology at American University and the lead author of the new report , told the New York Times that the findings show “ U.S .
involvement in these countries has been horrifically catastrophic , horrifically damaging in ways that I don ’ t think that most people in the United States , in many ways myself included , have grappled with or reckoned with in even the slightest terms.
” Matt Duss , foreign policy adviser to Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I-Vt. ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweet responding to the Costs of War Project ’ s latest findings .
Jake Johnson is a staff writer for Common Dreams .
Follow him on Twitter : @ johnsonjakep

‘Horrifically Catastrophic’: Report Finds So-Called US War On Terror Has Displaced As Many As 59 Million People
Jake Johnson, Common Dreams
Waking Times
The ongoing U.S. “war on terror” has forcibly displaced as many as 59 million people from just eight countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia since 2001, according to a new report published Tuesday by Brown University’s Costs of War Project.
Titled “Creating Refugees: Displacement Caused by the United States’ Post-9/11 Wars” (pdf), the new report conservatively estimates that at least 37 million people have “fled their homes in the eight most violent wars the U.S. military has launched or participated in since 2001.”
The latest figure represents a dramatic increase from the Costs of War Project’s 2019 report, which estimated that 21 million people had been displaced internally or forced to flee their home countries due to violence inflicted or unleashed by U.S.-led wars over the past two decades. That report also put the death toll of the so-called war on terror at 801,000 and the price tag at $6.4 trillion.
The new report argues that “wartime displacement (alongside war deaths and injuries) must be central to any analysis of the post-9/11 wars and their short- and long-term consequences.” “Displacement also must be central to any possible consideration of the future use of military force by the United States or others,” the report states. “Ultimately, displacing 37 million—and perhaps as many as 59 million—raises the question of who bears responsibility for repairing the damage inflicted on those displaced.”
In addition to the tens of millions displaced by U.S. military actions in Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia, the Philippines, Libya, and Syria, the report notes that millions more have been displaced by “smaller combat operations, including in: Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali, Niger, Saudi Arabia, and Tunisia.”
“To put these figures in perspective, displacing 37 million people is equivalent to removing nearly all the residents of the state of California or all the people in Texas and Virginia combined,” the report says. “The figure is almost as large as the population of Canada. In historical terms, 37 million displaced is more than those displaced by any other war or disaster since at least the start of the 20th century with the sole exception of World War II.”
Kudos to @CostsOfWar & @QuincyInst boardmember Catherine Lutz for this crucial study. The blob assumes there's something fundamentally wrong with the Middle East. Few acknowledge America's role in the instability and refugee flows. It's massive…
https://t.co/5EGmqFUpBL — Trita Parsi (@tparsi) September 8, 2020
David Vine, professor of anthropology at American University and the lead author of the new report, told the New York Times that the findings show “U.S. involvement in these countries has been horrifically catastrophic, horrifically damaging in ways that I don’t think that most people in the United States, in many ways myself included, have grappled with or reckoned with in even the slightest terms.”
Matt Duss, foreign policy adviser to Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), demanded such a reckoning in a tweet responding to the Costs of War Project’s latest findings.
“The scale of the disaster the United States has inflicted on the world—through three war on terror presidencies—is staggering,” wrote Duss. “We need a reckoning. We can’t simply move on.”
About the Author
Jake Johnson is a staff writer for Common Dreams. Follow him on Twitter: @johnsonjakep


wakingtimes--2020-09-08--California Wildfires Scorch Land The Size Of Delaware During Record Heat

California Wildfires Scorch Land The Size Of Delaware During Record Heat Get the latest Waking Times articles delivered to your inbox .
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On a Labor Day weekend when the temperature hit 121 degrees in Los Angeles County , fire crews around California struggled to contain ongoing and growing blazes that have so far consumed more than 2 million acres this summer .
That ’ s equal to the entire state of Delaware going up in flames , according to the BBC .
The record heat coupled with dry and windy conditions is making the 22 fires @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contain .
In a preventive measure , the state ’ s power authority shut off electricity to 172,000 homes and businesses in 22 counties in Northern California .
The power will not be fully restored until Wednesday evening , according to CNN .
The small mountain town of Big Creek in the Sierra Nevada mountain range saw trapped campers airlifted to safety while the fire burned through the town , destroying roughly two dozen homes , according to NBC News .
While a hydroelectric plant owned by Southern California Edison was destroyed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the flammable gas exploded and an elementary school caught fire .
The school ’ s superintendent , Toby Wait , evacuated with his family , but his home was destroyed after they fled .
“ Words can not even begin to describe the devastation of this community , ” he said to The Fresno Bee , as NBC News reported .
The fire started on Friday and grew to burn nearly 80,000 acres Monday , according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection .
It is zero percent contained .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by itself , ” said U.S. Forest Service Supervisor Dean Gould during a Monday night press briefing , as CNN reported .
Farther south , Los Angeles and Ventura county are under a red flag warning as the cooling temperatures after the weekend ’ s record heat are expected to usher in high winds , which may fan the flames of ongoing fires .
The state ’ s fire authorities are currently battling 24 fires across the state , according to the BBC .
While the red flag warning in Los Angeles and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday , the state will also see wind gusts of up to 50 mph in Northern California .
Those high winds are particularly dangerous as they pose the threat of spreading flames over the dry vegetation that is parched after the weekend ’ s heat , according to PG & E senior meteorologist Scott Strenfel , as CNN reported .
“ Unfortunately , this wind event is occurring on the heels of the current heat wave and will produce critical fire potential conditions , ” Strenfel said , as CNN reported .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , increase the potential for damage and hazards to the electric infrastructure , which could cause sparks if lines are energized .
These conditions also increase the potential for rapid fire spread , ” PG & E said in a news release on Monday .
All campgrounds across the state have been canceled in a season that has seen a record number of campers .
The U.S. Forest Service said the following in a press release : “ Most of California remains under the threat of unprecedented and dangerous fire conditions with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events , dry conditions , and firefighting resources that are stretched to the limit.
” According to the BBC , the Valley Fire in San Diego County has burned more than 10,000 acres near the small town of Alpine .
In Angeles National Forest , the Bobcat fire has burned through nearly 5,000 acres and prompted the evacuation of the Mount Wilson Observatory .

California Wildfires Scorch Land The Size Of Delaware During Record Heat
Jordan Davidson, EcoWatch
Waking Times
On a Labor Day weekend when the temperature hit 121 degrees in Los Angeles County, fire crews around California struggled to contain ongoing and growing blazes that have so far consumed more than 2 million acres this summer. That’s equal to the entire state of Delaware going up in flames, according to the BBC.
The record heat coupled with dry and windy conditions is making the 22 fires in the state difficult for crews to contain. In a preventive measure, the state’s power authority shut off electricity to 172,000 homes and businesses in 22 counties in Northern California. The power will not be fully restored until Wednesday evening, according to CNN. The small mountain town of Big Creek in the Sierra Nevada mountain range saw trapped campers airlifted to safety while the fire burned through the town, destroying roughly two dozen homes, according to NBC News.
While a hydroelectric plant owned by Southern California Edison was destroyed, three propane tanks with 11,000 gallons of the flammable gas exploded and an elementary school caught fire. The school’s superintendent, Toby Wait, evacuated with his family, but his home was destroyed after they fled. “Words cannot even begin to describe the devastation of this community,” he said to The Fresno Bee, as NBC News reported.
The fire started on Friday and grew to burn nearly 80,000 acres Monday, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. It is zero percent contained. “This one’s in a class by itself,” said U.S. Forest Service Supervisor Dean Gould during a Monday night press briefing, as CNN reported. Farther south, Los Angeles and Ventura county are under a red flag warning as the cooling temperatures after the weekend’s record heat are expected to usher in high winds, which may fan the flames of ongoing fires.
The state’s fire authorities are currently battling 24 fires across the state, according to the BBC. While the red flag warning in Los Angeles and Ventura counties is expected to last through Wednesday, the state will also see wind gusts of up to 50 mph in Northern California. Those high winds are particularly dangerous as they pose the threat of spreading flames over the dry vegetation that is parched after the weekend’s heat, according to PG&E senior meteorologist Scott Strenfel, as CNN reported. “Unfortunately, this wind event is occurring on the heels of the current heat wave and will produce critical fire potential conditions,” Strenfel said, as CNN reported.


wakingtimes--2020-09-08--Madagascar Introduces Stoves That Burn Rice Husks Instead Of Forests

Madagascar Introduces Stoves That Burn Rice Husks Instead Of Forests Get the latest Waking Times articles delivered to your inbox .
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ANTANANARIVO , Madagascar — Charcoal is the main source of fuel Malagasy people burn at home , but its prevalence is accelerating the destruction of forests on an island famous for its biodiversity .
To develop alternative energy sources that are not harmful to forests , a new project is proposing that people burn rice husks instead .
On May 26 , the Christian group Hetsika Fampiraisana Kristiana ho an ’ ny Firenena ( HFKF @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tapahana Intsony ny Ala , or “ stop deforestation ” in Malagasy ) in the capital Antananarivo .
With support from the environment ministry , the project introduced a new kind of stove that uses rice husks for fuel .
According to HFKF calculations , 17 stoves will save 1 hectare ( 2.5 acres ) of forest per year .
The ATIALA stoves were specially designed by Faly Rasamimanana , the project ’ s coordinator and the director of a Iychee export company , Faly Export , that is based in the northeastern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will distribute the ATIALA stoves free of charge in two rural communities near the capital .
The group intends to produce 1,000 stoves per week and distribute 100,000 throughout the country by the end of the year .
Eventually it will sell the stoves for 30,000 Malagasy ariary apiece ( around $ 8 ) .
The group is working with local administrative bodies and environmentally focused ministry partners to approach local communities and raise awareness about the stoves .
Rice is the staple food in Madagascar , and rice farming plays a major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production centers generated an estimated 1 million tons of rice husks per year .
A small amount is used for animal husbandry and the manufacture of potting soil , but the majority goes unused .
The new ATIALA stoves have several advantages over charcoal stoves .
In terms of performance , they boil water in seven minutes , whereas charcoal stoves take 10 minutes .
People can use the rice-husk ashes as a natural fertilizer in agricultural regions .
Each month , a household uses on average one bag of charcoal , costing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s worth of rice husks costs just 4,000 ariary , or $ 1 for four bags .
An ATIALA stove therefore pays for itself after the second month .
According to the Indian Ocean Commission , an intergovernmental organization based in Mauritius , 98 % of Malagasy households rely mainly on wood energy .
Broadly , rural areas tend to rely on firewood and urban areas on charcoal .
For many households , charcoal is more affordable than gas or electricity , which aren ’ t even available in many places .
Every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ living in the Andrefan ’ ny Mananjara neighborhood of Antananarivo , says she spends between 40,000 and 50,000 ariary , $ 10 to $ 13 , on charcoal .
“ Gas might be cheaper for me , but I can ’ t afford to pay more than 100,000 ariary [ $ 26 ] in one go , ” she says .
The duality of poverty and deforestation The government has undertaken other initiatives to encourage people to reduce their consumption of fuelwood .
For example , the environment ministry has supported a project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ district in northwestern Madagascar .
Although charcoal is mainly sourced from forestry plantations , uncontrolled deforestation is on the rise , destroying large areas of natural forest .
The World Bank reports that Madagascar ’ s annual gross domestic product per capita was $ 522 in 2019 , the ninth lowest in the world .
According to the same source , the agricultural sector is the main provider of employment in rural areas , providing 85 % of total employment .
However , households are finding it increasingly difficult to make a living @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turning instead to the sale of charcoal , which provides an almost daily additional income .
Dealers in town buy wood from rural areas .
When the plantations are no longer sufficient to meet demand , the charcoal-makers pull up tree stumps , eliminating the possibility that the tree might regrow .
They also turn to illegal logging .
This high demand for charcoal is taking a grave toll on Madagascar ’ s forests and their ecosystems .
According to Global Forest Watch , between 2001 and 2019 the island lost 3.89 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tree cover , equivalent to a loss of 23 % of its tree cover since 2000 .
Much of this loss was due to fuelwood harvesting , as well as to clearing for agriculture or grazing .
Experts agree that low household purchasing power tends to increase demand for charcoal and , as a result , illegal logging by rural people who often have no alternative to selling charcoal in order to make a living .
The government has enacted severe sanctions to combat these illegal practices .
The long-term success of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economic and environmental benefits of alternative energy sources , in both the short and long terms .

Madagascar Introduces Stoves That Burn Rice Husks Instead Of Forests
Valisoa Rasolofomboahangy, Mongabay
Waking Times
ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar — Charcoal is the main source of fuel Malagasy people burn at home, but its prevalence is accelerating the destruction of forests on an island famous for its biodiversity. To develop alternative energy sources that are not harmful to forests, a new project is proposing that people burn rice husks instead.
On May 26, the Christian group Hetsika Fampiraisana Kristiana ho an’ny Firenena (HFKF) launched the ATIALA project (Aza Tapahana Intsony ny Ala, or “stop deforestation” in Malagasy) in the capital Antananarivo. With support from the environment ministry, the project introduced a new kind of stove that uses rice husks for fuel.
According to HFKF calculations, 17 stoves will save 1 hectare (2.5 acres) of forest per year. The ATIALA stoves were specially designed by Faly Rasamimanana, the project’s coordinator and the director of a Iychee export company, Faly Export, that is based in the northeastern city of Toamasina.
Initially, HFKF will distribute the ATIALA stoves free of charge in two rural communities near the capital. The group intends to produce 1,000 stoves per week and distribute 100,000 throughout the country by the end of the year. Eventually it will sell the stoves for 30,000 Malagasy ariary apiece (around $8). The group is working with local administrative bodies and environmentally focused ministry partners to approach local communities and raise awareness about the stoves.
An abundant alternative
Rice is the staple food in Madagascar, and rice farming plays a major role in the national economy. Rice production centers generated an estimated 1 million tons of rice husks per year. A small amount is used for animal husbandry and the manufacture of potting soil, but the majority goes unused.
The new ATIALA stoves have several advantages over charcoal stoves. In terms of performance, they boil water in seven minutes, whereas charcoal stoves take 10 minutes. People can use the rice-husk ashes as a natural fertilizer in agricultural regions.
There is also a price advantage. HFKF launched the ATIALA project in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, when household incomes have declined. “Our main objective is to facilitate household purchasing power, especially in these times of crisis,” Rasamimanana says. “At the same time, our alternative saves forests for future generations.”
Each month, a household uses on average one bag of charcoal, costing about 30,000 ariary. A month’s worth of rice husks costs just 4,000 ariary, or $1 for four bags. An ATIALA stove therefore pays for itself after the second month.
According to the Indian Ocean Commission, an intergovernmental organization based in Mauritius, 98% of Malagasy households rely mainly on wood energy. Broadly, rural areas tend to rely on firewood and urban areas on charcoal.
For many households, charcoal is more affordable than gas or electricity, which aren’t even available in many places. Every month, Beby Rabeniazy, a housewife living in the Andrefan’ny Mananjara neighborhood of Antananarivo, says she spends between 40,000 and 50,000 ariary, $10 to $13, on charcoal. “Gas might be cheaper for me, but I can’t afford to pay more than 100,000 ariary [$26] in one go,” she says.
The duality of poverty and deforestation
The government has undertaken other initiatives to encourage people to reduce their consumption of fuelwood. For example, the environment ministry has supported a project to produce compact straw-based charcoal in Analalava district in northwestern Madagascar.
Although charcoal is mainly sourced from forestry plantations, uncontrolled deforestation is on the rise, destroying large areas of natural forest. The World Bank reports that Madagascar’s annual gross domestic product per capita was $522 in 2019, the ninth lowest in the world. According to the same source, the agricultural sector is the main provider of employment in rural areas, providing 85% of total employment. However, households are finding it increasingly difficult to make a living from crops or livestock. They are turning instead to the sale of charcoal, which provides an almost daily additional income.
“Because of the low, sporadic yield from agriculture, farmers prefer to come to the protected areas to cut trees and make charcoal,” says Mamy Rakotoarijaona, director-general of Madagascar National Parks, the quasi-governmental agency that manages numerous protected areas in the country.
Dealers in town buy wood from rural areas. When the plantations are no longer sufficient to meet demand, the charcoal-makers pull up tree stumps, eliminating the possibility that the tree might regrow. They also turn to illegal logging.
This high demand for charcoal is taking a grave toll on Madagascar’s forests and their ecosystems. According to Global Forest Watch, between 2001 and 2019 the island lost 3.89 million hectares (9.61 million acres) of tree cover, equivalent to a loss of 23% of its tree cover since 2000. Much of this loss was due to fuelwood harvesting, as well as to clearing for agriculture or grazing.
“Even though we patrol tirelessly, it is still difficult to educate the population and raise awareness about the importance of forests,” Rakotoarijaona says.
Experts agree that low household purchasing power tends to increase demand for charcoal and, as a result, illegal logging by rural people who often have no alternative to selling charcoal in order to make a living. The government has enacted severe sanctions to combat these illegal practices. The long-term success of the ATIALA project rests on convincing people of the economic and environmental benefits of alternative energy sources, in both the short and long terms.