activistpost--2020-11-08--The Next Area 51? Space Force Opens New Lab For Testing “Novel Space Vehicles”

The US Air Force recently announced the opening of a new high-tech lab which it says will be used by the recently established Space Force ( USSF ) to test advanced materials and designs for space vehicles such as satellites and spacecraft .
The new lab facility is located at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico and is called Deployable Structures Laboratory ( DeSel ) : “ With the push towards hybrid architecture and smaller satellites , high packing efficiency structures and the ability to bring large satellite capability to small satellites is more important than ever , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press release : “ This new class of high strain composite enabled structures requires new ground test facilities , ” Urioste added .
“ Satellite deployments are nerve-wracking , one-shot endeavors and the high-fidelity ground testing that will take place in the DeSel is critical to ensuring on-orbit success.
” Spacecraft Technologies Division chief Mark Roverse said the structures , made possible by high strain composites , “ will enable new mission paradigms for the U.S. Space Force.
” US rival powers like Russia have recently accused Washington of seeking to “ weaponize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arms race .
Space Force ’ s official doctrine according to its founding NASA and DoD memos include responsibilities of “ developing military space systems and doctrine , as well as presenting space forces to support the warfighting Combatant Commands.
” The new lab where experimental technologies will be developed was constructed at a bargain $ 4 million , and began in December 2019 .
Among the projects it ’ s expected to assist on includes work on eight “ wide field of view ” ballistic missile early warning satellites that primarily SpaceX @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were awarded huge contracts in July .
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By Tyler Durden
The US Air Force recently announced the opening of a new high-tech lab which it says will be used by the recently established Space Force (USSF) to test advanced materials and designs for space vehicles such as satellites and spacecraft.
The new lab facility is located at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico and is called Deployable Structures Laboratory (DeSel):
“I’m excited to have a facility that was specifically built for testing novel deployable space structures,” the chief of the lab’s Integrated Structural Systems team Benjamin Urioste announced Monday.
“With the push towards hybrid architecture and smaller satellites, high packing efficiency structures and the ability to bring large satellite capability to small satellites is more important than ever,” Urioste added.
Further according to the press release:
“This new class of high strain composite enabled structures requires new ground test facilities,” Urioste added. “Satellite deployments are nerve-wracking, one-shot endeavors and the high-fidelity ground testing that will take place in the DeSel is critical to ensuring on-orbit success.” Spacecraft Technologies Division chief Mark Roverse said the structures, made possible by high strain composites, “will enable new mission paradigms for the U.S. Space Force.”
US rival powers like Russia have recently accused Washington of seeking to “weaponize the moon” and triggering a space arms race.
The new @AFresearchlab Deployable Structures Laboratory at @KIRTLAND377ABW will be used for testing novel deployable space structures in support of both @usairforce & @SpaceForceDoD R&D efforts. #spacehttps://t.co/rTioOx2C6Q — U.S. Air Force Materiel Command ✈ (@HQ_AFMC) November 4, 2020
Space Force’s official doctrine according to its founding NASA and DoD memos include responsibilities of “developing military space systems and doctrine, as well as presenting space forces to support the warfighting Combatant Commands.”
The new lab where experimental technologies will be developed was constructed at a bargain $4 million, and began in December 2019.
Among the projects it’s expected to assist on includes work on eight “wide field of view” ballistic missile early warning satellites that primarily SpaceX and L3Harris Technologies will be building after they were awarded huge contracts in July.
Source: Zero Hedge
Top image credit: Kirtland AFB / U.S. Air Force
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activistpost--2020-11-09--New Michigan Bill Could Make It Illegal For Companies To Demand Microchip Implants for Workers

Many employers across the globe are moving towards microchip technology to keep track of employees .
They often forcefully microchip employees to track their activity and inactive hours .
The Michigan House passed a bill in June to make microchipping a voluntary option for employees .
Lenawee County ’ s Representative , Bronna Kahle , sponsored the bill .
Kahle said that technology is evolving at a rapid pace , but Michigan employers have to take care of company interests and interests of their employees ’ right to privacy .
She further explained how a growing number of companies are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grain-sized chips are implanted in a person ’ s hand to keep a track of their productivity .
With accurate tracking , managers can find new ways to improve efficiency .
These RFID microchips are replacing ID badges , security clearance devices , and time cards .
Some even come with credit card-like technology that allows the person to make financial transactions .
While the chips are not widely used yet , it could become the standard in Michigan in the coming years .
“ While these miniature devices are on the rise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have their privacy protected , ” Kahle said .
The bill does not say that companies can not opt for chips at all .
Companies now just can ’ t make it mandatory for the employees .
Indiana also passed similar legislation for microchip implantation .
With the pandemic and social distancing guidelines still in place , companies like Engineering see microchips as an efficient method of tracking .
These chips help keep track of evacuation efforts at high-risk oil rigs .
But experts are of the opinion that the information stored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Information can be easily compromised , especially when the employees are outside their workplace .
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By Mayukh Saha
Many employers across the globe are moving towards microchip technology to keep track of employees. They often forcefully microchip employees to track their activity and inactive hours. The Michigan House passed a bill in June to make microchipping a voluntary option for employees.
Lenawee County’s Representative, Bronna Kahle, sponsored the bill. Kahle said that technology is evolving at a rapid pace, but Michigan employers have to take care of company interests and interests of their employees’ right to privacy. She further explained how a growing number of companies are looking forward to microchip employees.
These grain-sized chips are implanted in a person’s hand to keep a track of their productivity. With accurate tracking, managers can find new ways to improve efficiency.
These RFID microchips are replacing ID badges, security clearance devices, and time cards. Some even come with credit card-like technology that allows the person to make financial transactions. While the chips are not widely used yet, it could become the standard in Michigan in the coming years.
“While these miniature devices are on the rise, so are the calls of workers to have their privacy protected,” Kahle said.
The bill does not say that companies cannot opt for chips at all. Companies now just can’t make it mandatory for the employees. Indiana also passed similar legislation for microchip implantation.
With the pandemic and social distancing guidelines still in place, companies like Engineering see microchips as an efficient method of tracking. These chips help keep track of evacuation efforts at high-risk oil rigs. But experts are of the opinion that the information stored in the chips is not guarded safely. Information can be easily compromised, especially when the employees are outside their workplace.
Source: Truth Theory
Image Featured: Jozsef Szasz-Fabian
Hey! Message me. I am Mayukh. I help people and websites with content, videos, design, and social media management. I am an avid traveler and I started living as a digital nomad in Europe since 2019. I am currently working on www.noetbook.com – a creative media company. You can reach out to me anytime: justmayukh@gmail. com Love, Mayukh Read More stories by Mayukh Saha
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activistpost--2020-11-09--Thousands Gather Across UK To Denounce National Lockdown

England started its second covid lockdown on Thursday amid concerns of the virus pandemic ’ s reemergence over September and October has resulted in soaring hospital admissions across the country .
Nearly three days into the lockdown , on Sunday , anti-lockdown protesters flooded the streets in several cities , denouncing the latest round of restrictions .
In early October , Prime Minister Boris Johnson introduced a three-tier system that would restrict travel among residents in virus hot spot regions .
Then , on Oct. 31 , Johnson announced the second lockdown would begin on Thursday .
The new measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wave of the virus pandemic , leading to record daily caseloads in the country .
People are now confined to their homes for a month except for essential travel .
All non-essential businesses have been closed , along with pubs and restaurants .
Three days into the new restrictions , anti-lockdown protesters rallied in Liverpool and Manchester on Sunday , creating a stir as they scuffled with police .
A video published by the Ruptly video agency shows thousands of demonstrators marching across Liverpool , defying a ban on rallies as they chanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Choose your side !
” Anti-lockdown protesters were also spotted in Manchester .
Again , the turnout appears to be in the thousands .
One protester held a sign that read , “ Covid1984 – survival rate 99.997 % – you can shove the new world order up your arse !
cause we are the 99 % .
” Many people were spotted without masks .
One Twitter user couldn ’ t spot anyone in the crowd wearing a mask .
The next couple of weeks will be crucial for the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus daily caseloads , hospitalizations , and deaths decrease by Dec. 2 , the date when lockdown restrictions are expected to lift , then restrictions will have done their jobs but will come at a severe economic cost ( Note : Activist Post does NOT agree with this opinion , other than the horrific economic toll ) .
If the second wave continues to rage , despite lockdowns , then there ’ s a possibility an extension would be seen , which would fuel further demonstrations .
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By Tyler Durden
England started its second covid lockdown on Thursday amid concerns of the virus pandemic’s reemergence over September and October has resulted in soaring hospital admissions across the country. Nearly three days into the lockdown, on Sunday, anti-lockdown protesters flooded the streets in several cities, denouncing the latest round of restrictions.
In early October, Prime Minister Boris Johnson introduced a three-tier system that would restrict travel among residents in virus hot spot regions. Then, on Oct. 31, Johnson announced the second lockdown would begin on Thursday.
The new measures have been introduced to mitigate the second wave of the virus pandemic, leading to record daily caseloads in the country. People are now confined to their homes for a month except for essential travel. All non-essential businesses have been closed, along with pubs and restaurants.
Three days into the new restrictions, anti-lockdown protesters rallied in Liverpool and Manchester on Sunday, creating a stir as they scuffled with police.
A video published by the Ruptly video agency shows thousands of demonstrators marching across Liverpool, defying a ban on rallies as they chanted “Shame on you!” and “Choose your side!”
Anti-lockdown protesters were also spotted in Manchester. Again, the turnout appears to be in the thousands.
One protester held a sign that read, “Covid1984 – survival rate 99.997% – you can shove the new world order up your arse! cause we are the 99%.”
Huge crowds in Manchester despite restrictions banning rallies.
Many people were spotted without masks.
#Riseupmanchester Well done for a great afternoon, peaceful walk through the city, spreading the anti lockdown message pic.twitter.com/c51kPUsRQ8 — EmmaC (@fizznmore) November 8, 2020
One Twitter user couldn’t spot anyone in the crowd wearing a mask.
Anti-lockdown demo in Manchester now…not a mask in sight….. pic.twitter.com/Q8ROczNVC4 — Citizen 1 (@citizen1448) November 8, 2020
Police are “dispersing” anti-lockdown protesters” in Central Manchester.
The next couple of weeks will be crucial for the UK to suppress the virus pandemic. If virus daily caseloads, hospitalizations, and deaths decrease by Dec. 2, the date when lockdown restrictions are expected to lift, then restrictions will have done their jobs but will come at a severe economic cost (Note: Activist Post does NOT agree with this opinion, other than the horrific economic toll).
Surging UK COVID-19 Cases
If the second wave continues to rage, despite lockdowns, then there’s a possibility an extension would be seen, which would fuel further demonstrations.
Source: Zero Hedge
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activistpost--2020-11-09--Amazon, Apple, Alphabet, Facebook and Twitter Publish 37% Quarterly Increase; Operating Profits Almo

Amazon, Apple, Alphabet, Facebook and Twitter Publish 37% Quarterly Increase; Operating Profits Almost Double Last Year’s

COVID-19 has been devastating on countless American businesses and workers .
However , some companies and their owners seem to be doing better than ever .
C ’ est la vie .
US internet giants make another FAAAT load of cash Facebook , Amazon , Apple , Alphabet , and Twitter have all just published their quarterly numbers and , while fortunes differed , yet more wealth was moved up the food chain .
The superstar of the night was by all measures Amazon , which broke all of its own records set last quarter .
The total revenues reached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % , while the operating profit almost doubled last year ’ s level to reach $ 6.2 billion .
The net income growth was even more astonishing : it trebled last year ’ s amount to reach $ 6.3 billion .
Although the profit margin of 6 % may look modest , it is probably worth remembering that for many years , even after it turned profitable , Amazon had been used to operating on margins around 1 % .
AWS continued to shine : the cloud business contributed 12 % of revenue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
With all financial metrics being so shiny , there seems to be little to talk about for the CEO .
Instead , Jeff Bezos focused his canned remarks on Amazon ’ s social contribution .
“ Two years ago , we increased Amazon ’ s minimum wage to $ 15 for all full-time , part-time , temporary , and seasonal employees across the U.S. and challenged other large employers to do the same .
Best Buy and Target have stepped up , and we hope other large employers will also make the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a great time , ” said Bezos .
“ Offering jobs with industry-leading pay and great healthcare , including to entry-level and front-line employees , is even more meaningful in a time like this , and we ’ re proud to have created over 400,000 jobs this year alone.
” COVID-19 has changed consumers ’ buying behaviours , as Amazon is looking towards a different Q4 .
“ We ’ re seeing more customers than ever shopping early for their holiday gifts , which is just one of the signs that this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season , ” he added .
If Amazon ’ s story is one of continued high flying , Google parent company Alphabet ’ s represents a satisfying comeback .
Alphabet ’ s total revenues increased by 14 % from a year ago to reach $ 46.2 billion .
The group ’ s operating income grew by 22 % to $ 11.2 billion , while its net income increased by 59 % to reach $ 11.2 billion .
The internet giant registered a healthy increase in ads income , including both spending on Google @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Google Cloud increased its income by 45 % to reach $ 3.4 billion , one of the key contributors to the growth .
YouTube non-advertising revenues and other Google businesses ( in particular Google Play ) also registered healthy growth .
YouTube now has over 30 million music and premium paid subscribers , and over 35 million including those on free trials .
YouTube TV now has more than 3 million paid subscribers , Sundai Pichai told analysts .
Pichai was clearly pleased with the renewed growth , though he also acknowledged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ consistent with the broader online environment.
” He also attributed the success to the “ deep investments we ’ ve made in AI and other technologies , to deliver services that people turn to for help , in moments big and small.
” Both Pichai and Ruth Porat , the CFO , highlighted the importance of Google Cloud .
Lagging behind Amazon and Microsoft in cloud computing sphere , Google is “ very encouraged by the pace of customer wins and the very strong revenue growth in both GCP and Workspace ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high level of investment to best position ourselves , ” Porat said .
From next quarter , Google Cloud will be reporting as a separate segment , Pichai announced .
The only company that largely relies on physical product sales , Apple ’ s was dented by the delayed launch of iPhone 12 series .
Despite that sales revenue edged up by 1 % over a year ago to reach $ 64.7 billion , the growth was more than offset by increased operating cost , which drove both operating profit and net profit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % respectively .
Weakness in iPhone sales has caught all the attention .
The segment that accounted for 41 % of the total business contracted by 21 % to register a net sales of $ 26.4 billion , from $ 33.3 billion a year ago .
The biggest drop occurred in Greater China , where iPhone sales declined by 29 % , which cancelled out all the growth , albeit small , recorded in other regions .
Meanwhile the strong performance of Services should not be overlooked .
The segment registered a sales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ net revenue of $ 14.5 billion .
Mac and iPad both hit historical high with $ 9.0 billion and $ 6.8 billion sales , up by 29 % and 46 % respectively .
However , all eyes are still on iPhone , and the weakness in China .
Tim Cook decided to look towards next quarter backed by the positive reception to the new 5G-equipped iPhone 12 line-up .
“ “ Despite the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 , Apple is in the midst of our most prolific product introduction period ever , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ products , led by our first 5G-enabled iPhone lineup , has been tremendously positive , ” he said .
Luca Maestri , the CFO , was also confident of the company ’ s fortunes in China in the near future .
“ We had new iPhones in China a year ago , this year we didn ’ t .
We ’ ll be growing in China in the December quarter , ” Maestri told the Financial Times .
One of the two leading social networks that have been in the centre of plenty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revenues growing by 22 % in the quarter over a year ago to reach $ 21.5 billion , and its operating profit growing by 12 % to reach $ 8.0 billion .
Net income increased by a more impressive 29 % , thanks to a one-off income tax benefit .
Both daily and monthly active users ( DAUs and MAUs ) grew by 12 % , to reach 1.82 billion and 2.74 billion respectively .
However , the DAUs and MAUs in North America , where they generate by far the highest ARPU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the user numbers in Europe , Facebook ’ s second highest ARPU region , did not grow .
Facebook sees the slight decline in user numbers in the US and Canada continue in Q4 , among other uncertainties .
In particular the company highlighted the new iOS 14 which will make ad targeting and measurement more difficult .
Still Facebook is upbeat in its statement .
“ We had a strong quarter as people and businesses continue to rely on our services to stay connected and create economic opportunity during these tough times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We continue to make significant investments in our products and hiring in order to deliver new and meaningful experiences for our community around the world.
” It turns out Facebook isn ’ t the only company to be put off by Apple ’ s new operating system that makes targeted advertising harder .
Twitter , the other social network to announce its results , saw its share price plunging by 16 % pre-market , despite registering a 14 % revenue growth to reach $ 936 million and 29 % “ monetisable daily active @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reach 187 million .
The main reason for the battering was Twitter ’ s announcement to further delay its new advertising platform , called MAP , due to iOS 14 making ad tracking more difficult .
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By B.N. Frank
COVID-19 has been devastating on countless American businesses and workers. However, some companies and their owners seem to be doing better than ever. C’est la vie.
From Telecoms:
US internet giants make another FAAAT load of cash
Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Alphabet, and Twitter have all just published their quarterly numbers and, while fortunes differed, yet more wealth was moved up the food chain.
By Wei Shi
The superstar of the night was by all measures Amazon, which broke all of its own records set last quarter. The total revenues reached $96.1 billion, up by 37%, while the operating profit almost doubled last year’s level to reach $6.2 billion. The net income growth was even more astonishing: it trebled last year’s amount to reach $6.3 billion.
Although the profit margin of 6% may look modest, it is probably worth remembering that for many years, even after it turned profitable, Amazon had been used to operating on margins around 1%. AWS continued to shine: the cloud business contributed 12% of revenue but generated 57% of operating profit.
With all financial metrics being so shiny, there seems to be little to talk about for the CEO. Instead, Jeff Bezos focused his canned remarks on Amazon’s social contribution. “Two years ago, we increased Amazon’s minimum wage to $15 for all full-time, part-time, temporary, and seasonal employees across the U.S. and challenged other large employers to do the same. Best Buy and Target have stepped up, and we hope other large employers will also make the jump to $15. Now would be a great time,” said Bezos.
“Offering jobs with industry-leading pay and great healthcare, including to entry-level and front-line employees, is even more meaningful in a time like this, and we’re proud to have created over 400,000 jobs this year alone.” COVID-19 has changed consumers’ buying behaviours, as Amazon is looking towards a different Q4. “We’re seeing more customers than ever shopping early for their holiday gifts, which is just one of the signs that this is going to be an unprecedented holiday season,” he added.
If Amazon’s story is one of continued high flying, Google parent company Alphabet’s represents a satisfying comeback. Alphabet’s total revenues increased by 14% from a year ago to reach $46.2 billion. The group’s operating income grew by 22% to $11.2 billion, while its net income increased by 59% to reach $11.2 billion. The internet giant registered a healthy increase in ads income, including both spending on Google search and related properties and on YouTube.
Google Cloud increased its income by 45% to reach $3.4 billion, one of the key contributors to the growth. YouTube non-advertising revenues and other Google businesses (in particular Google Play) also registered healthy growth. YouTube now has over 30 million music and premium paid subscribers, and over 35 million including those on free trials. YouTube TV now has more than 3 million paid subscribers, Sundai Pichai told analysts.
Pichai was clearly pleased with the renewed growth, though he also acknowledged that Alphabet’s strong performance was “consistent with the broader online environment.” He also attributed the success to the “deep investments we’ve made in AI and other technologies, to deliver services that people turn to for help, in moments big and small.”
Both Pichai and Ruth Porat, the CFO, highlighted the importance of Google Cloud. Lagging behind Amazon and Microsoft in cloud computing sphere, Google is “very encouraged by the pace of customer wins and the very strong revenue growth in both GCP and Workspace; that we do intend to maintain a high level of investment to best position ourselves,” Porat said. From next quarter, Google Cloud will be reporting as a separate segment, Pichai announced.
The only company that largely relies on physical product sales, Apple’s was dented by the delayed launch of iPhone 12 series. Despite that sales revenue edged up by 1% over a year ago to reach $64.7 billion, the growth was more than offset by increased operating cost, which drove both operating profit and net profit down, by 5% and 7% respectively.
Weakness in iPhone sales has caught all the attention. The segment that accounted for 41% of the total business contracted by 21% to register a net sales of $26.4 billion, from $33.3 billion a year ago. The biggest drop occurred in Greater China, where iPhone sales declined by 29%, which cancelled out all the growth, albeit small, recorded in other regions. Meanwhile the strong performance of Services should not be overlooked. The segment registered a sales growth of 16% to reach a net revenue of $14.5 billion. Mac and iPad both hit historical high with $9.0 billion and $6.8 billion sales, up by 29% and 46% respectively.
However, all eyes are still on iPhone, and the weakness in China. Tim Cook decided to look towards next quarter backed by the positive reception to the new 5G-equipped iPhone 12 line-up. ““Despite the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, Apple is in the midst of our most prolific product introduction period ever, and the early response to all our new products, led by our first 5G-enabled iPhone lineup, has been tremendously positive,” he said. Luca Maestri, the CFO, was also confident of the company’s fortunes in China in the near future. “We had new iPhones in China a year ago, this year we didn’t. We’ll be growing in China in the December quarter,” Maestri told the Financial Times.
One of the two leading social networks that have been in the centre of plenty of controversies recently, Facebook saw its revenues growing by 22% in the quarter over a year ago to reach $21.5 billion, and its operating profit growing by 12% to reach $8.0 billion. Net income increased by a more impressive 29%, thanks to a one-off income tax benefit. Both daily and monthly active users (DAUs and MAUs) grew by 12%, to reach 1.82 billion and 2.74 billion respectively.
However, the DAUs and MAUs in North America, where they generate by far the highest ARPU, actually came down sequentially, and the user numbers in Europe, Facebook’s second highest ARPU region, did not grow. Facebook sees the slight decline in user numbers in the US and Canada continue in Q4, among other uncertainties. In particular the company highlighted the new iOS 14 which will make ad targeting and measurement more difficult.
Still Facebook is upbeat in its statement. “We had a strong quarter as people and businesses continue to rely on our services to stay connected and create economic opportunity during these tough times,” said Mark Zuckerberg. “We continue to make significant investments in our products and hiring in order to deliver new and meaningful experiences for our community around the world.”
It turns out Facebook isn’t the only company to be put off by Apple’s new operating system that makes targeted advertising harder. Twitter, the other social network to announce its results, saw its share price plunging by 16% pre-market, despite registering a 14% revenue growth to reach $936 million and 29% “monetisable daily active users” (mDAU) growth to reach 187 million. The main reason for the battering was Twitter’s announcement to further delay its new advertising platform, called MAP, due to iOS 14 making ad tracking more difficult.
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Image: Pixabay
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activistpost--2020-11-10--Election 2020: Choking on the Political Red and Blue Pills

Presidential election 2020 is the same as every other , except in the ways it isn ’ t .
Allow me to expand on this .
What is the same ?
The purpose of all elections is to allow a band of people called the state to legitimize their claim of control over everyone and everything within a given jurisdiction .
In his book The Rise and Fall of Society , the Old Right libertarian Frank Chodorov defines the state as “ a number of people who , having somehow got hold of it , ” use “ the machinery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might pursue their version of happiness without respect to the discipline of the market place ” ( italics added ) .
The two somehows of getting and holding political power are to use institutionalized violence or to convince people to respect state authority .
Statists usually pursue some combination of both .
Violence is rarely preferred , however , because it can backlash into a resistance that threatens state power .
It is far better for the state if people oppress themselves through willing obedience .
It is even better if they express @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politicians and the media applaud the rah-rah attitude of cheering crowds who characterize elections .
Thus voting is deified as the voice of “ the people , ” a fundamental right , and the best way to change society .
The situation is the opposite of what the state claims .
The anarchist author Albert Jay Nock divided power into two categories : social and state .
Social power is the freedom individuals exercise over their lives ; when people gather for mutual benefit and when a society forms , this is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control government exercises over individuals and society ; it preys upon them—through taxation , for example—to enrich itself .
An inverse and antagonistic relationship exists between the two types of power , with the state expanding only at the expense of society and vice versa .
Freedom does not and can not come from elections that strengthen the state ’ s perceived legitimacy ; freedom depends on weakening this authority , preferably down to zero .
The popular celebration of the “ right ” to vote puzzled Nock and Chodorov .
In his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , The answer : people do so because they believe elections and the state are necessary evils .
Despite the presence of far more effective strategies—education and agorism are only two—people see no other effective alternatives for social change or stability .
So far in the analysis , election 2020 is the same as every other election ; only circumstances like voter turnout are unusual .
What is different ?
The state ’ s mask of legitimacy is slipping .
Election 2020 is rife with Republican cries of “ Fraud !
” As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alarm bells about the mail-in ballots demanded by Democrats , calling them “ horrible ” and “ corrupt , ” with “ tremendous potential for voter fraud.
” Democrats counterattacked by accusing Republicans of destroying democracy by delegitimizing the election .
The Democrats are correct about Republicans damaging democracy but wrong about their glorification of mob rule and blind to their own role in the political carnage .
Like the state , democracy is accepted only in the minds of people who believe in the system .
A flood of news stories about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether or not the stories are true ; discarded ballots , dishonest counts , lack of oversight , slack verification , ballot harvesting , and voter suppression have caused lawsuits and protests to erupt across America .
But is election 2020 any more rigged than some past ones ?
A 2016 article in the Daily Signal , “ Rigged Election ?
Past Presidential Contests Sowed Doubt and Nearly Led to Violence , ” lists five presidential races that are viewed as having been won through fraud .
And the problem is not confined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ article , “ Don ’ t Forget LBJ ’ s Election Theft , ” by Jacob Hornberger of the Future of Freedom Foundation , recounted the incredible corruption of Lyndon B. Johnson ’ s senatorial race .
Nevertheless , the iniquities of this election seem to be unusually widespread and transparent .
Several factors undoubtedly contribute to the more conspicuous abuse .
• Many on the left and in the media passionately hate Trump , whom they view as a woman-bashing , homophobic racist .
Racism is the worst sin in our culture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shed all pretense of fairness toward him .
For his part , Trump stokes the fire through caustic tweets and comments .
• Some campaign veterans on the left may have sensed the Democrats ’ weakness : Biden is a terrible candidate who is mentally deteriorating , hides in his basement , and can not draw a crowd .
To these Democrats , cheating may seem necessary .
• Others on the left probably believed the polls , which made them cocky and careless .
They shouldn ’ t have been .
Journalist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ You have an incumbent President with a massive recession , an unemployment , rent and foreclosure crisis , and an out-of-control pandemic , and this is what the Democrats are able to do with it….Assuming that Biden ekes out a victory , that the Democrats managed to *lose* seats in the House with everything going on might be the most shocking and pathetic part of what happened.
” • Trump vows to dismantle the deep state .
Whether he is sincere or capable of doing so is debatable .
There is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has exposed some formidable deep state enemies and wants them punished .
The accused , like former director of national intelligence James Clapper , want blood , and they do not play by the rules .
• A Trump administration would pursue the Hunter Biden–Burisma scandal , which is making other prominent figures very nervous .
A Biden administration would make it go away .
• The political storm reflects what is happening on the streets and in the culture .
Constant protests and riots seem to fill the streets with tension and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a take-no-prisoners culture of moral outrage has spilled from campuses into the mainstream , using tactics of intimidation , rage , and violent confrontation .
• Identity politics is a surging political approach .
It defines human beings by secondary characteristics like race and pits different groups into nonnegotiable conflict that blocks the possibility of civil discussion or action .
Election 2020 did not provide a clear winner .
The contest de facto continues through lawsuits and court decisions .
Here this election could be different from most others , although , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tie or disputed ballots prevent both candidates from reaching 270 electoral votes , then the House will decide who will be president .
Chad Pergram , the congressional correspondent for Fox News , explains , “ Congress must approve certificates of election from all 50 states.
” The “ crucial date is December 14 , dictated by an obscure , 1887 law…The Electoral Count Act dictates that states choose electors no more than 41 days after the election .
This is partly why the Supreme Court rushed to complete Bush v. Gore on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ halted the count of ballots in Florida , handing the presidency to George W. Bush.
” Legal challenges to state elections may result in the same for Trump .
If Congress can not certify the electoral college votes , Pergram describes the next steps .
“ If Congress determines there ’ s a stalemate , the 12th Amendment directs the House to elect the President .
This is called a ‘ contingent election.
’ ” A delegate from each state casts one ballot .
The process would probably advantage Trump , as Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states .
“ At this point , ” Pergram writes , “ we expect House Speaker Nancy Pelosi…presuming she is re-elected , …and Vice President Pence , in his capacity as President of the Senate , to co-preside over the Joint Session .
Pence ’ s term doesn ’ t expire until January 20 .
And , the 12th Amendment…mandates that ‘ the President of the Senate shall , in the presence of the Senate and House of Representatives , open all the certificates and the votes shall be counted ’ .
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over which constitutional scholars have debated for years ; it does not specify how the votes are to be counted .
Pergram points to yet another possible obstacle .
“ The 12th Amendment also says ‘ the person having the greatest number of votes for President shall be President ’ .
But Congress must agree to all of this .
And remember , Pence is the one running the show at this stage.
” In short , an incredible mess might well be followed by another incredible mess—one that could set a constitutional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proud to have played no part in the ugly fiasco of presidential election 2020 .
“ A curse on both your houses ” is the sound libertarian position .
Wendy McElroy is a Canadian individualist anarchist and individualist feminist .
She was a cofounder along with Carl Watner and George H. Smith of The Voluntaryist magazine in 1982 .
Subscribe to Activist Post for truth , peace , and freedom news .
Send resources to the front lines of peace and freedom HERE !
Follow us on SoMee , HIVE , Parler , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Provide , Protect and Profit from what ’ s coming !
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Op-Ed by Wendy McElroy
Presidential election 2020 is the same as every other, except in the ways it isn’t. Allow me to expand on this.
What is the same? The purpose of all elections is to allow a band of people called the state to legitimize their claim of control over everyone and everything within a given jurisdiction. In his book The Rise and Fall of Society, the Old Right libertarian Frank Chodorov defines the state as “a number of people who, having somehow got hold of it,” use “the machinery of coercion to the end that they might pursue their version of happiness without respect to the discipline of the market place” (italics added).
The two somehows of getting and holding political power are to use institutionalized violence or to convince people to respect state authority. Statists usually pursue some combination of both. Violence is rarely preferred, however, because it can backlash into a resistance that threatens state power. It is far better for the state if people oppress themselves through willing obedience. It is even better if they express enthusiasm for their own oppression. Thus politicians and the media applaud the rah-rah attitude of cheering crowds who characterize elections. Thus voting is deified as the voice of “the people,” a fundamental right, and the best way to change society.
The situation is the opposite of what the state claims. The anarchist author Albert Jay Nock divided power into two categories: social and state. Social power is the freedom individuals exercise over their lives; when people gather for mutual benefit and when a society forms, this is also social power. State power is the control government exercises over individuals and society; it preys upon them—through taxation, for example—to enrich itself. An inverse and antagonistic relationship exists between the two types of power, with the state expanding only at the expense of society and vice versa. Freedom does not and cannot come from elections that strengthen the state’s perceived legitimacy; freedom depends on weakening this authority, preferably down to zero.
The popular celebration of the “right” to vote puzzled Nock and Chodorov. In his book Out of Step, Chodorov writes,
Why should a self-respecting citizen endorse an institution grounded in thievery? For that is what one does when one votes….Perhaps the silliest argument, and yet the one invariably advanced…is that “we must choose the lesser of two evils”. Under what compulsion are we to make such a choice? Why not pass up both of them?
The answer: people do so because they believe elections and the state are necessary evils. Despite the presence of far more effective strategies—education and agorism are only two—people see no other effective alternatives for social change or stability.
So far in the analysis, election 2020 is the same as every other election; only circumstances like voter turnout are unusual.
What is different? The state’s mask of legitimacy is slipping. Election 2020 is rife with Republican cries of “Fraud!” As early as April, Trump was ringing alarm bells about the mail-in ballots demanded by Democrats, calling them “horrible” and “corrupt,” with “tremendous potential for voter fraud.” Democrats counterattacked by accusing Republicans of destroying democracy by delegitimizing the election.
The Democrats are correct about Republicans damaging democracy but wrong about their glorification of mob rule and blind to their own role in the political carnage. Like the state, democracy is accepted only in the minds of people who believe in the system. A flood of news stories about electoral abuse have shaken this faith, whether or not the stories are true; discarded ballots, dishonest counts, lack of oversight, slack verification, ballot harvesting, and voter suppression have caused lawsuits and protests to erupt across America.
But is election 2020 any more rigged than some past ones? A 2016 article in the Daily Signal, “Rigged Election? Past Presidential Contests Sowed Doubt and Nearly Led to Violence,” lists five presidential races that are viewed as having been won through fraud. And the problem is not confined to the Oval Office. A recent article, “Don’t Forget LBJ’s Election Theft,” by Jacob Hornberger of the Future of Freedom Foundation, recounted the incredible corruption of Lyndon B. Johnson’s senatorial race. Nevertheless, the iniquities of this election seem to be unusually widespread and transparent.
Several factors undoubtedly contribute to the more conspicuous abuse.
Many on the left and in the media passionately hate Trump, whom they view as a woman-bashing, homophobic racist. Racism is the worst sin in our culture, which leaves Trump haters free to shed all pretense of fairness toward him. For his part, Trump stokes the fire through caustic tweets and comments.
Some campaign veterans on the left may have sensed the Democrats’ weakness: Biden is a terrible candidate who is mentally deteriorating, hides in his basement, and cannot draw a crowd. To these Democrats, cheating may seem necessary.
Others on the left probably believed the polls, which made them cocky and careless. They shouldn’t have been. Journalist Glenn Greenwald states concisely in two tweets, “You have an incumbent President with a massive recession, an unemployment, rent and foreclosure crisis, and an out-of-control pandemic, and this is what the Democrats are able to do with it….Assuming that Biden ekes out a victory, that the Democrats managed to *lose* seats in the House with everything going on might be the most shocking and pathetic part of what happened.”
Trump vows to dismantle the deep state. Whether he is sincere or capable of doing so is debatable. There is no question, however, that he has exposed some formidable deep state enemies and wants them punished. The accused, like former director of national intelligence James Clapper, want blood, and they do not play by the rules.
A Trump administration would pursue the Hunter Biden–Burisma scandal, which is making other prominent figures very nervous. A Biden administration would make it go away.
The political storm reflects what is happening on the streets and in the culture. Constant protests and riots seem to fill the streets with tension and crime. In the last two decades, a take-no-prisoners culture of moral outrage has spilled from campuses into the mainstream, using tactics of intimidation, rage, and violent confrontation.
Identity politics is a surging political approach. It defines human beings by secondary characteristics like race and pits different groups into nonnegotiable conflict that blocks the possibility of civil discussion or action.
Election 2020 did not provide a clear winner. The contest de facto continues through lawsuits and court decisions. Here this election could be different from most others, although, again, not unprecedented. If a tie or disputed ballots prevent both candidates from reaching 270 electoral votes, then the House will decide who will be president.
Chad Pergram, the congressional correspondent for Fox News, explains, “Congress must approve certificates of election from all 50 states.” The “crucial date is December 14, dictated by an obscure, 1887 law…The Electoral Count Act dictates that states choose electors no more than 41 days after the election. This is partly why the Supreme Court rushed to complete Bush v. Gore on December 12, 2000. The decision halted the count of ballots in Florida, handing the presidency to George W. Bush.” Legal challenges to state elections may result in the same for Trump.
If Congress cannot certify the electoral college votes, Pergram describes the next steps. “If Congress determines there’s a stalemate, the 12th Amendment directs the House to elect the President. This is called a ‘contingent election.’” A delegate from each state casts one ballot. The process would probably advantage Trump, as Republicans have fewer representatives but they cover more states.
“At this point,” Pergram writes, “we expect House Speaker Nancy Pelosi…presuming she is re-elected,…and Vice President Pence, in his capacity as President of the Senate, to co-preside over the Joint Session. Pence’s term doesn’t expire until January 20. And, the 12th Amendment…mandates that ‘the President of the Senate shall, in the presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the certificates and the votes shall be counted’.” Unfortunately, this wording raises another difficulty over which constitutional scholars have debated for years; it does not specify how the votes are to be counted. Pergram points to yet another possible obstacle. “The 12th Amendment also says ‘the person having the greatest number of votes for President shall be President’. But Congress must agree to all of this. And remember, Pence is the one running the show at this stage.”
In short, an incredible mess might well be followed by another incredible mess—one that could set a constitutional precedent. Nonvoters should feel pleased and proud to have played no part in the ugly fiasco of presidential election 2020. “A curse on both your houses” is the sound libertarian position.
Source: Mises.org
Wendy McElroy is a Canadian individualist anarchist and individualist feminist. She was a cofounder along with Carl Watner and George H. Smith of The Voluntaryist magazine in 1982.
Image: Pixabay
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activistpost--2020-11-10--Environmental and Health Groups Oppose 5G in Bermuda — Deployment Temporarily Halted

High-speed internet is achievable , safer and more secure with a wired internet connection ( see 1 , 2 , 3 ) NOT 5G or WiFi .
The majority of scientists worldwide oppose 5G .
Cities worldwide AND entire countries have taken action to ban , delay , halt , and limit installation AS WELL AS issue moratoriums .
In July , Bermuda residents submitted a petition asking for a moratorium on deployment .
In August , legislators issued a temporary moratorium .
Earlier this month , legislators halted deployment and opened an inquiry on Federal Communications Commission ( FCC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Thanks to Environmental Health Trust for reporting more about the activism in Bermuda .
Theodora Scarato interviewed several leaders working on 5G in Bermuda .
Watch the video below to learn more .
Greenrock , the Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce , Ocean Rock Wellness , Bermuda Advocates for Safe Technology , and Dr. David Wingate are all joining together to “ bring awareness to concerns regarding the potential deployment of 5G technology in Bermuda.
” A spokesperson said , “ In response to increased community concern , Greenrock , the Bermuda Environmental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bermuda Advocates for Safe Technology , and Dr. David Wingate are all joining together to bring awareness to concerns regarding the potential deployment of 5G technology in Bermuda .
“ The groups are also advocating for an extension to the public consultation being administered by the Regulatory Authority [ RA ] , which is currently scheduled to close on November 23rd .
“ We strongly urge the RA to extend the public consultation on 5G , which is being held during a time when our focus has been on a global pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is important that adequate time be allocated for the general public to understand the potential risks and provide their input , ” they added .
“ This is about the health and safety of the people of Bermuda , especially our most vulnerable , and as a result , we are deeply concerned that this push for 5G is placing profit over people .
“ 5G is very different from previous generations of wireless technology .
It promises an increase in data transmission rates by using high-frequency , short millimeter waves , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be erected in close proximity to homes , schools , and places of work .
“ The technology requires massive increases in energy consumption and there are genuine concerns that 5G also poses risks to birds , bees and tree canopy .
For full coverage , antenna installations will need to take place island-wide , therefore involuntarily exposing all of us to a substantial increase in wireless radiation .
“ At the moment , we can all choose the extent to which we use wireless technology in our homes , however should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rollout of 5G infrastructure , and our subsequent exposure to considerable increases in wireless radiation , will happen without our consent .
“ 5G is globally controversial , with a growing list of countries and cities halting its implementation .
In Bermuda , we need to determine our position and the window of opportunity for influencing the outcome has arrived .
“ We must act now if we wish for our voices to be heard .
A petition to stop the deployment of 5G in Bermuda is currently circulating , with over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ link to sign and share the petition is here .
See a poster from Advocates for Safe Technology and Leaders organizing on 5G below .
Since 2018 there have been reports of people and animals experiencing symptoms and illnesses where 5G has been installed ( see 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ) .
Of course other sources of wireless emit harmful radiation too .
Last year , the World Health Organization cautioned that high levels of Electromagnetic Radiation exposure ( aka “ Electrosmog ” ) could lead to health issues in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The FCC is supposed to protect Americans by regulating the telecom industry .
They have catered to the industry at the expense of the public instead .
During the Trump administration , lawsuits have been filed against them for NOT protecting Americans from unsafe levels of radiation as well as 5G on Earth ( see 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ) and in space .
The agency refuses to update 24-year-old federal RF radiation exposure guidelines .
Doctors and scientists have asked MANY TIMES and again recently that health and environmental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other wireless sources be evaluated by experts with no conflicts of interest ( see also 1 , 2 , 3 ) .
Nope .
Kudos to Bermuda for trying to protect itself from Big Telecom and its cronies .
Activist Post reports regularly about 5G and other unsafe technology .
For more information , visit our archives and the following websites : Subscribe to Activist Post for truth , peace , and freedom news .
Send resources to the front lines of peace and freedom HERE !
Follow us on SoMee , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Twitter .
Provide , Protect and Profit from what ’ s coming !
Get a free issue of Counter Markets today .

By B.N. Frank
High-speed internet is achievable, safer and more secure with a wired internet connection (see 1, 2, 3) NOT 5G or WiFi.
The majority of scientists worldwide oppose 5G. Cities worldwide AND entire countries have taken action to ban, delay, halt, and limit installation AS WELL AS issue moratoriums.
In July, Bermuda residents submitted a petition asking for a moratorium on deployment. In August, legislators issued a temporary moratorium. Earlier this month, legislators halted deployment and opened an inquiry on Federal Communications Commission (FCC) RadioFrequency (RF) safety limits.
Thanks to Environmental Health Trust for reporting more about the activism in Bermuda.
Bermuda: Environmental & Health Groups On 5G
Theodora Scarato interviewed several leaders working on 5G in Bermuda. Watch the video below to learn more.
Press Release Environmental & Health Groups On 5G
Greenrock, the Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce, Ocean Rock Wellness, Bermuda Advocates for Safe Technology, and Dr. David Wingate are all joining together to “bring awareness to concerns regarding the potential deployment of 5G technology in Bermuda.”
A spokesperson said, “In response to increased community concern, Greenrock, the Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce, Ocean Rock Wellness, Bermuda Advocates for Safe Technology, and Dr. David Wingate are all joining together to bring awareness to concerns regarding the potential deployment of 5G technology in Bermuda.
“The groups are also advocating for an extension to the public consultation being administered by the Regulatory Authority [RA], which is currently scheduled to close on November 23rd.
“We strongly urge the RA to extend the public consultation on 5G, which is being held during a time when our focus has been on a global pandemic, for at least 30 days.
“It is important that adequate time be allocated for the general public to understand the potential risks and provide their input,” they added.
“This is about the health and safety of the people of Bermuda, especially our most vulnerable, and as a result, we are deeply concerned that this push for 5G is placing profit over people.
“5G is very different from previous generations of wireless technology. It promises an increase in data transmission rates by using high-frequency, short millimeter waves, which require a large number of antennas to be erected in close proximity to homes, schools, and places of work.
“The technology requires massive increases in energy consumption and there are genuine concerns that 5G also poses risks to birds, bees and tree canopy. For full coverage, antenna installations will need to take place island-wide, therefore involuntarily exposing all of us to a substantial increase in wireless radiation.
“At the moment, we can all choose the extent to which we use wireless technology in our homes, however should 5G technology be approved in Bermuda, the rollout of 5G infrastructure, and our subsequent exposure to considerable increases in wireless radiation, will happen without our consent.
“5G is globally controversial, with a growing list of countries and cities halting its implementation. In Bermuda, we need to determine our position and the window of opportunity for influencing the outcome has arrived.
“We must act now if we wish for our voices to be heard. A petition to stop the deployment of 5G in Bermuda is currently circulating, with over 3,500 signatures to date, and the link to sign and share the petition is here.
See a poster from Advocates for Safe Technology and Leaders organizing on 5G below.
Since 2018 there have been reports of people and animals experiencing symptoms and illnesses where 5G has been installed (see 1, 2, 3, 4). Of course other sources of wireless emit harmful radiation too. Last year, the World Health Organization cautioned that high levels of Electromagnetic Radiation exposure (aka “Electrosmog”) could lead to health issues in a significant portion of the population.
The FCC is supposed to protect Americans by regulating the telecom industry. They have catered to the industry at the expense of the public instead. During the Trump administration, lawsuits have been filed against them for NOT protecting Americans from unsafe levels of radiation as well as 5G on Earth (see 1, 2, 3, 4) and in space.
The agency refuses to update 24-year-old federal RF radiation exposure guidelines. Doctors and scientists have asked MANY TIMES and again recently that health and environmental risks from from 5G, cell towers and other wireless sources be evaluated by experts with no conflicts of interest (see also 1, 2, 3). Nope.
Kudos to Bermuda for trying to protect itself from Big Telecom and its cronies.
Activist Post reports regularly about 5G and other unsafe technology. For more information, visit our archives and the following websites:
Become a Patron!
Subscribe to Activist Post for truth, peace, and freedom news. Send resources to the front lines of peace and freedom HERE! Follow us on SoMee, HIVE, Parler, Flote, Minds, and Twitter.
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activistpost--2020-11-09--Shutdowns, Throttling and Stifling Dissent Online: Africa’s New Normal, Part I

Editor ’ s note : This is a two-part analysis on the growing trend of using school examinations , mass protests or elections as a ruse to either switch off the internet or clamp down on digital media in six African countries : Algeria , Ethiopia , Guinea , Nigeria , Sudan and Tanzania .
Read Part II here .
In the last four months , full or partial internet blackouts occurred in five African countries : Algeria , Ethiopia , Guinea , Sudan , and Tanzania .
The Nigerian government is currently considering legislation to clamp down on social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full internet blackout while partial includes restricted access or throttling , which intentionally shrinks data bandwidth .
Since 2007 , when Guinea became the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to switch off the internet , digital blackouts have gradually grown to become the new normal on the continent .
During the coronavirus pandemic , African governments have exploited the public health crisis as a ruse to limit digital rights while entrenching their power , according to the 2020 State of Internet Freedom in Africa report by the Collaboration on Internet ICT Policy in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ironically , these blackouts during a pandemic exacerbated the mis- and dis-information problem within many multilingual , online communities .
However , the coronavirus pandemic was not the only excuse employed by African governments .
There is a growing trend to instrumentalize school examinations and politically charged moments like mass protests and elections to stifle digital freedom .
With these growing authoritarian tendencies to switch off or throttle the internet , what is the social and political impact within each context and country ?
Here ’ s a round-up of some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Algeria recorded a nationwide disruption of internet access on Sunday , September 13 , which left many users with “ unusably slow service for several days ” , reports NetBlocks .
More than half a million Algerian pupils started their baccalaureate exams on September 13 .
The internet restrictions were part of measures to restrict the distribution of leaked examination papers .
Those not taking exams were still forced to bear the brunt of a digital blackout and this violation of users ’ rights was disregarded by the government .
Algeria is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Africa in 2019 , according to digital rights advocacy group Access Now .
Become an Activist Post Patron for $ 1 per month at Patreon .
In March 2019 , the country experienced a digital blackout following protests against the former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika ’ s desire to seek a fifth term in office .
Internet disruptions were also recorded during last year ’ s school examinations .
The cost of the shutdown this year hit an estimated $ 388 million United States dollars , states the Geneva Internet Platform , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government disabled internet services on June 30 , following protests in the capital city of Addis Ababa , and other Ethiopian cities after the assassination of famous singer and activist Hachalu Hundessa .
In the wake of Hundessa ’ s murder , the nation struggled with violence that erupted along ethnic and religious lines .
Social media , particularly Facebook , Twitter and YouTube , became the epicenters of conspiracy theories , hate speech and mis- and disinformation .
This total shutdown affected mobile internet , wireless broadband and asymmetric digital subscriber line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ via copper wire lines .
On July 16 , wireless broadband and ADSL services were partially restored .
But , since the majority of Ethiopians access the internet using mobile networks , they lingered in digital limbo .
This suggests that the government may have only restored service for the business sector .
On July 23 , internet service was fully restored all over Ethiopia , after a three-week blackout .
This graph by the Internet Outage Detection and Analysis ( IODA ) project shows the shutdown and restoration date .
The pink @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blue area is the shutdown start date ; the black connotes the restoration date of wireless broadband and ADSL services ; the shaded area inside yellow is the restoration date ( no pink ) .
NetBlocks affirms that Ethiopia lost an estimated $ 62.4 million USD from the first 14 days of the blackout .
During this period , human rights violations were documented .
About 200 people died as a result of the protests and civil unrest , and police violence that followed Hundessa ’ s assassination .
This is in addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or charged with criminal offences related to their opinions online about the government ’ s response to the COVID-19 pandemic .
The government also has a record of cutting off internet access only in specific areas of the country .
From January to March , the internet was disrupted in the Oromia region .
Now , there is a subnational telecommunication shutdown in the Tigray region , northern Ethiopia since November 5 , as political and civil unrest in the area continues .
Top image : Connecting to the internet in Nairobi national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) Hersman , May 23 , 2009 ( CC BY 2.0 ) Subscribe to Activist Post for truth , peace , and freedom news .
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By Khattab Hamad and Nwachukwu Egbunike
Editor’s note: This is a two-part analysis on the growing trend of using school examinations, mass protests or elections as a ruse to either switch off the internet or clamp down on digital media in six African countries: Algeria, Ethiopia, Guinea, Nigeria, Sudan and Tanzania. Read Part II here.
In the last four months, full or partial internet blackouts occurred in five African countries: Algeria, Ethiopia, Guinea, Sudan, and Tanzania. The Nigerian government is currently considering legislation to clamp down on social media.
Total shutdowns result from a full internet blackout while partial includes restricted access or throttling, which intentionally shrinks data bandwidth.
Since 2007, when Guinea became the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to switch off the internet, digital blackouts have gradually grown to become the new normal on the continent.
During the coronavirus pandemic, African governments have exploited the public health crisis as a ruse to limit digital rights while entrenching their power, according to the 2020 State of Internet Freedom in Africa report by the Collaboration on Internet ICT Policy in East and Southern Africa (CIPESA). Ironically, these blackouts during a pandemic exacerbated the mis- and dis-information problem within many multilingual, online communities.
However, the coronavirus pandemic was not the only excuse employed by African governments. There is a growing trend to instrumentalize school examinations and politically charged moments like mass protests and elections to stifle digital freedom.
With these growing authoritarian tendencies to switch off or throttle the internet, what is the social and political impact within each context and country?
Here’s a round-up of some of the most recent scenarios across the continent:
Algeria
Algeria recorded a nationwide disruption of internet access on Sunday, September 13, which left many users with “unusably slow service for several days”, reports NetBlocks.
Confirmed: Internet cut in #Algeria following social media restrictions earlier today; real-time network data show significant impact to state-run operator Algeria Telecom (AS36947) in apparent bid to counter baccalaureate school exam leaks #Algérie 📵 📰 https://t.co/yaxxwBjJo4 pic.twitter.com/mrMfCzZbJc — NetBlocks.org (@netblocks) September 13, 2020
More than half a million Algerian pupils started their baccalaureate exams on September 13. The internet restrictions were part of measures to restrict the distribution of leaked examination papers.
Those not taking exams were still forced to bear the brunt of a digital blackout and this violation of users’ rights was disregarded by the government.
Algeria is a “leader” of internet shutdowns in Africa in 2019, according to digital rights advocacy group Access Now.
Become an Activist Post Patron for $1 per month at Patreon.
In March 2019, the country experienced a digital blackout following protests against the former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s desire to seek a fifth term in office. Internet disruptions were also recorded during last year’s school examinations.
The cost of the shutdown this year hit an estimated $388 million United States dollars, states the Geneva Internet Platform, and these are conservative estimates.
Ethiopia
The Ethiopian government disabled internet services on June 30, following protests in the capital city of Addis Ababa, and other Ethiopian cities after the assassination of famous singer and activist Hachalu Hundessa.
In the wake of Hundessa’s murder, the nation struggled with violence that erupted along ethnic and religious lines. Social media, particularly Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, became the epicenters of conspiracy theories, hate speech and mis- and disinformation.
READ MORE: How the murder of musician Hachalu Hundessa incited violence in Ethiopia: Part I & Part II
This total shutdown affected mobile internet, wireless broadband and asymmetric digital subscriber line, or ADSL, a broadband connection via copper wire lines.
On July 16, wireless broadband and ADSL services were partially restored. But, since the majority of Ethiopians access the internet using mobile networks, they lingered in digital limbo. This suggests that the government may have only restored service for the business sector. On July 23, internet service was fully restored all over Ethiopia, after a three-week blackout.
This graph by the Internet Outage Detection and Analysis (IODA) project shows the shutdown and restoration date. The pink background is the outage period; the blue area is the shutdown start date; the black connotes the restoration date of wireless broadband and ADSL services; the shaded area inside yellow is the restoration date (no pink).
NetBlocks affirms that Ethiopia lost an estimated $62.4 million USD from the first 14 days of the blackout.
During this period, human rights violations were documented. About 200 people died as a result of the protests and civil unrest, and police violence that followed Hundessa’s assassination. This is in addition to the people who were earlier arrested or charged with criminal offences related to their opinions online about the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Freedom House ranks Ethiopia 29/100 in internet freedom.
The government also has a record of cutting off internet access only in specific areas of the country. From January to March, the internet was disrupted in the Oromia region. Now, there is a subnational telecommunication shutdown in the Tigray region, northern Ethiopia since November 5, as political and civil unrest in the area continues.
Source: GlobalVoices.org
Top image: Connecting to the internet in Nairobi national park. Image by Erik (HASH) Hersman, May 23, 2009 (CC BY 2.0)
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Subscribe to Activist Post for truth, peace, and freedom news. Send resources to the front lines of peace and freedom HERE! Follow us on SoMee, HIVE, Parler, Flote, Minds, and Twitter.
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