Category Archives: International

Business/Economics, International, Opinion, U.S.

Class Warfare! Average Californian justified in voting for higher taxes for wealthy. Golden State has highest number of poor AND highest number of rich! Just ask the Chinese

“They will keep struggling until the economy levels off. This is just a reflection of the bad economic situation we’re living in with high unemployment and lower income.”-Maria Pia Chaparro, UCLA researcher

20 November 2012, according to reports from Rhodium Group, and Asia Society, California is now the top U.S. state for investments from Chinese investors, accounting for at least 25% of all Chinese investments (more than New York, Texas, Illinois and North Carolina combined).

In the past 12 years China has invested $1.2 billion USD into California.  According to Rhodium Group, that’s expected to rise as high as $60 billion in the next eight years! Yet, for all the money China is throwing at the Golden State, the U.S. Census Bureau (The Research SUPPLEMENTAL POVERTY MEASURE: 2011) says California now has the highest rate of poverty in the United States; 23.5%, or one in four Californians in poverty!  (Florida is second worst with 19.5%)

“We’re seeing a very slow recovery, with increases in poverty among workers due to more new jobs which are low wage…..California is struggling more because it’s relatively harder there to qualify for food stamps and other benefits.”-Timothy Smeeding, University of Wisconsin-Madison economist

The Census Bureau is using new poverty measures which finally take into account the cost of living (even including the taxes you pay), and California’s outrageous cost of living/taxation is the prime reason for the huge jump in official federal government poverty ratings.  (I used to live there, and between the cost of living/taxation and overwhelming number of ludicrous laws I am amazed the people haven’t held a full blown revolution. No problem going on the rampage after the Rodney King verdict, but when it comes to the economy and their livelihoods I guess they like being raped by the Man)

But other reports say that while more and more working class Californians are hitting the skids, the rich elites are not only still making money, they’re making more and more money!  Evidence of that is how much money rich Californians gave to political campaigns: “It’s very hard to pass an initiative, but it’s not that hard to defeat an initiative if you have money on your side.”-Kim Alexander, California Voter Foundation

According to MapLight rich Californians gave an estimated $350 million to support, or fight, the 11 propositions Californians just voted on.  And that’s got to be lowballed, because, according to the Associated Press, just two rich Californians spent nearly $100 million trying to influence the voters on such things as higher taxes on out of state companies and making it easier for insurance companies to change their rates.

But while rich Californians are willing to spend money on elections, they don’t seem willing to spend money on bettering the economy. Back to the Chinese investors.

According to Chinese media reports, continued Chinese investing hinges on the U.S. Congress’s recent extension of the EB-5 visa program: “Under EB-5, an applicant is given permanent U.S. residency if his investment of at least $1 million leads to 10 full-time jobs within two years. The threshold is just $500,000 if the jobs created are in a rural or high unemployment area of the U.S.”-China Daily

This means that Chinese investing also involves people from China being able to move to the United States, as one California mayor admitted: “This can guarantee a steady rate of return for stimulating purchases of bonds (for publicly funded development projects), and people are able to immigrate because of EB-5, so you’ll see more of this in California.”-Jean Quan, mayor of Oakland

The Oakland mayor said that Chinese middle and upper income earners want to take advantage of the EB-5 program, as did Oakland businessman, Tom Henderson, who said his Chinese clients want to move to California through the EB-5 program which will help create new jobs:  “We are bringing in $100 million to Oakland alone. Over the next 18 months, we’ll create 2,000 jobs in Oakland through the EB-5 program.”

The fact that California’s officials are putting so much of their hopes on China to save them economically, and that the U.S. rich have money but are spending it on things that do not stimulate the economy (California is considered the billionaire capitol of the world!), is proof that the elitist rich in the United States are unAmerican and a threat to U.S. National Security.

International

World War 3: Statements from Israeli leaders that prove they don’t want peace, but to kill, kill, KILL!!!

“The goal of the operation is to send Gaza back to the Middle Ages….”-Eli Yishai, Israeli Interior Minister commenting on Operation Pillar of Defense

“We need to flatten all of Gaza……There should be no electricity in Gaza, no gasoline or moving vehicles, nothing….”-Gild Sharon, the son of former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon

“There are no innocents in Gaza….mow them down!”-Michael Ben-Ari, member of the Knesset and National Unity Party

“…Gaza to be bombed so hard the population has to flee into Egypt.”-Israel Katz, Israel’s Transportation Minister

“….to slaughter the enemy.”-Yaakov Yosef, prominent Israeli rabbi

“They don’t deserve to live, they need to die”, “May your children die” and “Now we want to go back there and kick out all the Arabs”.-slogans used by pro-war demonstrators in Tel Aviv on 15 November 2012

International, U.S.

World War 3: Argentina demands United Nations stop Israel! Demands South America unite against Israel! Brazil makes same demands! Egypt turns to South America, not the United States!

19 November 2012, Argentina’s President, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, has sent letters to the United Nations Security Council, and to Unión de Naciones Suramericanas (UNASUR).

To the UN: “…urgently call for the Council to convene in order to put an end to this round of violence that strengthens those who wish to impede the creation of a Palestine state…”

To the South American union: “UNASUR is required to act in defense of human life…”

The government of Brazil, acting as representative of MERCOSUR (Mercado Comum do Sul/Mercado Común del Sur/Southern Common Market), called: “…for an immediate end to violence and to the UN Security Council to fully assume its responsibilities….”

Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Venezuela and Paraguay recognized the State of Palestine in December 2011, and signed a free trade agreement with the Palestinian Authority.

On 17 November 2012, it was reported in some South American news sources, that Egypt’s President Mohamed Morsi contacted Argentina’s President for help in ending the Israeli hostilities.  President de Kirchner responded by saying South America, not the United States, will: “…work with the leaders in the region to urge the parties involved in the conflict to cease the violence.”

International, U.S.

World War 3: Warmonger Obama orders 3 USN ships to Gaza!

Even while U.S. President Barack Obama was warning against any “ramping up” of military action between Israel and Gaza, he ordered three assault ships to reverse course and head back to the Mediterranean.

Amphibious assault ships United States Ship Iwo Jima, USS New York and USS Gunston Hall were halfway home when Obama made the order this past weekend.  There are an estimated 2,400 Marines and 2,000 sailors aboard the ships.

The ships were at the end of a six month deployment.  It’s assumed they are to be used to evacuate U.S. citizens in Gaza or Israel.

 

 

International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 13 – 15 November 2012. Germany says it wants out? Intense battle in Uruzgan! More illegal night raids!

15 November 2012

The United States began discussion with Afghan and Pakistani officials, regarding the planned pullout in 2014.  It turns out that U.S. officials want to make it possible to stay longer!  The talks also concern the ability of Afghan courts to put U.S. personnel on trial.

In Samangan Province, at least two U.S./NATO fueler trucks exploded.  Local police say they don’t know why.  Other reports say the trucks were destroyed by remotely detonated landmines.

14 November 2012

German Foreign Minister, Guido Westerwelle, and Defense Minister, Thomas de Maizière, suggested they could begin pulling out 1,000 German troops in 2013, ahead of the 2014 U.S./NATO withdrawal date. However, they pointed out that there will still be 3,300 German troops in Afghanistan at the end of 2014.

In Logar Province, Mujahideen assassinated two interpreters working for U.S./NATO.  The interpreters worked at Camp Shank.

In Uruzgan Province, an intense battle in the Char Chino district has been raging for two days. Mujahideen report that U.S./NATO/Afghan National Army (ANA) personnel are attempting to break a defensive line, that the Mujahideen have held for the past four years. Mujahideen report destroying one pick up truck, two armored vehicles, and killing dozens of ANA troops.  U.S./NATO aircraft have been conducting airstrikes.  One Mujahideen killed, four wounded.

In Helmand Province, people living in the Bawrhyo area, Marjah district, say U.S./NATO personnel conducted a night raid on a village. Mujahideen said they attacked the occupiers. The battle left left several people dead including two Mujahideen. Eight people were kidnapped by the U.S. led forces.

In Kandahar Province, Mujahideen attacked a U.S./NATO base near the Panjwai district.  Reports say an ammo dump caught fire after a rocket attack.  The fire burned for hours.  One U.S./NATO personnel was killed, ISAF stated: “An International Security Assistance Force service member died as a result of an explosion on an ISAF camp in southern Afghanistan today.” 

13 November 2012

In Kandahar Province, Panjwai district, a local cop joined the Mujahideen.

In Herat Province, the people of Guzara district say U.S. led NATO forces began raids on their homes. They retaliated by attacking the U.S. led troops. The result was one villager killed and one wounded.

In Kabul Province, three artillery rockets hit the city of Kabul. One person was killed, two wounded.

In Uruzgan Province, Char Chino district, a U.S./NATO minesweeper vehicle was destroyed, ironically, by a landmine. It might have been part of the U.S. led assault on a major Mujahideen defensive line.  The crew were medivaced (medical evacuation) out by two helicopters.  Also, in Khas Uruzgan district two local cops joined the Mujahideen.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned the KabulBank that no more loans would be forthcoming, if the bank didn’t make more progress towards adopting ‘western’ banking policies.

Business/Economics, Idaho, International, U.S.

What Economic Recovery? Health food nuts victorious! Hostess Twinkies have bitten the dust! 18,500 U.S. workers laid off! Incompetent unAmerican Corporate America to blame! Twinkie the Kid to be replaced with Pancho Villa?

“…Hostess Brands, Inc. has been forced by a Bakers Union strike to shut down all operations and sell all company assets.”-Gregory F. Rayburn, CEO Hostess

18 November 2012, the iconic maker of U.S. snack foods, Hostess, is no more!  It’s being shut down and sold off by the corporate executives who ran it into the ground!

No more Wonder Bread, Twinkies or Ding Dongs for Pocatello, Idaho!

Oh, but many anti-labor commentators are blaming the unionized employees. Bull shit, Hostess can’t survive a strike?

No more Eddy's Bakery in Chubbuck, Idaho!

A Forbes article points out that it’s the corporate management that ran Hostess into the ground, not the unionized employees.  This happened because the corporate leaders tried to make up for dropping profit margins by running the company on debt financing.

Also, after the 2004 Interstate Bakeries bankruptcy (which the company emerged from in 2009, renamed officially as Hostess) the highly educated company leaders made no attempts to change how Hostess did business: “The obvious problem is leadership kept trying to sell the same products, using roughly the same business model, long, long, long after the products had become irrelevant.”-Adam Hartung, Forbes

Sales were constant, but only because Hostess execs kept prices artificially low, which lead to loss of profits.  This was because U.S. consumers are not willing to pay more for junk food.

By 2011 the bad economy finally affected Hostess sales; according to Mintel in the past year Twinkie sales dipped 0.8%, Ding Dongs fell 8.7%, Ho Ho’s down 6.3%.

Back during the first bankruptcy the unions made $110 million USD worth of concessions.  In May and October 2012, a bankruptcy judge gave Hostess the authority to impose more concessions by cutting pay and benefits, that’s what lead to the worker strikes.   Hostess was enacting more concessions without input from employees!

The Teamsters Union blamed the need for concessions on incompetent corporate officials: “Unfortunately, the company’s operating and financial problems were so severe that it required steep concessions from a variety of stakeholders but not all stakeholders were willing to be constructive.”-Ken Hall, Teamsters General-Secretary

According to a CNN report, the average Hostess worker made $20 per hour (and many Hostess factories are located in areas where $20 per hour is barely a living wage).  This is starting to look like just another step in unAmerican Corporate America’s plans to drastically reduce the cost of labor across the country, as part of the long term plan to return the United States to top export status.  The problem is that the cost of living is still too high, even for many making $20 per hour.  The elitists will make huge profits off their export sales, while the domestic economy will continue to fall (more Sears & Kmart closings to say the least) because more and more workers in the U.S. can’t make enough money even for basic necessities.

Don’t worry, your favorite Hostess junk food might survive, as the rights to those brands are being sold off.  But will you be able to afford them?

The most recent Christian Science Monitor report says that Mexican snack food giant (and world’s largest bread maker), Bimbo, is considering buying the rights to most of the Hostess brands.  Bimbo took over Sara Lee, Entenmann’s and Thomas English Muffins in 2010 (did you hear about that one? Start calling them Mexican Muffins).  They also tried to take over Hostess a few years ago.  If Bimbo does buy the Hostess brands analysts say most of the jobs will be in Mexico.

 

Business/Economics, International

How the Rich get Richer: Filthy rich Queen of England pays maid minimum wage!

“Workers who clean the royal houses for millions of visitors to enjoy will not tolerate poverty pay.”-Mark Serwotka, Public and Commercial Services union

Apparently unaware of the economic conditions for the average Brit, the Queen of England recently advertised for a maid on her website.  The Queen, who gets a huge amount of her wealth from taxes paid by the common folk, offered only 30 hours per week at minimum wage (about $10.50 USD in Merry Olde England)!

The recommended living wage in the city of London is about $13.50 USD per hour.

“This looks really bad. Since the Queen receives considerable support from the public purse she should pay a living wage, not just barely a minimum wage. She’s setting a bad example to other employers. Windsor is in one of the 12 most affluent boroughs in the country, so you would anticipate the cost of living would be that much higher. I would hate to see a return to the Victorian days where a privileged elite preside over the unwashed masses and just pay the bare minimum.”-Grahame Morris, Labour Member of Parliament for Easington, County Durham

Business/Economics, International, U.S.

Sears & Kmart news: Losses for Canada! Lawsuits against Kenmore! Millions of shiny sh*t for Kmart shoppers?

14 November 2012, Sears Holdings reports it has completed it’s sell off of about 44% of its stocks in Sears Canada.  According to reports Sears Holdings issued the shares of Sears Canada only to those investors who were Sears Holdings stock holders.  Sears Holdings/Hoffman Estates still controls 51% of Sears Canada.

This comes as Sears Canada reports a loss for the most recent quarter, $21.9 million!  Same store sales dropped 5.7% compared to the same time last year (and last year was down as well). CEO, Calvin McDonald, took it as good news, kinda: “Although we made progress in the quarter, we can and must do more. Our plan is working, however our pace of execution has not met our expectations.”

The U.S. Court of Appeals now says Sears can face class action lawsuit over its Kenmore/Whirlpool washing machines.  People are complaining that the front loading environmentally friendly washing machines do not clean themselves properly, leading to mold build up and stinky clothing (say, I was tricked into getting one of those things, and they’re right [you do have to run a bleach wash every month and leave the door open after every load]!  Not only that but the darn thing doesn’t even hold 3/4s the amount of clothes my old cheap top loader could hold).  Legal complaints have already been filed in California, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota and Texas.

The Los Angeles Times challenged the cast of Million Dollar Decorators to find items at Kmart that would satisfy their decorator tastes.  Of course they went for items with celebrity names on them.  Anyone who’s shopped at Kmart, or even Walmart, and bought anything endorsed by a celebrity should know it’s still a piece-o-crap!  Most everything sold at the ‘discount’ retailers have been dumbed down at the factory in order to meet the lower profit margin of those stores.  Even Mary McDonald admitted you can’t make shit shine (actually the cast of Myth Busters discovered a way to make shit shine): “If you try to make something fancy inexpensively, it often looks cheap.”

 

 

International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 09 – 12 November 2012. Sudden increase in sexual crimes, cops rape boy! Increase in violence against women! Children working on farm fields considered terrorists! More Green on Blue attacks! Sweden decides to extend military mission. Karzai blasts U.S. dominated Security Council!

12 November 2012

In Helmand Province, Mujahideen blew up a bulldozer with an 82mm recoilless gun.  It happened at a U.S./NATO outpost in Charkhakyano Manda area of Sangin district.

ISAF said: “An International Security Assistance Force service member died following an insurgent attack in eastern Afghanistan today.”

In Paktia Province, Mujahideen claim U.S./NATO forces abandoned one of their largest bases, in the Zazi Aryub district.  Some reports say the base was destroyed.

Several days of witnesses testifying at the trial of U.S. Army sergeant Robert Bales, said there was no way he did the murders by himself.  A woman testified that while one U.S. soldier entered their house and killed her husband, another U.S. soldier blocked the doorway. Local police say it was too much work for one man: “One person cannot do this work. One person doesn’t have the courage to go from one village to another in the night.”-Afghan cop who investigated the morning after the murders.

India and Afghanistan have signed four economic agreements worth $2 billion.

In Herat Province, police arrested three fellow cops on suspicion that they sexually assaulted and then killed their neighbor’s 13 years old son.  Afghan officials have noted that there has been a sudden increase in sexual crimes, in the past few months.

In Logar Province, a U.S./NATO drone strike killed three teenagers.  They were working in farm fields.  U.S./NATO officials say they were Mujahideen planting landmines.

In Farah Province, Mujahideen attacked a U.S./NATO fuel supply convoy.  They claim to have destroyed 11 fuelers and two buses.  Witnesses say they saw two drivers burn to death.  Mujahideen claim they killed at least 15 drivers and security guards.

11 November 2012

In Helmand Province, an Afghan National Army (ANA) soldier killed a U.S./NATO soldier.  Local officials say it was caused by an argument, and it was a British Red Coat that got killed.  ISAF said only: “An International Security Assistance Force service member died when an individual wearing an Afghan National Army uniform turned his weapon against ISAF service members in southern Afghanistan today.”

In Kandahar Province, a bomb was planted in a cart.  It exploded, but there are no reports of casualties.  Also, a bus ran over a landmine, killing eight people.

In Khost Province, officials reported a large explosion in Sabari district, no one was hurt. Also, a family of at least five were killed when they drove over a landmine. They were returning from the hospital were the woman just gave birth.

In Daykundi Province, Mujahideen claim they captured food supplies from local police. They say they captured 30 bags of flour, 20 parcels of rice, 13 cartons of cooking oil, six parcels of sugar, two parcels of beans and 20 kilos of tea.

10 November 2012

In Kandahar Province,  Mujahideen claim to have killed five U.S./NATO troops, with a remote detonated bomb.  It’s the same area where U.S. soldiers massacred people in two villages.  The U.S. claims only one soldier carried out the killings; Robert Bales.  Also, a local cop joined the Mujahideen.

In Badghis Province, reports are confusing, but one or two ANA soldiers shot at Spanish/NATO troops. Some reports say none of the Spanish provincial reconstruction team members were hit, other reports say one was wounded. Also, some reports say a ANA soldier was killed, while other reports say two ANA soldiers were arrested. A 12 years old boy was also wounded.  Mujahideen claim that one Spanish soldier was killed and three wounded.

In Khost Province, a woman was killed, and 10 people wounded when a bicycle bomb went off.

In Kunar Province, a U.S./NATO airstrike wounded three children. Local officials say the U.S. bombed anti-U.S. demonstrators.   U.S./NATO/ISAF officials considered the demonstration a gathering of Mujahideen, even though it included children.

09 November 2012

ISAF said: “An International Security Assistance Force service member died following an insurgent attack in eastern Afghanistan today.”

In Herat Province, a woman and her baby were killed by the father.  Police say it happened after the husband and wife got into an argument.  Investigators say at least 30 woman have been killed in Herat, under similar circumstances, in the past eight months.

In Balkh Province, a 22 years old man was arrested for raping a five years old girl.  The rape allegedly took place the night before at a wedding party.  The child was sent to the hospital.

Sweden announced it will begin withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan by the end of 2013.  This is actually an extension, as Sweden was to begin pulling out by the summer of 2013.

India signs deal to train 600 Afghan army officers per year.  India, along with China, has agreed to help support the Afghan National Army after the U.S./NATO withdrawal in 2014.

President Hamid Karzai demanded an end to the U.S. dominated UN Security Council: “Coming to the global democratic governance, I think there is no disagreement here, that it isn’t just nor is it very democratic, the Security Council does not represent all of us, the five permanent members having the right of veto is not democratic and the relationship between the Security Council and the General Assembly is not democratic…”

 

 

 

International, U.S.

Character does matter! So called Christian USMC General John Allen connected to David Patreaus affair? Is the Obama administration simply cleaning house?

13 November 2012, now U.S. Marines Corps General John Allen is being investigated for “inappropriate communications” with females who’re connected to the David Patreaus affair.

I posted how the Patreaus affair might just be an excuse for the former Army General to stop working for President Barack Obama, after all some U.S. media sources said they didn’t really see eye to eye.

Is it the case that USMC General John Allen also has a problem working for Obama? This new twist in the Patreaus investigation was announced by Defense Secretary and Obama lackey Leon Panetta.  The order to investigated Allen came directly from Panetta.

Allen was supposedly going to be promoted to top commander of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

The Patreaus/Allen connection involves an female “unpaid social liaison” at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida (makes you wonder what really goes on at the top of Central Command).  An unbelievable 30,000 pages worth of emails and other documents of communications with the unpaid non-government social liaison are being reviewed!  Why would anyone need to have that much documented communications with an non-governmental  “unpaid social liaison”?

An unnamed Obama official told the U.S. media this morning that Allen could face prosecution under the U.S. Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

Panetta refused to answer questions about Allen’s current service in Afghanistan.

Perhaps there is something to be concerned about, but such shenanigans by higher ups in the military are not unusual.  Is is just coincidence that suddenly, after a President gets re-elected, two top military officials, who are known not to agree with the President, are on their way out?