Tag Archives: russia

Business/Economics, International, U.S.

World War 3: U.S. occupation of Afghanistan; 12 – 13 March 2013. Karzai says War on Terror is a lie! Russia captures 20 tons of drugs, proof the U.S. war on drugs is a big fail! U.S. official issues report to justify staying in Afghanistan! Rumors of major battle brewing! More rip offs for U.S. taxpayers!

13 March 2013/01 Jumada l-Ula 1434/23 Esfand 1391

In Badakhshan Province, reports of nearly 300 families fleeing their homes in Akshira village in Wardaj District.  Apparently Mujahideen are using the area to prepare for a major battle with U.S. led Afghan National Army (ANA).  Provincial government officials believe Mujahideen are about to launch an offensive to take control of at least four districts, including the province’s capital city.

In Kunduz Province, a suicide bomber killed as many as 20 people, and wounded 35, after he blew himself up at a sporting event.  Among those killed are the son and the father of the Afghan Speaker of the House.  Some reports suggest they were the target of the bomber.

In Baghlan Province, children were playing with what turned out to be unexploded ordinance (UXO).  The bomb went off killing six kids and wounding five. Local government officials say the bomb was left over from a recent battle.

In Helmand Province, unconfirmed reports that an explosion killed two U.S./U.K. led personnel. Also, President Hamid Karzai told University students and local elders that the U.S. led War on Terror is a lie, and that some Mujahideen are actually working for the United States!  He also stated that Afghanistan and Pakistan must unite in order to fight their own War on Terror.

In Nangarhar Province, 21000 kg (about 20 tons) of morphine and heroin was captured by Afghan and Russian forces.  It’s considered the biggest drug bust in years, and is proof that everything the U.S. has done to supposedly stop opium drug production has failed.

U.S. National Intelligence Director, James Clapper, told the U.S. Senate that Afghanistan was too unstable for U.S. forces to pullout: “the Taliban-led insurgency has diminished in some areas of Afghanistan but remains resilient and capable of challenging U.S. and international goals. The coalition drawdown will have an impact on Afghanistan’s economy, which is likely to decline after 2014.”

The German Development Bank just pledged $89 million USD for the construction of an electricity network in Balkh and Samang provinces, and the building of a dam in Baghlan Province.

12 March 2013/29 Raby’ ath-Thani 1434/22 Esfand 1391

In Kandahar Province, a U.S. helicopter crashed, killing five U.S. personnel. Mujahideen claim they hit the ‘copter with a rocket, but ISAF said: “The cause of the crash is under investigation, however initial reporting indicates there was no enemy activity in the area at the time of the incident.”

In Parwan Province, reports that U.S. Bagram air base was hit by rocket attacks.

In Helmand Province, in Khashin district five people were killed after they drove over a landmine. In Musa Qaleh district, a woman and two girls were killed when a mortar round hit their house.

Textron Marine & Land Systems announced they are being paid $113.4 million USD by the U.S. government, to provide Afghanistan with armored vehicles. The deal is being handled by the U.S. Army Foreign Military Sales (FMS).  The company is currently working to fulfill a 2011 U.S. contract for the same armored vehicles.

 

International, U.S.

World War 3: Iran says it will continue supporting Syria, says Israel has made itself a target! Main U.S./Israeli supported rebel group going over to Russia & Iran?

On 02 February 2013, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Saeed Jalili, arrived in Damascus, Syria.  There he told the public that Iran will continue supporting Syria against whoever is behind the attempted destruction of al-Sham.

Also, Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Ramin Mehmanparast, said the recent Israeli air raids almost certainly guarantees action against the Zionist state: “Any violation of a country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity committed by the Zionist regime must be dealt with.”

Israeli media reporting that computers are being hacked into.  A group calling itself  the Syrian Electronic Army, claimed: “We have hacked into 50 central Israeli websites.”

A Syrian ambassador stated there could be a surprise retaliatory attack: “The Israelis, and the United States behind them, along with their Arab and regional accomplices, realize that Syria, which defends its sovereignty and territory, may decide to respond by surprise to this aggression.”-Ali Abdel Karim Ali, Syrian ambassador to Lebanon

And out of Germany comes a Rueters report, saying the main U.S./Israeli rebel group Syrian National Coalition (SNC) are in discussion in Munich, Germany, with Iranian officials: “The talks about Syria are intensifying and the Iranians have been drawn in. Let’s see how it all ends.”-unnamed German source

The Reuters report also said the SNC had already met with Russian officials, and they reported discussions that could lead to the end of the western backed insurgency.

According to an Israeli media source, the United States was also behind the recent air strikes on Syria. On 22 January President Obama was briefed of the attack by an Israeli AMAN commander.  Obama approved.  As well, the Russian’s were told by the Israeli ambassador in Moscow.  The Russians were opposed.

Also on 02 February 2013, U.S. Vice President, Joe Biden, told the media in Munich, Germany, that the official stance of the U.S. government towards Iran, is that Iran is not serious and the U.S. will not open diplomatic channels until they believe Iranian leaders are acting seriously.

 

International, U.S.

World War 3: Iran issues warning against Israel, Syria summons UN commander, Israel & United States massing troops along border with Syria!

“Parties that have always taken tough stances on Syria should now take serious measures and decisive positions on this invasion by Tel Aviv and place regional security high on their list of priorities.”-Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs

31 January 2013, a day after reports said Israel launched two air sorties against Syria, Iranian officials are warning that Israel will launch more attacks and other countries in the region should prepare to strike back.

Russia is also sounding a warning: “If this information is confirmed, then we are dealing with unprovoked strikes against targets located on the territory of a sovereign state, which brazenly infringes on the UN Charter and is unacceptable, no matter the motive used for its justification.”-Russian Foreign Ministry statement

In Lebanon a former city councilman is now charged with acting as a spy for Israel. He is accused of accepting at least $600,000 USD from Mossad, and is considered the highest paid spy to be captured.  Regarding Syria, Lebanese officials are condemning the Israeli attack against a Syrian weapons testing center, saying it’s part of a larger conspiracy: “….openly reveals ….the criminal thinking aimed at destroying Syria and …..pave the way for unfolding the chapters of a major conspiracy against …..our Arab and Muslim peoples.”

Syria has summoned the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) commander to Damascus. There Syrian officials delivered an official protest over the Israel air strike, saying it’s a violation of a 1974 disengagement accord between Israel and Syria.

U.S. media reports say Israel was targeting anti-aircraft missiles that the Zionists thought were being shipped to Lebanon.  U.S. government officials and analysts talk as if the Zionist regime is justified in launching attacks against other countries, simply because they are afraid of other countries being able to defend themselves.

Syrian officials still say there was no Israeli attack against any of their military convoys (that report came from U.S./Israeli backed insurgents), but they insist Israel bombed a weapons testing center.  So far Israel will only admit to launching “two air sorties”, but will give no further info.

Syrian TV media is showing what looks like Israeli troops massing on the border.  Also, Israeli media reported several days ago that U.S. and Jordanian troops were massing on the Syrian border.

According to IsraelNationalNews, the Hashimite ruled (British empire installed) Jordan is building up troops, along with British and U.S. forces, and is doing so in co-ordination with Israel!  IsraelNationalNews claims one of their sources as a “senior Jordanian security” official.

Iraqi reports stated that U.S. personnel leaving Iraq supposedly to return the U.S. actually went to Jordan: “Some of the U.S. forces that left Ain al-Assad airbase…did not go back to the U.S.A. or its base in Germany, but were transferred to Jordan…”-unnamed source

“At least one U.S. aircraft carrying military personnel landed at Prince Hassan airbase [in Jordan]….”-unnamed employee with Royal Jordanian Airlines

Since October 2012, there have been reports, mainly British, saying that the U.S. had already positioned at least 400 personnel along the Jordainan/Syrian border.  The official U.S. response was that it was for humanitarian reasons.

Also, U.S. made anti-aircraft Patriot missile batteries have finally been stationed along the Turkish/Syrian border.  At least two sets of Patriot missile batteries have been installed, and are now being manned by personnel from the Netherlands and Germany.

Just today, Stars and Stripes, reported at least 100 U.S. military vehicles heading to the Turkish/Syrian border.  They are rushing to set up more Patriot missile batteries.  The missile batteries are being operated by the U.S., German and Dutch militaries (NATO members, as is Turkey).  Their central control facility is located in Ramstein, Germany.  And get this, reports say two missile batteries require 400 personnel to operate, isn’t that how many U.S. troops were deployed to the Jordanian/Syrian border back in October (see above)?  Humanitarian reasons, yeah right!

 

Influenza

U.S. Influenza, 10 December 2012: More deaths reported! Children being hit hardest! Canadians say you can’t trust the numbers. New Russian bird flu! New Asian cat & dog flu!

“Significant increases in flu activity in the U.S. in the last three weeks…”-U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

One hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, in just the past week confirmed 200 cases of flu, mostly kids: “Right now hundreds of kids in the emergency room this week. We’ve had over 200 diagnoses of flu. Eight to 10 admitted to the hospital a day and two in intensive care. It’s really hitting Memphis hard.”-John McCullers, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital

On 07 December, South Dakota‘s Pennington County reported their first flu death. There are 156 confirmed cases.

In North Carolina, two deaths reported on 29 November. According to Forsyth County Health officials, one adult had other medical problems, but the other adult did not.

Also, on 28 November South Carolina reported one death caused by flu, in Barnwell County.  Department of Health and Environmental Control said they had 1232 positive flu tests in just one week!

On 21 November, San Diego County, California, reported its first flu death of the 2012-13 season.

Wyoming reporting an early start to their flu season. First case reported back in October, with 342 confirmed cases of by the 1st of December.

New York reporting widespread flu activity.  Former New York City Mayor, Ed Koch, is about to leave the hospital after being admitted a week ago with both pneumonia and flu.

08 December, Pennsylvania health officials reporting big jumps in flu cases.  Flu status for the state was raised from “Sporadic” to “Regional”.  Officials expect to hit “Widespread” status next week.

09 December, Wisconsin reporting 113 confirmed cases, and four deaths.

Main stream U.S. media reporting that several children have died.  Fox News says three kids have died, NBC says five.  Neither one gave details, and simply referenced the CDC.  The CDC says there have been five “pediatric deaths” so far, three during the week of 25 November to 01 December.  The deaths involved both flu A and flu B strains.

Across the northern border in Canada, reported on 10 December one child and three adults have died in the Waterloo Region of southern Ontario.  The three older adults died from flu A.  Health officials would only say that the child who died was younger than 10, and did not get vaccinated.

Some Canadians have publicly questioned the official flu death reports.  One doctor even said it was a guessing game: “This is a scientific guess. This is not the truth…I think people may have the misconception that every person who dies from the flu is somehow counted somewhere, and they’re not…”-Michael Gardam, director of the infection prevention and control unit University Health Network

Back here in the U.S. of A., another doctor is pointing out that other viruses can cause flu like symptoms: “There’s lots of other viruses out there that cause the flu and cause other flu-like illnesses. It may not be the flu, but it’s still a bad cold or a bad cough that kids transfer to and from one another.”-Charles Bregier, Presbyterian Urgent Care

Across the Pacific, in Russia, birds are getting the blame.  Russian officials in the Krasnodar region (bordering the Black Sea) are reporting that hundreds of ducks have died from a new “low-pathogenic flu”.  In other words, there’s a new bird flu out there.

There is also a new cat/dog flu being reported in Thailand.  Veterinarians say the new flu goes after cats and dogs who’re are already sick, most have had skin problems before getting the new flu: “Before they died, they would have sores on their bodies, coughs, runny noses, no appetite, and convulsions. If the disease hit a mother cat, it would claim the lives of the mother and the kittens.”-Payao Inman, nun working at Buddhist temple were unwanted pets are abandoned

International, U.S.

World War 3: Japan cancels meetings with Russia, China, Korea over disputed islands. Seeks to increase military ties with United States!

08 November 2012, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda canceled his trip to Russia.  However, he claims it was due to scheduling problems on the Russian side.  Analysts suspect it’s actually over growing territorial disputes.

To add to that, Japan’s Foreign Minister, Koichiro Gemba, told reporters on 07 November, that the prime minister will avoid talking to Chinese and Korean officials at the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit.  The reason was the growing disputes over islands, one of which Japan recently purchased from a independent owner, with plans for militarization of the island (such as early warning stations).

The island isn’t much to look at, it’s a rock sticking out of the ocean.

Gemba also said that now that Barack Obama has been re-elected, Japan will pressure the United States to increase military ties to help bolster Japan as it’s expected the territorial disputes will escalate.

Japan’s Ambassador to the U.S., Ichiro Fujisaki, said as much in a press conference in Washington DC, on 07 November.  He pointed out that the disputed Senkaku Islands are covered under the current U.S.-Japan security treaty.

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

World War 3 & What Economic Recovery? Japan to suspend elections to avoid fiscal cliff? Part of IMF’s fiscal consolidation order? Growing regional disputes with China?

“We shouldn’t create at will a political vacuum that would cause policies to stall.”-Yoshihiko Noda, Prime Minister of Japan, 29 October 2012

The “political vacuum” the Prime Minister is talking about concerns his loss of political power: “Noda wants to delay the day of reckoning as long as possible. Who would call an election now knowing that over 100 parliament seats would be lost, putting the party on the brink of collapse?”-Harumi Arima, political analyst

Noda is using the now catastrophic Japanese economy as an excuse not to dissolve the Lower House of Parliament: “If the situation is left as it is, administrative services could stall, which would seriously affect people’s livelihoods and thwart efforts to revive the economy.”-Yoshihiko Noda, Prime Minister of Japan, 29 October 2012

Dissolving the Lower House is a necessary step in Japan, before elections can be held.

The above statements were made two days ago. Today, 31 October 2012, Noda confronted critics, saying he will decide when the time is right for elections, and the time will be right only when the economic situation is properly addressed: “I will make a decision on the dissolution after doing some necessary tasks and preparing responses to the economic situation.”-Yoshihiko Noda, Prime Minister of Japan, 31 October 2012

Just how bad is the economy in Japan?  For one, the Japanese government has more debt than the Greek government.

For two, Japanese companies are experiencing huge drops in sales, so much so that tens of thousands of Japanese have lost their jobs in the past year alone.

For three: “The situation is worse than we had expected earlier, and we have a severe outlook for the second half. Digital consumer businesses such as TV, cameras, Blu-ray disc players and PCs worsened faster than we had expected three months ago.”-Hideaki Kawai, CFO Panasonic

For four: “We don’t see when bad news will stop coming out.”-Kazuyuki Terao, Allianz Global Investors Japan Co.

Prime Minister Noda stated today, that before elections could be held he wanted policies passed that would issue debt covering bonds, drastically change the retirement program for Japanese, and other additional economic austerity measures by the end of November.  These are inline with what the International Monetary Fund ordered just days ago.

Noda also admitted that he wanted the right environment to correct the disparity in Lower House, meaning he wanted to make sure his political party got most of the seats!

Delaying elections is also about maintaining regional power, with the backing of the United States.

Two days ago Noda mentioned growing disputes between China, Russia and Korea, South: “Achieving relationships of trust with surrounding countries such as China, South Korea and Russia, with a comprehensive view, strengthens the foundations on which Japan and the whole region enjoy peace and prosperity. It is one of the grave responsibilities a country has to fulfill.”

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

Global Food Crisis & What Economic Recovery? Crops being destroyed by weather, disease and plagues of Red Squirrels! Crop prices going up, good for Idaho farmers with crops to sell, bad for you at the grocery store check out! Is it all smoke & mirrors bull shit?

17 October 2012,  despite reports indicating crop destruction worldwide, and within the U.S., the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports (in their newly released October 2012 report) that overall crop production in the United States is way up (if you throw out corn & soybeans).

A major indicator of crop destruction is the announcement by Farm Credit Service of America (FCSA) that insurance payouts, to U.S. farmers who’ve lost crops, will be at least $25 billion USD, but could hit $40 billion for 2012.

FCSA blames the insurance claims for most of the U.S. crop losses on drought.  Even the USDA reported that the entire state of South Dakota is suffering severe to exceptional drought.  South Dakota farmers, alone, have filed more $149 million in insurance claims.

Some states are now experiencing corn crop destruction because of early freezing temps.  So, in states like Arkansas and Kentucky, not only have drought and cold weather hurt corn production, but the October/Halloween corn mazes aren’t happening because the stalks are too short. The result is that revenue from agritourism is going down (the USDA does agritourism surveys every five years, the last one in 2007).

It’s so bad that corn crops from the Midwestern states are considered destroyed (U.S. corn production is at its lowest point since 1995).  The result is corn prices are soaring.  By 15 October, corn commodity prices increased 5% at the Chicago board of trade.

Last year U.S. corn prices averaged $6.22 per bushel, this year the average is now $7.80!  Some analysts say it’ll hit $8.25 before the end of the year.

The U.S. corn crop destruction is part of a worldwide decline in corn crops. Currently international corn stockpiles are 14 million metric tons below what was expected!  (keep that in mind; “what was expected”, research UN data and you’ll learn that there’s still a lot of corn out there)

Apples are down as well. My own apple tree (here in Idaho), as well as my neighbors’ apple trees, have produce only a fraction of what they normally put out.  In the state of Michigan apple farmers are reporting the same thing, saying their trees produced only 10% of normal output!  An apple farmer in Michigan reports his agritourism revenues way down at his U-Pick apple farm.

In Indiana, apple farmers report getting only 25% of their normal apple harvest.  The Washington Growers Clearing House reports that apple commodity prices are 13% higher than last year.  But that’s good news for Washington state apple farmers; they’re reporting a record harvest.

Even with their record harvest, apple growers in Washington can not make up for crop loses in the rest of the U.S.  As a result, with the high commodity prices for apples, Washington apple farmers could see a record $7 billion in revenue for 2012!  By the way, if your willing to pick apples reports say Washington apple farmers are unable to fill 700 apple picking jobs.

Why the decrease in apples in the rest of the country?  Some states are blaming earlier than normal freezing temps, but several states are reporting a plague of red squirrels.  In Vermont some apple farmers report the squirrels ate half their crop.  In South Carolina, squirrels are blamed for killing more than 100 apple trees.

While biologists suggest that warmer than normal temps caused an increase in squirrel populations (causing an increase in food sources), they admit no one could have predicted this year’s huge numbers of squirrels.  The squirrels are now devouring apples because their normal food source, acorns and beechnuts, are way down this year.

Around the world, in Russia, Ukraine, Finland, Korea (north), India, Pakistan, and in African countries, crops have been destroyed by drought, or other extreme weather events like flooding.

In Japan, domestic agriculture has not only been affected by weather but by the ongoing nuclear disaster at Fukushima Daiichi.

In Afghanistan, farmers report hundreds of acres of crops destroyed by disease.

In Zimbabwe, farmers who couldn’t pay their electric bills had the power cut off to their irrigation pumps.  A farmer said the power was cut without warning, even thought they tried to make payment arraignments with the utility company: “We admit we owe ZESA a debt of $3,000 but they should not have disconnected us without discussing our payment arrangements which we had submitted. The farmers were willing to settle their debts after harvesting their crop during the first week of November.”-Newton Gwetu

In India it’s not just weather, but animals.  Farmers are reporting that their crops are being destroyed by rampaging wild boars and elephants. Elephant rampages have been reported since August.

It’s not just elephants in India, but elephants in African countries are also rampaging.  In Tanzania, officials report elephants have destroyed villages and crops: “Up to now people are helpless and TANAPA [Tanzania National Park] rangers are just watching the destruction without taking any action.”-Jumanne Kwiro, Serengeti District Council

In Australia, the climate change is being blamed for driving feral pigs to eating farmers’ crops: “We’re seeing enterprises being destroyed, also pressure in grazing lands that we haven’t seen before. Going into drier seasons we’re really looking at grazing problems as well as destruction of crops.”-Rachel Pratt, Queensland’s AgForce

Australian ag officials are also concerned the exploding feral pig population will affect cattle: “Pigs carry diseases like bruscellosis, leptospirosis and paracites and also they can also carry potentially exotic diseases like foot and mouth.”-Ben Gardiner, Australian Veterinary Association

The International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) recently reported that corn and wheat crops in Central America are expected to continue their downward trend, averaging a loss of $120 million per year by 2020: “Even with our most conservative estimates, it’s clear that climate change could transform the agricultural landscape across Central America.”-Anton Eitzinger, CIAT

One activist said farmers need to be more adaptable to radical changes in climate: “Extension services across the region need to be reinvigorated to train small farmers in soil and water management. And governments need to lead, they have the ability to make a real difference through setting climate-smart agricultural policies.”-Paul Hicks, Catholic Relief Services

War can be blamed for crop destruction as well. Not just the obvious destruction by bombing and gunfire, but illegal Israeli settlers, in Palestinian territory, have been actively destroying Palestinian olive trees.  More than 500 Palestinian olive trees destroyed by illegal Israeli settlers, so far in 2012!

But what about crops that we don’t eat?  The clothes on your back could be threatened as well.  Cotton crops in Pakistan and India have been destroyed by recent floods.  However, Indian officials have stated that many cotton farms that survived the floods will actually produce bumper yields.  (also, cotton production in the U.S. is up, according to the October 2012 USDA report)

Again, those areas that are not suffering from crop destruction tend to be enjoying bumper crop yields, which means those farmers will also enjoy the higher revenue due to the higher commodity prices, created by speculators supposedly fearful of crop destruction.

While researching Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) I noticed that their most recent graph of global food production shows a steady increase, year after year.  Yet back in August, the UN actually asked the United States to stop bio-fuel production so those crops could be used for food!

The problem isn’t a lack of crops, the problem is the increasing cost to people who need to eat those crops.

There are several examples from the 1990s, such as U.S. rice rotting on Haitian docks because Haitians couldn’t afford to buy it, and African tomato farmers who left their crops to rot in the field because forced competition from Italian companies drove down tomato prices so low it wasn’t worth harvesting the fruits.

Is that what’s happening now, but on a global scale?  Is this what our leaders  mean by leveling the playing field of globalization?

I live in a state that is experiencing bumper crops: Idaho.

Idaho’s dry bean production is up 61% from 2011 (in fact bean production for the entire U.S. is expected to be 56% more than last year).  Despite bean production being so high, speculators are also keeping prices for beans high. Commodity prices for beans are currently about 40 cents per pound, some bean prices are down from last year but they’re still near record highs: “That’s still the best price I’ve ever got myself! I’m not going to complain.”-Dana Rasmussen, Idaho bean farmer

The USDA says Idaho’s canola production has doubled from last year (canola production is also up in Washington & Oregon).  Ag officials attribute this directly to higher commodity prices driven by speculators: “The number one  reason for this increase is there have been excellent and very competitive prices available for farmers.”-Jack Brown, University of Idaho

Idaho’s alfalfa production was down 7%, but that reflects those hay farmers who do not have irrigated fields.  Idaho hay farmers with irrigation actually saw bumper alfalfa yields: “I would say our yields were up a half to a ton per acre. It was a warm summer, and alfalfa loves heat and water.”– Will Ricks, Idaho Hay and Forage Association

Even though Idaho hay farmers with irrigation had bumper crops, the demand for those crops far exceeded supply: “Hay producers were getting calls from dairies in the Midwest. They were willing to pay $300 per ton plus shipping, but nobody had any hay to sell.”-Glenn Shewmaker, University of Idaho

Ag Officials from other states are lamenting just how much Idaho’s ag industry has grown: “Idaho has increased in just two years the equivalent of the entire state of Maine’s production. The July 2012 U.S. Department of Agriculture’s crop production report showed Oregon at 41,000 acres, Colorado at 55,000, Michigan at 46,000, Minnesota at 51,000, Maine at 59,000, New York at 17,000 and Wisconsin at 63,000 acres.”-Bob Davis, Maine Farmers Exchange

What is Bob Davis talking about?  Idaho’s farming acreage has grown, in just two years, to 345,000.   That’s 13,000 more than Oregon, Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, Maine, New York and Wisconsin combined!!!

You might say Idaho’s ag industry is good for the economy, providing jobs for Idahoans.  But that ain’t so.  Most ag workers are migrants, and even though there’s a shortage of migrant workers many Idaho farmers complain that Idahoans aren’t willing to work for the peanuts they pay.

Idaho law states that farm workers must be paid minimum wage (currently $7.25 per hour in Idaho), however, if a farm laborer is “contracted” that’s a different story: “When I first talked to the farmer about work, he told me that he would pay me $14 per acre. I worked nine hours every day for over a week, but the work was so hard I was only able to do three acres a day. On payday, my boss made up all kinds of excuses and ended up paying me just $11 per acre, which comes out to about $3.60 an hour…. I didn’t know what to do. I have two children to feed.”–Gloria Paniagua, Cassia County, Idaho

Being a contracted farm worker is similar to being on salary, a really bad salary.

According to a report by Idaho Community Action Network, and the Northwest Federation of Community Organizations, the average wage earned by farm workers in Idaho is $5.97 per hour, working ten hours per day, six days per week.

So what’s the point of all this?  There is no food shortage!  Reports show that while there are massive crop losses, those farms still producing are producing record yields!  UN agencies (FAO) report record global ag production almost year after year!  Crony capitalist speculators (who’re probably working for the corporate farms) are driving up food prices, even when there is no shortage of the resources!  Farmers with crops to sell are making big money because of the increased commodity prices and because of the dirt wages they pay their workers!  Don’t forget to add in escalating transportation costs! The net result is everyone is going to pay unjustifiably more for their food at the grocery store or restaurant!

Did you get a pay raise?

International, U.S.

World War 3: Iraq says United States will burn by fire! U.S. behind war in Syria, behind continued violence in Iraq, behind al-Qaeda!

“He who starts a fire will be destroyed by fire in the end!”-Nouri al-Maliki, Prime Minister of Iraq

In an interview with RT (aka Russia Today) the Prime Minister of Iraq gave a dire warning for countries, like the U.S. and Israel, who’re instigating the war inside Syria.

Here’s al-Maliki’s responses to two of the questions, concerning the U.S./European/Israeli meddling in other countries’ affairs.

RT: Do you share the view that it’s foreign interference in Syria’s affairs that’s made the situation in the country so dangerous?

NaM: Absolutely. And they will keep driving it to an even more dangerous degree until eventually it will backfire on the states that are now sponsoring the Syrian opposition. All these states will face upheavals and unrest due to sectarian violence, foreign interference, the spillover effect and expansion. They’re already feeling it. If these countries keep sending arms and using force for a regime change, their stability will be in jeopardy, and the situation inside these countries will be no better than in Syria.

RT: Both the Iraqi government and its citizens still suffer from regular terror attacks. Who is behind this violence, international players interfering in your affairs or al-Qaeda militants opposing the political process? Or are there any other reasons that the Iraqi people are not aware of? Why is it so hard to take out these armed groups that are still out there?

NaM: Violence continues and it’s been down to all the factors you have mentioned. Foreign intervention is fully underway. What they want to do is to use these acts of violence to prepare for the next, post-Syrian stage. It’s the same states that are now interfering in Syria. They are sending arms and militants there, over and over again. Their goal is to change Syria, then Iraq, and ultimately the entire region. Also, al-Qaeda is back, it came to life again – regrettably, as part of the Arab Spring. It flooded the streets in the capitals of Egypt, Tunisia, Yemen. Its slogans, groups and terrorist attacks are clear signs of its revival, and Iraq couldn’t escape that. And those states that are interfering won’t escape it either.


International, U.S.

World War 3: Syria officially apologizes. Russia blocks UNSC vote against Syria! Turkey approves use of military outside its borders!

“As far as the incident between Syria and Turkey goes, it is of great concern for us. The situation is deteriorating with every coming day.”-Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister

04 October 2012,  Russia has blocked a anti-Syria draft statement by the UN Security Council.  The UNSC is discussing the cross border fighting between Syria and NATO member Turkey.

Turkey’s Deputy Prime Minister, Besir Atalay, says Syrian officials have officially apologized, saying the mortar attack on Turkey was a dreadful accident.

This has not stopped the Turkish parliament from voting to allow the Turkish military to be used outside Turkey’s borders.  The new mandate will be in effect for one year.

The accidental mortar shelling of Turkey happened on 03 October 2012.  Reports say that Turkey has been retaliating with ongoing artillery attacks, at least 14 barrages fired as far as six miles inside Syria until 06:45 this morning.

On 02 October 2012, Russian officials warned that NATO was looking for an excuse to go to war with Syria: “In our contacts with partners in NATO and in the region, we are calling on them not to seek pretexts for carrying out a military scenario…”-Gennady Gatilov, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister

International, U.S.

Political Incompetence: Non Aligned Movement; proof that U.S. leadership is delusional!

“….every American can be proud that the United States is safer, the United States is stronger, and the United States is more respected in the world!”-Barack Obama, President of the United States, 31 August 2012 Fort Bragg speech

“…two third of the world countries at the highest level in Tehran and their consensus over Iran’s responsibility for coordinating the international policies of 120 world countries is a clear indication of the United States’ strategic isolation on the scene of world relations.”-Saeed Jalili, Supreme National Security Council of Iran, 31 August 2012, 16th Non Aligned Movement summit

“…Iran and Sri Lanka’s experiences show that resistance against colonialists and hegemons is possible!”-Mahinda Percy Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka, 16th Non Aligned Movement summit

“The Algerian government, along with the Islamic Republic of Iran, will use all its power to materialize NAM’s goals.”-Abdelaziz Ziari, Speaker of Algeria’s National Assembly, 16th Non Aligned Movement summit

“I am confident this is a solid foundation for building a modern system of international relations, which respects the right of every country for its own path of development, cultural and historical identity.” also “We are ready to further expand interaction with the Non Aligned Movement in the interests of peace and prosperity. I wish you every success and fruitful work.” -Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, printed greeting sent to 16th Non Aligned Movement summit

“The United States and the Western powers are accompanied by devilishness, corruption and insecurity wherever they arrive….All of us are required to feel responsible vis-à-vis the bullying and imposition of the big powers and stand against them!”-Seyed Ali Khamenei, current Ayatollah of the Islamic Revolution, 16th Non Aligned Movement summit

“Your wise ideas about unity and resistance are completely palatable to us.”-Asif Ali Zardari, President of Pakistan, 16th Non Aligned Movement summit

“Iran enjoys an ancient human civilization and a long historical antecedent and as one of the founders of the UN is famous for pursuing its key role in its initiative, specially creating a Middle East region free from any type of nuclear weapons and the dialogue among civilizations.”-Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary General, 16th Non Aligned Movement summit

“Viet Nam shares the view of other NAM member countries, as contained in the Draft Final Document, that the present global scenario largely derives from the continuing unequal terms of trade, lack of cooperation from developed countries, coercive and unilateral measures imposed by some of them and the use of force or threat of use of force.”-Pham Binh Minh, Foreign Minister of Viet Nam, 31 August 2012, 16th Non Aligned Movement summit

“….the construction of a multipolar and multicentric world, for which it’s necessary to unite forces and break political ties that have trapped us in neocolonial systems for years.”-Nicolas Maduro, Foreign Minister of Venezuela, 16th Non Aligned Movement summit

“…to make sure America is still a place where tomorrow is always better than yesterday, that is what our politics should be about. And that is what we are deciding this election.”-Marco Rubio, U.S. Senator from Florida, 30 August 2012, Republican National Convention

“I believe in an America where millions of Americans believe in an America that’s the America millions of Americans believe in. That’s the America I love.” –Mitt Romney, U.S. republican presidential candidate, January 2012