News came yesterday that Tomas Young, an Iraq war vet turned anti-war activist, had passed away in Seattle at the age of 34. Tomas enlisted in the Army just two days after the 9/11 attacks. Following his training at Ft. Hood, Texas he was deployed to Iraq and paralyzed after being shot through his spinal cord just five days into his first tour. Many CounterPunchers may remember Tomas from the excellent Body of War, a documentary film by Phil Donahue about Tomas’ struggles following his return from Iraq. Below is a letter Tomas wrote to George W. Bush and Dick Cheney in June 2013. RIP Tomas Young. We promise to carry on your fight. – Joshua Frank
Daily Archives: 12. November 2014
U.S., Turkey to Investigate Attack on Sailors
The USS Ross was on a scheduled port visit to Istanbul, according to a U.S. Navy statement issued today. The sailors managed to get away from their attackers without sustaining injury, the Navy statement said.
Video: USS Ross Sailors Assaulted in Turkey
The video of the alleged assault appeared on the Internet earlier today and shows a trio of sailors in civilian clothes surrounded by a group of men and physically restrained with one sailor having a plastic bag briefly over his head.
Philaes descent: closing in on the landing site
The final steps of Philae’s descent towards Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko on 12 November 2014, as seen by a hypothetical observer close to the landing site on the comet.
The background image was taken by Rosetta’s OSIRIS narrow-angle camera on 14 September 2014 from a distance of about 30 km.
First #CometLanding in history as Rosetta‘s Philae touches down
Rosetta comet-hunter started its journey in March 2004 with the aim of carrying out a detailed study of the frozen gaseous 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko.
US bans S. Korea from sending jet to Chinese airshow, sends its own plane instead
On Tuesday this week, Defense One’s Gordon Lubold and Marcus Weisgerber wrote that America’s participation in the airshow is raising eyebrows among DOD and security officials who, according to the reporters, suggested “political factors may have outweighed security, optical and even legal concerns.”
Anschlag auf Infomobil
Kurt Claßen ist der Besitzer der Wiese, auf der die Aktivisten des Hambacher Forst ein Protest- und Widerstandscamp errichteten.
In Norwegen kommt der „irre Israel-Kritiker“ @MaxBlumenthal ganz normal im Fernseh-Interview zu Wort.
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Der Drang nach Freiheit lässt sich nicht dauerhaft unterdrücken!
Es ist ein Skandal, dass zwei jüdischen, progressiven Intellektuellen, David Sheen und Max Blumenthal wieder ein Auftrittsverbot in Deutschland erteilt wurde und sie nicht im Roten Salon auftreten durften. Warum schweigt Gysi zu einem Artikel aus der “Springernden Morgenpost” von dem berüchtigten Journalisten Benjamin Weinthal, allerdings einem mehr als “fragwürdigen und wenig glaubwürdigen “Vertreter der schreibenden Zunft”?
Feeling the Hate In Jerusalem on Eve of Obama‘s Cairo Addres
(06.06.2009) See Max Blumenthal‘s shocking footage of the reaction by some Israelis and American Jews in Jerusalem to Obama‘s speech to the Muslim world. Co-produced by Joseph Dana, aka Ibn Ezra: ibnezra.wordpress.com and Mondoweiss, a blog that covers the Israel-Palestine conflict and the Middle East from a progressive Jewish perspective.
Feeling The Hate In Jerusalem on the Eve of Obama’s Speech in Cairo
(04.07.2009) Usually I offer a brief commentary on my video reports, but this one requires no comment at all. Quite simply, it contains some of the most shocking footage I have ever filmed. Watch it and see if you agree. (This video was removed from the Huffington Post on the grounds that it had “no news value” and “did not move the conversation forward.”)
Just 1 of the death threats I received thanks to @GregorGysi @Volker_Beck @PetraPauMaHe claiming I spread Jew-hatred
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Bundestag testimony: Israeli attacks on African refugees
In a question and answer session at the Bundestag (German Parliament) on 10 December 2014, I speak about state-sponsored Israeli racism against African refugees
Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the increase in violence in Israel and the West Bank
(11. November) The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the upsurge in violence and killings over the past few days in Israel and the West Bank. Violence only deepens distrust, while making more distant the prospects for peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
The Secretary-General calls on all sides to do everything they possibly can to avoid further exacerbating an already tense environment. His thoughts are with the families of the victims.
Israel‘s New Racism: The Persecution of African Migrants in the Holy Land
Veröffentlicht am 17.10.2013
About 60,000 African migrants have arrived in Israel since 2006, fleeing unrest in their home countries. But upon arrival in the ostensibly democratic country, the migrants have faced intense persecution and have been branded as „infiltrators“ by right-wing politicians and activists.
For more, read Max Blumenthal‘s article, „Israel Cranks Up the PR Machine,“ http://bit.ly/19870PJ
DONATE: The African refugee family whose 1-year-old baby was stabbed by an Jewish Israeli man is in financial straits
(28. Oktober)
Al-Quds conflict harming Jordan-Israel peace: Amman
(10. November) The Jordanian prime minister has warned that the ongoing tension over the flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East al-Quds (Jerusalem) is inflicting a “stab wound” on the peace treaty between Jordan and Israel.
Waldspaziergang am 16.11. mit Michael Zobel
Und die Bagger stehen bereit, auch noch den 1100 Ha großen Rest des ehemals mehr als 5500 Ha großen Waldes mit seinen hunderte Jahre alten Hainbuchen und Stieleichen abzubaggern und ein bis zu 400 Meter tiefes Loch zu hinterlassen. Aber noch ist der Wald da und mit ihm erstaunlich viele sehr aktive Menschen, die mit phantasievollen Aktionen versuchen, zu retten, was noch zu retten ist. Seit vergangenem Samstag läuft die nun schon vierte Waldbesetzung, junge Menschen aus ganz Deutschland und den Nachbarländern in Baumhäusern bis zu knapp 25 Metern hoch in den Buchen und Eichen…
Jordan MPs urge govt to respond to Israeli actions in Jerusalem
Jordan‘s parliament on Tuesday called on the government to shoulder its responsibilities vis-à-vis the „repeated racist assaults [by Israeli authorities] on Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the desecration [of the city and mosque] with the tacit approval of the Zionist occupation police.“
„The series of flagrant assaults on Palestinian land, people and holy sites by the Zionists comes within the context of the Zionist occupiers‘ recklessness and arrogance regarding international resolutions and human rights charters,“ read a parliamentary statement.
Attack: Once again car plows into Israeli pedestrians in Jerusalem
(5. November) B’Tselem extends its condolences to the family of the man killed in the car attack earlier today (5 November 2014) in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarah. We send our wishes for a speedy recovery to the individuals injured in the attack. B’Tselem condemns any and all intentional assaults targeting Israeli and Palestinian civilians and reiterates its call to politicians and leaders to act responsibly and avoid fanning the flames of violence.
We are therefore extremely disturbed by the statement by Israel’s Minister of Public Security that “a terrorist who harms civilians should be killed”. This provocative call by a government minister to break the law and for execution without trial deserves the strongest possible censure, all the more so for being made by the minister responsible for law enforcement.
B‘Tselem shocked and concerned over the attempt to assassinate right-wing activist Glick
(30. Oktober) B‘Tselem is shocked and concerned over the attempt made yesterday to assassinate Israeli right-wing activist Yehuda Glick in Jerusalem, and hopes that he will regain full health. B‘Tselem urges the police, the Jerusalem Municipality and Israeli and Palestinian public leaders to act responsibly and safeguard the well-being and human rights of all residents in East Jerusalem and West Jerusalem.
Israeli fascists held a protest in front of a @btselem event in Jerusalem. They kept chanting „Btselem is Hamas“
(10. November)
They are now chanting ‚death to the Arabs‘ at #Zionsquare #Jerusalem
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Drums try to beat the nasty racist chants of the other side #Jerusalem_antifa972
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Protest Against racism in Zion Square #Jerusalem
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The new American Jewish struggle over Israel: Hawks versus ultra-hawks
The most important trend in American Jewish politics today is the collapse of the center. The American Jewish establishment isn’t only being challenged by left-leaning groups like J Street. It also faces a less widely recognized, but equally powerful, challenge from the right.
Sachsen-Anhalts Polizeigesetz scheitert vor dem landeseigenen Verfassungsgericht,
u.a. wegen des Bundestrojaner-Einsatzes.
In der Oberpfalz ist eine Drohne der US-Streitkräfte abgestürzt.
Es handelte sich um eine Überwachungsdrohne „Shadow“.
Massive Proteste in Mexiko gegen die Regierung Peña Nieto
Die Karawane #43×43 erreichte Mexiko-Stadt am Sonntag. 43 Vertreter von Nichtregierungsorganisationen waren, begleitet von 100 Personen, sieben Tage vom Bundesstaat Guerrero bis zur Hauptstadt zu Fuß unterwegs gewesen. Bei einer Ansprache auf dem Zócalo forderte einer ihrer Sprecher, der mexikanische Staat müsse radikal umstrukturiert werden: „Das Land braucht diesen Staat nicht mehr.“ Bezüglich der Unruhen vom Samstag appellierten die Teilnehmer der Karawane, weiterhin und vor allem friedlich zu demonstrieren. Der Staat habe in vielen Bevölkerungsschichten gewalttätige Proteste provoziert.
Geplanter Verschleiß – der Kapitalismus zerstört sich selbst
Das Thema „Geplanter Verschleiß“ führt direkt zum Selbstzerstörungsmechanismus, der im Kapitalismus inhärent ist. Dem Zwang zu Wachstum.
RECEIPT OF SIGNAL FROM SURFACE European Space Agency receiving signals from @Philae2014 on surface of comet #67P/CG #cometlanding
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Touchdown! My new address: 67P! #CometLanding
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@davidsheen @MaxBlumenthal We repeat: Come back to Berlin anytime. Just don´t pay attention to that strange spaceship Bundestag above..
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German Politicians Applaud Call To Confront Gysi
After delivering testimony at the Bundestag (German Parliament) about the recent Israeli assault on Gaza, journalist Max Blumenthal calls upon the audience to join him in confronting Die Linke party leader Gregor Gysi at his parliamentary office over his involvement in efforts to smear us with accusations of encouraging hatred of Jewish people, in order to discredit us and get our talks cancelled, thereby preventing Germans from learning of the extent of state-sponsored racism in Israel. Many in the audience, including German politicians from Gysi‘s own Die Linke party, applaud Blumenthal‘s call to confront Gysi at his office.
Haaretz, editorial: „Benjamin Netanyahu is against the State of Israel.“ … Dolmetscher gefällig, Genossen?
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Netanyahu is exposing his nationalist face to the public
Benjamin Netanyahu is against the State of Israel.
That’s the only way to describe the string of statements the prime minister has made over the past week. It seems he has decided to take off the statesmanlike mask he has donned for the past few years, and now he’s exposing his nationalist face to the public.
Sheldon Adelson: Palestinians are made-up nation that exists only to destroy Israel
At first conference of Israeli-American Council, casino mogul and Netanyahu backer hints democracy in Israel not a bad thing to lose.
Video: German politician hides in toilet from truth about Israel
Speaking to The Electronic Intifada from Berlin, Blumenthal pointed out that the smear campaign against him and Sheen – and more importantly the effort to prevent discussion about Israel’s crimes in Gaza – was the product of the anti-Palestinian network funded by American billionaire Sheldon Adelson.
In his most recent racist and quasi-genocidal outburst, Adelson – a key funder of the US Republican Party – declared that the Palestinians are “a made-up nation” and that the “the purpose of the existence of Palestinians is to destroy Israel.”
Fanatics funded by American billionaire Sheldon Adelson behind German smear campaign of @MaxBlumenthal & @davidsheen
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After @gregorgysi @Volker_Beck @teampetrapau say @MaxBlumenthal & I spread anti-Semitism, I receive emails like this:
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Israel’s Crimes in Gaza during Operation Protective Edge – Extraordinary session of the Russell Tribunal
24-25 September – Brussels (…)
During this session, that will take place in Brussels on 24th and 25th of September, our jury, so far composed of Michael Mansfield QC, John Dugard, Vandana Shiva, Christiane Hessel, Richard Falk, Ahdaf Soueif, Ken Loach, Paul Laverty, Roger Waters, Ronnie Kasrils, Radhia Nasraoui and Miguel Angel Estrella will listen to testimonies from Paul Behrens, Desmond Travers, David Sheen, Max Blumenthal
Russell-Tribunal
Das erste Russell-Tribunal, auch unter der Bezeichnung Vietnam War Crimes Tribunal (englisch für „Vietnam-Kriegsverbrechen-Tribunal“) bekannt, wurde 1966 von dem britischen Mathematiker, Philosophen und Literaturnobelpreisträger Lord Bertrand Russell sowie Ken Coates und weiteren Beteiligten, unter dem Dach der Bertrand Russell Peace Foundation (Bertrand-Russell-Friedens-Stiftung) ins Leben gerufen. Ziel des Tribunals war die Untersuchung und Dokumentation US-amerikanischer Kriegsverbrechen im Vietnamkrieg nach 1954.
@ndaktuell Wir wollten Euch schon ein Kniekissen kaufen, Genossen. Damit´s nicht so schubbert beim Rutschen. #Apologysi
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#Toilettengate: Gysi, die Israel-Kritiker und der Geist der Stasi
Daraufhin versucht Linke-Bundestagsabgeordnete Heike Hänsel David Sheen zu beruhigen. Dies sei nicht die Art, wie man hier miteinander umgehe, sagt sie. Sheens Antwort: »Aber jemand einen Antisemiten nennen und dadurch zu Rassismus und Gewalt anstacheln?« Während zu sehen ist, wie Linke-MdB Annette Groth und Sheen durch den Flur laufen, bekräftigt Hänsel erneut: »So machen wir das in Deutschland nicht.« Mit einem Lächeln antwortet Sheen: Vielleicht ist, dass das Problem. Ich bin kein Deutscher, ich bin Israeli und ich verhalte mich wie ein Israeli. Ich dachte ihr mögt Israelis!»
Das ist kein Parlament, das ist ein Raumschiff voller Wahnsinniger. WÜRDE JETZT ENDLICH MAL JEMAND EINE GANZ NORMALE PARTEI AUFMACHEN??!
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#Wagenknecht (!) spricht von „Hetzjagd“ gg Gysi, der „durch die Gänge“ gejagt worden sei.
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@davidsheen @MaxBlumenthal MdB Hänsel, Höger und Groth: „Verfolgung“ von #Gysi in „völlig inakzeptabler Weise“. „Distanzieren uns“.
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No joke: President of Bundestag Norbert Lammert bans @davidsheen @MaxBlumenthal – for „physically pressuring“ Gysi.
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Where is Rosetta?
(animation)
Rosetta‘s Singing Comet
A set of instruments on the European Space Agency‘s Rosetta spacecraft has picked up a mysterious „song“ from Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. On Wednesday, Nov. 12, Rosetta will attempt the first-ever soft landing on a comet when it dispatches its Philae lander to the surface of comet 67P.
The sounds are thought to be oscillations in the magnetic field around the comet. They were picked up by the Rosetta Plasma Consortium — a suite of five instruments on the spacecraft that is orbiting the comet.
„Philae‘s journey“ by Vangelis
The second of a trio of music videos released by ESA to celebrate the first ever attempted soft landing on a comet by ESA‘s Rosetta mission.
Vangelis, the world-renowned musician, has composed this piece of music specially for ESA and inspired by the Rosetta mission. Vangelis‘s music is often linked to themes of science, history and exploration, and he is best known for his Academy Award–winning score for the film Chariots of Fire, composing scores for the films Antarctica, Blade Runner, 1492: Conquest of Paradise and Alexander, and the use of his music in the documentary series Cosmos, by Carl Sagan.
Russia to deploy up to three GLONASS stations in China — Roscosmos
Speaking on the idea to use Chinese chips in GPS and GLONASS-equipped gadgets, Ostapenko said, “Why not? We will see. In theory, this is possible.”
China’s navigation system Beidou, also known as COMPASS, is to be deployed by 2017, and by 2020 it is expected to provide global coverage. For this China is to build up the constellation of satellites to 35.
Russia’s GLONASS system comprises 28 satellites, including 24 operational spacecraft, three spares, and one platform in a flight testing phase. I
Untersuchungsausschuss: “Funktionsträger fallen nicht unter G-10-Schutz”
(6. November) Notz: Die Datenschutzbeauftragte Frau F. sagte letztes Mal, das bei Satelliten-Erfassung das BND-Gesetz nicht gilt, weil die Erfassung von Daten im Weltraum stattfindet. Haben sie das schon mal gehört.
B.: Sie haben das ja gerade gesagt und die Datenschutzbeauftragte hat das ja in der öffentlichen Sitzung gesagt.
Notz: In ihrer beruflichen Funktion hören sie das zum ersten Mal?
B.: Ja.
Notz: Einen Streit darum haben sie nicht mitbekommen?
B.: Nein, das war ja 2013 oder 2014.
Notz: Gilt das BND-Gesetz oder das Grundgesetz beim Abhören des DE-CIX in Frankfurt?
Eisenberg: Das ist gar nicht für die Aufklärung, sondern zur Unehre des Zeugen.
Notz: Vorsitzender, sagen sie doch mal was.
Sensburg: Antworten sie doch einfach.
Notz: Wie läuft das innerhalb des BND mit dem Grundgesetz? Seitdem für Satelliten nur Weltraumrecht gilt, scheint das Recht nur Variable zu sein. Welche Arten von Selektoren gibt es denn? Möglichst weitreichend.
B.: Hatten wir schon auf NÖ verschoben.
Notz: Warum?
B.: Methodenschutz.