(2019-05-10). How Wall Street Drives Gender and Racial Inequality. counterpunch.org 
The people who sell fancy sports cars and high-end Swiss watches look forward to the time of year when the big Wall Street banks hand out their annual cash bonuses. According to new figures, those bonuses added up a whopping $27.5 billion last year. That's a lot of Rolexes. Unfortunately, this huge payout also means the More
(2019-05-10). Finding Private Bell: a Grave That Leads Deep Into Iraq's Bloody Past. counterpunch.org This is the story of an elderly lady in Lincolnshire, a long-dead Scottish shepherd and a kindly Shia Muslim in southern Iraq. First, the lady. Moira Jennings, who is now 87, wrote to me from her home in England when I was covering the aftermath of the disastrous — and illegal — 2003 Anglo-American invasion More
(2019-05-10). Drivers United Will Never Be Defeated! Uber/Lyft Global Day of Action in San Francisco. indybay.org Hundreds of UBER/Lyft drivers and their supporters joined a global day of protest at the headquarters of UBER in San Francisco on May 8, 2019. Drivers said they are being driven to slave labor conditions while an IPO will make more billionaires from their labor.
(2019-05-10). Boondoggle, Inc.: Making Sense of the $1.25 Trillion National Security State Budget. globalresearch.ca In its latest budget request, the Trump administration is asking for a near-record $750 billion for the Pentagon and related defense activities, an astonishing figure by any measure. If passed by Congress, it will, in fact, be one of the …
(2019-05-10). Uber and Lyft drivers in Chicago, New York and California speak out against exploitation of gig economy workers. wsws.org Drivers across the United States spoke out against the classification of Uber drivers as independent contractors as Uber heads into an Initial Public Offering worth billions of dollars.
(2019-05-10). VW workers fight union busting. workers.org 
With 370,000 workers at 61 plants worldwide, Volkswagen is the world's largest auto company. Last year it made almost 14 billion euros in profit. Yet while VW can well afford to pay union benefits and wages, the company appears hell-bent on keeping its only nonunion factory union-free. Chattanooga VW workers . . . | Continue reading VW workers fight union busting at Workers.org
(2019-05-10). Mafia Don Twits another tantrum ahead of crucial trade talks. indybay.org 2 days before the crucial trade talks between China and the USA(the 2 largest economies in the world), "Mafia Don"(ald) T-rump threw another Twitter tantrum, by threatening to charge 10% – 25% tariffs on $200 Billions' worth of imports from China. This additional gouging would be on top of last year's unilateral tariff on $50 Billions' worth of Chinese goods coming into this country. But really, what kind of lunatic would poison the mood of these delicate negotiations–practically at the eleventh hour–by publicly humiliating the incoming Chinese delegation? The world has rarely seen such a blustering buffoon, at…
(2019-05-10). The US and Iran Flex Their Muscles. The Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA) One Year after US Withdrawal. globalresearch.ca One year after the US unilateral withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal (known also as JCPOA- Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Action), the US is flexing its muscles by announcing an already previously scheduled departure of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike …
(2019-05-10). Manufactured Iranian Threat in the Persian Gulf. therealnews.com 
The U.S. military is sending an aircraft carrier into the Persian Gulf, claiming there is an unspecified threat from Iran, but this has no basis other than Bolton's desire for regime change, says Col. Larry Wilkerson…
(2019-05-10). US Foreign Policy as Bellicose as Ever. counterpunch.org 
It only took a few months under Donald Trump's presidency for the US to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, impose new sanctions on Russia, reverse the normalisation of diplomatic relations with Cuba, announce its intention to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal, warn Pakistan, threaten Venezuela with military intervention, and declare a readiness to More
(2019-05-10). Bernard-Henri Lévy's American Requiem. counterpunch.org 
The new conventional wisdom, laid out in a growing pile of books and articles, is that the US under President Donald Trump has been withdrawing from the world. Bernard-Henri Lƒóvy adds to the stack with his latest book, The Empire and the Five Kings: America's Abdication and the Fate of the World (2018). US withdrawal is More
(2019-05-10). Sri Lanka: bombings a pretext for intensified repression. greenleft.org.au 
The Sri Lankan army and police have used the bombings of churches and hotels on Easter Sunday as a pretext for repression, targeting people who have no connection with the group responsible, the National Thowheed Jamath (NTJ — National Monotheism Society). | The NTJ, an extremist Islamic group, is believed to be linked to the Islamic State, based in Iraq and Syria. | Sri Lankan police have been raiding numerous Muslim groups with "Thowheed" in their name, even if they are opposed to the NTJ. As of May 2, at least 130 Muslims had been detained, according to Tamilnet. | Non-Muslims have also been affected. On…
(2019-05-10). Families Belong Together | Peaceful Action Protest. indybay.org WALNUT CREEK: | – South Side corner of Ygnacio Valley Road and N. Civic Drive | – Iron Horse Trail Bridge above Ygnacio Valley Road (please plan to use effectively large signage in this area)…
(2019-05-10). CODEPINK Monthly Golden Gate Bridge Walk for Peace. indybay.org BE GREEN AND CARPOOL | See http: //tripplanner.transit.511.org for public transit options. | Golden Gate Transit Buses 10, 70, 80 | and SF Muni Bus 28 stop at the bridge (SF side). | Parking available on all 4 "corners", just remember to take the last exit on hwy 101 as you approach the bridge, or the first exit after you leave the bridge. | 11: 45 am: Gather at the SF or Marin end of the eastern walkway of the Golden Gate Bridge. | Noon: Walk on the eastern walkway from the north or south ends to converge in the middle for World Peace. Then march to the SF side for rally.
(2019-05-10). MintPress, Grayzone journalists endure US govt blackout and siege at Venezuelan embassy in DC. thegrayzone.com The Trump administration is violating international law and harassing American journalists by cutting electricity to Venezuela's DC embassy. By Mnar…
(2019-05-10). IEA: Renewable Energy Growth Is Stalling. Wind and Solar Energy. globalresearch.ca Renewable energy deployment stalled out last year, raising alarm bells about the pace of the clean energy transition. | In 2018, total deployment of renewable energy stood at about 180 gigawatts (GW), which was the same as the previous year. It …
(2019-05-10). Victory Day Reminds the World About the Evils of Fascism. globalresearch.ca Russia, most of the countries of the former Soviet Union, and Israel all celebrate the end of World War II on 9 May, with this year's commemoration in Moscow being the 74th in history. This solemn day marks the victory …
(2019-05-10). Video: 5G Apocalypse, The Imminent Dangers. globalresearch.ca What is 5G? We need to know the dangers of this technology. | A full length documentary by Sacha Stone exposing the 5G existential threat to humanity in a way we never imagined possible! | Scientists, environmental groups, medical doctors and citizens …
(2019-05-10). US seizes North Korean ship. wsws.org This week's developments demonstrate that the Trump administration has no intention of striking a deal with Pyongyang unless it involves a total capitulation and embrace of Washington's offensive against China.
(2019-05-10). Venezuela's crisis: A view from the communes. greenleft.org.au 
Within hours of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó calling for street mobilisations to back his attempted military coup against President Nicolás Maduro on April 30, Guaidó's supporters had looted and set fire to the headquarters of the Indio Caricuao Commune in south-west Caracas. | The building was used for local residents' meetings and housed a commune-run textile enterprise, which funds projects in the community. | Atenea Jiménez, from the National Network of Comuneros (commune activists) said: "Once again attacks on the communes by fascist sectors have begun." | She also noted however that comuneros "a…
(2019-05-10). A first-hand account from Caracas from the day of the coup through May Day. mronline.org 
Today there was a farcical attempt to take a military airport that fizzled. It turned into a dozen or so guys throwing stones and being ignored. The Guardian is shamelessly running video of something that happened weeks ago as though it were today. We were there and it was all normal. | Source
(2019-05-10). Venezuela coup enthusiast Rubio says China is secretly propping up Maduro. rt.com 
Neocon US Senator and Venezuela regime change crusader Marco Rubio claims China is secretly backing President Nicolas Maduro by 'shutting down the internet' to thwart Washington-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido. |
(2019-05-10). Venezuela tensions mount after arrest of coup leader. wsws.org Washington continues to threaten military intervention in the oil-rich South American country.
(2019-05-10). Leaked: USA's Feb 2018 plan for coup in Venezuela. mronline.org 
This was far more than just a military plan. It was comprehensive—directing military, diplomatic, and propaganda, policies—regarding the Trump Administration's planned "Overthrow" of Venezuela's Government. | Source
(2019-05-10). The defense of Venezuela and the struggle for socialism in Latin America. wsws.org We are publishing here the text of the speech to the 2019 International May Day Online Rally delivered by Bill Van Auken.
(2019-05-10). War on Venezuela? counterpunch.org Mix a little socialism in with the oil and war may be unavoidable. Thus, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, talking about Venezuela: "The president has been crystal clear and incredibly consistent. Military action is possible. If that's what's required, that's what the United States will do." He goes on, demonstrating how we lie about war in More
(2019-05-10). Venezuela: How one local council is working to overcome the crisis through people's power. greenleft.org.au 
In the midst of Venezuela's prolonged economic crisis, in which state budgets and support for the governing socialists steadily contract, at least one municipal council is bucking the trend. The key, according to the local mayor, has been focusing on people's power and self-management. | Paéz is a rural municipality located in Apure state, along the tense border with Colombia. Opposition-controlled Tachira state lies to its west. | Despite this conflictive surrounding, José María "Chema" Romero managed to increase the United Socialist Party of Venezuela's (PSUV) vote in the 2017 mayoral elections by 70% from its…
(2019-05-10). The Zionist One-Two Propaganda Punch. counterpunch.org 
Another round of Israeli violence inflicted on Palestinians in Gaza resulted in devastating consequences: twenty seven dead, including Amani al-Madhoun, a young woman in her final month of pregnancy, as well as 3-month-old infant Maria al-Ghazali and 12-year-old Abd al-Rahman Abu al-Jadyan, both killed alongside their parents. The flare up comes as Palestinians are routinely More
(2019-05-10). CIA Veteran to Chair Kent State 50th May 4 Commemoration Advisory Committee. counterpunch.org Kent State has appointed a 25 year veteran of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to chair a committee to create plan and execute activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the shootings at the campus that killed four and wounded nine students on May 4, 1970. Stephanie Smith, an associate professor in Kent State's School More
(2019-05-10). Suicide: An American Nightmare. counterpunch.org 
The American suicide rate is at a 50-year high. In 2017, 44,193 committed suicide in the U.S. and 1,652 killed themselves in New York State. In 2016, the City's Health Department reported that 525 people committed suicide. Billy G., a neighbor, recently committed suicide. His death went unreported, with no obit in the Times, let alone coverage by the rest of More
(2019-05-10). Stop & Shop strike: 'We stuck to our guns'. liberationnews.org 
When workers — like those at Stop & Shop — struggle together in solidarity, they move towards true emancipation.
(2019-05-10). Trump administration takes war on women to the U.N. workers.org 
President Donald Trump took his war on the rights of women and gender-nonconforming people to the U.N. the week of April 22. It's bitterly ironic that the Trump administration threatened to veto the U.N. resolution on ending sexual violence during wars and hostile conflicts if the U.N. did not go . . . | Continue reading Trump administration takes war on women to the U.N. at Workers.org
(2019-05-10). Imperialist war, the working-class upsurge in the Mideast and North Africa, and the strategy of Permanent Revolution. wsws.org We are publishing here the text of the speech to the 2019 International May Day Online Rally delivered by Keith Jones.
(2019-05-10). Chelsea Manning Has Just Been Released From Jail. theantimedia.com (ANTIWAR.COM) — Whistleblower Chelsea Manning has been released from jail on Thursday, following months in detention for "contempt" after she refused to testify before a grand jury investigating WikiLeaks. The official reason is that the mandate of the grand jury in question has expired. This explanation is likely a bit of legal sleight of hand on the court's …
(2019-05-10). The Making of a Medical Insurance Spin Doctor — RAI with Wendell Potter (3/7). therealnews.com 
Wendell Potter, author of 'Deadly Spin: How Corporate PR is Killing Healthcare and Deceiving Americans', traces his life from growing up poor and Republican in Tennessee, to radicalization during the Vietnam War, to cynical journalist who just wanted to make money — on Reality Asserts Itself with Paul Jay…
(2019-05-10). Trump Continues Obama's War on Whistleblowers. theantimedia.com (CJ Opinion) — "New drone whistleblower at The Intercept," tweeted the outspoken CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou in October 2015. "For God's sake don't let @MatthewACole learn his identity." Intercept investigative reporter Matthew Cole has been tied both to Kiriakou's discovery and prosecution and to that of Reality Winner, who leaked classified documents to The Intercept in 2017. Kiriakou's comment came after the …
(2019-05-10). Thank Russia for Winning World War II. counterpunch.org Russia celebrates victory over the Third Reich on May 9th; the West celebrated it on May 8th. Separate celebrations make sense because the communists had a different fight against the Nazis than the free world did. The USA fought a quarter of the war that our Soviet allies waged — and we opened fire on More
(2019-05-10). Bezos unveils Moon lander, space colonization dreams after Trump admin moves up Moon base timeline. rt.com 
Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos has unveiled an unmanned Moon lander and a new rocket engine developed by his Blue Origin space program with an eye toward getting in on the ground floor of space colonization.
(2019-05-10). In Your Face Income Inequality. counterpunch.org The delivery trucks have been driving on a driveway next to mine in the rural Berkshires of western Massachusetts for eight months. They drive home (no pun intended here) income inequality in a way that other experiences cannot. The home that I write about here is a second home on well over thirty acres of farmland. There are two More
(2019-05-10). Why Are These Facts So Stubbornly Forbidden? dissidentvoice.org Like you, I've had countless experiences of pointing out a new fact to someone, and seeing them acknowledge it and incorporate it into their thinking and their talking from that point forward. I've even had this experience with public petitions pushed on powerful people. But, I've also had a different experience. There are some facts …
(2019-05-10). Oakland VegFest 2019. indybay.org Lake Merritt Amphitheater…
(2019-05-10). The London Climate Protests: Raising The Alarm. dissidentvoice.org The feeling is often there at night, of course, in the wee small hours. But it can arise at almost any time — looking at someone we care about, listening to birdsong on an unusually warm spring morning, shopping. It is like being trapped on a sinking ship, with the captain and crew refusing to …
(2019-05-10). The Two Narratives of Palestine: The People Are United, the Factions Are Not. counterpunch.org The International Conference on Palestine held in Istanbul between April 27-29 brought together many speakers and hundreds of academics, journalists, activists and students from Turkey and all over the world. The Conference was a rare opportunity aimed at articulating a discourse of international solidarity that is both inclusive and forward thinking. There was near consensus that the More
(2019-05-10). We Are All Sandra Bland. counterpunch.org "People get used to anything. The less you think about your oppression, the more your tolerance for it grows. After a while, people just think oppression is the normal state of things. But to become free, you have to be acutely aware of being a slave." — Assata Shakur, Assata: An Autobiography "For it is More
(2019-05-10). Targeting China: It's About Politics Not Trade. counterpunch.org Beijing. Trade? It's no big deal. Politics? That's the issue. The trade spat between the United States and China isn't about deficits or tariffs. It's about Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan. The view from Beijing is that Republicans and Democrats are united in the bogeyman belief. Someone to blame. The China threat. Donald Trump's anti-China message helped More
(2019-05-10). Assange's US Extradition Battle: The Fight to Defend the Conscience of America. counterpunch.org It has been over three weeks since Ecuador illegally terminated political asylum of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and the UK police violently arrested him. Assange is now held in solitary confinement in what many have called the UK's Guantanamo Bay. On Thursday, Assange's fight against US extradition began at a UK court. The US charged More
(2019-05-10). Bernie Sanders and the Movement That Might Have Been. counterpunch.org 
As I gird my loins for a renewed ideological struggle against Bernie Sanders's bid to become the Democratic Party's nominee to run against Donald Trump, I thought it advisable to get up to speed by reading Jeffrey St. Clair's "Bernie & The Sandernistas: Field Notes From a Failed Revolution" that was published in 2016. Since More
(2019-05-10). The Enemy is Not Resistance. counterpunch.org 
The Islamic Resistance Movement began more than thirty years ago at an historical moment in time which it knew to be fraught with absolute peril for their people. The founders of this national liberation struggle examined the overwhelming military capabilities of Israel, fostered by its global superpower sponsor, the United States. They looked at Israel's More
(2019-05-10). The Wall of No Return. counterpunch.org 
Nelson Espinal grew up in a leaky and crowded shack on the violent outskirts of Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Espinal turned 28 last summer, but still lived at home with his parents, four sisters and 7-year old son, Yojan.Like many other young men in his decaying neighborhood, Nelson had struggled for years to find steady work, making him especially vulnerable to recruitment into one of the slum's brutal "maras," the youth gangs that patrol the streets of Tegucigalpa and control much of the drug trade across Honduras. More
(2019-05-10). Global Game of Thrones. counterpunch.org 
I was surprised to learn that Dagmar Havlova had become a monarchist. In 1990, when I first met the sister-in-law of Czech playwright and later president Vaclav Havel, she was a spokesperson for Civic Forum, the movement that would guide Czechoslovakia from communism to democracy. Virtually everyone in the country at the time was excited More