Former CIA Chief Brennan Running Scared

With former CIA Director John Brennan accusing President Donald Trump of “moral turpitude” for his “scapegoating” of Andy McCabe, it remains to be seen whether a constitutional crisis will be averted, writes Ray McGovern.

By Ray McGovern

What prompted former CIA Director John Brennan on Saturday to accuse President Donald Trump of “moral turpitude” and to predict, with an alliterative flourish, that Trump will end up “as a disgraced demagogue in the dustbin of history”? The answer shines through the next sentence in Brennan’s threatening tweet: “You may scapegoat Andy McCabe [former FBI Deputy Director fired Friday night] but you will not destroy America…America will triumph over you.”

Former CIA Director John Brennan

It is easy to see why Brennan lost it. The Attorney General fired McCabe, denying him full retirement benefits, because McCabe “had made an unauthorized disclosure to the news media and lacked candor — including under oath — on multiple occasions.” There but for the grace of God go I, Brennan must have thought, whose stock in trade has been unauthorized disclosures.

In fact, Brennan can take but small, short-lived consolation in the fact that he succeeded in leaving with a full government pension. His own unauthorized disclosures and leaks probably dwarf in number, importance, and sensitivity those of McCabe.  And many of those leaks appear to have been based on sensitive intercepted conversations from which the names of American citizens were unmasked for political purposes. Not to mention the leaks of faux intelligence like that contained in the dubious “dossier” cobbled together for the Democrats by British ex-spy Christopher Steele.

It is an open secret that the CIA has been leaking like the proverbial sieve over the last two years or so to its favorite stenographers at the New York Times and Washington Post. (At one point, the obvious whispering reached the point that the Wall Street Journal saw fit to complain that it was being neglected.) The leaking can be traced way back — at least as far as the Clinton campaign’s decision to blame the Russians for the publication of very damning DNC emails by WikiLeaks just three days before the Democratic National Convention.

This blame game turned out to be a hugely successful effort to divert attention from the content of the emails, which showed in bas relief the dirty tricks the DNC played on Bernie Sanders. The media readily fell in line, and all attention was deflected from the substance of the DNC emails to the question as to why the Russians supposedly “hacked into the DNC and gave the emails to WikiLeaks.”

This media operation worked like a charm, but even Secretary Clinton’s PR person, Jennifer Palmieri, conceded later that at first it strained credulity that the Russians would be doing what they were being accused of doing.

Magnificent Diversion

On April 6, 2017 I attended a panel discussion on “Russia’s interference in our democracy” at the Clinton/Podesta Center for American Progress Fund. In my subsequent write-up I noted that panelist Palmieri had inadvertently dropped tidbits of evidence that I suggested “could get some former officials in deep kimchi – if a serious investigation of leaking, for example, were to be conducted.” (That time seems to be coming soon.)

Palmieri was asked to comment on “what was actually going on in late summer/early fall [2016].” She answered:

“It was a surreal experience … so I did appreciate that for the press to absorb … the idea that behind the stage that the Trump campaign was coordinating with Russia to defeat Hillary Clinton was too fantastic for people to, um, for the press to process, to absorb….

“But then we go back to Brooklyn [Clinton headquarters] and heard from the — mostly our sources were other intelligence, with the press who work in the intelligence sphere, and that’s where we heard things and that’s where we learned about the dossier and the other story lines that were swirling about; and how to process … And along the way the administration started confirming various pieces of what they were concerned about what Russia was doing. … So I do think that the answer for the Democrats now … in both the House and the Senate is to talk about it more and make it more real.”

So the leaking had an early start, and went on steroids during the months following the Democratic Convention up to the election — and beyond.

As a Reminder

None of the leaking, unmasking, surveillance, or other activities directed against the Trump campaign can be properly understood, if one does not bear in mind that it was considered a sure thing that Secretary Clinton would become President, at which point illegal and extralegal activities undertaken to help her win would garner praise, not prison.

But she lost. And a month ago, House Intelligence Committee Chair Devin Nunes (R-CA) threw down the gauntlet, indicating that there could be legal consequences, for example, for officials who misled the FISA court in order to enable surveillance on Trump and associates.  His words are likely to have sent chills down the spine of yet other miscreants. “If they need to be put on trial, we will put them on trial,” he said.  “The reason Congress exists is to oversee these agencies that we created.”

John Brennan is widely reported to be Nunes’s next target.  Does one collect a full pension in jail?

Unmasking: Senior national security officials are permitted to ask the National Security Agency to unmask the names of Americans in intercepted communications for national security reasons — not for domestic political purposes. Congressional committees have questioned why Obama’s UN ambassador Samantha Power (as well as his national security adviser Susan Rice) made so many unmasking requests. Power is reported to have requested the unmasking of more than 260 Americans, most of them in the final days of the administration, including the names of Trump associates.

Deep State Intimidation 

Back to John Brennan’s bizarre tweet Saturday telling the President, “You may scapegoat Andy McCabe but you will not destroy America … America will triumph over you.” Unmasking the word “America,” so to speak, one can readily discern the name “Brennan” underneath.  Brennan’s words and attitude are a not-so-subtle reminder of the heavy influence and confidence of the deep state, including the media — exercised to a fare-thee-well over the past two years.

Later on Saturday, Samantha Power, with similar equities at stake, put an exclamation point behind what Brennan had tweeted earlier in the day.  Power also saw fit to remind Trump where the power lies, so to speak.  She warned him publicly that it is “not a good idea to piss off John Brennan.”

Meanwhile, the Washington Post is dutifully playing its part in the deep-state game of intimidation.  The following excerpt from Sunday’s lead article conveys the intended message: “Some Trump allies say they worry he is playing with fire by taunting the FBI. ‘This is open, all-out war. And guess what? The FBI’s going to win,’ said one ally, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to be candid. ‘You can’t fight the FBI. They’re going to torch him.’” [sic]

The Post, incidentally, waited until paragraph 41 of 44 to inform readers that it was the FBI’s own Office of Professional Responsibility and the Inspector General of the Department of Justice that found McCabe guilty, and that the charge was against McCabe, not the FBI.  A quite different impression was conveyed by the large headline “Trump escalates attacks on FBI” as well as the first 40 paragraphs of Sunday’s lead article.

Putting Down a Marker

It isn’t as though Donald Trump wasn’t warned, as are all incoming presidents, of the power of the Deep State that he needs to play ball with — or else. Recall that just three days before President-elect Trump was visited by National Intelligence Director James Clapper, FBI Director James Comey, CIA Director John Brennan, and NSA Director Michael Rogers, Trump was put on notice by none other than the Minority Leader of the Senate, Chuck Schumer.  Schumer has been around and knows the ropes; he is a veteran of 18 years in the House, and is in his 20th year in the Senate.

On Jan. 3, 2017 Schumer said it all, when he told MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow, that President-elect Trump is “being really dumb” by taking on the intelligence community and its assessments on Russia’s cyber activities:

“Let me tell you, you take on the intelligence community, they have six ways from Sunday at getting back at you,” Schumer told Maddow. “So even for a practical, supposedly hard-nosed businessman, he’s being really dumb to do this.” Did Maddow ask Schumer if he was saying President of the United States should be afraid of the intelligence community? No, she let Schumer’s theorem stand.

With gauntlets now thrown down by both sides, we may not have to wait very long to see if Schumer is correct in his blithe prediction as to how the present constitutional crisis will be resolved.

Ray McGovern works for Tell the Word, a publishing arm of the ecumenical Church of the Saviour in inner-city Washington.  He served as a CIA analyst under seven Presidents and nine CIA directors and is now on the Steering Group of Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity (VIPS).

249 comments for “Former CIA Chief Brennan Running Scared

  1. psi2u2
    March 28, 2018 at 13:58

    Apology for a disgusting President who will go down in history as a corrupt, criminal demagogue.

  2. Howard K Brodsky
    March 25, 2018 at 07:05

    The war criminal who ordered drone strikes on wedding parties and funerals, this reprobate who mass murdered hundreds of innocent people, he is pinning “lowest moral turpitude” labels on others? Funny how that works. What is seriously needed in Amerikkka today is Nuremberg-type justice.

  3. March 25, 2018 at 00:35

    Right here is the right site for everyone who wants to understand this topic.
    You understand so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really would want
    to…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a topic
    that has been written about for years. Great stuff,
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  4. Mike Barson
    March 23, 2018 at 08:06

    From Brennans presumption that he = “America will triumph over you.”

    It seems such people derive a lot of their power/protection by taking on the mantle of ‘patriots’. When they are exposed by facts & clear rationale more as traitors then America will be heading for a more healthy place I would say.

    Great Article Ray,

    Terrible tweet John

    Lets hope for some real & genuine accountability, look where we have gotten without any!

  5. HWJ
    March 23, 2018 at 01:24

    Complete panzy ass pussy they are coming for Brennan and is crime groupies

  6. Dutch
    March 22, 2018 at 11:21

    Let’s not forget that the Boston Marathon Bombers uncle was Brennan’s roommate. And he, on multiple occasions, attempted to warn the FBI that the Tsarnaev brothers were being radicalized. Yet the former FBI director didn’t feel it was worth using his clout to maybe follow up on these legitimate threats, that ultimately claimed the lives arms and legs of numerous victims. Funny that now he can’t seem to stop shouting factless threats and conspiracy theories when the heat is coming down on him. Sadly, nobody (that matters) is listening to him yelling fire in a theater when he failed to yell fire AT A FIRE.

    One thing that never ceases to amaze me about these people is their weakness. In the movies spies and secret agents are all tough guys with nerves of steel. In real life so many seem to be gutless, convictionless losers putting on a transparent tough guy act while they pee their own pants about being caught for their own crimes. Crimes they committed on orders from HRC and Barry O. The weakest, flimsiest, failed criminals you’d never want to know. What a joke. Had it not been laid so bare I never would have believed the FBI was such a collection of gutless weakling crybabies. Barf.

  7. Leo Smith
    March 21, 2018 at 10:40

    There was a time when Socialist hid from view. For a good reason. Socialism is responsible for more Death than any other cause of death to humanity.Socialism is control of the masses for the gain of a few. Now the Socialist are Overt and in our faces, under the cover of the Democrat Party. And they have been at war with America for the past several decades. We have only just now begun to see the damage they have done and are willing to do to stay in power. Now is the time to recognize we’ve been at war and we must Win this one at all cost.. Or America is dead.

    • Abe
      March 21, 2018 at 13:40

      Standard Tea Party libertarian-ish right-wing Republican railing about the “Democrat” Party

      In fact, both the Democratic and Republican War Parties (both slavishly pro-Israel) are fervent advocates of Corporate Socialism, who are willing to do some nuclear damage to stay in power and “protect Israel”, an Apartheid Socialist State (ASS) regime that has attempted to colonize the Levant.

      So stop huffing that Tea Party hash pipe and get a clue
      http://robertlpeters.com/news/the-rich-get-richer-the-poor-get-poorer/

  8. Drogon
    March 20, 2018 at 18:45

    “It is an open secret that the CIA has been leaking like the proverbial sieve over the last two years or so”

    …And this is supposed to be a bad thing? I’m sorry, but the more leaks the better IMO.

  9. Glen
    March 20, 2018 at 15:52

    What’s your proof he won’t get his pension?

  10. Abe
    March 20, 2018 at 15:24

    “One thing about the neo-conservatives, who have thoroughly penetrated the Tory government of British Prime Minister Theresa May and, due to the reality television show savant nature of Donald Trump, are rapidly filling as many vacancies in the US administration as possible, is that they are consistent. Neocons, who make no secret of their desire for major military conflagrations, have dusted off an old playbook with regard to the nerve agent poisoning of Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury, England. The convoluted charges made by the British government bear all the hallmarks of the Polonium-210 radiation poisoning of ex-Russian intelligence agent Alexander Litvinenko, who died in London in 2006.

    “In June 2008, the British government conceded that the government of British Labor Prime Minister Tony Blair concocted and exaggerated claims about Russia’s involvement in the Litvinenko poisoning in 2006. Apparently, the present government of Mrs. May believes rational people have no memories of what transpired in Britain twelve years ago.

    “The British intelligence services, which had their own relationship with Litvinenko, could no longer manage to suppress overwhelming evidence that the poisoning of Litvinenko was the result of a plot by anti-Vladimir Putin criminal syndicates based in Britain, Israel, Ukraine, and Poland to embarrass the Russian government.

    “Suspicions about the role of the exiled Russian-Israeli criminal syndicates in the poisoning of Litvinenko, including that which was headed by Litvinenko’s friend, wanted Russo-Israeli oligarch Boris Berezovsky, re-surfaced after former Russian Prime Minister Yegor Gaidar became violently ill after eating breakfast at a conference he was attending in Dublin, Ireland. Ireland’s banking secrecy laws has made it a favorite location for the Eurasian-Israeli Mafia.

    “Berezovsky’s own suspicious death in March 2013 discovery of Berezovsky’s body in his Ascot estate in England suggested that the anti-Russian crime syndicates, which work closely with hedge fund billionaire troublemaker George Soros and the Central Intelligence Agency, eliminated Berezovsky because he was about to reveal the nature of the syndicates to the Russian government. Most media reports coming out of Britain, at the time, claimed that Berezovsky died from natural causes. A few others suggested suicide or murder. Interestingly, Berezovsky had recently received medical treatment in Israel.

    “Berezovsky’s expatriate friends in Britain and Israel included exiled oligarchs who were subjects of Russian arrest warrants. These included Russian-Israeli businessman Leonid Nevzlin, the former chief executive officer of Yukos Oil, who was the subject of a Russian arrest warrant for murder, embezzlement, and tax evasion. Nevzlin, a former head of the Russian Jewish Congress, resided in Tel Aviv under the protection of the Israeli government. Nevzlin’s exiled Russian-Israeli comrades included Vladimir Dubov, a major Yukos shareholder, and wanted oligarch Vladimir Gusinsky. The wanted ex-Yukos officials, who are now allied with the expatriate former chief of Yukos and ex-convict, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, have also been linked to wealthy British businessman Jacob Rothschild.

    “Berezovsky ran from exile a major support network for Chechen terrorists. One of their leaders, Ahmed Zakayev, was a close associate of Berezovsky and Litvinenko.

    “Just like Litvinenko, Yulia Skripal had her own reported connections to Russian and Western intelligence services, suggesting that she, like Litvinenko, had embarked on a dangerous life as a double or triple agent. Yulia Skripal worked for the ‘information center’ at the US embassy in Moscow and at the Holiday Inn in Southampton in England. Hotel jobs are a preferred ‘non-official cover’ position for the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI-6). Until his arrest by Russian authorities, Sergei Skripal was a paid agent for MI-6. In 2010, he was given asylum in Britain after a major spy swap between the United States and Russia.

    “The nerve agent reportedly used on Skripal and his daughter was a ‘Novichok’ (‘Newcomer’), one of a series of binary agents allegedly developed in the Soviet Union during the Cold War. These nerve agents were also apparently stockpiled at the British biological and chemical warfare research facility at Porton Down, a mere eight miles from Salisbury, where the Skripals took ill.

    “But the existence of Novichok is, itself questionable. Claims about Novichok originally came from Vil Mirzayanov, a Soviet chemical weapons scientist who claimed to have invented Novichok at a facility in the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1994, Mirzayanov fled to the United States, where he came under the control of the CIA. In 2016, Dr. Robin Black, the chief of the Detection Laboratory in Porton Down, published an academic paper that questioned the veracity of Mirzayanov’s Novichok claims.

    “The poisoning of the Skripals was followed shortly by the death in London of Berezovsky’s longtime business colleague and friend Nikolai Glushkov. British police called Glushkov’s death ‘suspicious,’ citing as the cause ‘compression to the neck.’ Berezovsky died as the result of a hanging, believed by police to be a ‘suicide.’ Radioactive traces of the Polonium-210 used to poison Litvinenko were traced to Berezovsky’s office at 7 Down Street, in London’s Mayfair district. In 2008, Badri Patarkatsishvili, Berezovsky’s Georgian-Israeli business partner, collapsed and died at his home a mere 15 miles from Berezovsky’s English estate. The death of the 52-year old was determined by authorities to be the result of a ‘heart attack.’

    “Much more than circumstantial evidence suggests that Berezovsky, Glushkov, and Patarkatsishvili were murdered by exiled opponents of the Russian government, who also happen to be kingpins in the Eurasian-Israeli mafia that uses Britain as a major base of operations. Britain is favored by these criminal syndicates because of the close working relationship they have with British and American intelligence agencies, as well as with Soros, who maintains a residence in London.”

    Déjà Vu with British Poison Allegations Against Russia
    By Wayne Madsen
    https://www.strategic-culture.org/news/2018/03/20/deja-vu-with-british-poison-allegations-against-russia.html

  11. will
    March 20, 2018 at 13:23

    what an amazingly illuminating article. Devin Nunes, who perfectly ok with wire taps as long as the target aren’t from his party is somehow a noble individual. While I agree that Brennan should be in prison, it should be for torturing people, just like our newly named CIA director who also destroyed all those torture films (and as been pointed out by one other commenter here, any CIA employee who failed to speak out about EReagan and Bush’s war on Central and south America (that’s you,Ray McGovern-spending your pension despite you own moral failures as you make accusations here just as unsupported as those the NYTs is making about Russiagate). I’m pretty sure CN has successfully jumped a what shark since your esteemed leader died. Sad

    • mike k
      March 20, 2018 at 13:31

      What is sad “Will” is that you would come on this site to troll Ray McGovern.

    • Abe
      March 21, 2018 at 12:18

      As the Russia-gate fictions erode and Israel-gate emerges, the Hasbara propaganda troll army keeps on sending in the clowns.

      For more hilarious Hasbara antics from “works for a living” comrade “will”, see the CN comments at
      https://consortiumnews.com/2017/12/22/the-strangelovian-russia-gate-myth/

      Comrade “will” and his fellow Hasbara troll “BobS” recite the same propaganda script, going on and on about the war in Latin America.

      Of course, the trolls never mention the fact that the US government, especially the CIA, recruited an all-too-eager Israel to “support” the Central and South American military forces and intelligence units engaged in violent and widespread repression during the Reagan and Bush era “dirty wars”.

      Recently declassified 1983 US government documents have obtained by the Washington, DC-based National Security Archives through the Freedom of Information Act. One such declassified document is a 1983 memo from the notorious Colonel Oliver North of the Reagan Administration’s National Security Council and reads: “As discussed with you yesterday, I asked CIA, Defense, and State to suggest practical assistance which the Israelis might offer in Guatemala and El Salvador.”

      Another document, this time a 1983 cable from the US Ambassador in Guatemala to Washington Frederic Chapin shows the money trail. Chapin says that at a time when the US did not want to be seen directly assisting Guatemala, “we have reason to believe that our good friends the Israelis are prepared, or already have, offered substantial amounts of military equipment to the GOG (Government of Guatemala) on credit terms up to 20 years…(I pass over the importance of making huge concessionary loans to Israel so that it can make term loans in our own backyard).”

      The Reagan and Bush era “dirty wars” were bad enough. The Israeli-Saudi-US Axis jumped the shark with Bush the Lesser and Obama wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria. Under Trump, Israel remains only to happy to continue providing “support” for Al Qaeda and ISIS.

      So keep on blabbin’, Hasbara troll team mates “will” and “BobS”. We got you.

    • cozette
      March 23, 2018 at 11:25

      Will aren’t you just a bit suspicious that these hit pieces on the nominee to head the CIA, a mid level career employee, came out in the Deep State/CIAs favored media outlets and they came out immediately? Are you aware that the “facts” in the hit piece were, as usual, proven to be false? Based on the CIAs intense efort to take her out she will be an amazing pick. She knows where the bodies are buried whereas an outsider wouldn’t have a clue. Trump has said he wants to make JFKs dream a reality. Looks like this gal may be the internal ally he needs to do just that. 1,000 pieces into the wind!

  12. robert e williamson jr
    March 20, 2018 at 12:49

    Damn it, ” in April or May of 1968!!!!!! Helms contacted the AG . . . . .

  13. robert e williamson jr
    March 20, 2018 at 12:44

    Ray good stuff. Let us talk about the Israelis and the problems they have created in this country.

    I’m 69 drafted in May 1968 no Vietnam, I was a spook attached to the 592nd Signal Co of the Berlin Brigade. I got hooked and I haven’t really been a “TRUE BELIEVER” since. I mean that in the sense that I have suspected the activities of the state ever since.

    I’m no genius and you may already gather that , no matter, but I know B.S. from Shinola which was a famous shoe polish.

    I have been anti-Israeli Government since I realized who they were. The Israelis compromised J.J. Angleton and our country has been adversely affected ever since. They have compromised our sovereignty ever since.

    Shapiro spirited SNM-fissile out of the country. The Israelis I believe needed JFK dead so they made sure he became deceased. He was in the way and with so many others hating him and his brother after he challenged the CIA, his days were numbered. Then it was Bobbies turn. The damned guy just wouldn’t quit, so when it became obvious he was likely to be elected president in 68 he had to go also. Nice Irish Catholic boy scout like him wasn’t about to let those who murdered his brother get away with it. But it much more involved than simply him getting his brothers killers. RFK had front row knowledge of his brother battles with the Israelis over their nuclear weapons program.

    Sometime during 1967 John Hadden learned that Portsmouth Ohio HEU-235 was present in Isreal. In April or May Helms contacted the attorney general about this and then the FBI contacted him, Ramsey Clark, in May about opening an investigation in Zalmon Shaprio of NUMEC fame. At that point in time I can see that RFK must go. If RFK had learned of the Portsmouth Ohio U-235 in Israel he would have known immediately who had what to hide and why. His friggin’ security detail should have been beefed up. Nothing of the sort happened. So depending on how you count the days from the time that CIA and FBI contacted the AG R Clark about the U-235 in Israel and FBI contacted the AG was a matter or 30 or so days. RFK died on June 6, 1968 and it was no Dogdamned coincident.

    I have done limited research on the CIA machinations and FBI investigations connected with the NUMEC saga. The pursuit of the investigation was hampered because “The Fix” was in and I think you know this.

    The present time is the best time I’ve seen in my life to expose this bullshit for what it is. Keep up the great work.

  14. staci laird
    March 20, 2018 at 11:26

    THAT IDIOT PUPPET NEEDS TO BE PUT IN GITMO NOW..WE THE PEOPLE DEMAND IT

  15. IsItAnyWonder
    March 20, 2018 at 11:10

    USMC activated. Well, I’d put my two-cents on POTUS. Just like we’ve all seen throughout our lives when the supposed tough guy starts making threats he is really scared Sh**less. Lots of these clowns are just going to disappear during the late night hours of the day never to be heard from again. Our society is sitting on a knifes edge, anything at all happens to Trump and the entire nation will just burn to the ground with literal blood in the streets. No one needs to pound their chest and say what tough guy acts they will do since most of the heavy lifting is already going on with Spec Ops and very soon USMC. Most of us would not have the skills are knowledge to do what is needed. Foggy Bottom is about to get a big enema along with the CIA to our benefit. Guys like Brenna are scared rats in a sinking ship, good riddance!

  16. Daniel Lazare
    March 20, 2018 at 09:12

    Excellent article.

  17. j. D. D.
    March 20, 2018 at 07:59

    “Does one collect a full pension in jail?” Brilliant, provocative and persuasive, in the way that any follower of Ray McGovern has come to expect.

    • BobS
      March 20, 2018 at 09:19

      Ray McGovern- the same guy who was providing a daily briefing to the president responsible for the bloodbath in Central America. Robert Parry may have written a line or two about that.
      Stand-up guy, that Ray.

    • Abe
      March 21, 2018 at 11:38

      As the Russia-gate fictions erode and Israel-gate emerges, the Hasbara troll army is scraping the bottom of the propaganda barrel.

      Here we have “j. D. D.” and the shrill refrain of “BobS”

      For more hilarious Hasbara antics from comrade “BobS”, see the CN comments at
      https://consortiumnews.com/2018/02/26/growing-risk-of-u-s-iran-hostilities-based-on-false-pretexts-intel-vets-warn/

      Comrade “BobS” and fellow Hasbara troll “will” are positively obsessed about Reagan era “dirty wars” Central and South America. That’s understandable.

      Israel has advised, trained and equipped, and ran “dirty war” operations in the Latin American “dirty war” conflicts in Argentina, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Colombia.

      In the case of the Salvadoran “bloodbath”, the Israelis were present from the beginning. Besides arms sales, they helped train ANSESAL, the secret police who were later to form the framework of the infamous death squads that would kill tens of thousands of mostly civilian activists.

      McGovern certainly understands what sort of “ally” Israel can be.

      So keep on yappin’ “BobS”. We got you.

  18. Sam F
    March 20, 2018 at 07:54

    Fair question, Mike, although perhaps annoying at times to very well-meaning people.
    Middle class comfort is indeed the security of a corrupt government, and so affluence destroys democracy.

    As you know, I have advocated a College of Policy Debate constituted to protect all points of view, and to conduct moderated text-only debate among university experts of several disciplines, of the status and possibilities of each world region, and the policy options. Debate summaries commented by all sides are to be made available for public study and comment.

    The debates would require a higher standard of argument in foreign and domestic policy on all sides, and would have much reduced the group-think that led to our endless mad wars since WWII. Extreme and naïve politicians would be easier to expose, and media commentators would have a starting point and a standard for media investigation and analysis.

    While most politicians will ignore and attack careful analysis, and “the common man avoids the truth [because] it is dangerous, no good can come of it, and it doesn’t pay” (Mencken), the CPD can bring the knowledge of society into public debate, educate the electorate, discourage propaganda, and expose the wrongs of society and the corruption of government that desperately need reform.

    If such a rational mechanism fails to awaken the public and cause reform, then we are doomed to overthrow of the dictatorship of the rich, requiring far greater degradation to motivate the people, and greater violence than any previous revolution due to the advance of technology. I fear that both will in fact occur, after a long era of US corruption.

  19. zendeviant
    March 20, 2018 at 06:28

    Greetings from the putrid comfort zone!

    I am certainly ready to act, to aid, to awaken! Hoorah and zippidy do dah!

    NOW. What exactly is it that I need to do? Call my congressman? Make a meme? Jump on any number of bandwagons filled with hate? I don’t want any enemies, I want to heal the planet.

    I watch my best friend immersed in the Qanon labryinth which looks like a “sit on your hands, the white hats (of the spooks) are going to take out the black hats and the deep state will once more be one we can trust and should never question. My wife is of the “hate the trump” to the exclusion of all else.

    I’m not much of a hater. I thought Trump was an asshat back in the 80s, but this country is full of them, and they seem to do well. All those guys in the intelligence “community” are professional liars so…

    Here in my putrid comfort zone, I try mostly to ask questions, open up the discussion, try to keep everyone calm. But that is harder all the time, the screens, the tweets, the debate and the rage.

    There is no “way” to peace; Peace IS the way. –somebody

    I keep thinking of that little woman, playing a man, in “The Year of Living Dangerously.” He sat in tears at the typewriter, typing repeatedly “What, then, must we do?” It’s a good question. (No answer within the film)

    Lots of fixing of the blame, seldom seen fixing the problem. What is the problem? THAT is the question.

    So if you’re wanting me to grab a pitchfork or torch and go on a witch hunt, sorry. Wake me when the looting starts.

    “if you do what you did, you’ll get what you got.”

    • Linda Wood
      March 20, 2018 at 19:04

      zendeviant, I think it will come to a national refusal to fund illegal activity on the part of our federal government. I don’t think it will come to violence, which would accomplish less than nothing. Instead, I think the American people will take legal action to stop the hemorrhage of black funding.

      • Skip Scott
        March 21, 2018 at 10:22

        Linda-

        Funding is not the issue. They just print the money and give it out. Our tax dollars are just demanded to make sure we are in submission. The Pentagon isn’t even audited, and at this point would be impossible to audit. Legal action requires an uncompromised judiciary. Haven’t seen that in my lifetime. It will take real “boots on the ground” from the people to get any real change. TPTB will only budge when their backs are against the wall.

        • cozette
          March 23, 2018 at 09:37

          Skipscot The Pentagon has never been audited. Until now. President Trump ordered a complete audit of everything. Thousands of auditers have been at work for some time. POTUS knows all about the Pentagon Swamp and is going after it. This is just one more reason why he faces such unhinged hatred. It’s too bad you weren’t aware of the amazingly great news earlier. It might have made your day. It did mine!

        • Skip Scott
          March 23, 2018 at 12:05

          cozette-

          You’re right that I was unaware of the impending audit, due in Nov.2018. If it were credible, it would make my day. Excuse my cynicism, but I expect it to be a whitewash. And in what column do you put the “lost” billions from the Iraq war, or the “off the books” operational spending? And what to do about the records that were conveniently destroyed on 9/11?

  20. Olivio
    March 20, 2018 at 04:59

    Very disturbing, all the Trump love im reading here

    • BobS
      March 20, 2018 at 09:14

      consortiumnews has come a long way from where Bob Parry started- it’s now a wholly owned and subscribed subsidiary of Breitbart and Cambridge Analytica.
      Fortunately, when most of these folks leave the keyboard they’re blown off as the crazy friend/uncle/lunchcounter regular, etc.

      • RandyM
        March 20, 2018 at 09:58

        I guess you don’t read many articles here.

  21. March 20, 2018 at 01:43

    Lest we forget…

    Trump thinks climate change is a fraud. That alone makes him an imminent threat to the survival of the human species.

    What could be more important than that? What could argue for change more convincingly?

    Oh, I know, some duel of personalities that misses the main point again and again. That’s how Clinton with help from Obama allowed the election to be even close. They pounded the theme of Trump being an awful person rather than addressing the needs of the people. Same thing with this artlcle. It’s all a waste of time to the disservice of much greater issues.

    • irina
      March 20, 2018 at 03:09

      As I understand it, Trump doesn’t so much “think it’s a fraud” as he thinks that factors
      other than human activities are the main drivers of climate change, so there is no need
      to modify human activities. I live in the subarctic and it’s obvious that many ‘climate change
      switches’ have already been flipped, it’s just that the consequences (which are many, multi-
      faceted, nonlineal, and fairly unpredictable) are only now beginning to manifest.

      While I certainly think that humans are responsible for putting a lot of CO2 into the atmosphere,
      there are other factors which can and do contribute to climate change : solar output is variable
      (at the moment we seem to be heading into a ‘solar minimum’, which is probably a good thing);
      volcanic eruptions play a big role by both ejecting particulate matter into the atmosphere and
      releasing gases into the atmosphere; ocean and atmospheric currents can shift; and glaciers
      can grow or melt quite rapidly due to a variety of factors.

      We may be past the point of no return of ocean acidification and methane release from the
      shallow East Siberian Sea, or we may not. But until the types who are all about the Paris Climate
      Acords put their lifestyles where their mouths are, it’s hard for me to take them seriously.
      Specifically, how exactly did all those scientists / politicians / intellectuals get to Paris ? They
      mostly flew. Why don’t we ever hear about how much jet air travel contributes to climate change ?
      (It’s a significant amount, and that doesn’t include military air travel . . .)

      We can and should conference remotely instead of flying all over the world to ‘combat climate change’.

      • backwardsevolution
        March 20, 2018 at 03:52

        irina – excellent post. I was waiting to pick one of my children up at the airport one day, and I looked online at all the flights that were currently in the air. I could NOT believe it. It was incredible! A sea of flights! No doubt many people on those flights would have agreed with the Paris Climate Accords, gone on about how we must change our ways, without even realizing they’re causing it.

        I am really torn on this question, irina. The Earth is a well-oiled machine. There are forces at play that we cannot override.

        Trump believes “factors other than human activities are the main drivers of climate change.” From my reading, I tend to believe Trump is right.

        Of course, there’s lots we could do. Limiting our population would be a good place to start.

        • mike k
          March 20, 2018 at 13:41

          You need to read up on the overwhelming scientific evidence for human caused climate change. The only “debate” about this in the heads of politicians and industrialists, who have spent millions to muddy the waters around the scientific community’s consensus on this issue. Check it out; they hired the same PR outfit that told us smoking cigarettes
          didn’t cause cancer. The Koch bros. are old hands at bullshitting the public.

          • mike k
            March 20, 2018 at 13:43

            But you are right about the population bomb – it’s got our number on it too.

          • irina
            March 20, 2018 at 16:39

            At this point, I’m mainly just hoping that we manage to avoid a Nuclear Winter.

          • cozette
            March 23, 2018 at 11:04

            Mike K President Trump rightly said that climate change inspired Paris Accord was a fraud. It was a wealth distribution scheme that had nothing to do with addressing the climate. That was just a marketting scheme to sell a horrific deal to the rubes. Thank God Trump didn’t buy into the scam. Additionally, there may be “overwhelming scientic evidence” on any topic. That doesn’t mean the evidence is correct or that conclusion derived from the evidence are accurate. More and more we’re learning how evidence has been falsified and how the “experts” have monetary and professional incentives that influence them. I had no real opinion around climate change until I read AG Lynch wanted to criminalize “climate change denial”. That’s when I knew it was bs. And evil. Do we really not remember when Galileo was branded a heretic and imprisoned for deviating from the scientic communities consensus? Climate change hysterics act like cultists. I’m glad Trump is trying to return us to a respect for the scientific method and the realization that scientific truth is not determined by a majority vote. Quite the opposite.

    • backwardsevolution
      March 20, 2018 at 03:37

      Michael Collins – no doubt we are experiencing climate change. It’s either us doing it (probably), or maybe the Holocene Epoch is ending. Which is it?

      The Earth is way too overpopulated. Do we start with controlling overpopulation? The developed world keeps polluting to its heart’s content, while the developing world is doing its part in burning down every forest they have in order to plant crops. Water shortages are starting to bite.

      We don’t seem to be able to stop ourselves.

    • Skip Scott
      March 20, 2018 at 13:00

      Michael-

      I’m no fan of Trump, but Hillary had absolutely no intention to “address the needs of the people”. They are all globalizing warmongers who know how to say what needs to be said to get elected, and then do whatever their paymasters tell them. Hillary’s speeches to her banker buddies unearthed via Podesta’s email account show that she felt it necessary to have “private views” separate from her “public views”. How much plainer could it be than that!

    • Linda Wood
      March 20, 2018 at 20:21

      Michael Collins, your question is a very good one:

      Trump thinks climate change is a fraud. That alone makes him an imminent threat to the survival of the human species. What could be more important than that?

      From my perspective nuclear war is more important than that.

      Your question and statement say that Trump is a threat because he thinks climate change is a fraud, which tells me you believe removing him from the presidency would make a difference, that we aren’t doomed at this point by climate change. I agree with you. I mean, I want to agree with you.

      But the people working with John Brennan want war with Russia, and it will be a nuclear war. That is also an imminent threat to the survival of the human species, and it is immediate. That is why I support the efforts to expose and indict the CIA and all who work with them for treason. They are an immediate and imminent threat to life on this planet.

      • irina
        March 21, 2018 at 03:42

        Totally agree. Thank you for stating the case so clearly.

    • Dutch
      March 22, 2018 at 11:40

      The single biggest global emitter of CO2 in the world is the US military. The same one Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Barry Hussein deployed more than any other President in history. He also dropped over 250,000 bombs during his presidency. So even if Global Warming wasn’t a complete and total fraud, it’s a stalemate argument. Obama CONTRIBUTED more CO2 to the atmosphere than any other President. Trump passed on a plane trip to France to sign a piece of paper. The VERIFIABLE difference between these these two things from a CO2 perspective is, dare I say, “huuuuuuge”. Trump’s ACTIONS have been far better for the climate (assuming you are among the 20% who even buy this nonsense). Weren’t the Paris Accords written on paper from a chopped down tree? Trump clearly didn’t even want that tree cut down on his behalf. Practice what you preach before you lecture the rest of us. And get your facts straight.

      FYI there are multiple historical accounts of fertile farmlands in both Greenland and Antarctica from 500 years ago. Hard as they try they’ll never dumb people down enough to get them to buy into this joke junkscience. Whether or not they were successful with you.

  22. March 19, 2018 at 23:26

    Imagine if a Trump tweet alleged that a man who was found guilty by the FBI was really innocent. Imagine if Trump tweeted that a man was really guilty despite no evidence found after almost 2 years of investigation.

    What would be the response to either tweet be from the MS Media?

    Our MS Media is nothing more than Democrat Propaganda, and that situation will doom us to Russian interference. Every election the Russians can do the same as 2016: release the truth about justice not served.

    • Mild- ly - Facetious
      March 20, 2018 at 00:22

      Imagine if the ill-informed “patriots” in america planted bombs
      on ‘colored’ people based upon pigment of skin?

      What if Waco Texas was neutralized by Opioid Addiction
      and a U S Government financed Death Penalty?

      How many White People would be eliminated by government
      lethal injection as opposed by Doctor initiated

      Addiction to government PH-scribed pain relievers?
      even as convicted pot smokers go in handcuffs, UpState

      And be counted in Census as population Data
      though they are sycophant/not accounted as citizens

      This is America, where the weak get discoid/delusioned/
      counted out daily beneath the banner of “God-less America”

      And the “patriotic” embolism of Kate Smith’s “GBA,
      land that i love/ stand beside her/ and guide her

      as she descends into The Labyrinth of Octavio Paz… .

      • Deniz
        March 20, 2018 at 11:58

        Another paid Troll.

        • mike k
          March 20, 2018 at 13:47

          There’s a difference between being facetious and being nuts. This post is plainly bonkers.

    • mike k
      March 20, 2018 at 13:51

      Except it was not the Russians that released those truths, it was from WikiLeaks who probably got it from Seth Rich. Which action got Seth murdered.

  23. March 19, 2018 at 21:59

    The mention of John Brennan brings to mind the bizarre death of Rolling Stone’s writer, Michael Hastings, who was reported to be working on a story about Brennan just before he had his “accident”.

    https://news.vice.com/article/primary-sources-emails-show-fbi-worked-to-debunk-conspiracy-theories-following-michael-hastings-death

    • Mild- ly - Facetious
      March 19, 2018 at 22:39

      Millions thanx, Bob H for this reminder of Michael Hastings’ murder /// and of the “Putin-esk” eliminations of truth tellers within our own borders.

      How Come Their TOTAL SILENCE regarding Reality Leigh Winner???? !!!!!

      What truth did She Uncover/Expose ?????

      SPEAK !!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!! !!!!!!

      • Anon
        March 20, 2018 at 08:21

        Cut your disgusting bullying with capitalized words and bursts of punctuation marks.
        If you have a point, make it calmly and rationally. Otherwise stay out of the debate.

    • geeyp
      March 20, 2018 at 01:57

      Any time, Mr. H., that you come across an article pertaining to Michael Hastings, I need to see it. So please carry on! I haven’t seen this one.

      • geeyp
        March 20, 2018 at 02:05

        Having read it now, I wouldn’t expect too much from the Hoover Org. This, what I have referred to as a drone attack or a remote vehicle hack, was done with the encouragement of the man who Ray’s article pertains to!

      • March 20, 2018 at 09:50

        The best website for Investigative videos is “The Corbett Report” In my opinion. It has been linked by several commentators here at CN, but now James Corbett has made it much more professional looking. You need to look up Michael Hastings(for example) in the search box.Most of the suspicious “accidents” and “suicides” have been archived. They often had a spooky flair with a candle and the title”Requium for…”. Once you connect the dots on all these “coincidences” it is not difficult to deduce that they are likely to have some connection with a nefarious intelligence “operation”. James’s latest work is more polished and has some great interviews and essays. One essay entitled “Why Economists are Always Wrong” I thought was brilliant( I included it in the most recent post on my blog). But anyway, here’s the link… explore the website…it has a wealth of information(and it’s worth supporting). https://www.corbettreport.com/category/podcasts/

        • geeyp
          March 20, 2018 at 14:51

          Thank you for mentioning James’ Report. I have seen quite a few of his Reports and enjoy the conciseness of his delivery. I have not seen the “spooky Requiem for ..” yet though i will check it out. I’ve also seen a few of his shows on g. research.ca as I am sure you have also. He joins with Michel Cherdorovsky(sp?) on occasion.

          • geeyp
            March 20, 2018 at 15:10

            Richard Wolff is another common sense economist you may or may not have read or listened to his talks. Check him out when you get a chance.

          • March 20, 2018 at 19:25

            geeyp…Richard Wolff is an outstanding speaker. His articulation on very complex subjects is sine qua non towards understanding much of the scam in economics in my estimation. After attending one of his lectures locally, here in Sonoma, I was inspired to attend a a peace conference in Modragon, Spain which was very interesting in itself(Mondragon operates the largest worker cooperative with worldwide sophisticated products from high-tech to supermarkets). At the conference I met Nick St Clair who has just produced an outstanding documentary entitled “Uberland”. It tells the story of” the race to the bottom” through the eyes or 4 Uber drivers and Richard Wolff is one of the narrators.

      • cmp
        March 20, 2018 at 12:27

        Read the numerous stories’ about Aubrey McClendon and his subsequent car crash. The crash was on March 2nd of 2016, and it was very similar to M.H.’s; as well.

  24. March 19, 2018 at 21:22

    I have posted this article in several sites on Facebook, it’s getting shared, great clear look at events in the rotting sack called DC. #CLEANUPTHEFBI

  25. Tom
    March 19, 2018 at 21:18

    Facebook and Cambridge Analytica deliberately manipulated the 2016 race. But nobody’s been investigated, interviewed by the FBI, indicted or tried. How then are the Deep State Powers that be going to handle this?

    • cozette
      March 23, 2018 at 10:41

      Tom FB has been involved in elections since Obama credited social media for his election win. This was common knowledge since 2008. Hillary had massive support from Silicon Valley. This too was common knowledge. Trump was sneered at for having a minor social media operation. CA bought data mined info from. Didn’t everyone already know FB mines and sells their users data? This is all perfectly legal. By the way CAs claim to have had any influence on Trumps win has been toally debunked. They were peddling that bs to drum up customers. Trumps shoestring digital campaign was run by Kushner and Pascale who used the RNC data base. It was an organic, volunteer driven fun filled operation. It’s nice that Trump hatred is getting people to look at the CIA/Social Medias ability to manipulate perception so yea for Trump Derangement Syndrome. The CIA is doing the same via the MSM and Hollywood. Maybe we’ll even get the TDS sufferers to realize that the Obama WH illegally spied on over 20 MILLION Americans, including Trump and everyone he knew. Bush started the spying when Trump publically questioned the 9/11 narrative and then the Iraq War. Whatever it takes to wake people up so we can join forces against the corrupt forces in DC who pretend to be members of opposing parties. Lol. Thank God for our POTUS.

  26. Kenneth Rapoza
    March 19, 2018 at 20:46

    Who makes the laws? He who makes the laws can break the laws. I would bet my life that Brenna, Hillary and all the “deep state” actors do not see one second in jail nor pay a nickel in fines.

    • backwardsevolution
      March 19, 2018 at 22:22

      Comey and McCabe were fired for breaking the law. Lots of laws have been broken. The only thing separating the U.S. and a Third World country is the Rule of Law. Start breaking laws and looking the other way on corruption and you’ve got a Banana Republic.

      Jail time coming up for some of them.

      • Mild- ly - Facetious
        March 19, 2018 at 22:47

        Jail time coming up for some of them. . .

        hopefully it’ll be the entireTrump discombobulation, please find,

        “Trump Revealed: An American Journey of Ambition, Ego, Money and Power”

        • backwardsevolution
          March 20, 2018 at 00:41

          Mild – with absolutely no evidence, you can say that with a straight face? Where’s the Trump/Russia collusion we’ve been hearing about for the past year and a half? And “ambition, ego, money and power” are not crimes. It’s only when they’re mixed with corruption, like Hillary Clinton and her Uranium One and Clinton Foundation. Yes, jail time is coming.

    • E. Leete
      March 20, 2018 at 13:29

      “Give me control over a nation’s money and I care not who makes the laws.” – Meyer A Rothschild

      Whoever controls the creation and destruction of money, as well as credit regulation (this is the deep state; the massive financial matrix including the MIC – all run by wealthpower giants with their insatiable desires for power to control nothing less than the entire planet) controls the government including the spook/spy agencies (this is the shadow government).

      the two are intimately connected, of course, and function thru unbridled unconstitutional powers of secrecy – empowered by the state secrets privilege

      nothing changes until we once and for all time do away with the bankers having the power to issue our money as debt

      because, again, it all starts with private control of money creation – the most enormous farce in all of history and it rules yet today

      “The real truth of the matter is, as you and I know, that a financial element in the large centers has owned the government ever since the days of Andrew Jackson.” –Franklin Delano Roosevelt

      “Behind the ostensible government sits enthroned an invisible government owing no allegiance and acknowledging no responsibility to the people.” –Theodore Roosevelt

      “Since I entered politics, I have chiefly had men’s views confided to me privately. Some of the biggest men in the United States, in the field of commerce and manufacture, are afraid of somebody, are afraid of something. They know that there is a power somewhere so organized, so subtle, so watchful, so interlocked, so complete, so pervasive, that they had better not speak above their breath when they speak in condemnation of it.” –Woodrow Wilson

      • mike k
        March 20, 2018 at 13:56

        Excellent post. Thank you!

      • backwardsevolution
        March 20, 2018 at 17:58

        E. Leete – very well said. Thank you.

  27. Opus Doi
    March 19, 2018 at 19:40

    America will triumph over you. Wo wo wo. Wo wo wo. Doo doo-doo doo doo! ?

    Brennan is history’s most hilarious DCI. His grandiose hissy fit suggests that CIA continues the Dulles tradition of infiltrating the civil service with ‘focal points -‘ illegal CIA moles infiltrating US government agencies – and the IG fumigated one key out in firing McCabe.

    • backwardsevolution
      March 19, 2018 at 20:35

      Opus Doi – and the MSM and the Left see the “crime” being that McCabe was fired, not that McCabe broke the law. Kind of like when they didn’t see a crime in Hillary using her own personal servers, but saw the crime as being that the emails might have been hacked by a foreign government. That they had no evidence of this didn’t matter.

      Brennan sounds like a desperate man. They must be getting closer to him.

      • Mild- ly - Facetious
        March 19, 2018 at 22:21

        There was no crime in her use of personal servers. — The release of those e-mails proves their innocents (to dummies)…

        The “crime” committed was Comey’s late release of those e-mails which handed the presidency to the venally corrupt Trump, a viciously corrupt,seditious tyrant.

        When will you ridiculous/Hillary Haters add-up the reality /focus on the bogus presidency of the banally ignorant/self-serving presidency of the narcissistic Donald Trump, a life long loser only upheld by court cases forced into capitulation by intimidating tactics based upon an imminent threat of an incapacitating debt.

        Mr. Trump is a comparative study of Charles Dickens specially now in his his call for the Death Penalty for drug users? as opposed to a death penalty for Political Contributing Drug Producers vis-a-vis street users or sellers in this arena/age of Opioid addiction induced by industrially induced medical doctors who’re industrially induced into Med School Bill payoffs compromises taken in the road-to-success impeded by the easy path wherein the family of the life threatened person means, tragically little to the improvident / overworked doctor who holds a precious life in the balance/abdication, abatement / pronouncement of The End of a Cherished Being – an Offspring, a Deeply Loved One.

        If you know not of that experience, you’re likely a Trump supporter who believes in and adheres to the human ignorance of Trump.

        Your reward awaits you within the darkness of Norman Mailer’s “The Harlots Ghost”
        ‘To Be Continued’

        • Mild- ly - Facetious
          March 19, 2018 at 22:54

          dupe

          to cheat someone by telling lies or by deceiving the person:
          “They duped me into giving them money by saying it would go to charity.”

        • backwardsevolution
          March 20, 2018 at 00:36

          Mild – Hillary was warned not to use her own personal servers by her staff. She ignored them. Because of this, her emails were susceptible to hacking and, surprise, surprise, several foreign governments did hack into her data. She had classified information on those servers. That’s a no-no. I think it’s called “felonious dissemination of classified material”. No intent is required for there to be a crime.

          Some of the crimes were that Comey drafted an exoneration letter of Hillary Clinton months before she was ever interviewed. She was also under subpoena to hand over “all” emails, but she took it upon herself to delete over 30,000 of them. These were “subpoenaed” emails. Who just takes it upon themselves to destroy subpoenaed documents? She had her hard drives destroyed. She handed over her cell phones without the SIM cards in them.

          The FBI never even forensically examined her hard drives; they left that up to Crowdstrike. Yeah, like the FBI would ever do that!

          Her husband, Bill Clinton, coincidentally (yeah, right!) meets Loretta Lynch on an Arizona tarmac for 45 minutes. The Attorney-General of the United States, who has the wife of this man under investigation, stops to talk with him? What? Who does that? A first year law student wouldn’t have done this. Loretta Lynch should have been fired on the spot. Instead, she leaves the decision up to Comey. That’s not Comey’s job. His job is to pass on the evidence he collects to the Attorney-General. She, or someone in her department, makes the decision, not Comey.

          I know all about addiction. It isn’t pretty. A destroyer of lives. Trump’s brother was an alcoholic, I believe, who died early. He warned Trump never to smoke or drink, and Trump took his advice. He does neither. He saw what it did to his loved one.

          I’m also a great admirer of Charles Dickens, one of the greatest writers ever to live! But even his characters are rife with repeating the same behaviors over and over again, even destructive ones. You can’t help an addict that isn’t ready for your help, unless you want to bash your head into a brick wall repeatedly. I know. I’ve been there and done that.

          The opioid epidemic didn’t just start on Trump’s watch. It really got kicked into high gear after the 2008 financial crisis. Doctors were prescribing opioids to whole towns, thinking it was better for them to get disability than be out on the streets. Wrong move. People are getting their hands on these pills, and then reselling them, making small fortunes. And a lot of these opioids are being laced with Fentanyl (coming in from China). Deadly stuff!

          The country has completely lost its moral center, its communities, its sense of decency. This has been happening for decades now. It’s a great shame what has happened to a once-great country.

          • Anon
            March 20, 2018 at 08:13

            Well said. “Mild” has long been attacking rather than arguing with his opponents.

          • Skip Scott
            March 20, 2018 at 08:58

            Hi B.E.-

            The whole story of Hillary’s using a personal server for all communications, including classified material, is something I found incredibly stupid. I am a retired Radio Operator, and worked for an MSC contracted ship for my last six years, and had “secret” clearance. Our computer had a separate hard drive for all classified communications, that was removed after each download/upload and stored in a safe. If I had mishandled any classified info, I have no doubt I’d be in prison. Hillary is even quoted as saying she thought the (c) in communications didn’t refer to “classified”, but was an enumeration, although she never bothered to ask where the (a) and (b) were. The law requires “gross negligence” for prosecution, and Peter Strzok had it changed in the report to “extreme carelessness”. If that isn’t an interference in the judicial process, I don’t know what is.

          • backwardsevolution
            March 20, 2018 at 21:25

            Hi, Skip. I’m glad you followed orders and didn’t end up in the brig. Hillary, on the other hand, seems to like to ignore rules. When asked if she wiped her servers clean, she had the gall to say, “Do you mean with a cloth?” Talk about feigning ignorance. Her life was the government, and to think that she didn’t know what “classified” meant is too much of a stretch for anyone.

            She knew exactly what she was doing. She just never dreamed that she’d get caught. She didn’t want to use the government servers because they have a back-up system, and when you’re trying to elicit money from foreign governments in exchange for favors, you don’t want to be on a system with a back-up. You want to be able to control that system yourself, as in deleting everything. She was trying to get around future Freedom of Information requests by having her own servers.

            And that Peter Strzok, who the heck is this guy and who gave him permission to change the wording? And he’s the same guy who interviewed General Flynn. The whole thing stinks. There is no way that Strzok would have done what he did without someone higher up telling him to. Hillary’s helpers were all given immunity before they even started talking, and apparently they weren’t interviewed separately, but all together in one room. What?

            Skip, you have a nice day and don’t let this stuff get you down.

    • Opus Doi
      March 20, 2018 at 07:56

      See how this works? The article is about Brennan. The comment is about Brennan’s CIA. But immersive CIA propaganda immediately diverts the topic to CIA’s synthetic warring factions, Hillary! Trump! Hillary! Trump!

      People need to come to grips with the fact that the past four presidents – the ones you hate and the ones you like – were all drawn from CIA nomenklatura. DCI Bush; Bill Clinton, recruited by Cord Meyer at Oxford; spy brat and hopeless Arubusto ‘wildcatter’ GW Bush; and Obama, son of spooks, grandson of spooks, greased into Harvard by Alwaleed bin-Talal’s bagman, invisible student at Columbia, honored guest of the future acting president of Pakistan before his career even started. Before CIA took over directly they thwarted (Truman, Eisenhower’s disarmament plan, Carter’s human rights initiative,) purged (Nixon, Carter,) shot at (Ford,) and shot (Kennedy, Reagan) their presidential figureheads.

      CIA runs your country. You’re not going to get anywhere until you stop bickering about their presidential puppet rulers.

      • backwardsevolution
        March 20, 2018 at 17:54

        Opus – good points.

  28. Abe
    March 19, 2018 at 19:24

    Chuck Schumer is a leading Democratic Party figure of the pro-Israel Lobby and a rabid Senate warhawk:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=456&v=DlV5WChUWFk

    Kevin Zeese: “He basically is a Senator for Israel. He totally supports the Israeli foreign policy viewpoint, which is a very hawkish, if you were a Republican you would call him a neocon.”

    Ariel Gold: “He has come out in strong opposition to the Boycott Divestment and Sanctions movement and was very supportive of New York Governor Cuomo’s order to ban BDS in New York state, and Schumer made a direct statement in support of that.”

    Thomas Hedges: “Schumer’s staunch support for Israel has prompted him for example, to criticize the Obama administration, when in 2016, the United States abstained from a UN Security Council resolution re-affirming something the Council had almost unanimously upheld since 1979. Namely, that Israel’s settlement building projects on Palestinian land violated international law.”

    Ben Norton: “Schumer criticized the Obama administration for abstaining on this very basic resolution, which every other country voted for. So the US was still a pariah, because the US didn’t vote for it, it just abstained on it. But to Schumer that was not enough, he wanted it to be completely vetoed, because anything that Israel does is sacrosanct, and anyone who criticizes it, in Schumer’s eyes, is not someone he wants to ally with politically, so he’d rather affectively ally with Trump.”

    Thomas Hedges: “The most recent showing of that allegiance was […] when Schumer supported Trump’s decision to launch an air strike on an Air Force base in Syria, something Israel also strongly supported. […] But perhaps Schumer’s greatest show of allegiance to Israel, was his decision to oppose the Iran nuclear deal, without which experts have warned, would put the United States and Iran on a collision course.”

    Ben Norton: “Under President Obama, Schumer was one of the most prominent Democrats to oppose the Iran nuclear deal, and he was of course fearmongering about Iran, which to him is the devil incarnate, and he actually made factually false statements about the nuclear agreement, and claimed that it would allow Iran in 10 years to produce nuclear weapons etc.”

    Thomas Hedges: “Leading up to his decision, Schumer reassured Zionists that he was consulting the most credentialed men in Washington, including Henry Kissinger, an opponent of the deal, and the man who orchestrated the violent coup in Chile that toppled its democratically elected leader, as well as the architect of the very bloody Vietnam war.”

    Chuck Schumer: I spent some time with Dr. Kissinger, I’m spending time with excellence.

    Ariel Gold: So it threatened to pull us into another war, and we’re back in that threat again with Trump winning the election we hear a lot about undoing the Iran nuclear deal, and it’s one of the things that Israel has been saying they would like to see come out of the Trump administration.

    Thomas Hedges: Schumer’s willingness to oppose the deal early on, which created an opening for other undecided Democrats to do the same, is a strong display of support for Israel.

    • JWalters
      March 19, 2018 at 22:32

      Spot on about Chuck Schumer. The following link, from a Jewish-run, anti-Zionist website, proves that Schumer lies to Americans for the benefit of Israel. He puts Israel’s interests above those of the US. He is an Israeli mole in the US government.

      “Schumer says he opposed the Iran deal because of ‘threat to Israel’”
      http://mondoweiss.net/2018/03/schumer-opposed-because/

  29. jaycee
    March 19, 2018 at 19:23

    A word of caution – the intensely partisan fighting may induce a certain fascination as a spectator, like eye-witnessing the aftermath of a vehicle accident, but what is happening is without precedent, at least in modern history. Former heads of the nation’s top intelligence organization do not attack sitting presidents, let alone in such a visceral vituperative and public fashion. This is indication of deep fissures, quite beyond politics as most citizens understand.
    As the World Socialist Web Site published today:

    “There is no recent parallel for statements and actions such as those of the past three days. One would have to go back to the period before the American Civil War to find equivalent levels of tension, which in the late 1850s erupted in violence in the halls of Congress before exploding in full-scale military conflict.”

    Trump is a maverick outsider so it’s hard to get a handle on what or who he represents, but the Brennan/deep state side of the dispute is very much aligned with the corporate DNC Democratic Party. That they seem, by Brennan’s comments, to consider themselves as the representation of “America” as they abandon constitutional and etiquette norms and articulate visceral hatred towards political rivals should serve as fair warning.

    • Mild- ly - Facetious
      March 19, 2018 at 19:34

      jaycee — “Trump is a maverick outsider so it’s hard to get a handle on what or who he represents”

      please find “Trump Revealed: An American Journey of Ambition, Ego, Money and Power”.

    • backwardsevolution
      March 19, 2018 at 20:25

      jaycee – great post. I agree with what you’ve said: what is happening IS without precedent, Brennan/deep state ARE aligned with the Democrats, and they believe only THEY represent the true “America”.

      Dangerous game by very dangerous people who are systematically destroying the Constitution in their quest to retain power.

      Over and over I’ve heard people who know Trump well say that he listens to them, but then makes up his own mind. They say he wants to stay true to what he promised to the American people, that that is actually important to him. Of course he’s willing to compromise some, but he wants the basics of what he promised.

      If the Swamp takes him out, the lid is going to come off.

  30. March 19, 2018 at 18:49

    testing

  31. March 19, 2018 at 18:46

    Testing

  32. F. G. Sanford
    March 19, 2018 at 18:22

    That “moral turpitude” reference seems to imply that there is some – yet to be revealed – scandal held in abeyance, fully capable of delivering a decisive blow. And, the “deep staters” are merely waiting for the right moment to pull this shark-toothed rabbit out of the hat. I can’t help but wonder what you suspect they’ll try next, Ray…but this whole thing reminds me of an old friend’s advice given to me during a dark and desolate period of my own life: “If they had something really good, they’d have used it by now.”

    • Mild- ly - Facetious
      March 19, 2018 at 19:24

      Bob Dylan’s “Masters of War”, written in 1963,

      Introduced a Massively Egalitarian era of
      United States history and opened points of departure

      from acceptance to the ‘status quo/follow-flow
      and a hold-your-breath- and close your eyes leap into

      The Great American National Debate over ‘Racial Equality’ –

      Dylan opened many doors and minds –
      James Baldwin wasn’t seen, at all and/
      Bob Marley genius/ murdered by the CIA

      Samuel P. Huntington wrote a little treatise named, The Crisis of Democracy.
      His ideas let to the “Reagan Era” with his Transformative Proclamation,

      “THE CIVIL RIGHTS ERA IS OVER!” and he was revered as a savior.

      — John Lennon was horribly Murdered.

      Then they exploded the genocidal weapon of $1.00 “Crack” / and
      Millions of Perpetually Unemployed People became Permanently Disabled.

      Masters of War and Warfare Masters.

      how can there be peace

      when the devil never cease to foment

      distortion, destruction and death?

      XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

      now we’re faced with Trump’s Death Penalty decree
      as Purdue Pharmacy and Company accumulate wealth
      PUSHING their lethal / addictive DRUG in foreign countries
      under the protection of US trade policies and the approval of
      Trump’s audacious propagation of A Death Penalty
      4 felony drug arrestees In America exacerbated/inundated
      with legally sanctioned misrepresentations, verdicts and
      legal assaults against People with Court arranged “Arbitration”/
      “Propitiation” and push backward into homeless impoverishment/

      **************************************************************************

      I am so glad to see F.G. Sanford back on these pages.
      You are as the refreshing of spring –
      birds singing and the blossoming of renewed life.

    • Abe
      March 19, 2018 at 19:31

      Unrestrained surveillance provides unlimited kompromat.

      Now who besides the unfortunately named U.S. “intelligence community” has digital access to that all juicy information, which is to say, who wields unlimited political leverage. Very likely it’s Russkies aplenty, but they ain’t livin’ in Russia.

      Good to hear from you, F.G.

    • Abe
      March 19, 2018 at 19:38

      Unrestrained surveillance provides unlimited kompromat.

      Who besides the unfortunately named U.S. “intelligence community” has digital access to that all juicy information, which is to say, who wields unlimited political leverage?

      For sure they are a Russian-speaking “community”, but they ain’t livin’ in Russia no more.

      Good to hear from you, F.G.

      • Abe
        March 20, 2018 at 00:07

        It’s truly amazing what that plucky Russian (and Ukrainian)-speaking “community” can provide:
        – chemical agents and nuclear materials (deliverable by aerial drone or up close and personal, of course),
        – rusty weapons parts and busted “barrel bombs” (I understand their “community” pioneered the IED concept),
        – even the occasional Russian missile or aircraft.

        Sadly, they aren’t able to provide the one thing that the U.S. “intelligence community” can never quite seem to find: satellite photos.

        But don’t worry, folks. We don’t have to take nobody’s word for nuthin’. YouTube and Google Earth and “online investigations” from Eliot Higgins and Bellingcat (and you can “verify” too) have that all covered.

        Rest assured, that plucky Russian (and Ukrainian)-speaking “community” has something really, really “good”. They’ve already used it a few times. That worked so well that their gonna use it again. Like real soon.

      • Abe
        March 20, 2018 at 00:12

        It’s truly amazing what that plucky Russian (and Ukrainian)-speaking “community” can provide:
        – chemical agents and nuclear materials (deliverable by aerial drone or up close and personal, of course),
        – rusty weapons parts and busted “barrel bombs” (I understand their “community” pioneered the IED concept),
        – even the occasional Russian missile or aircraft.

        Sadly, they aren’t able to provide the one thing that the U.S. “intelligence community” can never quite seem to find: satellite photos.

        But don’t worry, folks. We don’t have to take nobody’s word for nuthin’. YouTube and Google Earth and “online investigations” from Eliot Higgins and Bellingcat (and you can “verify” too) have that all covered.

        Rest assured, that plucky Russian (and Ukrainian)-speaking “community” has plenty of something. They’re using it now and they’re gonna keep on using it. Unless somebody finds some satellite photos.

    • Bob Van Noy
      March 19, 2018 at 20:21

      So good to hear from you F. G. Sanford…

    • geeyp
      March 20, 2018 at 01:41

      Good to see you here again, F.G.

    • Gregory Herr
      March 20, 2018 at 19:38

      My eyes just lit up! Good to hear from you.

  33. Bart Hansen
    March 19, 2018 at 17:28

    That “six ways from Sunday” saying may keep Schumer in line; but for Trump, what could they possibly have against him that would in the least embarrass or bother his voters, himself or his family? Day after day he crosses a variety of moral red lines.

    • backwardsevolution
      March 19, 2018 at 17:51

      Bart Hansen – the other day I crossed the line during a heated debate, which I seldom get into. But this day my buttons got pressed and I reacted, said things I shouldn’t have (as did the other person). This was just one occasion. I cannot imagine being hounded 24/7 by negative reporting, false stories, made-up dossiers, witch hunts. If that happened to me, then all bets are off on my even-keel nature.

      Trump is definitely uncouth, but given what he’s had to put up with, I’m going to cut him some slack. Push somebody enough, they are going to say stupid things.

  34. March 19, 2018 at 16:55

    Article of interest at link below.
    ————————————————————————–
    “WASHINGTON BREAKS OUT THE “JUST FOLLOWING ORDERS” NAZI DEFENSE FOR CIA DIRECTOR-DESIGNATE GINA HASPEL”
    Jon Schwarz

    Mar. 15
    https://theintercept.com/2018/03/15/washington-breaks-out-the-just-following-orders-nazi-defense-for-cia-director-designate-gina-haspel/

  35. Michael Wilk
    March 19, 2018 at 16:06

    Speaking for myself, I’d love nothing more than to see that degenerate orange-painted child take the intel agencies and their scum-willing leaders down several pegs, just to remind them who is supposed to be working for whom. Alas, the Great Orange Dope hasn’t the brains to do anything but screw things up. But give the boy credit for trying, bless his toupée-glue-crusted head.

    • backwardsevolution
      March 19, 2018 at 17:04

      Dumb like a fox: to be smart or cunning, but pretend you don’t know what you’re doing.

      President Trump is letting them hang themselves. As someone said above, he is smoking them out. It is working beautifully too. Who, besides Trump, could have or would have put up with what he’s had to contend with? It took a tough, hard-shelled individual who wouldn’t cow, someone who would hang in there long enough while the others (the Inspector General, intelligence committees) could do their work.

      I grant you that President Trump’s brain is not like Slick Willy’s or polished smooth like the last Narcissist in Chief, but he’s right about a lot of things: you can’t have a country without borders; you can’t have a country without making your own steel and a healthy manufacturing base; and you can’t have a country run by the intelligence agencies.

      I’m putting my money on Trump.

      • Michael Wilk
        March 19, 2018 at 17:50

        That might be true if this country respected the borders of other nations or if it actually brought back steel-making and a healthy manufacturing base. But Caligula Drumpf never intended to bring any of that back, nor will he even try. Oh, he’ll make a few token statements bragging about his exaggerated actions having actually achieved success, but that’s all it will be is empty boasting. Let’s face it: Drumpf supporters were had.

        • backwardsevolution
          March 19, 2018 at 18:11

          Too early to call. It took years to ship all of the jobs overseas (thanks, Slick Willy!), and it will take years to bring them back. Did you think Trump was magical, that he could bring the jobs back in one year with the wave of a wand or something? I mean, he’s been a tad busy fighting the intelligence community, hasn’t he?

          If given the chance, he will secure the borders, decrease immigration, institute a merit-based immigration system, bring some jobs back (a lot are being automated). The globalists are losing, but it takes time.

          The Swamp will take time to drain as well, but it’s proceeding along quite nicely.

          • March 20, 2018 at 09:05

            But Drumpf won’t even try to bring the jobs back. This is not a matter of how quickly he can do something he’s never going to do, but about his will to actually follow through on his campaign promises. There’s simply no reason to believe Drumpf will bother. Why would he? He’s got no stake in bringing manufacturing back to the U.S.

        • cozette
          March 23, 2018 at 10:11

          Michael Wilk Why the negative hallucinations? Caligula Drumpf is hysterically funny btw. Historically and factually untrue but still funny.

      • cozette
        March 23, 2018 at 10:07

        It amuses me that people think Trump is stupid. He’s factually a top tier genius with an old school ivy league education and acess since the 70s to the worlds top minds. He has written many times that its very advantageous to convince adversaries that you’re a bumbling idiot. He mentions its a hard skill to master when you’re very bright but well worth the effort. Beyond that, he’s a life long student of Sun Tzus Art of War. The book emphasizes the importance of deception with advise such as “when strong, appear weak”. Anyway, Trump appears to be wildly successful at fooling many which makes me smile. This increases his chances of success. And ours. On the other hand, those who can’t see the truth are missing out on so much fun.

  36. KiwiAntz
    March 19, 2018 at 16:03

    What a Banana Republic America has become? Russia has just had it’s election & we have had all the usual negative comments by Western Leaders regarding Putin & Russia’s supposed lack of a democratic process in voting? Russians, at least, voted for a well known individual in Putin with a proven track record, so they know exactly what they can look forward to, secure in that knowledge of certainty? Russia has no Deepstate puppeteer’s pulling the strings behind the scenes! Contrast that with America? The whole Political system is corrupt & dominated by Corporate money paying off its Leaders? The sick joke is America claims it’s a Democracy which it isn’t? It’s a Fascist Oligarchy ruled by a unelected Deepstate, & it doesn’t matter what Party or Leader you voted for, the Deepstate, shadow Govt never just marches on & rules? It also raises the issue, is there any point in American’s actually getting out & voting every 4 yrs, they may as well just stay home & have a beer instead, as this electoral process is a complete & utter farce! America’s Deepstate Govt doesn’t need or care for your vote? Your vote doesn’t matter in the overall scheme of things? And that, by definition, is what America has become, a Banana Republic!

    • Typingperson
      March 20, 2018 at 00:47

      True. And sad.

  37. Bob Van Noy
    March 19, 2018 at 15:22

    I hope we get at least that far Bob Ford. That is why I always mention extra-governmental, a Citizens Tribunal.

    • Bob Van Noy
      March 19, 2018 at 15:39

      Craig Murray has been totally reliable on Russiagate from the beginning. There is an excellent synopsis of his web reporting with commentary at Unz for those interested.

      http://www.unz.com/article/russian-to-judgement/

      • Mild- ly - Facetious
        March 19, 2018 at 17:32

        Thanx for the link, Bob and for your steadfast position.

      • JWalters
        March 19, 2018 at 22:24

        Excellent link. Thanks very much. His theory that the murder of the ex-Russian spy in England was an Israeli false flag operation seems to me the most plausible theory, for the reasons he states. And it fits so well into the overall picture.

        • Bob Van Noy
          March 20, 2018 at 08:43

          Thank you back, it’s all about networking…

  38. Mild- ly - Facetious
    March 19, 2018 at 15:22

    Ray Mc Govern – Putting Down a Marker — “It isn’t as though Donald Trump wasn’t warned, as are all incoming presidents,
    of the power of the Deep State that he needs to play ball with — or else.”
    ()
    I dare present to you, Ray McGovern, the qualities of character vs. the qualities of caricature.

    I present to you, if you’d dare to indulge me, the Indubitable biographical character of these two “elevated” / “perceived” masters or conductors of A Construction of Champions built upon Character/Commitment , and Determination/Dedication and the physical commitment / exhaustion in training that is required to become the decades long champion that he is.

    A Champion Humanities Figure vis-a-vis the current US President who escapes cheating thru bogus court defenses and is at best a New York Bogus Artist/Escapist out of Criminal Embezzlement many times over, by means of refutation and embezzlement.
    ()
    Roger Federer – Character and Persona

    Beyond even the numbers and a recognition of Federer’s sublime fitness, any Federer analysis must also discuss the man himself and his game. Roger Federer has had all of the qualities that sportsmen treasure in a champion: he is humble, gracious, tenacious, kind, caring, competitive and an extremely hard worker.

    In victory, he does not gloat. In defeat, he makes no excuses, crediting his conquerors. Off the court, he is a family man who gives time and money to numerous charities.

    In short, he is the anti-type to the tennis brat that seemed to dominate the men’s scene for so many years.
    Who Federer is as a person comes through when he is on the court.

    On the other hand, Trump has been a Master Manipulator thru lawsuits, buy-outs and sell-outs in his world of subterfuge and illusion.

    His “Fake News” denouncements as subterfuge is, to his followers, the equivalent of a missed-line call in a championship tennis match.

    When the camera zeros in on the ball landing,
    it shows clearly that Trumps ”legalistic’ call of a ‘foul’ is coexistent
    w/Ray Mc Govern – Putting Down a Marker

    “It isn’t as though Donald Trump wasn’t warned, as are all incoming presidents,
    of the power of the Deep State that he needs to play ball with — or else.”

    ()

    I dare present to you, Ray McGovern, the qualities of character vs. the qualities of caricature.

    I present to you, if you’d dare to indulge me, the Indubitable biographical character of these two “elevated” / “perceived” masters or conductors of A Construction of Champions built upon Character/Commitment , and Determination/Dedication and the physical commitment / exhaustion in training that is required to become the champion that’s shown in the character of one Rodger Federer

    A true Champion Not Ever to be compared too the idiomatic neophyte (apprentice in chief) DONALD TRUMP…………….?

    • Mild- ly - Facetious
      March 19, 2018 at 15:31

      for the audience
      please / compare
      and contrast… !

    • will
      March 20, 2018 at 13:39

      and a guy who just loved what Roy Cohn did for him, too!

  39. Bob Ford
    March 19, 2018 at 15:15

    It is imperative to bring about a cleansing of the FBI and DOJ, removing high-ranking officials who place politics and personal agendas ahead of enforcing the law fairly and without bias. Will that mean a “war” with the deep state? Or are there enough people within the FBI and DOJ who WANT to remove the stains from their agencies? If so, we may see more corruption exposed in the coming days.
    A cleansing of the CIA or NSA is probably not feasible, even though it is sorely needed. If the president tried, he would probably be regime-changed.

  40. Dr. Ip
    March 19, 2018 at 15:06

    “Trump and Brennan represent equally criminal factions of the ruling class, divided over foreign policy, particularly in the civil war in Syria, and more generally towards Russia.

    Brennan and the Democrats speak for powerful sections of the military-intelligence apparatus embittered by the failure of US intervention in Syria and Trump’s apparent abandonment of the Islamic fundamentalist groups armed by the CIA to fight the Russian and Iranian-backed government of President Bashar al-Assad. They want to push further into the Syrian slaughter, regardless of the risk of open military conflict with Russia, the world’s second strongest nuclear power.”

    https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2018/03/19/pers-m19.html

    • cozette
      March 23, 2018 at 09:53

      Dr ip Trump represents a criminal faction of the ruling elite? Lol. These hallucinations are pure fear porn meant to divide people so the global cabal remains in power. It’s sad people still buy into such negative fiction.

  41. Gregory Kruse
    March 19, 2018 at 14:05

    “Shortly before his re-election in 2012, Obama reportedly was braced at a small dinner party by wealthy donors who wanted to know whatever happened to the ‘progressive Obama.’ The President did not take kindly to the criticism, rose from the table, and said, ‘Don’t you remember what happened to Dr. King?’”

  42. Herry Smith
    March 19, 2018 at 13:51

    I remember that Larry Johnson described this threat in detail more than a year ago

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMkR_5Sesgg

    It was on RT but he made a lot of sense. Appears to have been vindicated.

    • backwardsevolution
      March 19, 2018 at 16:39

      Herry Smith – thanks for posting that interview. Larry Johnson was excellent, articulate, and he’s going to be proven right.

  43. Deniz
    March 19, 2018 at 12:36

    Brennans screech confirms that Trump is not just smoke and mirrors. He really hit the beurocracy where it hurts, their pensions – brilliant move.

    • orwell
      March 19, 2018 at 13:15

      It’s nice to see that everybody here agrees about
      this situation. Really refreshing, and no pro-CIA/FBI TROLLS !!!!!!

  44. mike k
    March 19, 2018 at 12:14

    Did I say a naughty word to trigger moderation?

  45. March 19, 2018 at 12:09

    Has the System Become Corrupted?

    I believe the system has become corrupted. The same people who parrot the words “rule of law” are according to numerous reports working hand in glove with terrorists. They even pass “laws” against terrorism, while at the same time consorting with terrorists. I guess “our hypocrite leaders” are above the law? The latest horrific terrorist bombing in Manchester raises questions about the spy agency “MI5.”…
    [read more at link below]
    http://graysinfo.blogspot.ca/2017/06/has-system-become-corrupted.html

  46. March 19, 2018 at 11:45

    From Wikipedia:

    “Moral turpitude is a legal concept in the United States and some other countries that refers to “an act or behavior that gravely violates the sentiment or accepted standard of the community”.[1] This term appears in U.S. immigration law beginning in the 19th century.[2]”

    I guess the “community” Brennan was referring to was the Deep State.

    Not willingly but perhaps fortuitously Trump finds himself on the battlefield playing David and Goliath is there wearing a stone proof helmet. Obama liked to go after leakers, so long as the were underling leakers. If Trump is successful, which is to be hoped for but unlikely, how will the New York Times and Washington Post fill their editorial pages?

    Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely, which is a paraphrase but apt.

    But beyond this crisis is the larger one of how to harness the Deep State to reflect the nation’s interests, not those few who run things now. Some say start to rid foreign intelligence of its operational arm which has been at the forefront of regime change and other mischief.

    • Sam F
      March 19, 2018 at 13:00

      Yes, the CIA operations division should be made small because it is abused for the hidden agendas of oligarchy, that the People would never approve. It should be monitored by an agency reporting directly to Congress.

    • Bob Van Noy
      March 19, 2018 at 15:17

      Or, possibly something like open source for all to see and comment on…

    • Joe Wallace
      March 19, 2018 at 15:32

      Herman and Sam F:

      “But beyond this crisis is the larger one of how to harness the Deep State to reflect the nation’s interests, not those few who run things now. Some say start to rid foreign intelligence of its operational arm which has been at the forefront of regime change and other mischief.”

      “Yes, the CIA operations division should be made small because it is abused for the hidden agendas of oligarchy, that the People would never approve. It should be monitored by an agency reporting directly to Congress.”

      Not until Citizens United v FEC is overturned will we have a foreign policy that reflects the nation’s interests, administered by elected officials who actually represent the will of the electorate. The Deep State, through the CIA, pursues a foreign policy that is often at odds with the wishes of the vast majority of the people in this country.

      • Sam F
        March 20, 2018 at 06:55

        Yes, but the judiciary that decided Citizens United are corruption leaders installed by corrupt politicians installed by the dictatorship of the rich. Until the rich are overthrown there will be no democracy in the US.

  47. March 19, 2018 at 11:34

    If you see it, leak it.

  48. Dr. Ip
    March 19, 2018 at 11:17

    Seems like the two wings of the Anglo-American establishment alliance are working in concert to defeat all who stand in their way and regain dominance over the western world. In Britain, Teresa May and the Tories – who are losing popularity to the resurgent Labour party and its progressive leader Jeremy Corbyn – are trying to blame Russia for a nerve agent attack. The blame game over there is evidence-free of course and the lies and weasel-word assertions are being effectively countered by, among others, ex-Ambassador Craig Murray (https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/) in post after post.

    Over here, where the establishment Democrats and their cabal of friendly old Republicans (think: Mitt Romney) have lost their hold on direct power, they are trying to assert it through their long-time henchmen in the intelligence services. Ever since Wild Bill Donovan and the Dulles brothers, the intelligence services have been looking after their own survival and proliferation (and the profits of their masters) while, as a side-benefit, the United States got some security.

    This clash of the services with Trump is only the latest in a series of clashes which Presidents have mostly lost (Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Carter, even Obama backed down after he became President) unless they were card-carrying members of the clan like Bush the First. So, you can expect Trump to lose as well unless he has the armed forces behind him and can purge the services of his enemies. We actually might have a night of the long knives coming. The question is of course if Caesar can survive the knifings!

    Not that this Caesar is an Augustus or Marcus Aurelius…

    • Bob Van Noy
      March 19, 2018 at 15:14

      Excellent, Dr. Ip,Thanks.

    • March 19, 2018 at 19:29

      You present some interesting points, but John Brennan is no “Wild Bill Donovan” or even a William Casey with the backup of the fraternity of OSS which no longer has meetings. It seems to me that Brennan’s and his diminishing followers’ power lies with the media that has done the dance of “valued sources” and perception manipulation of the masses. Actually, “night of the long knives” occurred in Saudi Arabia when Prince “Bandar Bush” was captured and “interviewed” not by the FBI or the CIA, but most probably by individuals with videos of confessions which summarized the long history of the activities involving operatives conducting activities during the presidential administrations of both political parties but continuously for clans such as the Bush Dynasty and assorted associates within the institutions that are now domestically profiting from the policies of the President. Yes, Pres. Trump and his advisers (such as Peter Thiel and even possibly Erik Prince and individuals of varied backgrounds possibly to even include Rabbis, Cardinals and other wise men not members of the Brookings Institution or the CFR) knew the obstacles and the nature of the enemies that would unit against a Populist Movement. In addition to advisers aware of the cyber world and the underworld of intelligence/counter-intelligence operations, advisers aware of the functioning of institutions and how institutions change their “culture” were absolutely necessary when the “resistance” was sending the message non-stop that Pres. Trump was only a temporary resident of the White House, and he would follow the path of Nixon, but in short order! Well, it seems that even the FBI is cleaning house internally and even Brennan’s supporters within the old intelligence community leadership are giving their endorsement to the President’s choice for CIA Dir. and she has a loyal following among the rank and file members of that institution. Yes, ministers of Egypt wanted to present documents on the Muslim Brotherhood and it’s relationship with the Obama Adm.; and Prince Salman will probably bring gifts during his State Visit. Pres. Trump and his team will decide the time and date to unwrap the evidence that will shatter the camera lens and stop the presses! No knives or guns, please!

  49. faraday's law
    March 19, 2018 at 11:05

    I think the intelligence agencies are the true source of nearly all of the problems..instead of gathering intelligence the IAs are effecting the events about which the intelligence is supposed to be about. Certainty Intelligence agencies can be credited with 9/11 and the war on Iraq. Interconnected between nations, shuffling in open-source form, secret sharing, false flag event production, and media delivered propaganda are activities which define the intelligence agencies. Secret means slave citizens are denied the knowledge that would allow them to understand how corrupt our societies are; so that the leaders of such societies can continue in the office that commands the power.

    • Linda Wood
      March 20, 2018 at 18:24

      Brilliantly stated, faraday’s law. You’ve raised the all-important point that the intelligence agencies are are not simply gathering intelligence, they are also engaging in covert action, unlawfully, unaccountably, and unscrutinized. For all we know they could be spending their virtually unlimited funds on creating our enemies, thereby creating a need for our military industrial complex, the only entity that benefits from their work.

  50. Michael Kenny
    March 19, 2018 at 11:01

    For over 50 years, I have applied the rule that I never take the word of anyone who has ever been connected with the CIA.

    • Skip Scott
      March 20, 2018 at 08:21

      Bullshit. I’ve seen your posts going back months, and you are a typical MSM propaganda apologist. If you know anything about “Operation Mockingbird”, then you know that all of your past comments are “connected with the CIA”.

      • Realist
        March 20, 2018 at 23:17

        I’m telling ya, the guy seems like the amazing schizoid man these days.

  51. Rick Merlotti
    March 19, 2018 at 10:39

    Perfidious Albion

    A short statement of the reasons why the British are now staging the Skripal provocation can be found in a March 14 London Sunday Telegraph call to arms by Allister Heath, who rants:

    “We need a new world order to take on totalitarian capitalists in Russia and China… Such an alliance … would dramatically shift the global balance of power, and allow the liberal democracies finally to fight back. It would endow the world with the sorts of robust institutions that are required to contain Russia and China… Britain needs a new role in the world; building such a network would be our perfect mission.”

    Across the pond, as they say, a similar foundational statement was made by 68 former Obama Administration officials who have formed a group called National Security Action, aimed at securing Trump’s impeachment and attacking Russia and China.

    As visitors to the LaRouchePAC website know, Russia and China have embarked on a massive infrastructure building project in Eurasia, the center of all British geopolitical fantasies since the time of Halford MacKinder. Moreover, China’s Belt and Road Initiative now encompasses more than 140 nations in the largest infrastructure-building project ever undertaken in human history. This project is a true economic engine for the future, while neo-liberal economies continue to see their productive potentials sucked dry by the massive mound of debt they have created since the 2008 financial collapse. This debt is now on a hair trigger for implosion. It is estimated by banking insiders that the City of London is sitting on a derivatives powderkeg of $700 trillion with over-the-counter derivatives accounting for another $570 trillion. The City of London will bear the major impact of the derivatives collapse.

    In this strategic geometry, President Trump’s support of peaceful collaboration with Russia during the campaign and his personal friendship with President Xi, marked him for the relentless coup against him waged by the British and their U.S. friends.

    On top of that, President Putin delivered a mammoth strategic shock on March 1, showing new Russian weapons systems based on new physical principles which render present U.S. ABM systems and much of current U.S. war-fighting doctrine obsolete, together with the vaunted first strike capacity with which NATO has surrounded Russia. Not only is the West sitting on a new financial collapse; its vaunted military superiority has just been flanked.

    More: https://larouchepac.com/20180318/perfidious-albion-fatally-wounded-british-beast-lashes-out

    • Anna
      March 19, 2018 at 21:45

      Allister Heath pretends to be a pole-bearer for liberal democracies. And what exactly is so precious about Heath and his “liberal democracy” in the UK?
      Is it the sudden expertise in chemical weaponry by Boris Johnson, who “knew” immediately that “Russians did it?” This Boris Johnson: “‘I am a passionate Zionist,’ declares Boris Johnson: http://jewishnews.timesofisrael.com/boris-johnson-zionist/
      Compare Boris pronouncements to the expert conclusion by a real expert in chemical weaponry:
      “This so-called “nerve agent” [novichok] has never been placed on the OPCW list of banned chemical weapons because it has never existed. Its non-existence was confirmed by Dr. Robin Black, until recently he was a head of the detection laboratory at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Porton Down). He wrote in his review: “… emphasizes that there is no independent confirmation of Mirzayanov’s claims about the chemical properties of these compounds: Information on these compounds has been sparse in the public domain, mostly originating from a dissident Russian military chemist, Vil Mirzayanov. No independent confirmation of the structures or the properties of such compounds has been published. (Black, 2016)”
      “Just accept that everything the British government says is a lie” http://thesaker.is/the-british-spy-skripal-hoax/

  52. March 19, 2018 at 09:40

    Is This the Land of the Free?

    How will it end, or will it go on without end?
    This feasting on blood that these demons depend
    Will these diabolical devils ever be arraigned and indicted
    And will we ever see the land of the free tried and convicted?…

    [more info at link below]

    http://graysinfo.blogspot.ca/2017/04/is-this-land-of-free.html
    —————————————————————————————————–
    “It has become embarrassing to be an American. Our country has had four war criminal presidents in succession. Clinton twice launched military attacks on Serbia, ordering NATO to bomb the former Yugoslavia twice, both in 1995 and in 1999, so that gives Bill two war crimes. George W. Bush invaded Afghanistan and Iraq and attacked provinces of Pakistan and Yemen from the air. That comes to four war crimes for Bush. Obama used NATO to destroy Libya and sent mercenaries to destroy Syria, thereby commiting two war crimes. Trump attacked Syria with US forces, thereby becoming a war criminal early in his regime.”
    Paul Craig Roberts, Information Clearing House, April 15/16, 2017.

      • David Hamilton
        March 20, 2018 at 20:50

        Yes, this “H.W., Kuwait” is the war crime that started the era of ruthless war-making in which we are now trapped. It is the era of the kicked-down Vietnam Syndrome, where we are free once again to enrich our mercenary corporations as we project our military force ‘exceptionally’ to ‘creatively destroy’ in our noble quest to guide the world to do things our way. Some may recall how, back then, the pundit and Congressional classes deployed propaganda that was the prototype for what we have since become accustomed to. “We are doing this for peace, so all you dissenters shut up.” Nobody then would acknowledge that we had covertly – and treacherously – aided and abetted both Iran and Iraq during their 8-year war that immediately preceded our war. (Hush, hush, wink, wink, said the media.) Thus, we had no moral or legal standing to pronounce any country guilty of ‘aggression’, as we did Saddam’s country, who we had also green-lighted into settling his border dispute with force. That alone was enough to reveal our collective disregard for Muslim life. The rules of engagement that allowed water treatment plants to be bombed only confirmed our disregard. Warnings of unintended (or intended?) consequences then, as later, went unheeded, such as the certainty of blow back when one betrays so many peoples of the world who thought we had ‘principles’. Is it any wonder there was blow back, such as the 1993 World Trade Center bombing? (By the way, Rep. Dick Gephardt, criticized in this article, eventually led a valiant but futile effort to derail the war momentum in the House.) Peace.

    • March 19, 2018 at 23:13

      Paul Craig Roberts is a bit off. Each of the war crimes he mentions were waging wars of aggression. But there were a multitude of lesser war crimes committed in each of those wars. And his count is off. Bush’s wars on Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, and Yemen did not cease being wars of aggression in 2008 simply because 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue acquired new tenants that year. Obama gets credit for the continuation of those four wars in addition to the wars first launched while he was in office. And Trump likewise must be given credit for his continuations of wars of aggression launched by his predecessors.

      • March 21, 2018 at 16:35

        Well said!

    • Typingperson
      March 20, 2018 at 00:39

      Thanks for sharing, Stephen J. So much for American Values.

    • cozette
      March 23, 2018 at 08:57

      President Trump had our military call the Russians who notified Syria prior to the symbolic airstrike on the Syrian airport runway where planes had supposedly been launched to drop chemical weapons. The airport was operational the next day. This was a brilliant move to block the Neocons who wanted to use gas attacks to justify an invasion of Syria and Assads removal. POTUS responded “proportionally”. The Neocons could not justify more. The MSM who had been gleefully running video of gassed children 24/7 hoping for war so we’d be flooded by refugees were also blocked. POTUS had shown he “cared about the children”. Assad remained because of President Trumps symbolic strike. He was also freer now to meet with Putin. Naturally Trump knew the gas attack was likely a false flag but he was hardly in a position to call out our IC and trust Russias IC instead since he was being framed as a traitor serving Russia. So Trump responded to the false flag gas attack with his own false bombing response. Hilarious. The beauty of this is that everyone became hypervigilant for another false flag gas attack and vowed to prove it wasn’t Syria next time so POTUS couldn’t be “tricked” into another retaliation. This scrutiny stymied the Deep State from further attempts, as Trump intended. Anyone who thinks Trumps response was a “war crime” is over wrought and doesn’t yet understand what’s going on.

  53. backwardsevolution
    March 19, 2018 at 09:07

    Two short interviews with James Kallstrom at this site:

    “Former Assistant FBI Director James Kallstrom said that there was a plot among “high-ranking” people throughout government – “not just the FBI,” who coordinated in a plot to help Hillary Clinton avoid indictment.

    “I think we have ample facts revealed to us during this last year and a half that high-ranking people throughout government, not just the FBI, high-ranking people had a plot to not have Hillary Clinton, you know, indicted,” Kallstrom told Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo.

    “I think it goes right to the top. And it involves that whole strategy – they were gonna win, nobody would have known any of this stuff, and they just unleashed the intelligence community. Look at the unmaskings. We haven’t heard anything about that yet. Look at the way they violated the rights of all those American citizens.”

    https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-03-18/ex-fbi-assistant-director-there-was-high-ranking-plot-protect-hillary-brennan

    • Tom Ratliff
      March 19, 2018 at 11:36

      Yes, very interesting interview with Kallstrom — on mainstream media, which is important. Seems too many people understand what’s really transpired for Trump — or anyone — to be in mortal danger. We’ll see.

      Brennan’s tweet suggests he knows the walls are closing in on him.

      • March 19, 2018 at 22:36

        I agree. If you’re very strong, you don’t bother making public threats against powerful people. You just break their backs without comment. Brennan comes across like he’s been backed into a corner where he has no weapons and from which he knows there is no escape.

        Mike Whitney suspects that John Brennan was the mastermind behind Russia-gate. http://www.unz.com/mwhitney/is-john-brennan-the-mastermind-behind-russiagate/

        • geeyp
          March 20, 2018 at 01:15

          It is what I already sussed out, Paul. In reading Whitney’s piece, it reminded me that over the last eight years the State Department in their press gatherings continuously mocked any RT reporters and disrespected them. You could easily surmise from this that they had a hand in these propaganda smears and lies.

        • Dave P.
          March 20, 2018 at 01:53

          “Mike Whitney suspects that John Brennan was the mastermind behind Russia-gate.”

          Looking at the pictures of Barack Obama with John Brennen, they seemed to have very cozy relationship. I wonder about Obama’s role in this Russia-Gate. There are many unanswered questions about the top-echelons’ role in this bizarre drama which may end up in many ominous consequences for the country and for the World.

          • March 21, 2018 at 16:16

            Dave P(et.al.) …it’s getting more involved every day. It is interesting that the interview was on Fox as it indicates prominent Republicans may be leaning towards a more thorough investigation. However, if the investigation includes an inquiry into Cambridge Analytica they are likely to find that most of the fake news on Facebook that was influential in throwing the election to Trump was the result of Breitbart strategy with no Russian connection. Some Republicans may be willing to do this, but if it were conclusive I doubt whether either the Democrats or the Trump administration would come out on top; there are very few innocents that didn’t add to the stench of the swamp. BTW: thanks for that valuable link B.E.!

  54. Joe Tedesky
    March 19, 2018 at 09:06

    Washington is like a continuing Soap Opera, as the real bad guys battle it out with the other really bad guys. We the people are mere pawns in their hands, to be influenced and duped to no end, as the lies swirl around and around until a citizen is completely buffaloed into submission.

    While reading this about John Brennan I could not help but think of JFK firing Allen Dulles. Again with the rhyming.

    • Joe Tedesky
      March 19, 2018 at 10:43
      • March 19, 2018 at 22:19

        Thanks for that link, Joe.

        The article’s authors, Kevin Zeese and Margaret Flowers, are long-time political activists, codirectors of PopularResistance.org. https://popularresistance.org/ That organization seems to be taking a very determined approach to social change, supplying not only articles tightly focused on issues but also organizing resources for activists.

        I’ve been watching the group closely because I’m seeing signs that its anti-war work just may become the tip of the spear of a revitalized anti-war movement. (It’s been a very long time since the anti-war movement in the U.S. had effective leadership.)

        Kevin knows how to play the long game. He was for at least two decades director of NORML and can now watch his earlier work come to fruition as state after state legalizes marijuana.

        • Typingperson
          March 20, 2018 at 00:36

          Thanks, Paul, for flagging that Kevin Zeese is the former head of NORML. I remember him well from this role–and how effective he was.

          I will check out PopularResistance.org.

          An antidote to all my Dem liberal Clinton-supporting “friends” on FB who insanely slaver for Russiagate nonsense because they hate Trump. Nevermind that his impeachment would get us Pence.

          They pat themselves on the back for being good, liberal Trump-hating, Russia-gate believers.

          Nary a word from them while Obama cowardly ducked prosecuting torturers or banksters–or started new illegal wars and drone-murdered so many innocent people. Much less the bogus ACA handout to Big Insurance. So much for American Values.

        • Joe Tedesky
          March 20, 2018 at 08:20

          Thanks Paul I didn’t know that. Joe

    • mike k
      March 19, 2018 at 11:56

      Right on Joe.

    • Dave P.
      March 20, 2018 at 02:29

      Joe, you are right. I do not have to go too far to see what it has done to the citizens of this country, I just look in my own home. This soap opera as you called it, is going on almost two years now; and it has completely messed up the people. We had a visitor, somebody very close to me, a week before this weekend, and invited some other friends. They all believe in all this nonsense about Russia-Gate which is being fed nonstop on major networks; and also this latest incident in U.K. I was the only one who was questioning it and it can become unpleasant.

      It is sad to see all this happening. It is very dangerous. Newspapers, L.A. Times here, keep the public completely in the dark about the consequences that it may accidentally or knowingly lead to nuclear war with Russia.

      • Joe Tedesky
        March 20, 2018 at 08:23

        Dave these days will pass. Also this comment board is acting strange. Joe

  55. Skip Scott
    March 19, 2018 at 08:06

    I am wondering if Trump is going to make it out of this alive. I know they don’t want to tip their hand to the public, but if their media circus performance doesn’t gain sufficient traction, it’ll probably be time for a “lone nut” assassin. I can see the pure evil in Brennan’s eyes. He is dripping with hatred. Not that I like Trump, but our so-called intelligence agencies must be brought to heel if we are to have any hope for the future. People like Brennan need to be prosecuted and go to jail.

    • backwardsevolution
      March 19, 2018 at 08:34

      Skip Scott – Trump should keep his mouth shut, I know, but I can’t blame the guy for speaking out, especially when he’s been hounded by the press with something like 90+% negative coverage. He was right about his phones being “tapped”, and everyone said he was out of his mind for saying such a thing. The Steele dossier is a phony, made-up dossier purposely invented to spy on Trump and bring in the Special Prosecutor. Everyone who had a hand in this should be behind bars. This has been an attempted coup against a duly-elected President.

      When the Inspector General’s Report comes out, when Devin Nunes and Trey Gowdy finally get the information they’ve been asking for, I think we’re going to see people go to jail. They’re now looking into Uranium One and the Clinton Foundation.

      Never mind the damage being done re relations between Russia and the U.S. and the possible nuclear threat. These people truly are insane. I agree with you, these intelligence agencies really have gone rogue and need to be “brought to heel”.

      • Sam F
        March 19, 2018 at 09:30

        Agree with you both.

        • Dave P.
          March 20, 2018 at 01:17

          Yes, I do too.

      • laninya
        March 19, 2018 at 11:22

        The day Trump keeps his mouth shut or stops tweeting is the day he and his revolution will be over. What do you think is smoking all these malefactors out into the open?

      • Steve Naidamast
        March 19, 2018 at 12:51

        backwardsevolution …

        Former CIA Officer, Kevin Shipp, spoke out in an article I saw the other day that the FBI is working very methodically on the investigations into the Clinton Foundation. He expects that wehn it comes out so many “heads will roll” in the Congress and the Executive branch that we will have a Constitutional crises portending a collapse of the US government.

        Can’t wait to see these fireworks… :-)

        • Typingperson
          March 19, 2018 at 21:33

          Not holding my breath–but I hope so!

          • RnM
            March 21, 2018 at 02:55

            Martial Law, anyone?

        • Abby
          March 19, 2018 at 21:55

          I read this article and I too hope that Shipp is right about this. The Clinton foundation and everything connected to them is rotten. They robbed Haiti’s reconstruction funds and gave their friends and family members special access to bilking them. Everyone knew that they did that, yet no one said a word about it.

        • Dave P.
          March 20, 2018 at 01:27

          Steve, I watched this Youtube video of Kevin Shipp talking to this Group of citizens, last evening. It is really very informative. The title of the video was:

          “CIA Officer exposes the shadow government” dated Feb 19, 2018. This video is really worth watching.

    • Realist
      March 19, 2018 at 15:38

      These guys brought down the World Trade Center just to further their geopolitical agenda. Nothing is beyond their treachery. They don’t have to assassinate the man, as they did the hapless Skripal’s just to smear Russia one more time. They can bring down Airforce One and blame it on the Russians in some kind of grand two-fer, if they so choose (everyone knows those Russians just can’t quit their evil ways).

      These spooks and their collaborators in the Pentagon, the MIC, Capitol Hill and the MSM have as effectively seized all power in this country as the Stalinists did in the Soviet Union. Idiots like Schumer sometimes unwittingly let the cat out of the bag, and he was right in pin-pointing who runs this country and to what extent they will go to destroy you to maintain their stake in ruling the planet.

      All this has been clear for a long time now, yet nothing is ever done about it, probably because the task is too immense, these devils are too numerous and too deeply entrenched. Everything they say or do before the public is simply stagecraft and dramatics, and that includes all the gibbering that emanates from Congress each day, dispensed to you in a direct feed by the propaganda organs of the mass media which now includes most of the internet. You want to hear the truth? Go read a novel, maybe the publishing monolith will occasionally let slip an accurate description of our world couched in metaphor, a glitch in the Matrix, if you will.

      • Dave P.
        March 20, 2018 at 15:16

        Realist, very true, and you have summarized it so well. I am afraid this Skirpal incident in U.K. has been staged as a prelude to attack on Syria by U.S., U.K., Israel, and France, with Germany and other Western Nations cheering from the side. Most likely, a false flag event will staged in Syria very soon to justify it. And there will be some sort of action in Ukraine too. U.S., U.K., and France are deep in debt. China is rising economically, and I am afraid that these Western Imperial Nations will not let go their complete dominance over the planet without a fight.

        Events may take a very sad and violent turn in no time.

      • Skip Scott
        March 21, 2018 at 08:47

        Realist-

        That is a very scary scenario you propose about Air Force One, and quite conceivable. The way things are heating up, I suspect something in that order of magnitude very soon.

      • Brad Owen
        March 21, 2018 at 12:27

        “Contact has Begun” by Phillip Krapf, written in the 90s, non-fiction. It’s coming.

        • Brad Owen
          March 21, 2018 at 12:29

          It’s worth remembering that Operation HighJump, the Roswell Incident, and creation of the CIA, ALL happened within a few months of each other, in that fateful year 1947. “1947”…that would make a good title for a TV series.

    • Realist
      March 19, 2018 at 16:04

      I had a definite opinion on this matter, Skip, but it was moderated away as soon as I clicked on “post comment.” My words in response to a Mike K post were outright “disappeared,” not “moderated” on the Iraq+15 article Don’t think I’ll waste any more of my time here today. If it’s not censorship, it’s hacking, probably by the likes of the Brennan “patriots.”

      Maybe our opinions are wrong, maybe the frequenters of this site are all full of it, but under the quaint piece of parchment called the constitution we have the absolute right to make any analysis or criticism of those acting under the aegis of the US government without fear of being prosecuted or censored. A fine principle, until it gets in the way of those holding the reins of power.

      • Realist
        March 19, 2018 at 16:06

        This site is definitely hacked by insidious forces, as the post I just reported as “moderated” has now completely disappeared. The people doing this are dangerous and a threat to our life and liberty. Fed up, bye bye.

        • Joe Tedesky
          March 19, 2018 at 21:33

          Realist before I hit the ‘post comment’ button I first ‘copy’ my post, because what you are talking about has happened to me on several occasions. Joe

          • Joe Tedesky
            March 20, 2018 at 08:19

            Funny thing was I deleted this when I saw backwardsevolution said the same thing….this comment board is acting very strange.

        • JWalters
          March 19, 2018 at 22:46

          In a casual conversation at a party a computer science researcher from a leading university commented that the vast majority of “denial of service” attacks in this country are done by the federal government. That would probably be the CIA covert ops in service to the bankster oligarchy. The Israelis are also known to have cyber warfare capabilities, and are a central part of the oligarchy, judging by their clear control of the MSM.

          It makes complete sense that the oligarchy would do everything it could to harrass and slow down the opposition, even if just to frustrate them to the point of giving up. I’m glad you are reporting your experiences here; it will help the site administrators deal with the problem. A few years ago there was a Zionist mole(s) at Disqus who deleted posts that were too informative about Israel, especially those with links to highly informative articles. After an open discussion of the problem it eventually disappeared.

      • backwardsevolution
        March 19, 2018 at 16:29

        Realist – occasionally this happens to me and, yes, it is most frustrating. What I am doing more often now (but sometimes I still forget) is copying my text before hitting “Post Comment”. If it disappears, at least you still have it and can try again. If this occurs, I go completely off the site, and then come back on and post again. Does this just happen on posts that took you a long time to get finished? I ask this because I’ve found that if I type some words, go away and start making dinner (or whatever), and my comment is not posted for several hours, then sometimes it does this.

        I sure hope you get it figured out because your posts are always wonderful to read.

        • Realist
          March 19, 2018 at 16:47

          This has been happening systematically to anything I post today. Both long and short entries. I copy the text, then post it. When I see it appear or even see it under moderation, I have assumed it would stand and so delete the copy rather than save it–that space goes to the next composition. So, everything “disappeared” today is gone. Most of the stuff disappeared has to do with our supposed rights of free speech and the intrusion of the intelligence agencies into our lives and our liberties. Guess who I suspect of sabotaging these calls to be vigilant against attacks on our freedoms? Good gravy, they are becoming relentless in trying to control every jot and tittle of the narrative. The entire MSM is not enough for them, even web sites with a microscopic audience are now in their sights. I don’t know what else to make of a problem that has become routine, not just sporadic.

          • backwardsevolution
            March 19, 2018 at 18:18

            You’re just too good, Realist! You make too much sense! If there is a “they” out there who are censoring, of course they’d go after someone like you. Take a break, kick back, then see what happens tomorrow. If it continues, then maybe you could make a few calls.

          • Skip Scott
            March 19, 2018 at 19:29

            Sorry to hear of your difficulties, Realist. Don’t give up yet. Your posts are a very valuable part of this website. I do suspect outside interference. This site and ICH are both under attack, and probably others as well. I hope Nat and Tom Feeley can afford some good techies to mount a good defense.

          • robjira
            March 19, 2018 at 21:58

            I agree with be and Skip, Realist. The same thing happened to me (and I’m not even a frequent commentator here); sometimes it takes days for a post(s) to appear. This sometime can be triggered by multiple links, extensive text formatting, etc. (you probably already know all this).
            Anyway, be has it right; take a breather for a while. If something more nefarious is really happening, wear it like a medal; if your comments are disappeared, that as good as confirms you’re on target. Your commentary is really insightful, and nothing freaks them out more than an informed opinion.
            Peace.

          • March 19, 2018 at 21:59

            To paraphrase someone:

            “Never attribute to malice that which can be attributed to a bug in the software.”

          • backwardsevolution
            March 19, 2018 at 22:15

            Paul E. Merrell – “Never attribute to malice that which can be attributed to a bug in the software.”

            Quite true. I was having trouble going on Paul Craig Roberts’ site for about a month (and another site, but I can’t remember which one). I said to my son, “What the heck? Are they shutting down access to this site?” My son came onto my computer and within about two minutes he had me set right again. He said it had to do with my Internet security company. Who knew? Certainly not me! Thank goodness for tech-literate children.

          • Litchfield
            March 20, 2018 at 09:09

            ” even web sites with a microscopic audience are now in their sights.”

            Maybe “microscopic,” but with the potential to be magnified and multiplied.
            I have been puzzled as to why some posts have shown up as being in moderation and others not.
            But have not systematically followed up to see what happened. I assume comments at this site are moderated in some way, but why would that result in the patchy appearance of an actual “under moderation” signal?

          • freedom lover
            March 20, 2018 at 15:39

            Not just this website but very common if you try to post anything on RT.

        • Sam F
          March 19, 2018 at 20:47

          I also noticed several comments here that had been deleted after I refreshed the screen. They appeared to have attracted the “anti-semitism” accusation, so perhaps other hackers are involved.

      • Sam F
        March 19, 2018 at 20:40

        While at first skeptical of the hacking hypothesis, I realized its similarity to what I have seen for two months on RT.

        RT is apparently being copied to “mirror sites” likely controlled by US agencies, so that they can run spy scripts when the stories are viewed. My PC runs far slower after checking any story on RT, and the browser must be restarted to regain normal speed. No other website has this problem, and certainly RT would not want to annoy their viewers by doing that themselves.

        Most likely the secret agency scripts are sending files and browsing information to government spies.

        It may be that CN is now being copied into hacked “mirror sites” by those who control the web DNS service that identifies the web server address for named websites. That would be a US secret agency. I have wondered whether such agencies are responsible for the trolls who have annoyed commenters here for several months. It may be that they are controlling the commentary now as well, to make political dossiers.

        • Litchfield
          March 20, 2018 at 09:12

          “My PC runs far slower after checking any story on RT, and the browser must be restarted to regain normal speed. ”

          I have noticed this as well. I don’t check RT all that often, but one time I wanted to see what Peter Lavelle had been up to lately with CrossTalk, so went to RT. This was awhile ago so I can’t recall the exact details, but I think my browser generally froze up and I had to reboot my laptop. Of course it made me a bit paranoid and I wondered what was going on at RT.

          • Realist
            March 20, 2018 at 17:01

            I’ve often noticed a great delay in RT loading. I’ll have to focus on the effect you described. Sometimes I get a “service not available” notice for CN which usually resolves within no more than a half hour.

        • Inthebyte
          March 20, 2018 at 11:27

          I agree about RT. When I log on there everything slows to a crawl, or flat doesn’t navigate. Thanks for the comment. Now I know I’m being gas lighted. Another site with all of these problems is Information Clearing House who are hacked repeatedly.

        • Zachary Smith
          March 20, 2018 at 12:51

          My PC runs far slower after checking any story on RT, and the browser must be restarted to regain normal speed. No other website has this problem, and certainly RT would not want to annoy their viewers by doing that themselves.

          I’m running three script-blocker addons as I type this, and a fourth will be enabled again after making this post. The latter one does something to the CN site, and unless disabled any comment goes to the bottom of the page. My Firefox browser (which I’m using now) has the cache set to “0”, and also to “never remember history”. This slows it somewhat, but I figure the trade-off is worthwhile.

          I review four “Russian” sites and have noticed they’re chock-full of annoying ads and scripts. One of them I suspect is being run for income, for there is no coherent “message” along with most of the headlines being clickbait material. But I return there because sometimes they have a story worth more investigation.

      • Sam F
        March 19, 2018 at 20:42

        While at first skeptical of the hacking hypothesis, I should note what I have seen for two months on RT.

        RT is apparently being copied to “mirror sites” likely controlled by US agencies, so that they can run spy scripts when the stories are viewed. My PC runs far slower after checking any story on RT, and the browser must be restarted to regain normal speed. No other website has this problem, and certainly RT would not want to annoy their viewers by doing that themselves.

        Most likely the secret agency scripts are sending files and browsing information to government spies.

        It may be that CN is now being copied into hacked “mirror sites” by those who control the web DNS service that identifies the web server address for named websites. That would be a US secret agency. I have wondered whether such agencies are responsible for the trolls who have annoyed commenters here for several months. It may be that they are controlling the commentary now as well, to make political dossiers.

        • geeyp
          March 20, 2018 at 00:28

          Nothing much secret regarding the secret agencies. Didn’t I read that Google and Face. (same company with Y.T.) have fairly recently hired 10,000 new employees for just this purpose? I ,too, have had plenty of issues with the RT.com site. It is not RT causing the issues. Truth hurts these evil P.O.S. And, also I have wondered regarding the ISP involvement. On the article topic, I was quite angered when I read his Tweet over the weekend; that punk has got nerve and needs to wear an orange jumpsuit.

          • Litchfield
            March 20, 2018 at 09:13

            What is the ISP movement?

          • Sam F
            March 20, 2018 at 11:50

            The ISP may or may not be involved, but the DNS is involved in creating fake (or real) “mirror sites.” DNS (distributed name service) has its own servers all over, which translate text URLs (xxx.com…) to numeric internet (IP) addresses. So when you request the site, your local DNS server gives you the address based upon its updates from other sources, including the “mirror” sites used for heavily-used websites.

            I do not yet know the processes used to update DNS servers which would be tampered to create fake mirror sites, or exactly how this would be controlled, except that secret agencies would know this and would have such control. Others might be able to do this as well.

      • Skeptigal
        March 20, 2018 at 04:26

        Sorry, I know you’re frustrated but I couldn’t help but giggle at your indignant replies. They are hilarious. Your comments may have ended up in the spam folder. If you contact them they will restore your comments. Good luck! :)

        • Realist
          March 20, 2018 at 23:23

          Using the British standard, I’m going to assume you are responsible for all the trouble unless you prove otherwise.

    • KiwiAntz
      March 20, 2018 at 00:02

      Trump is completely safe & will not be taken out? Why? Because Candidate Trump has completely backtracked from every foreign policy statements he made such as seeking peace with Russia? It’s no coincidence that Trump was made to pay a visit to the one of the Deepstate’s intelligence agencies at the CIA? Trump would have been taken into a office & shown a continuous looped, Zapruder film of JFK getting his head blasted apart, as a warning of what happened to the last President who tried to destroy their power & influences? Remember Chuck Schumer’s threat in 2017, warning Trump that the Intelligence Agencies have a number of ways, to take you down, if you rock the boat? Trump was shown what to expect if he doesn’t toe the line & do what he’s told by his real masters? Confirmation of Trump’s obedience to the Deepstate agenda is that as he’s now singing from the same song sheet that the Deepstate is singing from, completely backtracking most of his his election promises, making America great again, not by diplomacy but by endless war mongering & foreign interventions with no end in sight?

      • geeyp
        March 20, 2018 at 00:51

        We have known for sometime that the CIA and Google (not to mention WaPo and Jeff’s garage sale site) are tight. Julian Assange’s “When Google Met Wikileaks” is a go to for this. And you know that Eric Schmidt and Hillary Clinton are close connivers.

      • Litchfield
        March 20, 2018 at 09:17

        I wonder to waht extent Trump is whistling past the graveyard.
        Most women understand the dynamic: When you know you are under threat, pretend not to notice anything untoward . . .
        So as not to trigger something really bad happening.
        If the picture changed dramatically—say, with indictments of co-conspirators in the DNC shenanigans or the FBI collusion, or the Russiagate farce—Trump might do some kind fo about-face. The big question, though, is his real relationship to and heartfelt convictions regarding Netanyahu/Israel.

      • cozette
        March 23, 2018 at 09:14

        President Trump has not backtracked on anything despite what your imagination has convinced you to believe. The CIA could hardly frighten him with JFK footage. He was well aware of their EVIL long before he ran. He knew he was risking everything if he agreed to take down the “Global Swamp” and decided to do it anyway. BTW during his visit to the CIA, shortly after his inauguration, he gave a speech there. During the speech he reminded them that he was a builder then said perhaps he should build them a new headquarters, one without columns. Then he asked the audience if they understood his meaning. They did. Do you? He intends to turn JFKs dreams into realities. I hope more people wake up to whats going on. It’s glorious. Together we CAN make it happen but not if we continue to fantasize destructive doom and gloom scenarios that rob us of the energy and will to win.

    • Gregory Herr
      March 20, 2018 at 18:45

      “Power also saw fit to remind Trump where the power lies, so to speak. She warned him publicly that it is “not a good idea to piss off John Brennan.”

      Didn’t Michael Hastings piss off Brennan?

  56. mike k
    March 19, 2018 at 07:46

    The quaint idea that the public should “just trust” the “intelligence” (sic) “community” (sic) is trotted out by the propaganda media whenever anyone dares to question this gang of spies and dirty tricksters. As if these scum are somehow paragons of virtue and truthfulness! And the mass of Americans just swallow this rotten bait, and continue their profound sleep………..

    • Sam F
      March 20, 2018 at 06:32

      Yes, the secret agencies must be nearly abolished, as completely incompatible with democracy.

      • Wolfbay
        March 20, 2018 at 06:54

        There are only 17 secret agencies. No room to cut.

    • toni
      March 21, 2018 at 11:51

      Why do you think that there all the shows on television and the movies where the good guy is the cop, or some federal agent?

  57. backwardsevolution
    March 19, 2018 at 07:08

    Great article. I hope Brennan is running scared, along with Power. It’s like the Irish Mafia.

    “Meanwhile, the Washington Post is dutifully playing its part in the deep-state game of intimidation. The following excerpt from Sunday’s lead article conveys the intended message: “Some Trump allies say they worry he is playing with fire by taunting the FBI. ‘This is open, all-out war. And guess what? The FBI’s going to win,’ said one ally, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to be candid. ‘You can’t fight the FBI. They’re going to torch him.’”

    That sounds like something “Six Ways From Sunday” Schumer would say. In fact, I’d bet money that it is the shyster himself. That guy should be removed from the Senate in leg irons. He is a menace to society.

    • March 19, 2018 at 07:35

      When the entire congress and administration is a death menace to all life on the planet, and the single most dangerous nation on the planet that must be incinerated, let’s not simply single out one of the criminals: Schumer. They all should be executed for their Crimes Against Humanity, IMO, as starters …

      • mike k
        March 19, 2018 at 07:52

        Agreed. It’s hard to pick out a pot or kettle that is blacker than the rest in the inky hell hole that is the American government.

        • Sam F
          March 19, 2018 at 09:28

          Well, you said it more succinctly than I had planned; thanks for the laughter.

      • backwardsevolution
        March 19, 2018 at 08:06

        Craig Watson – it’s just my personal opinion that Schumer is one of the sleaziest of them all. I don’t think Devin Nunes comes up his ankles on the sleaziness scale.

        But then there’s John McCain, Lindsey Graham, Adam Schiff and Maxine Waters…..your point is taken.

        • Steve Naidamast
          March 19, 2018 at 12:47

          McCain has an excuse with being over 80 years of age and suffering from what appears to be symptoms of dementia…

          • Skip Scott
            March 20, 2018 at 08:00

            McCain has been insane ever since his return from the Hanoi Hilton, if not before.

        • norecovery
          March 19, 2018 at 18:48

          One should give some credit to Maxine Waters for voting against the Iraq War Resolution and opposing the invasion.

          • Dave P.
            March 20, 2018 at 01:10

            That Iraq war resolution was in 2003. It was long time ago. It is possible Maxine Waters and many of her colleagues in Congress may have had some sanity residing in their little brains in those days. The way she – and majority of others in Congress – behave and act these days, the Nation’s Citizens have to ask this question: do these leaders in Congress have the intelligence, qualifications, or the character to take the responsibilities of this greatest Military Superpower ever on this Earth, on whose whims depends the fate of this planet.

            All Maxine Waters and most of the Congress had been doing is enjoying perqs, power, and schmoozing with the Lobbyists and the Powerful all these years, doing their bidding – all at taxpayers expense.

          • March 20, 2018 at 23:52

            norecovery: The sole NO vote was by Barbara Lee from Oakland, CA not Maxine. ray

          • Linda Wood
            March 21, 2018 at 14:19

            Barbara Lee was the only member of Congress to vote against the war on Afghanistan (AUMF) in 2001. She was among many Democrats, including Maxine Waters, and some Republicans who voted against the war on Iraq in 2002.

            https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Authorization_for_Use_of_Military_Force_Against_Terrorists

            Not to be confused with Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002.

            The Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), Pub. L. 107-40, codified at 115 Stat. 224 and passed as S.J.Res. 23 by the United States Congress on September 14, 2001, authorizes the use of United States Armed Forces against those responsible for the attacks on September 11, 2001 and any “associated forces”.

            … The only representative to vote against the Authorization in 2001 was Barbara Lee…

            https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraq_Resolution

            The Iraq Resolution (formally the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002,[1] Pub.L. 107–243, 116 Stat. 1498, enacted October 16, 2002, H.J.Res. 114) is a joint resolution passed by the United States Congress in October 2002 as Public Law No: 107-243, authorizing military action against Iraq.

            Here are records of the votes on the Iraq war:

            https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/107-2002/h455

            H.J.Res. 114 (107th): Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002

            https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/107-2002/s237

            H.J.Res. 114 (107th): Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002

        • will
          March 20, 2018 at 13:24

          Schumer has just had more time to be sleezy…otherwise I see no evidence that he’s any more sleezy than Nunes

      • Abby
        March 19, 2018 at 21:51

        I agree that they are a big threat to life on earth. From the amount of ecological damage that our wars create, the number of people who we have killed or misplaced, to their planned war with Russia that could see the end of the human race and animals. That so many people are believing this Russian propaganda crap is beyond belief. These are the same people who used to question what the intelligence agencies were saying, but not any more.

        The fact that most of congress and people in other governments have made up the Russian propaganda is what needs to be exposed. This is a huge crime against humanity, IMO. This includes Bernie of all people. They are doing this so they can get their war on with Russia and escalate the Syrian war.

        • geeyp
          March 20, 2018 at 03:02

          Agreed. All Maxine “Lip Flappin” Waters does nowadays, like Adam Schiff, is ignore their districts in favor of Russiagate and get Trump out. They don’t deserve their congressional positions. I wish to add a comment Coleen Rowley’s piece. An update: Law Professor Jonathan Turley says Andrew M. will still get his pension, just have to wait until he’s 57 (now 50). Can you understand this? What will it take to punish these arrogant evil little punks? And why should we pay their pensions, especially when so many of us get nothing!

      • March 20, 2018 at 00:59

        Ain’t no one touching Schumer, and as for our president all he has to do is make another $10B donation to his favorite country and all this will go away. They done sold this country out many times over.

    • Brad Owen
      March 19, 2018 at 12:16

      The draining of the swamp has now begun, and battle is about to be joined. That’s the word from Alex Jones, Roy Potter and that youtube crowd of similar “guerilla journalists”, who fill in for the Deep State-captured and untrustworthy MSM. The Deep State miscalculated the alignment of forces for the upcoming, somewhat covert, civil war within the governing apparatus; Trump knows the military has his back, especially the Marines, and they are part & parcel of the Constitution. The Deep State is a sick Post-WWII mistake, rogue and criminal, and will be rolled up. There are a lot of jewels hidden in their unacknowledged black programs of great benefit to the World, if we can wrestle them away from these weaponizing psychopaths of the Deep State.

      • Skip Scott
        March 20, 2018 at 08:03

        From your mouth to God’s ears, Brad! Here’s hoping!

      • will
        March 20, 2018 at 13:27

        Oh boy…looks who’s gathering at CN now…maybe Alec Jones can get a column here?

        • Brad Owen
          March 20, 2018 at 13:42

          Been here awhile, before Alex was a thought. Gold & Truth is where you find it; except for those still governed by public opinion of them. I’m surprised I made the moderator’s cut. Alex is the least of it. The EIR/LaRouchePAC folks are more important, and most important of all is what Dr. Steven Greer has to say about where the World is heading (hint: it’s a good place, sorry to disappoint the World-enders). There.. let’s see if THIS makes the moderator’s cut. The cutoff is usually mentioning the Good Doctor by name.

        • jean
          March 20, 2018 at 14:53

          Unfortunately whistleblowers like Bill Binny and others cant get airtime on in corporate media but can get a voice on Alex Jones.

          William Binney High Ranking NSA Whistle Blower Interview with Alex …
          Video for bill binney alex jones
          ? 34:25
          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sW-V-TOJVE8
          Jun 14, 2017 – Uploaded by N Jacobson
          William Binney High Ranking NSA Whistle Blower Interview w/ Alex Jones 6-14-17 William Binney, and ..

          Whistleblower Reveals NSA Blackmailing Top Govt Officials – YouTube
          Video for Russ tice alex jones
          ? 22:27
          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZoV52qdaOA
          Jun 8, 2014 – Uploaded by The Alex Jones Channel
          NSA whistleblower Russell Tice was a key source in the 2005 New York Times report that blew the lid off the …

          • saveourliberty
            March 20, 2018 at 20:35

            Attacks on Alex Jones might be warranted, but I find those trivial in comparison for how he has awakened the masses and has given a bully-pit to those that have been silenced by the MSM. Choose your battles. Jones isn’t one I want to silence…though we can never let our guard down to co-option neither.

          • March 22, 2018 at 11:48

            Sorry to hear that the great Mr. Binney lowered himself by showing up on Alex Jones…a guy the MSM loves to present as the spokesperson of alternative internet media because he is so ridiculous. And yes even a broken clock is right twice a day….but it’s still useless.

    • Andrew
      March 20, 2018 at 07:04

      An open threat to torch the POTUS and there are no consequences for making such threats?
      Like Brennan’s clear threat? No judicial system to deal with those threats?

      • Brad Owen
        March 20, 2018 at 13:43

        keep watching. the “fat lady” ain’t sung yet.

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