Scalia Resigns Post As Scoutmaster

Source: Reader Supported News

By Andy Borowitz, The New Yorker

24 May 13

The article below is satire. Andy Borowitz is an American comedian and New York Times-bestselling author who satirizes the news for his column, “The Borowitz Report.”

upreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, who for the past forty-seven years has served as a weekend scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America, angrily resigned from that position yesterday, effective immediately.

Justice Scalia quit his post in a terse resignation letter that read, in part:

“Some of the happiest memories of my adult life have been as a scoutmaster. Huddling under blankets around the campfire, and so forth. But now, all of that has been ruined. Ruined.”

Shortly after sending the letter, Justice Scalia destroyed his scoutmaster uniform in the blazing fireplace of his Supreme Court office.

Later, he went across the hall to share his decision with his close confidant on the Court, Justice Clarence Thomas, telling him, “There’s nowhere I feel safe anymore, Clarence. The military? The N.B.A.? Nowhere. I guess the only place I still feel safe is the Supreme Court. This is still a safe place, isn’t it?”

Justice Thomas said nothing in reply.

TheShift – Why It’s Happening. Where It’s Taking Us.

Published on May 19, 2013

With the closing of the 3rd dimensional reality many find themselves in a state of loss and confusion. For the very sands they long believed their castles were built upon have begun to shift beneath them.

But the closing of the 3rd dimension does not have to be experienced as a loss at all. In fact, just the opposite is true. It is a time of celebration as the many limitations that have long held us in bondage are being stripped away only to reveal the true, vast, multi-dimensional nature of who we are.

“The Shift – Why It’s Happening. Where It’s Taking Us.” uses compelling imagery, words and music to highlight many key components of the shift and to point those feeling stuck in a new direction.

The Shift Ebook is a simple, straightforward, yet in-depth, explanation of what is happening now on the planet, and how to best move within these extraordinary times of change.

The Video and The Shift Ebook are our gifts to you and anyone you feel might benefit from the information provided. Please take a moment to watch and then visit our website to download your free copy.

http://masteringalchemy.com/library/shift-e-book-english-version [international versions are also available here. . . ~J]

http://masteringalchemy.com/

RT: Challenging Monsanto: 200,000 in 40 countries to rally against GMO

Published time: May 24, 2013 09:51

Protesters against Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) are chained to a vehicle as they block a delivery entrance to a Monsanto seed distribution facility in Oxnard, California (Reuters / Mario Anzuoni)

Activists around the world are gearing up for a weekend of rallies to protest Monsanto, the biotechnology giant accused of genetically engineering agriculture and food while turning a blind eye to their potentially deadly health ramifications.

Organized by the ‘March Against Monsanto’ movement, an estimated 200,000 activists will participate in the massive campaign spanning six continents, 40 nations, and at least 48 US states.

Angered by the lack of action from governments on the issue, activists in hundreds of cities – including New York, Chicago, Montreal, Berlin, Paris, Brussels, Moscow and Melbourne – will stage coordinated protests against Monsanto and demand a ban on Genetically Engineered and Genetically Modified Organisms (GE/GMOs).

Initially a small, grassroots event, the march became a globe-spanning movement through the efforts of local activists and environmentalists. The protest is being organized on Facebook and Google Documents, where users can find a list of events near their location.

Activists of the global environmental watchdog Greenpeace demonstrate against US biotech giant Monsanto and the commercial sowing of transgenic corn, at “Parque de los Venados” in Mexico City (AFP Photo)

March Against Monsanto Director Nick Bernabe told the Natural Society that genetically engineered food could affect everyone, even the apathetic: “What we’re trying to do is bring awareness to GMOs and the health effects that they’re causing and bring about some solutions about what people can do to take back their food supply,” he said. “They’re expecting more than 15,000 people in San Francisco alone… We want to get people working together in their communities.”

Monsanto has described current research into GMO crops as “inconclusive,” and has lobbied hard in Washington and around the globe to continue manufacturing lab-made foods without the oversight demanded by activists.

In March, Congress passed a biotech rider dubbed the ‘Monsanto Protection Act’ that effectively allows Monsanto and other companies that use GMOs to plant and sell genetically altered products even if legal action is taken against them.

Up until it was signed, “the USDA [US Department of Agriculture] oversaw and approved (or denied) the testing of genetically modified seeds, while the federal courts retained the authority to halt the testing or sale of these plants if it felt that public health was being jeopardized. With HR 933 now a law, however, the court system no longer has the right to step in and protect the consumer,” explained James Brumley, a reporter for Investor Place.

“They own the largest share of the agribusiness, pesticides and seeds,” Joanne Montana, who organized a protest in Florida, told the Gainesville Sun. “They’re transnational, in food behind the scenes and a big conglomerate.”

Protesters against Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) are chained to a vehicle as they block a delivery entrance to a Monsanto seed distribution facility in Oxnard, California (Reuters / Mario Anzuoni)

The ‘Monsanto Protection Act’ was co-authored by a senator who has received thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from the company — a revelation that did not surprise many, given that another important figure in Washington, Justice Clarence Thomas, served as an attorney for the corporation before he was nominated to the Supreme Court, only to eventually preside over a case involving his former employer.

But according to Food & Water Watch, the relationship between Monsanto and the government extends beyond Congress and the Supreme Court. In a statement accompanying a health report, Food & Water Watch wrote that communications uncovered by WikiLeaks detailed how “the US State Department lobbies foreign governments to adopt pro-agricultural biotechnology policies and laws, operates a rigorous public relations campaign to improve the image of biotechnology and challenges commonsense biotechnology safeguards and rules – including opposing genetically engineered (GE) food labeling laws.”

With the protest approaching, organizers have accused Monsanto of going on the offensive and wrote on the event’s Facebook page that the mass rallies had not been cancelled, debunking a false rumor they accused Monsanto sympathizers of spreading.

“Events are disappearing, posts are being put on city event pages that say events are being cancelled,” said Tom Canal, an administrator for the March Against Monsanto Facebook page, according to the Organic Prepper blog. “In no way, shape or form, has any event been cancelled. I believe Monsanto is behind this. Some of the people on the page that are commenting have newly made profiles and seemingly those profiles were made strictly to cause problems and get a rise out of our participants on the page.”

Jane Michalek (R) drinks soup during an eat-in protest in front of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition in College Park, Maryland (Reuters / Gary Cameron)

In an interview with Bloomberg earlier this month, Monsanto CEO Hugh Grant portrayed those who do not agree with his business tactics as snobs: “There is this strange kind of reverse elitism: If I’m going to do this, then everything else shouldn’t exist,” he said. “In the US, we’ve got a system that works.”

In their ongoing struggle to reach a wider audience through the mainstream media, anti-GMO activists have outlined a number of solutions and goals for which they are advocating, including the “labeling of GE/GMOs so that consumers can make those informed decisions easier,” “further scientific research on the health effects of GE/GMOs,” and, perhaps most importantly, “taking to the streets to show the world and Monsanto that we won’t take these injustices quietly.”

Check back with RT throughout the weekend for the most extensive up-to-the-minute coverage on the global demonstrations.

5/23/2013 — Global Earthquake Overview — Pacific unrest — Volcanic EQ Uptick

Published on May 23, 2013

Speaking on the topic of California / Dormant volcanic earthquakes at approximately the 6min 30sec point onwards.

This video was recorded a few hours before the California 5.9M earthquake (and subsequent swarm) which occurred near Lassen Volcanic complex in North California — see the full website post here with additional information:

http://sincedutch.wordpress.com/2013/…

UPDATE 1055pm CST :

5.9M earthquake Northern Central California

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquake…

————-

Seven 6.0M+ earthquakes in the past 7 days (up to May 23, 2013).

Use the links here to monitor earthquakes nationally, and internationally:

http://sincedutch.wordpress.com/2011/…

monitor volcanoes here:

http://sincedutch.wordpress.com/2012/…

Wall Street Journal Urges War on Syria – by Stephen Lendman . . . they are really ramping up the rhetoric and pressure . . . ~J

Please circulate Steve’s posts today regarding Syria. They are desperately trying to start a war. ~J

Source: SteveLendmanBlog

Perhaps publishing it was strategically timed. It comes with John Kerry in the Middle East. He’ll be there through Sunday.

He met with foreign ministers of 11 so-called Friends of Syria countries and opposition group representatives. In Jerusalem, he discussed Syria with Netanyahu.

At the same time, the suspicious Woolrich London killing occurred. Another article suggested a possible false flag. The Journal op-ed urges war on Syria. So did others discussed below.

On May 22, Journal editors gave Jack Keane and Danielle Pletka feature op-ed space. They took full advantage. They headlined “How to Stop Assad’s Slaughter.”

Keane’s a retired general. Formerly he served as US Army’s vice chief of staff. Pletka is the American Enterprise Institute’s (AEI) foreign and defense policy studies vice president.

AEI has enormous influence. It advances Washington’s imperial agenda. It’s consistently hawkish. It was a leading Bush administration foreign policy architect.

It was instrumental in promoting war on Iraq. It supports regime change in Syria and Iran. More on the Keane/Pletka article below.

Previous articles explained that when Washington wages war or plans them, media scoundrels march in lock step. They promote what demands condemnation.

They regurgitate official lies. Managed news misinformation substitutes for truth and full disclosure. It happens every time. Doing so makes them complicit.

They support wrong over right. They ignore human suffering. Rule of law principles don’t matter. They bear full responsibility. Readers, viewers and listeners are systematically betrayed.

Earlier articles said Washington Post editors want war. Editorials advocate it. On May 8, they headlined “What if the US doesn’t intervene in Syria,” saying:

Whatever the risks of intervening, inaction risks more, they claim. Post editors want more arms for insurgents.

“They urge an air campaign. “(T)he situation in Syria has grown more dangerous to US interests.”

It’s “increasingly clear that the greatest risk to the United States lies in failing to take decisive action to end the Assad regime.”

Earlier they headlined ”Washington’s last chance to help Syria.”

“If the Obama administration is to lead on Syria, it must commit itself to steps that can bring about the early collapse of the regime and its replacement by a representative and responsible alternative.”

“Only direct political and military intervention on the side of the opposition can make that happen.”

WaPo editors want direct US intervention. They’re not alone. Other media scoundrels support war. Previous articles discussed them.

A Los Angeles Times editorial headlined said if Assad “used chemical weapons, the US must honor its commitment to act.” In other words, full-scale intervention is justified.

Chicago Tribune editors urge arming so-called “rebels,” imposing a no-fly zone, and “bombing access roads where chemical weapons are transported….”

Wall Street Journal editors accused Obama of bluffing for not responding to (false) accusations that Assad used chemical weapons. “The world is watching,” they said. “(W)e will hold you accountable.”

“Israel will have to consider its own military options (if Obama) won’t act.”

Beating the drums for war is standard scoundrel media policy. Keane and Pletka urge it against Syria. It’s not Libya, they say. Assad’s better armed. He’s routing insurgent forces.

Woolrich London Killing: Terrorism or False Flag? by Stephen Lendman

Steve heavily quotes Peter Eyre’s article . . . ~J
Source: SteveLendmanBlog

Reports said two assailants hacked a British soldier to death. He’s been identified as Lee Rigby. He was killed in broad daylight. It was several hundred meters from southeast London’s Woolwich Royal Artillery barracks.

Weapons included a machete type knife. Alleged attackers remained on the scene. They did so until police arrived 20 minutes later.

Why wasn’t explained. Killers don’t usually stay around to be captured. Both assailants were shot and apprehended. They were hospitalized for treatment.

One allegedly said “(w)e must fight as they fight us. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.” Britain’s ITV news aired an edited video clip.

Allegedly an onlooker filmed it. How whoever did so happened to be on site wasn’t explained. Odds against it are huge. So is remaining unscathed. Assailants don’t take kindly to being caught in the act.

The clip showed a young Black man with blood dripping from his hands saying “(w)e swear by almighty Allah we will never stop fighting you.”

“The only reason reason we have done this is because Muslims are dying every day.”

“The British soldier is an eye for eye, a tooth for a tooth.”

ITV edited the statement. It said nothing about “do(ing) this because Muslims are dying every day.” Unedited it said:

“There are many, many ayah (religious verses) throughout the Koran that says we must fight them as they fight us, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.”

“I apologize that women had to witness this today but in our land women have to see the same.”

“You people will never be safe. Remove your government. They don’t care about you.”

“You think David Cameron will get stuck in the street, when we start busting our guns?”

“You think your politicians are gonna die? not it’s gonna be the average like you, and your children.”

“So get rid of them. Tell them to bring our troops back, so you can all live in peace.”

Reports called what happened the first domestic Al Qaeda-inspired attack since the July 7, 2005 underground (so-called 7/7) bombings.

A series of attacks targeted the city’s public transport system. They came during the morning rush hour. They were for maximum disruption and casualties.

At precisely the same time, an anti-terror drill occurred. It simulated real attacks. It was no coincidence.

The real attack was a false flag. It was done to heighten fear. At issue was enlisting public sentiment to keep Britain allied with Washington’s imperial wars.

At the time, AP reported that Israel’s London embassy warned Scotland Yard in advance. Israeli Army Radio said:

“Scotland Yard had intelligence warnings of the attacks a short time before they occurred.”

No action was taken. Israel’s then finance minister Netanyahu was told to skip a London economic conference. He was scheduled to speak.

Other officials were warned, not the public. Fifty-two people died. Over 700 were injured.

These type incidents automatically raise questions. Answers are needed before jumping to conclusions. The timing of Wednesday’s killing is very suspicious.

It comes when Washington, Britain, other NATO allies, and Israel head toward full-scale war on Syria. Secretary of State John Kerry’s traveling through the Middle East.

A so-called June peace conference is scheduled. It’s subterfuge. Prior peace initiatives failed. So will this one. Demanding Assad must go assures it. Washington’s proxy war was launched to do so. Expect no change of plans now.

Kerry met with foreign ministers of 11 so-called Friends of Syria countries and opposition group representatives. He discussed Syria with Netanyahu in Jerusalem.

Multiple Israeli provocations preceded his visit. On May 23,Haaretz said Israel’s “maintaining intense intelligence activity in Syria and working with local villagers.”

It’s considering a covert Syrian “proxy force.” It claims doing so will protect Israeli security. Israel’s armed forces are very able on their own.

A so-called proxy force, if established, is clearly provocative. It heads things closer to full-scale intervention. Washington and Israel partner in all regional belligerence. They jointly plan and implement conflicts.

Kerry’s trip coincides with Washington’s plan to ramp up support for so-called “rebels.” He demands Assad must go. He’s uncompromising. So is Obama. Full-scale conflict could erupt any time.

Manufactured pretexts make it easier. False flags are longstanding pre-war tactics. They’re US/Israeli specialties. Britain’s an active co-conspirator.

Muslim extremism was blamed for Wednesday’s London killing. We’ve seen this all before. Expect heightened Islamophobia ahead. UK, US, other key NATO allies, and Israel benefit most. They’ll take full advantage.

British MP George Galloway said “(t)his sickening atrocity in London is exactly what we are paying the same kind of people to do in Syria.”

True enough. He omitted explaining what appears most important.

Head of the IMF Christine Lagarde in court charged with embezzlement and fraud

Source: LondonEveningStandard

In court: Christine Lagarde

23 May 2013

The head of the International Monetary Fund arrived in the dock of a Paris courtroom today as she braced herself to be formally charged with embezzlement and fraud.

Christine Lagarde’s humiliation is not only a massive personal blow which could lead to her resignation, but one which will plunge the world’s banking system into further ignominy.

The clearly nervous 57-year-old said nothing to reporters as she entered the Court of Justice of the Republic, a special tribunal set up to judge the conduct of France’s government ministers,  shortly after 8.30am.

Lagarde faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in jail if found guilty of the very serious charges.

It was when she was President Nicolas Sarkozy’s finance minister that she is said to have authorised a 270 million pounds payout to one of his prominent supporters, so abusing her government position.

The money went to Bernard Tapie, a convicted football match fixer and tax dodger who supported Lagarde and Sarkozy’s UMP party.

It came after Dominque Strauss-Kahn, another senior French politician, was sacked as IMF chief following allegations that he attempted to rape a chambermaid in a New York hotel.

Ms Lagarde began campaigning to succeed Mr Strauss-Kahn soon after his arrest for the alleged crime.

But now it is Ms Lagarde, a lawyer and retired synchronised swimming star, who is facing a long court process of her own, as well as a possible jail sentence.

The scandal will not only pile further shame on France’s political class, but worry politicians and bankers desperately trying to resolve the global financial crisis.

Mr Tapie, the former head of adidas in France, claims he was cheated out of millions by Credit Lyonnais bank when the sports kit empire was sold in 1993.

In 2007, Ms Largarde ended the epic dispute by ordering a panel of judges to arbitrate and, in turn, they awarded Tapie the damages.

Opposition MPs were furious, with former presidential candidate Francois Bayrou accusing Ms Lagarde of ‘dipping into the taxpayers’ pocket for a private beneficiary.’

Mr Strauss-Kahn’s Socialist Party also accused Ms Lagarde of improper conduct, pointing to the fact that Mr Tapie was a vocal supporter of Sarkozy.

Ms Lagarde’s lawyer, Yves Repiquet, said the inquiry was ‘in no way incompatible’ with her new job, and expected the case to be dismissed.

Ms Lagarde denies any wrongdoing, saying before today’s court appearance: ‘If it’s decided to continue with this inquiry it won’t be particularly surprising. Personally, it doesn’t worry me at all – I didn’t benefit personally’.

But it has been widely reported in the French media that investigators intend to charge her with fraud and embezzlement.

Le Monde said that magistrates had already written to Mrs Lagarde to tell her that she should not expect any special treatment because of her high-profile international job.