Daily Archives: April 16, 2020

2020-04-16: News Headlines

Tom Engelhardt (2020-04-16). History is More or Less Bunk: Coronavirus as Peacemaker? counterpunch.org Let me quote a Trumpian figure from long ago, Henry Ford. That's right, the bigot who created the Ford Motor Company (and once even ran for president). Back in 1916, in an interview with a Chicago Tribune reporter, he offered this bit of wisdom on the subject of history: "Say, what do I care about

Kanoh Nishizawa (2020-04-16). The Coming Revolt – and the peaceful solidarity for a Just World Society. indybay.org As capitalism gets exposed for its savagery, there will be tumult, and revolt of the oppressed. In this new environment, we should express peaceful solidarity if we want a chance at a Just World Society.

yenisafak (2020-04-16). Azerbaijani leader thanks Turkey for show of solidarity. yenisafak.com A top Azerbaijani leader on Wednesday praised Turkey over a recent mutual display of solidarity against coronavirus."I express my deep gratitude to fraternal Turkey. Our countries always stand by each other, on both joyful and difficult days," First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva said on Instagram.She added: "This is our unity, our strength. I wish our peoples the best of health, and our countries peace and prosperity. May Almighty God bless our world!"Over the last week, Turkey and Azerbaijan lit up iconic buildings in Ankara and Baku, their respective capitals, with both countries' flags, honoring their cooper…

Prof. Marjorie Cohn (2020-04-16). Intensifying Sanctions on Iran and Venezuela, Trump Is Weaponizing Coronavirus. globalresearch.ca As the entire world grapples with the most devastating pandemic of the modern era, the United States is pouring kerosene on the fire in Iran and Venezuela. The U.S. government has maintained punishing sanctions against the people of Iran and …

teleSUR (2020-04-16). Caricom Demands End of US Sanctions Against Cuba and Venezuela. telesurenglish.net The members of the Caribbean Community -CARICOM-, called this Wednesday for the lifting of the U.S. sanctions against Cuba and Venezuela. | RELATED: | "All countries must be part of the global effort to combat Covid-19," the region's heads of government agreed during the emergency Summit convened by Caricom. | The meeting, which took place via videoconference, also condemned the U.S. decision to suspend funding to the Wo…

teleSUR (2020-04-16). Venezuela Seeks to Perform 10 Million Tests for COVID-19. telesurenglish.net Venezuela's RELATED: | "We have to get at least 10 million tests with the help of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Pan American Health Organization, China…

Lucas Koerner (2020-04-15). Corporate Media Cover for US Mob Threats Against Venezuela. fair.org The Trump administration unveiled on March 31 a "democratic transition" plan to remove Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from office, in favor of a "council of state" composed of both opposition and ruling party loyalists. | The plan was, however, less an offer to negotiate than a diktat, with the US State Department ( Despite the obvious mafioso over…

Telesur (2020-04-15). Venezuela Has the Lowest Contagion Rate in Latin America. globalresearch.ca According to data compiled through April 11, Venezuela had carried out 181,335 COVID-19 tests, which allowed this South American country to detect patients in time and become the Latin American nation with the lowest infection rate. | " …

Medea Benjamin, Leonardo Flores (2020-04-15). Threatening Military Intervention in Venezuela During a Pandemic? commondreams.org Littoral combat ship USS Detroit off the coast of Venezuela. (Photo: US Navy/DoD) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/venevzuela_intervention_coronavirus.png

Jeff Jurgens (2020-04-15). Peace During Pandemic — Support the Global Ceasefire. peaceaction.org "The fury of the virus illustrates the folly of war." That's is what United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres exclaimed as he delivered an appeal to warring parties around the world to lay down arms in a global ceasefire. The United States, which is currently engaged in war hostilities on nearly every continent of the world, …

Ramzy Baroud (2020-04-14). Palestine's Organic Intellectuals. dissidentvoice.org "For my opinions," wrote Italian intellectual Antonio Gramsci, "I am willing to lose my life, not only to stay in prison. And this is why I am calm and at peace with myself." Gramsci spent 11 years in prison during the fascist reign over Italy, a brutal regime that crushed every form of political dissent …

Alan Macleod (2020-04-13). Exactly 18 Years After US Coup Against Venezuela, Pompeo and Abrams Warn Another is Coming. mintpressnews.com US regime change cheerleaders Mike Pompeo and Elliot Abrams warned Venezuala's government not to resist the upcoming implementation of a "transitional government."

Fight Back (2020-04-13). Interview with Tom Burke of FRSO on Trump's war moves against Venezuela. fightbacknews.org Fight Back! interviewed Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) Organizational Secretary Tom Burke, who led the FRSO labor delegation to Venezuela on March 8. | Francisco Torrealba, president of the Venezuelan Transport Workers Federation, elected Venezuelan National Assembly member, and important leader of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) invited Burke and four Teamsters to see for themselves the changes happening in Venezuela. | Fight Back!: Why did President Trump order U.S. Navy ships to patrol near Venezuela? | Tom Burke: It is a military provocation by the U.S., and it is dangerous. Preside…

news.un (2020-04-11). UN chief calls on religious leaders to unite in the fight against COVID-19. news.un.org Religious leaders of all faiths are being urged by the UN Secretary-General to join forces and work for peace around the world and focus on the common battle to defeat COVID-19.

Ben Norton (2020-04-08). Billionaire-backed Human Rights Watch lobbies for lethal US sanctions on leftist governments as Covid crisis rages. thegrayzone.com Regime change-hungry HRW is proudly taking credit for crushing new US sanctions on Nicaragua while pushing to escalate Washington's economic…

Rivera Sun (2020-04-04). 10 Ways to Make the Change You Want. zcomm.org There's a lot to learn from our fellow human beings' efforts toward peace and justice. If we pay attention, stay alert, and take notes, we might find our own work for change grows in power, strength, and wisdom…

Anya Parampil (2020-04-03). Ex UN anti-narcotics chief & mob expert says US Treasury running 'mafia racket' against Venezuela. thegrayzone.com Pino Arlacchi, the former Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Drug Control and Prevention, says US is behaving…

Lilly Dragnev (2020-03-20). Peace Action Supports Wyden-Klobuchar Bill to Protect Democracy and Ensure Safe Elections. peaceaction.org Statement of Jon Rainwater, Executive Director, Peace Action, on the introduction of the Natural Disaster and Emergency Ballot Act (NDEBA) by Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). This bill would help ensure that elections can take place in a safe and secure way throughout the pandemic and beyond. March 19, 2020 Peace Action …

Lilly Dragnev (2020-03-13). Latest U.S. Military Strikes Are as Reckless as they are Cruel. peaceaction.org Washington, D.C. — March 12, 2020 — In response to reports that the U.S. has carried out five airstrikes on Iranian-backed militia sites in Iraq, Jon Rainwater, Executive Director of Peace Action, released the following statement: "At a time of one of the greatest global challenges of our lifetimes, it is shocking that the Trump …

Joe Emersberger (2020-03-13). No, Venezuela does not have a six child per family policy. zcomm.org I respect UK journalist Andrew Buncombe. As I noted for FAIR last year, he was one of the few corporate journalists who reported on a study linking Trump's financial sanctions on Venezuela to thousands of deaths by the end of 2018. Since 2018, Trump has repeatedly intensified the sanctions and threatened Venezuela with military action,

Paul Kawika Martin (2020-03-11). Congress Sends Bipartisan Bill to Trump Rebuking Iran War. peaceaction.org Washington, D.C. — March 11, 2020 — In response to the House passing the bipartisan bill — S.J.Res.68 — that would thwart President Trump from going to war with Iran and end any current hostilities, Paul Kawika Martin, Senior Director for Policy and Political Affairs at Peace Action, released the following statement: "Both chambers and …

Paul Kawika Martin (2020-02-13). Senate Reclaims War Powers to Thwart Iran War. peaceaction.org Washington, D.C. — February 13, 2020 — In response to the Senate passing the bipartisan bill — S.J.Res.68 — that would thwart President Trump from going to war with Iran and end any current hostilities, Paul Kawika Martin, Senior Director for Policy and Political Affairs at Peace Action, released the following statement: "It's about time …

Strategic Culture (2020-02-08). US Deploys 'Mini-Nukes' in Deplorable Threat to World Peace. theantimedia.com These so-called "mini-nukes" represent—despite the diminutive-sounding name—an increased risk of nuclear war.

Venezuela Analysis (2020-02-06). Embassy Protection Collective: "We Are Not the Ones Who Violated the Law" theantimedia.com In this exclusive interview, VA talks to the activists who defended the Venezuelan Embassy in Washington DC ahead of their trial.

Jon Rainwater (2020-01-31). House Votes to Rein in Trump's Iran War Powers While Ending Endless Wars. peaceaction.org Washington, D.C. — January 30, 2020 — In response to two high-profile war powers votes on the House floor today, Peace Action released the following statement: "Our nation's endless wars are on autopilot, with Trump fitfully grabbing the steering wheel until his attention wanders somewhere else. Today's votes are a step toward Congress reclaiming its …

Jon Rainwater (2020-01-08). In the ongoing crisis, Congress must rein in Trump's war powers. peaceaction.org As we feared, President Trump's reckless assassination of Iran's Gen. Soleimani resulted in escalation — direct Iranian missile attacks on two military bases in Iraq. It's painful to watch more violence in a country that has already suffered far too much from endless war. All parties in the US/Iran conflict must cease military action and …

Jon Rainwater (2019-11-07). Take Action — Some actual, SANE legislation. peaceaction.org Trump has plans to spend nearly $2 TRILLION over the next 30 years on unneeded and unnecessary nuclear weapons and delivery systems. This makes no sense. This is insane. That's nearly $100 million wasted every day for thirty years on weapons we are supposed to be getting rid of. To put that amount in perspective, …

Jon Rainwater (2019-09-25). Take Action to Avoid War with Iran. peaceaction.org photo credit Dear Groundswell Readers, We have to keep pushing Congress this week if we want to avoid war with Iran. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said recently that the U.K. might join a U.S.-led military effort in the Gulf. When other nations step up to join the "coalition of the willing" it's often a bad sign. …

Paul Kawika Martin (2019-07-18). Diplomacy Instead of a Disaster in Iran. peaceaction.org Washington, D.C. — July 18, 2019 — In response to reports of the U.S. shooting down an Iranian drone, Paul Kawika Martin, Senior Director for Policy and Political Affairs at Peace Action, released the following statement: "Because of the Trump administration's policy of maximum provocation towards Iran, America stands on the precipice of another blunderous …

2020-04-16: Social Media Postees

Please be social by posting these 'POSTEES' on social media! (Copy the text of the postee below, then paste it on social media and the story images will also appear.)

History is More or Less Bunk: Coronavirus as Peacemaker?
Tom Engelhardt | counterpunch.org | 2020-04-16
Let me quote a Trumpian figure from long ago, Henry Ford. That's right, the bigot who created the Ford Motor Company (and once even ran for president). Back in 1916, in an interview with a Chicago Tribune reporter, he offered this bit of wisdom on the subject of history:…
counterpunch.org/2020/04/16/history-is-more-or-less-bunk-coronavirus-as-peacemaker/

History is More or Less Bunk: Coronavirus as Peacemaker?
Tom Engelhardt | counterpunch.org | 2020-04-16
Let me quote a Trumpian figure from long ago, Henry Ford. That's right, the bigot who created the Ford Motor Company (and once even ran for president). Back in 1916, in an interview with a Chicago Tribune reporter, he offered this bit of wisdom on the subject of history:…
counterpunch.org/2020/04/16/history-is-more-or-less-bunk-coronavirus-as-peacemaker/

The Coming Revolt – and the peaceful solidarity for a Just World Society
Kanoh Nishizawa | indybay.org | 2020-04-16
As capitalism gets exposed for its savagery, there will be tumult, and revolt of the oppressed. In this new environment, we should express peaceful solidarity if we want a chance at a Just World Society.
indybay.org/newsitems/2020/04/14/18832351.php

Azerbaijani leader thanks Turkey for show of solidarity
yenisafak.com | 2020-04-16
A top Azerbaijani leader on Wednesday praised Turkey over a recent mutual display of solidarity against coronavirus."I express my deep gratitude to fraternal Turkey. Our countries always stand by each other, on both joyful and difficult days," First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva said on Instagram.She added: "This is our unity, our strength. I wish our peoples the best of health, and our countries peace and prosperity. May Almighty God bless our world!"Over the last week, Turkey and Azerbaijan lit up iconic buildings in Ankara and Baku, their respective capitals, with both countries' flags, honoring their cooper…
yenisafak.com/en/news/azerbaijani-leader-thanks-turkey-for-show-of-solidarity-3517106

Venezuela Seeks to Perform 10 Million Tests for COVID-19
telesurenglish.net | 2020-04-16
Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro Wednesday mentioned that his administration is taking action to carry out 10 million detection tests for COVID-19. | RELATED: | Venezuela Has the Lowest Contagion Rate in Latin America | "We have to get at least 10 million tests with the help of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Pan American Health Organization, China…
telesurenglish.net/news/Venezuela-Seeks-to-Perform-10-Million-Tests-for-COVID-19-20200416-0002.html

Intensifying Sanctions on Iran and Venezuela, Trump Is Weaponizing Coronavirus
Prof. Marjorie Cohn | globalresearch.ca | 2020-04-16
As the entire world grapples with the most devastating pandemic of the modern era, the United States is pouring kerosene on the fire in Iran and Venezuela. The U.S. government has maintained punishing sanctions against the people of Iran and …
globalresearch.ca/intensifying-sanctions-iran-venezuela-trump-weaponizing-coronavirus/5709831

Intensifying Sanctions on Iran and Venezuela, Trump Is Weaponizing Coronavirus
Marjorie Cohn | zcomm.org | 2020-04-16
As the entire world grapples with the most devastating pandemic of the modern era, the United States is pouring kerosene on the fire in Iran and Venezuela…
zcomm.org/znetarticle/intensifying-sanctions-on-iran-and-venezuela-trump-is-weaponizing-coronavirus/

Cuba Prioritizes Food Production During COVID-19 Outbreak
telesurenglish.net | 2020-04-16
Cuban farmers are contributing to the national food production to alleviate the economic impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the island. | RELATED: | Caricom Demands End of US Sanctions Against Cuba and Venezuela | According to Rafael Santiesteban Pozo, President of the National Association of Small Farmers (ANAP), the contribution of the Cuban food producers to the national economy and to the consumption of the population in these times of pandemic has become more than strategic,…
telesurenglish.net/news/cuba-prioritizes-food-production-during-covid19-outbreak-20200416-0009.html

Caricom Demands End of US Sanctions Against Cuba and Venezuela
telesurenglish.net | 2020-04-16
The members of the Caribbean Community -CARICOM-, called this Wednesday for the lifting of the U.S. sanctions against Cuba and Venezuela. | RELATED: | Caricom: 'Only With Unity, We Can Fight Against Imperialism' | "All countries must be part of the global effort to combat Covid-19," the region's heads of government agreed during the emergency Summit convened by Caricom. | The meeting, which took place via videoconference, also condemned the U.S. decision to suspend funding to the Wo…
telesurenglish.net/news/caricom-demands-end-us-sanctions-against-cuba-and-venezuela-20200416-0001.html

Threatening Military Intervention in Venezuela During a Pandemic?
Medea Benjamin, Leonardo Flores | commondreams.org | 2020-04-15
Littoral combat ship USS Detroit off the coast of Venezuela. (Photo: US Navy/DoD) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/venevzuela_intervention_coronavirus.png
commondreams.org/views/2020/04/15/threatening-military-intervention-venezuela-during-pandemic?cd-origin=rss

Corporate Media Cover for US Mob Threats Against Venezuela
Lucas Koerner | fair.org | 2020-04-15
The Trump administration unveiled on March 31 a "democratic transition" plan to remove Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from office, in favor of a "council of state" composed of both opposition and ruling party loyalists. | The plan was, however, less an offer to negotiate than a diktat, with the US State Department ( 3/31/20) vowing that "sanctions will remain in effect, and increase, until the Maduro regime accepts a genuine political transition." | Despite the obvious mafioso over…
fair.org/home/corporate-media-cover-for-us-mob-threats-against-venezuela/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=corporate-media-cover-for-us-mob-threats-against-venezuela

Venezuela Has the Lowest Contagion Rate in Latin America
Telesur | globalresearch.ca | 2020-04-15
According to data compiled through April 11, Venezuela had carried out 181,335 COVID-19 tests, which allowed this South American country to detect patients in time and become the Latin American nation with the lowest infection rate. | " President Nicolas Maduro's | …
globalresearch.ca/venezuela-lowest-contagion-rate-latin-america/5709721

Palestine's Organic Intellectuals
Ramzy Baroud | dissidentvoice.org | 2020-04-14
"For my opinions," wrote Italian intellectual Antonio Gramsci, "I am willing to lose my life, not only to stay in prison. And this is why I am calm and at peace with myself." Gramsci spent 11 years in prison during the fascist reign over Italy, a brutal regime that crushed every form of political dissent …
dissidentvoice.org/2020/04/palestines-organic-intellectuals/

Exactly 18 Years After US Coup Against Venezuela, Pompeo and Abrams Warn Another is Coming
Alan Macleod | mintpressnews.com | 2020-04-13
US regime change cheerleaders Mike Pompeo and Elliot Abrams warned Venezuala's government not to resist the upcoming implementation of a "transitional government."
mintpressnews.com/18-years-after-us-coup-against-venezuela-us-warns-another-attempt/266598/

Interview with Tom Burke of FRSO on Trump's war moves against Venezuela
Fight Back | fightbacknews.org | 2020-04-13
Fight Back! interviewed Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) Organizational Secretary Tom Burke, who led the FRSO labor delegation to Venezuela on March 8. | Francisco Torrealba, president of the Venezuelan Transport Workers Federation, elected Venezuelan National Assembly member, and important leader of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) invited Burke and four Teamsters to see for themselves the changes happening in Venezuela. | Fight Back!: Why did President Trump order U.S. Navy ships to patrol near Venezuela? | Tom Burke: It is a military provocation by the U.S., and it is dangerous. Preside…
www.fightbacknews.org/2020/4/13/interview-tom-burke-frso-trump-s-war-moves-against-venezuela

UN chief calls on religious leaders to unite in the fight against COVID-19
news.un.org | 2020-04-11
Religious leaders of all faiths are being urged by the UN Secretary-General to join forces and work for peace around the world and focus on the common battle to defeat COVID-19.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2020/04/1061512

Billionaire-backed Human Rights Watch lobbies for lethal US sanctions on leftist governments as Covid crisis rages
Ben Norton | thegrayzone.com | 2020-04-08
Regime change-hungry HRW is proudly taking credit for crushing new US sanctions on Nicaragua while pushing to escalate Washington's economic…
thegrayzone.com/2020/04/08/billionaire-human-rights-watch-sanctions-nicaragua-venezuela/

Billionaire-backed Human Rights Watch lobbies for lethal US sanctions on leftist governments as Covid crisis rages
Ben Norton | thegrayzone.com | 2020-04-08
Regime change-hungry HRW is proudly taking credit for crushing new US sanctions on Nicaragua while pushing to escalate Washington's economic…
thegrayzone.com/2020/04/08/billionaire-human-rights-watch-sanctions-nicaragua-venezuela/

10 Ways to Make the Change You Want
Rivera Sun | zcomm.org | 2020-04-04
There's a lot to learn from our fellow human beings' efforts toward peace and justice. If we pay attention, stay alert, and take notes, we might find our own work for change grows in power, strength, and wisdom…
zcomm.org/zmagazine/10-ways-to-make-the-change-you-want/

Ex UN anti-narcotics chief & mob expert says US Treasury running 'mafia racket' against Venezuela
Anya Parampil | thegrayzone.com | 2020-04-03
Pino Arlacchi, the former Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Drug Control and Prevention, says US is behaving…
thegrayzone.com/2020/04/03/un-narcotics-mob-treasury-running-mafia-venezuela/

Peace Action Supports Wyden-Klobuchar Bill to Protect Democracy and Ensure Safe Elections
Lilly Dragnev | peaceaction.org | 2020-03-20
Statement of Jon Rainwater, Executive Director, Peace Action, on the introduction of the Natural Disaster and Emergency Ballot Act (NDEBA) by Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). This bill would help ensure that elections can take place in a safe and secure way throughout the pandemic and beyond. March 19, 2020 Peace Action …
peaceaction.org/2020/03/20/peace-action-supports-wyden-klobuchar-bill-to-protect-democracy-and-ensure-safe-elections/