In planning an upcoming conference aimed at challenging the institution of war, to be held at American University September 22-24, I can’t help but be drawn to the speech a U.S. president gave at American University a little more than 50 years ago. Whether or not you agree with me that this is the best speech ever given by a U.S. president, there should be little dispute that it is the speech most out of step with what anyone will say on Capitol
Focus: North Korea – Sep 18, 2017
U.S. and South Korean jets drop live bombs in a new, massive show of force aimed at North Korea – The Washington Post
PHOTOS: Japanese, Korean and U.S. aircraft conduct show of force in response to North Korean missile launch – U.S. Pacific Command
US aircraft carrier group to conduct joint exercise with South Korean forces next month, joint missile warning drills will be carried out – The Straits Times
VIDEO: Exclusive look at a US-unit in South Korea designed to limit the damage to Seoul from North Korea’s weapons in the event of war – CNN
Japan’s Abe in NYT: Dialogue With North Korea is a dead end – The Daily Caller
Shinzo Abe op-ed: Solidarity against the North Korean threat – The New York Times
South Korea leader Moon discusses purchase of high-tech weaponry during phone call with Trump – The Hankyoreh
VIDEO: Nikki Haley sends frightening message to North Korea – YouTube
Tomgram: Michael Klare, The New Face of “War” at Home
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The United States just experienced its largest rainfall event in memory. For the first time in recorded weather history, two category 4 hurricanes, Harvey and Irma, hit in a single
World Citizenship Is More Popular Than You Might Think
Has nationalism captured the hearts and minds of the world’s people?
It certainly seems to have emerged as a powerful force in recent years. Trumpeting their alleged national superiority and hatred of foreigners, political parties on the far right have made their biggest political advances since the 1930s. After the far right’s startling success, in June 2016, in getting
Pull Down That Statue of the U.S. Constitution
Nobody, not racist warmakers, not imaginary non-racist warmakers, not founding fathers, not radical protesters should be made into a deity, larger than life, in marble or bronze, on horseback or otherwise. Nobody is that flawless, and nobody’s story so withstands the test of time. We need human-sized statues and memorials of whole movements.
The U.S. Constitution, along with the Declaration of Independence, has a whole marble building dedicated to its worship: the National Archives in D.C., plus
Edward Snowden is joining #NoWar2017 by Live Video – You Can Join in Person
Edward Snowden, NSA whistleblower and 2013 Sam Adams laureate, will be speaking with us by live video, as we gather for the NoWar2017 conference on September 22-24 in Washington, D.C.
Speaking in person will be: Medea Benjamin, Nadine Bloch, Max Blumenthal, Alice Day, Lincoln Day, Tim DeChristopher, Dale Dewar, Pat Elder, Bruce Gagnon, Kathy Gannett, Will Griffin, Seymour
Focus: Trump, Pelosi and Schumer – Sept 14, 2017
Trump, Dems move closer to deal on DACA after a Wednesday dinner between the President, Pelosi and Schumer – CNN
Trump confirms support for law to protect ‘Dreamers’, says immigration deal with Democrats close – The New York Times
VIDEO: Trump: We are working on DACA plan, the wall will come later – YouTube
Pelosi, Schumer: Trump’s tweets ‘not inconsistent’ with DACA agreement – TheHill
Pelosi and Schumer joint statement following dinner with President Trump – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi
Nancy Pelosi wants bipartisan border security attached to Dream Act – washingtonexaminer.com
VIDEO: Nancy Pelosi says trusts Donald Trump’s sincerity on DACA – YouTube
VIDEO: Full briefing of Rep. Pelosi addressing DACA agreement with Trump – YouTube
VIDEO: Chuck Schumer on the Senate floor addressing DACA agreement with Trump – YouTube
VIDEO : Sen. Charles Schumer caught on hot mic saying: ‘Trump likes us, likes me anyway’ – YouTube
Senate Refuses to Stop Endless War
Tomgram: Ariel Dorfman, A Tale of Two Donalds
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In 1985, at age 41, I visited Disney World for the first time. I remember the experience for two things: the endless lines so cleverly organized that you never knew how long they truly were and the Hawaiian Luau dinner I attended. Yes, a genuine Hawaiian feast that reminded me of American Chinese food circa 1953 and the unforgettable “entertainment” offered by “native”
What It Would Take to End Racism and War
By David Swanson
Remarks at George Mason University on September 13, 2017
Thank you very much for inviting me.
May I see a show of hands of those who believe we should eliminate all racism?
Thank you, and now those who think we should eliminate all war?
Thank you.
In a typical U.S. crowd, I suspect, many more will raise their hands for ending all racism than for ending all war.
Despite the notion that we live in a democracy being largely fraudulent, I think those shows of hands represent very roughly