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I have a few "non political" friends who only listen the mainstream news. When Israel bombed the Iranian embassy in Damascus and Iran retaliated, Israel's bombing was reported, but way way down in the report. One of my apolitical friends, upset about Iran's action, did not realize that Israel had bombed the Iranian embassy killing 16 people. There was a resignation from Pride Toronto because of their unwillingness to work with Queer Palestine. I have a trans friend who didn't know about any of this. As you have said previously, the media is not reporting truthfully about what is happening in Gaza. The mainstream news contains nothing about organizations like this: canarymission.org, that keeps track of anyone who speaks out against genocide and puts them at risk of losing their jobs and reputations. They never talk about how much money is being made from the continuation of wars. They never talk about all the people who are dying in Gaza or in Ukraine. They sometimes mention "casualties" but just in passing. I have a Jewish friend who did not go see the film "Israelism", www.israelismfilm.com, made by young American Jews, because she said it promoted antisemitism. At least she is still talking to me. I have another Jewish friend who won't talk to me because she said I "love Palestinians". The mainstream news never talks about how Israel itself is causing more antisemitism and it promotes the idea that criticizing Israel is antisemitic. I have days when I feel as if the world is falling apart. I think it is possible that it is.

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All on purpose Susan. Divide and conquer is a wartime strategy as old as time. I refuse to let them goad me into hating anyone (except maybe the parasites fomenting hatred). I applaud you for refusing to buy into the propaganda. It takes a strong will to see through it.

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I have always been contrary. I have never quite believed everything in front of me. Sometimes I have tried to be "normal" but that has never worked out very well.

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Amen, Sister, from this "Brother"! Every time I tried to fit in, it ended up in disaster.

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What IS normal?

You must be Canadian.

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One definition of normal: conforming to popular public opinion without critical thinking.

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If they solely rely on mainstream news they are not political, since they would have long learned how biased and untrustworthy the mainstream media is.

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Hi Fran

I still have idiots who have NO knowledge of the Middle East telling me, Don’t believe everything you read on the internet!

Just yesterday, an acquaintance told me that Genocide Joe was no longer funding the war on Gaza(!!!) I had to correct her, telling her that ByeDone refused to fund an IsraHelli war on IRAN. 🙄 Cause, you know, he doesn’t want the Straits of Hormuz shut down before the election.

My US Rep, Dan Kildee, voted against sending billions to the Apartheid Genocide state. If yours did as well, please call and thank them, as I did.

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Hi, Gypsy,

Same was true during our Middle Eastern wars, people stayed stupid. I think I told you how a 4th cousin was able to stay stupid through all of them and she has 2 college degrees, but you would never know it based on her ignorance as to what was going on in the world. She literally make stuff up. Almost a 100 billion to fund the wars in Ukraine, and the genocide in Gaza, we're sick, and some millions for Taiwan. You have to tell your friends about Joe's generosity when it comes to war. Funny so many thought he would be our savior. I really mean this, if anything he will destroy us.

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The Palestinian/ Hamas Genocide State ?

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"Apolitical" people are the consistently the most intellectually dishonest, no matter the topic.

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I think they are afraid to really look at what is going on. They enabled the holocaust which is now being used as an excuse to foment another one. And I can kind of understand because when I bring up horrible things like the genocide that is presently happening, it is often me who is accused of "being negative". I am told I should turn off the news.

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They are not afraid but prefer the easy way out. I have absolutely no compassion for them. It is no different then the many generations that turned a blind eye to child abuse, just made it easier for themselves.

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I was abused as a child. The neighbours knew and, although they didn't call the "authorities", they took me in, fed me and comforted me; they did not turn a blind eye. If the authorities had been called in, I am not sure what would have happened to me.

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I am sorry to hear this Susan I really am BUT MOST people have horrendous lives. Put your problems aside and concentrate on what is happening to a whole nation of people.

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Hi Jenny

I was sexually abused as a very young child; it was NOTHING compared to what the Gazans ( and West Bank Palestinians) are enduring.

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Sorry to hear that, but glad to hear there were those who could be there for you. My father's family knew of his abuse but they bought his story and his sister helped him sell it and it was just easier that way for all of them. It's really not until later in the 20 century did we begin to deal with this issue, even deal with sexual child abuse. Lets not forget in America we still have Americans housing in tents, sleeping in the street, in their cars, and begging for food money. Yeah they care as they make a spectacle at the border of their caring and don't give a damn about their own, which includes no health care for many. Some 10 percent, or a bit more live in abject poverty, not to mention how many die in our nursing homes from inadequate care, or the many, many thousands who contract a disease when they enter our hospitals they never came in with, and die of it. Where are those mental hospitals for the mentally ill. etc, etc,

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Also, if we were so caring how do you explain our many middle eastern wars that killed and displaced millions as most in America kept their mouths shut. Not to mention a country who is capable of providing billions to Israel to implement it's genocide. A country that lied us into wars like Vietnam and let it's young men die for a lie, not to mention the millions world wide who suffered our lies and abuse as we over turned their governments.

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Apologies.

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Same! Haha

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Those in America who solely rely on the mainstream media, know they are receiving a highly biased perspective, and deep down know that is what they want to hear, so they don't have to get upset. So common place.

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This is what our government is afraid will happen in their support of the genocide in Israel. The news was an honest player and told the truth and people didn't cave to letting the government shut their mouths.

The student movement arose to demand free speech on college campuses, but as the US involvement in the Vietnam war expanded, the war became the main target of student-led protests.

News coverage of the war, which included graphic visual testimonies of the death and destruction in Vietnam, turned US public opinion increasingly against the war.

Revelations that the Johnson and Nixon administrations had lied to the American people about the war undermined the public’s trust in government.

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I remember in London marching against Vietnam and it did change things.

The premise now is: How many people does it take to change things?

The US is spending money on war games in the China sea with the help of corrupt Filippino Govt.

I don't know what China has done to us people except give the cheap toys which the US people gobbled up.

My 'gut' feeling is: The US is a dying Empire...the only way the US makes money is through weapons sales throughout the world.

I am here in Europe and I wish for only one thing: Europe suddenly realises that this illegal empire of the USA does not exist any more.

The US has depleted weapons supplies (according to talking heads) who know things.

I don't know what is going to happen but it is about time Americans had war on their land.

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No question we have done a lot of bad things and during this century it's been hard with our many middle eastern wars, and now this, but I also know what preceded it wasn't much better. Since I was a kid I try to define my country as the people, and my allegiance is to them, not my government.

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I have NO allegience to any country I have lived in.

My birthplace is Sri Lanka and I have never supported the ensuing governments after Independence.

Yes I loved the Sri Lankans in all their naivety BUT I do not support them.

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Barrack H. Obama said there are 2 Americas. I see it as America, Americans vs the US government cartel of traitors. They are definitely the enemy; because they have declared financial, psychological, and through the police and FISA out right war on Americans. They have completely abandoned the founding principles. Voting is a fool's errand.

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Agree Jenny!!!

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And those who solely rely on media pray to either Joe Biden or Donald Trump as their Lord and Savior whether they realize it or not.

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I think Fran you have 'hit the nail on the head.'

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Thanks Jenny, and if you live hear and pay attention, it's rather easy.

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Hi Fran. I don't live in the US.

After 4 countries I have lived in I have absolutely NO faith in people.

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Well, they disappoint for sure, but as I said, I prefer them a lot more then I do my government that is on a forever spree since I was born of going around the world killing people, and not fair to the people they supposedly represent.

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I used to claim that apolitical, when in reality I'm the exact opposite.

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All Libertarians I think.

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>>"The mainstream news never talks about how Israel itself is causing more antisemitism"

Susan T: You hit the nail on the head. Israel's behavior over the last 75 years (and especially since oct 7th) has made the world very unsafe for Jews. Israel has created more antisemitism than the rest of the world put together. Israel is giving all Jews a bad name. Israel is a Jew's worst and greatest enemy. Jews of conscience need to disown Israel completely (many already have). The whole world needs to disown and boycott Israel!

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Agree with you Chang Chokaski that Israel is seemingly giving all Jews a bad name. But to name the loathing and revulsion we feel for Israel's actions of brutality, carnage and war crimes is NOT antisemitism. We shouldn't let them - the media, the political class, the Israeli lobby - get away with framing it as such. It is the natural reaction any caring human being would feel for the terrible suffering of fellow human beings. It is compassion, empathy and caring. We shouldn't let it be sullied by ugly labels.

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Indu, you are reading more into what I said than what was mentioned in my comment above.

My comment is about how Israel is creating an environment where they:

(1) Create hatred against Israelis and Zionists with their behavior and actions (fully deserved IMO)

(2) They then play the trick of conflating Israel and Zionism with Jews and Judaism. This causes less-discerning people with inferior critical thinking skills (and there are many) to blame all Jews for the actions of Israel and Zionists. This is a calculated strategy on Israel's behalf that causes people (that fall for this trick) to hate all Jews. This then increases 'real' antisemitism. Israel & the Zionists then use this 'antisemitism that they created in the first place' to play the role of victims and to say - "hey look, antisemitism is real. See, we were right all along." This is a devious and mind-fucking strategy played by Israel and Zionists that entrap many people. I, for one, am not falling prey to their tricks.

In terms of anti-semitism, there is FAKE antisemitism and REAL antisemitism. In the US, 90% of the antisemitism is FAKE - there is very little REAL antisemitism. In fact, there is more ISLAMOPHOBIA than 'real anti-semitism' in the US currently. When it comes to REAL anti-semitism, most of it comes from far-right white nationalists - and was there before Oct 7th and was not dependent on Palestine. (i.e. REAL anti-semitism is a hatred of Jews just because they are Jews).

>>"the loathing and revulsion we feel for Israel's actions of brutality, carnage and war crimes is NOT antisemitism"

- Yes, this is NOT anti-semitism. It never was. This natural reaction would be there for any Genocidal regime, regardless of religion. i.e. If Israel was made up of Hindus (for example) instead of Jews, this reaction would still be there. And might I add - this reaction is a healthy one. Being outraged, bewildered, depressed, consumed with disgust and disbelief, and engulfed with 'feelings that are hard to put into words' IS NORMAL (and moral).

>>"We shouldn't let them - the media, the political class, the Israeli lobby - get away with framing it as such."

- Yes, we shouldn't. No one should. Unfortunately, very few people have media literacy and critical thinking skills. They are too easily influenced by the opinions of people in positions of power & authority, fake experts, and master propagandists. The media IS, and HAS ALWAYS BEEN, a tool wielded by 'empire managers' and the 'power elite'. Most people are too busy trying to survive in our dystopian capitalist system to have the time needed to read up on history and differentiate between truth and lies. Some people (that have the time) are just intellectually lazy. It's a tough battle to win against the 'Media Empires' of the world.

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Hello Chang, Many thanks for your thoughtful learned analysis, with which I have no disagreement at all. My apologies if I gave the impression that I was contradicting you in any way. I like to think we are on the same page - Caitlin's page too! - so to speak.

We can have philosophical arguments about Israeli tactics. But our main concern should always be the plight of the people of Gaza. It is soul shattering the way Israel has weaponised so many sacred cows - from the Holocaust to antisemitism. It is designed to criminalise support for Palestinians and terrorise everyone into silence. To shut down voices against a genocide. For US/ West manufacturing consent has lost its effectiveness, so they are criminalising dissent and critical thought as we can see on university campuses all over the US. And the tightening of repressive laws in the West. The entire western political establishment is complicit, and in the grip of "the corrupting power of the Zionist movement".

We should pause to think that Arabs are Semites but denied the word -antisemitism.

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Hi Indu, all good - no need for apologies. We are on the same page. I appreciate your critical thinking, your morality, and your grasp on reality - and am always open to learning and improving my thinking. One of the many reasons I enjoy reading Caitlin Johnstone's articles so much is because she highlights these exact same qualities - good critical thinking, high moral values, and a good grasp on reality.

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Possible that it is? Clearly, the world IS falling apart, as never before, all around us, more and more. Only denial would deny it. And it is becoming increasingly obvious almost every single day.

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Sometimes my tongue gets stuck in my cheek.

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Susan. I know you are a nice person, grappling with what is going on and nobody wants to think their country is to blame.

As it is we are people who have had 'horrible' things happen to us and we tend to think we are the ONLY ones.

IF I told you my life story you would wonder why I am still alive.

This is not about you or me.

This is about a whole generation of Palestinians being wiped out.

Forget about what you have been through this is about Palestinians.

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I have no problem seeing that my country as well as other countries are responsible for the mess the world is in.

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We can share our own experiences and still talk about Palestinians and global issues. We can do more than one thing at once.

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For some, our experiences influence how we look at the world. I have realized that the abuse I received as a child helped me to see that life is not a bowl of cherries. Not for me; not for anyone. It is because of my experiences that I have been able to empathize with others.

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The clever Jews have always had a marketing program on the go. After the war it was the creation of Holocaust museums all over the world and they dined out on that theme for a long time. All pictures the same, well organised and funded. It has worn thin of late and the response to the museum attendance loss of traffic has been "same old, same old”, together with a distinct lack of respect for what they have become of late. But Holocaust magic worked for a while. Somewhat tattered now.

Today however, with the help of the fully paid for politicians in all geographies, but predominantly in the US, sitting with 86% owned by Netanyahu and his nasties, the strategic theme for trying to create sympathy and support by those too weak to see through the campaign has been and still is "anti-Semtiism", almost becoming enshrined in the minds of the corrupted Israeli sympathisers as is the US Constitution in the minds of loyal Americans.

Perhaps that is the aim of the bankers and big money men to see a rewrite of that once respected document as it does seem to able to be interpreted to suit the climate. Ask George Bush. Something of an expert on the subject. Bush broke new constitutional ground in authorisng coercive interrogations, denying suspected terrorists the privilege of habeas corpus and the warrantless surveillance of Americans. And how!

Now if the US Jews, neocons, electoral funders, political manipulators, corrupting specialists and genocidists having got away with their crimes for such a long time, see a possibility to add a clause stating that nobody can criticise a Jew in the USA as they are a special breed, "God's Chosen People" as they say, above the law, able to commit genocide as required , finding a way to include under one of their puppet Presidents from this day on a special place in the Constitution, so it will happen. The apathy of voters is such that it could all be over before they even knew it happened. A sort of Jewish Patriot Act.

They have the political numbers and will be aiming in November for an increase to consolidate their controlling position with help from the state stolen from Palestine. Bush broke constitutional ground, so the Jews can probably do the same. That will enable, for example, the Universities to do what they like to students, universities having been one of their targets to infiltrate for the past 50 years. Successful too. Just count up the academic staff numbers from Israel, the influence they command. Thousands, the cause of so much anti-Palesdtine, anti-justice, Israel-oriented mayhem, with so many state governors, dependent on Jewish money to retain their positions, going along with their demands, every one of them structured by AIPAC, America’s real government.

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Lots of food for thought in your post. When I was in Krakow, I stayed at a hostel and in the basement of that building there was a windowless room where people waited to be transferred to Auschwitz. I could not understand all that was written on those walls in o languages other than English. But the whole atmosphere put me right off the whole idea of going to visit Auschwitz. I have never understood really why anyone would want to visit Auschwitz as a tourist. I had not considered that someone was making quite a lot of money off those visits. That is repugnant. A lot of non-Jews suffered during that time as well, Poles were forced to work to support the Nazis. Some were also killed. It was an ugly time in our history and it is horrible to use it in any way as a tourist attraction to draw in dollars. I didn't think of it exactly that way at the time; I just found the idea of going there repellent. Instead of Auschwitz, I went to visit the salt mines just outside of Krakow. They were amazing, altho probably many also suffered having to work so far underground in those mines. And it is people who live in Poland who make money from those visits. Altho, I suppose they could be owned by people outside Poland.

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Amerikkka is IsraHelli-occupied territory.

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Yes, Gypsy33, and then some. This last allocation of US funding for the Jewish Genocidists is the absolute crime ……..and not a squeak from the White Christians, anywhere.

It is indeed, the crtme of the century.

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If it is any comfort, and although the level of atrocities has gone beyond anything previous, this has been going on for 75+ years. Some of us have known the truth for almost that long. We will overcome.

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Hitler had Joseph Goebbels to create the lies, and together, they repeated those lies until they became reality.

Hitler himself, proudly acknowledged this.

America’s liberals have public schools, colleges, and universities to inspire and indoctrinate all its students.

And now, what’s called the mainstream media, is actually owned and operated by two or three individuals.

You know that they would never try to deceive you about anything, right?

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The bombing of the Iranian consulate got the short shrift in the press partly because that was the same day the World Central Kitchen murders occurred.

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I hadn't realized that both those attacks happened on the same day. Busy day for Israeli killers.

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I am pretty sure it wan not the same day.

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They both happened on April 1.

NPR has a lengthy story where you can see in the photo information about how the strike actually occurred "the day before [Tuesday]." Monday of that week was April 1.

https://www.npr.org/2024/04/01/1242177519/world-central-kitchen-workers-deaths-gaza

(Note also the date line in the URL.)

The consulate was bombed April 1.

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-bombs-iran-embassy-syria-iranian-commanders-among-dead-2024-04-01/

(Again, note the date line, not only in the URL but as the article begins as well.)

See also this segment from The Rational National: "Israeli Govt. Goes on Psychotic 24h Rampage"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2Kg6iaw5Do

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Thanks so much for this. I am getting old!!

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It's all good!

The WCK killings overtook the entire news cycle, so I'm not surprised that many people don't realize that these things happened the same day.

Israel remained mum, and even the US to this day hasn't said one way or the other what their determination is as to who is responsible for the consulate bombing, but it's pretty clear. Several foreign governments have said that Israel is the most likely culprit -- it doesn't make sense that the US, with its vast intelligence network, hasn't come out with at least its best guess. To me, this is clear obfuscation. And, at the time, it seemed to me that the reticence served the interests of Israel & the US, as the WCK killings were just devastating to Israel on the PR front and they couldn't afford a further burden of blame. So they (and we, the US) just didn't talk about it.

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I listen to all sorts of people on u-tube. Finkelstein/Mate/Meersheimer and it seems they all believe it was Israel. Then there is Scott Ritter as well.

The Spanish Chef is a zionist and knows Biden which is how he got the food into Israel.

I hope he has changed his mind.

It seems the depravity of the thugs in Israel is getting worse. They now have to finish the first job of genocide then they will I am sure, turn to Iran!

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I hope you love death because Hamas and Iran don’t Tolerate GAY people.

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I am not sure what you are responding to. Lots of people everywhere don't tolerate gay people. I hope you are part of working to change that.

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Israel didn’t bomb the embassy they bombed a building next to the embassy where planning was taking place.I noticed you don’t include the Hamas/Palestinian Genocide against Jews and they videotaped their atrocities. Giving Israel the facts.

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So was the building next to the embassy a daycare? Oh yes, the Hamas atrocities were terrible and even worse once it was noted that the Israelis had killed some of those people themselves. It is so annoying how Israel is so misunderstood.

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It was the CONSULATE, asshole. STILL SOVEREIGN TERRITORY.

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