118

Review: “The Plot to Overthrow Venezuela”

John Rachel

In one concise statement, Dan Kovalik sums up the criminal – if self-serving and for now effective – foreign policy of the U.S. across the planet:

The US appears to be intentionally spreading chaos throughout strategic portions of the world, leaving virtually no independent state standing to protect their resources, especially oil, from Western exploitation. And, this goal is being achieved with resounding success, while also achieving the subsidiary goal of enriching the behemoth military-industrial complex.”

A divided Korea, a decimated Vietnam, endless war in Afghanistan, a barely functional Iraq, a destroyed Libya, ongoing destruction of Syria and Venezuela, relentless attacks and incipient war on Iran, give us more than a glimpse into the awesome power of America’s military might, its malice and ruthlessness in projecting that power.

Its no-holds-barred no-moral-qualms no-body-count no-questions-asked ends-justify-the-means tactical use of genocide, its jaw-dropping hypocrisy in portraying itself as a force of good, its psychopathic exceptionalist world view which judges all other nations and their populations as dispensable, and its ultimate loyalty to a tiny autocratic ruling elite who use “democracy” as just another tool in their bag of tricks to promote absolute corporate tyranny — the framework of fascism Sheldon Wolin calls inverted totalitarianism — and global hegemony.

It’s for good reason that the U.S. is now often referred to as the Empire of Chaos.

The Plot to Overthrow Venezuela: How the US is Orchestrating a Coup for Oil, as the title suggests, more specifically focuses on the horrors inflicted by the U.S. government on Venezuela.

This thorough, extremely well-researched, and fully supported exposé covers the current crises in and about Venezuela, intentionally and purposefully instigated by the U.S. to overthrow its current government and plunder the country’s rich oil reserves.

Just as importantly it offers rich and revealing historical accounts of America’s past dealings with Venezuela and almost identical scenarios with other Latin American nations, detailing the darkness and corruption that lies at the heart of U.S. foreign policy, and how that has cast a pall of oppression over the entirety of South and Central America, the nations of which have the geographical misfortune of being in America’s self-declared hemisphere of influence — read that as hemisphere of total domination and ruthless exploitation.

From Chile to Haiti to Panama to Honduras to Nicaragua to El Salvador to Colombia, we see the brutal deployment of U.S. political and military assets leaving whole countries impoverished, the poor without hope — often deprived of even food and water — and piles of nameless corpses in escalating numbers, dismissed by the U.S. government and its lapdog media as collateral damage of the Great Imperial Project.

By the end of Kovalik’s chilling indictment of U.S. malfeasance in its war on the people of Venezuela, what is astonishing and shocking is that the U.S. is again getting away with such overt and illegal aggression, by not only using the same playbook, but by using the same players.

With Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State, John Bolton as National Security Advisor, and Elliot Abrams as Special Envoy to Venezuela, at the helm of the project to take Venezuela’s government apart and replace it with the puppet regime of the unelected Juan Guaido, we have three of the most notorious of the notorious — murderous, lying thugs — doing the dirty work.

All three have sordid histories of inciting war and orchestrating regime changes. Abrams was indicted and convicted for lying to Congress about the Iran-Contra affair.

The thought-provoking Plot to Overthrow Venezuela is very well-written, with a clarity, accessibility, and erudition which puts it in a class with the best works of Noam Chomsky. The Foreword by Oliver Stone is a worthy and deserving way to get things started.

I give it six out of five stars, truly one of the most engaging and informative books I’ve read in ages.

The Plot to Overthrow Venezuela: How the US is Orchestrating a Coup for Oil, by Dan Kovalik, is published by HOT BOOKS and available through Amazon and other retailers.
John Rachel has a B. A. in Philosophy, has traveled extensively, is a songwriter, music producer, neo-Marxist, and an evolutionary humanist. He has written nine novels and three political non-fiction books. His most recent polemic is “The Peace Dividend: The Most Controversial Proposal in the History of the World.” His political articles have appeared at OpEdNews, Greanville Post, Nation of Change, Dissident Voice, Truthdig, Russia Insider, and other alternative media outlets. You can follow his adventures and developing world view at: jdrachel.com

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Bob Marsden
Bob Marsden
Aug 4, 2019 1:08 PM

The common factor in those states the US and its dependents or allies seek to destroy is socialism, potential or actual. Wherever a country intends to or implements a system in which the people collectively, at all levels of administration, own their own lands, houses, enterprises providing the necessities for living, homes, education, health services, transport, justice, emergency (protective) services including military, infrastructures, currency, insurance against harm, and any other public arrangements for the benefit of all the people, America will destroy it with two main aims. First, that it not exemplify successful socialism and thereby refute the orthodoxy, currently neoliberal corporate capitalism, that the permanent rulers of the US require to be universal. And second, referenced in the reviewed book, that commercial corporations, owned by the rulers, can extort and seize the resources and assets belonging to that country’s people. Consider the USSR, China, Mossadek’s Iraq, Vietnam, Cuba, Indonesia,… Read more »

NukesDownUnder
NukesDownUnder
Aug 4, 2019 9:31 PM
Reply to  Bob Marsden

“commercial corporations, owned by the rulers, can extort and seize the resources and assets belonging to that country’s people.”

Privatisations and deregulations are only making the process of ceding power from government to (US) foreign entities much easier.

Robbobbobin
Robbobbobin
Aug 5, 2019 7:18 PM
Reply to  Bob Marsden

To this admirably succinct BTL analysis of the primary, if not sole, thrust of American foreign policy for over a century (“kick their commie ass and take their commie gas”, however ‘gas’ may be re-construed at any given time), I’d propose only one minor rewording:

“First, that it not exemplify successful socialism and thereby threaten the orthodoxy, currently neoliberal corporate capitalism, that the permanent rulers of the US require to be universal.”

Gezzah Potts
Gezzah Potts
Aug 4, 2019 11:58 AM

Appreciate this review John. How many countries on this Planet Hasn’t the United States invaded, bombed, droned, sanctioned, or interfered in other countries elections or overthrown or attempted to overthrow foreign govts? Bhutan? Faroe Islands? Cook Islands? Equatorial Guinea? It can’t be a long list of countries the United States has not interfered in, in any way. Venezuela is just another victim added to the list of independent minded (read sovereign) nations that must be taken down.
Harold Pinter got it spot on about the illusion the Hegemon has created to have most people believe it is a force for good and democracy in the World, when there’s not even democracy in the U.S. We know the truth.

mark
mark
Aug 4, 2019 4:24 PM
Reply to  Gezzah Potts

Well over 40% of humanity is currently subject to US economic strangulation.
This is currently being extended to its previously most obsequious satellites, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Germany, Turkey.

NukesDownUnder
NukesDownUnder
Aug 4, 2019 9:28 PM
Reply to  mark

The list of “most obsequious satellites” is not including Australia??

mark
mark
Aug 4, 2019 10:54 PM
Reply to  NukesDownUnder

Not yet. Oz is about the only country in the world not being sanctioned by the Orange Baboon. But give him time.

Gezzah Potts
Gezzah Potts
Aug 5, 2019 9:52 AM
Reply to  mark

Agreed. No matter how much brown nosing and bootlicking the quisling stooges in Canberra do, sooner or later Trumpf will decree they didn’t lick enough boots or something. Its truly pathetic and embarrassing, and I’m a bloody Kiwi ffs….

Gezzah Potts
Gezzah Potts
Aug 4, 2019 11:09 PM
Reply to  NukesDownUnder

Australia is right at the top of the list along with UK. Morrison, Payne & co can’t bend over far enough to please Uncle. Did you read the statement after the Ausmin ministerial meeting yesterday between Australia and United States? Deputy Sheriff Australia is ‘in lockstep with its strongest ally’. I suggest not eating before reading the whole thing.

Steve Hayes
Steve Hayes
Aug 4, 2019 11:35 AM

It is time (past time) to put the US criminals on trial for their wars of aggression, war crimes and crimes against humanity. It is time for all civilised countries to utilise universal jurisdiction and uphold the standards set by the Nuremberg Tribunals.

NukesDownUnder
NukesDownUnder
Aug 4, 2019 9:37 PM
Reply to  Steve Hayes

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper would like to see mid-range missiles deployed in Australia ‘Sooner rather than later’.

The gift [of criminal aggression] that keeps on giving!

Fair dinkum
Fair dinkum
Aug 4, 2019 11:33 AM

If war stops the US stops.
So off to Hell we go.

Harry Stotle
Harry Stotle
Aug 4, 2019 10:13 AM

Well, to quote the ever reliable William Blum again. ‘Following the bombing of Iraq in 1991 the USA wound up with military bases in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qata, Oman and UAE. Following the bombing of Yugoslavia in 1999 the USA wound up with military bases in Kosovo, Albania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Hungary, Bosnia and Croatia. Following the bombing of Afghanistan in 2001-2 the USA wound up with military bases in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kazakstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgzstan, Georgia, Yemen and Dijibouti. Almost 70 years after WWII the USA still has bases in Japan and Germany and more than 60 years after the end of the Korean war tens of thousands of US armed forces continue to be stationed in South Korea. And that is the way the Empire grows – a thousand bases and other military installations in every corner of the world ready to be mobilised and put down any… Read more »

different frank
different frank
Aug 4, 2019 11:25 AM
Reply to  Harry Stotle

Willian Blum.
RIP.

Tim Jenkins
Tim Jenkins
Aug 4, 2019 8:13 PM

D’accord, respectfully: and may I add, thanks for the huge roars of laughter, you provoked today, every time I’ve scrolled by your, Gezzah’s & Milosevic’s contributions below, regarding no-name:-

Naturally, I’ve declined to comment, being the brightest Alarm Signal on the trolls radar, he follows me everywhere, seeking attention, so i best give the troll a break & time to consider a seriously constructive solution for him, with the genuine & sincere offer of a fascinating book to read … Time-out, to contemplate:-

“Confessions of a Sociopath” by M.E. Thomas.
She faced her difficulties, head on & Publicly, honestly . . .
(& made money 😉 Charismatically & successfully seeking some attention.) 🙂

DunGroanin
DunGroanin
Aug 4, 2019 1:24 PM
Reply to  Harry Stotle

Don’t forget the bases in the UK.

Brian Harry
Brian Harry
Aug 5, 2019 8:32 AM
Reply to  DunGroanin

I read somewhere that the USA regards Britain as a huge “Aircraft Carrier” presumably to be used by the USA Air Force in any future battle AGAINST Europe. Don’t laugh…..nothing is beyond the Military Industrial Complex……NOTHING.

Francis Lee
Francis Lee
Aug 4, 2019 8:59 AM

The Anglo-Zionist Great Protection Racket The world is divided into a ‘peace zone’ of non-sovereign states, i.e., an AZ-controlled area, and a war zone, of independent sovereign states outside the AZ-empire. Such recalcitrant states will be subject to unremitting war by conventional and non-conventional means. Europe of course is part of the ‘peace zone’ i.e., under NATO occupation. It is also required to pay ‘imperial tribute’ to the Atlantic hegemon – the US. This is a neat little racket which works as follows. When Nixon took the US$ off the gold standard in August 1971 foreigners holding dollars could no longer cash in their dollars for gold. All they could do was to swap their dollars for new dollars, which was rather pointless. However, they could swap their surplus dollars for US Treasuries (Bonds), but of course these debt instruments were never going to be paid back by the Americans.… Read more »

different frank
different frank
Aug 4, 2019 8:41 AM

William HBonney.
At home.comment image

milosevic
milosevic
Aug 4, 2019 11:28 AM

actually, rather than squatting under bridges, trolls now live in more comfortable environments.

comment image

Gezzah Potts
Gezzah Potts
Aug 4, 2019 12:59 PM
Reply to  milosevic

Bang on Milosevic. Are you in this photo Billy Boy? Is that you right at the front by your flag? Oh, another thumbs down. Nevermind. Keeping up okay WHB?

different frank
different frank
Aug 4, 2019 1:12 PM
Reply to  milosevic

I know mate.
Just making a point.

Francis Lee
Francis Lee
Aug 4, 2019 8:25 AM

It was the Westphalian agreement which gave rise to the establishment of the nation state and the concept of sovereignty residing therein Westphalian sovereignty, or state sovereignty, is the principle in international law that each state has exclusive sovereignty over its territory. … Political scientists have traced the concept to the Peace of Westphalia (1648), which ended the Thirty Years’ War. RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE UN [on the report of the Third Committee (A/50/635/Add.2)] 50/172. Respect for the principles of national sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of States in their electoral processes The General Assembly, Reaffirming the purpose of the United Nations to develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples and to take other appropriate measures to strengthen universal peace, Recalling its resolution 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960, containing the Declaration on… Read more »

Question This
Question This
Aug 4, 2019 12:08 PM
Reply to  Francis Lee

That was all before the “new world order”, the “moderate” liberals have been gibbering about for the last 30 years, took control & started ticking off their regime change wars list.

In a rules based society the rules only apply to those being ruled not the rulers. As with all things neo-liberal these ‘rights’ have been hijacked by hypocrites to advance their agenda.

Sanctions by there very nature are illegal in them selves under international law, but as this isn’t working to break Venezuela the USA is now threatening to blockade Venezuela.

As for Israel they’ve been violating nearly every human right & international treaty since their inception, what has the UN ever done about it? What can the UN do about it. Its time we faced the facts we are being dominated by the most powerful empire there has ever been.

800 military international bases and counting.

DunGroanin
DunGroanin
Aug 4, 2019 1:40 PM
Reply to  Question This

“What can the UN do about it”?

There’s a new Sheriff in China town – SCO.

A rules based international cooperative organisation that is mainly interested in raising their poorest, mutual trade and common security.

Just because there is no mention of it in the MSM – except as bogeymen – does not mean that a change has not happened.

The toothless, dirty, money grubbing, poc ridden prostitutes of the UN will soon fall down dead!

An escape from New York to a new world cooperative organisation is in order – where?

I vote for Africa – where the largest continental population of humans will ever exist in a hundred years.

Question This
Question This
Aug 4, 2019 6:22 PM
Reply to  DunGroanin

China is no humane haven for freedom & justice. If you think slavery & corruption is bad in the west, well go live in china it will give the words a whole new meaning.

Africa is over populated & unable to sustain its population now in another 50 years its going to be a dust bowl, one big dessert, all those Africans are coming north!

I’m afraid there’s no knights coming to the rescue in this fairy tale.

DunGroanin
DunGroanin
Aug 5, 2019 10:40 AM
Reply to  Question This

That is about as xenophobic comment as i’ve read on this site – you are a complete and utter ..’unt, for doing so. “..go live in China..” Have YOU ever been? I personally know numerous English teachers who have been living there for years. I personally know fashion professionals who have moved there with their worldrenowned businesses there. I personally know graduates who have moved there to start their careers. I have not met a single person who has reported anything about the racist, crappy propaganda that you are obviously employed to dish out. “Africa is over populated & unable to sustain its population ..” More total Malthusian nonsense, you Complete Utter Nutty Tit. Where is the scientific evidence of what you say? I regularly by FRESH foods in all the major supermarkets grown in Africa, many of the fresh flowers we display are grown there and flown in daily.… Read more »

Question This
Question This
Aug 5, 2019 11:19 AM
Reply to  DunGroanin

Well there you are the one throwing insults, because you simply have no other argument. Try looking at the published facts not your own personal liberal fairy tale world of anecdote. You display all the typical delusion of a liberal lefty. 1. I note you make no reference to the literally billion Chinese people working in sweat shops for literally bread & water some dying at their machines. China is a dictatorship . When was the last election in china? 2.Africa is a arid country with limited seasonal production. The population is projected to reach over 2 billion in the next 20 years. Agriculture struggles to feed its population now. Africa will never become an industrial/economic power house for 3 reasons, Political Corruption, World bank & IMF oh & Chinese exploitation. Yes Africans have been destroying the ecology of its ecosystems for decades producing poncy flowers for your mates to… Read more »

DunGroanin
DunGroanin
Aug 5, 2019 1:34 PM
Reply to  Question This

You have NOT presented any scientific study to back up the foul Malthusian racist nonsense you keep spouting. Bullshit bullshit … 1. “literally billion Chinese people working in sweat shops ..” Proof? 2. “Africa is a arid country with limited seasonal production.” PROOF? ” infinite growth (population, consumption & economic ) is impossible on a finite planet. ” WHERE AND WHEN DID I CLAIM THAT IT WAS? Your agenda of terror and dystopia is old hat. Your Malthusian nonsense is old disproved. You have no scientific research or fact to prove your over population bullshit. Oh, and the population of Africa will reach over 4 Billion before it peaks. The moronic doom mongering and conflating of western consumer dominated environmental destruction and over consumption of resources that is deployed by you and yours is designed for one purpose only – the preservation of our entitlement at the espense of greater… Read more »

Question This
Question This
Aug 5, 2019 2:19 PM
Reply to  DunGroanin

WOW that’s a manic rant if ever i saw one, have you taken your medication today? Calm down your veins are likely to pop.

Like i’m gonna waste my time baiting an unhinged troll. The internet is full of resources if you doubt what i say then take a look for yourself, but you know its true. The old lefty liberal misdirection of consumption vs population is well debunked nonsense & i have no time for it anymore. Likewise i have no time for petty immature name calling.

I will give you two words to start off your education ‘Ecological capacity have fun!

When your ready to advance you knowledge base come back tomorrow for another two words beginning with f & ending with off.

DunGroanin
DunGroanin
Aug 5, 2019 4:05 PM
Reply to  Question This

Just as expected YOU present no PROOF of scientific study for YOUR assertions and claim ‘look it up on the internet’!

Did you look it up and learn from it before stating it here? If so post YOUR LINKS.

IF NOT – it proves you are trolling.

I have had this conversation with quite a few on various sites over the years – they have ALL recanted or lost and scuttled off with expletives.

I got your number kiddo – start out with a radical ‘i’m down with the SJW ‘stance and end with a standard reactionary message. Most people will see the first part and think you are genuine.

I’m not surprised that you lot have developed your spin technics in response to being shot down by logical and scientific method in response to the emotional and irrational ‘common sense innit’ statements you deploy.

Question This
Question This
Aug 5, 2019 5:14 PM
Reply to  DunGroanin

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHh ahhahahahahahahahhahahah oh dear not laughed that much since the last time you got in a tizzy & had a tantrum.

DunGroanin
DunGroanin
Aug 5, 2019 7:24 PM
Reply to  Question This

Demented laughing is you NOT POSTING LINKS proving my accusation of your TROLLING.

QED.

Question This
Question This
Aug 5, 2019 7:41 PM
Reply to  DunGroanin

You talking to me?

DunGroanin
DunGroanin
Aug 5, 2019 10:31 PM
Reply to  Question This

Are you trying to scare me with your Travis Bickle impersonation?

Is there anyone else in this exchange, troll?

Put up your proofs or …move along you are busted.

Question This
Question This
Aug 5, 2019 10:57 PM
Reply to  DunGroanin

If you want a grown up civilized conversation you need to start acting the part. Stop throwing around nasty childish accusations & insults about someone you have never met & having temper tantrums when you read something you don’t like.

Evidently that’s something well beyond your capacity. So don’t bother continuing with your harassment, because the name calling really doesn’t get to me, it just shows you up for what you are.

Sophie - Admin1
Admin
Sophie - Admin1
Aug 5, 2019 11:16 PM
Reply to  Question This

This discussion is going nowhere guys. Move on – and try to restrain the ad hom. It’s not useful or interesting

DunGroanin
DunGroanin
Aug 6, 2019 12:56 AM

Sure thing Admin. I made my point. Thanks for indulging.

Tim Jenkins
Tim Jenkins
Aug 4, 2019 7:36 PM
Reply to  Francis Lee

Much like you Francis, I love definitive well articulated constructive ‘Solutions’:-
where there can be zero confusion, with every step clarified in advance, with one
common road map for all, into the wilderness & beyond: with complete clarity in any agreement, for the common benefit of comprehension: always-always,
that quintessential order of questioning first …

Why >>> then How >>> & What we do, in futures bright,
with our sovereign Rights & Responsibilities.

Yours, a great comment, Frank(Lee), which projects thoughtful considerate ‘Solutions’,
that avoid further Corruption of mind, body & soul … precisely because,
‘Corruption is the Destruction Of Culture,’
Our Sovereign Right …

And fortunately also, Irina Bokova @UNESCO has created New Law that explicitly states,

“The Destruction of Culture is a Terrorist Act !” (Bokova)

Life is so simple, when you understand it . . . Fully.

John A
John A
Aug 4, 2019 7:37 AM

It is not just oil nations that the Empire of Evil is determined to destroy. This also applies to any state with even vaguely socialist intentions. Iran is a socialist state, as was Libya. Yugoslavia had long been successfully navigating a third way between capitalism and communism and for this reason was destroyed on the flimsy ‘responsibility to protect’. The NATO bombing campaign targetted both industies and civilians to destroy the economy and terrorise the population. Syria also had the kind of economy that the US disapproves of. North Korea is a socialist state. Even closer to home, Pompeo has also ready stated that the US will make Corbyn ‘run the gauntlet’ if he were to get closer to power. The US, aided by its EU politician puppets, has destroyed social democracy in Europe, evenly historically staunchly social democratic Scandinavia has engaged in widespread privatisation and destruction of unions.

mark
mark
Aug 4, 2019 3:52 AM

The Orange Baboon is now threatening a blockade (presumably naval) of Venezuela.
He seems to be doubling down and going for broke in an attempt to resurrect Gweedo from the political dead.

grandstand
grandstand
Aug 4, 2019 3:49 AM

I’m trying to work out WilliamHBonney’s true identity. My best guess so far is John Bolton. Any other suggestions?

Happy Ending
Happy Ending
Aug 4, 2019 7:42 AM
Reply to  grandstand

pretty easy to guess the diet he/she’s on. must be some EXCEPTIONAL GM Pesticide/Insecticide/Fungicide resistent diet served with TOMAHAWK sauce.

Francis Lee
Francis Lee
Aug 4, 2019 7:57 AM
Reply to  grandstand

William H Bonney was of course the legendary American western outlaw ‘Billy the Kid’. Perhaps our pet troll fancies himself in that personna.

DunGroanin
DunGroanin
Aug 4, 2019 1:48 PM
Reply to  Francis Lee

That of course is because he was supposed to be the fastest gun in the west! Meaning that Boneheads account is the first out of the troll gate. Sometimes only one Tony ‘M’ gets up earlier.

They really think we are dumb. But on the msm they have ridden many of the voices calling them out – leaving a wall to wall set of trolls – best example yesterday was on the Groan deputy assistant opinion writers article suggesting that Labour were actually quite well set for an election!

They really think that their sucessful astroturf has got rid of us grass roots!

lundiel
lundiel
Aug 4, 2019 9:06 AM
Reply to  grandstand

He has something of the style of an insidious, muti-named troll from the Guardian they used to call “the Marshal”.

wardropper
wardropper
Aug 4, 2019 2:28 PM
Reply to  lundiel

The Washington Post, way back in its better days, used to have someone called “Pheonix”, who got annoyed when people pointed out that he couldn’t even spell his own name . . .

George
George
Aug 4, 2019 10:38 AM
Reply to  grandstand

I actually didn’t know that “WHB” was using an alias. One conclusion I have come to about trolls is that they assume multiple personas to generate an illusion that they are “in the majority”. I reckon there must be a manual for trolling somewhere with all the devices listed e.g. pretend to be sympathetic up to a point to lure the other ones in, don’t be afraid to resort to emotional blackmail, threaten to commit suicide if it really gets tough etc.

“WHB” may be the one calling himself “Habakkuk” or “Charles Bostock” over on the Craig Murray site. This person has now been banned but a twitter account by one “Harry Johnson” would appear to be the individual in question. (This account seems to exist only for the purpose of attacking Murray.)

milosevic
milosevic
Aug 4, 2019 11:22 AM
Reply to  George

One naturally assumes that the CIA runs troll farms on an even vaster scale than the Mossad.

https://electronicintifada.net/content/inside-israels-million-dollar-troll-army/27566

wardropper
wardropper
Aug 4, 2019 2:25 PM
Reply to  grandstand

You flatter them both . . .
I’d guess Jim Spriggs of 43, Railway Cuttings, East Cheam.
Trainspotter and malcontent.

wardropper
wardropper
Aug 4, 2019 3:48 AM

Right, dear people of the world –
so what are we going to do about this?

Question This
Question This
Aug 4, 2019 12:11 PM
Reply to  wardropper

I intend to have a sit in & so as not to selfishly inconvenience anyone i shall stay at home & do it.

wardropper
wardropper
Aug 4, 2019 3:44 AM

Well, at least it must be pretty clear to thinking people by now that America has no allies at all.
Just some weird “Coalition of the Bribed and Threatened” or something.
But no allies.
No friends.
Only victims.

Gezzah Potts
Gezzah Potts
Aug 4, 2019 12:13 PM
Reply to  wardropper

Um, hello Wardropper. I have news! Just today the Ausmin ministerial meeting between Australia and United States was completed. Hurrah! (not). It was announced that Australia was in lockstep with its strongest ally (read Boss who must never be disobeyed) and part of the statement read: ‘Minister Payne and Secretary Pompeo agreed that our alliance (read Vassalage) today is more vital than ever, with our work together in the Indo Pacific region the clear, shared focus (threatening China and anyone else that gets in our way).
I would bet most in Australia not only didn’t know this meeting was even on, but they are completely oblivious to the very dangerous trajectory this is heading.

wardropper
wardropper
Aug 4, 2019 1:08 PM
Reply to  Gezzah Potts

We wouldn’t even have to endure this sort of news if there was such a thing as “impartial oversight and jurisdiction” over the things our fake representatives get up to.
Treason would then once again be a real, punishable offence, and our politicians would be afraid of being found guilty of it.

Gezzah Potts
Gezzah Potts
Aug 4, 2019 2:04 PM
Reply to  wardropper

Exactly. Maybe its time to bring back tar & feathers?

wardropper
wardropper
Aug 4, 2019 2:10 PM
Reply to  Gezzah Potts

I’d call that inappropriately lenient…
Exile to Mars would be more like it.

wardropper
wardropper
Aug 4, 2019 2:18 PM
Reply to  wardropper

Strike that, Gezzah.
YouTube to the rescue in all matters.
Here is the exact punishment required:
https://youtu.be/04clpd7h0b0

Gezzah Potts
Gezzah Potts
Aug 4, 2019 11:59 PM
Reply to  wardropper

Ha ha ha…. Brilliant, and thanks for the video clip.

Tim Jenkins
Tim Jenkins
Aug 5, 2019 6:52 AM
Reply to  Gezzah Potts

Yep, I fully agree with Wardropper & the Not the 9 0’Clock News Team: though I’m not a great fan of Eugenics, finally we are forced to conclude, unless the NSS Mobsters wake up real damn soon, there can only be one final solution, as Mel & Pam have clearly stated after much scientific analysis, all things considered, including Thermodynamics, Entropy & Biosphere,

“CHOP THEIR GOOLIES OFF” & WHB’s 🙂

mark
mark
Aug 4, 2019 4:29 PM
Reply to  Gezzah Potts

You gotta really admire those Aussie bootlicking skills.

Gezzah Potts
Gezzah Potts
Aug 4, 2019 11:53 PM
Reply to  mark

Just cringeworthy. And I’m not even bloody Aussie, tho New Zealand is not much better, and of course, US bases back home incl Waihopai, and NZ is part of 5 Eyes also, however Aussie politicians take it to a whole new level. They can’t bend over far enough. Am reminded of Basil Fawlty sucking up to his well heeled guests. Thats how bad it is…

Tim Jenkins
Tim Jenkins
Aug 5, 2019 1:48 AM
Reply to  Gezzah Potts

“Can I take your orderrrrs, Hors d’oeuvres , ORDERS , to be obeyed at all times…
JA !?” 😉

Gezzah Potts
Gezzah Potts
Aug 5, 2019 3:24 AM
Reply to  Tim Jenkins

You’d laugh about it if it wasn’t so cringeworthy and then realise the vast majority of Aussies just couldn’t care less, not a fig, as long as they can still go shopping and go on their overseas holidays, such is the effect Neoliberalism has had on their pysche’s. Just really depressing actually. A nice little shack just outside Burgas would be nice! With views of the Black Sea? Tho from what I’ve read, the Bulgarian ‘leadership’ are big fans of NATO as well. Sigh….

Tim Jenkins
Tim Jenkins
Aug 5, 2019 6:10 AM
Reply to  Gezzah Potts

North of Varna or well South of Sozopol is way better & more natural, than the Mafia driven refinery stink hole port of Burgas: but ffs don’t tell any of your Neo-liberal Softpornorama Sh8t compatriots, down under: they’ll be just fine jumping with the common N.S.S. Spirit & mingling with the barbarous multitudes in the middle section of the swarm & throng, with thong: for the price of a sun umbrella rental for the day in the NSS Zone this year, you can actually just go and buy your own,brand new and take it home or it insert in some unsuspecting !@£$#Orifice 😉 another useful tool 🙂 just ask any gay protester in Hong Kong, thur’all the rage, lol … In 2005, having actually considered what you suggested, I was forced to conclude & not delude myself, fully aware that NATO & the EU were on their way behind me,… Read more »

Gezzah Potts
Gezzah Potts
Aug 5, 2019 8:17 AM
Reply to  Tim Jenkins

Well I sure as green eggs wasn’t going to mention Sunny Beach! Saw a doco on that godforsaken monstrosity couple years ago, and to say I was gobsmacked would be an understatement! Ewww. Anyways, only mentioned Burgas coz the photos looked nice. Yes, funny how all these ‘communist leaders’ and high ups in the former Communist parties are now full blown wealthy Capitalists. Ironic that. As for that fecken article about cucumbers in gazpacho….. Jesus wept. What a load of unmitigated crow droppings. Is this what the so called ‘progressive’ media has sunk too? Arguing about bloody gazpacho. No wonder the West is going down the plughole. Sadly Tim, I think the Neoliberalist loving morons are too tied up in the benefits of Neoliberalism (I got mine, I’m all good) to do much revolting about anything. They have to start feeling strong economic pain, and going without things before they’ll… Read more »

Brian Harry
Brian Harry
Aug 5, 2019 8:56 AM
Reply to  mark

“You gotta really admire those Aussie bootlicking skills”.

Yeah…..But, don’t forget…….The USA/Britain deposed the elected PM of Australia(Gough Whitlam) in 1975…….AND, Australian Prime Minister Harold Holt, went swimming in 1967, ‘in mountainous surf’ and was “Never seen again”…….A “Chinese Submarine” was blamed……and everything went back to normal.

Our current politicians are fully aware of the “Accidents” that can happen, in office.

mark
mark
Aug 5, 2019 4:56 PM
Reply to  Brian Harry

Yes, I bet those Aussies were really grateful when HM The Queen sent her flunkey complete with plumed pith helmet to rule over them.

William HBonney
William HBonney
Aug 4, 2019 3:29 AM

Venezuela has impoverished itself the same way as Zimbabwe did, by throwing out anyone with any competence in oil extraction (with Zimbabwe, it was farming).

US involvement is a red herring, there simply isn’t enough money in energy consumption extraction anymore to make it worthwhile taking Venezuela, and in any case, the US is a net exporter.

Maduro has turned into a dictator, and stole the last election. He never had the intellect to run a country (he’s a former bus driver), and only survives with massive support from Russia.

wardropper
wardropper
Aug 4, 2019 3:45 AM

No, that is not correct.
Try again.

William HBonney
William HBonney
Aug 4, 2019 4:22 AM
Reply to  wardropper

It’s curious that both Maduro, and Kim Jong Un (who share a leadership style) are both fat bastards, while the populations of both Venezuela and North Korea tend towards malnutrition, and are stick thin…

I put it down to thyroid problems, due to the pressures of leadership…

axisofoil
axisofoil
Aug 4, 2019 5:21 AM

William,
Did you get up on the wrong side of the bed or what?

milosevic
milosevic
Aug 4, 2019 11:19 AM
Reply to  axisofoil

no, this week’s talking points from the CIA disinformation directorate haven’t arrived yet. these shills aren’t very intelligent, they can’t improvise without detailed instructions from their handlers.

Happy Ending
Happy Ending
Aug 4, 2019 7:30 AM

William HBonney, I upvoted your robust arguments.

One thing though, I noticed you have an American accent. I’d like to tell you that Trump is the president now, so Maduro couldn’t have stolen the election. Kim also couldn’t have stolen the election, just in case you’re still wondering who stole the election.

I am sure, you can see and explain things much clearer after a glass or two of Glyphosates. And then, you can come and tell us in fine details how Maduro has a close working relationship with Al-Qaeda. His involvement in 9/11 is also very well documented.

Fun, fun .. all the way ..

Fair dinkum
Fair dinkum
Aug 4, 2019 7:34 AM

Intellect?
To run a country?
That’s the funniest thing I’ve read in years.
Do you do standup?

Francis Lee
Francis Lee
Aug 4, 2019 8:13 AM

‘Maduro is a dictator’ What of it? So is the Saudi Royal family, so is Sisi’s bloody regime in Egypt not to mention the zionist monstrosity in Israel, but presumably these are ‘good dictators’. And, even if this is true, which given the fact that the President of Venezuela was voted into office seems unlikely, by what right do you Americans think you have to invade a sovereign state with which you are not at war, overthrow the legitimate government, kill its people and install your own puppet and generally wreck a country which is not in any way a threat to the US?

Given that such actions are absolutely forbidden by the UN Charter are tantamount to a mafia protection racket.

Barovsky
Barovsky
Aug 4, 2019 8:20 AM
Reply to  Francis Lee

Maduro is NOT a dictator! He was elected quite legitimately by the population. Comparing him to Saudi Arabia is an insult to the Venezuelan people.

William HBonney
William HBonney
Aug 4, 2019 8:27 AM
Reply to  Barovsky

Maduro is NOT a dictator!

He is, he might not have started that way, but he is now.

He is well on his way to becoming Latin America’s Idi Amin. Like him, he is brutal and stupid.

lundiel
lundiel
Aug 4, 2019 9:00 AM

What do you know about the Constituent Assembly? I find it the most democratic way of gaining the views of everyone for forward planning. No other country has engaged in such self-examination. The fact that it prevents a tiny elite from usurping power, probably makes it ‘undemocratic’ in your eyes….if you’ve even heard of it.

different frank
different frank
Aug 4, 2019 10:01 AM

William HBonneycomment image

Francis Lee
Francis Lee
Aug 4, 2019 10:14 AM

Precisely at what stage did Maduro become a ‘dictator’? What gave rise to this magic transformation? What articles of the Venezuelan Constitution were abrogated by this ‘dictator’?

I await your reply.

William HBonney
William HBonney
Aug 4, 2019 11:02 AM
Reply to  Francis Lee

Precisely at what stage did Maduro become a ‘dictator’?

2014, when decades of economic mismanagement started to bite.

A leader honest with himself would have realised he wasn’t the man for the job, and resigned.

William HBonney
William HBonney
Aug 4, 2019 8:25 AM
Reply to  Francis Lee

‘Maduro is a dictator’ What of it?

So, if you concede that, why does he call elections?

Curiously, he had 67% of the popular vote last year, the same electorate would dismember him if they could.

mathias alexand
mathias alexand
Aug 4, 2019 8:48 AM

“Curiously, he had 67% of the popular vote last year, the same electorate would dismember him if they could.”
How do you know this?

Francis Lee
Francis Lee
Aug 4, 2019 10:18 AM

My dear boy you really ought to read the whole paragraph: to wit.

”And, even if this is true, which given the fact that the President of Venezuela was voted into office seems unlikely.”

Basher
Basher
Aug 4, 2019 8:21 AM

“He never had the intellect to run a country (he’s a former bus driver)”

This statement sums up nicely your evidence free bullshit. Does a guy’s job choice reveal his intelligence? As a bus driver, I’m insulted.

Where to?
Where to?
Aug 4, 2019 1:37 AM

“Elliot Abrams: Special Envoy to Venezuela
..
Abrams was indicted and convicted for lying to Congress about the Iran-Contra affair.”

Is being indicted and convicted for lying to Congress in the US, an indicator of great performance? and for that one gets promoted and becomes officially part of the Establishment and rewarded with more ‘strategical assignments’?

Ramdan
Ramdan
Aug 4, 2019 1:43 AM
Reply to  Where to?

Of course!!…being indicted talks louder about your total commitment to the task!!!
Who better to be promoted??

Where to?
Where to?
Aug 4, 2019 12:24 AM

“The US appears to be intentionally spreading chaos ..”

Appears? The (the terminally ill) US is intentionally spreading chaos, diseases and death, as everyone is now aware.

mark
mark
Aug 4, 2019 3:10 AM
Reply to  Where to?

They call it “creative destruction.”

Brian Harry
Brian Harry
Aug 3, 2019 10:47 PM

‘The cat is out of the bag’ now. It is SO obvious who the villain is in “Venezuela” right now and it certainly isn’t Mr Maduro, the democratically elected President.
The USA tried it before when they ‘deposed’ Hugo Chavez, only to see the Venezuelan people rally around and have him released from prison. He died later, most likely by the use of the CIA’s “heart attack gun”.
The U.S. Stooge, Mr Guaido has virtually NO SUPPORT from the people, and increasingly looks like a “Roasting Chicken on a spit”.
The same old routine that the USA uses, is way past its ‘use by date’.

William HBonney
William HBonney
Aug 4, 2019 2:57 AM
Reply to  Brian Harry

He died later, most likely by the use of the CIA’s “heart attack gun”

Hugo Chavez had cancer.

mark
mark
Aug 4, 2019 3:11 AM

He was poisoned, like Arafat.

William HBonney
William HBonney
Aug 4, 2019 3:38 AM
Reply to  mark

Oh, do tell. Was it hemlock?

milosevic
milosevic
Aug 4, 2019 11:11 AM

no, polonium. f*** off, disinfo troll.

https://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/whatkilledarafat/

William HBonney
William HBonney
Aug 4, 2019 11:15 AM
Reply to  milosevic

no, polonium. f*** off, disinfo troll

The subject is Maduro, and Venezuela, you cretin.

William HBonney
William HBonney
Aug 4, 2019 11:48 AM
Reply to  Editor

OffG

So morals and ethics – like truth – are disposable if they become inconvenient. What a ratty little psychopath you portray yourself to be

Do you remember posting this, Admin? If you do nothing else, don’t be a hypocrite.

Gezzah Potts
Gezzah Potts
Aug 4, 2019 1:30 PM
Reply to  Editor

If everyone here fully ignores him (yes I know, I took the bait a few times) and just pretended he wasn’t here, doubt he’d stick around long.
You shine a light on the truth about the World, about Imperialism and Empire and the consequences of Neoliberalism, and other important subjects. Trolls, including paid ones as well as reactionary idiots will always be attracted to sites like ours that are anti establishment and anti empire. Thats the reality on almost any similar site. Speaking truth to power is the moral and ethical thing to do. Thanks for being here.

William HBonney
William HBonney
Aug 4, 2019 3:08 PM
Reply to  Gezzah Potts

to sites like ours that are anti establishment and anti empire

It is Pro free speech. Not anti anything.

Brian Harry
Brian Harry
Aug 4, 2019 6:34 AM

Billy H Bonney. If you can invent a “Heart Attack gun”, it shouldn’t be difficult to also add Cancer death, administered by the same weapon. You need to grow up instead of acting/commenting like a petulant child……

William HBonney
William HBonney
Aug 4, 2019 8:12 AM
Reply to  Brian Harry

I take that as sarcasm

Brian Harry
Brian Harry
Aug 4, 2019 8:42 PM

You finally got something right…..

lynette chaplin
lynette chaplin
Aug 4, 2019 10:13 AM

William HBonney BUZZ OFF you are such a bore!

Burning Poo
Burning Poo
Aug 3, 2019 10:37 PM

I’ve already ordered my copy, and its place is reserved on my bookshelf , next to “The Management of Savagery” by Max Blumenthal.

William HBonney
William HBonney
Aug 4, 2019 5:01 AM
Reply to  Burning Poo

Perhaps you could label the shelf ‘hypocrisy’.

I find it impossible to admire someone like the author, who cheerleads for repressive regimes he will never have to suffer.

One can only speculate how his future would look publishing a denouncement of his country of residence, if that country was Venezuela..

Brian Harry
Brian Harry
Aug 4, 2019 6:37 AM

You need to read “Confessions of an Economic Hitman” by john Perkins, to bring you up to speed of how the USA conducts itself, behind its veil of “Freedom and Democracy”

Betrayed plane.
Betrayed plane.
Aug 4, 2019 8:08 AM

The only person you let down is yourself.

milosevic
milosevic
Aug 4, 2019 11:08 AM

I’m disappointed that this website isn’t considered to merit a higher grade of disinfo than this cheap BS. try harder, troll — maybe they’ll raise your pay above minimum wage.

Question This
Question This
Aug 3, 2019 9:52 PM

With the US now threatening to blockade Venezuela’s ports & the withdrawal of the INF treaty, is this the 21st centuries Cuban missile crisis playing out all over again?

Say what you like about Kennedy (i wasn’t his greatest fan) but we don’t have politicians & ambassadors of that caliber anymore.

It’s frightening how quickly things can escalate, especially with an over sized ego in charge of the launch button!

Igor
Igor
Aug 4, 2019 12:47 AM
Reply to  Question This

Suspend your belief in JFK and the Cuban Missile Crisis for a moment. You are Nikita Khrushchev and your nation’s most closely guarded secrets would include ICBM technology and nuclear warhead technology. You decide to park those assets in a friendly neighbor’s yard who lives in a neighborhood of crack houses. Cuba lies 90 miles from Florida, we all know that, because it was drilled into us 24×7 during the crisis. What they never mentioned in the same reports was the 45 square mile full spectrum USA military base on one end of Cuba. Any motion to ready those missiles would trigger a quick reaction from Gitmo and Florida bases prior to reaching launch status. Those missiles weren’t hidden in underground silos. There was no strategic, nor tactical, value to forward basing Soviet ICBMs in Cuba. The only value was to scare the crap out of Americans. Currently, the USA… Read more »

mark
mark
Aug 4, 2019 3:22 AM
Reply to  Igor

The Americans didn’t have a clue what was happening on Cuba. There were 40,000 Russian troops and 200,000 Cuban militia. They were led by the general who had defended Stalingrad. There were a lot of nuclear missiles ready for use, which could (just) reach Washington. Because they knew command and control would rapidly break down after a US invasion, authority to use them had been delegated to a very low level, the equivalent of majors and captains. Warheads had been stored in ramshackle tobacco barns, with a single soldier outside. The US thought there were no warheads on the island, because they were looking for sophisticated storage sites with a triple ring of security. Nuclear weapons were very nearly used when US destroyers began depth charging Russian submarines. The only reason they weren’t is that the captain and his two senior officers had to agree on their use, and the… Read more »

wardropper
wardropper
Aug 4, 2019 3:56 AM
Reply to  mark

It’s fun to see a comment like this downvoted…
As if a clear, simple statement of facts can be downvoted…?
Okay. The Earth is Flat. Now there’s something we can downvote…

Question This
Question This
Aug 4, 2019 9:59 AM
Reply to  mark

Well that’s the official narrative agree with all the replies to my post. As always there’s probably some truth in all of it.

It all comes down to Dick Waving at the end of the day, the problem is egos can get out of control. The simple fact is its the Americans that are always the aggressors that provoke trouble.

Wazdo
Wazdo
Aug 4, 2019 12:05 PM
Reply to  mark

And he, the 3rd most senior officer, was the on board ideolegy officer;i.e. a Communist. So the next time you hear someone yelling about how awful comminists are, remind them that the only reason they are alive is because a communist refused to start WW3 during the Cuban missile crisis.

DunGroanin
DunGroanin
Aug 5, 2019 2:22 PM
Reply to  Igor

Of course the Kennedy’s father, Joe, who came up via bootlegging and Chicago mobsters was a made man, he was a ambassador at one stage and a ‘nazi” supporter (just like investors Bush and Ford and most of these yankee cfr gangsters.) BUT – it wasn’t JFK or RFK who were groomed as psychopaths to take the presidency and deliver the cfr plan it was the eldest son, who died early. Old man Joe still demanded his son get in – thinking he would play along with the grand design… unfortunately for him, JFK having real life experience of war and his fellow men… took a different world view. Which must have upset the oldman and his psychopath mates and the cfr enough to sacrifice the boy, as he threatened to bring the cold war to a permanent end with the back channels with Kruschev ( bypassing the State Dept,… Read more »

Hugh O'Neill
Hugh O'Neill
Aug 4, 2019 12:54 AM
Reply to  Question This

“Say what you like about Kennedy (I wasn’t his greatest fan) but we don’t have politicians & ambassadors of that caliber anymore.” QT. I hope you have questioned why we don’t have politicians of JFK’s caliber. Might I suggest that the PTB who felt most threatened by JFK were the self-same PTB who assassinated any who dared get in their way – like JFK, MLK, RFK. It’s not enough just to kill the man. As JFK said: “A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on”. And so the PTB must also destroy the very ideas that such men represent. This is nothing new, if you consider Jesus, Peterloo Massacre, Te Whiti, Gandhi and many more. Its OK to not be the ‘greatest fan’ because these are only men, but it is the ideas which they articulated which marks them out as deserving of our… Read more »

Question This
Question This
Aug 4, 2019 9:52 AM
Reply to  Hugh O'Neill

Of course, I don’t understand all the fuss about Trump, I don’t think for one second his crowning was a mistake at all. They select who we can choose to vote for. The Russia (nothing burger) gate is so obviously a distraction & misdirection. Even the elite that think they are superior are still only Human, but people that think they can control everything still make mistakes, who in the west does really have control of the launch keys?