Reality Check for Americans Obsessed with Russia
“This basic belief in America’s good intentions is often linked to “American exceptionalism”. Let’s look at just how exceptional America has been. Since the end of World War 2, the United States has:
- Attempted to overthrow more than 50 foreign governments, most of which were democratically-elected.
- Dropped bombs on the people of more than 30 countries.
- Attempted to assassinate more than 50 foreign leaders.
- Attempted to suppress a populist or nationalist movement in 20 countries.
- Grossly interfered in democratic elections in at least 30 countries.
- Led the world in torture; not only the torture performed directly by Americans upon foreigners, but providing torture equipment, torture manuals, lists of people to be tortured, and in-person guidance by American teachers, especially in Latin America.
- This is indeed exceptional. No other country in all of history comes anywhere close to such a record.” From Professor and author William Blum https://williamblum.org/aer/read/158
Also see https://www.democracynow.org/2017/4/4/chomsky_half_the_world_is_laughing
And of course let’s not forget the U.S. treatment of Native Americans, slavery, and the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, illegal annexation and ongoing occupation of Hawaii by the U.S.
I’m no fan of Trump but this growing anti-Russian hysteria– “Russia did it, Russia did it” allegations with no proof by the very agencies that carried out the crimes listed above is nothing short of warmongering. It’s meant to pump up militarism and weapons sales to benefit arms profiteers. It is ridiculous and very dangerous. I think the growing danger of American fascism and global nuclear confrontation comes as much from anti-Trump folks as pro-Trump folks.
The indictment of 12 Russians by U.S. Deputy Attorney General, Rod Rosenstein, on the weekend prior to the Helsinki talks was all meant for show. There will be no trial, no evidence presented, no findings of facts, no verdicts. It was meant to inflame a growing new cold war with Russia which could turn hot quickly over Syria, Iran, Ukraine, etc.
Last week’s peace leaflet was on “14 Early Warning Signs of Fascism.” See http://malu-aina.org/?p=5448 Education is understanding how millions of ordinary citizens throughout history were convinced that Fascism was required. Education is also learning how to spot the signs of history repeating itself.
Diplomacy Not War! Save the Earth!
Rid the World of Nuclear Weapons!
- Mourn all victims of violence. 2. Reject war as a solution. 3. Defend civil liberties.
4. Oppose all discrimination, anti-Islamic, anti-Semitic, anti-Hawaiian, etc.
5. Seek peace through peaceful means and work for justice in Hawai`i and around the world.
Contact: Malu ‘Aina Center for Non-violent Education & Action
P.O. Box 489 Kurtistown, Hawai’i 96760 Phone (808) 966-7622. Email: ja@malu-aina.org
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July 20, 2018 Hilo Peace Vigil leaflet — 878th week – Fridays 3:30-5PM downtown Post Office
