The North Korean situation has intensified over the past weeks with the regime shutting down the joint industrial zone in Kaesong and alerting foreigners residing in South Korea it would be in their best interests to leave for their own safety. There’s also been the mobilisation of missiles to the west coast and talk that a fourth nuclear test is on the way. But, as of yet nothing tangible has occurred – discounting talk of a ‘thermo-nuclear war‘, of course.Hopefully, it will stay this way as I feel if provocations were to occur, it could set forth a domino effect bringing the whole region into conflict and along with the global economic in a state of flux. I’m still not entirely certain how China – and Russia, for that matter – would respond to a pre-emptive attack by the US or even a retaliatory attack. Here’s hoping cool heads down prevail.
Britain’s ‘Iron Lady’ has passed away as Australia’s Foreign Minister, Bob Carr recalls shock at her racist comments in a prior gathering. Meanwhile, his Government – along with their doppelgangers in opposition – continue their hardline approach to overseas boat arrivals. Pot, kettle, black! Malaysian-born wife or not, Bob.
Be sure to look at this Time feature on the 1948 Yeosu-Suncheon Rebellion which befall my hometown of five years, Suncheon, and nearby Yeosu prior to the outbreak of the Korean War. May such hostilities never again befall this wonderful part of the world. We hope.
One for the tin foil brigade, have a look at this:
In a word, ‘Wow”!
And lastly, how good was this bloke!? Can’t believe it’s twenty years next year since his death …
Breaking News: ALP frontbencher Simon Crean has made an extraordinary statement to the media calling on Prime Minister Julia Gillard to fall on her sword and declare a ballot for the Labor Caucus to decide on who will lead the nation going into this year’s upcoming Federal election on September 14. Julia Gillard has answered this call and a ballot will be held 4:30PM (Canberra time) which is a little under 90 minutes away.
Meanwhile, Gillard has just avoided a vote of no confidence.
Whilst, punters resoundingly favour former PM Kevin Rudd with his vote currently standing at 51% out of 34,734 votes on an online poll.
Time will tell. Should be an interesting afternoon.
A month or two ago my attention was brought to the truTV series Conspiracy Theory where former Navy Seal and Minnesota Governor, Jesse Ventura and his troop investigate popular conspiracy theories – interviewing key witnesses, informants and/or Government officials in an attempt to expose the validity of each particular conspiracy theory. True, it’s over sensationalised, spooky TV announcer voiced rubbish a lot of the time but sometimes you can’t help but think he may not be too far off the mark. Case in point his episode on the “Police State“ which was shown once only to receive calls from US Congressman Steve Cohen for the program’s cancellation as it is ”so full of inaccuracies and irresponsible distortions.” Alas, this episode was never to be seen again bar YouTube. Perhaps he got a bit too close to the truth there?
But, for every in-depth, thought provoking, even profound episode such as “The Pentagon” and “The Bilderberg Group“, there’s the silly, unlikely or downright kooky such as “Area 51” and especially “The Reptilian Agenda“, where Ventura personally confronts David Icke on the issue. These episodes go a long way to damage the program’s credibility. However, I’m sure in the name of entertainment Ventura is instructed to pursue the more nutty conspiracies in equal proportion to those which are more credible.
Increasingly the program, the most popular on truTV, has experienced baffling schedule changes, always unannounced during this latest third series which Ventura lamented in a recent interview with Alex Jones, with the belief that truTV’s parent company TimeWarner is putting the kibosh on the series and deliberately sabotaging it. Given this it’s almost guaranteed that the program will not be continued following this current series especially considering the produced episode on the “TSA” will not be aired with Ventura stating, ”the decision was made at TruTV, if you want to know, ask them.”
Ventura himself is a fascinating individual. A former Navy Seal, professional wrestler and Governor of the state of Minnesota, he’s written several books on politics and conspiracies, which have been New York Times’ bestsellers and currently has a pending lawsuit against the TSA. He currently spreads his time between the US and his adopted home in Baja California Sur, as he works towards attaining dual US and Mexican citizenship. Naturally, the man is not without controversy which centre around his military background and possible embellishments and/or outright lies in regards to it, his patriotism in the eyes of conservatives, and alleged incident with former Navy Seal and marksman, Chris Kyle.
Ventura made a point of endorsing Ron Paul as the Republican candidate for the 2012 US election and has on occasion stated a desire to run as an independent on the same ticket as Ron Paul in the 2016 election should Paul decide to run.
Bellicose and verbose at times in equal measure, there’s no disputing his passion, intellect and thirst for the truth. For those who dispute his intelligence, just look at how he schools his opposition.
Ventura often states that why should things that his – and every other US taxpayers’ – taxes go towards be hidden and there’s a definite point to be made in that. The US Government and major corporations amass incredible power and wealth with the aid of the US military as back-up, clandestine and covert operations have been unfurled in the past and no doubt many are in the process as we speak.
He’s a man who seeks the truth and demands accountability, lamenting the fact that the very values America exalted and were created upon – that of justice and freedom of speech – are little by little being eroded in an environment where questioning is frowned upon at best and more often that not seen as a threat as the corporations, media, Government, military and law enforcement tightened their grip on the rights of every day American citizens.
History may well prove him to be wrong on many accounts but there’s no denying his heart is in the right place when it comes to the rights of the American people. The world, the US in particular, need more Jesse Venturas at this time not less – those fearless in the chorus of heckles, ready to tread the path less ventured and not afraid to be heard. For these reasons I believe the man to be an American patriot made of the same ilk of some of the greatest such as Lincoln and Kennedy. Let’s hope the same ending does not befall him.
Huge waves are crashing on Sydney’s coastline as wild winds continue to pound the city while storekeepers, home owners and emergency crews mop up the damage so far.
As reported earlier, today saw Venus’ transit across the face of the Sun.
Unhappy times in the House of Rothschild as Ben Goldsmith accuses estranged wife, Kate Rothschild, of having an affair with rapper Jay Electronica.
And, Vladimir Putin – who was “too busy” to meet at Camp David last month for a G8 meeting – finds the time to meet Hu Jintao in Beijing to promote mutual co-operation on international and regional issues.
“We both believe that we should promote our co-operation on regional and international issues, to preserve our interests and the peace and stability of the world,” Mr. Hu said. He went on to say that China and Russia should use “all platforms and channels” to expand their military ties.
OK, seems the line in the sand is starting to take shape …
Ben
