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Off Topic => Off Topic - Ideas, humor, inspiration => Topic started by: IronRanger on June 23, 2009, 12:04:59 PM

Title: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: IronRanger on June 23, 2009, 12:04:59 PM
 "A History of CIA Atrocities"

QuoteThe following timeline describes just a few of the hundreds of atrocities and crimes committed by the CIA.

    CIA operations follow the same recurring script. First, American business interests abroad are threatened by a popular or democratically elected leader. The people support their leader because he intends to conduct land reform, strengthen unions, redistribute wealth, nationalize foreign-owned industry, and regulate business to protect workers, consumers and the environment. So, on behalf of American business, and often with their help, the CIA mobilizes the opposition. First it identifies right-wing groups within the country (usually the military), and offers them a deal: "We'll put you in power if you maintain a favorable business climate for us." The Agency then hires, trains and works with them to overthrow the existing government (usually a democracy). It uses every trick in the book: propaganda, stuffed ballot boxes, purchased elections, extortion, blackmail, sexual intrigue, false stories about opponents in the local media, infiltration and disruption of opposing political parties, kidnapping, beating, torture, intimidation, economic sabotage, death squads and even assassination. These efforts culminate in a military coup, which installs a right-wing dictator. The CIA trains the dictator's security apparatus to crack down on the traditional enemies of big business, using interrogation, torture and murder. The victims are said to be "communists," but almost always they are just peasants, liberals, moderates, labor union leaders, political opponents and advocates of free speech and democracy. Widespread human rights abuses follow.

    This scenario has been repeated so many times that the CIA actually teaches it in a special school, the notorious "School of the Americas." (It opened in Panama but later moved to Fort Benning, Georgia.) Critics have nicknamed it the "School of the Dictators" and "School of the Assassins." Here, the CIA trains Latin American military officers how to conduct coups, including the use of interrogation, torture and murder.

    The Association for Responsible Dissent estimates that by 1987, 6 million people had died as a result of CIA covert operations. (2) Former State Department official William Blum correctly calls this an "American Holocaust."

    The CIA justifies these actions as part of its war against communism. But most coups do not involve a communist threat. Unlucky nations are targeted for a wide variety of reasons: not only threats to American business interests abroad, but also liberal or even moderate social reforms, political instability, the unwillingness of a leader to carry out Washington's dictates, and declarations of neutrality in the Cold War. Indeed, nothing has infuriated CIA Directors quite like a nation's desire to stay out of the Cold War.

    The ironic thing about all this intervention is that it frequently fails to achieve American objectives. Often the newly installed dictator grows comfortable with the security apparatus the CIA has built for him. He becomes an expert at running a police state. And because the dictator knows he cannot be overthrown, he becomes independent and defiant of Washington's will. The CIA then finds it cannot overthrow him, because the police and military are under the dictator's control, afraid to cooperate with American spies for fear of torture and execution. The only two options for the U.S at this point are impotence or war. Examples of this "boomerang effect" include the Shah of Iran, General Noriega and Saddam Hussein. The boomerang effect also explains why the CIA has proven highly successful at overthrowing democracies, but a wretched failure at overthrowing dictatorships.

    The following timeline should confirm that the CIA as we know it should be abolished and replaced by a true information-gathering and analysis organization. The CIA cannot be reformed — it is institutionally and culturally corrupt.

    1929

    The culture we lost — Secretary of State Henry Stimson refuses to endorse a code-breaking operation, saying, "Gentlemen do not read each other's mail."

    1941

    COI created — In preparation for World War II, President Roosevelt creates the Office of Coordinator of Information (COI). General William "Wild Bill" Donovan heads the new intelligence service.

    1942

    OSS created — Roosevelt restructures COI into something more suitable for covert action, the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). Donovan recruits so many of the nation's rich and powerful that eventually people joke that "OSS" stands for "Oh, so social!" or "Oh, such snobs!"

    1943

    Italy — Donovan recruits the Catholic Church in Rome to be the center of Anglo-American spy operations in Fascist Italy. This would prove to be one of America's most enduring intelligence alliances in the Cold War.

    1945

    OSS is abolished — The remaining American information agencies cease covert actions and return to harmless information gathering and analysis.

    Operation PAPERCLIP ' While other American agencies are hunting down Nazi war criminals for arrest, the U.S. intelligence community is smuggling them into America, unpunished, for their use against the Soviets. The most important of these is Reinhard Gehlen, Hitler's master spy who had built up an intelligence network in the Soviet Union. With full U.S. blessing, he creates the "Gehlen Organization," a band of refugee Nazi spies who reactivate their networks in Russia. These include SS intelligence officers Alfred Six and Emil Augsburg (who massacred Jews in the Holocaust), Klaus Barbie (the "Butcher of Lyon"), Otto von Bolschwing (the Holocaust mastermind who worked with Eichmann) and SS Colonel Otto Skorzeny (a personal friend of Hitler's). The Gehlen Organization supplies the U.S. with its only intelligence on the Soviet Union for the next ten years, serving as a bridge between the abolishment of the OSS and the creation of the CIA. However, much of the "intelligence" the former Nazis provide is bogus. Gehlen inflates Soviet military capabilities at a time when Russia is still rebuilding its devastated society, in order to inflate his own importance to the Americans (who might otherwise punish him). In 1948, Gehlen almost convinces the Americans that war is imminent, and the West should make a preemptive strike. In the 50s he produces a fictitious "missile gap." To make matters worse, the Russians have thoroughly penetrated the Gehlen Organization with double agents, undermining the very American security that Gehlen was supposed to protect.

    1947

    Greece — President Truman requests military aid to Greece to support right-wing forces fighting communist rebels. For the rest of the Cold War, Washington and the CIA will back notorious Greek leaders with deplorable human rights records.

    CIA created — President Truman signs the National Security Act of 1947, creating the Central Intelligence Agency and National Security Council. The CIA is accountable to the president through the NSC — there is no democratic or congressional oversight. Its charter allows the CIA to "perform such other functions and duties' as the National Security Council may from time to time direct." This loophole opens the door to covert action and dirty tricks.

    1948

    Covert-action wing created — The CIA recreates a covert action wing, innocuously called the Office of Policy Coordination, led by Wall Street lawyer Frank Wisner. According to its secret charter, its responsibilities include "propaganda, economic warfare, preventive direct action, including sabotage, antisabotage, demolition and evacuation procedures; subversion against hostile states, including assistance to underground resistance groups, and support of indigenous anti-communist elements in threatened countries of the free world."

    Italy — The CIA corrupts democratic elections in Italy, where Italian communists threaten to win the elections. The CIA buys votes, broadcasts propaganda, threatens and beats up opposition leaders, and infiltrates and disrupts their organizations. It works -- the communists are defeated.

    1949

    Radio Free Europe — The CIA creates its first major propaganda outlet, Radio Free Europe. Over the next several decades, its broadcasts are so blatantly false that for a time it is considered illegal to publish transcripts of them in the U.S.

    Late 40s

    Operation MOCKINGBIRD — The CIA begins recruiting American news organizations and journalists to become spies and disseminators of propaganda. The effort is headed by Frank Wisner, Allan Dulles, Richard Helms and Philip Graham. Graham is publisher of The Washington Post, which becomes a major CIA player. Eventually, the CIA's media assets will include ABC, NBC, CBS, Time, Newsweek, Associated Press, United Press International, Reuters, Hearst Newspapers, Scripps-Howard, Copley News Service and more. By the CIA's own admission, at least 25 organizations and 400 journalists will become CIA assets.

    1953

    Iran ' CIA overthrows the democratically elected Mohammed Mossadegh in a military coup, after he threatened to nationalize British oil. The CIA replaces him with a dictator, the Shah of Iran, whose secret police, SAVAK, is as brutal as the Gestapo.

    Operation MK-ULTRA — Inspired by North Korea's brainwashing program, the CIA begins experiments on mind control. The most notorious part of this project involves giving LSD and other drugs to American subjects without their knowledge or against their will, causing several to commit suicide. However, the operation involves far more than this. Funded in part by the Rockefeller and Ford foundations, research includes propaganda, brainwashing, public relations, advertising, hypnosis, and other forms of suggestion.

    1954

    Guatemala — CIA overthrows the democratically elected Jacob Arbenz in a military coup. Arbenz has threatened to nationalize the Rockefeller-owned United Fruit Company, in which CIA Director Allen Dulles also owns stock. Arbenz is replaced with a series of right-wing dictators whose bloodthirsty policies will kill over 100,000 Guatemalans in the next 40 years.

    1954-1958

    North Vietnam — CIA officer Edward Lansdale spends four years trying to overthrow the communist government of North Vietnam, using all the usual dirty tricks. The CIA also attempts to legitimize a tyrannical puppet regime in South Vietnam, headed by Ngo Dinh Diem. These efforts fail to win the hearts and minds of the South Vietnamese because the Diem government is opposed to true democracy, land reform and poverty reduction measures. The CIA's continuing failure results in escalating American intervention, culminating in the Vietnam War.

    1956

    Hungary — Radio Free Europe incites Hungary to revolt by broadcasting Khruschev's Secret Speech, in which he denounced Stalin. It also hints that American aid will help the Hungarians fight. This aid fails to materialize as Hungarians launch a doomed armed revolt, which only invites a major Soviet invasion. The conflict kills 7,000 Soviets and 30,000 Hungarians.

    1957-1973

    Laos — The CIA carries out approximately one coup per year trying to nullify Laos' democratic elections. The problem is the Pathet Lao, a leftist group with enough popular support to be a member of any coalition government. In the late 50s, the CIA even creates an "Armee Clandestine" of Asian mercenaries to attack the Pathet Lao. After the CIA's army suffers numerous defeats, the U.S. starts bombing, dropping more bombs on Laos than all the U.S. bombs dropped in World War II. A quarter of all Laotians will eventually become refugees, many living in caves.

    1959

    Haiti — The U.S. military helps "Papa Doc" Duvalier become dictator of Haiti. He creates his own private police force, the "Tonton Macoutes," who terrorize the population with machetes. They will kill over 100,000 during the Duvalier family reign. The U.S. does not protest their dismal human rights record.

    1961

    The Bay of Pigs — The CIA sends 1,500 Cuban exiles to invade Castro's Cuba. But "Operation Mongoose" fails, due to poor planning, security and backing. The planners had imagined that the invasion will spark a popular uprising against Castro -' which never happens. A promised American air strike also never occurs. This is the CIA's first public setback, causing President Kennedy to fire CIA Director Allen Dulles.

    Dominican Republic — The CIA assassinates Rafael Trujillo, a murderous dictator Washington has supported since 1930. Trujillo's business interests have grown so large (about 60 percent of the economy) that they have begun competing with American business interests.

    Ecuador — The CIA-backed military forces the democratically elected President Jose Velasco to resign. Vice President Carlos Arosemana replaces him; the CIA fills the now vacant vice presidency with its own man.

    Congo (Zaire) — The CIA assassinates the democratically elected Patrice Lumumba. However, public support for Lumumba's politics runs so high that the CIA cannot clearly install his opponents in power. Four years of political turmoil follow.

    1963

    Dominican Republic — The CIA overthrows the democratically elected Juan Bosch in a military coup. The CIA installs a repressive, right-wing junta.

    Ecuador — A CIA-backed military coup overthrows President Arosemana, whose independent (not socialist) policies have become unacceptable to Washington. A military junta assumes command, cancels the 1964 elections, and begins abusing human rights.

    1964

    Brazil — A CIA-backed military coup overthrows the democratically elected government of Joao Goulart. The junta that replaces it will, in the next two decades, become one of the most bloodthirsty in history. General Castelo Branco will create Latin America's first death squads, or bands of secret police who hunt down "communists" for torture, interrogation and murder. Often these "communists" are no more than Branco's political opponents. Later it is revealed that the CIA trains the death squads.

    1965

    Indonesia — The CIA overthrows the democratically elected Sukarno with a military coup. The CIA has been trying to eliminate Sukarno since 1957, using everything from attempted assassination to sexual intrigue, for nothing more than his declaring neutrality in the Cold War. His successor, General Suharto, will massacre between 500,000 to 1 million civilians accused of being "communist." The CIA supplies the names of countless suspects.

    Dominican Republic — A popular rebellion breaks out, promising to reinstall Juan Bosch as the country's elected leader. The revolution is crushed when U.S. Marines land to uphold the military regime by force. The CIA directs everything behind the scenes.

    Greece — With the CIA's backing, the king removes George Papandreous as prime minister. Papandreous has failed to vigorously support U.S. interests in Greece.

    Congo (Zaire) — A CIA-backed military coup installs Mobutu Sese Seko as dictator. The hated and repressive Mobutu exploits his desperately poor country for billions.

    1966

    The Ramparts Affair — The radical magazine Ramparts begins a series of unprecedented anti-CIA articles. Among their scoops: the CIA has paid the University of Michigan $25 million dollars to hire "professors" to train South Vietnamese students in covert police methods. MIT and other universities have received similar payments. Ramparts also reveals that the National Students' Association is a CIA front. Students are sometimes recruited through blackmail and bribery, including draft deferments.

    1967

    Greece — A CIA-backed military coup overthrows the government two days before the elections. The favorite to win was George Papandreous, the liberal candidate. During the next six years, the "reign of the colonels" — backed by the CIA — will usher in the widespread use of torture and murder against political opponents. When a Greek ambassador objects to President Johnson about U.S. plans for Cypress, Johnson tells him: "*censored* your parliament and your constitution."

    Operation PHEONIX — The CIA helps South Vietnamese agents identify and then murder alleged Viet Cong leaders operating in South Vietnamese villages. According to a 1971 congressional report, this operation killed about 20,000 "Viet Cong."

    1968

    Operation CHAOS — The CIA has been illegally spying on American citizens since 1959, but with Operation CHAOS, President Johnson dramatically boosts the effort. CIA agents go undercover as student radicals to spy on and disrupt campus organizations protesting the Vietnam War. They are searching for Russian instigators, which they never find. CHAOS will eventually spy on 7,000 individuals and 1,000 organizations.

    Bolivia — A CIA-organized military operation captures legendary guerilla Che Guevara. The CIA wants to keep him alive for interrogation, but the Bolivian government executes him to prevent worldwide calls for clemency.

    1969

    Uruguay — The notorious CIA torturer Dan Mitrione arrives in Uruguay, a country torn with political strife. Whereas right-wing forces previously used torture only as a last resort, Mitrione convinces them to use it as a routine, widespread practice. "The precise pain, in the precise place, in the precise amount, for the desired effect," is his motto. The torture techniques he teaches to the death squads rival the Nazis'. He eventually becomes so feared that revolutionaries will kidnap and murder him a year later.

    1970

    Cambodia — The CIA overthrows Prince Sahounek, who is highly popular among Cambodians for keeping them out of the Vietnam War. He is replaced by CIA puppet Lon Nol, who immediately throws Cambodian troops into battle. This unpopular move strengthens once minor opposition parties like the Khmer Rouge, which achieves power in 1975 and massacres millions of its own people.

    1971

    Bolivia — After half a decade of CIA-inspired political turmoil, a CIA-backed military coup overthrows the leftist President Juan Torres. In the next two years, dictator Hugo Banzer will have over 2,000 political opponents arrested without trial, then tortured, raped and executed.

    Haiti — "Papa Doc" Duvalier dies, leaving his 19-year old son "Baby Doc" Duvalier the dictator of Haiti. His son continues his bloody reign with full knowledge of the CIA.

    1972

    The Case-Zablocki Act — Congress passes an act requiring congressional review of executive agreements. In theory, this should make CIA operations more accountable. In fact, it is only marginally effective.

    Cambodia — Congress votes to cut off CIA funds for its secret war in Cambodia.

    Watergate Break-in — President Nixon sends in a team of burglars to wiretap Democratic offices at Watergate. The team members have extensive CIA histories, including James McCord, E. Howard Hunt and five of the Cuban burglars. They work for the Committee to Reelect the President (CREEP), which does dirty work like disrupting Democratic campaigns and laundering Nixon's illegal campaign contributions. CREEP's activities are funded and organized by another CIA front, the Mullen Company.

    1973

    Chile — The CIA overthrows and assassinates Salvador Allende, Latin America's first democratically elected socialist leader. The problems begin when Allende nationalizes American-owned firms in Chile. ITT offers the CIA $1 million for a coup (reportedly refused). The CIA replaces Allende with General Augusto Pinochet, who will torture and murder thousands of his own countrymen in a crackdown on labor leaders and the political left.

    CIA begins internal investigations — William Colby, the Deputy Director for Operations, orders all CIA personnel to report any and all illegal activities they know about. This information is later reported to Congress.

    Watergate Scandal — The CIA's main collaborating newspaper in America, The Washington Post, reports Nixon's crimes long before any other newspaper takes up the subject. The two reporters, Woodward and Bernstein, make almost no mention of the CIA's many fingerprints all over the scandal. It is later revealed that Woodward was a Naval intelligence briefer to the White House, and knows many important intelligence figures, including General Alexander Haig. His main source, "Deep Throat," is probably one of those.

    CIA Director Helms Fired — President Nixon fires CIA Director Richard Helms for failing to help cover up the Watergate scandal. Helms and Nixon have always disliked each other. The new CIA director is William Colby, who is relatively more open to CIA reform.

    1974

    CHAOS exposed — Pulitzer prize winning journalist Seymour Hersh publishes a story about Operation CHAOS, the domestic surveillance and infiltration of anti-war and civil rights groups in the U.S. The story sparks national outrage.

    Angleton fired — Congress holds hearings on the illegal domestic spying efforts of James Jesus Angleton, the CIA's chief of counterintelligence. His efforts included mail-opening campaigns and secret surveillance of war protesters. The hearings result in his dismissal from the CIA.

    House clears CIA in Watergate — The House of Representatives clears the CIA of any complicity in Nixon's Watergate break-in.

    The Hughes Ryan Act — Congress passes an amendment requiring the president to report nonintelligence CIA operations to the relevant congressional committees in a timely fashion.

    1975

    Australia — The CIA helps topple the democratically elected, left-leaning government of Prime Minister Edward Whitlam. The CIA does this by giving an ultimatum to its Governor-General, John Kerr. Kerr, a longtime CIA collaborator, exercises his constitutional right to dissolve the Whitlam government. The Governor-General is a largely ceremonial position appointed by the Queen; the Prime Minister is democratically elected. The use of this archaic and never-used law stuns the nation.

    Angola — Eager to demonstrate American military resolve after its defeat in Vietnam, Henry Kissinger launches a CIA-backed war in Angola. Contrary to Kissinger's assertions, Angola is a country of little strategic importance and not seriously threatened by communism. The CIA backs the brutal leader of UNITAS, Jonas Savimbi. This polarizes Angolan politics and drives his opponents into the arms of Cuba and the Soviet Union for survival. Congress will cut off funds in 1976, but the CIA is able to run the war off the books until 1984, when funding is legalized again. This entirely pointless war kills over 300,000 Angolans.

    "The CIA and the Cult of Intelligence" — Victor Marchetti and John Marks publish this whistle-blowing history of CIA crimes and abuses. Marchetti has spent 14 years in the CIA, eventually becoming an executive assistant to the Deputy Director of Intelligence. Marks has spent five years as an intelligence official in the State Department.

    "Inside the Company" — Philip Agee publishes a diary of his life inside the CIA. Agee has worked in covert operations in Latin America during the 60s, and details the crimes in which he took part.

    Congress investigates CIA wrong-doing — Public outrage compels Congress to hold hearings on CIA crimes. Senator Frank Church heads the Senate investigation ("The Church Committee"), and Representative Otis Pike heads the House investigation. (Despite a 98 percent incumbency reelection rate, both Church and Pike are defeated in the next elections.) The investigations lead to a number of reforms intended to increase the CIA's accountability to Congress, including the creation of a standing Senate committee on intelligence. However, the reforms prove ineffective, as the Iran/Contra scandal will show. It turns out the CIA can control, deal with or sidestep Congress with ease.

    The Rockefeller Commission — In an attempt to reduce the damage done by the Church Committee, President Ford creates the "Rockefeller Commission" to whitewash CIA history and propose toothless reforms. The commission's namesake, Vice President Nelson Rockefeller, is himself a major CIA figure. Five of the commission's eight members are also members of the Council on Foreign Relations, a CIA-dominated organization.

    1979

    Iran — The CIA fails to predict the fall of the Shah of Iran, a longtime CIA puppet, and the rise of Muslim fundamentalists who are furious at the CIA's backing of SAVAK, the Shah's bloodthirsty secret police. In revenge, the Muslims take 52 Americans hostage in the U.S. embassy in Tehran.

    Afghanistan — The Soviets invade Afghanistan. The CIA immediately begins supplying arms to any faction willing to fight the occupying Soviets. Such indiscriminate arming means that when the Soviets leave Afghanistan, civil war will erupt. Also, fanatical Muslim extremists now possess state-of-the-art weaponry. One of these is Sheik Abdel Rahman, who will become involved in the World Trade Center bombing in New York.

    El Salvador — An idealistic group of young military officers, repulsed by the massacre of the poor, overthrows the right-wing government. However, the U.S. compels the inexperienced officers to include many of the old guard in key positions in their new government. Soon, things are back to "normal" — the military government is repressing and killing poor civilian protesters. Many of the young military and civilian reformers, finding themselves powerless, resign in disgust.

    Nicaragua — Anastasios Samoza II, the CIA-backed dictator, falls. The Marxist Sandinistas take over government, and they are initially popular because of their commitment to land and anti-poverty reform. Samoza had a murderous and hated personal army called the National Guard. Remnants of the Guard will become the Contras, who fight a CIA-backed guerilla war against the Sandinista government throughout the 1980s.

    1980

    El Salvador — The Archbishop of San Salvador, Oscar Romero, pleads with President Carter "Christian to Christian" to stop aiding the military government slaughtering his people. Carter refuses. Shortly afterwards, right-wing leader Roberto D'Aubuisson has Romero shot through the heart while saying Mass. The country soon dissolves into civil war, with the peasants in the hills fighting against the military government. The CIA and U.S. Armed Forces supply the government with overwhelming military and intelligence superiority. CIA-trained death squads roam the countryside, committing atrocities like that of El Mazote in 1982, where they massacre between 700 and 1000 men, women and children. By 1992, some 63,000 Salvadorans will be killed.

    1981

    Iran/Contra Begins — The CIA begins selling arms to Iran at high prices, using the profits to arm the Contras fighting the Sandinista government in Nicaragua. President Reagan vows that the Sandinistas will be "pressured" until "they say 'uncle.'" The CIA's Freedom Fighter's Manual disbursed to the Contras includes instruction on economic sabotage, propaganda, extortion, bribery, blackmail, interrogation, torture, murder and political assassination.

    1983

    Honduras — The CIA gives Honduran military officers the Human Resource Exploitation Training Manual ' 1983, which teaches how to torture people. Honduras' notorious "Battalion 316" then uses these techniques, with the CIA's full knowledge, on thousands of leftist dissidents. At least 184 are murdered.

    1984

    The Boland Amendment — The last of a series of Boland Amendments is passed. These amendments have reduced CIA aid to the Contras; the last one cuts it off completely. However, CIA Director William Casey is already prepared to "hand off" the operation to Colonel Oliver North, who illegally continues supplying the Contras through the CIA's informal, secret, and self-financing network. This includes "humanitarian aid" donated by Adolph Coors and William Simon, and military aid funded by Iranian arms sales.

    1986

    Eugene Hasenfus — Nicaragua shoots down a C-123 transport plane carrying military supplies to the Contras. The lone survivor, Eugene Hasenfus, turns out to be a CIA employee, as are the two dead pilots. The airplane belongs to Southern Air Transport, a CIA front. The incident makes a mockery of President Reagan's claims that the CIA is not illegally arming the Contras.

    Iran/Contra Scandal — Although the details have long been known, the Iran/Contra scandal finally captures the media's attention in 1986. Congress holds hearings, and several key figures (like Oliver North) lie under oath to protect the intelligence community. CIA Director William Casey dies of brain cancer before Congress can question him. All reforms enacted by Congress after the scandal are purely cosmetic.

    Haiti — Rising popular revolt in Haiti means that "Baby Doc" Duvalier will remain "President for Life" only if he has a short one. The U.S., which hates instability in a puppet country, flies the despotic Duvalier to the South of France for a comfortable retirement. The CIA then rigs the upcoming elections in favor of another right-wing military strongman. However, violence keeps the country in political turmoil for another four years. The CIA tries to strengthen the military by creating the National Intelligence Service (SIN), which suppresses popular revolt through torture and assassination.

    1989

    Panama — The U.S. invades Panama to overthrow a dictator of its own making, General Manuel Noriega. Noriega has been on the CIA's payroll since 1966, and has been transporting drugs with the CIA's knowledge since 1972. By the late 80s, Noriega's growing independence and intransigence have angered Washington' so out he goes.

    1990

    Haiti — Competing against 10 comparatively wealthy candidates, leftist priest Jean-Bertrand Aristide captures 68 percent of the vote. After only eight months in power, however, the CIA-backed military deposes him. More military dictators brutalize the country, as thousands of Haitian refugees escape the turmoil in barely seaworthy boats. As popular opinion calls for Aristide's return, the CIA begins a disinformation campaign painting the courageous priest as mentally unstable.

    1991

    The Gulf War — The U.S. liberates Kuwait from Iraq. But Iraq's dictator, Saddam Hussein, is another creature of the CIA. With U.S. encouragement, Hussein invaded Iran in 1980. During this costly eight-year war, the CIA built up Hussein's forces with sophisticated arms, intelligence, training and financial backing. This cemented Hussein's power at home, allowing him to crush the many internal rebellions that erupted from time to time, sometimes with poison gas. It also gave him all the military might he needed to conduct further adventurism — in Kuwait, for example.

    The Fall of the Soviet Union — The CIA fails to predict this most important event of the Cold War. This suggests that it has been so busy undermining governments that it hasn't been doing its primary job: gathering and analyzing information. The fall of the Soviet Union also robs the CIA of its reason for existence: fighting communism. This leads some to accuse the CIA of intentionally failing to predict the downfall of the Soviet Union. Curiously, the intelligence community's budget is not significantly reduced after the demise of communism.

    1992

    Economic Espionage — In the years following the end of the Cold War, the CIA is increasingly used for economic espionage. This involves stealing the technological secrets of competing foreign companies and giving them to American ones. Given the CIA's clear preference for dirty tricks over mere information gathering, the possibility of serious criminal behavior is very great indeed.

    1993

    Haiti — The chaos in Haiti grows so bad that President Clinton has no choice but to remove the Haitian military dictator, Raoul Cedras, on threat of U.S. invasion. The U.S. occupiers do not arrest Haiti's military leaders for crimes against humanity, but instead ensure their safety and rich retirements. Aristide is returned to power only after being forced to accept an agenda favorable to the country's ruling class.

    EPILOGUE

    In a speech before the CIA celebrating its 50th anniversary, President Clinton said: "By necessity, the American people will never know the full story of your courage."

    Clinton's is a common defense of the CIA: namely, the American people should stop criticizing the CIA because they don't know what it really does. This, of course, is the heart of the problem in the first place. An agency that is above criticism is also above moral behavior and reform. Its secrecy and lack of accountability allows its corruption to grow unchecked.

    Furthermore, Clinton's statement is simply untrue. The history of the agency is growing painfully clear, especially with the declassification of historical CIA documents. We may not know the details of specific operations, but we do know, quite well, the general behavior of the CIA. These facts began emerging nearly two decades ago at an ever-quickening pace. Today we have a remarkably accurate and consistent picture, repeated in country after country, and verified from countless different directions.

    The CIA's response to this growing knowledge and criticism follows a typical historical pattern. (Indeed, there are remarkable parallels to the Medieval Church's fight against the Scientific Revolution.) The first journalists and writers to reveal the CIA's criminal behavior were harassed and censored if they were American writers, and tortured and murdered if they were foreigners. (See Philip Agee's On the Run for an example of early harassment.) However, over the last two decades the tide of evidence has become overwhelming, and the CIA has found that it does not have enough fingers to plug every hole in the dike. This is especially true in the age of the Internet, where information flows freely among millions of people. Since censorship is impossible, the Agency must now defend itself with apologetics. Clinton's "Americans will never know" defense is a prime example.

    Another common apologetic is that "the world is filled with unsavory characters, and we must deal with them if we are to protect American interests at all." There are two things wrong with this. First, it ignores the fact that the CIA has regularly spurned alliances with defenders of democracy, free speech and human rights, preferring the company of military dictators and tyrants. The CIA had moral options available to them, but did not take them.

    Second, this argument begs several questions. The first is: "Which American interests?" The CIA has courted right-wing dictators because they allow wealthy Americans to exploit the country's cheap labor and resources. But poor and middle-class Americans pay the price whenever they fight the wars that stem from CIA actions, from Vietnam to the Gulf War to Panama. The second begged question is: "Why should American interests come at the expense of other peoples' human rights?"

    The CIA should be abolished, its leadership dismissed and its relevant members tried for crimes against humanity. Our intelligence community should be rebuilt from the ground up, with the goal of collecting and analyzing information. As for covert action, there are two moral options. The first one is to eliminate covert action completely. But this gives jitters to people worried about the Adolf Hitlers of the world. So a second option is that we can place covert action under extensive and true democratic oversight. For example, a bipartisan Congressional Committee of 40 members could review and veto all aspects of CIA operations upon a majority or super-majority vote. Which of these two options is best may be the subject of debate, but one thing is clear: like dictatorship, like monarchy, unaccountable covert operations should die like the dinosaurs they are.

http://www.kickthemallout.com/article.php/Story-History_Of_CIA_Atrocities
Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: rwanders on June 24, 2009, 01:36:19 AM
The rant above contains too many unsupported assertions, distortions and left-wing propaganda rants to digest even if I could fit it into my 1500 gallon septic tank. I am sure Iron Ranger actually believes all this but, his regurgitating of propaganda does not make it true or his view of how the world actually works realistic. Having said that, I am glad our "terrible and undemocratic government" protects his right to be both wrong and to do so publicly without fear of reprisals other than disbelief or amusement. 
Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: Windpower on June 24, 2009, 08:10:57 AM
Confessions of an Economic Hit Man by John Perkins

Read it,  Rwanders

Perkins has the guts to confirm much of the above article

He has personal knowledge of the assassinations in South America

Panama's
Omar Torrijos   (his crime -- was negotiating with the Japenese to build a new Panama canal)

Manual Norriega captured after 5000 innocent civilians are killed by the US military (he was also going to build a canal with Japan)

Ecuador's
Jaime Roldos  --didn't cooperate with the the big oil companies raping the rain forest






or just go back to sleep
Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: IronRanger on June 24, 2009, 09:29:06 AM
Quote...left-wing propaganda rants...
::)

That alone tells me rwanders has bathed gloriously in right-wing propaganda.

The CIA only spreads democracy and peace.  Now, like Windpower said, go back to sleep. 
Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: muldoon on June 24, 2009, 10:20:14 AM
Why does everything have to be labeled as either right-wing or left-wing, or good and evil. ?

Most scenarios I encounter in the real world do not actually fit that model, even though many would like to describe it as such. 
Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: Windpower on June 24, 2009, 10:41:43 AM
I have to agree Muldoon

to some extent

the whole right wing left wing conservative liberal meme is a false dichotomy

famously indoctrinated by Analcystbaugh hanity and others on the 'left'

it serves no good purpose other than to 'divide and conquer' and keep people fighting each other over mostly unimportant issues when they should be directing their anger and resources toward kicking the rich parasites out of government 



Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: IronRanger on June 24, 2009, 10:49:37 AM
Quoteit serves no good purpose other than to 'divide and conquer' and keep people fighting each other over mostly unimportant issues when they should be directing their anger and resources toward kicking the rich parasites out of government

That's what I tell my friends/family, but none, so far, "get it".   
Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: rwanders on June 24, 2009, 11:14:44 AM
 :) -------like I previously noted, "disbelief and amusement".  I am neither right nor left wing---actually a pretty moderate "middle roader" who finds radicals of both wings equally distasteful---their politics, not them personally.
Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: Windpower on June 24, 2009, 11:26:48 AM
r

you just don't get it

the the 'left wing' and the 'right wing' are false concepts

so is the 'moderate' or middle of the roader 

the propaganda folks have you brainwashed into this false dichotomy becase it is useful to them



Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: rwanders on June 24, 2009, 12:02:21 PM
 [cool] 

Windpower----I get it now! All concepts other than your's and IronRanger's are "false concepts" and all our problems are due to the mysterious and omnipotent "rich parasites" in our government-----are you sure they are not Jews or "tools of the Vatican" or maybe even "agents of the Rothchild family' or perhaps even the Trilateral Commission and the Knights of Columbus? Surely we cannot rule out the Masons----they have secretly ruled the world and oppressed the freedom loving masses for centuries!

Why do all conspiracy theorists sound the same?
Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: IronRanger on June 24, 2009, 12:28:38 PM
I never said other ideas were false ideas, but the idea that anything other than "middle-of-the-road" is the only road is the same idea as extremism.  You just take "middle-of-the-road" to an extreme. 

Do I believe the system was originally set-up to be deflectory?  No, I think it was constructed of idealism.  It's like the Republican party- it was originally about non-interventionist foreign policy, small business (businesses that benefit the people, not corporate "personhood") and representative governance adhering to the Constitution.  Now, it's a perversion.  (Yes, the media has a major hand in that, but the conservatives are always the victim of a "liberal" media.  Apparently "liberal" means wanting an open society.) 

I own many guns.  I believe in a woman's right-to-choose. 

You should see the arguments in my family-  me, in the middle, but not middle-of-the-road.  So, if that makes me a Liberal Conspiracy Theorist, or whatever makes you psychologically comfortable, then label away.

Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: Windpower on June 24, 2009, 01:20:03 PM
President George W Bush requested and received funding of $400 million (£200 million) for the plan after he made a secret appeal to Congressional leaders last year.

The money is likely to be used for operations carried out by the CIA and other intelligence agencies, according to the New Yorker magazine.


The appeal for funds "was focused on undermining Iran's nuclear ambitions and trying to undermine the government through regime change" said the magazine.

A source cited the contents of the appeal - known as a Presidential Finding - as involving "working with opposition groups and passing money".

The magazine claimed that American special forces had been conducting cross-border operations into Iran from southern Iraq since last year.


more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/2218623/George-W-Bush-raised-400-million-for-action-against-Iran.html

now is this a conspiracy "theory"


No, it IS a CONSPIRACY



Or listen to JFK in his speech to the American Newspaper Publishers Association

http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=jfk+speech&hl=en&emb=0&aq=0&oq=jfk+#

Are you calling JFK a 'conspiracy theorist'




Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: rwanders on June 24, 2009, 01:59:42 PM
I call George W. and JFK "Presidents of the United States"

I noted my opinion of Windpower's and IronRanger's belief system as being "disbelief and amusement".  I freely admit I do not "get it"-----in turn they do not "get" my viewpoint. They will not convince me----I will not convince them. I will not try to and I will also resist the temptation to repeat the old saying about wrestling with pigs.
Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: muldoon on June 24, 2009, 07:50:07 PM
Quote from: rwanders on June 24, 2009, 12:02:21 PM
[cool] 

Windpower----I get it now! All concepts other than your's and IronRanger's are "false concepts" and all our problems are due to the mysterious and omnipotent "rich parasites" in our government-----are you sure they are not Jews or "tools of the Vatican" or maybe even "agents of the Rothchild family' or perhaps even the Trilateral Commission and the Knights of Columbus? Surely we cannot rule out the Masons----they have secretly ruled the world and oppressed the freedom loving masses for centuries!

Why do all conspiracy theorists sound the same?

+infinity to that.  the people who are screwing us are doing it in broad daylight, no need for conspiracy theories.   
Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: IronRanger on June 24, 2009, 09:59:47 PM
Quote+infinity to that.  the people who are screwing us are doing it in broad daylight, no need for conspiracy theories.

Essentially, you believe the same thing us "conspiracy theorists" do, only there's no secrecy involved?  Yea, there's never been an unproved conspiracy, ever.  Everything done in secret, 100% of the time, is exposed.  Forever and ever, amen. 

So, explain to me how the CIA needs secrecy from its people to operate?  Explain to me how that's not a communist/fascist/socialist governmental ideology?








Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: MountainDon on June 26, 2009, 12:21:47 AM
Quote from: rwanders on June 24, 2009, 12:02:21 PM
[cool] 

Windpower----I get it now! All concepts other than your's and IronRanger's are "false concepts" and all our problems are due to the mysterious and omnipotent "rich parasites" in our government-----

I applaud your efforts even though I have come to the opinion that you (and I) are beating a dead horse.


Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: NM_Shooter on June 26, 2009, 09:12:29 AM
Quote from: MountainDon on June 26, 2009, 12:21:47 AM
Quote from: rwanders on June 24, 2009, 12:02:21 PM
[cool] 

Windpower----I get it now! All concepts other than your's and IronRanger's are "false concepts" and all our problems are due to the mysterious and omnipotent "rich parasites" in our government-----

I applaud your efforts even though I have come to the opinion that you (and I) are beating a dead horse.

Sorry Don, but I have to disagree with you.  It's not a horse.  It's a jackass you guys are beating.  And while brain dead, it is certainly braying loudly.
Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: Windpower on June 26, 2009, 09:55:38 AM

September

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3C7MJeLsOl4
Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: Windpower on June 26, 2009, 09:55:53 AM
September


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWqLdJbQyLI&feature=player_embedded
Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: glenn kangiser on June 27, 2009, 12:48:26 AM
There are none so blind as those who will not see.

I have friends who were in on the takedown of two of the above listed governments, even if we were not officially there on some of it.  They have had their fill and have no trouble seeing reality.  One was fragged by the Tennesee NG in one of the foreign countries - on purpose.  The other says we are being led by the biggest group of crooks and liars in the world -do not trust them and he quit - then was attacked by the IRS.  Wonder why.

We can see our  country being taken down by world bankers and the military industrial complex Eisenhower warned about if we will only look. 

I know.  Some don't want to see.
Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: John Raabe on June 27, 2009, 10:35:34 AM
This is part of a very old story - only the current actors change.

• Those who are in power strive to hold onto it and (hopefully) expand and glorify it for the benefit of their legacy.
• Those at the top of the power pyramid are under great pressure to produce the results desired by their power base. Today this base is the business and financial interests, political parties and the entrenched agency interests.
• In a democracy there is the expectation that the government is somehow an expression of the "will of the people". For most power holders this is a limiting factor rather than a source of support and they will try to circumvent such controls.
• In our modern connected world of instant communication both information and misinformation are available to support any hope, fear or fabricated theory anyone would care to promote. Only time and diligent history can come close to providing anything approaching "truth" and this will always be a rear-view mirror perspective.
• Right and Left views of issues are based on some very basic hard wiring of the brain that is then reinforced by the media this brain chooses to learn from. See: http://www.countryplans.com/images/Politics.html#Politics%20made%20easy

Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: MountainDon on June 27, 2009, 10:48:07 AM
I particularly like the last two points; and the chart.    [cool]
Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: ScottA on June 27, 2009, 11:10:14 AM
The chart is correct but how you care to read it can differ. I would say where you want to be on the chart and where you are can be affected by outside forces such as having to endure a government you disaprove of for example. I could say I want a world that's top center but due to the forces of the world I'm forced into a lower center position. In that regard the chart is flawed IMO.
Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: glenn kangiser on June 27, 2009, 11:51:23 AM
I agree with Scott in that high treason, political and financial crime by the powers that be, especially in the current and last administration force us to the bottom half of the chart.

Theft of promised old age security (Social Security = a pyramid scheme anyway) by corporate,  industrial, political greed and corruption in high places reinforces the movement of the common man to the bottom.

Closing our eyes and pretending while ignoring current events and criminal actions of our leaders and elite allows us to think that we may be in the top half of the chart.

In my grandparents day it was easier to be nearer the top of the chart, but now if we truly look at reality we can be nowhere other than nearer the bottom.

History bears out the fact that the government will manipulate the public via crime and coverups or outright lies to manufacture consent within the sheeple for support for their unworthy causes.  I cannot think of a recent war we have not initiated that was a threat to us rather than to our oil, corporate, or power interests.
Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: glenn kangiser on June 27, 2009, 11:56:57 AM
I suggest reading John's link above but wanted to bring the chart here for ease of view.

(http://www.countryplans.com/images/img2.gif)

John's link
http://www.countryplans.com/images/Politics.html#Politics%20made%20easy
Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: glenn kangiser on June 27, 2009, 12:24:25 PM
Sassy made a point....

On the bottom of the chart the words "Conspiracy Theories" needs to be realized as being mostly recognition of conspiracies and corruption in high places - cover ups - government trickery for political and corporate profit as well as twisting and use of the system for that profit, power and manipulation of the citizens (lower and middle class).

On the top of the chart we need to add:

The ability to close ones eyes and ignore corruption to lull ourselves into a false Utopian reality.  The ability to ignore facts and real questions into government fabricated events to sway the people into following the leaders into a path of destruction around the world for power and profit.

The losses of the real freedom this country was built on are actually being voluntarily given up to the last two Supreme Court installed governments by those who will not look at the crime and manipulation being committed and by the unrestricted power of the "person illegally installed" as President - the current and last White House resident.  

Their unrestricted signing orders are voluntarily accepted by the brainwashed masses without regard to the fact that the founding fathers put limits that were not to be usurped in the Constitution.  The Constitution does not allow this type of unchecked power.


These orders are not from a legal power limited president of the United States and therefore are invalid as well as illegal.....and yet we continue to allow it to happen and we close our eyes believing we are still in the same country our founding fathers created for us.

No... open your eyes.... it has been stolen and continues to be stolen as we close our eyes and look the other way.  

Goodbye, America the Beautiful.... goodbye to the Greatest Country In The World, the one my ancestors pioneered.  

So sorry for your abduction and destruction at the hands of the criminals who have taken over the highest offices and financial centers.  So sorry to watch the theft of the retirement of the elderly in the planned obfuscation of their investments.

So sorry to have to just sit here and watch you die as throngs wander around your deathbed like medicated zombies still believing in a miracle if they only look the other way and don't think about it, seemingly powerless and without a plan to stop the ones administering your slow dose of hemlock.

I will make plans for me, my family, my friends and my own who are not afraid to look and make the best preparations we can for our own futures.  

Sorry for those who cannot and will not see. :(
Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: Sassy on June 27, 2009, 12:31:00 PM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Bernays

Watch the video  "Century of Self"   http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8953172273825999151&ei=8FBGSuubIJ-QrAPTxrTEBg&q=century+of+self+part+1&hl=en&client=firefox-a

I've posted this before, it's a great documentary of the "Father of Advertising" Edward Bernays & how advertising, propaganda & such influence a person's mind & thoughts.  I've posted this before, but worth watching again.

I don't know exactly how John meant that people are "hard wired" one way or the other, but I have been a lifetime conservative, Christian right winger, if that's how you want to describe my political leanings.  I have never voted for a democrat.  Yet, with all that has happened starting with 9-11, my world view has virtually made an about face on how I view our politicians & gov't leaders.  If those leaders are anything like a lot of those who are in management/supervisory positions at my hospital, no wonder the gov't is in such a mess.  I constantly see how numbers are manipulated to get the desired results, I see how whistleblowers are blackballed - in fact, there is now a zero tolerance for "attitude!!!"  That means if you question or argue with your supervisor about something (when you can clearly see they are in the wrong or don't have complete knowledge of a situation) you can be fired on the spot!!!  So much for free speech, individuality, "shared governance" a term so many companies like to spout off about.  I work in a microcosm of the federal gov't.  It's total whitewashing & propaganda!

Through diligent study, searching, looking at the facts, looking for TRUTH, I can no longer close my eyes to the real evil that is going on.  Not as a Christian and not as a citizen of my beloved United States of America.  It would be treason to keep my mouth shut to the atrocities & treasonous actions those in power have taken to destroy our gov't.  

They just shoved through the "Cap & Trade" environment energy tax, for crying out loud.  The continued bailouts, the secrecy of & continued criminal acts of the Federal Reserve, the amnesty of illegal aliens, the crack down on "religious speech" and all the political correctness.  Our whole society has changed enormously since 9-11.  You have the Patriot Acts, posse comitatus has been taken off the books, habeas corpus is destroyed, Obama is just carrying on the legacy that papa Bush, Clinton & Bush Jr started - actually, as John said, we've always had those in power that will hold onto that power however they have to do it.  We saw it in Rome & countless other societies...  what makes the leaders of the USA any different?  All of a sudden they're upstanding, honest, humble, caring people?  Hey, they didn't get where they're at by being upstanding, honest, humble & caring.  In order to get to where they're at, they have to manipulate & step on people & on the way up they owe a lot of favors.  

I know everyone who is a part of this conversation knows all this, but step back, honestly look at things, don't be afraid, & for crying out loud, there have always been "conspiracies" in gov't, in society, even the Bible talks about about conspiracies.  Calling someone a "conspiracy theorist" doesn't make the conspiracy go away!  
Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: muldoon on June 27, 2009, 01:24:11 PM
The problem I have with conspiracy theories is that they always revolve around some unknown "they".  Some faceless power wielding group who is untouchable.  It maybe the masons, or the cia, or the vatican, or fill in the blank with all the ones you have heard about.  I simply dont accept that as the case. 

I understand the desire to make yourself feel helpless in that what can you do, and they are doing things and we are without recourse.  It removes the responsibility from ourselves and makes us powerless.  In my opinion, it is a guilt reflex.  If you remove your actions from the equations you can blame some faceless entity that may or may not exist for the worlds troubles.  If you analyze facts and force for investigations - blame can be assigned and handed out. 

I'll give a few examples.  Back in March who remembers the story of senator Dodd?  He was called out as the entity that demanded the bailout include the language for the 165million in bonuses for AIG.  He denied it on camera, saying no not me, no intent to to do that.  The next day when proof was provided - he backtracked and admitted he did add the language.  Nothing else happened, some snide comments on the daily show - thats it.  HE is personally responsible, not some dark entity beyond reproach.  We do not have to accept some cabal met secretly and influenced him; he openly admitted it and laughed about it. 

Yesterday the Cap and trade bill passed the house of representatives.  It was 1500 pages long, some 300 pages added in the last few hours.  There is no way the reps could have read it but it passed anyway.  The people responsible, go see - http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/111/house/1/votes/477/

It's not any bank CEOs on that list, it's your representatives.  What did you personally do yesterday to stop this?  Who called ?  pipe up, who visited the offices of the critters?  And who did nothing- but took a "what can you do?" stance and just accepted it.  We as a populace have EXACTLY the government we deserve and blaming some CIA members for it is rediculous. 

No one wants to talk about real problems, always some unknown dark evil entity driving things.  I call bullshit on it and flatly reject it.   Their are real targets to direct that energy to.  Ben Bernanke was in hearings on Thursday, did anyone watch that? 
http://www.c-span.org/Watch/Media/2009/06/25/HP/A/20148/House+Hearing+with+Fed+Chair+Bernanke+on+Bank+of+AmericaMerrill+Lynch+Merger.aspx

Did anyone catch his comments?  He openly admitted to outright lawbreaking.  He admitted to purchasing assets during last year.  The Federal Reserve Act of 1913 does not provide that ability to the Fed, they are allowed to LOAN against collateral - their is no provision to purchase.  Until someone wants to focus on law and enforcement - there can be no recourse.   Some good stuff in there from Isiss, Capture and Kuccinich also.  Too bad none of that made the news... 

Take the GM case; Obama personally got involved and completely rejected the rule of law regarding the provisions of bankruptcy.  In corporate bankruptcy there are "tiers" of debt holders.  First are senior bondholders - in liquidation they are repaid, then other creditors (employees), then stock holders.  That was scrapped and the unions got funded while the bond holders were forced to take a 10 cents on the dolar agreement.  Tell me what do you think that does to every company selling bonds today.   The bondholder receives a low rate of return due to perceived low rate of risk.  The risk percentage has changed as the rule of law is destroyed and this confidence is destroyed.  The rate of return now MUST be higher to draw debt purchasers in.  This is not some evil plan perpetrated by some unknown entity - they announced it on the damn news and everyone cheered. 

Anyway, I got off target.  I do have my eyes open.  I am not asleep.  I am not a sheep.  I am quite aware that criminals are running this country.  However I do not accept that we are powerless and that it is some unknown "they". 

That is my problem with conspiracy theories. 

Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: Sassy on June 27, 2009, 01:33:23 PM
Muldoon, I don't think anyone was saying they felt powerless to do anything about what's going on.  That is one of the reasons I, for one, do read lots of news, do research, have read books - to inform myself.  We don't have TV so can't watch C-span.  I call & write/email my congress people almost on a daily basis.  I try to educate & inform others.

Labeling something a "conspiracy" does a disservice to the very fact gathering that many people are doing, the whistle-blowing, those trying to intervene in the criminal acts & put a stop to it.  
Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: glenn kangiser on June 27, 2009, 01:34:50 PM
I do not believe you have your eyes closed, muldoon.  To the contrary, you are one who sees things that are going on.

I agree it is a known they.  

I do not believe it is a theory.

"The individual is handicapped by coming face-to-face with a conspiracy so monstrous he cannot believe it exists." J. Edgar Hoover
Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: Sassy on June 27, 2009, 01:51:14 PM
Did anyone catch his comments?  He openly admitted to outright lawbreaking.  He admitted to purchasing assets during last year.  The Federal Reserve Act of 1913 does not provide that ability to the Fed, they are allowed to LOAN against collateral - their is no provision to purchase.  Until someone wants to focus on law and enforcement - there can be no recourse.   Some good stuff in there from Isiss, Capture and Kuccinich also.  Too bad none of that made the news...

Has the Federal Reserve ever been audited?  There's a bill out to do just that - Ron Paul sponsored it & over 200 representatives have signed on to it HR 1207 - 245

http://www.dailypaul.com/

http://www.thomas.gov/

http://www.givemeliberty.org/

http://www.numbersusa.org/index.php

there's many more informational/action sites people can get involved with - these are some that I read.

Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: MountainDon on June 27, 2009, 02:10:16 PM
Quote from: muldoon on June 27, 2009, 01:24:11 PM

.....Anyway, I got off target.  I do have my eyes open.  I am not asleep.  I am not a sheep.  I am quite aware that criminals are running this country.  However I do not accept that we are powerless and that it is some unknown "they". 

That is my problem with conspiracy theories. 

Your whole post was very well stated, muldoon. [applause smiley goes here]  :D
Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: ScottA on June 27, 2009, 02:42:38 PM
I agree. Good post muldoon. We may know where our energies and concerns need to be directed but no practical way of doing so. You can scream until they shut you up but there's little point to that. Unless and until there is a way to enforce the real laws we are stuck. Calling people conspiracy theorists is just a way of discrediting those who are screaming the loudest and in effect shutting them up by getting them ignored. It is to the point now that you could have pictures, recordings and 100 witnesses and have the law books opened to the pages showing the laws broken and they'd still call you a conspiricy theorist.  d*
Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: Windpower on June 27, 2009, 04:15:29 PM
Thanks Glenn and Sassy your posts are right on target



con⋅spir⋅a⋅cy  /kənˈspɪrəsi/  Show Spelled Pronunciation [kuhn-spir-uh-see]  Show IPA
Use conspiracy in a Sentence
–noun, plural -cies. 1. the act of conspiring.
2. an evil, unlawful, treacherous, or surreptitious plan formulated in secret by two or more persons; plot.
3. a combination of persons for a secret, unlawful, or evil purpose: He joined the conspiracy to overthrow the government.  
4. Law. an agreement by two or more persons to commit a crime, fraud, or other wrongful act.
5. any concurrence in action; combination in bringing about a given result.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



In the 70's if you talked about 'secret' organizations such as "Counsel on Foreign Relations" wielding political power you were called a nut case or worse a conspiracy theorist

there was/is nothing theoretical about the organization or their immense influence


The same goes for the Trilateral Commision -- 'that doesn't exist'

or the Builderbergers

Tell me, why would these powerful people meet in secret if it were not to further their own interests ?

Why the secrecy ?

Listen to JFK's speech to the American Newspaper Publishers -- yes, he uses the very word conspiracy

http://video.google.com/videosearch?hl=en&q=Pat%20Quinn&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wv#q=jfk+speech+tothe+American+Newspapaer&hl=en&emb=0

Listen to Eisenhowers prophetic speech on the 'military industrial complex.' He is clearly talking about a conspiracy of powerful people and companies

http://video.google.com/videosearch?hl=en&q=Pat%20Quinn&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wv#q=eisenhower+farewell+address&hl=en&emb=0

Contact your congress person

XXXXXXXX  ED: unneeded descriptive word removed. No other deletions made. See terms of use... "You agree, through your use of this forum, that you will not post any material which is false, defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, vulgar, hateful, harassing, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, invasive of a person's privacy, adult material ......"  MD

Yes I have writtten and called my congress people ---they LIE (big surprise huh) it is a waste of time

Muldoon, Don, (if you were so inclined) do you really think you could get elected to Congress without the blessings of the party bosses

If by some miracle (as happened here in IL a half way decent man ends in as governor (P Quinn) because of Blago's crimes) he is grid locked by the bought and payed for legislature



Sadly I think the only way out is revolution -- and I am too old to participate in that


Next best thing for me is to stop peddling the treadmill for the criminals


Want to know how that financial situation got were it is today

It was orchestrated by on purpose by Alan 'Easy money' Greenspan and the banksters in Switzerland  

http://brucewiseman.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=51:look-behind-the-wizards-curtain&catid=34:finance&Itemid=27


http://brucewiseman.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=58:hitlers-bank-goes-global&catid=34:finance&Itemid=27



http://brucewiseman.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=59:the-financial-crisis-the-hidden-beginning&catid=34:finance&Itemid=27



Aaron Russo

Nick Rockefller to Aaron 11 months before 911 that there was going to be a warr on terror

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nD7dbkkBIA&feature=player_embedded


George Carlin

About the owners of this country

http://video.google.com/videosearch?hl=en&q=Pat%20Quinn&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wv#q=Carlin+who+owns+you&hl=en&emb=0





just another conspiracy theory I guess
Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: Windpower on June 27, 2009, 06:05:06 PM
Quote from: rwanders on June 24, 2009, 01:59:42 PM
I call George W. and JFK "Presidents of the United States"

I noted my opinion of Windpower's and IronRanger's belief system as being "disbelief and amusement".  I freely admit I do not "get it"-----in turn they do not "get" my viewpoint. They will not convince me----I will not convince them. I will not try to and I will also resist the temptation to repeat the old saying about wrestling with pigs.

Then I will refrain from quoting Mattew 7:6
Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: MountainDon on June 27, 2009, 06:56:50 PM
I actually read one of Bruce Wiseman's books a number of years ago. I was not impressed with his take on things... the subject was Psychiatry. But we are all entitled to our own opinions and thoughts.


I have seldom seriously thought of running for public office. I have no idea how I would fare in that arena. Maybe I'm selfish in my own way; I could not commit to the amount of time it would take from my personal life, from things I really enjoy, not to mention the time away from home when one speaks of congress.

I do count a small number of current and former elected officials among my friends and acquaintances. These are local and state government folks, not federal congress critters. For the most part they are hardworking honest folks. There are plenty who I find simply disagreeable all the way through to dishonest though; I just don't know any of them personally.
Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: rwanders on June 27, 2009, 11:30:50 PM
I don't begrudge those who see conspiracies everywhere their beliefs---I am sure most are sincere. Mostly, I feel sorry and concerned for someone who lives in such a dark world, for someone who seems to feel so impotent, for those who feel their lives are controlled by dark and secret forces. It must be a scarey world to live in----or perhaps not  ---perhaps it is comforting to believe everything is controlled by evil and mysterious "others" -----it's a great way to avoid taking personal responsibility for their own lives, their communities and their countries. 
Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: MountainDon on June 27, 2009, 11:40:16 PM
Quote from: rwanders on June 27, 2009, 11:30:50 PM
I don't begrudge those who see conspiracies everywhere their beliefs---I am sure most are sincere. Mostly, I feel sorry and concerned for someone who lives in such a dark world, for someone who seems to feel so impotent, for those who feel their lives are controlled by dark and secret forces. It must be a scarey world to live in----or perhaps not  ---perhaps it is comforting to believe everything is controlled by evil and mysterious "others" -----it's a great way to avoid taking personal responsibility for their own lives, their communities and their countries.  

I wish I had said all that as it encompasses the way a lot of my thoughts run.   8)  It's one of the themes that come up in a number of psychology books I've read.

... off to the hills, er mountains, in the AM. Back later...
Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: glenn kangiser on June 27, 2009, 11:50:40 PM
Not scary at all.  It takes much more courage to keep your eyes open to what is being done for money and power, and to keep from being blindsided when things fall apart.

What is sad is watching the blind and oblivious continue to deceive themselves into believing everything is just fine and dandy like Germany in the late 30's.
Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: MountainDon on June 28, 2009, 12:17:05 AM
Since the topic has a small collection of recommended reading, I'd like to add...

America's Secret War: Inside the Hidden Worldwide Struggle Between the United States and Its Enemies

http://weread.com/book/0767917855/America%27s+Secret+War:+Inside+the+Hidden+Worldwide+Struggle+Between+the+United+States+and+Its+Enemies/BOK-14351888-1 (http://weread.com/book/0767917855/America%27s+Secret+War:+Inside+the+Hidden+Worldwide+Struggle+Between+the+United+States+and+Its+Enemies/BOK-14351888-1)

http://www.amazon.com/Americas-Secret-War-Worldwide-Struggle/dp/0767917855/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_2 (http://www.amazon.com/Americas-Secret-War-Worldwide-Struggle/dp/0767917855/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_2)

Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: ScottA on June 28, 2009, 12:18:45 AM
I try not to let it get me down. I keep going like always in the hope somehow things will work out. Strangely they usually do. But it doesn't hurt to be prepared.
Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: Sassy on June 28, 2009, 12:59:52 AM
We live in exciting times - in many ways things are better than they ever have been...  it's difficult to see our society being pulled apart & destroyed.  I kinda like our way of life here in the USA - too bad all that is changing...  but, hey, isn't "change" what the majority of the people voted for & Obama promised?   d*  only thing is, he's just as much a puppet as the previous leaders...  

MtnDon, I've never read any books by that author, that I can remember.  Have you read The Story of Civilization by Will Durant?  

BTW, my trust is in Christ my Savior, so if God is for me, who can be against me?  (Romans 8:31)  The Bible also admonishes us to warn others lest they perish in their ignorance or sin - that their blood won't be on our heads (Ezekiel 3:20)  So, while my ultimate home is not of the world, I am to occupy until His return.  He created this world & the people in it & we are to love one another & take care of His creation.  Tall order, sometimes  ::)
Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: MountainDon on June 28, 2009, 01:23:00 AM
Quote from: Sassy on June 28, 2009, 12:59:52 AM

MtnDon, ..... Have you read The Story of Civilization by Will Durant?  


No, the 11 volumes are a bit intimidating
Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: Sassy on June 28, 2009, 01:29:02 AM
The one volume The Lessons of History is supposed to be pretty good.  One of the teachers at my church mentioned some of Will Durant's writings, sounded interesting but, as you stated, eleven volumes is a bit intimidating... 
Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: MountainDon on June 28, 2009, 01:34:56 AM
Our local library has 10 of the 11 volumes. Next time I'm back in town I'll have to check into it.

Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: rwanders on June 28, 2009, 03:47:14 AM
I've read all 11 volumes at least twice------a great panorama of history though somewhat abridged. I find the histories of the myriad times we humans have got ourselves into dire straits and somehow still surviving and actually rising from our self-made ashes comforting. 
Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: Windpower on June 28, 2009, 04:16:43 AM
"I actually read one of Bruce Wiseman's books a number of years ago. I was not impressed with his take on things... the subject was Psychiatry. But we are all entitled to our own opinions and thoughts."


what on earth does this have to do with the articles sited ?!?!?!

oh, I get it, another ad hominem attack   ::)

OK Don, google "Basel I" and "Basel II" and read the origial docs from BIS if you don't like Bruce Wiseman's 'take on things'.



Bruce Wiseman's Bio

Bruce Wiseman is a financial adviser, market research executive, and author and creator of the Tom McKenna series of detective novels. 

He has been a senior credit officer with banks in the San Francisco Bay Area and Beverly Hills, California. He is the co-founder of a company that oversees the business and financial affairs of some of the biggest names in Hollywood.

He writes and speaks on matters of international finance and banking with particular attention to the oppressive activities of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

Bruce has also been an advisor and consultant to countless corporate executives and government leaders on the subject of market research, branding and positioning.

He writes a market research newsletter, Response, hailed as "brilliant" by Al Ries, the Godfather of positioning, and has written on the subject of market research and positioning for such publications as Government Technology and Hotel and Motel Management.

He is also a published fiction author under the pen name, John Truman Wolfe (www.johntrumanwolfe.com) . Bruce holds a Masters Degree with Honors from the California State University at San Jose and is the former Chairman of the Department of History at John F. Kennedy


Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: muldoon on June 28, 2009, 09:19:01 AM
I resorted to a crappy personal attack and I am sorry, this post has been edited to remove it.  There are better ways to have a discussion, especially when we disagree.  My humblest apologies to windpower and the rest of the forum. 


Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: IronRanger on June 30, 2009, 02:27:23 PM
QuoteCIA Crucified Captive In Abu Ghraib Prison

The Central Intelligence Agency crucified a prisoner in Abu Ghraib prison near Baghdad, according to a report published in The New Yorker magazine.

"A forensic examiner found that he (the prisoner) had essentially been crucified; he died from asphyxiation after having been hung by his arms, in a hood, and suffering broken ribs," the magazine's Jane Mayer writes in the magazine's June 22nd issue. "Military pathologists classified the case a homicide." The date of the murder was not given.

"No criminal charges have ever been brought against any C.I.A. officer involved in the torture program, despite the fact that at least three prisoners interrogated by agency personnel died as a result of mistreatment," Mayer notes.

An earlier report, by John Hendren in The Los Angeles Times, indicated other torture killings. And Human Rights First says nearly 100 detainees have died in U.S. custody in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Hendren reported that one Manadel Jamadi died "of blunt-force injuries" complicated by "compromised respiration" at Abu Ghraib prison "while he was with Navy SEALs and other special operations troops." Another victim, Abdul Jaleel, died while gagged and shackled to a cell door with his hands over his head." Yet another prisoner, Maj. Gen. Abid Mowhosh, former commander of Iraq's air defenses, "died of asphyxiation due to smothering and chest compression" in Qaim, Iraq.

"There is no question that U.S. interrogations have resulted in deaths," says Anthony Romero, executive director of the ACLU. "High-ranking officials who knew about the torture and sat on their hands and those who created and endorsed these policies must be held accountable. America must stop putting its head in the sand and deal with the torture scandal." At least scores of detainees in U.S. custody have died and homicide is suspected. As far back as May, 2004, the Pentagon conceded at least 37 deaths of prisoners in its custody in Iraq and Afghanistan had prompted investigations.

Nathaniel Raymond, of Physicians for Human Rights, told The New Yorker, "We still don't know how many detainees were in the black sites, or who they were. We don't fully know the White House's role, or the C.I.A.'s role. We need a full accounting, especially as it relates to health professionals."

Recently released Justice memos, he noted, contain numerous references to CIA medical personnel participating in coercive interrogation sessions. "They were the designers, the legitimizers, and the implementers," Raymond said. "This is arguably the single greatest medical-ethics scandal in American history. We need answers."

The ACLU obtained its information from the Pentagon through a Freedom of Information suit. Documents received included 44 autopsies and death reports as well as a summary of autopsy reports of people seized in Iraq and Afghanistan. An ACLU statement noted, "This covers just a fraction of the total number of Iraqis and Afghanis who have died while in U.S. custody." (Italics added).

Torture by the CIA has been facilitated by the Agency's ability to hide prisoners in "black sites" kept secret from the Red Cross, to hold prisoners off the books, and to detain them for years without bringing charges or providing them with lawyers.

Kenneth Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch, denounced the Obama administration for considering "prevention detention," The New Yorker's Mayer wrote. Roth said this tactic "mimics the Bush Administration's abusive approach."

From all indications, CIA Director Panetta has no intention of bringing to justice CIA officials involved in the systematic torture of prisoners. Panetta told Mayer, "I'm going to give people the benefit of the doubt...If they do the job that they're paid to do, I can't ask for a hell of a lot more."

Such sentiments differ markedly from those Panetta wrote in an article published last year in the January Washington Monthly: "We either believe in the dignity of the individual, the rule of law, and the prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment, or we don't. There is no middle ground."

One way to discern who really runs a country is to look to see which individuals, if any, are above the law. In the Obama administration, like its predecessors, they include the employees of the CIA. Crucifixions they execute in the Middle East differ from those reported in the New Testament in at least one important respect: Jesus Christ had a trial.

28 June 2009

(Sherwood Ross formerly reported for major dailies and wire services. To contact him or contribute to his Anti-War News Service: sherwoodr1@yahoo.com)

http://www.legitgov.org/ross_cia_crucified_suspect_280609.html
Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: IronRanger on July 15, 2009, 10:48:33 AM
The CIA in Latin America

http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB27/index.html

Contains links to de-classified documents.

Title: Re: The Boomerang Effect
Post by: Sassy on July 15, 2009, 05:52:11 PM
Thanks for the info...  kinda substantiates what we've been talking about, don't ya think?