A. Loewenstein Online Newsletter

American Dream comes crashing down

Posted: 15 Dec 2011

This is the country we’re supposed to admire?

Squeezed by rising living costs, a record number of Americans — nearly 1 in 2 — have fallen into poverty or are scraping by on earnings that classify them as low income.

The latest census data depict a middle class that’s shrinking as unemployment stays high and the government’s safety net frays. The new numbers follow years of stagnating wages for the middle class that have hurt millions of workers and families.

“Safety net programs such as food stamps and tax credits kept poverty from rising even higher in 2010, but for many low-income families with work-related and medical expenses, they are considered too ‘rich’ to qualify,” said Sheldon Danziger, a University of Michigan public policy professor who specializes in poverty.

“The reality is that prospects for the poor and the near poor are dismal,” he said. “If Congress and the states make further cuts, we can expect the number of poor and low-income families to rise for the next several years.”

Congressional Republicans and Democrats are sparring over legislation that would renew a Social Security payroll tax reduction, part of a year-end political showdown over economic priorities that could also trim unemployment benefits, freeze federal pay and reduce entitlement spending.

This is how Western forces gather “intelligence”

Posted: 15 Dec 2011

Human Terrain Systems is the term with private companies increasingly hired by the US army (and Australia) to use anthropologists and other related fields to gather “intelligence” in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere. 21st century warfare (privatised, of course):

More about this film here.

Stepping Stones, a film made in the occupied Palestinian town of Hebron

Posted: 15 Dec 2011

More here.

Obama’s message to Zionists everywhere; ignore the rumours, I love Israel in every way

Posted: 15 Dec 2011

Foreign Policy’s The Cable publishes extracts of a speech that prove for the umpteenth time that Washington under Barack Obama is determined to blindly back Israel to the hilt. But be warned, fundamentalist Zionists; smearing critics as anti-Semites ain’t working any more:

The Obama administration may not be getting a whole lot of love from the pro-Israel community these days, but tonight, the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations is giving their annual National Service Award to U.N. Representative Susan Rice.

Rice plans to use her acceptance speech at tonight’s event in New York to both defend the Obama administration’s record on Israel and spell out the increased military and security cooperation that’s taken place on Obama’s watch. Previous winners include House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) and House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD).

Here are some excerpts of Rice’s speech, obtained by The Cable:

“America remains deeply and permanently committed to Israel’s peace and security. It is a commitment for this president and this Administration. It spans generations. It spans political parties. It is not negotiable. And it never will be,” Rice will say.

“From the moment he took office, President Obama’s guidance has been clear: to strengthen and deepen that commitment. He has been clear all along that our special relationship with Israel is deeply rooted in our common interests and our common values.”

“That’s why we’ve increased cooperation between our militaries to unprecedented levels. That’s why, even in these tough fiscal times, we’ve increased foreign military financing to record levels. That’s why we’ve also included additional support for the lifesaving Iron Dome anti-rocket system — which saw action just days ago in defense of innocent Israelis who live near the Gaza frontier.”

“That’s why we’re working jointly to toughen up Israel’s security through the Arrow system; and through David’s Sling; and through joint military exercises that have never been more robust.”

“That’s why, if you ask members of the uniformed military of Israel or the United States, if you talk to leaders at the Kirya or the Pentagon, you’ll hear the same assessment: the American commitment to Israel’s qualitative military edge has never been stronger. That’s a fact, plain and simple.”

“Of course, the Arab world is undergoing unprecedented political change, and the calls for freedom across the region have brought legitimate security concerns. But let there be no doubt: we are doing all we can to ensure that Israel remains secure even as the region becomes more free.”

The unbelievable rise of Blackwater (aka Academi)

Posted: 15 Dec 2011 03:16 AM PST

Egypt, before the revolution

Posted: 14 Dec 2011 09:03 PM PST

A beautiful short film, Maydoum, by Omar Robert Hamilton:

Maydoum [short film, 2010] from Omar Robert Hamilton on Vimeo.

Prevention of Injury; a short film about American political prisoner Bradley Manning

Posted: 14 Dec 2011 08:10 PM PST

Prevention of Injury (POI) from kyle broom on Vimeo.