Tempora is Brightens version of Prism, and it may be even worse then it's cousin across the pond.
Rather than waste it's time going directly to sites like Facebook, Yahoo, and Google for their data, Tempora has found an easier way. It intercepts it on the world’s network of fiber-optic cables. According to NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden, the British spy agency GCHQ has tapped 200 of the world’s fibre optic cables, and is surveilling
more than 600 million “telephone events” a day. It can also intercept e-mails,
check Internet users’ access of sites, and can keep tabs on what people are
posting on Facebook, according to documents revealed by Snowden to the Guardian.
It has also been revealed that the Tempora program is sharing it's data with 850,000 NSA employees and private contractors. Do you feel comfortable with that many people having access to your personal data?
Snowden’s documents indicate that GCHQ has built up It's capability over
a five year time-span by signing secret agreements with data transmission
companies to attach probes to the trans-Atlantic cables where they meet
British soil.
A good chunk of what GCHQ is intercepting would be
pretty difficult to understand, or use. Internet traffic can be encrypted,
and the massive amount of data would be nearly impossible to decrypt in a useful time frame. However, much of the data would be in-the-clear, like metadata about phone calls, and more often then not, web browsing data about what sites you’ve visited. Your
Facebook activity can also be sent unencrypted over ordinary HTTP
(hypertext transfer protocol), although this can be fixed with a visit to Facebook’s
security settings. You can enable secure browsing to encrypt your Facebook sessions, which would make them hard, but not imposable to understand.
When asked how many people Tempora has targeted, the
agency’s lawyers replied that it would be impossible to say because
“this would be an infinite list which we couldn’t manage.” Not very promising.
How many other Countries also have equivalents to Prism and Tempora?
It seems that Obama has changed his mind about "privacy", and "security" amidst the recent NSA scandals.
Back in 2007 Barack Obama had some very harsh words for president Bush (Who was having his own NSA scandal at the time) stating the following:
"This Administration also puts forward a false
choice between the liberties we cherish and the security we demand… That
means no more illegal wire-tapping of American citizens. No more
national security letters to spy on citizens who are not suspected of a
crime. No more tracking citizens who do nothing more than protest a
misguided war. No more ignoring the law when it is inconvenient. That is
not who we are. And it is not what is necessary to defeat the
terrorists… We will again set an example for the world that the law is
not subject to the whims of stubborn rulers, and that justice is not
arbitrary."
Today Obama changed his tune, as is clear in this more recent quote:
Barack Obama: "I think it’s important to understand that you can’t have
100 percent security and then have 100 percent privacy and zero
inconvenience. We’re going to have to make some choices as a society."
The CNN/ORC International survey, released Monday, finds that Obama's
approval rating has fallen eight points to 45 percent, the lowest level
in more than 18 months. There is no doubt that this drop in popularity has been triggered my the recent scandals surrounding the Obama administration. And with Edward Snowden, the man responsible for leaking the information that has brought the NSA scandal into the limelight now being called a hero by many Americans, it is unlikely that people will approve of the way he is being treated.
Speaker Of The House John Boehner has called Edward Snowden a "traitor", which does not sit well with those who are rallying in his defense.
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has stated- "I hope we follow Mr. Snowden to the ends of the Earth to bring him to justice."
U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell: "Given the scope of these programs, it’s
understandable that many would be concerned about issues related to
privacy. But what’s difficult to understand is the motivation of
somebody who intentionally would seek to warn the nation’s enemies of
lawful programs created to protect the American people. And I hope that
he is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
And is seems U.S. Representative Peter King thinks reporters don't have the right to cover stories on the NSA, stating: "There is an obligation both
moral, but also legal, I believe, against a reporter disclosing
something which would so severely compromise national security."
And that isn't the worst of it. Director Of National Intelligence James Clapper had a very dodgy, and suspicious answer when he was asked about why he lied about the
NSA spying in front of Congress: "I responded in what I thought was the
most truthful, or least untruthful manner"
What's worse, according to National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden: "The president has
full faith in director Clapper and his leadership of the intelligence
community" Something we should all be concerned about.
It really amazes me that in the midst of civil unrest and revolution, you can find some of the most inspirational art- art that is so completely thought provoking and enlightening. These images are a window into the minds of the people. I really feel that this is the spirit of the humanity, the images that they, in the midst of chaos, hurriedly paint, and draw on walls, and streets. The images below are coming out of Turkey.
The violence taking place in Istanbul has not yet come to an end. And while the cause our friends in Istanbul are fighting for is a just one, it is painful non the less to see the blood that has been spelt in it's name. Unfortunately, revolution and violence seem to almost always accompany each other. It is a shame that the Government would not yield to the demands of the people of Turkey, and spare them this violence. In any true Democracy, that many voices would not go unheard. Our hearts go out to you, people of Turkey- I hope you accomplish all they have set out to do. Violence is never a good thing, no matter who it is that is being hurt, but it is especially painful to see these brave citizens being treated this way by their Government, that entity that swore to protects them.
Anonymous has always been shrouded in a certain stigma. And as far as public opinion goes, they've always been the "bad boys" of the activist world, often going to lengths many other activist groups won't. They have many times blatantly disobeyed the law in the name of what they believe. They have been called terrorists, and they have been called heroes.
Anonymous (used as a mass noun)
Put simply, Anonymous is a network of "hacktivists" (activist that often use hacking as a means to raise awareness, or show their dislike for a group or organization.) In 2012, Time called Anonymous one of the "100 most influential people" in the world. They are described as "an internet
gathering" with "a very loose and decentralized command structure that
operates on ideas rather than directives". It is important to note that, although Anonymous is well known for it's hacking activities, not all Anons are hackers, and that their presence is not solely felt on the internet (They often take part in protests where they can be seen- flesh and blood.)
Anonymous became known for a series of well-publicized hacks and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks on government, and corporate websites.
Members of Anonymous (known as "Anons") can be distinguished in public by the wearing of Guy Fawkes masks, like the one popularized in the film "V for Vendetta". The wearing of masks began with 2008's Project Chanology—a series of protests, and hacks targeting the Church of Scientology. The masks served multiple purposes. Firstly, for the protection of Anonymous members. (The Church Of Scientology is well known for targeting, and harassing anyone who openly criticizes them.) Secondly, it serves as a visual representation of the philosophy of Anonymous- which is, in short, that members of Anonymous represent an idea, not a person- That they are a collective, not an individual. And while an individual may be arrested, killed, or forgotten, an idea cannot.
Brian Kelly writes that three of the group's key characteristics are
"(1) an unrelenting moral stance on issues and rights, regardless of
direct provocation;
(2) a physical presence that accompanies online
hacking activity; and
(3) a distinctive brand."
It seems to be difficult for some to really understand whether or not our intentions as a group are good.
Quinn Norton of Wired wrote of the group in 2011:
"I will confess
up front that I love Anonymous, but not because I think they're the
heroes. Like Alan Moore's character V who inspired Anonymous to adopt
the Guy Fawkes mask as an icon and fashion item, you're never quite sure
if Anonymous is the hero or antihero. The trickster is attracted to
change and the need for change, and that's where Anonymous goes. But
they are not your personal army – that's Rule 44 – yes, there are rules.
And when they do something, it never goes quite as planned. The
internet has no neat endings."
There is a lot of imagery associated with the group.
[An image commonly associated with Anonymous is the "man without a head" It represents leaderless organization and anonymity. Other imagery includes the Guy Fawkes masks, ]
Some people love them, others sincerely hate them with a burning passion. And still, many do not know who anonymous is. They see the mask, and assume that they must be up to no good. However, the truth is not that simple. And even the most law loving citizen can have a hard time accusing Anonymous of any wrong. Though they may not agree with the means, they recognize the fact that there is occasionally a situation that the law is incapable of correcting, for a number of reasons.
Many people fear Anonymous, and as a whole they do look rather intimidating. They don't fit the profile many people have about what an activist looks like. Contrary to popular belief, they are not there to do something horrible. And they do work towards the goal of bettering society. But they are also, generally, dressed in dark clothing, wearing masks, and are often hackers, who are not afraid to threaten groups they feel are in the wrong. They are also a group that has successfully hacked Government websites all over the world, and managed to rally large numbers quickly. One can understand the level of intimidation the public feels.
They are called terrorists, because they use the threat of hacking and retaliation against groups, companies, governments, and politicians. They are called bullies because they use intimidation to their advantage.
They are called cowards, for "hiding" behind a mask. They are called philosophers, for knowing that the true value of the mask is in the symbolism it holds. They have been called revolutionists, and it cannot be denied that their mask has been seen on many front-lines all over the world, where revolution is taking place. They are called insane, warped, and hypocritical. But they are also thought of in a more romanticized light, by those who support them. To their supporters they are modern day Robin hoods, vigilantes, defenders of freedom, and watchmen, who stand to defend the very public that often criticizes them.
Whatever you call them, it can not be denied that they have proven to be a powerful force, capable of rallying large numbers for a cause, and working together with great unity. And while many can condemn their activities, few can deny the fact that theirs is a just cause. They have managed to gather members all over the world, and it is nearly imposable to know how many Anonymous members there really are. But they can be seen in every country, in every city.
While they may seem off-putting at first glance, you need only speak to them directly to see that they are not as cold and intimidating as they first seem. And they have a certain sense of humor about their persona and image. They are made less intimidating when you consider the fact that it is your rights that they are fighting for. When it comes to Anonymous, you either agree that there are times when a cause is more important then the law, or you condemn them as criminals. At any rate, they are making a difference in a number of causes.
Remember that these are not just masks, they are men and women. They are your fellow man, citizens of your country. They are people like you, only they have seen enough of the lying and deceit that goes on in the Government's innermost circles. They are tired of half-true media, who only cover stories that are convenient, and agree with their own agendas.
I encourage those of you who are frightened of Anonymous, or uncertain of their group, to take the time to consider their cause, and hear their point of view. Do not hear them called terrorists on TV, and assume that you are being told the truth. The biggest mistake people make these days, is to believe whatever media tells them. There is a chance that, after researching them, you may not agree with what Anonymous believes, and that is alright. At least you could say that you didn't take peoples' word for it. But if you do agree, then there is a lot you can do to assist in their cause. And if you happen to meet, or see a member of Anonymous, I suggest that you talk to them, and ask them personally why they are part of Anonymous, and what it is they do. I have always found them to be very willing to talk to the public, and explain their group.
As clashes between protesters and police continue in Istanbul, the Turkish Prime Minister has issued a “final warning” to protesters in Gezi Park. "Our patience is at an end. I am making my warning for the
last time," said Prime Minister Erdogan the day
after he promised to end protests “in 24 hours”. “We cannot allow troublemakers to hang around freely in this
square. We will clean the square,'' he told local party
leaders.
However, the Prime Minister's words served only to aggravate protesters, who were defiant, and met his deadline with extreme resistance. Overnight riots ended up with police firing tear gas
and water cannons in an attempt to disperse some 2,500 protesters, as they
tried to erect barricades on a road that led to government
offices.
On Thursday morning police arrested 42 people in Istanbul who
were peacefully marching around
the park. Meanwhile, by the 14th day of bloody protests five
people are confirmed dead, and there have been more than 5,000 injured.
The atmosphere is getting more and more hostile, as protesters express fears that a "witch hunt" will soon be underway. And with Prime Minister Erdogan not elaborating on the exact meaning of “final warning”, the people of Istanbul are left to wonder what lies in store for them during this time of extreme instability. The actions taken by police over these last few weeks have led the Interior Ministry to order a probe into what the EU Parliament has called “the disproportionate and
excessive use of force” by police. These claims from the EU Parliament seem to be confirmed by the violent images and videos coming out of Istanbul.
"Our inspectors in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and other cities
have launched an investigation so no one should worry about
that," Interior Minister Muammer Guler said Thursday.
One can only hope that a fair and balanced appraisal of the situation will lead to proper action being taken, but with a great gap appearing between the people of Istanbul and their leadership, it seems rather unlikely at the moment.
The members of the European Parliament have expressed
their concern over the situation in Turkey. As members of the European Parliament are expected to vote on a resolution setting out their
position, Prime Minister Erdogan slammed the EU Parliament, saying he will not
“recognize the decision.”
“I won't recognize the decision that the European Union
Parliament is going to take about us ... Who do you think you are
by taking such a decision?”
Some would consider the active preparation for a revolution, economic collapse, or extreme disaster of any other kind unnecessary, and even paranoid. But revolutions, riots that last weeks, and extreme civil unrest have not only occurred, but have occurred recently. And once it starts, you may not be able to get your hands on necessary items. In instances of riots, or extreme civil unrest, stores in the effected areas will almost certainly be closed, as a precaution to keep goods from being looted or damaged, and to keep violence from spilling into businesses. In this event, you will want to have all indispensable items on hand, and ready for use. At the very least it is wise to have a months worth of non-perishable food, first aid kits, and supplies. As well as protective clothing. Below is a list of necessary items, as well as tips and advise.
Water: large amounts of bottled water, or a way to purify water from a natural source, i.e. lake, or river. water that is unsafe to drink can be purified in a number of ways, including purification tablets, distillation, or a filtered purification system. When shopping for bottled water, or for containers to hold water, be sure they are "Food grade" water storage containers. You may want to have multiple purification methods at your disposal, in case one or more fail. The recommended amount of water is one gallon per person, per day.
Non-perishable food reserve: Items such as canned foods, dry ingredients such as rice, noodles, beans, etc. It is a good idea to have foods that require little or no preparation. canned soups, vegetables, and fruits are ideal. try to keep your diet as diverse as possible. Look for foods with high nutritional value, and as many calories as possible, as you will need them. It is important to keep your body healthy in instances of disaster. It's not a bad idea to have a daily vitamin on hand, to supplement what your non-perishable diet may be lacking.
Candles, Matches, Lighters. There are candles, such as Sterno's 60 Hour Emergency Candle, that are specifically made to burn for long periods of time. You may find that normal household candles burn quickly. It is wise to keep a large supply of candles on hand, as they may, in some cases, be your sole source of light. It is also a good idea to keep wind-up flashlights on hand.
First aid kit: It is important that you not only posses a few, but also know haw to use them. Keep your first aid kit well stocked. You are going to want to keep a large amount of ibuprofen, as it is an effective pain reliever, and fever reducer. Antiseptic spray, which can be used for burns, cuts, and stings. rubbing alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide are also good to keep on hand. Anti-diarrhea medicine is also important, as you may ingest contaminated water or food. And diarrhea in a situation where supplies are limited may lead to severe dehydration. Keep a wide array of bandages, in a number of sizes. If you have a child, be sure to keep pain relievers and fever reducers that are appropriate for their age.
comfortable and protective clothing: In the event of a disaster, riots, or all-out marshal-law, you may need to pack up, and move out quickly. It is important to wear clothing that is appropriate for the activities you may find yourself forced to take part in. It is a good idea to wear comfortable pants. Skirts and dresses are not recommended. You will also need shoes that are good for running in. Sneakers, or comfortable military style boots are well suited. It is a good idea to have a jacket or sweater, in case of cold weather, especially at night. A bandana, or other type of mask may also prove to be helpful. While they may seem trivial at first, they have many useful applications, such as helping to filter out the dust and smoke in the air you're breathing, hiding your identity, and allowing you to blend into crowds more easily. Bandanas can also be used as a makeshift bandage, or can be tied around a wounded limb, in order to prevent excessive bleeding. A hiking backpack will also prove useful, as they are strong, can take a lot of abuse, and can be used to keep necessary supplies on you while traveling from one place to another.
Weapons: It may not be a bad idea to keep at least some sort of weapon on you, as you may find yourself dealing with a number of people who want what you have, and know the law is of no consequence any longer. Raids, rape, and even murder may be rampant in a country with no law. A hand gun and holster are a good start. It is easy to keep on you, and can be concealed. You are going to want a full clip in the gun, and another full clip within easy access for fast reloading. Additional ammo should be kept on hand. Knifes and small hand axes are also useful, because they are multi-purpose. They can be used for cutting rope, material, or wood. Which is useful in a number of situations.
Items for children: Depending on the age of the child, there are a number of items necessary for their safety, well-being, and comfort. For babies, diapers, bottles, and formula are necessary. Breast feeding your baby is a good way of ensuring that they have food whenever necessary, but keep in mind that this will necessitate higher caloric intake for the mother. It is also important to pack an item that is entertaining. A stuffed animal, a rattle, a toy, to give them something to play with and comfort them. Blankets, and a change of warm clothing are also important. Remember to never leave a child unattended, and don't trust anyone with the safety of your child, unless they are a relative, or a friend you've known and trusted for years. Avoid traveling through crowds with your child, as it is easy to lose sight of them, and it is likely that they will be trampled in the event of a riot, or sudden rush of people.
Moving through crowds: When moving through a large crowd, stay as far to the edge as possible. If you are stuck in the middle of a stampede, run forward at a slightly diagonal angle, moving further to the side, while staying with the flow of traffic, once you've reached the edge of the group, keep as close to any walls as possible.
Dangers of lawlessness for women:
Aside from looting, and robbery, there are a number of other forms of lawlessness that occur during a revolution. And women are a common target of these crimes. In a time when no one has to answer for their crimes, women must be on guard. Rape is a very common crime, and it is made more common by the absence of leadership. It is important that women dress to cover their bodies. Skirts, and dresses are a bad idea. Wear clothing that is difficult for your attacker to remove, but easy for you to run in, and jump fences with. Pants with a belt, a top, a sweater with a hood, and running shoes are ideal. While wearing these articles of clothing along with a bandana or mask, it would be relatively easy for most to hide their gender while traveling through crowds. Never travel alone if it can be avoided. It is a good idea to travel with a small group of people you trust. Don't trust strangers, or new friends. Whatever you do, don't encourage flirting or inappropriate behavior as a joke or a casual thing. While it may be safe in everyday life, it is dangerous in a time of mass unrest. In a lawless society, you may find yourself in danger from both sides, regardless of the side you're on. It is important to make yourself look confident, and unafraid. Don't think like a victim. Stand up strait, try not to look nervous, and tell yourself in your mind that you've got everything handled, and that you are capable of defending yourself. This shows in your behavior. Men are more likely to attack someone who looks as if they couldn't defend themselves.
At just 29, Edward Snowden had a comfortable salary, a good position as technical assistant for the CIA, and as the current employee of the defense contractor Booz Allen Hamilton. Snowden has been working at the National Security Agency for the last
four years as an employee of various outside contractors, including Booz
Allen and Dell. But he is also the "whistleblower" responsible for bringing to light one of the most significant leaks in America's political history, and the NSA is not at all pleased.
despite the fact that he is shinning an unwanted light on the actions of the NSA, and possibly putting himself on the radar of a lot of unhappy and powerful men, he has opted out of anonymity, and chose to reveal his identity, stating the following:
"I have no intention of hiding who I am because I know I have done nothing wrong," he said.
In a note included in the first set of documents he provided, he wrote:
"I understand that I will be made to suffer for my actions," but "I
will be satisfied if the federation of secret law, unequal pardon and
irresistible executive powers that rule the world that I love are
revealed even for an instant."
While Snowden chose not to hide his identity, he has asked that media coverage focus on the Government, and not on him. "I don't want public attention because I don't want the story to be
about me. I want it to be about what the US government is doing." But he claims that this is not because of fear, stating- "I know the media likes to personalize political debates, and I know the government will demonize me."
"I really want the focus to be on these documents and the debate which I
hope this will trigger among citizens around the globe about what kind
of world we want to live in." He added: "My sole motive is to inform the
public as to that which is done in their name and that which is done
against them."
It is not without great sacrifice that this information has come to us, Snowden had a comfortable life, a salary of $200,000, a girlfriend he shared a home with in Hawaii, and a loving family. "I'm willing to sacrifice all of that because I can't in good conscience allow the US government to destroy privacy,
internet freedom and basic liberties for people around the world with
this massive surveillance machine they're secretly building." He said.
After copying all the documents he planned to disclose, he told his NSA supervisor that he needed to be away from work for "a couple of
weeks" in order to receive treatment for epilepsy, a condition he
learned he suffers from after a series of seizures last year. He then went home, packed his bags, and told his girlfriend he had to leave for a few weeks, something he said was not all that unusual for someone who has spent the last decade working in the intelligence world. On May 20, he boarded a flight to Hong Kong, where he has remained ever since. He said he chose Hong Kong because he believed that it was one of the few places in the world that
both could and would resist the dictates of the US government. He has been staying in a hotel, and says he has left his room only a few times.
He has reason to fear. Having worked for the NSA for nearly a decade, he is well aware of just how powerful it is. And he knows the U.S. Government has no shortage of resources and technology that can assist in his capture. At this point his future is very uncertain.
"Yes, I could be rendered by the CIA. I could have people come after
me. Or any of the third-party partners. They work closely with a number
of other nations. Or they could pay off the Triads. Any of their agents
or assets," he said.
"We have got a CIA station just up the road –
the consulate here in Hong Kong – and I am sure they are going to be
busy for the next week. And that is a concern I will live with for the
rest of my life, however long that happens to be."
He thinks the government will launch an investigation and "say I have
broken the Espionage Act and helped our enemies, but that can be used
against anyone who points out how massive and invasive the system has
become".
"The only thing I fear is the harmful effects on my family, who I won't
be able to help any more. That's what keeps me up at night," he said,
his eyes welling up with tears.
To
all those who spoke up against Monsanto, and the abominations they call
food, to all those who spread the word, attended the protests, made
signs, donated to anti-GMO groups, and who bought non-GMO products- We
are now seeing the fruits of our labors. Before us is laid the proof of
the power of the people. You may not have realized it, but Monsanto was
frightened by the unity, and massiveness of this growing movement. And
they were frightened on May 25th, when the people rose up to march
against them. We are proving that the days of blind and dumb acceptance
are behind us. We must keep our momentum. Monsanto is being pushed out
of Europe, and they are going to do their best to hold on to their last,
and strongest foothold, America. If Monsanto loses in the U.S., they
will lose everywhere. It is time for America to show it's resolve. Monsanto
is losing ground fast, and we are now getting backing be influential
people. Connecticut governor Dannel P. Malloy is committed to sign a
piece of
legislation that was overwhelmingly approved, requiring food
manufacturers to identify and label genetically modified ingredients. Ben & Jerry's Icecream has released a statment saying they are going non-GMO.
Mark Bittman, lead food columnist for the Times magazine wrote an
article criticizing GMOs. The April 2
column, "Why Do G.M.O.'s Need Protection?", started out with "Genetic
engineering in agriculture has disappointed many people who once had
hopes for it." That's right, even people once pushing for GM foods are
now raising doubts. Bittman continued: "...genetic engineering, or, more properly, transgenic
engineering - in which a gene, usually from another species of plant,
bacterium or animal, is inserted into a plant in the hope of positively
changing its nature - has been disappointing."
"In the nearly 20 years of applied use of G.E. in agriculture there have
been two notable 'successes,' along with a few less notable ones. These
are crops resistant to Monsanto's Roundup herbicide (Monsanto develops
both the seeds and the herbicide to which they're resistant) and crops
that contain their own insecticide. The first have already failed, as
so-called superweeds have developed resistance to Roundup, and the
second are showing signs of failing, as insects are able to develop
resistance to the inserted Bt toxin - originally a bacterial toxin -
faster than new crop variations can be generated."
"The result is that the biggest crisis in monocrop agriculture -
something like 90 percent of all soybeans and 70 percent of corn is
grown using Roundup Ready seed - lies in glyphosate's inability to any
longer provide total or even predictable control, because around a dozen
weed species have developed resistance to it."
Not too long ago, no one with a good career in any sort of media would dare question Monsanto's divine right to rule food, but times are changing, and Monsanto is losing it's appeal.
Mark Bittman, lead food columnist for the Times magazine
He takes a definite and practical stand against the effectiveness of GMOs. Giving insightful information that at no point seems biased or impractical.
This is the kind of person we need to convince those in it for the money that GM crops are a time bomb.
Many people see corporations as the life-blood of a nation. The ultimate source of wealth and prosperity. The giver of jobs and opportunities. But it is these corporations that are bleeding our country dry. They are feeding off the people, and cornering markets left, and right. They are seeking cheaper work, and more power. Perpetuating itself, and gaining wealth are the sole agendas of every big corporation. And they put those agendas over the well-being of their consumers, time, and time again. These truths can be seen in a very telling interview with Nestlé’s Chief Executive Officer, Paul Bulcke. He has called for the privatization of water, and stated that it is not a basic human right. He has also explained that just because something is natural doesn't mean it's good, and that the view points of the Organic movement are "Extreme", and "hypocritical" all in one interview. This is a very interesting look into the minds of the elitists. Just replace the word "nature" with "God" in this interview, and you understand what he's really saying.
And don't assume that these beliefs are held by just a few of these CEOs. I'm sure you would see these companies in a very negative light if you knew what they thought and said about consumers like you, behind closed doors. They will do anything to keep consumers consuming, even stooping so low as to purposely mislead consumers about the safety of their products, and letting parents feed toxic foods to their children.
And about the jobs these companies provide...they do create jobs, but not necessarily in the places you'd expect, and not in the condition you would like.
It is people like the ones pictured above that supply us with our everyday items. They make your clothes, and electronics, as well as everything else you can imagine. It is their sweat that makes our lifestyle possible, but at what cost? It is not just a few big companies, it is ALL of them. Walmart, Dell, Apple, and numerous others. I'm not asking that you go without the things you like, I'm simply asking that you make small compromises here, and there to support local business, and promote ethical treatment of workers. As long as you keep on buying, they'll keep on supplying. When you go out for coffee, why not stop at that little place down the street, instead of Starbucks? When you go out for dinner, why not eat at a mom-and-pop kind of place, that hires local workers, at reasonable pay. Why not support small, local companies that really add to your community, instead of feeding these inhumane and uncaring giants? These big companies take more than they give. We have little to gain from these corporations, and their success has meant that they can do as they please, and buy their way out of scandal. You work hard for the money you earn, why not give it to someone who works as hard as you do, and who deserves your patronage?
What started out as a small, and peaceful sit-in protest against the demolition of the Gezi park in Istanbul has erupted into what some people are calling "anti-Government riots", and an "anarchist movement" in several cities in Turkey. The trouble started when police began using teargas and high pressure water canons to break up protests and disperse protesters. The action taken by police has been considered violent and unnecessary by many people around the world. After use of these weapons against protesters, the situation quickly escalated into an all out riot, and many people began pouring out of buildings and offices to show support to the protesters, and disapproval of the action taken by police.
What had begun as a demonstration by hundreds, became a riot of thousands. The images and videos coming out of Turkey are often disturbing in nature, and show what most in America would call "police brutality". The point of the protest has changed focus, and is no longer about the park, so much as it is about current leadership in Turkey. The protesters are calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. While the Prime Minister has admitted that the police made "mistakes" while dealing with the protesters, he has called for an end of the Istanbul protests. He has also referred to the protesters as "extremists", a term that many believe better suits him and his regime.
Prime Minister Erdogan has stated that the construction plans at the park will continue as planned, despite mass disapproval. This may be more about showing power and authority over his people, than the demolition of the park.
It has been stated by the Interior Ministry that a total of 939 people have been arrested. There are also reports that state that there have been well over a hundred injuries, and at least a few deaths. Though these numbers are difficult to confirm, due to the fact that the situation is still developing.
In an attempt to reduce tension, police and riot vehicles were withdrawn from Istanbul's Taksim Square, near the Gezi Park on Saturday afternoon, thousands of
people packed the square to demonstrate.
Oral Goktas, a protester, told Reuters the protest had
become one "against the government, against Erdogan taking decisions
like a king".
Koray Caliskan, also a protester, told the BBC that people felt "victorious".
"This is the first time in Turkey's political history that a
million people moved into Taksim Square to claim their public park,".
Despite this small victory, the unrest has not diminished, and reporters have stated that there seems to be a growing agitation amongst the predominantly young protesters, which is elevated substantially as night falls over Istanbul and the rest of Turkey. Violent clashes with police continue.
Informed consumers have known for a while now that the Sodium nitrates found in processed meats are unhealthy, and unfit for human consumption, but these beliefs have been reaffirmed by the World Cancer Research Fund.
Sodium nitrate is added to processed meats by manufacturers for the purpose of preventing botulism by inhibiting the growth of clostridium botulinum, the bacteria that causes it. It also helps to keep the meat from spoiling as quickly. You might not recognize your favorite brand of hot dogs, or lunch meat without the addition of Sodium nitrate, as it effects the color and flavor of the finished product.
While sodium nitrate has long been considered safe by the FDA, natural health experts, as well as a number of physicians and scientist have warned of their possible side effects.
After a five-year project spanning 7,000 studies, cancer researchers
published their conclusion in The World Cancer Research Fund’s report, Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective (2007). They declared that all people should immediately stop buying and eating processed meat products and that processed meats are too dangerous for human consumption. The report can be downloaded for free at dietandcancerreport.org.
The harmful additives in processed meats have been linked to the following health risks:
Colorectal cancer
Prostate cancer
Leukemia
Breast cancer
Brain tumors
Diabetes
Heart disease
Pancreatic cancer
Many people might find themselves a little unsure of the differences between processed meat and fresh meat, so we will briefly go over the basic characteristics of both. Freshmeat: Has only one ingredient-the meat itself. It must be refrigerated, and has a relatively short shelf-life. It is usually packaged in simple, minimal wrappers. Processed meat: Has a long shelf-life, and contains many ingredients. And almost always contains sodium nitrate. Processed meats include:
Hot Dogs
Sandwich Meat
Ham
Meat in canned soup
Pepperoni
Bologna
Breakfast sausage
Meat in kids’ lunch products
Beef jerky
Deli meat
Meat in frozen pizza
Sausage
Bacon
Remember that no company will tell you their product is dangerous if they can avoid it. The best way to avoid the health risks associated with processed meats is to boycott them all together, or to find a local source of these products that does not add harmful ingredients.
