Edward Snowden: An Uncertain Future

                                                                       [Edward Snowden]

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.

[Monsanto losing Ground]

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. 

Thank you, Mark Bittman.

[Corporate Giants: Bleeding The People Dry]

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?

[Protesters And Police Clash In Istanbul, Turkey]

                                     [Protesters in Istanbul, Turkey]
     


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.

 

 

 

 

Experts Warn Consumers Processed Meat Is Unsafe For Human Consumption

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.

Fresh meat: 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.

March Against Monsanto, May 25th, 2013

March Against Monsanto, Tucson AZ, was, I think, a huge success. Many people showed up to support our cause, and it was nice to see that everything was carried out safely, and without complication. I was pleased to see many people, with diverse backgrounds, ideas, and opinions come together to share information and ideas. I must say, it was a pleasant change of pace, to be able to talk to a large number of people that shared many of my views, and understood what I was talking about. It's truly satisfying to see a community come together with a common denomination, and with the same intentions. I especially enjoyed the fact that there were many young participants, educating children is a good way to bring up a generation that won't allow abominations like Monsanto to exist.  Below are some photos I took at the event. I'd like to thank everyone who showed up, and marched with us.

The Blind And Unquestioning Public

We are living in a time of unparalleled  ignorance. We don't comprehend in entirety the level of brainwashing that has taken place in this country. We don't even realize how influenced by media we are. Think about this, my fellow Americans:

We pick up an item in the store and turn it over to see the nutrition facts. We don't recognize half the ingredients on the label, but buy the product because it only has a hundred calories. You don't wonder for a minute what all those unfamiliar ingredients on that label are, because we believe that the FDA, and our Government has taken care of that for us.

We hear that there is sodium fluoride in our water, and instead of questioning why this is, and what effects it might have on us, we assume that our Government wouldn't put it in our water unless it was wonderfully beneficial, and never give it a second thought.

We hear something on the news, and we take it as absolute fact. Never questioning what they have told us. Never checking their facts to see if they hold-up. Never wondering if they might have reason to be biased. And not believing anything we hear until our favorite news network confirms it for us.

We are told what to eat, what to wear, what to think, what we should feel, and this doesn't bother you.
Try this, next time you see a label with words you don't recognize, look them up. See what they are, where they come from, and what effect it has on your body. Next time you go to the grocery store and see bottled water with added fluoride don't assume it's good, find out if it is. When your watching the news, check their sources, check their facts, and find out who's investing money into their business. The main issue is that people forget that the news networks are businesses, and a business's main goal is to stay open and make money. People forget that politicians only have a job if they get reelected, and they care more about reelection and a pay check then the important issues they talk about. Politicians are in business for themselves, not for you.

When you take it upon yourself to find out the truth of these matters, you will find things that don't please you. See if you don't feel betrayed, and distrusting. See if you aren't quick to doubt. See if you don't lean toward skepticism when you hear corporations, Governments, and media sources tell you they know what's good for you. Don't assume the world is out for your best interests.


Do you want to know what kind of citizens every Government in this world wants?

They want citizens who:

• Never question what they eat.
• Never question what they drink.
• Never question what they hear.
• Never question what they see.
• Never question what they do.
• Never question what they tell you.
• Never question the status quo.

Think of that next time someone calls you a model citizen.