Daily Archives: October 28, 2020

2020-10-28: News Headlines

Jasmine Norden (2020-10-28). Amy Coney Barrett's confirmation threatens the future of liberal America. thecanary.co Amy Coney Barrett has been confirmed as a Supreme Court justice, marking a notable shift to the right for the US's ultimate judiciary. | Coney Barrett was Republican senator Susan Collins voted against Coney Barrett's appointment, citing concerns th…

Staff (2020-10-28). Headlines for October 28, 2020. democracynow.org White House Credits Trump with "Ending the COVID-19 Pandemic" as U.S. Cases Hit Record Highs, As 54 Million U.S. Residents Struggle for Food, Senate Adjourns Without Passing Relief Bill, Family of Walter Wallace Jr. Demands Justice After Fatal Police Shooting, Grand Jurors Call Actions of Louisville Police Officers Who Killed Breonna Taylor "Criminal", Trump Mocks Media Coverage of Coronavirus Crisis, Trump on Counting Votes Beyond Election Day: "I Don't Believe That's by Our Laws", Muslims Denounce French President for Defending Caricatures of Prophet Muhammad, Yemen's Humanitarian Workers Plead for Internationa…

Staff (2020-10-28). Breonna Taylor Grand Jurors Say Police Actions Were "Criminal"; Never Given Chance to Indict Cops. democracynow.org Two members of a Kentucky grand jury convened after the Louisville police killing of Breonna Taylor have spoken on camera for the first time, calling the actions of the Louisville officers responsible for Taylor's death "criminal" and saying the state's Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron never gave them the option to consider murder or manslaughter charges against the police officers involved. "From the very beginning, we have seen a campaign of prevarication, of dishonesty, of outright neglect of any semblance of justice for Breonna Taylor or for her family," responds Marc Lamont Hill, professor of media…

Staff (2020-10-28). "A Desire Rooted in Revolt": Chileans Vote Overwhelmingly to Rewrite Pinochet-Era Constitution. democracynow.org We get an update from Chile, where an overwhelming majority have voted to rewrite the country's Pinochet dictatorship-era constitution and tens of thousands poured into the streets to celebrate, just one year after mass protests against social and economic inequalities rocked the country and set it on a path to social reform. Javiera Manzi, a spokesperson for Chile's largest feminist advocacy group, Coordinadora Feminista 8M, says the referendum is the result of people doing what politicians had refused to do for decades. We also speak with journalist Pablo Vivanco, who says Chile's neoliberal model has long been…

Staff (2020-10-28). Care Not Cops: Marc Lamont Hill Makes Case for Abolition After Philadelphia Police Kill Walter Wallace Jr. democracynow.org Protesters in Philadelphia mark a second night of calling for the abolition of police after two Philadelphia police shot and killed Walter Wallace Jr., a 27-year-old Black man, while he was having a mental health crisis. The shooting reflects decades of defunding of social services, including for mental health, while police departments have continued to grow, says author and activist Marc Lamont Hill, who argues, "If all you have is a hammer, then every problem looks like a nail." Lamont Hill is professor of media studies and urban education at Temple University and author of "We Still Here: Pandemic, Policing, P…

_____ (2020-10-28). If Biden Wins, Russiagate Will Magically Morph Into Chinagate. strategic-culture.org Caitlin JOHNSTONE | The same exact low rumble, slowly rising toward the same fever pitch crescendo. First you get a few unexpected comments showing up in your notifications, then a few more, then a lot more, then a whole lot more. It's one news story, then it's ten, then it's a hundred, then it's completely dominating half of US political discourse. | The increasingly shrill shrieking from rightists about China having leverage over Joe Biden is alarmingly similar to what I experienced from liberals at this exact point in time in 2016 about Russia having leverage over Donald Trump. When I point out these similarit…

Staff (2020-10-28). What do billionaires like Tom Steyer mean for progressive politics and the climate movement? therealnews.com In an interview with Real News Network, climate philanthropist Tom Steyer presents his case on whether Joe Biden's plan on climate change is really progressive and, if elected, whether Biden can get the United States back in the global leadership role on climate issues.

Bruce Lerro (2020-10-28). "Dictatorship" and "Democracy" as Loaded Language: Anti-Communist Cold-War Propaganda. dissidentvoice.org ORIENTATION In my last article I showed how the word "totalitarian" was used as a loaded vice word to attack the Soviet Union after World War II and to red-bait communists around the world. The use of the word totalitarian began in the 1930s, but even before then in the 1920's, the word "dictator" began …

Anand Naidoo (2020-10-28). The Heat: U.S. Presidential Race. america.cgtn.com In the home stretch. | United States President Donald Trump and Democratic Presidential candidate Joe Biden hit key swing states in the campaign's final week. Will it be four more years of Trump or a new Biden administration?

John Stanton (2020-10-28). Liquid Capitalism: Everyone Drinks It, Swims in It, Drowns in It. globalresearch.ca The most radical socialists, Black Lives Matter (BLM) protesters (Black, White, Latino or Asian), liberal and conservative zealots, diversity and equity gurus, pacifists, denizens of corporates and non-profits, rappers, rockers and country western musicians, Bernie Sanders, racists and White guilt …

Matt Taibbi (2020-10-28). Ten Ways to Call Something "Russian Disinformation" Without Evidence. globalresearch.ca How do you call something "Russian disinformation" when you don't have evidence it is? Let's count the ways. | We don't know a whole lot about how the New York Post story about Hunter Biden got into print. There are some …

Mehr News Agency (2020-10-28). VIDEO: US Trump threatened to assassinate his rival Joe Biden. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Oct. 28 (MNA) — At a presidential campaign held in Michigan, US President Trump claimed that Joe Biden might be in power for just three weeks if he became president and would be assassinated and replaced by his deputy, Kamala Harris.

Charles Stevenson (2020-10-28). Switzerland's Failing Democracy. counterpunch.org Last September, the Bundesplatz in Bern, over which sit the Swiss federal executive and legislative bodies, played host to the largest acts of peaceful civil disobedience in the country's history. Several hundred environmental activists were arrested after calling on the government to take the necessary action for Switzerland to fulfill its pledges in respect to

Editor (2020-10-28). Grassroots Activists Tackle Public Safety in Minneapolis. scheerpost.com By Eric Ortiz / Reposted with permission from TheWedge.org Grassroots democracy is not easy. The work is rooted in community and empowers people to take leadership into their own communities. It requires passion, commitment and courage. And sometimes, it can get messy. That's what happens when there are big problems to solve. Here in Minneapolis, we have some pressing issues. Crime is up. |

7 Days to Go (2020-10-28). 3 Day Tex Biden Bus Tour, Wis Hand-In Ballots,11/4/20 Protect Results. indybay.org This last week before Election Day and Beyond are filled with campaign activity to Dump Trump. There is a 3-day Texas Biden Bus Tour, a Wisconsin Hand-In Mail-In Ballots this week campaign, and 11/4/20 Nationwide Protect the Vote Rallies.

Goran Sumkoski (2020-10-28). US Policy to Encounter Another Strategic Defeat in Macedonia? globalresearch.ca The U.S. supported tarnishing of democracy is only causing a re-birth of sovereignty and freedom movement in Macedonia. | Not standing for democracy, rule of law and human rights, the United States can no longer claim the moral high ground it …

Ryan Grim (2020-10-28). Congressional Progressives Are Revamping Their Caucus With an Eye Toward 2021. zcomm.org With nearly 100 members, the CPC's large size and loose requirements have been an obstacle to its ability to be a cohesive force…

Dorian T. Warren (2020-10-28). For Black Americans, Being Voters Is Who We Are. thenation.com For Black Americans, Being Voters Is Who We Are…

The Lighthouse Collective, Santa Cruz (2020-10-28). Tuesday 11/3: Take the Defend Democracy Pledge. indybay.org Online Event | forms.gle/NjYGeh395c224d9C6

Peoples Dispatch (2020-10-27). The Thai Uprising Against the Military-Monarchical Complex. peoplesdispatch.org Thai intellectual and writer Giles Ungpakorn talks to Vijay Prashad on the massive protests that are currently on in Thailand demanding reform of the monarchy and restoration of democracy…

jamanetwork (2020-10-27). The Physician's Responsibility. jamanetwork.com The recent decision of the Supreme Court of Nebraska, abstracted in the Medicolegal department of The Journal last week, is of importance and interest to practicing physicians, and especially to health officers…. The plaintiff, while stopping at a small hotel, consulted a local physician, the defendant, regarding some sores that had appeared on his body. After an examination, the physician told the plaintiff—his patient—that he believed the disease to be syphilis, but that it was impossible to make a positive diagnosis without a Wassermann test, for which he had no equipment. The defendant physician…

Jack Rasmus (2020-10-27). Barrett Confirmed, Post-Election Chaos Will Ensue. counterpunch.org Yesterday Mitch McConnell's Republican Senate confirmed its third ultra conservative Supreme Court nominee, Amy Barrett, as Supreme Court Justice. Coming in the midst of America's current dual crisis—economic and Covid health—both now worsening, the Barrett appointment ensures the emergence of historic political instability in the USA. The dual crisis is about to become a triple

Elie Mystal (2020-10-27). Republicans Have Confirmed Amy Coney Barrett—and Officially Captured the Supreme Court. thenation.com Republicans Have Confirmed Amy Coney Barrett—and Officially Captured the Supreme Court…

Dr. Jack Rasmus (2020-10-27). Barrett Confirmed by US Senate: Post-Election Chaos Now Inevitable. globalresearch.ca Today Mitch McConnell's Republican Senate confirmed its third ultra conservative Supreme Court nominee, Amy Barrett, as Supreme Court Justice. Coming in the midst of America's current dual crisis—economic and Covid health—both now worsening, the Barrett appointment ensures the emergence …

Julia Conley, staff writer (2020-10-27). 'We. Will. Vote. Her. Out.': Maine Progressives Not Fooled Even a Little Bit by Susan Collins' Cynical Vote on Barrett. commondreams.org Progressives in Maine and across the U.S. on Tuesday urged Sen. Susan Collins' constituents to reject her latest attempt to cast herself as a moderate Republican after the four-term senator voted against Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett's confirmation. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/gettyimages-1181029825_1.png

James Bovard (2020-10-27). Will Democracy's Myths Doom Liberty? globalresearch.ca The Supreme Court declared in 1943, "There is no mysticism in the American concept of the State or of the nature or origin of its authority." In reality, the cardinal doctrines of contemporary democracy are layer upon layer of mystical …

Lawrence Wittner (2020-10-27). Trump's Broken Promises to U.S. Factory Workers. counterpunch.org Back in 2016, while campaigning for president, Donald Trump discovered a useful tactic for drawing the votes of disgruntled blue-collar workers: denouncing the loss of U.S. manufacturing jobs and promising to restore them. At a rally in hard-hit Ohio, he assailed the Democrats and assured his listeners that he would turn the state into a

Staff (2020-10-27). Headlines for October 27, 2020. democracynow.org Amy Coney Barrett Sworn In, Giving SCOTUS Heavy Conservative Majority Ahead of Pivotal Cases, SCOTUS Rules Wisconsin Cannot Count Ballots Received After Election Day, Surging COVID-19 Cases Trigger Curfews; Doctors Say 800,000 Children Have Been Infected, China Testing 5 Million People After One Asymptomatic Case in Xinjiang, New Lockdowns in Germany, Mask Orders in Russia as COVID-19 Cases Surge, Oxford Vaccine Shows Promising Results as New Data Suggests Antibodies in Recovered Cases Don't Last, U.S. Imposes Harsh New Sanctions on Iranian Oil, Airstrikes Kill Dozens at Training Camp in Idlib, Syria, Explosion a…

Staff (2020-10-27). "Movements Are Not Just About Protests": BLM Co-Founder Alicia Garza on How to Build & Wield Power. democracynow.org In her new book, "The Purpose of Power," Black Lives Matter co-creator Alicia Garza lays out how people can build power and effect change. "Movements are not just about protests," she says. "Movements are absolutely about how we get more power into the hands of more people."

John Winstead (2020-10-27). Barrett confirmation likely to supercharge voter suppression efforts. liberationnews.org Barrett's confirmation just one week ahead of what could be the most hotly-contested presidential election in recent U.S. history is sure to intensify efforts to disenfranchise working class and oppressed people…

Sarah Anderson (2020-10-27). The Trump Tax Reform Helped the Billionaire Class, Not the Working Class. counterpunch.org "We gave you the greatest, biggest tax cut in history!" crowed President Trump at a recent rally in Prescott, Arizona. If that rally crowd had been packed with billionaires, they would've had good reason to applaud. But for ordinary working families, the 2017 Republican tax law is nothing to cheer about. Trump's tax cuts for

Staff (2020-10-27). Thousands of ex-felon first-time voters in Florida could help decide the 2020 election. therealnews.com In 2000, with all eyes on Florida, a young lawyer named Amy Coney Barrett helped swing the controversial Bush v. Gore decision, securing a Republican presidency. In 2020, the courts could again be decisive in swing states. Voting rights activist Desmond Meade is working to get court costs paid and ex-felons registered to vote.

Andrew Levine (2020-10-27). Get Trump, But Biden is Next, So Lose the Kumbayas. counterpunch.org Inasmuch as even the hyperbolic, overused expression "existential threat" doesn't quite capture the nature and extent of the "clear and present danger" that a second Trump term would pose, dispatching Donald Trump is and ought to be Job Number One. This means voting for, and even piling votes on for, Joe Biden. Biden has been

Andrew Korybko (2020-10-27). The China-Russia "Threat to America": Biden's Intriguing "Attempt" to Unite Democrat and Republican Foreign Policy Hawks. globalresearch.ca Biden's description of Russia as "the biggest threat to America" and China as its "biggest competitor" is an intriguing attempt to unite the anti-Russian and anti-Chinese factions of America's permanent military, intelligence, and diplomatic bureaucracies ("deep state") even if it's …

Ralph Nader (2020-10-27). Don't Rush to Declare Victory: Implementing a Two-Week Grace Period After November 3rd So All Voters Can Be Counted. commondreams.org With such large stakes for our fragile democracy, we cannot afford to bypass such a course of action that will assure a peaceful transition in accord with the rule of law. (Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/early.jpg

Philip Giraldi (2020-10-27). The "Wokeness" Wars Coming to Your Town. thealtworld.com Kurt Vonnegut's 1961 dystopian short story "Harrison Bergeron" describes a 2081 America in which the 211th, 212th, and 213th amendments to the Constitution of the United States have together mandated that all Americans must be made completely equal. No one is allowed to be more intelligent or handsome or more physically capable than anyone else. The standards are enforced by a Handicapper General, an elderly woman named Diana Moon Glampers armed with a shotgun, who mandates the wearing of disfiguring masks for those who are thought to be too beautiful while tiny radios are mounted inside the ears of intelligent p…

Peter Koenig (2020-10-27). "Democracy" vs. Covid: A No-Go. dissidentvoice.org Brussels (EU and European NATO Headquarters) — On 21 October 2020, the German Press Agency (dpa) reports that Germany pledges NATO soldiers for possible Covid-19 operations: German soldiers could be sent on crisis missions to other NATO and partner countries during the second wave of the Corona pandemic. As a spokesman for the Ministry of …

Sharon Kelly (2020-10-27). Trump pledges to 'save your fracking' and Biden says no ban — but most Pennsylvania voters oppose fracking. nationofchange.org Voters in Pennsylvania have turned against fracking after over a decade of experience with shale drilling in the region.

sputniknews (2020-10-27). Are Philly Riots a Sign of Things to Come? sputniknews.com On today's episode of The Backstory, host Lee Stranahan discussed current events, such as Donald Trump and Joe Biden both on the campaign trail, Hunter Biden's audio released, Oklahoma's early ice storm, and a police shooting in Philadelphia.

James J. Zogby (2020-10-27). Using Arabs or Muslims as Scapegoats Has a History. globalresearch.ca During the past century, we have witnessed a long and tragic history of domestic policies that have targeted persons of Arab descent. We have been subjected to discriminatory treatment by law enforcement, immigration authorities, and by both Democratic and Republican …

sputniknews (2020-10-27). 'Watershed Moment': Trump Shredding JCPOA Highlighted Futility of Nations Cooperating With US. sputniknews.com The Trump administration's policy of shredding international agreements has driven many nations into the camp of US adversaries such as Russia and China, a former Pentagon senior analyst told Sputnik. However, even if Joe Biden wins the election, Washington's assumptive position as global center of gravity won't be immediately restored.

Brett Wilkins, staff writer (2020-10-27). Michigan Judge Accused of Jeopardizing Safety and Democracy With Reversal of Open Carry Ban at Polling Places. commondreams.org Citing her "sworn duty to protect every voter and their right to cast the ballot free from intimidation and harassment," the Democratic secretary of state vows to appeal the judge's injunction. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/far-right_militia_0.jpg

Jan Oberg (2020-10-26). At 75 — A U.N. of the Future in a Globalized Democracy. globalresearch.ca 2020 marks the 75th Anniversary of the world's most important and visionary organisation, the United Nations. Everything TFF has done during its 35 years of existence has been based on one mission — namely, to promote the UN Charter's Article …

Staff (2020-10-26). "They Wanted to Take My Womb Out": Survivor of Medical Abuse in ICE Jail Deported After Speaking Out. democracynow.org An independent medical review team has submitted a report to Congress on a lack of informed consent and "disturbing pattern" of questionable gynecological surgical procedures at the Irwin County Detention Center in Georgia, after an account from a nurse whistleblower in September prompted congressional and federal investigations. At least 19 women, most of whom are Black and Latina, have come forward to allege they were pressured into "unnecessary" gynecological treatment and surgeries — including procedures that left them sterile — while they were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. We s…

Stephen Lendman (2020-10-26). Chileans Vote Up or Down for Constitutional Change. globalresearch.ca Since the CIA elevated Augusto Pinochet to power on an earlier 9/11 day of infamy in 1973 — replacing social democracy with tyrannical fascist rule — Pinochet's ghost still haunts most Chileans. | Billionaire Sebastian Pinera governs the country with an …

Finian Cunningham (2020-10-26). Russia's Threat… Of Peace. thealtworld.com Here we go again. Joe Biden is whipping up Russophobia by claiming that Russia is the "biggest threat" to American security. | In a media interview at the weekend, the Democrat politician said: "I think the biggest threat to America right now in terms of breaking up our — our security and our alliances is Russia." | That a presidential candidate can

Dean Baker (2020-10-26). Red State Governors Still Flunk Coronavirus Testing. cepr.net A few weeks back I did a post noting that states governed by Republicans had the highest positive test rates, while the states with the lowest positive rates were mostly governed by Democrats. I argued that positive test rates are a good measure of how serious the governors are in trying to bring the pandemic …

Ray McGovern (2020-10-26). Former CIA: Blaming Moscow for Hunter Biden's Laptop is "Russiagate Disinformation" globalresearch.ca Former intelligence officials, Democratic leaders, and media outlets dismissing the Hunter Biden story as "Russian disinformation" are spreading more Russiagate disinformation, ex-CIA officer Ray McGovern says. | Media outlets are amplifying the claims of former intelligence officials, including John Brennan and …

Jacques Servin (2020-10-26). Elect Biden, Then Give Him Power. progressive.org Despite Biden's surprisingly progressive platform, he will need pressure to level the economic playing field, and guarantee basic services like health care and education.

sputniknews (2020-10-26). France, Turkey at Odds; China Hits US Arms Makers; No Stopping COVID. sputniknews.com Senator Chuck Schumer offers a perfect example of how his party fails Americans as the New York Times joins in election fear-mongering.

Ariel Dorfman (2020-10-26). A New Constitution: What the United States Can Learn From Chile. thenation.com A New Constitution: What the United States Can Learn From Chile…

Press Room (2020-10-26). 'The Nation' Launches 'System Check,' A New Podcast With Melissa Harris-Perry and Dorian Warren. thenation.com 'The Nation' Launches 'System Check,' A New Podcast With Melissa Harris-Perry and Dorian Warren…

sputniknews (2020-10-26). Media Silence on Hunter Biden. sputniknews.com On today's episode of The Backstory, host Lee Stranahan discussed current events, including Rasmussen's polling having President Trump ahead, 44 states' rising COVID-19 cases, Tropical Storm Zeta hitting the Gulf, Judge Barrett being confirmed by the Senate, and the LA Dodgers leading the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 in the World Series.

sputniknews (2020-10-26). Twitter, Facebook Chose Poorly in Blocking Access to Hunter Biden Email Story. sputniknews.com Facebook reduced the presence of the New York Post's Hunter Biden email story in users' feeds until fact-checkers had looked into the matter, while Twitter initially stopped it from being posted, shared or sent via direct message.

Leon Kunstenaar (2020-10-26). Sit-in on SF Market Street by March For Democracy. indybay.org Rally at Mission High School steps, | followed by a march to San Francisco City Hall…

commondreams (2020-10-26). Facebook Demands End to NYU Program That Has Exposed Social Media Giant's Failures to Uphold Commitments to Safeguard Democracy. commondreams.org ______________________________…

Melissa Harris-Perry, Dorian T. Warren (2020-10-26). Checking the Systems That Hold Us Back. thenation.com Checking the Systems That Hold Us Back…

Thom Hartmann (2020-10-26). Because We Don't Have a Right to Vote…. commondreams.org Republicans can't win elections on their "ideas" of tax cuts for billionaires and eliminating protective regulations on polluting corporations. (Photo: Leigh Vogel/Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/gettyimages-8571555561_1.jpg

Brett Wilkins, staff writer (2020-10-26). International Study Finds US Republican Party Heading Towards Becoming One of World's Most Authoritarian Factions. commondreams.org "Disrespect of political opponents, the encouragement of violence, and also the violation of minority rights… they have all clearly increased with the Republican Party in recent years," said one of the lead authors. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/modi_2_0.jpg

Jon Queally, staff writer (2020-10-26). With Covid-19 Rife Among VP Staffers, Democrats Says Pence Presiding Over Senate a 'Violation of Common Decency'. commondreams.org "Your presence alone could be very dangerous to many people—not just Senators, but to all the truly essential staff—both Democratic and Republican—who must be physically present inside the U.S. Capitol for it to function." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/headline/thumbs/pence_senate_covid-19.jpg

Kevin Martin (2020-10-26). Nuclear Weapons Prohibition Treaty Enters Into Force. peaceaction.org Peace Action Statement on the Entry Into Force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons Kevin Martin, President of Peace Action and Peace Action Education Fund, issued the following statement: "A distinct honor in my work is representing Peace Action at peace and disarmament conferences at the United Nations. I was there in …

_____ (2020-10-26). Why We Need To End Capitalism To Defeat Fascism. popularresistance.org With the presidential election coming up, there is a lot of focus on how the election will go and who will win. One thing is certain, no matter which corporate candidate wins, the people and the planet will lose. To understand where we are and how we got here, I speak with Gabriel Rockhill, a philosopher, author and activist. He explains the connections between our governance structure and capitalism and how both liberal democracy and fascism in a sort of good cop/bad cop relationship are used to protect the profits of the few while exploiting the many.

_____ (2020-10-25). Federal Judges Block Efforts To Ease Rules For Mail-In Ballots. popularresistance.org In the final weeks of the 2020 election, Republican-appointed appellate judges have overturned rulings that required states to make mail-in voting easier during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tens of millions of ballots have already been cast, even as federal judges kept changing the rules. | These decisions could be reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court, which will include a 6-3 conservative majority if nominee Amy Coney Barrett is confirmed by the U.S. Senate next week as planned. So far, the court has ruled against voters in nearly every case it has reviewed.

Bryce Greene (2020-10-25). After Socialist Victory in Bolivia, Media Still Whitewash Coup. commondreams.org Bolivia's leftist presidential candidate Luis Arce of the Movement for Socialism party celebrates with running mate David Choquehuanca early on October 19, 2020 in La Paz, Bolivia. (Photo: Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP via Getty Images) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/bolivia_democracy_arce.jpg

The Canary (2020-10-25). Thai protesters rally in their thousands ahead of parliamentary debate. thecanary.co Thousands of pro-democracy protesters have gathered in Thailand's capital. They're seeking to keep up pressure on the government a day ahead of a special parliament session aimed at easing political tensions.Pressure: The rally took place on 25 October at the busy Rajprasong intersection, in the heart of Bangkok's shopping district. Few protesters turned out in the first hour of the rally but their numbers later swelled to several thousand. They listened to rude denunciations of the government in chants, speeches, and songs.Pro-democracy activists display a placard with Thai prime minister Prayuth Chan-och…

_____ (2020-10-25). Blaming Moscow for Hunter Biden's Laptop Is Russiagate Disinformation. strategic-culture.org Aaron MATÉ | Former intelligence officials, Democratic leaders, and media outlets dismissing the Hunter Biden story as "Russian disinformation" are spreading more Russiagate disinformation, ex-CIA officer Ray McGovern says. | Media outlets are amplifying the claims of former intelligence officials, including John Brennan and James Clapper, as well as of top Democrats, including Joe Biden and Adam Schiff, that the Hunter Biden laptop revelations are "Russian disinformation." | They have done so even though no one from the Biden camp has disputed the authenticity of a single leaked email or document, or denied that…

Peter Koenig (2020-10-25). "Democracy" vs. COVID: A No-Go. The Great Reset is the Antidote of Democracy. globalresearch.ca On 21 October 2020, the German Press Agency (dpa) reports that Germany pledges NATO soldiers for possible Covid-19 operations: | "German soldiers could be sent on crisis missions to other NATO and partner countries during the second wave of the Corona …

sputniknews (2020-10-25). Twitter Bans Users Posting Links to Site Claiming to Show Hunter Biden's Alleged Sex and Drug Pics. sputniknews.com Taiwanese website GTV published what it claimed were photos of Hunter Biden nude, masturbating, having sex with young women and using drugs on Sunday. Twitter users attempting share the links quickly found them removed for breaching 'community standards'.

sputniknews (2020-10-25). Video: NYPD Commissioner, Mayor Condemn Officer Filmed Blaring 'Trump 2020' on Patrol Car Speaker. sputniknews.com The incident, which took place on Saturday night in New York City's borough of Brooklyn, comes in the run-up to the 3 November presidential election in the United States, in which Republican President Donald Trump and Democratic candidate, former Vice President Joe Biden, seek to gain the White House.

Prabir Purkayastha (2020-10-25). Google under fire in US for predatory monopoly practices. peoplesdispatch.org Tech monopolies are increasingly being acknowledged as a danger to people, other companies and even to democracy. The regulatory worm seems to be turning in many countries, even in the US where it had gone into hibernation…

Democracia Abierta (2020-10-25). The Chilean referendum: getting rid of the shadow of Pinochet's dictatorship. zcomm.org Twelve months after the violent protests broke out, the Chilean people are preparing for an unprecedented process: voting to decide whether to begin drafting a new Constitution, which should be more socially equitable and economically inclusive…

Peoples Dispatch (2020-10-25). Calls intensify for resignation of OAS secretary general Luis Almagro. peoplesdispatch.org Progressive movements across Latin America have called for the resignation of OAS secretary general Luis Almagro, pointing to his role in the coup in Bolivia in 2019 and in destabilizing democracy in the country…