The elite that dominates the United States is running scared. Two prominent issues reveal this. One is the fear of the rise of China, and the other is what is the future of the economy and politics at home. The second one is at present being fought out in the battle over the government debt ceiling. Both are signs of the new uncertainty. Continue reading Australia must let go of reliance on a declining United States to secure our future
The much publicised case of fox News v Dominion Voting Systems in the United States has been settled outside the court for a payment of $US787.5 million. Fox News, and this means Rupert Murdoch have escaped punishment for spreading the lies that Donald Trump really won the 2020 presidential election and that this was due to massive electoral fraud. Continue reading Rupert Murdoch’s Fox News escapes facing justice in the United States
Up to one million people took to the streets of Spanish capital Madrid on 12 February their time). More did the same across regional cities and towns. They are demanding a stop to the privatisation of the health system and for government investment in better health services. Continue reading Spain sees massive fightback against privatisation of health system
Half a million French workers hit the streets of Paris in the second day of protests over the plan by a government to lift the retirement age. The first day of action was on 19 January, when the number involved around the country was at least 2 million. This time there were more. It was the biggest turnout France has seen in decades.
The video below reports on 19 January gives some background to the dispute.
Transport, schools, hospitals, and other industries were heavily disrupted by strikes on the second day of action. The oil industry is at a standstill, and Many government departments have been affected. High school and university students have joined in. students at the prestigious Sciences-Po university occupyed its main building overnight.
The first marches had started in the morning in other parts of the country, with several prominent opposition politicians taking part.
The Macron government is in trouble. Opinion polls say that a growing majority of the French population is behind the strikes and protests. This is not a good political position to be in. The support of the conservative opposition was there only weeks ago. But now , there are widening divisions in the Marcon camp, with several parliamentarians making a public stand. There are even those within the conservative camp having second thoughts about continuing to give their support.
Strikes and protests are set to continue if Macron does not retreat.
France’s early retirement age is not something that was handed on a platter. It was fought for in epic battles against employers and government and written into the French consciousness. The gains will not be easily surrendered.
Previous government attempts to do this have failed. Macron is not likely to be more successful, and failure will be a political disaster for him.
The apparent rise of fascist like movements and governments in Europe is grabbing worldwide attention and worry. Something is afoot. The continent is undergoing a transformation that is going to change the course of history. Continue reading The reality behind the rise of the political far right in Europe
The woman who once publicly declared herself a great fan of fascist dictator Benito Mussolini is to become the new Prime Minister of Italy. Giorgia Meloni heads a political party called the Brothers of Italy. Don’t be misled by media portrayal, especially form the Murdoch stable, as something other than fascist. Continue reading Italy finds it now has a fascist led government
Continue reading Former leader of Timor-Leste speaks on Bernard Collaery case
Britain’s Prime Minister has resigned at last. The writing has been on the wall for Boris Johnson for some time. He leaves behind a history of corrupt behaviour, offering favours to his mates. His repeated disregard for even making a pretence of basic decency over sexual conduct, through habitual lying, and in his callous way of treating those close to him are legendary. His inaction over the Covid pandemic meant Britain suffered more than most other nations. And his own disregard for protective measures, as revealed by the Partygate scandal revealed, was not a good look. Continue reading British political crisis is about more than Boris Johnson
NATO has stepped up its war on China at this week’s meeting in Madrid. There may not be a plan to invade with guns blazing but there has been a definite ideological tilt towards and aggressive posture. There is talk about challenges and threats. Yet no one has been able to show China poses a military threat. This is the face of the new cold war. Continue reading NATO steps up its ideological and strategic war
Continue reading Abortion ruling by US Supreme Court makes a mockery of democracy
