Freedom's Phoenix Feature Articles

Obama: Defending the Indefensible

Sat, 25 May 2013 07:15:30 GMT

Read more on this subject: WAR: About that War
Feature Article by Stephen Lendman
Obama: Defending the Indefensible by Stephen Lendman His doublespeak duplicity reflects the last refuge of a scoundrel. He's the worst in recent memory. Perhaps the worst ever. Forked tongue rhetoric can't disguise it. Throughout his tenure, he governed lawlessly. He's done so at home and abroad. He spurns rule of law principles and other democratic values. Nothing suggests change. Business as usual continues. War on humanity is policy. Rogue leaders govern that way. Obama threatens everyone. On May 23, he spoke at Washington's National Defense University. He defended what he urged changing four years earlier. More on his Thursday address below. On May 21, 2009, he spoke at the National Archives. He addressed national security. He said America can't be safe "unless we enlist the power of our most fundamental values." "The documents that we hold in this very hall - the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights - these are not simp
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Media Responses to Obama's Speech

Sat, 25 May 2013 07:12:25 GMT

Read more on this subject: WAR: About that War
Feature Article by Stephen Lendman
Media Responses to Obama's Speech by Stephen Lendman They didn't surprise. Media scoundrels support his worst policies. His neoliberal harshness is endorsed. His alliance with monied interests gets no coverage. His crimes of war, against humanity and genocide go unmentioned. His partnership with Israel against Palestine isn't explained. His systematic disdain for rule of law principles gets ignored. Responses to his Thursday speech were largely positive. Challenging them follows below. New York Times editors headlined "The End of the Perpetual War," saying: "For the first time, a president stated clearly and unequivocally that the state of perpetual warfare that began nearly 12 years ago is unsustainable for a democracy and must come to an end in the not-too-distant future." "(T)here is no underestimating the importance of that statement." Obama "told the world that the United States must return to a state in which counterterror
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Border Patrol Agents with Personal Agendas....

Sat, 25 May 2013 06:16:39 GMT

Read more on this subject: Homeland Security
Feature Article by Terry Bressi
One of the advantages of video recording your compelled encounters with Border Patrol agents at internal suspicionless checkpoints no where near the border they're supposed to be patrolling is the history the videos reveal & the searchable database they create. Take for instance the image of Border Patrol Agent J. Grayson appearing above. An image captured on March 6, 2010 while I was being seized absent individualized suspicion by his cohorts in crime, Agent's Taylor & Best. During this suspicionless seizure, in which Agent Taylor attempted to compel me to go to secondary for failing to roll down my window on demand, I was branded a "troublemaker" by Agent Best for daring to exercise the very rights these agents have a duty to acknowledge and protect (see video below). At the time of this encounter over three years ago, I didn't give Agent Grayson much attention since most of it was on Agent Taylor who was attempting to extend the initial seizure
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Video of Steven Anderson's 2010 Checkpoint Trial Now Available

Sat, 25 May 2013 06:00:57 GMT

Read more on this subject: Homeland Security
Feature Article by Terry Bressi
Back in 2009 & 2010, I wrote extensively about Steven Anderson's beating by federal Border Patrol agents and Arizona DPS officers during a Border Patrol checkpoint encounter outside Yuma, Arizona along with the subsequent malicious prosecution he was forced to endure by an overzealous Yuma County prosecutor. See: * Arizona DPS Delivers 'Service' With A Smile * Steven Anderson's 'Ode To The Border Patrol' * Charges Dismissed With Prejudice Against Steven Anderson * Video from Steven Anderson's court hearing now available * Full Video of Anderson's Checkpoint Hearing Released * A Deja Vu Moment. Anderson Found Not Guilty - Again During the 2009-2010 time frame, Anderson was initially acquitted of all charges by the judge in the case only to have them reinstated after the prosecutor appealed the dismissal and had the lower court judge's dismissal reversed. Anderson then went to trial starting August 12, 2010 for two days, with a jury, on two trumpe
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Checkpoint USA Interviewed By ABC News

Sat, 25 May 2013 05:49:14 GMT

Read more on this subject: Immigration
Feature Article by Terry Bressi
Back in early March, I blogged about a video that had gone viral on youtube depicting several video clips of individuals asserting their rights at suspicionless checkpoints inside the country (see video above). Since part of that video depicted an encounterCheckpoint USA had at an internal suspicionless Customs & Border Protection checkpoint back in 2008, I was contacted and interviewed by David Martin Davies of Fronteras Desk for an article he published on March 8, 2013. Later that same month, I was contacted by Cristina Costantini of ABC News and Univision and interviewed again regarding Checkpoint USA's activism surrounding suspicionless internal checkpoints. The article resulting from that interview was published on ABC News' website on March 29, 2013 and titled, Border Patrol Confrontation Videos Go viral. For those who want a little more definitive feedback regarding the legality of refusing to answer questions at internal CBP/BP checkpoints whil
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Adam Kokesh Released - No Conditions

Sat, 25 May 2013 05:30:10 GMT

Read more on this subject: Adam vs The Man
Feature Article by Ernest Hancock
I just talked to Adam and he will tell us everything Monday morning on the 'Declare Your Independence with Ernest Hancock' radio show at 11am EST. Adam is in good spirits and refused to cooperate in his own kidnapping at every stage. Adam in driving back to his 'Secret Rebel Base' from Philly now (he refused to voluntarily provide his address... or anything else) and will start sharing his tale on Monday. You may wish to check out his webpage for early releases at http://adamvstheman.com/. His Press Release regarding his arrest and his plans for the Fourth of July has the government/s wondering if they started something that they may not be ready for. But we all know that 'The Empire' will not give up power to the people this easily and have proven to be very creative and violent when their 'authority' is challenged. "Now What?" should be the question in each of our minds. If you have never experienced Adam's speech at the "Re
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F#@! up and Amazing Videos - Labour Pain Simulator

Sat, 25 May 2013 05:19:10 GMT

Read more on this subject: Just For Fun!
Feature Article by Donna Hancock
This is the kind of stuff I find on my kids' Facebook pages... Ernie had me post this as I was laughing so hard at the comments (Happy belated Mother's Day :)) Labour Pain Simulator Claire Edgar Davison make them do it for 36 hours and then make them shit a rugby ball Like � Reply � 1,920 � May 15 at 6:39am 29 Replies Brian Picklesimer how about a nut kick simulation for females Like � Reply � 2,315 � May 15 at 6:17am 98 Replies Amie Fielder-Gill They didn't get the best bit! The stretching and splitting of the cervix Like � Reply � 1,048 � May 15 at 6:22am via mobile 23 Replies Fore more comments, click here
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A Timely Talk By Murray Rothbard (1982)

Fri, 24 May 2013 20:45:01 GMT

Read more on this subject: Politics: Libertarian Campaigns
Feature Article by Bob Podolsky
The Six Stages of the Libertarian Movement by Murray N. Rothbard Mises.org HOST: In presenting Murray to you, he's a teacher, a scholar, a writer, a professor, editor of Libertarian Forum. About his many books, let me give one title, the latest, I believe, The Ethics of Liberty. I think that will do for this audience. It's a pleasure for me to call on Dr. Murray N. Rothbard to deliver the keynote address of the first World Libertarian Convention in Zurich, '82. OK, Murray? (Applause) ROTHBARD: See, one prophecy turned out to be incorrect. I'm here, not in my birthday suit, but everything was fixed up by the authorities, the hotel, whatever. Well, it's a great pleasure and privilege to be here. And it's a really great honor to deliver the keynote address to the first World Libertarian International. In my own irreverent terms, I could call it the Libertern, but I think I won't do that. (Laughter) The first problem I was confronted with in
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Arizona Freedom Fest �Major Freedom Activists Highlighted as Speakers

Fri, 24 May 2013 18:42:18 GMT

Read more on this subject: Arizona's Top News
Feature Article by Morpheus Titania
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Arizona Freedom Fest �Major Freedom Activists Highlighted as Speakers Show Low Arizona � May 24, 2013 Arizona Freedom Fest is an independent, non-partisan festival where Freedom and Liberty loving people meet to celebrate great entertainment, great speakers, great ideas, great music, and great thinkers in a fun and inspiring environment. It is being held on June 14, 15 and 16 in the scenic White Mountains of Arizona at the 30+ acre Owens Creekside Ranch (Deuce of Clubs and 9th Place) located in the resort Town of Show Low, Arizona. You will be able to enjoy a PRIVATE GUN SHOW, Camping and Fishing in the cool pines. The music will be provided by Captain Squeegee, Holly Ann Hancock, Ryan David Orr and others. The Speakers is an all star cast of Activists, a former presidential candidate, a former Arizona State Senator who exposed the 911 conspiracy, business leaders, researchers and talk show hosts. The All Sta
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Woolrich London Killing: Terrorism or False Flag?

Fri, 24 May 2013 07:13:33 GMT

Read more on this subject: WAR: About that War
Feature Article by Stephen Lendman
Woolrich London Killing: Terrorism or False Flag? by Stephen Lendman Reports said two assailants hacked a British soldier to death. He's been identified as Lee Rigby. He was killed in broad daylight. It was several hundred meters from southeast London's Woolwich Royal Artillery barracks. Weapons included a machete type knife. Alleged attackers remained on the scene. They did so until police arrived 20 minutes later. Why wasn't explained. Killers don't usually stay around to be captured. Both assailants were shot and apprehended. They were hospitalized for treatment. One allegedly said "(w)e must fight as they fight us. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth." Britain's ITV news aired an edited video clip. Allegedly an onlooker filmed it. How whoever did so happened to be on site wasn't explained. Odds against it are huge. So is remaining unscathed. Assailants don't take kindly to being caught in the act. The clip showed a young Black man with blood dripping
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Wall Street Journal Urges War on Syria

Fri, 24 May 2013 07:11:58 GMT

Read more on this subject: Syria
Feature Article by Stephen Lendman
Wall Street Journal Urges War on Syria by Stephen Lendman Perhaps publishing it was strategically timed. It comes with John Kerry in the Middle East. He'll be there through Sunday. He met with foreign ministers of 11 so-called Friends of Syria countries and opposition group representatives. In Jerusalem, he discussed Syria with Netanyahu. At the same time, the suspicious Woolrich London killing occurred. Another article suggested a possible false flag. The Journal op-ed urges war on Syria. So did others discussed below. On May 22, Journal editors gave Jack Keane and Danielle Pletka feature op-ed space. They took full advantage. They headlined "How to Stop Assad's Slaughter." Keane's a retired general. Formerly he served as US Army's vice chief of staff. Pletka is the American Enterprise Institute's (AEI) foreign and defense policy studies vice president. AEI has enormous influence. It advances Washington's imperial agenda. It's consistently hawkish. It was a
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Platinum and Palladium: A Fundamental Shift

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:57:37 GMT

Read more on this subject: Casey Research Articles
Feature Article by Jeff Clark
Platinum is a precious metal, as is palladium, though to a lesser degree. However, like silver, both are also industrial metals. Unlike silver, it's their industrial use that is the primary price driver for both platinum and palladium � and that use is undergoing a fundamental shift. The largest source of demand for platinum and palladium is the automotive industry, for use in autocatalysts. In turn, the fortunes of the auto industry are sensitive to the health of the world's major economies. We've been bearish on platinum-group metals for years, primarily because we weren't convinced a healthy � much less roaring � world economy could be sustained when so many governments continue spending beyond their means. We reconsidered the market last year, when strikes in South Africa � home to 75% of global platinum production and 95% of known reserves � threatened supplies. But as we wrote last December, the strikes ended without great impact on long-term supply. Since then, however, the
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Israeli "Pillar of Cloud" War Crimes

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:28:46 GMT

Read more on this subject: Israel - Palestine
Feature Article by Stephen Lendman
Israeli Pillar of Cloud War Crimes by Stephen Lendman On May 8, B'Tselem published a report titled "Human Rights Violations During Operation Pillar of Defense: 14 - 21 November 2012." Israel's Operation Pillar of Cloud (aka Cloud Column/Pillar of Defense) was naked, premeditated aggression. Previous articles discussed it. "And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them the way, and by night in a pillar of fire; to give them the light; to go by day and night:" Exodus 13.21. Israel apparently believes Almighty God sanctifies cold-blooded murder. World community inaction lets Israel get away with crimes of war, against humanity and genocide. Naked aggression is called self-defense. Palestinian self-defense is called terrorism. Claiming either doesn't wash. Israel does it repeatedly. Slaughtered civilians bear testimony to imperial crimes. On November 14, Israel murdered Hamas military commander Ahmed Jabari. A missile struck hi
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Iraq Today: America's Imperial Legacy

Thu, 23 May 2013 07:20:45 GMT

Read more on this subject: Iraq
Feature Article by Stephen Lendman
Iraq Today: America's Imperial Legacy by Stephen Lendman US imperial wars reflect mass slaughter, widespread destruction, ecocide, resource theft, exploitation, unspeakable human pain, suffering and misery, as well as permanent occupation. Washington came to Iraq to stay. US military and other security elements infest the region. It's the oil and unchallenged Middle East dominance, stupid. The price of imperial arrogance is unconscionable. Ordinary people bear the cost. Countries are laid waste. Victims suffer most. Iraqis understand. America's war remains one of history's greatest crimes. Iraq was the region's most developed country. The cradle of civilization no longer exists. A militarized giant free trade zone replaced it. Raping and plundering Iraq continue daily. Ordinary Iraqis have no say. They're victimized, exploited and shut out. They've lost all rights. They're aliens in their own country. Imperial priorities matter most. Washington's a scourge on humanity.
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Mission Creep Toward Full-Scale War on Syria

Thu, 23 May 2013 07:19:29 GMT

Read more on this subject: Syria
Feature Article by Stephen Lendman
Mission Creep Toward Full-Scale War on Syria by Stephen Lendman On May 20, Secretary of State John Kerry headed back to the Middle East. It's his fourth regional visit since January. On May 21, he met Oman's Sultan Qaboos. An air defense system/weapons sale, Syria, and related issues were discussed. On May 22, he met with foreign ministers of 11 so-called Friends of Syria countries. He did so in Amman. Opposition group representatives also attended. Among other issues, they discussed the US/Russian proposed peace conference. A Geneva June 10 date is scheduled. Reports suggest both Syrian officials and opposition representatives will attend. At the same time, mixed messages were sent. On the one hand, senior opposition members said participation's conditional on Assad stepping down. He has no intention to do so. Syrians alone must decide who'll lead them. It's their right. On the other hand, one senior opposition member said no decision on Geneva was reached. "B
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