RIP Her Majesty Queen Lili'uokalani

The sovereign Kingdom of Hawai'i maintained neutrality via treaties with the world's major powers, allowing freedom of navigation inside Kingdom ports & waters, and protecting neutral rights of other nations. The USA unilaterally abrogated mutual treaty responsibilities; Her Majesty Queen Lili'uokalani resisted aggression, tried to maintain peace, and endured the tragedy of colonization. Today's the centennial of her death.

Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono

Belittling Terror in America?

The attempted bombing of Asheville Regional Airport in North Carolina has been described as odd.

Alleged perpetrator Michael Estes was caught; his nail-laced bomb did not explode. The 46-year old suspect reportedly admitted leaving the improvised explosive device at the airport in order to "fight a war on US soil." 

Here's the criminal complaint (link)

Estes early October arrest by the FBI supposedly got little attention due to racial favoritism (see argument here).

But while Estes was described as "White" while a wanted suspect, some report he's Native American (link). Michael's unsubstantiated Wikipedia entry quotes his father Jimmie Estes as disputing any Native American roots (as of 10 Nov 2017; link). Further detail here (link) and here (link).

On the other hand, whatever the ethnicity, it may be that publicizing American "home grown" or "lone wolf" terrorists encourages more such people, and perhaps fuels violent extremist activities?

Ultra-right fascists & militarists of all persuasions are all too common throughout America.

America needs to teach peace & tolerance. We can't ignore domestic crazies. We surely don't want secret detentions & arrests. We need vibrant press coverage that keeps our citizenry informed and prepared.

Alleged Asheville Airport bomber Michael Christopher Estes

Who's in Charge?

UK Prime Minister Theresa May "accepted the resignation" of outspoken Tory MP Priti Patel as Secretary of State for International Development due to Patel's extensive unauthorized hobnobbing with the Israeli government.

Israel and the UK are allies - what's the problem?

One early BBC report (link) quoted Israel's Yesh Atid party leader Yair Lapid describing Patel glowingly as "A true friend of Israel." Surely that by itself is not the problem.

The citizenry is left to wonder -- perhaps much more happened -- replacing Patel is simply to end inquiries...

USA USA Wasting Money Everyday

Foolish Yankee spent $4.3 trillion on overseas adventurism since 2001.

Our militarism leaves us on the hook for a total $5.6 trillion in obligations by end of fiscal 2018.

The same corporations and landed elites that brought us Vietnam and other Southeast Asian wars of the 1960s and early 1970s have led us into this morass. It's a swamp -- our parents and grandparents failed to drain it, and we pass the conflicts and growing debts to our kids and grandchildren.

US Militarism is a massively frustrating waste of lives, money and human energy.

Investing in occupied territories around the world, does the typical American feel proud? Or do we feel cynically manipulated?

Our 1% Overclass laughs at commoners & continues to party hearty!

See:
Costs of War Report

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin & wifey

Why Goodbye

UK Friends:
Ye've been Cheated.

Obscene

Business shark & TV star, now US President Donald Trump is obscene.

His former opponent for president, Hilary Clinton is obscene.

Most wealthy weasels around them are similarly obscene. They lobby for militarism and for entrenched favored interests in banking & finance. Both Republican & Democrat, they inhabit a swamp which is being enriched by Trump, not drained as promised.

Clinton running-mate, corporatist Kane was obscene.

And former President Barack Obama. Yes, Obscene corporate puppets.

Our world has many problems. Billions of people live in poverty and distress. Our lives could be greatly improved with a proper social focus. But instead we focus on the process of getting additional wealth for the already obscenely wealthy. We fuel a military arms race that keeps us poor.

Bah!

Spanish Empire

Spanish imperialists in Madrid have dissolved the Catalan government, and sent huge numbers of police to the occupied territory.

Now the Spanish rulers aim for 'free & fair' elections on 21st December. But beginning immediately they'll imprison opposition leaders, possibly for 30+ years.

Here's Madrid's response to the independence referendum (link)


Tragic!

Visit Barcelona & Catalan?  Colony of Spain.