Politics:
A third party will never be built to reform the Democratic Party. The very notion has always been the fatal mistake of every third party. The Democratic Party cannot be reformed. The Democratic Party is not broken. It is doing what it is supposed to do. The Democratic Party decided who it wanted to be in the 1940s in the choice of Harry Truman over Henry Wallace to lead it. The party decided it wanted to be pro-business warmongers.
If you live in Los Angeles or New York, think about your life right now under a Democratic everything. Is this what you want the end of Donald Trump to look like? When Trump is gone, do you want to see a cool coffee shop owned by trust funders on every corner, $5,000 rents with five roommates, steadily looking for work in a gig economy where you can’t save and you have to work for Uber on the weekends, teach yoga at night, float from contract job to contract job—even though you have a master’s degree? [from Truthdig]
Injustice:
In addition to his “War on Cannabis,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions recently revealed that he is also in favor of a “War on Poverty,” when he rescinded a legal guidance document that was meant to end illegal debtors’ prisons. While debtors’ prisons are labeled as institutions to keep people from failing to pay fines and debts, they have been used to take advantage of impoverished, low-income individuals. A simple traffic ticket can turn into months in prison, which results in even greater fines. [from the Free Thought Project]
Orwellian:
What this means is obvious: that the U.S. government — meaning, at the moment, the Trump administration — has the unilateral and unchecked power to force the removal of anyone it wants from Facebook and Instagram by simply including them on a sanctions list. Does anyone think this is a good outcome? Does anyone trust the Trump administration — or any other government — to compel social media platforms to delete and block anyone it wants to be silenced? As the ACLU’s Jennifer Granick told the Times:
It’s not a law that appears to be written or designed to deal with the special situations where it’s lawful or appropriate to repress speech. … This sanctions law is being used to suppress speech with little consideration of the free expression values and the special risks of blocking speech, as opposed to blocking commerce or funds as the sanctions was designed to do. That’s really problematic.
…Similarly, would Facebook ever dare censor American politicians or journalists who use social media to call for violence against America’s enemies? To ask the question is to answer it. [from the Intercept]
Crime:
Wading through the Clinton book, What Happened, is an unpleasant experience, like a stomach upset. Smears and tears. Threats and enemies. “They” (voters) were brainwashed and herded against her by the odious Donald Trump in cahoots with sinister Slavs sent from the great darkness known as Russia, assisted by an Australian “nihilist”, Julian Assange.
In The New York Times, there was a striking photograph of a female reporter consoling Clinton, having just interviewed her. The lost leader was, above all, “absolutely a feminist”. The thousands of women’s lives this “feminist” destroyed while in government - Libya, Syria, Honduras - were of no interest. [from John Pilger]
Corruption:
There wasn’t much substance abuse treatment at CAAIR. It was mostly factory work for one of America’s top poultry companies. If McGahey got hurt or worked too slowly, his bosses threatened him with prison. And he worked for free. CAAIR pocketed the pay. “It was a slave camp,” McGahey said. “I can’t believe the court sent me there.” [from Reveal News]
Joke of the Year:
This is the most influential newspaper in the U.S. in my view. Its editorial page and some of its news coverage take a left-leaning, progressive view of the world. But the NYT also hews to ethical standards of reporting and the classic elements of journalism in America. That’s what helps the NYTremain, arguably, the agenda-setting news organization in America. It is a leader in business, politics and culture coverage. [from Forbes]
Hero:
On Thursday night one of these incredible acts of heroism took place among the setting of the worst building fire New York has experienced in 25 years. The century-old Bronx apartment building was set ablaze by a three year old who was playing with the stove in an apartment on the first floor. The staircase in the five story, 29 unit complex acted like chimney and the fire spread rapidly through the building along with acrid and thick black smoke. By the time it was all over 12 people, including four children, were declared dead as a result of the ensuing inferno and seven firefighters and seven civilians were also injured, some severely. [from the Drive]
From the Tubes:
From the Editor
I want to thank every one who has made it their purpose to turn an audacious hope into a viable media source. On December 27th, 2016, the Ghion Journal was launched with barely a dollar in my pocket but a purpose in my heart. I had a vision of a media company being raised and sustained not by the contributions (ad revenue) of corporations but by the support and encouragement of the community. From nothing to quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with, the Ghion Journal is gathering a critical mass of readers and viewers as we make it our aim daily to speak truth to power and to stand with the people who are being repressed by those who monopolize power. As 2018 dawns upon us, we look forward to continued growth while staying true to our vision. The Ghion Journal is funded and sustained by your kindness and support. We depend on you to keep us a going concern. If you find what you read here edifying and want to help us defray the cost of doing business, contribute by clicking on the picture below. I hope fruitfulness and good fortunes for each and every one of you, may we all realize our potential and seize our dreams for a better world. ~ Teodrose Fikre
Quote of the Day:
“Art, freedom and creativity will change society faster than politics.” ~ Victor Pinchuk
Quiz of the Day:
What is the original name of the Nile River? (first right answer in the comments section below will receive a surprise present for the new year from the Ghion Journal)
Staff Writer
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- Empower Ghion - January 25, 2018
- Daily Ghion Water - January 21, 2018
- Daily Ghion Water - January 19, 2018
