BRADLEY MANNING

Bradley Manning's attorney David Coombs, 12/3/12:

"When I'm in the courtroom, I stand up and look to my right, and, I see the United States government. The United States government with all of its resources, all of its personnel, I see them standing against me and Brad. And I have to admit to you, that can be rather intimidating. And I was intimidated. Especially when the President of the Unit ed States says your client broke the law. Especially when congress members say your client deserves the death penalty. I want to tell you though today as I stand here I'm no longer intimidated. I am not intimidated because when I stand up I know I'm not standing alone. I know I'm not alone because I turn around and I see the support behind me. I see members here today in the audience that are there every time we have a court hearing. I see what I am not going to affectionately call the 'truth batallion,' those who wear a black shirt. It has the word 'truth' on it, and they are behind me. And when I look there, I know that I also have unlimited personnel and unlimited resources."

Go to www.bradleymanning.org to learn how you can join in the struggle for Bradley Manning.

Alle Menschen werden Brüder

Saw this today on the Humor Indignado 99% Facebook page.

CORPORATE SELL-OUT WITH A RIGHT-WING BACKGROUND. WHO KNEW?

I've never liked him, over-rated twat. One of the reasons why I think writing in The New Yorker has gone down the tubes. I see quite a few people I respect carry around books by Malcolm Gladwell. To impress? To appear informed? Do they really know? From S.H.A.M.E, Shame the Hacks who Abuse Media Ethics - a website that is new to me and well worth the read, I find:

In the vast ecosystem of corporate shills, which one is the most effective? Propaganda works best when it is not perceived as propaganda: nuance, obfuscation, distraction, suggestion, the subtle introduction of doubt—these are more effective in the long run than shotgun blasts of lies. The master of this approach is Malcolm Gladwell.

Oh, just go read the whole goddamn essay and you'll see what I mean.

WHERE EXACTLY?

RT

British banking giants have come under fire line from the US financial authorities. HSBC will pay a record $1.9bn to settle a money-laundering probe, with Standard Chartered getting a $327mn charge for violating US sanctions against Iran.

The fine against HSBC will include $1.25bn in forfeiture, as well as $655mn in civil penalties. In an attempt to cut costs and improve profitability, HSBC CEO Stuart Gulliver made the bank the matter for US probes and claims from UK clients. The lack of money-laundering controls at HSBC allowed terrorists and drug cartels access to the US financial system, according to Bloomberg.

The bank accepts responsibility for “past mistakes” and is “profoundly sorry for them,” Gulliver said.

Where exactly will the money ($2bn) go? To help America's health and education infrastructure? To helping feed, clothe and house the poor? To creating more and better jobs, etc...?