On “Massacre of civilians overshadows ‘AfPak’ summit”

What a continuing horror show—words really do fail at this point. Direct political action is needed in the US to replace the moribund and unresponsive political system, which is completely decoupled from the will of the American people. The observation that this event is on a par with My Lai is right to the point. That it is getting absolutely no coverage in mass media—unlike My Lai—demonstrates how much things have changed and argues for immediate action and remedies.

Rob M
8 May 2009

On “Spanish judge calls for architects of Iraq invasion to be tried for war crimes”

I supported Obama 100 percent. Now I am disappointed that all his promises were a smoke screen. He is closing Guantánamo—he says? But he is opening two other prisons of torture? He is complicit with Bush on torture; therefore he must be charged as well. All the Bush and Cheney war criminals need to be arrested and shipped to the Hague, or Nuremburg Tribunal. It only requires one senator or congressman to start this procedure, as told to me by a chief prosecutor in the Hague.

Paul W
8 May 2009

On “The Obama recovery”

This is an outrage. In fact, it is an outrage to surpass all of the other outrages inflicted on working people over the last several decades. This unmasked, naked hatred for working people is one of the ugliest admissions I have yet heard from the man I refer to as the “Manchurian president.”

Obama’s statements reveal the secret hope that the working class not only fade away, but actually die so that the financial elite can continue its rape of the planet and the lining of its pockets. I am sure that the French aristocrats of the 18th Century shared his desires. He should remember what happened to them.

“We must lay a new foundation for growth and prosperity,” Obama told his audience, “where we consume less at home and send more exports abroad.”

He sounds like the dictator of a South American banana republic. Sacrifice the people in order to export their patrimony so that the tiny elite at the top of the financial peak can continue to enrich themselves. Are we all expected to be living in Argentina now? Is that the standard?

Carolyn
California, USA
6 May 2009

On “Chrysler bankruptcy sets stage for assault on GM workers” 

Some keen insights in this piece, e.g., that the UAW as a stakeholder will no longer be motivated to arbitrate for the interests of the worker.  However, unions have long herded workers in the direction union bosses wanted.  Not surprisingly, the Democrats have sold out their most ardent supporters. But I think the party has run out of wiggle room. The American Duopoly has outlived its usefulness and it's time for independent parties to act swiftly and decisively.

Jack
6 May 2009

On “China takes steps towards full convertibility of yuan” 

This is the real reason for the destabilization of Pakistan. Putting more boots on the ground further encircles China. It also eliminates the possibility of a land route for oil to China that avoids the Malacca Straits.

J Richards
7 May 2009

On “California pension funds close to bankruptcy”

It’s a good article as far as it goes. However, it would be nice if you told us what amount per year these pensions are and at what age they can collect. Is it really OK to retire at 55 at 80 to 100 percent of salary when the system is broke? Neither you nor anyone else ever mentions cutting existing pensions instead of raising taxes again. Is it OK to pay someone more when they retire than when they worked? Should anyone be allowed to collect a pension before they are 65 or maybe 70 now? I'd love to see a spread sheet showing all the pensions by age of worker now being paid. That's where I start cutting instead of raising taxes.

Charles F
California, USA
8 May 2009