Rob Sperry is an entrepreneur and network marketing professional who believes that the key to success lies in collaboration and small group connections. In his mastermind sessions, he emphasizes the importance of identifying the challenges and barriers that prevent individuals from achieving success and finding solutions through group discussions.
Rob’s journey to success was filled with sacrifices and challenges. In his early career, he quit a six-figure job within his first week of network marketing, which led him to work tirelessly to achieve his dreams. He missed several birthdays, worked 80 hours a week, faced rejections, made 100 calls a day, and even missed a friend’s trip to Zion National Park. He had to take a loan on his car that was already paid off to stay financially afloat, and he dealt with insecurities about what people thought of him. However, he never gave up and continued to take massive action to make up for his lack of know-how.
Rob’s perseverance paid off, and today, he enjoys the prize of his sacrifices. He is a dedicated father and husband who spends quality time with his family, coaches his children’s high school tennis teams, and supports his kids’ passions. He is also able to donate more money than he used to make prior to network marketing. One of his future goals is to pay for an all-expense trip for his kids and grandkids every year.
One defining moment in Rob’s journey happened in 1997 when he was a teenager. His family owned an embroidery business, and they frequently made a ten-hour drive from Utah to California to deliver orders. After dropping off an order in California, his dad had already driven twenty hours and was exhausted but still had to drive back to Utah to pick up the family for a tennis tournament in California. On the way back, they encountered a scary situation where Rob refused to drive, and his dad had to drive for an additional ten hours with no rest. This experience made Rob realize the importance of taking responsibility and making sacrifices to achieve one’s goals.
Rob’s story is an inspiration for anyone who wants to achieve success in life. It shows that success is not easy, but it is achievable through perseverance, hard work, and sacrifice. It also highlights the importance of family, connection, and collaboration in achieving success. Rob’s mastermind sessions provide a platform for individuals to learn from each other’s experiences, find solutions to their challenges, and achieve their dreams together.
US economic and military interests across West Asia could come under direct fire as Israel’s aggressions drag Washington in region-wide.
21WIRE
The U.S. unrelenting support for Israel heightens the likelihood of a war between Israel and the regional Axis of Resistance. Has the U.S. foolishly allowed itself to become embroiled in a regional conflict, which will surely expose the country’s weariness and incapacity to defend not only its allies but also its vital and ongoing interests in the Middle East?
Mohamad Hasan Sweidan writes forThe Cradle…
During a White House press conference on 31 July, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby underscored the US commitment to maintaining readiness to protect its security interests in West Asia.
We have and will maintain a level of readiness to preserve our national security interests in the region. It’s not like we take a blind eye to what Iran is capable of doing and has shown their capability of doing in the region.
His comments came amid spiked regional tensions, the highest since 7 October. Protecting Washington’s interests in the Levant and the Persian Gulf is a top priority for the Biden administration, especially given Tel Aviv’s dangerous recent provocations, including attacks and assassinations in Beirut, Tehran, and Hodeidah – inside key countries within the Axis of Resistance, which could escalate into a major conflict threatening US interests.
US militarization in West Asia
Nearly a month after the Gaza war began, the Pentagon outlined its primary goals in West Asia. These include protecting US forces and citizens, ensuring the continuous flow of critical security assistance to the occupation state, coordinating with occupation authorities to secure the release of prisoners held by Hamas, including American citizens, and bolstering the US military presence to deter any state or non-state actors from escalating the crisis further. Clearly, Washington’s focus extends well beyond Gaza.
As of last October, when the Gaza war erupted following Hamas’ Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, over 45,000 US troops were stationed in West Asia, spread across US military bases in about 12 countries. This number does not include the naval fleets permanently stationed in the region’s many waterways.
US military presence in West Asia
Additionally, the US intermittently deploys thousands of troops to respond to crises and rising tensions, as evidenced by the relocation of nearly 1,200 service members and thousands more aboard the Navy aircraft carrier and the deployment of the nearly 2,000-strong Marine expeditionary unit following the war on Gaza’s onset.
In response to the escalating situation, particularly after Israel’s targeted assassinations of senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr and Hamas politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh in Beirut and Tehran, respectively, the US Department of Defense announced strategic adjustments to its military posture in the region.
These adjustments have two main goals: enhance the protection of US forces and support Israel’s defense. To maintain a robust presence, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin ordered the USS Abraham Lincoln strike carrier group to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt in the Pentagon’s Central Command area of responsibility.
He also deployed additional cruisers and destroyers capable of defending against ballistic missiles to the US European Command and US Central Command regions. Furthermore, the Pentagon is increasing its readiness to deploy additional land-based ballistic missile defenses and has ordered the deployment of an extra fighter squadron to West Asia.
These adjustments augment the extensive capabilities the US military already maintains in the region, including the USS Wasp Ready Amphibious Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit operating in the Eastern Mediterranean.
US economic imperium in West Asia
In addition to the significant US military build-up in West Asia, US civilian companies also play a major role in the region, primarily in critical sectors involving oil and gas, technology, and telecommunications.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) into West Asia saw remarkable growth in 2023, with companies announcing 1,848 projects worth an estimated $88.3 billion. As a result, West Asia ranked as the fourth most attractive region for FDI in 2024 in terms of investor interest.
The US was the leading source of FDI into West Asia in 2023, with US firms announcing 362 projects valued at $36 billion. This represented a notable increase in capital investment, with more than double the figures from the previous year.
These companies are heavily concentrated in the Persian Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Oman – as well as Israel. The occupation state is a particularly accessible destination for US investment in the region, with US FDI (equities) into Israel alone reaching $42.5 billion in 2022. This investment is focused mainly on manufacturing, information services, and professional, scientific, and technical services.
Closure of the Strait of Hormuz
The possibility of Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, is a recurring concern whenever tensions with the Islamic Republic rise. This strait is a crucial shipping route, handling nearly 30 percent of the world’s oil trade.
It connects the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean, from Iran to the north, and the UAE and Oman to the south. The danger of this corridor during times of tension lies in its shallow depth, which leaves passing ships vulnerable to mines. Its proximity to the Iranian mainland also makes ships susceptible to attacks by coastal missiles or interception by patrol boats and helicopters.
The closure of the strait would have immediate effects on global energy prices. In the first quarter of 2024, tankers shipped nearly 15.5 million barrels per day of crude and condensate from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE, and Iran through the strait. The strait is also a critical liquefied natural gas (LNG) corridor, with more than a fifth of the world’s supply, mostly from Qatar, passing through during the same period.
Americans will pay the price
As noted previously by The Cradle, a World Bank study indicated that any tension in the region would directly impact energy prices, with the rate of increase varying according to the level of tension. This issue is particularly significant now, as US polls show that most voters prioritize the domestic economy.
For instance, a February Pew survey found that 73 percent of voters consider strengthening the economy a top priority. Consequently, Iran has the potential to influence American voter sentiment indirectly by affecting energy prices through actions involving the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
The likelihood of a regional war is becoming increasingly tangible due to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s persistent aggressive policies in Gaza and the broader region. This potential multi-front conflict could reach unprecedented levels, especially considering Iran’s perception that its very existence as an Islamic Republic is at stake.
In such a scenario, Tehran and other members of the Resistance Axis would likely deploy all available resources and strategies to defend their collective interests. And if US military forces or facilities become directly engaged, US interests – both military and economic – will be at the heart of the confrontation.
Deploying more US troops and assets into the region at such a critical juncture only broadens American target banks for the Axis.
Continue this analysis on The Cradle
*********
(TLB) published this article from 21WIRE
READ MORE 2024 ELECTION NEWS AT: 21st CENTURY WIRE 2024 FILES
ALSO JOIN OUR TELEGRAM CHANNEL
SUPPORT OUR INDEPENDENT MEDIA PLATFORM – BECOME A MEMBER @21WIRE.TV
Header featured image (edited) credit: Netanyahu/Biden/org. 21WIRE article tease
Emphasis added by (TLB)
••••
••••
Stay tuned tuned…
••••
The Liberty Beacon Project is now expanding at a near exponential rate, and for this we are grateful and excited! But we must also be practical. For 7 years we have not asked for any donations, and have built this project with our own funds as we grew. We are now experiencing ever increasing growing pains due to the large number of websites and projects we represent. So we have just installed donation buttons on our websites and ask that you consider this when you visit them. Nothing is too small. We thank you for all your support and your considerations … (TLB)
••••
Comment Policy: As a privately owned web site, we reserve the right to remove comments that contain spam, advertising, vulgarity, threats of violence, racism, or personal/abusive attacks on other users. This also applies to trolling, the use of more than one alias, or just intentional mischief. Enforcement of this policy is at the discretion of this websites administrators. Repeat offenders may be blocked or permanently banned without prior warning.
••••
Disclaimer: TLB websites contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available to our readers under the provisions of “fair use” in an effort to advance a better understanding of political, health, economic and social issues. The material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving it for research and educational purposes. If you wish to use copyrighted material for purposes other than “fair use” you must request permission from the copyright owner.
••••
Disclaimer: The information and opinions shared are for informational purposes only including, but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material are not intended as medical advice or instruction. Nothing mentioned is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
MURRAY, Utah (TCN) — A 53-year-old woman faces federal charges after allegedly abducting her non-custodial daughter from Utah with help from family members and transporting her to Missouri to live at a religious compound.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah announced that a federal grand jury indicted Kimberly Dell Davidson-Drolet last week on charges of kidnapping and conspiracy to commit kidnapping. Her son, 30-year-old Jaxson Davidson, along with 23-year-old Dallas Davidson and 53-year-old Kristine Merrill, reportedly assisted in the alleged kidnapping and face the same charges.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, Davidson-Drolet allegedly kidnapped her non-custodial child from Utah in January 2023 through June 2024. Officials issued a warrant for her arrest on Dec. 20, 2023.
In a bulletin, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children said the victim was 4 years old when Davidson-Drolet allegedly abducted her.
Prosecutors said Davidson-Drolet hid their location by using the United States Postal Service and cellular and other electronic devices such as a burner phone. Davidson-Drolet reportedly “went through great lengths to avoid apprehension and formed an elaborate plan to take the child out of Utah” with help from her co-defendants.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, Davidson-Drolet and her son drove to Missouri, and Merrill helped them leave. Following her departure, Davidson-Drolet reportedly ignored a court order regarding the custody of her child. KOLR-TV reports that Davidson-Drolet and her ex-husband were in the middle of divorce and child custody hearings before the alleged abduction.
Prosecutors said Davidson-Drolet “remained at large for over a year,” and she “hid the child away from her custodial father and law enforcement.”
Davidson-Drolet allegedly planned the abduction 14 months in advance.
Jaxson Davidson, Dallas Davison, and Merrill reportedly continued to conceal Davidson-Drolet and the child’s whereabouts from authorities.
Davidson-Drolet was reportedly seen with the child at a religious compound prior to her arrest. A complaint reviewed by KOLR says the compound is led by Paul Dean, the founder of a Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints “religious-type cult.” Dean is allegedly related to Davidson-Drolet.
Davidson-Drolet is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 13.
MORE:
Non-Custodial Mother Arrested and Accused of Taking a Utah Child to Live at a Religious Compound in Missouri – U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah
News Release, 4/2/2024 – National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Utah woman accused of kidnapping, hiding child at Missouri religious compound – KOLR
Mr. Eric L Rudolph is a multifaceted individual with a diverse range of interests and talents. He is the founder of X&E Entertainment LLC, a record label based in Lakeland, FL, which specializes in promoting and managing up-and-coming artists. In addition to his work in the music industry, Rudolph is also an actor, professional marketer, and artist.
Rudolph’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond the entertainment industry, as he is also a successful restaurant owner. His restaurant, Konversation Restaurant & Sports Bar, is a popular dining destination in Lakeland, known for its delicious food and lively atmosphere.
Despite his many accomplishments, Rudolph’s primary focus is on his goal of breaking upcoming artists internationally, from the United States to the United Kingdom. He is passionate about discovering and nurturing new talent, and he believes that with the right guidance and support, aspiring musicians can achieve great success on a global scale.
At 41 years old, Rudolph is still young and driven, and he shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. With his wide-ranging skillset and entrepreneurial mindset, he is poised to continue making waves in the entertainment and hospitality industries for years to come. Whether he is promoting new artists, creating captivating artwork, or running a successful restaurant, Rudolph’s commitment to excellence and his unwavering work ethic are sure to lead to continued success and achievement in the future.
The ZOOMERS 2 BOOMERS podcast was created to provide a platform for discussing and reporting on issues that affect us all. But with a special emphasis on how these issues impact us all … from the Zoomers to the Boomers! Discussed from both viewpoints and/or perspectives, in one place, at one time, it just doesn’t get any better than that!
Listen to Archived Show below Intro Article
Follow Provided Links below Intro Article
••••
(SHOW SPONSOR)
••••
Show Preface by Host: Roger Landry (TLB)
Hello again and welcome to Episode #128 of the TLBTalk Radio show on the Republic Broadcasting Network (RBN) (see RBN Summer Fund Raiser below Archived Show). Today’s show is titled The Why Of ‘ZOOMERS 2 BOOMERS’ – Let’s wind our way through the this topic … But first let’s get through this intro …
Before we jump into today’s topics I would like to once again, say thanks to RBN for the platform, to the shows producer Sam, and to Annie at the ShakeAndWake Radio forum for this show replays on Thursdays, and for also hosting my newest show (with Co-Host Stephen Roberts) Eagle’s Eye Report on Wednesdays from 2-3 PM Central. They are all a very significant part of the weekly success of The Liberty Beacon Project’s Message …
Again I will state that the message I bring to you today is not entertainment, nor is it baseless guesses, or remote possibilities. Most of what I deliver is in your face reality, recorded facts or an inevitability depending on our course of action.
Source Credit: As usual I take my inspiration for each show from current research or from an article recently published on The Liberty Beacon (or one of the other TLB Project websites). Any articles used can be found below the Archived show.
Now, on with the show
••••
TLBTalk Radio: The Why Of ‘ZOOMERS 2 BOOMERS’
Show intro comments:
Today I am joined by my show host partner in the ZOOMERS 2 BOOMERS Podcast, Karrie the Puck, to present information on a content upgrade and a Podcast promotion to help get the word out about this unique undertaking.
The intent of the ZOOMERS 2 BOOMERS podcast is to help us all bridge the thought process and understanding between our younger generations and the senior generations, thus the title Zoomers 2 Boomers. Also to hopefully (seriously) make understanding and communicating between us more comprehensive, prolific and commonplace … if we can find a way to talk more … understanding will draw us closer together!
So y’all will know … there is over fifty years difference between Pucks age and mine … we are the true ZOOMER 2 BOOMER scenario …
So, as the podcast was originally created to provide, going forward this forum … Zoomers 2 Boomers … will be a platform for discussing and reporting on issues that affect us all. But with a special emphasis on how the issues impact us all … from the Zoomers to the Boomers! Discussed from both viewpoints and/or perspectives, in one place, at one time, it just doesn’t get any better than that !!!
This ZOOMERS 2 BOOMERS Podcast will be made available every Friday by noon Central the latest on our flagship site The Liberty Beacon for the remainder of 2024, then quite possibly … another surprise …
Show Talking Points (Questions for Puck):
Why did you want to do this type of podcast?
What would you like to gain from this experience?
How well or poorly do you feel ZOOMERS are treated today?
With all the chaos surrounding us today … what do you see as your future?
So lets Segway into this show …
••••
The Why Of ‘ZOOMERS 2 BOOMERS’
(Listen to this archived show by clicking on the image below)
••••
ZOOMER 2 BOOMER Shows:
See this show link & many more by clicking here, or on the image below
••••
More Archived TLBTalk Radio Episodes (click on image below)
••••
RBN SUMMER FUNDRAISER
Please participate in this fundraising effort to help RBN get over their financial hump.
For the next 3 months (starting July 1st- ending October 1st) donors that contribute 100$ or more within this time frame may request a unique RBN t-shirt, and …
CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING
Show Song
••••
About the Author & Host: Roger Landry (TLB) spent about three decades of his adult life either in, or working for the military, with about two decades working directly for the Military Industrial Complex facilitating DOD contracts. His awakening to Political, Economic, and Health realities was about fifteen short years ago. Since that time he has founded The Liberty Beacon Project (TLB) consisting of a half dozen proprietary global websites, media projects and partner websites across the planet. He contributes regularly to multiple forums both in and outside of TLB Project. Most of Roger’s published work can be found on the TLB Flagship website TheLibertyBeacon.com
Image Credit: All images are – Personal, Public Domain or Pixabay License.
••••
Check Out TLBTalk.com:
Click Here to Visit the TLBTalk.com Site
••••
Welcome to the TLB Project Neighborhood
TLBTalk – Republic Broadcasting Network – The Liberty Beacon – The Butcher Shop
••••
••••
Stay tuned to …
••••
The Liberty Beacon Project is now expanding at a near exponential rate, and for this we are grateful and excited! But we must also be practical. For 7 years we have not asked for any donations, and have built this project with our own funds as we grew. We are now experiencing ever increasing growing pains due to the large number of websites and projects we represent. So we have just installed donation buttons on our websites and ask that you consider this when you visit them. Nothing is too small. We thank you for all your support and your considerations … (TLB)
••••
Comment Policy: As a privately owned web site, we reserve the right to remove comments that contain spam, advertising, vulgarity, threats of violence, racism, or personal/abusive attacks on other users. This also applies to trolling, the use of more than one alias, or just intentional mischief. Enforcement of this policy is at the discretion of this websites administrators. Repeat offenders may be blocked or permanently banned without prior warning.
••••
Disclaimer: TLB websites contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available to our readers under the provisions of “fair use” in an effort to advance a better understanding of political, health, economic and social issues. The material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving it for research and educational purposes. If you wish to use copyrighted material for purposes other than “fair use” you must request permission from the copyright owner.
••••
Disclaimer: The information and opinions shared are for informational purposes only including, but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material are not intended as medical advice or instruction. Nothing mentioned is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
SAN DIEGO (TCN) — A 47-year-old man will likely spend several decades in prison after he pleaded guilty to driving off a cliff and into the ocean with his two daughters in an attempted murder-suicide.
San Diego County Jail records show Robert Brians is awaiting sentencing on two counts of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of child cruelty, two counts of kidnapping, one count of burglary, and one count of inflicting injury on a spouse/cohabitant. KUSI-TV reports Brians is expected to be sentenced to approximately 30 years in prison.
On the morning of June 13, 2020, the San Diego Police Department received a call from the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office about a suicidal male who kidnapped his 2-year-old daughters and said he was going to drive off the Coronado Bridge, which crosses over the San Diego Bay. Officer Jonathan Wiese said police received information that the man, Brians, was “possibly armed with a handgun.”
Field Lt. Dave Bautista located Brians’ pickup truck near cliffs in Point Loma and approached the vehicle. Brians reportedly drove off “at a high rate of speed toward the cliffs” and into the water. Wiese arrived moments after Bautista; both officers ran to the bluffs and spotted the truck on its side.
Wiese said in a video shared by the department, “My first thought was, ‘Please tell me the girls aren’t in that truck.’”
Wiese, a K-9 officer, had a 100-foot dog leash in his patrol car, so he worked with other arriving officers and rappelled down the cliffs using the leash to reach the victims. Wiese said he saw Brians in the water holding his two daughters, one of whom “appeared lifeless.”
An arriving officers threw a backpack down to Wiese to help get the children up to safety and into an ambulance. The girls were rushed to a nearby hospital. According to KUSI, one of the children had a brain bleed and vertebrae compression fractures. Both survived.
KUSI reports Brians texted the girls’ mother about his plans to drive off the Coronado Bridge. He allegedly wrote, “The girls are going to Heaven and I’m going to Hell to wait for you.”
Moments before driving off the cliff, he reportedly wrote on Facebook, “Tonight, I’m sending my babies to heaven.”
Officer Paige Haar said, “We loaded them up into the ambulance and went with them to the hospital. Luckily, the doctors do what they do. The girls were both OK, which is nothing short of a miracle.”
MORE:
San Diego County Jail inmate information
Courage & Teamwork at Sunset Cliffs, 8/14/2020 – San Diego Police Department
Father who intentionally drove off cliff with toddlers inside changes plea to guilty – KUSI
Sonia is not just a supermodel but also a fitness trainer, influencer, and brand ambassador to many companies. Her dedication to fitness and wellness has made her an inspiration to many of her followers. She has made a significant impact in the fashion and fitness industry.
Sonia’s career in the modeling industry began at an early age. She started as a runway model and later became a print model. Her striking features, perfect body, and confident demeanor made her stand out in the industry. She soon became one of the most sought-after models in the business.
As a fitness trainer, Sonia is known for her ability to motivate her clients to achieve their goals. She has helped many people achieve their fitness goals by providing them with customized training programs and nutrition plans. Her approach to fitness is holistic, as she understands the importance of both physical and mental well-being.
As an influencer, Sonia has a significant following on social media platforms. She uses her platform to promote fitness and wellness, inspiring her followers to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Her fans appreciate her positive outlook on life, and her ability to encourage people to make positive changes in their lives.
Sonia’s success as a model, fitness trainer, and influencer has made her a brand ambassador to many companies. Her influence in the fashion and fitness industry has made her the perfect spokesperson for many brands. Her partnership with these brands has allowed her to reach a wider audience, inspiring more people to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle.
In conclusion, Sonia’s dedication to fitness and wellness has made her an inspiration to many. She has made a significant impact in the fashion and fitness industry, and her influence as an influencer and brand ambassador has allowed her to inspire even more people to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.
To hell with the truth! As the history of the world proves, the truth has no bearing on anything. It’s irrelevant and immaterial, as the lawyers say. The lie of a pipe dream is what gives life to the whole misbegotten mad lot of us, drunk or sober.”
– Eugene O’Neill, The Iceman Cometh
Voters in the USA live in fantasy and probably always will. No matter how obvious it is that the U.S. is an oligarchy, not a democracy, the ardent pipe dreams of a new face in the White House go to their heads every four years.
It can only be explained by a combination of intellectual ignorance, the acceptance of propaganda, and the embrace of illusions.
An analogy is apropos. In the small town and vicinity where I live, there are about 10 pot shops where pipe dreams are dispensed. As The Platters sang long ago, “when your heart’s on fire, you must realize smoke gets in your eyes.” But few realize it.
Smoke? What smoke?
Quadrennially, this love affair with the presidential candidates burns hot and heavy despite their records, as if they were heart throbs of stage and screen, straight from Broadway or Hollywood deeply concerned for the public’s welfare.
Americans love actors, and the presidential candidates are of course actors, following the directions of the fat cats who produce their shows. As the grand opening of election day approaches, the supine public is aroused to a fanatical frenzy of excitement from its years’-long sleep by a mass media that spews out drivel to deceive. It could be said that what the media propagandists digest, the public eats.
Smoke and mirrors never fail as the electorate’s favorite billionaire-backed candidates – at this point in 2024 Trump and Kamala Harris (but don’t count on it) – spew lie after lie and the mass media faithfully promote the show as if it were an actual contest between good and evil, a grand movie. The acting is terrible, but the audience is so inflamed they can’t tell.
“There are unconscious actors among them and involuntary actors; the genuine are always rare, especially genuine actors,” Friedrich Nietzsche told us long ago, alluding to far more than this crude political masquerade – to life itself – urging us to take a deep look at the games we play and love in our politicians because they confirm our illusions.
In the 2020 election between Joseph Biden and Donald Trump, more than 158 million ballots were cast, a record number that was two-thirds of estimated eligible voters. That was about seven percentage points higher than in 2016 when Trump and Hillary Clinton faced off. Each election was supposed to be the most important in “your lifetime.”
And as everyone knows, the country has gotten more prosperous, healthier and happier, and the world more peaceful, in those eight years of Republican and Democratic rule.
One can expect more of the same smoke this year as the excitement, titillation, and political lies build to a November 4th crescendo. Illusions die hard, or to be more accurate – they do not die.
The Spectacle rolls on.
Although it might sound uppity, unless people read books that explain how the political and economic system is constructed and how it operates, they have no hope of understanding why the presidential elections are musical chairs played to the tune of Yankee Doodle Dandy. Podcasts and talks can be instructive when true, but they don’t stick like words on a page in a book that you have noted and can refer back to.
But the vast majority of people will not read such books because many can’t read or are too lazy or distracted to take the time to switch off digital media and the mainstream corporate press. It is only through slow meditative reading and study of the great analytic books about social structure, propaganda, history, capitalism, and political economy that a person can truly grasp the nature of the power elite’s domination of the US government, the mass media, and the White House.
A soupçon of differences between contestants for the presidency – superficial makeup – is enough to have those caught in the spectacle get worked up into a hot lather of excitement for candidates chosen by the billionaires. It is an aspect of the mania for celebrity culture.
One cannot simply imbibe the daily mass media, listen to talking heads, or read books recommended and promoted by The New York Times or some prize committee such as the Booker or Pulitzer prizes. (see the NYT’s Best Sellers here – as if #5 could be as “best” as #1).
It is no secret that the reading public has been shrinking for years as literacy has waned dramatically. This is not an accident as the internet, cell phones, and the online life have been pushed by the authorities at every level, including throughout the school system. (I am not arguing that the voters saw through the electoral charade in the past because the level of cultural literacy was higher.)
Today, a walk into any local library throughout the country will confirm the sad state of what even those who read books are reading. The new fiction shelves are filled with books with candy-colored sensationalized covers that evoke bodice-ripping books of old now updated to sound more serious by telling stories of orphans on European trains during WW II, mysterious murders, separated twins, equally evil Nazis and Russians on the prowl, childhood trauma, unfaithful men, etc. All seemingly NY Times bestsellers, together with the “non-fiction” books within which you would search a long time on the shelves to find a radical critique of the American political system and its propaganda arms.
This issue of voting and literacy is connected to another key matter. The American public as a whole does not much care to follow foreign policy and military issues. That is an understatement. Once the military draft was ended in January 1973, the public lost interest in who was being killed in America’s wars. Let foreigners be damned was the unspoken assumption. It was a stroke of genius by the military-industrial-political complex, for politics has always been about what’s in it for us, and when the military is voluntary and Americans are dying in smaller numbers, people are indifferent to the killing.
When it comes to politics, the public’s focus is primarily on domestic issues, the economy, health care, taxes, etc., despite the fact that the entire economy is dependent on war and preparations for war and the U.S. has been at war continually for decades. The U.S spends nearly $900 billion dollars annually on “defense” spending; this is more than China, Russia, India, Saudi Arabia, the U.K., Germany, France, South Korea, and Japan combined.
As everyone knows:
The U.S. is defending itself in Syria where its troops illegally occupy the oilfields in the northeast.
It is defending itself helping Israel slaughter Palestinians and supporting an expanded Middle Eastern war.
It is defending itself by attacking Russia via Ukraine and leading the world to nuclear war.
It is defending itself by provoking China in the South China Sea.
It is defending itself all over the world with special forces and military bases everywhere because everyone is out to get us.
It is defending itself always far, far away from its own shores.
Everyone knows that’s how it goes.
But facetiousness aside, the voting public either doesn’t know or doesn’t care that the U.S.A. is a warfare state; it’s as simple as that. Without waging wars, the U.S. economy, as presently constituted, would collapse. It is an economy based on fantasy and fake money with a national debt over 35 trillion dollars that will never be repaid. That’s another illusion. But I am speaking of pipe dreams, am I not? And whether they choose to be aware of it or not, the vast majority of Americans support this killing machine by their indifference and ignorance of its ramifications throughout the society and more importantly, its effects in death and destruction on the rest of the world. But that’s how it goes as their focus is on the masked faces that face each other on the stage of the masquerade ball every four years.
This charade is comical but accepted by so many, and as the Halloween season in a presidential election year in the USA approaches, it becomes most clear. It’s always a trick until four years elapses and the next poisoned candy treat is offered.
Get to the polls. Your life depends on it!
But there is a big price to be paid – a lesson always too late for the learning – for going to the masquerade ball. Yet when smoke gets in your eyes…ah, such an exciting time it is!
“Do you not know there comes a midnight hour when everyone has to throw off his mask?” warned Søren Kierkegaard.
“Do you believe that life will always let itself be mocked?
Do you think you can slip away a little before midnight in order to avoid this?
Or are you not terrified by it?”
*********
(TLB) published this article by Edward Curtin as posted at Off-Guardioan.org
Edward Curtinis an independent writer whose work has appeared widely over many years. His website is edwardcurtin.com and his new book is Seeking Truth in a Country of Lies.
Header featured image (edited) credit: Big Money/Gov/Illustration/org.Curtin post
Emphasis added by (TLB)
••••
••••
Stay tuned tuned…
••••
The Liberty Beacon Project is now expanding at a near exponential rate, and for this we are grateful and excited! But we must also be practical. For 7 years we have not asked for any donations, and have built this project with our own funds as we grew. We are now experiencing ever increasing growing pains due to the large number of websites and projects we represent. So we have just installed donation buttons on our websites and ask that you consider this when you visit them. Nothing is too small. We thank you for all your support and your considerations … (TLB)
••••
Comment Policy: As a privately owned web site, we reserve the right to remove comments that contain spam, advertising, vulgarity, threats of violence, racism, or personal/abusive attacks on other users. This also applies to trolling, the use of more than one alias, or just intentional mischief. Enforcement of this policy is at the discretion of this websites administrators. Repeat offenders may be blocked or permanently banned without prior warning.
••••
Disclaimer: TLB websites contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available to our readers under the provisions of “fair use” in an effort to advance a better understanding of political, health, economic and social issues. The material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving it for research and educational purposes. If you wish to use copyrighted material for purposes other than “fair use” you must request permission from the copyright owner.
••••
Disclaimer: The information and opinions shared are for informational purposes only including, but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material are not intended as medical advice or instruction. Nothing mentioned is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (TCN) — Police recently apprehended a 38-year-old suspect in a fatal shooting after he allegedly robbed an Arby’s at gunpoint and stole a vehicle.
According to the Santa Fe Police Department, on Aug. 6, officers responded to the Best Buy on Zafarano Drive, where they learned 83-year-old Gordon Wilson had been shot in the parking lot and died from his injuries. Following the victim’s death, the suspect, identified by Santa Fe Police as Zachary Babitz of Glendale, California, allegedly stole Wilson’s vehicle and fled.
On Aug. 9, Albuquerque Police said Babitz was also wanted in connection with a robbery at a Wells Fargo bank that occurred on July 31. Babitz was on probation at the time for an armed robbery conviction and was required to wear a GPS ankle monitor. Babitz was reportedly wearing the monitor during the robbery but not at the time of the fatal shooting in Santa Fe.
Babitz faces charges of armed robbery and tampering with evidence for the alleged bank robbery.
The search for Babitz ended when Las Cruces Police learned of an armed robbery at an Arby’s on East Lohman Avenue on Aug. 10. Babitz and an unidentified female accomplice allegedly entered the restaurant and threatened an employee with a firearm and demanded money. After exiting the Arby’s, Las Cruces police allege Babitz “forced a woman out of her vehicle at gunpoint” and stole her car. The vehicle reportedly crashed shortly after before Babitz and his accomplice fled.
Las Cruces Police located Babitz nearby and took him into custody. His accomplice has not yet been named or found.
The victim whose vehicle was stolen was unharmed.
According to Santa Fe Police, Babitz was recently released from prison in March and has an extensive criminal history, including possession of a controlled substance, robbery, possession of a deadly weapon or explosive by a prisoner, receiving or transferring a stolen motor vehicle, and out-of-state fugitive criminal charges.
Santa Fe Police found Wilson’s vehicle in Albuquerque, where they also served a search warrant at a home.
Officials booked Babitz into the Doña Ana County Detention Center, where he remains held on a warrant from Santa Fe on charges of murder, robbery, felon in possession of a firearm, and parole violation.
MORE:
Santa Fe Murder Suspect Arrested in Las Cruces – Las Cruces Police Department
APD charges Santa Fe murder suspect for recent bank robbery in Albuquerque – Albuquerque Police Department
Police Identify Shooter in Best Buy Murder – Santa Fe Police Department
Republicans have been attacking Democratic vice presidential candidate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s military service, something that traditionally registers as a strength for politicians.
After Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign shared a 2018 video clip of Walz discussing gun control, Republicans pounced on the governor’s statement about weapons that he said he carried in war.
In the clip, Walz said, “We can make sure that those weapons of war that I carried in war is the only place where those weapons are at.”
Former President Donald Trump’s running mate, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, who, like Walz, is a military veteran, took the governor to task for his comment at an Aug. 7 campaign stop in Shelby Township, Michigan.
“He said, and he was making a point about gun control, that ‘we shouldn’t allow weapons that I used in war to be on America’s streets.’ Well, I wonder, Tim Walz, when were you ever in war?” Vance said. “What was this weapon that you carried into war given that you abandoned your unit right before they went to Iraq and he has not spent a day in a combat zone.”
We rated Vance’s comment about Walz abandoning his unit Mostly False.
The Iraq War was a protracted conflict that spanned 2003 to 2011. During the early years of the war, Walz, who served 24 years in the Army National Guard, eyed retirement and a political career. He submitted retirement paperwork five to seven months before retiring in May 2005 to run for Congress.
As he awaited his retirement paperwork’s processing, Walz filed paperwork to run for Congress in February 2005, a month before his battalion received a March notification for a potential deployment to Iraq within two years. Walz’s battalion was officially ordered to deploy to Iraq in July 2005, two months after Walz retired.
But was what Vance said about Walz not carrying weapons in combat accurate?
Walz first enlisted in the Nebraska National Guard in 1981 days after he turned 17. He transferred to the Minnesota National Guard in 1996, where he served in the 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery until he retired in May 2005.
The Associated Press reported that Walz was a field artillery cannoneer as a member of the Texas Army National Guard in 1985 when he attended the University of Houston, and that he also served as an instructor with the Arkansas Army National Guard.
Walz spent months on active duty deployed overseas, but didn’t serve in Iraq or Afghanistan. He and his battalion deployed to Italy in August 2003 to support U.S. operations in Afghanistan under Operation Enduring Freedom. He returned to Minnesota in April 2004, a Minnesota National Guard spokesperson told PolitiFact.
In an email, Lauren Hitt, a Harris-Walz campaign spokesperson, told PolitiFact that Walz thanked Vance for his service and “misspoke” in the 2018 video.
“In making the case for why weapons of war should never be on our streets or in our classrooms, the Governor misspoke,” Hitt said. “He did handle weapons of war and believes strongly that only military members trained to carry those deadly weapons should have access to them, unlike Donald Trump and JD Vance who prioritize the gun lobby over our children.”
Luke Schroeder, a Trump-Vance campaign spokesperson, said Walz “absolutely said this, that’s not in dispute,” pointing to the video the Harris campaign shared on X. Schroeder also pointed to several news articles about Walz’s military service that showed he didn’t see combat duty.
Minnesota Public Radio reported in 2018 that in his military career, Walz responded to weather disasters such as floods and tornadoes, and spent months deployed overseas. He specialized in heavy artillery and won ribbons for his proficiency in sharpshooting and hand grenades, the outlet wrote, citing military records.
He never saw combat, Minnesota Public Radio reported. “I know that there are certainly folks that did far more than I did. I know that,” Walz told the news outlet. “I willingly say that I got far more out of the military than they got out of me, from the GI Bill to leadership opportunities to everything else.”
Vance served as a combat correspondent, working in public affairs for the U.S. Marine Corps from 2003 to 2007 and deployed to Iraq for six months in 2005. He did not experience combat, meaning he did not carry weapons on a battlefield.
Our ruling
Vance said that Walz said he carried weapons in war, but “he has not spent a day in a combat zone.”
Although Walz used weapons and trained colleagues to use them during his long military career, his 2018 statement implied that he carried weapons on a battlefield, which he did not. Walz misspoke, his campaign said.
We rate Vance’s statement True.
RELATED: J.D. Vance attacked Tim Walz on military record. His statement ignores the timeline
About the Author & Host: Roger Landry (TLB) spent about three decades of his adult life either in, or working for the military, with about two decades working directly for the Military Industrial Complex facilitating DOD contracts. His awakening to Political, Economic, and Health realities was about fifteen short years ago. Since that time he has founded The Liberty Beacon Project (TLB) consisting of a half dozen proprietary global websites, media projects and partner websites across the planet. He contributes regularly to multiple forums both in and outside of TLB Project. Most of Roger’s published work can be found on the TLB Flagship website TheLibertyBeacon.com
