Is A Secessionist About to Run for President ?

There have been dramatic power shifts in the US economy over the last 30 years, which in many respects have upended the primacy of the East Coast Establishment. Rick Perry, who within the last two years has openly talked about scenarios for secession would be a favorite if he joined the Republican primary. According to Jerry Brown, the national government is in regime crisis and the country hasn't been this divided since the Civil War. Things to consider as we pass another Memorial Day.

1'Jerry Brown: California, Country Facing ‘Regime Crisis’ Similar To The Civil War' - CBS, Los Angeles
2'Gov. Rick Perry: Texas Could Secede, Leave Union' - Huff Po

Inspiration in Music Education

Or the lack thereof.

From the the National Association for Music Education website:

"For today's students to succeed tomorrow, they need a comprehensive education that includes music taught by exemplary music educators."

What about the intrinsic beauty of music in developing the human spirit ? Does everything in education have to be about becoming a good factory worker or systems manager ?

Master Switch Gene for Fatness - OK

Scientists have found that a gene linked to diabetes and cholesterol is a "master switch" that controls other genes found in fat in the body, and say it should help in the search for treatments for obesity-related diseases.

Americans are getting fatter by the generation not because of genes, but because their diet and exercise regimen is atrocious. Highlighting poorly understood DNA influences obscures environmental influences, or even creates the mindset to ignore environment, i.e. nurture, which of course is politically convenient.

1'Scientists find "master switch" gene for obesity' - Reuters

Strauss Kahn Was To Lenient With Greece

Thankfully, from the perspective of bagmen Geithner and Trichet, he is out of the picture now:

From the Guardian:

"The IMF under his stewardship has been more flexible with Greece than its other creditors, the EU and ECB," said Theodore Pelagidis, professor or economic analysis at the University of Piraeus. "He was much more understanding of the nature of the crisis. This now makes the situation more complex because one of the principal negotiators is out of the game and people are asking who is next and what should we expect?"

1'Greece fears Strauss-Kahn arrest will prolong ongoing debt crisis' - UK Guardian

Will the US back another Greek Military Junta ?

Because US Treasury policies, implemented through the IMF (now sans DSK), are pushing the Greek state to the point of disfunction, which will thereby 'force the hand' of big business to call in the military.

And yes, I think the U.S. would back another junta if it meant getting control of the widespread resistance to austerity. The financial oligarchy wants to get paid.

Big Business Begins to Organize Fascist Street Mobs in Greece

Without a doubt, a reacton to the so-called breakdown in law and order.

This is what these sociopaths who 'get to the top' in capitalism do when their backs start getting pressed to the wall.

'Pakistani community spokesman Irfan Tamur Mohammad — himself an attack victim — said 17 migrants have been hospitalized and dozens of immigrant-owned shops attacked or looted, while police allegedly did little to stop the violence.

Authorities were unable to provide any figures on injuries.

"There were racist attacks before, but Thursday's events were something else, really terrifying," Mohammad said. "It all happened very suddenly, we didn't expect something that extreme."

Events involving large number of people acting with unified violence do not happen 'suddenly'. They are a result of organization and sponsorship. This was not random, but planned.

And the Greek government says the violence might be understandable in a way:

'The spectacle of knifed immigrants in hospital cannot be accepted by Greek society," he (Government spokesman George Petalotis) told state TV. "Citizens who live in the center of Athens and in areas with a big (crime) problem are right to be frustrated...'


1'Greek officials urge calm after racist attacks' - AP
2'In Greece, austerity kindles deep discontent' - Washington Post

$27,200 Debt Load for Graduates

And no jobs.

This country is toast.

1'2011 College Grads Moving Home In Record Numbers' - Huffington Post

What Kind of Man Celebrates Death ?

Rashard Mendenhall: 'I don’t believe that this is an issue of politics or American pride; but one of religion, morality, and human ethics.'

Did Pakistan Throw Bin Laden Overboard ?

A crumbling economy, soaring budget deficits, and a standoff with the IMF might have forced the hand of key military figures within Pakistan. There is little chance four US military helicopters saunter some 100 miles into Pakistani territory without a blind eye being turned, not to mention the steps that lead to his position being compromised.

April 19th : 1"Pakistan fails to get IMF assurance on $11.3 bn loan release"

April 27th : 2"US likely to release $981m by June-end: Hafeez Shaikh"

Well, it's one conspiracy theory at least, and not a bad one.

Trump in Las Vegas 2011

Hitting gas prices and OPEC, trade deficits with China, a crumbling infrastructure in comparison with the world, and weak and ineffectual political leadership.






I can see him winning, and am only surprised hard-line nationalism hasn't erupted sooner. And the root of his critiques, the fact the U.S. can no longer support an open market to absorb global overcapacity or afford to be global hegemon without exacting greater tribute, are accurate.