Ward Churchill Speaks at Recreate 68 Rally, End the Occupations

Ward Churchill laying it down. Thanks to Tryworks for the link.

Your Playstation Has Real Blood On It

Your Playstation Has Real Blood On It

(raimd.wordpress.com)

There has been recent interest in the news lately on a report by the liberal activist group Toward Freedom around what has been dubbed the “Playstation War.” It describes how the demand for a key metal used in the Sony Playstation 2 video game console was a driving force in the ongoing wars in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Stories about the demand for this metal, called coltan, and the wars behind it in sub-Saharan Africa, are nothing new (1). What is new about this report is that it links one specific consumer product to this conflict.

The Playstation video game console, like others on the market, is solely used for leisure and entertainment. Priced for hundreds of dollars and purchased by consumers in Amerika and other First World nations, the Playstation is a byproduct of the leisure time and disposable income available to Amerikans. Along with the console itself there are thousands of video games that are made for it, along with fan magazines and websites. According to the Entertainment Software Association video game sales reached $9.5 billion in 2007, and tens of thousands of people are employed in this industry to meet consumer demands (2). The indirect economics in terms of research and development, sales, advertising, and marketing are also vast. Video games are just one byproduct of imperialist parasitism, and in the case of the Playstation it is a direct contributor to war and suffering.

Imperialism is a system based upon exploitation and war. The production cycle of the Playstation illustrates the rabid bloodshed and exploitation imperialism brings, and the parasitism that it feeds in the core imperialist nations.

The African World War and the Playstation

The conflict known as Africa’s World War has involved eight nations and over 25 militias. It has killed and displaced millions of people over a ten year period, and its effects still linger today. According to Toward Freedom, this war also became known as the Playstation War. They state:

“The name came about because of a black metallic ore called coltan. Extensive evidence shows that during the war hundreds of millions of dollars worth of coltan was stolen from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The UN and several NGOs claim some of the most active thieves were the Rwandan military, several militias supported by the Rwandan government, and also a number of western-based mining companies, metal brokers, and metal processors that had allegedly partnered with these Rwandan factions…. And while allegations of plundering coltan from a nation in desperate need of revenue seem bad enough, the UN also discovered that Rwandan troops and rebels were using prisoners-of-war and children to mine for the “black gold.”

“Kids in Congo were being sent down mines to die so that kids in Europe and America could kill imaginary aliens in their living rooms,” said British politician Oona King, who was a Member of Parliament from 1997 to 2005.”(3).

Coltan is used to make the metal tantalum, which in turn is used to make capacitors for tiny electronic devices. Up to eighty percent of the world’s coltan reserves lie in the DRC (4). Hundreds of millions of dollars worth of this metal has been stolen from the DRC during this war in order to satisfy the growing demand for electronic items like cell phones, laptops, I-Pods, and video games.

The report links the demand for the Playstation in 2000 to a spike in the price of coltan. At the same time the Rwandan military and its allied militias forcefully took over land in DRC that had coltan mines. A United Nations investigation alleged Western mining companies:

“…directly and indirectly fueled the war, paralyzing the DRC government, and [used] the conflict to keep the coltan flowing cheaply out of the Congo. Some companies were also accused by the UN of aligning with elements of the warring parties.”

Toward Freedom further states:

“David Barouski, a researcher and journalist from Wisconsin, says it is certain that the coltan from this conflict is also in SONY video game consoles across the world. ‘Sony’s PlayStation 2 launch (spring of 2000) was a big part of the huge increase in demand for coltan that began in early 1999,’ said Barouski, who has witnessed the chaos of eastern DRC firsthand.”

Sony of course engages in plausible deniability, saying it cannot really know where everything it manufactures comes from. Really, gee whiz.

Congo’s Long History of Meddling Imperialists

The DRC has one of the lowest per capita incomes in the world, despite being so rich in mineral resources. The cause of this contradiction is its long history of being a victim of imperialist intervention. It has long been a site of theft, plunder, and murder by U.$. and Western imperialism. It was once known as the Belgian Congo, named after its former colonial strangler. It achieved independence from Belgium in 1961. Its first leader after independence was Patrice Lumumba, who described 80 years of colonial oppression as a “humiliating slavery which was imposed upon us by force” (5). Lumumba, a national leader too independent for U.$. imperial interests, became a victim of an assassination orchestrated by the CIA and Belgian intelligence shortly after he took power. He was replaced by a subservient kleptocracy led by Gen. Joseph Mobutu, head of the national army. Mobutu and his cronies went on to steal billions from the nation he renamed Zaire, while starving millions of its citizens. Mobutu also allowed the CIA free use of the country as a proxy to destabilize the rest of the region for U.$. interests against the USSR during the Cold War.

After the Cold War ended Mobutu was of no use to the imperialists, and was finally overthrown in 1997. His replacement also became a pawn of the imperialists. The nation, renamed the Democratic Republic of Congo, was led by president Kabila, who made deals with Western and Amerikan mining companies for access to its valuable mines. He had the backing of neighboring armies who wanted in on its resources. The five-year war that officially ended in 2003 was known as the African World War, the deadliest war since World War II. So far over 5 million people have died as a result. This is just one symptom of the long legacy of imperialism in this region.

Who Plays, Who Works? Electronic Sweatshops

Like almost all consumer products, the Playstation and other electronics are manufactured in Third World sweatshops that take advantage of cheap labor and few regulations.

News reports state that Sony is contracting with Foxcomm, a Taiwanese contractor with factories based in China, to build their new Playstation 3 (6). Other reports about Foxcomm factories that assembled the iPods give an indication of the conditions that these toys are made in. One factory in China has 200,000 workers, and advertises for workers over age 16 (7):

“Inside Longhua, workers labor a 15-hour day building iPods, for which they usually earn about $50 per month. When they’re not on the assembly lines, they live in secluded dormitories that each house 100 people and prohibit visitors from the outside world. The workers are allowed ‘a few possessions; and a ‘bucket to wash their clothes.’”

From one worker:

” ‘We have to work too hard and I am always tired. It’s like being in the army,’ Zang Lan, one of the workers at Longhua, told the Mail. ‘They make us stand still for hours. If we move we are punished by being made to stand still for longer. The boys are made to do pushups.’ ”

The report states the iPod Nano is assembled in a five-story factory that is secured by armed police officers. The super-slim digital music player is said to include over 400 parts which arrive from component manufacturers all over the world (8).

Another factory in Suzhou, Shanghai that manufactures iPod shuffles is completely surrounded by barbed wire. The workers take home $99 a month, with half of that income going to food and shelter. The factory advertises for women workers, because it considers them more honest. China, now under capitalist imperialist exploitation, is touted for its “low wages, long hours and industrial secrecy, [making] the country attractive to business, especially as increased competition and consumer expectations force companies to deliver products at lower prices (9).”

The End Game

“Amerikan imperialism takes the products created by the exploited labor of the Third World and passes it off to Amerika’s aristocratic ‘workers.’ From here, Amerikan ‘workers’ are overpaid to basically tinker around with the products before they are sold. In turn, Amerikan ‘workers’ use their inflated wages to buy these products, thus making possible the final realization of profit for the overall system. In this manner, Amerika uses global exploitation to keep its domestic mall economy afloat and enable its existence as an entire nation of parasites.”

-Parasitism: The Economics of Imperialism (RAIMD) (10)

Amerika’s economy is a service economy. The wealth of this country comes from the exploitation of resources and labor from outside of its borders, all so Amerikans can live overly comfortable lives. The Playstation is no exception. Millions have died and billions suffer for your entertainment. The world’s majority won’t stand for it for too much longer.

Amerikan imperialism will lose in the end. So join with the world’s oppressed majority and become a revolutionary anti-imperialist. It’ll be more fun than your Playstation anyway!

======================================

Sources:

1). http://www.projectcensored.org/top-stories/articles/5-high-tech-genocide-in-congo

2). http://www.theesa.com/facts/index.asp

3). Lasker, John. “Inside Africa’s Playstation War.” Toward Freedom, July 08, 2008. http://towardfreedom.com/home/content/view/1352/1. All info on the DRC and Playstations, except noted, is from the Toward Freedom article.

4). http://sitemaker.umich.edu/section002group3/coltan_mining_in_democratic_republic_of _the_congo

5). http://www.globalpolicy.org/empire/history/2007/0627kinshasa.htm

6). http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/09/18/sony-appointed-foxconn-for-ps3-console-manufacturing/

7). http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/06/06/12/ipod_city_inside_apples_ipod_factories.html

8). Ibid.

9). Ibid.

10). http://raimd.wordpress.com/2007/06/22/parasitism-the-economics-of-imperialism/

Put A Little Love in Your Heart… Fight Imperialism!

Don’t Ever say We Censored Your F*%king Sh*t Cracker!

Yes, we get comments. Some we don’t post simply because the troglodytes that write them are altogether dumb as a fucking brick and to post them wastes precious space on the internet. However on occasion, we get some whoppers from Amerika’s proud White Proletariat. Therefore, in the spirit of free speech, we’d like to share some of them with you:

“Ronnie” said in response to: “Obama Shocks Arab World, Touts Imperialist Credentials“

The article is jewish bullshit.
Due to total jewish US mainstream media control,
Obama had to deliver this lip service before the
AIPAC. Eating crow and assuring everyone what
they want to hear is part of the election process
and does not mean anything.

“Mike” said in response to: “Why We Say… Fuck the Troops!”

Just stumbled across this website. I assume this is some sort of nigger run site, where you pretend that you’re real human beings, and not human/chimpanzee missing links, which you are, of course. Have a banana and carry on. Try not to eat each other, ok?

“Mike” also said in response to: “Yippie: A Blast from the Past!“

Ah, yeah, that Jew-boy Rubin. Did you know that you’re sorry nigger asses were brought over to America on Jewish-owned slaves ships? Jews have such love for the “schvartzes,” don’t they? Come to think of it, everybody; Whites, Jews, Asians, Hispanics; they all hate you.

No matter what, you blacks always end up at the bottom of the pile. Affirmative action and welfare, and you still can’t get your sorry black asses together.

Hey, I’m all for Black Nationalism, You chimps can go back to Africa and leave the humans alone. Just think, you could fuck monkeys, cannibalize and eat each other, put ashtrays in your lower lips, do voodoo magic to your hearts content, and do whatever it is you do in your natural state, to your hearts content!

Just think of the “black utopia” you could create! Tin shacks, starvation, murder and rape! It’s a “black paradise!”

US Marine said on: “Why We Say… Fuck the Troops!”

Fuck it throw a couple Flash Bangs out the window at those little fuckers. Or throw some Sting Gernades… That will stop the fuckers.

And finally, Fuckyou, responding to the same post said,

You call that a beating? I actually fapped while watching that. They deserved way worse you cunt.

Enlightening indeed.

The Ongoing Saga: Why We Say… Fuck the Troops!

Watch the above video and listen to this limey (thats an Engli$h Cracker) fuck cream his jeans as he watches his comrades brutally beat a group of Iraqi kids.

Happy 4th of July, Enjoy the Barbecue!!!

Obama, “Black” Messiah for White Amerika

Liberals, even some calling themselves ’revolutionaries,’ have a chronically false ideal of Amerika. Instead of seeing historical injustices carried out by Amerika as part of its overall development, liberals see such things as disconnected aberrations which can be resolved through in a piecemeal fashion through progressive determination. They see Amerika, though flawed, as an unfinished experiment in freedom and democracy.

Revolutionaries see Amerika as a product of unending injustices carried out upon oppressed peoples. Revolutionaries see Amerika and all the decadent elements which constitute it as something that needs to be destroyed as part of the global struggle to build a better world. While revolutionaries hate Amerika, liberals love Amerika: they are always trying to save it, to reform it, to make it realize its so-called historic potential.

To this end, an Obama presidency marks a major step. White liberals are projecting their own hopes and aspirations regarding Amerika onto Obama. Having a Black man lead a nation founded on the slavery of Blacks is for many a confirmation that Amerika is still the land of hope. An Obama presidency represents evidence that even into the 21st century, Amerika is still becoming a better, more perfect democracy. Because of this, the historical narratives spun around Obama are endless. For much of Amerika, Obama is a near-messianic figure.

Within the liberal paradigm, by electing Obama, Amerika can go from a country shamed by the Bush administration to one reformed, made better. An Obama presidency proves that Amerikan democracy works. Amerika can arrive as a more pluralistic open society whose legitimacy as the leader of the world is reaffirmed. An Obama presidency represents the continuation of Amerikan supremacy without Bush’s overtly hee-haw element. Obama represents a form of imperialism which liberal Amerikans can be proud of.

But liberal love-amerika types are not the only force driving the Obama campaign. Within the imperialist camp, many view the overly belligerent Bush administration as a disaster. Over the last 8 years, Amerika’s actions have rightly inspired hate and resistance the world over.

Loosing the iron fist and taking up the velvet glove is understood by many to be a more effective approach to imperialism. Within much of the imperialist camp, a popular Obama presidency is seen as more conducive to their own long term interests. Obama is seen as a figure who can recover what power Amerika has lost over the last 8 years.

Obama, and the forces behind him, are not revolutionaries. They are not trying to end Amerikan imperialism. Rather, for those who benefit from imperialist exploitation, Obama is seen as savior, a messiah who can bring the return to Amerika’s power and so-called greatness. These are the social forces that will, in all likelihood, drive Barack Obama to be the next president of the United States.

YIPPIE!: A Blast from the Past!

Abbie Hoffman telling it like it is:

Jerry Rubin freaking out the Squares:

History of Amerikkka - Rev. Wright is Right!

Obama Shocks Arab World, Touts Imperialist Credentials

Obama Shocks Arab World, Touts Imperialist Credentials

Released by RAIM-Denver, 6/12/08

Hours after he secured the Democratic Party nomination, U.S. presidential contender Barack Obama spoke before the Amerikan Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).  “We will never compromise when it comes to Israel’s security… Jerusalem will remain the capital of Israel and must remain undivided,” he said, receiving standing ovations before the influential lobbying group’s annual meeting.

Israel captured and occupied 85% of the city of Jerusalem during the 1948 war. After successive years of forced relocations of Palestinian residents, Israel seized the remainder of the city, East Jerusalem, in the 1967 war. Israel continues to this day to push Palestinians into an ever-shrinking, un-occupied territory. Palestinians recently recognized the sixtieth anniversary of the 1948 event, which they call al-Nakba, or the Catastrophe.

Although Obama has thus far received much attention because of his proclaimed message of change, recent comments have left many puzzled and angry. Mahmoud Abbas, the pro-Western leader of the Palestinian Fatah Party, rejected Obama’s pro-Israel pandering stating, “We will not accept an independent Palestinian state without [East] Jerusalem as its capital.” “That should be clear,” he continued. (1)

Obama described the bond between Israel and the U.S. as “unbreakable today, unbreakable tomorrow, unbreakable forever… Those who threaten Israel threaten us.” Saying he would bring an “unshakable commitment to Israel’s security,” he promised to ensure Israel’s “qualitative military advantage” over its neighbors.

Israel has long been the largest recipient of U.S. direct foreign aid. Obama, if elected, said he will increase the amount to 3 billion dollars per year over the next decade. He highlighted the hegemonic imperialist aspect of such aid by summarizing it as “investments to Israel’s security that will not be tied to any other nation.” (2)

In the First World, the ‘green’ movement is rather large. The Democratic Party has announced that this year’s Democratic National Convention will be the first green convention of its kind. Speaking to the Zionist crowd, Obama tied his environmentalism directly to Israel and Amerika’s security and proposed joint green ventures: “We must free ourselves from the tyranny of oil. The price of a barrel of oil is one of the most dangerous weapons in the world. Petrodollars pay for weapons that kill Amerikan troops and Israeli citizens… It’s time for the United States to take real steps to end our addiction to oil. And we can join with Israel, building on last year’s U.S.-Israel Energy Cooperation Act, to deepen our partnership in developing alternative sources of energy by increasing scientific collaboration and joint research and development.” ‘Progressive’ indeed.

Obama vowed to continue George Bush’s policy towards Hamas: “We must isolate Hamas… There is no room for terrorists at the negotiating table.” In early 2006, Hamas, an anti-Western Palestinian liberation movement, won a large majority in Palestinian parliamentary elections. The Bush Administration refused to recognize the new government, retained communications only with the comprador Fatah Party and placed sanctions on Hamas-controlled areas of Palestine. Reacting to Obama’s speech, a Hamas spokesperson remarked, “These recent statements slash any hope of any change to U.S. foreign policy.” (3) (4)

Obama singled out Iran as the greatest threat in the region. “There is no greater threat to Israel or to the peace and stability of the region than Iran… the danger from Iran is grave, it is real and my goal will be to eliminate this threat.” He promised to use “aggressive, principled diplomacy… backed by real leverage.” Elaborating he said, “I will always keep the threat of military action on the table to defend our security and our ally Israel.” One can only assume that there are numerous regional threats which Obama feels should be dealt with in the same manner. (5)

Adding weight to Obama’s threats towards Iran were hints that U.S. military involvement in the Muslim world would not be ending anytime soon. Earlier in the evening during his acceptance speech for the Democratic Party nomination, Obama said that leaving our troops in Iraq was not an option, “especially at a time when our military is overstretched, our nation is isolated, and nearly every other threat to America is being ignored.” (6) At the Zionist AIPAC assembly later in the evening, Obama proposed a “phased redeployment” of the troops “from Iraq.” (7) In the past, Obama has stated that more troops are needed in Afghanistan and that incursions into Pakistan are possible. ( 8 )

Despite his hawkish language, the anti-war movement has largely rallied around Obama. Much of his campaign thus far has been focused on “change” and a “new way of doing things.” Obama has stated he is against the war in Iraq and thinks of it as a failure. Likewise, throughout his campaign he has promised to enhance the role of dialogue in foreign policy while also making token statements about issues dear to ‘progressive’ Amerikans: the environment, healthcare, education and the Amerikan economy. For these reasons, Obama has picked up the support of many anti-war progressives and even so-called radicals.

But what kind of change is Barack Obama really about? Does Barack Obama really want to create a new world based on equality and mutuality of interest, or would his presidency merely herald in years of marginally different tactics towards the same end? What is the actual change Obama wants to bring?

From Obama’s AIPAC speech: “Contrary to the claims of some, I have no interest in sitting down with our adversaries just for the sake of talking. But as president of the United States, I would be willing to lead tough and principled diplomacy with the appropriate Iranian leader at a time and place of my choosing — if, and only if, it can advance the interests of the United States.”

On Iran, Obama continued his diatribe about ‘dialogue,’ “We will present a clear choice. If you abandon your dangerous nuclear program, support for terror, and threats to Israel, there will be meaningful incentives… If you refuse, we will ratchet up the pressure.” As earlier referenced, Obama pledged to keep the threat of military intervention on the negotiating table.

What becomes clear is that Obama remains faithful to the paradigm of bullying nations into subordination, and that he maintains the right to use military force against those who resist. The change that Obama will bring is merely a difference in how to pursue such an imperialist imperative.

Particularly, Obama declares that he will find the “appropriate leaders” to talk to. While the tactic of splitting movements and nations through selective diplomacy and incentives is not new, it has not been widely or as effectively used by the Bush Administration.

Going further into the issue, Obama says he was against holding Palestinian elections in 2006, “with Hamas on the ballot.” Obama stated, “I will strongly urge Arab governments… to fulfill their responsibility to pressure extremists and provide real support for President Abbas and Prime Minister Fayyad.” He also said he would urge Israel to improve conditions in the Fatah-controlled West Bank as a way of further isolating Hamas.

While clearly stating he is not opposed to the most aggressive of actions, Obama presents himself as making Amerika stronger through such one-sided, bullish ‘dialogue.’ In terms of foreign policy, Obama is simply promising to be a better imperialist.

Speaking again before AIPAC he himself summed it up, “My presidency will strengthen our hand… [I will bring] change that restores America’s power and influence.” Such a message, combined with his token ‘progressive’ promises about further improving conditions for the parasitic Amerikan “working” and “middle” classes, has made Obama a candidate who garners support from both hawkish Zionists as well as Amerikan so-called anti-war ‘leftists.’ (9)

It is our sincerest hopes that those who truly seek radical humanist change will recognize and reject Obama and what he represents. Instead of embracing promises of a more effective, ‘peaceful’ imperialism, with presumably a more equitable distribution of the profits within Amerikan borders, we urge real progressives and radicals to make a complete break with imperialist politics. We urge people seeking true change to instead embrace the struggles of those actively resisting U.S. imperialism and working to build a new world. Only through the destruction of imperialism and similarly oppressive and exploitative structures can a world of true equality, mutuality and peace exist.

Notes.

1. http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/018DB5D0-3C59-46D9-97AE-3F7BB909CD4F

2. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91150432

3. http://www.demconvention.com/

speaker-pelosi-dncc-announce-green-delegate-challenge-for-2008-democratic-national-convention/

4. http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/93FE247B-452D-4022-8374-088D8704C1DE

5. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91150432

6. http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/98FEB6B7-E363-4AD7-A5F8-200415B9924F

7. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91150432

8. http://www.ogpaper.com/news/news-0821.html

9. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91150432

White trash throw hissy-fit over Absolut Vodka Advertisement, re-unified Mexico

A hellofabunch of Amerikkkans are having spasmic fits over an Absolut Vodka ad that features the previous borders of Mexico before the U.$. invasion, land grab, and occupation of 1848. Under pressure, Swedish-based Absolut pulled the ad. (see: “Absolut apologizes for Mexican vodka ad,” ).

The crack analysts as Monkey Smashes Heaven look at the wider implications of the vodka ad controversy and what it means for Amerikkka:

White trash throw hissy-fit over Absolut Vodka Advertisement, re-unified Mexico

(source: monkeysmashesheaven.wordpress.com)

Controversy has erupted in White Trashland over a recent advertisement for Absolut Vodka. The ad features a map of Mexico prior to the losses in territory suffered between 1836 to 1848. In little over a decade, White settler imperialists stole and occupied roughly half of Mexico. Texas, New Mexico, California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Wyoming and Colorado continue to be occupied to this day.

Predictably, racist pundits like Michelle Malkin are using the ad to whip up anti-Mexican sentiment. (1) The Drudge Report made sure to link to the L.A. Times’ blog where the story originally appeared. The L.A. Times’ blog post is sardonically entitled, “Mexico reconquers California? Absolut drinks to that!” (2) Yet more evidence of the Mexican reconquista plot planned by Lin Biao, executed by MECha. If only. (3)

Read the rest here.

International: $300 Million from Venezuela to Colombian Rebels a Fake

March 8th 2008, by Greg Palast - OurFuture.org

Do you believe this?

This past weekend, Colombia invaded Ecuador, killed a guerrilla chief in the jungle, opened his laptop – and what did the Colombians find? A message to Hugo Chavez that he’s sent the FARC guerrillas $300 million – which they’re using to obtain uranium to make a dirty bomb!

That’s what George Bush tells us. And he got that from his buddy, the strange right-wing President of Colombia, Alvaro Uribe.

So: After the fact, Colombia justifies its attempt to provoke a border war as a to stop the threat of WMDs! Uh, where have we heard that before?

The US press snorted up this line about Chavez’ $300 million to “terrorists” quicker than the young Bush inhaling Colombia’s powdered export.

Read the rest here

Rip Down Imperialist Walls!

In the last few days, the Palestinians in Gaza tore down the prison wall of the Israeli occupiers. Essentially turning occupied Gaza into a concentration camp, this was meant to starve Palestinians for the crime of resisting colonization of their own land. But oppressed people don’t sit down and take it, they resist! This wall was blown up! And the people were able to get necessary supplies in Egypt that Israel has been keeping out, so they can live another day. Oppressed people will not be imprisoned in their own land! All imperialist walls will come down!

RAIMD Declares People’s War On Christmas - It’s On, Fuck Yeah!

In Amerika, Christmas is a sick imperialist consumerist celebration of exploitation.
The Santa myth obscures the real origin of commodities. Santa is an imperialist!

Amerikans teach their children that if they are obedient to the system, a magic
jolly old White fat fart delivers goodies made by elves. Toys are not made by happy
elves at the North Pole! Toys are made by Third World workers, often child laborers,
toiling in slave-like conditions. Third World children are basically enslaved by
corporations so that First Worlders can have the latest idiotic toy or gadget.

Bill O’Reilly and similar idiots are always spewing nonsense about a so-called “war
against Christmas.” Truth be told, there has never been a war against Christmas —
until now.

RAIM-D is formally declaring an all out people’s war against Christmas in Amerika.
It’s on, piggies. It’s on. Fuck Yeah!

Denver Pigs Harass and Brutalize Local Activists

In yet another example of the brutality of local pigs and the harassment of activists, the Denver Pig Department roughed up and terrorized a prominent local activist here. Click here for the full story.

A press conference is set for Monday, Dec. 3rd 7pm @ Denver Police Headquarters 1331 Cherokee St. Denver, CO 80204 720-913-2000. RAIMD urges people to be there in solidarity. We will post updates as we get them on this case. Also check out colorado.indymedia.org for more news on this.

Beyond Chicanismo: Simon Sedillo on Immigration, Border Issues, and Neoliberalism

Happy Veterans Day!!!

Tryworks beat us to the punch celebrating Veterans Day. Check out their great coverage.

Here’s some more counter to the sick jingoism celebrated by Amerika today.

More fuck the troops fun:

From the great work of Shubel Morgan:

A Bunch of Eichmanns Put on Notice That They’re A Bunch of Eichmanns

In a very special event celebrating the two-faced “humanitarianism” that comes hand in hand with amerikan imperialism, Wayne ‘Dirty’ Murdy was given an “International Bridge Builders” award by the Graduate School of International Studies at the University of Denver. There to present the award was none other than Madeleine ‘Worth It’ Albright. So of course, there was a protest.

Around 100 people showed up to protest the eco-terrorist Wayne Murdy and the crazed old butcher Madeleine Albright. Of course many of the protesters wouldn’t have framed their reasons for being there in quite this manner. Needless to say, RAIM-Denver has its own politics.

RAIM-Denver upholds radicalism not liberalism. We don’t fight “opponents,” we stand against oppressors. So right from the get go we entered the protest not thinking we had to adhere to the status quo of amerikan activism. However, this mindset spilled over and altered the entire tone of the protest when someone early-on gave Nick, a RAIM-Denver member, the biggest megaphone on the block. Oh ya, it was on.

Wasting no time, this opportunity was quickly seized upon to speak some truth. Agitating to the extreme, Nick pulled no verbal punches. Among other truths, these Eichmanns were told straight up that they were Eichmanns. This of course irritated some. But Nick knew this wasn‘t the time to “tone it down.” Instead, to both the ire of Eichmanns and to the liberals, he boomed “I have the megaphone.”

A guest appearance was made by liar extraordinaire Omar Jabara, the head of public relations for Newmont Mining. Omar actually slithered up with his wife to the protesting crowd and shook the hand of this vocal RAIMer. Asked if the crowd could throw Wayne Murdy off a bridge and Madeline Albright off a taller one, a slightly overwhelmed Jabara didn’t really have an answer but instead nervously offered a fake smile. Not real smooth for a public relations department head. Needless to say, Omar didn’t stick around long.

Madeleine Albright, the mad queen of state sanctioned terror, even appeared before the crowd. This came as a shock to RAIM-Denver since we thought she was allergic to sunlight. Nick, by this time really amped up, had already encouraged the valets to slam the car doors on the arriving Eichmanns. The necessity of such an action became apparent as she arrived. Nick later said, “When she looked into my eyes I could feel the souls of half a million dead Iraqi children.” Chilling indeed.

For being such humanitarians, Dirty Murdy and Mad Madeleine sure did need a lot of security. The entire perimeter of the Marriot was guarded. A big deal was made about protestors not being on Marriot property. At one point an Indigenous womyn near the RAIM-Denver agitator was told to go back to the sidewalk by a pig. Nick pointed out that the cop was on her property and told him to get off. He didn’t listen.

It should be mentioned that not everyone was displeased by RAIM-Denver’s amplified presence. Nick drew nods and laughs from many of the protesters. Those who did express contention with Nick were all white liberals. That’s not to say that we didn’t have support from white protesters, just that those whites probably weren’t liberals. On the other hand, not a single Indigenous persyn seemed displeased. In fact, the aforementioned womyn even thanked Nick for his remarks about amerika being built on land stolen from her ancestors.

All and all it was a great event. RAIM-Denver put the spotlight on radical politics and in the process made people on both sides of the sidewalk uncomfortable. Needless to say, we don’t necessarily consider this a bad thing. And, despite Newmont’s PR campaign against RAIM-Denver leading up to the event, we are happy to report that we have not lost a single grant or big donor. Omar, you failed.

[Photo from the kind folks at tryworks.org]

Omar, you can send your resume to RAIM-Denver. We promise to read it. But don’t call us, we’ll call you.

Whites Now “Minority” In Denver, Crackers Freaking Out!!

According to a recent report by the U.$. Census Bureau, Denver is now 50.01 percent non-white as of last year. So now, so-called minorities, or more accurately the non-white oppressed nations, outnumber members of the oppressor white nation in the Denver area.(1)

And not just in Denver. In nearly 10 percent of the counties in the U.$. white people are now a minority compared to non-white people, a trend that continues as time goes on.(2)

The growth of the non-white population is mostly due to the increase of “Latinos,” most of whom are Mexicanos, others Central Americans. This has affected Denver and counties around it, likely to make the latter majority-minority too.(3) And with the changing demographics, everything from Spanish-language classes to buying more tortillas than white bread is changing also. And with the growth of “Latinos” comes with it white nativism, exemplified by fascist groups like the Minutemen and idiot cracker politicians like Tom Tancredo.

On the Cracker Talk Radio circuit, this news has the radio blowhards rattling their pinhead brains. In one documented instance, Gunny Bob of 850 KOA falsely reports the news that Hispanics are now the majority. This is contradicted by the official figures, and a caller even corrects him. Gunny Bob denies saying it, but later repeats the same lie he is
on record of saying, and denied. He even gives some nonsensical crackpotism about a “sunset clause” on Manifest Destiny, and bemoans the fact that whites will be a minority by 2050.(4)

Another white trash radio yapper is Peter Boyles of 630 KHOW-AM. In his virulent hatred of Latinos, he can’t get his facts straight either. He bemoans about a Denver clinic serving Spanish-speaking peoples. He states “99 percent of Denver’s ‘Spanish-speaking population’–meaning Spanish only–coming to a health clinic are here illegally.(5) This report cited another bald-faced lie Boyles asserted: “I’m not an idiot.”

With all this, the white trash nativist right wing will use this in their continuing spasms against “illegal immigration,” despite what the facts are. No matter, we at RAIM-D welcome this news.

The United Snakes is an empire and has been an empire since its beginning. It has committed genocide against First Nations and stole their land, enslaved millions of Africans and continued national exploitation against the Black Nation, and committed imperialist aggression against Mexico and stole the northern half of the country along with oppressing the Chicano/Mexicano people on their own land. And it has committed and continues to commit imperialist atrocities in hundreds of countries since, the most recent being in Afghanistan and Iraq.

And the benefactor of this piggery has been all sections of the white nation of the U.$. The reactionary drivel from some sectors of this opppressor nation is only the more visible of the decadence of these parasites.

There is something we agree with from Gunny Bob. There is a sunset clause on Manifest Destiny, or there soon will be. Amerikkka’s pig-ass imperialism will soon have its day and we welcome its destruction. We support national liberation struggles of the captive nations inside the United States, and build a base of nation traitorism within the white nation. Less white people in the city? It’s nice to have good news once in a while.

1. http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_6577663

2. http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7008152013

3. http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_6588057

4. http://colorado.mediamatters.org/items/200708100001

5. http://colorado.mediamatters.org/items/200708100003

Ward Churchill Fired for Calling Little Eichmanns Little Eichmanns

[reproduction of this picture is forbidden without prior consent from RAIM-Denver]

In an unclimatic event, the University of Colorado Board of Regents, in an 8-1 vote, officially fired Professor Ward Churchill. The two-year struggle over his employment was no surprise, as fascist elements of Amerikkka clamored to have him pay for his heresy. Now another chapter begins as Ward pursues this through court.

The official reasons for his termination were for plagiarism and academic misconduct. But for everyone paying attention, he was really fired for speaking uncomfortable truths about Amerikan foreign policy. In an essay written the day after the 9/11 attacks, Some People Push Back: On the Justice of Roosting Chickens (later expanded into a book), he took a different tone from the crocodile-teared jingoism prevalent on that day. Far from the patriotic emotionalism of that day, he stated the facts about Amerikan foreign policy.

On 9/11, the chickens came home to roost. This was no surprise for those who knew the history of Amerikan imperialism. And many who died were in fact “little Eichmanns,” technocrats of a genocidal killing machine that has taken untold millions of lives around the world. Churchill, who has made a career in documenting the genocide of the First Nations and the repression of dissent, is all too familiar of this knowledge. His bluntness was welcoming.

In the beginning he was attacked not by the reactionary Right but by the so-called Left, people like Doug Henwood and Marc Cooper. (1) For all their professed radicalism, speaking truth on 9/11 was too much for them. On the other hand, it took the idiot Right Wing four years to find his essay and get outraged about it. When the University of Colorado admitted that what he said was protected by the first amendment they looked for other ways to fire him. The governor, right wing assholes, spineless liberals, white trash, and comprador Native Americans all clamored to have him hanged, and digging up any and all dirt they could on Churchill to add kindling to the witch hunt.

7/24/2007: CU Campus, Boulder CO: Judgment Day

On July 24th at the Boulder campus security was all around. The media sharks circled too. Metal detectors and armed guards were at the entrance to the building where the regents would decide the fate of Churchill. Signs posted stated that any disturbance inside would be met by force and arrest.

Churchill arrived with his lawyer and a handful of colleagues. Later some of his supporters rallied before the regents met, with signs, buttons, and T-shirts. A few white trash bloggers were present with cameras, some heckling Churchill and supporters. Pigs with badges photographed the event.

The meeting was supposed to start after 3:30 but was delayed for a couple of hours. Finally the regents came into the auditorium and voted to accept CU President Hank Brown’s recommendation that Churchill be canned. The vote was 8-1, with the regent from Boulder giving the lone nay vote. People booed, and the regents left.

Members of the American Indian Movement of Colorado then began a drum circle with chanting. They and their supporters proceeded outside. A press conference was held immediately after.

There was a problem when the room that was reserved was too small for the conference. Only the press was allowed in. The supporters listened outside through a window. Two cracker-assed College Republicans arrived after, attempting to disrupt the press conference, carrying signs to allegedly honor those Amerikans killed on 9/11. But they ended up doing nothing. The two reactionaries got into heated discussions with Churchill supporters, and then the news clamored to interview them because they opposed Churchill. They were heckled due to the amerikkan media’s obvious bias.

Churchill plans to initiate a lawsuit against the University. RAIM-Denver wishes him success.

The overwhelming issue from supporters was one of academic freedom. Many stood by Churchill while making sure to say that they didn’t agree with what he said. RAIM-D on the other hand says that not only does Churchill have a right to say what he said, but was right in what he said. Amerikkkans are not innocent of the crimes committed by their parasite imperialist nation. Plus they shouldn’t be surprised when those angered by its atrocities decide to hit back. The truth hurts, but Amerikkka has been in its luxury dugout too long.

Of course the issue of academic freedom for dissident intellectuals is all too real. At the present time Norman Finkelstein is under attack for his criticism of Israel and the Zionist Lobby in the United States. With cracker right-wingers like ACTA and David Horowitz salivating over academics that don’t kneel over to praise Amerikkka, Churchill’s is unlikely to be the end of this kind of attack.

Postscript:

The day after Churchill was sacked, CU President Hank Brown met with wealthy bourgeois donors. He assured them that their money, gained from super exploitation of the oppressed nations of the world, would be spent wisely defending that system (2).

1. http://www.counterpunch.org/frank07122007.html

2. http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_6464850

Ward Churchill Fired

Ward Churchill was officially fired from his position as tenured professor and head of the CU Ethnic Studies Department yesterday.

Members of RAIM-Denver made the trip up to Boulder to distribute flyers supporting Ward Churchill. The flyers that we got out pointed to the real reason that Ward has come under fire: because he dared to speak the truth- he dared to point out that amerikans are an imperial citizenry that have for the last 500 years shit on the world and now can’t seem to figure out why everyone hates them.

Ward Churchill truly is a revolutionary academic, one who is an anomaly in oppressor amerikkka. It comes as no surprise to RAIM-Denver that pigmerikkka is now bending over backwards to silence and discredit someone who has taken such a bold stand for those oppressed by amerikkkan imperialism.

In the coming days we will post a full report as well as pictures from the day’s events.

More Israeli Aggression (what a suprise)

Unless you’ve been under a rock (or in the self absorbed money-hole called amerikkka) for the last few days, you’ve probably heard that Hamas has taken control of the Gaza Strip.

In a perfect world, Fatah and Hamas would be able to cooperate in defending the interests of the Palestinian people. To often though, the oppressor is able to round up traitors and fools to do its dirty work. This is evident in Fatah and especially Abbas, who is more or less the house nigger of the West Bank. An apologist for iSSraeli and ameriKKKan aggression, Abbas has done nothing but put a cap on the justified anger of the Palestinian people. We can only hope that the rank-and-file of Fatah can dump its comprador leaders and enter into a united struggle for the national liberation of Palestine.

Ward Churchill Update

It was released that CU President Hank Brown intends to fire Ward Churchill. Colorado governor Bill Ritter made these statements revealing the oppressor-politics behind the CU witchhunt, “The character of his conduct is different than those things that are protected by the First Amendment, and I really do think in an academic institution, we need to pay attention to what we’re telling our kids and what our professors are writing about.”

What a load of shit. First, it’s not like Ward Churchill teaches to or writes his books for an audience of 10 year olds (though perhaps that’s not a bad idea). In amerikkka, children, at the age of 5, are forced to begin 13 years of “formal” oppressor “education”. There isn’t a student at CU Boulder that hasn’t already gone through this process.

This is clearly an attempt by reactionary white amerikkka to squelch any sort of academia that is in service of the oppressed. It also has to be understood that cases like Ward Churchill are not isolated. A professor named Norman Finkelstein was denied tenure because of his pro-Hezzbollah views. White-amerikkka, in its expectable fascistic frenzy, is now trying to further consolidate its oppressor indoctrination all the way up through its institutions of “higher learning”.

Report on Denver May Day Protests

Migrant March With Mixed Messages Also Highlights Lack of White Proletariat

Tuesday was May Day or the International Workers’ Day. It was also the anniversary of the historic marches for migrant rights last year in the United Snakes and the scene of more impressive protests this year.