Has the Chapel Hill Public Library decided to go against free local publications, as some of Durham's libraries have in recent years, or are they only targeting left publications? Could it even be over Israel? I'm a bystander in this, but just about the only reason I visit the CHPL and Durham County Libraries is to pick up free publications and check the advertisements people put up and I've dropped publications and flyers off in the past. They have plenty of room for more. I also have some complaints about how the DCL has changed under new management and at least historically some departments at UNC have students and/or staff evidently especially hostile to left speech. UNC and local libraries seem to have taken a cold turn recently, despite all of the talk about libraries and free speech during the Trump and Biden years, and I don't mean only regarding anti-war protest.
Slovakia
It sounds like the BBC and NPR blame Slovak prime minister Robert Fico for the attempt on his life yesterday in Handlová, in central Slovakia, and since they say he is in with Putin and Orban, "illiberal," and "populist," it can be thought that they wish that he had been killed. NPR also doesn't seem to think it is very important news, compared to whatever about Trump, etc, though they avoid directly quoting Trump and Republicans who don't vote the 'right' way, Xi, Putin, Hamas, Iran, etc. If they aren't "state media," why are there concerns about Congress cutting their funding? I don't know the details of Fico's politics, or claims that his party had ties to Italian organized crime, but it seems to clearly be a party of the left, even if not that far on the left. Yet here is the headline on left Common Dreams: "Far-Right Prime Minister of Slovakia Shot in Assassination Attempt," by Julia Conley – www.commondreams.org/news/prime-minister-of-slovakia So far one comment on "far-right." I don't recall the media blaming Bolsonaro in Brazil for the attempt on his life or praising it, though NPR doesn't seem very bothered when Russian civilians in Russia and not in the government are assassinated or killed by terrorists, Ukrainian or otherwise. The BBC made Slovakia sound extremely divided, probably blaming Fico for being "divisive," while NPR brings up the organized crime allegations and alleged, undefined illiberality. "Liberal" used to refer to free market capitalist positions and often still does, maybe more often in Europe, etc. In Europe and Canada parties of the right can take positions with or well to the left of the US Democratic Party, but still be considered on the right. It sounds like Fico led Slovakia into NATO, etc., but how dare he now speak against the war in Ukraine, which borders Slovakia and Hungary and I think includes formerly Czechoslovak territory: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpatho-Ukraine War in Ukraine and Russia might be a more viscerally concerning issue for people in Slovakia and Hungary than for Americans, and they might know much more of the background. NPR headline: Fico is "an ally of Russia" and wants to "control" the "free press?" I don't think they condemned Bolsonaro, "the Trump of the tropics," like that right after he was stabbed September 6, 2018 in Juiz de Fora. I recall that Democrats blamed rightist or far right talk radio for encouraging domestic terrorism in the 90's. The new government of Poland changing the public media is okay, but whatever recently elected Fico allegedly wants to do with public media is harmful and following the example of Viktor Orban? They haven't gone into detail about it, and the Republic of Georgia seems to have dropped from the news, as did Slovakia after the recent elections, which went against NATO and EU desires. Speaking of 'divisiveness,' is Biden sowing domestic division over the wars, the anti-China campaign, Trump, TikTok, etc?
Anti-Fico on Sky News too? – www.usefulidiotspodcast.com/p/gop-brags-trump-hates-palestinians
In Le Monde? Quoting the Google translation: "... Mr. Fico's nationalist and ultraconservative left party [!] rubs shoulders with the far right" in the "ruling coalition" and some members are accusing "the opposition of being responsible..." – www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2024/05/16/en-slovaquie-apres-la-tentative-d-assassinat-contre-le-premier-ministre-robert-fico-la-majorite-attise-les-divisions_6233529_3210.html
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attempted_assassination_of_Robert_Fico
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Fico
His party: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direction_–_Social_Democracy
Versus en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progressive_Slovakia Last fall NPR seemed to think that the name "Progressive," and being pro-gay marriage, pro-EU, etc means that this is the main "progressive," center left party in Slovakia.
Did the US materially aid Ecuador's raid on Mexico's embassy? The US government apparently no longer considers embassies, presidential aircraft, and diplomats to be off limits for attacks, or 'never' did – popularresistance.org/source-reveals-us-secret-services-enabled-glas-kidnapping/
Saaed Bakhouche was sent to Algeria from Guantanamo in 2023, after being held for many years there, but has now been sentenced to another three years of imprisonment in Algeria. Tina Kaidanow at the State Department is the person to lobby, I'm told: KaidanowTS at
Former Guantánamo prisoners from Yemen to be deported by Oman:
Hello,
I am urgently reaching out to shed light on the dire situation facing 28 Yemeni former prisoners of Guantánamo Bay currently residing in Oman. Despite their efforts to integrate into Omani society since their release between 2014-2017, these individuals are now confronting the harrowing possibility of deportation back to Yemen. Oman has served as a sanctuary for Yemeni former prisoners of Guantánamo Bay since their release.
Initially resettled in Oman through a bilateral agreement between the United States and the Omani government, these men arrived without formal assurances but with the hope of rebuilding their lives. Despite the absence of explicit guarantees, they were led to believe by their lawyers that they would find refuge and stability in Oman. Upon their arrival in Oman, Omani officials assured the men they would not be deported, and they told them to forget Yemen, this is their country now. Oman was very welcoming.
However, earlier this year, the Omani government delivered the distressing news of their deportation back to Yemen, citing no specific reasons but hinting at pressure from the US government. This abrupt decision has left the former prisoners and their families in a state of distress, fearing the perilous conditions awaiting them in Yemen amidst ongoing conflict and political instability.
The prospect of returning to Yemen, a country engulfed in chaos, raises grave concerns about their safety, well-being, and legal status. In Yemen, they face the grim realities of potential imprisonment, torture, and lack of provisions for themselves and their families.
As the deportation date looms closer, Oman has taken drastic measures, threatening those who resist deportation with dire consequences, including the withdrawal of essential services such as housing, healthcare, and employment opportunities. This month, Omani authorities refused to extend the residency stay for some of the children born in Oman who also will be deported, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The Omani authorities have informed the men that the deportation process will commence in July, adding to the urgency and gravity of the situation. Omani offers for those who are willing to leave voluntarily will be given a small amount of money.
Efforts to seek clarification and assistance from both the Omani government and the US State Department have been met with silence and denial, leaving these individuals and their advocates in a state of desperation.
Cage International has reached out to the State Department, Omani government, and Yemen embassy in Washington who replied that they will look into the issue, but no reply from either the US State Department or the Omani government. Amnesty International and activists attempted to meet with Omani officials at the Oman embassy, but the Omani ambassador refused to grant them an audience."
Amnesty wrote to the Yemeni government addressing the issue but received no reply.
The plight of these Yemeni former Guantánamo prisoners underscores the urgent need for comprehensive support systems to aid in their transition from detention to freedom. It highlights the enduring impact of prolonged detention and emphasizes the importance of upholding the rights and dignity of all individuals, irrespective of their past circumstances.
We urgently appeal to NGOs, activists, and concerned individuals to join us in advocating for the rights of these former prisoners and to pressure the Omani government and international authorities to halt their deportation. Every voice raised in support of their cause not only prevents another travesty after their ordeal in Guantánamo but also ensures a brighter future for them and their families.
Please, if you have any means to assist or contribute to their cause, do not hesitate to reach out.
Mansoor Adayfi
CAGE’s Guantánamo Project Coordinator
5.15.2024
On the recently sentenced Australian war crimes whistleblower: consortiumnews.com/2024/05/16/john-kiriakou-the-heroism-of-david-mcbride/
The Democrats voted with the Republicans to keep Mike Johnson in power, after they joined with the pro-Trump Republicans to remove his predecessor: www.wsws.org/en/articles/2024/05/16/vwxt-m16.html
Bernie Sanders says to vote for Biden despite what he has done in office, because Trump is far worse: portside.org/2024-05-15/were-pivotal-moment-american-history-we-cannot-retreat
May 15th an RFK Jr email claimed that a John Zogby Strategies poll of 26,408 likely voters, with representation from every state, says that RFK Jr can beat both Trump and Biden this fall. Other new polling has Biden losing to Trump in key states, though the media might say that early polls don't really matter and that voters are deluded, still thinking that Biden and Trump will somehow be removed before the election. RFK Jr joined Biden and Trump on the wrong side regarding the Middle Eastern war, but he is another politician on NPR's target list. They made sure to talk about his parasitic worm earlier in the week, but in 2024 they have been forced to talk about him some. They rarely mention Jill Stein, Cornel West, whoever the leading Libertarian primary candidates are, etc., though they are mentioning a few third party candidates by name this time, unlike in 2016 and 2020.
A claim in The Atlantic: www.rsn.org/001/bidens-weakness-with-young-voters-isnt-about-gaza.html
WUNC's Jay Price on US military training at "Fort Liberty" for tunnel warfare, referencing the "Viet Cong" or Vietnamese NLF, Hamas, Hezbollah, al Qaida, etc. today. Israel claimed to control the north end of the Gaza Strip, and then up popped the guerrillas and apparently rocket fire from Gaza continues. It seems like the Israeli government is cavalier about the safety of the captive Israelis when it attacks tunnels and buildings in Rafah, etc. without knowing who is inside. There is a Chinese song labelled "Tunnel Warfare." And the USA has its tunnels, where the president and the military brass can survive, for a while, if they start a nuclear war with China or Russia, or if other nuclear powers have a regional total war, while the rest of us can burn, starve, or freeze.
"YIMBYism" comes up more often, for example here: www.slowboring.com/p/housing-reform-should-be-bipartisan Is "housing reform" now a code word for "YIMBY?"
Wake Transit Plan survey: publicinput.com/l8222
Free in Raleigh on Bike to Work Day, today: raleighnc.gov/transportation/news/scooter-vendors-offer-free-rides-bike-work-day
World Turtle Day May 23rd at the Piedmont Wildlife Center in Durham.
A virtual public forum on lead and other soil contamination at five Durham parks May 22nd at 6:30pm: us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYtd-GurTwoGdM6AKPUEaQfVxDbmnZ3uR5J#/registration
From Keep Durham Beautiful:
- May 16th - Circular Triangle Lunch & Learn
- May 16th - Bike to Work Day
- May 18th - W Geer St Cleanup w/ Climate Action NC
- May 18th - Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival
- May 18th - Merrick Moore Garden Workday
- May 19th - Día de las Madres Kermes
- May 19th - Workshop: Make Your Own Beaver Tail
- May 21st - Soil: The Story of a Black Mother’s Garden
- May 22nd - Biking While Black Film Screening
- May 24th - Our Community Stories - Bragtown
- May 25th - Plant Swap @ Southwest Regional Library
- May 25th - Party for the Planet at MLS
- May 25th - East Durham Block Party with DCLT
- May 26th - Circular Triangle Clothing Swap
- May 30th - Trees for the Triangle Roots and Shoots Celebration
- June 1st - Durham Community Health Day
- June 10th - Durham Environmental Coalition Meeting
Eastern US armored alligator gar and more: www.atlasobscura.com/articles/worlds-largest-freshwater-fish\
NCSTN meeting online Friday, June 14th 3-4pm
An anti-masking bill in the NC Senate, aimed at protesters, is now going to the House, and where does the governor stand?
Protesters disrupted a UNC Board of Trustees meeting yesterday, probably during the new "Maymester" Board of Trustees meetings near the main campus in Chapel Hill have been regularly disrupted for various causes, for years Lee Roberts announced that UNC-Chapel Hill has been 'collecting information' on protesters for about a month now, and will take action at the university level, including for what is just speech, disruption, "shutting down a speaker," etc.? Anything more will be left to the courts, but what does that mean? If UNC is turning over information about its students to justice system, they would seem to be implying that the subjects should be prosecuted for some crime. It seems like Roberts is another political official who needs to be removed from power this year, but he might be given permanent office at UNC instead. I didn't much notice UNC's top governance when I was a student, rightly or not, though there were issues to bring up with the administration. I don't recall anyone being punished by UNC over student manifestations.
The Middle Eastern war
Was this Zionist car attack or terrorist attack in New York City ever reported on NPR, etc.? –www.commondreams.org/news/pro-israel-driver-protest Not bringing up "slow civil war" and "fascism" on NPR, when Israel supporters and mobs, probably ' Trumpists,' are trying to kill or beat people? It was a regular topic on NPR not long ago, or maybe I haven't been listening when they went into over the top rhetoric again. 2024 is becoming reminiscent of the late Vietnam War era or worse, though unrest and violence probably isn't as widespread as back then, yet. It also comes out that the flags of Cuba, the ROK, and many other countries were carried by the "J6" rioters for Trump.
There was also a report of a bombing attempt, over a Palestinian flag and a sign displayed at a home in Sydney, Australia, though it might have been a fake bomb; the article includes a photo of the device: www.wsws.org/en/articles/2024/05/16/hfyg-m16.html
More on the mass Zionist mob attack on UCLA: popularresistance.org/meet-the-violent-zionist-agitators-la-police-havent-arrested/
From HRW: portside.org/2024-05-15/detailing-israeli-attacks-known-aid-worker-locations
The Biden-Harris' FBI even questioned Israeli historian Ilan Pappe for two hours after arriving at the Detroit airport and took his electronic data, at the request of someone in Israel? – informationclearinghouse.blog/2024/05/16/us-ilan-pappe-interrogated-by-fbi-at-detroit-airport/11/
"...a historic amount of dissenting memos within USAID over Gaza..." – informationclearinghouse.blog/2024/05/16/us-holds-direct-complicity-in-gaza-famine-former-and-current-us-officials-say/10/
informationclearinghouse.blog/2024/05/16/what-about-the-palestinian-hostages/13/
informationclearinghouse.blog/2024/05/14/the-us-establishment-is-detached-from-reality/15/
informationclearinghouse.blog/2024/05/14/__trashed/15/
informationclearinghouse.blog/2024/05/14/who-tried-to-pull-the-rug-on-netanyahu-and-why/19/
A personal Nakba story from Sam Husseini: husseini.substack.com/p/75-years-of-israel-and-zionisms-continuing
ADC commemorates 76 years of Nakba
Washington, DC | www.adc.org | May 15, 2024 – Today we commemorate 76 years of Nakba - The Catastrophe. This day is a solemn reminder of the expulsion and dispossession of the Palestinian people from their ancestral homeland at the hands of Zionist militias and settler military forces. Decades of killing, ethnic cleansing and dehumanization.
Decades of generational compounded trauma and grief. Decades of injustice marked by massacres named after the towns and villages where they occurred; proof of the systematic plan to rid Palestine of its indigenous inhabitants: the Palestinian people. From Deir Yassin, to Tantura, to Kufur Qassem, to Lydd, to Qibya, to the current horrific genocide taking place in Gaza, this continuum of annihilation must end now! There are volumes of personal narratives passed down from parents and grandparents, many armed with the keys to their homes, grainy photos of lives stolen and heroic narratives of unfathomable brutality and injustice.
For 76 years, the assault has been as brutal on Palestinian life and history as it has been on the land itself. Olive groves cut down and water aquifers contaminated. Over 500 Palestinian villages permanently erased from maps are now covered with forests of invasive, non-native trees. The village of Al-Tira has been erased by Carmel National Park, and 6 Palestinian villages lay under Birya forest. The village of Sarkas became a garbage dump for a Zionist settlement. Where once stood the Palestinian village of Tantura, and on top of a mass grave of over 200 Palestinian, now is a parking lot for Israel’s Dor Beach.
What can never be erased are stories of Palestinian life from the river to the sea that predates the Zionist entity. On the banks of the Jordan River Palestinians had picnics, enjoying the fruit of their citrus and date trees. To the hills of Ramallah, called by the promise of the cool breeze, many went during the summer heat, where children played in the sturdy branches of mature fig trees. Shepherds roamed the Naqab’s heat, knowing each dune and hardy plant. To Gaza they went for vacations and honeymoons, surrounded by centuries of buried and unearthed rich history. Stories and memories created will forever remain in the golden sand of Yafa, the bride of the sea.
The Palestinian people continue to embrace life and persist. Their stories are a tribute to humanity and the universal quest for freedom and justice. Both the personal narratives and the keys to their homes will continue to be passed down; these are the foundations for the future of liberation for the coming generations.
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