Open Your Eyes News - Edition 17

World Food Crisis:

Biofuel use 'increasing poverty'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7472532.stm
As I have said since the very first edition. And yet more & more arable land is being used for this, and yet its supposed benefit of "reducing CO2 emissions" does nothing of the sort (irrespective of where you sit on that argument) - this is immoral and needs to be halted.

Drought-resistant wheat beats Australian heat
http://environment.newscientist.com/article/mg19826623.500-droughtresistant-wheat-beats-australian-heat.html The PR push to get the Australian's to relax their stance on GM crops continues apace by Monsanto and friends. Articles appear nearly daily in the papers in favor, often using the "It's the only way we can end the food crisis" line. Woe betide us all if we let our food supply get patented and controlled by corporations.

Nestlé asks EU to soften line on GM
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/25020ee0-4098-11dd-bd48-0000779fd2ac,Authorised=false.html?_i_location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ft.com%2Fcms%2Fs%2F0%2F25020ee0-4098-11dd-bd48-0000779fd2ac.html%3Fnclick_check%3D1&_i_referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.davidicke.com%2Fcontent%2Fblogcategory%2F30%2F82%2F&nclick_check=1
As I said in the last edition. Problem (world food crisis) > Reaction (how will we increase food production) > Solution (GM Crops) How the previously unpopular can become the "answer to our prayers" when it goes through a corporation's PR department.


Health:

Mobile phones 'more dangerous than smoking'
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-wellbeing/health-news/mobile-phones-more-dangerous-than-smoking-or-asbestos-802602.html
As I've said before, what does this cancer expert know. The Top 20 telecoms firms in the world (combined turnover $800+ billion) I'm sure know what is best for us all, and have our best interests at heart....

Is fructose fuelling the obesity epidemic?
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg19826624.200-is-fructose-fuelling-the-obesity-epidemic.html
Simple answer: Yes. Refer to previous OYE editions to understand more about the dark history of fructose and its evil man-made brother, aspartame, in our food.

Tobacco giant 'breaks youth code'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7475259.stm
Hardly a surprise bearing in mind their history but at the end of the day acting no differently to any other corporation (e.g.: GM foods, mobile phones, pharmaceutical companies etc). They cannot act in any other way (legally) other than in pathological self interest. No morality is involved in decision making, and where it is, it is again for self protection nothing more, nothing less. This is not a conspiracy, this is psychology. Our civilization has created a multitude of monsters and the only thing that protects us is a strong democracy, which is why the agenda is always to roll that back. One world government & currency isn't going to be for your benefit.

TV chef loses Tesco chicken vote
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7476829.stm
They are a corporation and such a move, though beneficial to the health of customers and the animals, is going to cost money and therefore reduce profits. As their motto goes "Ever little helps".

Suicides linked to phone masts
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/49330/Suicides-linked-to-phone-masts- Increasingly bombarding our bodies with micro-waves and radio waves. Just like pre-1950's when it was obvious to even casual observers that smoking wasn't exactly great for people, and yet the proof was kept back for years. In years to come don't be at all surprised when the health effects of our passion for mobile phones become official.

The Dark Side of Sunscreens
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/26/AR2008062603224.html
Have you ever wondered why there is such a clear correlation between the use of sun creams and skin cancers? Cover up in the sun. Don't rub cancer causing chemicals onto your skin.


Environment:

Food prices threatened by silence of the bees
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/2206897/Food-prices-threatened-by-silence-of-the-bees.html
This is an worldwide environmental disaster of monumental proportions, and yet all the media, politicians and green lobby talk about is climate - something that has always happened throughout history.

North Pole - No Ice
http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=3f16c255-7c20-4024-a02d-6a93d8aca59c
Yes the climate is changing. Yes this hasn't happened in recent human history. But it is not unprecedented. In the early 14th century mariners were able to circumnavigate Greenland, something you can't do currently. Climate change has always happened (Read some of the quotes on the side bar from historians about previous rapid climate change. It is not however caused by CO2 (that rises because of climate change, not the other way round). It is the sun. However while we all fret over CO2 real environmental disasters go un-noticed, corporations make more money (nuclear power etc) and Governments make more money (carbon taxes etc) and scientists who go off message lose their funding. McCarthyism anyone?

UK plans big wind power expansion
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/7474592.stm
Profiteering from climate change.


Science & Technology:

Earth 'not at risk' from collider
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7468966.stm It's all very well concluding that statistically it is as safe, but what happens if one of the boffins forgot to carry the 3 when doing his sums.....oh well we'll never know because if it does go pear shaped it'll all be over very quickly.

Could nuclear warheads go off 'like popcorn'?
http://technology.newscientist.com/article/mg19826625.000-could-nuclear-warheads-go-off-like-popcorn.html
Its not just the nut jobs with their fingers "on the button" we need to be fearful of. It’s the bureaucrats pushing paper and scrimping on expense that cause the next nuclear explosion.


Civil Liberties:

Sarkozy tightens his grip over French state TV
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/jun/27/france.television
Three years after Tony Blair emasculated the BBC over the Kelly Affair, freedom of the media slowly dies in France too

Seizing Laptops and Cameras Without Cause
http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnews/seizinglaptopsandcameraswithoutcause A message to independent journalists (who haven't been killed by "friendly fire"). Just look at what kind of societies evolved throughout history after the academics and journalists have been brought "on message". IT IS HAPPENING NOW. SPEAK UP WHILE YOU STILL CAN.

The Bush administration now wants to watch you from the sky
http://www.newsweek.com/id/143257
Meanwhile in the US the government is coming up with new ways to monitor the population.

Sizeable minority in U.S. condone torture
http://africa.reuters.com/world/news/usnN25481397.html
Slowly but surely the general public is conditioned into thinking that torture is okay.

CCTV cameras with an ear for trouble
http://news.scotsman.com/uk/CCTV-cameras-with--an.4214414.jp
As well as see and talk at you, Big Brother can now hear you too. The next generation of CCTV brings Orwell's nightmare vision fully into the realms of reality.

Plight of the Roma: echoes of Mussolini
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/plight-of-the-roma-echoes-of-mussolini-855436.html
A major European nation. A leader who has strong links to the mafia and controls the media, troops on the streets, and finger printing of ethnic minorities for "their protection". Sounds like an all too familiar a tale from history, and yet it is happening right now.


Finance & Economics:

Oil price still near record $142
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7476910.stm
The plan has always been $200+ per barrel, caused by disruption of global supplies (e.g.: switching off Iraq) and changing the public's perception on how much they should be paying (e.g.: guilt over "man made" global warming). That way profits are (and stay) considerably higher than the dog days of pre-911 when prices were $20 per barrel. Remember it is not about gaining oil supplies worldwide to keep prices low, it is so that you can control supply and therefore keep prices high.

Food prices drive China inflation
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7395416.stm
And that inflation will be exported to the rest of the world due to the artificially low level of their currency and the massive impact of their consumer goods the west purchases. Time to put your savings into gold.

Barclays warns of a financial storm as Federal Reserve's credibility crumbles
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?xml=/money/2008/06/27/cnbarclays127.xml
Remember historically the private banks that own the Federal Reserve and the Bank of England (Yes you read that right - they are not owned by the state) never lose during these downturns. They always come out bigger and richer than before by picking up bargains amongst the chaos that they have created. It is as though they own the casino, made up the rules of the game, and fixed the decks just to be certain.

Gold back above $US900
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23930510-20142,00.html
You just watch that price go northwards as the economic turmoil continues, particularly when the US starts bombing Iran.


Democracy & International Diplomacy:

'Over 100 MPs' in multi-million tax dodge over second homes
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1030239/Over-100-MPs-multi-million-tax-dodge-second-homes.html
Just when you need your Members of Parliament to do their utmost to protect and strengthen democracy, they go and further discredit themselves by getting caught with their snouts in the trough.

Senior Labour officials 'to escape prosecution' over secret donors row
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/labour/2200728/Senior-Labour-officials-'to-escape-prosecution'-over-secret-donors-row.html
And yet again the controls in place to protect us fail.

Briton loses high court bid to block EU treaty
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23922184-2703,00.html
And so the single European super-state (and eventually the world government) gets another step closer.

EU Constitution author says referendums can be ignored
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/2200026/EU-Constitution-author-says-referendums-can-be-ignored.html
How dare the little people upset the grand plan for a state called Europe (which is a stepping stone to the ultimate goal - one world government)? Democracy? What democracy?

Gore Vidal - On the U.S. and the Bush presidency
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/newsfull.php?newid=123750
Why on earth would the USA's foremost man of letters for the last half a century believe that the US is no longer a democracy and 9-11 was in effect a coup d'état? I wonder.


The War on Terror:

How To Lose Iraq
http://www.newsweek.com/id/143674
The intention was never to "win". Chaos is great for business if you are in the armaments, reconstruction or oil industries.

Afghanistan drug trade hits $4 billion a year
http://www.theage.com.au/world/afghanistan-drug-trade-hits-4-billion-a-year-20080627-2y43.html
Didn't we go in there to stop this (oh and catch Osama)? It was always to build a pipeline (see last edition), and anyway the CIA used to have a nice little sideline in drugs didn't they back in Vietnam?


The Next War:

Israel has a year to stop Iran bomb, warns ex-spy
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/2212934/Israel-has-a-year-to-stop-Iran-bomb,-warns-ex-spy.html
The daily worldwide bombardment of articles softening public opinion up for the inevitable continues apace. The question is will it happen in August (while the world watches the Olympics) or between Novembers US election and the inauguration in January (so the McCain or Obama don't have to get the blame)?

G-8 Calls for Iran Diplomacy, Damping Speculation of Attack
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601082&sid=aPdLgWSAZ3LA&refer=canada
But don't take my word on when the bombing will start. John Bolton is one of Dick Cheney's closest confidants so I suspect he should know (see the 2nd paragraph of the article).



Quotation of the week:

"The Bush administration's desire (in 2007) to give India....nuclear fuel and technology despite it not signing the NPT (Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty) and despite the fact that under the deal only 14 of its 22 nuclear reactors are subject to inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency - sparked criticism in Europe" - Hmmm I wonder why? Anything to do with the double standards when demanding Iraq and now Iran's (possible) nuclear programs are subject to inspection under the NPT perchance??

Rivals - How the power struggle between China, India & Japan will shape our next decade,
by Bill Emmott (editor of the Economist 1993-2006)

Open Your Eyes News - Edition 16

Health & Science:

14 die of cancer in seven years living next to phone mast with highest radiation levels in UK
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1027699/Families-living-shadow-phone-mast-blame-14-cancer-deaths-just-seven-years.html
Don't be at all surprised if later generations look on us with the same incredulous look as we look on previous generations who were led to believe that smoking was good for them

Why Brain Surgeons Are Avoiding Cell Phones
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/06/19/why-brain-surgeons-are-avoiding-cell-phones.aspx?source=nl
What would brain surgeons know about such things? I'm sure the top 20 telecom companies who have combined revenues of more than $869 billion know much better.

Caesarean babies at higher asthma risk
http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=2&ContentID=80143
But C-sections are so convenient for the surgeons who can book them into the diary well in advance and therefore not upset pressing engagements. An increased risk of asthma, trauma to the baby, and invasive surgery to the mother are a small price to pay. I mean what does nature know anyway?

23 people die and 123 are hospitalised after being given flu vaccine
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1026539/23-people-die-123-hospitalised-given-flu-vaccine.html
The only people who benefit from flu vaccines are the pharmaceutical companies that make them. Just look around your work place and watch how many people who have the shot then go down with a really bad bout of flu.


Environment:

Could Waning Sunspots Bring On New Ice Age?
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,366061,00.html Wait as second I thought that climate change was all our fault due to CO2 (including that we exhale by breathing), that it had never happened before, and the sun had little or no impact at all?

World Population to reach 7 Billion in 2012
http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=2&ContentID=80132
The question is were the eugenicists right and this is unsustainable or can we get it under control and mature as a civilization so not to seek control over the resources of others?

UK must think again on growing GM crops, says cabinet minister
http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/news/display.var.2350876.0.UK_must_think_again_on_growing_GM_crops_says_cabinet_minister.php
As I predicted a few weeks ago, the answer to the problem that is the world food crisis is........ yes that old favorite GM crops. A classic case of problem > reaction > solution. What was once a difficult sell is now spun to be the answer to our prayers.......let's just not mention the ethical issues, all the potential side effects such as infertility, suicide genes and the mysterious death of the world bee populations.

Gore confronted with inconvenient truth of power bill http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23892646-11949,00.html
Do as I say not as I do. Just remember how much money Al and his mates are making from this. Do you really think any government would ever be able to sell you the idea of being taxed on your CO2 emissions (including the air you exhale) otherwise.


Politics & Democracy:

Police stocking up on "non-lethal" rifles before DNC http://www.coloradoindependent.com/view/police-stocking-up
Expecting trouble? I think one of the comments afterwards summed it up " “Less-lethal” is the proper term. Deaths DO result from the use of these weapons."

Silvio Berlusconi suspends his own trial
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/2152711/Silvio-Berlusconi-suspends-his-own-trial.html
Democracy in action European style.

Hostile approach to the media http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23897344-7582,00.html
This approach worked very well under Tony Blair in the UK for a decade. Bully and cajole the press and they are much less likely to go "off message" regarding your agenda. And if they do resist just remember what Blair did to the BBC senior management with the "Kelly Affair"

Ireland under Franco-German pressure to hold new EU vote
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/ireland/article4187792.ece
Erosion of National Sovereignty Part 1: There's an old saying in Brussels. If at first you don't get the "right" result, keeping asking the same question until you do.

South American Union Will Also Have Common Currency
http://www.naturalnews.com/023480.html
Erosion of National Sovereignty Part 2: The agenda is eventually for a One World Government and one currency - much better for business and control after-all.

McCain seeks stronger NAFTA ties
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Canada/1063291.html
Erosion of National Sovereignty Part 3: North American Union is the plan, it is coming, and nothing will stand in its way.

The African Union to create a Common Agricultural Market by 2009
http://www.lesafriques.com/en/africa/the-african-union-to-create-a-common-agricultural-market-by-2009.html?Itemid=35?articleid=0121
Erosion of National Sovereignty Part 4: Anything that helps the African poor has got to be a good thing, but I fear that if history has taught us anything about Africa, it is that the poor seldom benefit from these things.

Rudd APEC idea gets short shrift http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Sunday/Focus/2273260/Article/index_html
Erosion of National Sovereignty Part 5: Only in Asia is the process of intergration dragging. Then again getting the only European on the block to run with the idea was never going to work was it. Now who shall we get to drive this great enterprise?....watch this space.


Science & Technology:

Mosquitoes Bred to Die
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121322470124365939.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
Now I don't want to rain on W.H.O's & Bill Gates' parade (Bill is paying for the research) but man-kinds record in playing god isn't a great one. What will the effects be of the eradication of an entire species from the ecosystem? And what other mutations may occur in the mosquitoes when out of a controlled environment of a lab?


International Relations:

Castro condemns EU's 'hypocrisy'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7466943.stm
To be fair on old Fidel he has got a point in the pot calling the kettle black, what with the new British 42 day detention without trial, and the new EU illegal immigrant laws. However you can hardly feel sorry for him.

Global war deaths three times 'more than thought'
http://news.theage.com.au/world/global-war-deaths-more-than-thought-20080620-2ttd.html
Yes, war is bloody awful, except for business. Don't get me wrong you may feel the economic pinch, but don't for one second ever think that those that pull the strings in the banks, the armaments industry, the resources sector and the media don't benefit financially. Just look at the vast sums that the Iraq war has cost & the profits that have been made as a result(see previous editions)


Civil Liberties:

Deal Reached in Congress to Rewrite Rules on Wiretapping
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/20/washington/20fisacnd.html?_r=3&oref=slogin&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
The "totalitarian tip-toe" in action. One more reduction in civil liberties in the US and one step closer to a totalitarian state.

Senate to Take Up Measures to Aid Homeowners
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/17/AR2008061702186.html
Sounds innocuous enough doesn't it? However as always with legislation the devil is in the detail. Deep down in the small print however is a provision that requires nearly Every Online Purchase, Sale, And Credit Card Transaction To Be Reported To The Federal Government. Tip Toe.....

Critics Demand Resignation of U.N. Official Who Wants Probe of 9/11 'Inside Job' Theories
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,369122,00.html
And quite rightly so. How dare he have independent thought that is in contradiction to the truth as told to you by Rupert Murdoch, Dubya and the CIA who have never told fibs before and always have your best interests at heart? Well at least no-one else will make this mistake again.

France to ban illegal downloaders from using the internet under three-strikes rule
http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article4165519.ece
I know, lets ban anyone who doesn't read official website too, that way we can control information. Now how can we squeeze that into the next legislative program? Make the most of the free internet. What is happening in China will come to the west sooner or later, and this is how they will do it.

One-third of people shot by Taser need medical attention: probe
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/06/17/taser-injuries.html
These are not "non-lethal" weapons, and yet they are being handed out like candy to police forces worldwide, and officers can use them with a lot more impunity that a regular firearm.

Rights commission ‘remedy’ flawed
http://www.albertalocalnews.com/reddeeradvocate/opinion/Rights_commission_remedy_flawed.html
Some Canadians at least are beginning to resist the erosion of their freedom of speech

U.S. School District to Begin Microchipping Students
http://www.naturalnews.com/023445.html
The last spate of "lets tag everyone" articles appeared worldwide over a 2 month period in late 2007. Expect another spate of the coming months as you are conditioned to become more accustomed to the idea of having chip for your own safety or that of your loved ones.

'Big Brother' snooping law stirs outrage in Sweden http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article4150152.ece
Remind me, since when has Sweden had a terrorist problem, real or imagined? It hasn't, however it's leaders are keen to be taking a lead so to set a benchmark for the rest as EU integration progresses.


The War on Terror:

Iraq Oil Rush
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/22/opinion/22sun1.html?ref=opinion
As I have said before, the reason for the invasion and permanent military presence in Iraq (58 US bases - see last edition) is not to take the oil. It is to control, and especially limit the supply of oil from the country which now has the biggest known reserves, Iraq. That will hinder the Chinese, and keep prices artificially high in a period of rising demand. Though Jo Public will be adversely affected, the big US & UK oil firms and their friends is Saudi will be thanking their lucky stars the days of $20 a barrel will never return

Afghanistan growing drug trade will prolong conflict 'for years to come' http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/afghanistan/2100476/Afghanistan-death-toll-100-Drug-trade-will-prolong-conflict-'for-years-to-come'.html
As I have pointed out before it is an amazing coincidence that as soon as the CIA arrive drug production soared. Just as it did in Vietnam with the infamous "Air America" CIA drug running operation.

Terrorists will target Afghan pipeline, expert says http://www.canada.com/topics/news/world/story.html?id=d318d840-e078-4c8f-a1d4-ed65f48be901
The main reason why NATO are here in the first place was never to capture Osama. It always was the pipeline, especially after those naughty Taliban types renaged on the deal they signed in Texas in 2000 for the US to build it.


The Next War:

Israel trains for possible Iran strike
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23897098-2703,00.html
Even if Israel does do the deed on behalf of the USA they would still need to fly directly across Iraqi airspace which is patrolled by...the USA. Therefore they would need to USA's approval to pull it off and start WW3. I suspect the Iranians may have just worked this out too when they retaliate.


Quote of the week:

"Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never has, and it never will"
Frederick Douglass, 19th century US civil rights campaigner and an escaped slave.