Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff landed midday today in Accra, the capital of Ghana, a country of about 33 million people slightly larger than Michigan on Africa’s west coast.
This would be an excellent time to reintroduce organic farming to Africa rather than commercial fertilizer. The Kochs and other big fertilizer companies are using ever stronger weed killers because weeds become immune to the mixtures. Rachel Carson was right. Let’s try to do better and not export killer technology.
Thank you, Gigi. I support Green America, too. And Rachel Carson is a national, international hero. Even though the chemical companies fiercely opposed her. It was a long journey for her to be recognized by some in the scientific community. Just like today, the corporate world and even with a growing environmental movement, Monsanto and Dupont, continue to export banned chemicals to other countries that don’t have strict laws. And to block laws here. How many know her work inspired “a grassroots environmental movement that led to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency? And that she was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Carter.” What a contrast to tfg who wreaked havoc on the EPA and gifted the same award to Rush Limbaugh and Congressman Nunes.
Trump and Limbaugh in the same sentence as the "Presidential Medal of Freedom" cheapens that award I am sorry to say. Just another indication that some stuff just cannot be made up.
As for cheapening the award consider the source. We had a president who was given the power to give an award to the likes of Limbaugh - it says far more about tump than about Limbaugh.
I agree that the Presidential Medal to Rush Limbaugh is highly inappropriate.
However, Rush Limbaugh's gigantic impact on the United States is neither or joke or insignificant.
He ushered in the new (ok, old) politics of denigration, lies, name calling and hate. But, that's not what makes him significant. That was kind of always a background.
Limbaugh is significant because a huge fraction of America tuned in to his AM radio broadcasts and then bought in to them ushering in Trump and our modern divide.
I had a guy that I worked with (not an engineer, one of those many employees at Xerox whose relatives got him a job there), who adopted the term "Femi-Nazi". In the workplace.
For a short time he was my "project manager". Now that was truly funny.
Good explanation as to why trump might recognize Limbaugh with an award, but honoring someone who unearthed the worst of society - not so sure nationally recognizing Limbaugh is such a good idea. He got far more recognition than he and his message deserved.
Limbaugh absolutely got more recognition than he deserved, but my gosh, he blathered on for HOURS everyday to a huge audience of people who thought it was ok to be disrespectful to pretty much everyone but themselves. Rush Limbaugh did nothing to make anyone's life better or improve the country. He just fattened his wallet and garnered attention for himself.
Indeed, Irene. The contrast you accurately point out is jarring. It would be laughable, if it weren't so painful, to even put the Massive Maven of Mendacity in the same sentence as Rachel Carson.
Exporting these horrible pesticides to other countries is a crime. Birds and other wildlife know no borders, and it saddens me to think about the spring migrants who spend the winter in central and south America where these chemicals are used. And neonics may be legal, but they shouldn't be -- anywhere!
Since Bayer bought Monsanto, that would be the stock not to own. If such a sale did take place, it would just increase the stake held by institutional investors like Vanguard and BlackRock. Better to keep the stock and use one's voting rights to change the company. It's challenging and frustrating, but it can work.
Roundup is the chemical weed killer, people killer, that should have been banned decades ago. The google search is a mixed and confusing choice of pro and con research and opinions. Some compare it to
household vinegar, that it’s safer. There are injury lawyers who have websites offering information and defense for victims of use. Other countries have banned it. There are a lot of dangerous chemicals still in circulation or used with warnings. For years many schools and park departments routinely sprayed Roundup. Since it’s still legally sold I don’t know that status. However I do know people who worked in the recreation department in the 1970s that had sprayed community lawns and gardens who suffered or died from Cancer.
2017, the United States Environmental Protection Agency issued a draft report that concluded glyphosate, the main ingredient in Roundup, is safe and “not likely” to cause cancer in humans. The EPA is still reviewing data on the herbicide to determine whether it is a harmful product.
California courts have taken up Roundup lawsuits over glyphosate exposure, and a jury in 2018 awarded a multimillion-dollar verdict to a man who blamed the chemical for his cancer.
It is indeed a lot of power, and, in general, not used for long term positive purposes. Roundup is more nuanced than its detractors would like to recognize, and, like many drugs and chemicals, properly used it can be helpful. As with many things that are potentially helpful, however, when abused, as it frequently is, it is massively degrading to the environment and becomes a danger.
Yes, and yesterday I was reading about a man and organization dedicated to using Trump like rallies and revival meetings , funded clandestinely by the fossil fuels industry, to oppose wind and solar energy placements on the local level using his cultish followers to disrupt town hall meetings and zoning commissions. And if that doesn't work, to threaten violance and vandalism on sites and people. This Manis fellow has been circulating around rural Michigan Counties.
That last sentence just reawakened my horror at the contrast. What a different world we could live in if repubs had not cheated their way to power in more elections than we had a clue about at the time. But now we know.
Gigi, yesterday while walking my dog, I heard loud honking above me and looked up to see a formation of Trumpeter Swans flying by. These giant, graceful birds were among the most endangered species in the country because of DDT, literally down to just a few hundred birds left at one point. Now, I have the privilege of seeing them daily- love the fact that they are a harbinger of Spring! In that same area, I also saw a pair of eagles, which were also highly endangered just 20 years ago. Now, Minnesota has the largest number of nesting pairs of bald eagles in the Contiguous 48. (I saw my first wild bald eagle on January 1, 2000. Seemed like a good omen!)
Rachel Carson’s passion to protect cost her her career. But her straight up factual presentations of the dangers of pesticides like DDT led to big changes. Exporting organic farming technology, along with renewable energy tech is the smart move. Let’s hope we continue to support democracy around the world by exporting our best planet protecting ideas, instead of more fossil fueled dangers.
Here is a link to a great organization which is doing boots on the ground work sharing sustainable, low impact agricultural practices and techniques with people in Africa. They also have lots of classes, learning and volunteer opportunities at their home farm in Michigan, as well as being an excellent and ethical organization for donations of money, will will be put to well-documented good use!
WOW - interesting thoughts, Meredith. I will need to investigate your link, but the thought dawned on me: Wouldn’t it be cool for “Progressive/Green American Agriculture” to adopt Sibling Farms in Africa? AND, revitalizing the Peace Corps?
This is a monumentally important Biden-Harris initiative! [Hand over heart while listening to our National Anthem, unlike the Sh*thole FORMER President.]
Peace Corps is active in Africa, and they teach “green” agricultural practices. We’re proud of our son, an agricultural engineer trained in the “belly of the beast" in schools funded by Cargill and Monsanto, who spent three years teaching regenerative agriculture in Togo, West Africa.
And support organic agriculture here in America and nontoxic manufacturing. Green America and Environmental Working Group (EWG) are two groups that have a long record of working to protect and educate the public.
Oh, yes, please! Do you, Gigi, beyond writing to Jon Tester (our only farmer in Congress) or asking an Idaho friend (?) to write, have an “in” to working on making organic farming the “fertilizer” we promote for Africa? In addition, we can write the Secretary for Agriculture or to the Agriculture Committee, hoping it isn’t corrupted by Koch money (small chance).
Thank you for having the FIRST REPLY with the most important issue facing all of us in this climate change world!
Actually, my Senator from Michigan is the head of the Ag. Committee!. She is Sen.Debbie Stabenow. She is definitely a organic farming advocate. Unfortunately, she is retiring at the end of the year. So far, the people who have said that they are running to replace her are not farming centered. Alyssa Slotkin and I don't know who in the Mich. Republican Party.
Since the Michigan Repuglican Party is so Trumpy Crazy, I can't imagine anyone these people get to run in what is left of their party, can win in a general election in the next election. Unlike nationally, the mainstream Republican politicians have already abandoned their party in the last election and signed a letter in support of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. That included every past Republican Governor and their descendents.
I used to cover Utah, a huge refuge for “ nutraceutical” companies due to Orrin Hatch’s fierce opposition to regulation of the industry. A customer, whose name I won’t reveal, asked me to test a few of their supplements so he could propose buying a mass spectrometer. When I gave him the results, over lunch of course as is required to do business in Utah then, he actually cried. There were significant levels of DDT and arochlors in all his products. They contained herbs he said were sourced in China and mostly India.
I thought after regulation after hatch’s death that had changed.
The customers didn’t buy the instrument. Management felt if they changed source it would be expensive, and if they tested and it was later discovered how toxic their products were they’d be in legal trouble. Ignorance makes you happy. Knowledge will make you cry.
Much of that DDT is sold in Africa. Unfortunately, the loosening of export controls on DDT was because of the surge of death by malaria outbreaks that were drastic and terrible upsurge of mosquito swarms when spraying programs were stopped. I don't usually defend poison products, but they tried other things to control the mosquitoes and nothing worked.
I remember reading about this in one of my dad's medical journals year's ago. There was massive debates at the time.
Louise, if you haven't read 1493 by Charles Mann , you should (and 1491, it's prequel, for that matter). If they are spraying DDT for malarial mosquitoes, then it must be for the white population as one of the major reasons for the importation of black people to the Americas was for their genetic immunity to the mosqito that causes malaria, an insect that was killing the employers and Indigenous slaves in unsupportable numbers.
I did read 1491 but not the other. I do know that cycle cell anemia is the genetic adaptation that renders one immune to malaria, but not all black people in Africa have it. Also they use DDT in other places in the world for a check on other mosquito born diseases like outbreaks of yellow fever.
It has been a long time since I read the article, but it is just one of those trivia facts that stuck in the back of my mind. My head is full of unrelated facts of all sorts. I wish I could figure out why some random facts stick and some don't!! I am a pretty good partner in Trivial Pursuit, but often can't find my keys!!!
Thanks for telling me about the sequel to 1491. I found that book absolutely fascinating!
I just finished a novel, The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson, which is about Dahkota women saving seeds from about 1862 to the early 2000s. It is also about keeping culture. At one point the farmer husband makes a deal with a seed pesticide company much to the dismay of his Native American wife. I lived for three and half years in Sierra Leone, three of them upcountry in the south in a town called Pujuhun (pepper place). At that time there were little plots of rice. Now my understanding is that part of that area has become a plantation of some sort although I can't remember now what they grow. The soil is not particularly good and I can imagine all sorts of chemicals and fertilizer being used. Sierra Leone's most famous export is diamonds which is another story. In our own garden we are organic and use horticultural vinegar for weeds and good old hand pulling for those in the raised beds. It is 28 this am and I am waiting to plant early crops in the garden. I do have garlic planted (last fall) and peas. We'll see. We had snow in the hills this last weekend.
Thank you. We do our best. In the NYT book review section this weekend was an essay on belief and prophecy. The author mentioned some books including Erdrich's A Plague of Doves and Morrison's A Mercy. They are both on my list to get along with a scholarly book about Biblical prophesy. So much to read, so little time. My current read is Origin, A Genetic History of the Americas. The author mentions treating Native Americans with respect which, of course, wasn't the case in the past. She also takes the reader inside an ancient DNA lab and all the protocols to keep things sterile and uncontaminated. Oh my.
YW, Michele. I read that same essay in the NYT first thing yesterday morning. Well, first after making coffee and feeding the always demanding cats. Looks like the first of an occasional series by a woman named Ayana Mathis. Most thoughtful piece. "Origin" sounds quite interesting as well.
I cannot recommend Louise Erdrich highly enough. She is truly a national treasure. I recently read "The Night Watchman" which I believe is her most recent novel. A truly masterpiece of a novel, with the title character loosely based upon her own Chippewa grandfather, to call it achingly beautiful would not be an exaggeration. I fell in love with the lead character, the inimitable Pixie/Patrice.
Hmmmm... never occurred to me to use for ant control. Perhaps using it to erase ant trails? I use a paste, Grant's, that works like a charm. In my case, the ants have come in from behind the electric outlets in the kitchen so I take off the cover and use a toothpick to smear the paste around the edges of the opening. The ants disappear "overnight". Haven't even had an incursion for several years, maybe the paste was taken back to the nest and wiped it out? There's an applicator for larger jobs but so far my infestations have been limited to the outlets.
Yes! There's a great book about successful alternative farming method called "Lentil Underground." That it happened in Montana was kind of mind- blowing.
I wonder if there are farm collectives in regions within African countries that can work on alternatives to Russian fertilizers? Help keep people at home in their rural areas, well-fed and able to attend school. It shouldn't just be a dream, but a reality.
Brilliant and spot-on. In helping? First do no harm. Thanks for the reminder about Rachel Carson. You are so wise to bring this up. This is an important message to promulgate! Think you should write about it and post it somewhere. I’d repost!
Thank you all for your strong response against overuse of pesticides and fertilizers. It’s so gratifying to know that you consider this a very important issue. It’s important and easy to contact Biden, Harris, (whitehouse.gov) the EPA, Congress, and state and local authorities and the media to let them know your concerns. Special thanks to the readers who recommended resources and shared their experiences. What an amazing group Heather has created! Let’s go!
Several comments talk about the US's neglect of Africa - but Peace Corps has been active in Africa since it began in the 1960s. I spent three years in Burkina (Haute Volta at the time) in the 1970s as a PC volunteer. It makes me sad to see what has been happening there. Bravo to the Biden Administration for stepping up US involvement in Africa.
I spend three years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Sierra Leone, 1965-1968. It changed my life. Also I met my husband in the PC and we were married in Freetown.
I found the main part of your letter very heartening. I’m glad we are trying to strengthen relations with African countries—it’s one of those times (I hope) when our interests and theirs coincide. Your last paragraph, however, really frightens me. Trump gets worse and worse. He has done such damage to our country—really, to everything and everyone he touches—and the description of his rally is terrifying.
Yes, that last paragraph! He's now overtly Hitlerian: can the GOP see that at last? and do something while they can? If they can. Hand over heart and footage of the insurrection? That's professional. Like the choice of Waco. I wonder who's coaching him now. I remember one of his very first public appearances as "president": everyone standing to attention as the anthem began, hand on heart, but he just stood to attention, radiant with pride. Melania, without moving her head, gave him a quick flick, and he quickly put his hand on what passes symbolically for his heart.
Alas, the official stance of the "Republican" Party has totally embraced Trump's authoritarian leanings, support wavering only with indications that Trump might be losing his appeal. Certainly Trump is not the only problem:
From the Guardian: "Marjorie Taylor Greene visited defendants charged in 2021’s deadly January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol and championed them as “political prisoners”. Greene high-fived the detainees and shook their hands, according to the Associated Press. As the tour group was leaving, the defendants chanted 'Let’s go Brandon!' ”
This is not the GOP, anymore. They are marching toward fascistic government that will replace what was established in 1787. We must admit this, it is obvious now that this is more than a fluke that will soon pass.
Jack Roe. you are absolutely correct. This is a dangerous time for our country. Subtlety was never Trump's style. It was always obvious where he was headed. Why does that not bother the GOP?
I rarely do without the quotation marks. It "Ministry of Truth" level irony. I my 1950s youth the "GOP" used to call itself "The Party of Lincoln", which I have not heard much about since. The still cling to Lincoln's positive reputation, but not his thoughts or values. Government that is truly of, by and for "the people", I mean ALL of the people, is exactly what they fight against on a daily basis.
"They had things, levels of voting that if you’d ever agreed to it, you’d never have a Republican elected in this country again,” Trump said during an appearance on Fox & Friends. “They had things in there about election days and what you do and all sorts of clawbacks. They had things that were just totally crazy and had nothing to do with workers that lost their jobs and companies that we have to save.” - DJT
"Truth in Advertising" would be "The Anti-Republican Party". Read closely Reagan's rhetoric was never anti-government. but rather anti-democratic, with a small "d". They pine for a cunning authoritarian tyrant, certainly not a republic. "The Authoritarian Party" is even closer to the point.
I like that. I understand that Trump wants power and money, probably doesn't care about anything else. But these "Republicans"--what do they want? Power, yes, but to what end? Do they assume that they will be the winners in an authoritarian state? Do they just want power to make this a White, Christian, male-dominated country, assuming that that will make life better for them? What about the women who follow Trump?
I notice that tyrants like to have an untouchable class that anyone can abuse without consequences for the abuser, so the serfs see a share of status in a socially stratified society. Who are the people who get pushed around the most? It's part of the formula for absolute power, exerted by the few.
Delusional “leaders” are dangerous. Could it be that The GOP is losing its mind and its focus? Is that happening before our eyes, in broad daylight, so it is irrefutable?
Tipping Points. As a US Navy boilerman, I spent time in South Africa (Mozambique) on a spy ship. USS Georgetown during Vietnam. One of my jobs was keeping the ship on even keel at all times. Avoiding list to port or starboard is critically important. If a sailing vessel were to list too far, well, over she might go. RePutinCons have clearly reached their collective tipping points! Over they have gone. Capsized! And, in doing so, they have spilled out all semblances of sanity and clarity of thought or reason. Theirs is the lazy, easy, "whatever" view of life well-lived. Uncurious, and perfectly happy have a Dictator Daddy of any stripe to make decisions for them, they whistle past the graveyard. May the autocrats continue to atrophy while we look on, knowing there are far more of us than there are of them. Peace. Vote Peace!
I’ve been working on a mental image of today’s Republican Party as they wander around their Maze/Quagmire. “Geographically,” I have “The Nomads” - former Republican leaders & politicians (Michael Steele, David Jolly, Liz Cheney, Adam Kinzinger, etc) who seem to cling to Conservative Values, but are edging away. Next are the “Egotistical Entities” ) Mitt Romney, Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, etc.) who can’t find their Courage. Then, the “Soulless Ones” - Chris Christy, Mike Pence, etc.) And, finally, (going around the compass), I have the “Waco Whackos” - (easy to identify).
I, for one, do not POLITICALLY fear a DIVIDED Republican Party. Bill Maher, for one, believes that a “Stormy Daniels” indictment will skyrocket Trump into the nomination for 2024. I say, “Good, let him run in 2024. Let’s see if the Nomads and the Egomaniacal Ones, and the Soulless Ones support him.”
It is incredibly rich to me to hear Trump and several House Republicans to decry the judicial investigations against Trump as displaying 2 tiers of justice - what ?! - and political prosecutions - what ?! Then they complain that this doesn’t happen in the US, only in authoritarian regimes like Russia, Turkey and Hungary - what?! Isn’t this exactly what they are calling for? They are always praising Putin, Erdogan, and Orban.Have they forgotten Bill Barr and his interference in investigations? Man, it beggars belief ....
I am glad Heather pointed out we are increasing ties with African countries, too often "left behind".
Yesterday we attend the air show at the huge USAF base in Tucson. The National Anthem was played twice and people put hands on hearts. It occurred to me that it would be very different in Waco TX (the only possible similarity was a large man wearing a Tshirt with the words "If you outlaw my guns, I will be an outlaw"). It was wonderful to view various AF planes out for display on the tarmac and in the air. I was amazed by the F-35 manoeuvres, piloted by a young woman pilot who had already seen combat. Those planes can do anything which is good since some F-35s intercepted Russian MiGs recently. After yesterday, I am pleased that Vermont has 20, for "readiness".
The evidence is pretty clear that at least 30% of regular Republican voters do not embrace this authoritarian support for the insurrection! Trump and MTG are now linked in the Main Street media portrayal of the Republican Party. So the political crazies and the insurrectionists are now a semi-official team representing the party nationwide and particularly in the eight or so “battleground states.” This is terrible for America but it sharpens our response at the polls in November 24. This political dichotomy should motivate us all to get off our butts and really work to protect our democracy.
I suggest, if I may, real support by each and every one of us for nonpartisan voter registration of young voters. That is the very best and most effective mechanism. TurnupUS led by extraordinarily talented and dedicated Harvard students is now recruiting high school leaders at 2,000 schools in competitive congressional districts and they need the support of all of us at www.turnup.us/. Thank you.
I very strongly suspect that the support for the anti-democratic agenda of Republicans is soft for some substantial percentage of their number, and yet they still vote for its agenda. he official embrace of the insurrection as "legitimate politcal discourse" and the smearing and condemnation of Cheney and Kinzinger was one of the more vivid lines in the moral landscape, not to mention the obvious theft of human rights by partisan voting restrictions and gerrymandering continues to evoke only feeble protest in the ranks. Yet history shows that the crowd is fickle, and Democrats are showing more spunk.
With every new generation I hear the hope expressed that the young will save us from what we can't or won't repair ourselves, but as you suggest, we need to all work to together. My impression is that communication, including listening, between generations, is becoming more imperative. It seems to me that the Democratic Party would also be wise to elevate the role of younger voters. It seems to me that the DNC has underappreciated the potential role and support of the young for decades. Thanks for the link.
Why hasn't he been arrested yet for serious attacks to overturn the election? What is taking so long? Why the H is he even allowed to be running again?
Yes, Susan. @TFG gets worse and worse.” He’s scary. Watching him is like watching a horror show. I would hold my breath, close my eyes, but cannot ignore the dire threats he poses to our Democracy and the people of this country.
Heard yesterday on NPR that there's a legal case now re freedom of speech that may impact how Article I is interpreted. Depending on the outcome of the case may impact whether DJTs encouragement of those to head to the Capitol on Jan 6 would not be grounds for incitement and indictment, if I understood it correctly. If anyone knows this case and can add to and/or correct me, I'd appreciate it. Thank you.
I will keep my Constitutional eye out for the case but, there are many excellent 1st Amendment SCOTUS authorities. Practitioner Lawrence Tribe, of course, Lawrence's analytical technique is actually taught in law schools; Professor Joyce Vance's 'Civil Discourse' on Substack. Trial attorney Jay Kuo's 'The Status Kuo' also on Substack. Scotusblog & Others.
GOT IT UPDATE: United States vs. Hansen will be argued at SCOTUS next Monday. Sandra is correct, NPR 's Duttrow interviewed Amanda Schor, a worthy report.
Crazy that the author of the Turner Diaries ( and father to the modern white supremacy movement) great great grandfather was the Confederate Gov of Alabama and also served as the A.G. Of the Confederacy. This Historical fact, like so many others, should be added to the 1619 Project.
Also Robert Spencer, MR. Charlottesville/ Unite the Right has claimed the Author William Pierce as his inspiration. And it gets worse, Spencer was married to a Russian woman who worked with/for Alexander Dugin, another Christian Fascist and Putin advisor.
The lesson is how the white supremacy milita movement has direct idealogical and material $ ties to the Russian government. David Duke was gifted a Moscow Condo and is paid speaking fees in Russia. It’s crazy that we allow Russia to destabilize our country in multiple ways. Race, cyber attacks, SM Propaganda, money laundering via real estate. Investments in bogus factories, donations to the NRA, debt mating dark to Campaigns…etc, etc
It was so refreshing, Heather, to see only the last paragraph of March 26 LFAA concerned tfg and his rally in Waco, Texas on Saturday night. Your fantastic letter about Africa and the US’s growing relationship with a continent long neglected by the US was a mini-course in world history. I learned more about VP Harris and her African heritage. Please continue to enlighten us, your devoted readers. May you have a beautiful week.
Elizabeth/Heather Thank you for mentioning Harris's visit along with her husband to Africa. It is refreshing to hear that leaders anf citizens of this amazing continent want Democracy.
How wonderful and what an opportunity to promote self-governance, education and medical help for all....job opportunities for all.
Poisons and dangerous fertilizers OUT!!!!
My family were all farmers. DDT was used....not realizing its danger. My father died of stomach cancer at the age of 61. He was otherwise a strong healthy person. I was 12 and my brother 10. He was the sweetest dad any kid could have and he loved my mom.
My mom was a farmer too and she was successful as she took over the business of farming.
People who receive money for the sale of dangerous chemicals of any type should be called out.
They should be imprisoned for selling these chemicals to anyone/country who does not understand the human cost of using them.
We are able to build people up through education while respecting culture, demonstrating the teaching of healthy governance, creating jobs, improving areas for crops to be grown safely without destroying forests and habitats for creatures so that they, too, have their homes/food. Teaching with respect....it is important.
Emily, I’m so very sorry your Father passed away from cancer. A loss that will forever be with you. As you know, there are studies linking the poisons, pesticides and herbicides to cancer and other diseases, but the industry lobby plus repubs have prevented banning many, including Roundup that contains glyphosate, linked to cancer. EPA has been compromised by the industry and repubs including TFG who weakened it even more.
California courts have taken up Roundup lawsuits over glyphosate exposure, and a jury in 2018 awarded a multimillion-dollar verdict to a man who blamed the chemical for his cancer.
I truly hope the lives, prospects and fortunes improve for ordinary Africans - and Asians, Latin and South Americans. Authoritarianism = human misery.
As to tfg...
“Waco has been a touchstone for violent attacks on the government. There, last night, Trump stood on stage with his hand over his heart while loudspeakers played not the national anthem but a song recorded by January 6 insurrectionists. Footage from the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol played on a screen behind him.”
Sorry, my anger makes it hard to say anything constructive.
“...Sorry, my anger makes it hard to say anything constructive.” The degree of anger I experience as I watch the folks who worship TFG feels like PTSD. To realize there are so many people who share in his hateful narrative is quite scary. There is so much hate out there and most of these people would describe themselves as god fearing christians. There is a deep sadness in my spirit. The hypocrisy and willful ignorance is beyond my comprehension.
I made the mistake of wandering over to a former colleague's Facebook page to see what "the other side" was saying about the event in Waco. While I didn't find anything specific, my discovery of a fairly long post based on information from the Epoch Times was accusing Capitol Police of "inciting" some of the "protesters" during their "visit" to the Capitol. SMH.
Yes, all the hate and brainwashing propagandist media needs to be deal with-- starting with fox and qanon. I think the world will have to deal with 1st Amendment rights when it falls into lies and propaganda to create cults and destruction.
These are such important questions. I listened to a part of the TikTok hearing. The CEO from TikTok definitely tried to avoid answering about China's involvement with TikTok via Bytedance, but eventually conceded that China makes the final decisions for TikTok, not Singapore. My understanding is that so much data is gleaned from US citizens, to misuse, that it is being considered a spying company. I turned it off at that point.
The Epoch Times is a far-right[1] international multi-language newspaper and media company affiliated with the Falun Gong new religious movement.[29] The newspaper, based in New York City, is part of the Epoch Media Group, which also operates New Tang Dynasty (NTD) Television.[30] The Epoch Times has websites in 35 countries but is blocked in mainland China.[31]
From Wikipedia:
The Epoch Times opposes the Chinese Communist Party,[32][33][22] promotes far-right politicians in Europe,[8][10][22] and has supported former President Donald Trump in the U.S.;[34][35] a 2019 report by NBC News showed it to be the second-largest funder of pro-Trump Facebook advertising after the Trump campaign.[30][36][22] The Epoch Times frequently promotes other Falun Gong-affiliated groups, such as the performing arts company Shen Yun.[34][24][37] The Epoch Media Group's news sites and YouTube channels have spread misinformation and conspiracy theories, such as QAnon and anti-vaccine misinformation,[34][40] and false claims of fraud in the 2020 United States presidential election.[43]
Looks like China finances it but does not allow its own people to see it...hmmmm....propaganda machine against our country....
“most of these people would describe themselves as god fearing christians“
And therein lies a big, if not the problem. Why do fundamentalists Christians promote fear, promote a wrathful god? It is counter to Love, to that which Christ was the embodiment. Seriously, they twist a Loving God into a God that should be feared.
Hopefully, the MAGA cult saw true footage of the chaos and brutality of January 6th rather than the isolated benign clips showcased by Tucker Carlson. They never saw it on Fox “News”.
Putin's war in Ukraine has interrupted food supplies to Africa.
It seems to me that the first goal of economic development of the African continent, by Africans, should be food independence. Given the land, natural resources, and the people, Africa has more than it needs to feed itself and produce a surplus for export as well, without having to plow the Serengeti Plain.
Agricultural deveopment, not mineral extraction, should be the first priority of any foreign entity that truly wishes to help Africans.
Food independence should be the goal, but Dictators in Africa have made food a political weapon for centuries. Climate and Drought will continued to make food independence difficult in Africa. Ending corruption has to be the first fix. Integration of African countries, like the EU could be a model for creating a system of interdependence and coopearation. This only works with Democracies. Dictators will take the China and Russian investments for resource extraction, allow themselves to be leveraged to stay in power and repress the will of their people.
Yup. Russians love corrupt regimes to exploit resources, almost as much as they love corrupting democracies. If we look at what the Russians have accomplished with the QOP, what chance does a small African democracy or party have vs the Russians?
Personally, I am not overwhelmed by this latest American focus on Africa highlighted by Vice President Harris’s trip and Jill Biden’s visit to three African countries several weeks ago.
In 1954 I first visited Africa (Anglo-Egyptian Sudan) when there was only one country (Ethiopia) in Africa. In February, 1955 I was co-organizer of the first university conference on Africa.
From 1960-1966 in the Foreign Service I worked in/on Congo and was dealing with emerging countries in West and Central Africa. I experienced the initial American focus on Africa. G. Menon Williams (former Michigan governor) was the first Assistant Secretary for Africa and President Kennedy had a fits-and-starts involvement in Africa.
Africa was viewed within a Cold War lens. Initially there was considerable enthusiasm for Nigeria’s first president, Balewa, and Nkrumah in Ghana. Congo was the earliest political/military cockpit.
More and more African Western colonies became independent—there are now 54. Over the years I observed the post-colonial chaos as tribalism, corruption, and political authoritarianism were much more the practice than ‘democracy.’
In the 1970s portions of Africa (Angola, Ethiopia, Somalia, and others) were Cold War hot spots. Under President Reagan Africa seemed ignored. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, I was unaware of Africa being a priority continent in Washington.
In recent years China has invested significant resources in some mineral-rich African countries. Driving hard bargains, they have already obtained control over one major African port in return for a defaulted African debt. Putin, through the Wagner Group, has mercenaries in the cat bird seat in at least three West African countries.
The United States has again become aware that Africa has a multitude of major natural resources. For numerous reasons these are difficult to mine and then ship out of Africa. Meanwhile ‘Africa’ has massive endemic problems, including over borrowing, systemic corruption, a vast gap between a Black elite and the great majority of the population, severe droughts, the impacts of covid and HIV, and generally mediocre governance.
There is still broad ‘anti-colonialist’ sentiment throughout much of Africa. The French and British are primary targets, while the United States, as the ‘principal Western power,’is often not considered trustworthy.
I believe that today ‘Africa’ (54 disparate countries) faces systemic problems and some hope for a better future. some African countries can benefit from a natural resource windfall. However, if the two largest African countries, Nigeria and South Africa, are bellwethers, I see scant reason for optimism.
Most African countries seek ‘positive neutrality’ [get goodies from both sides, without firm commitments to either]in the global conflict between the West and China/Russia. Regarding Putin and Ukraine, often they seek to be on the sidelines.
Back in the 1950s I was excited by the prospect of independence sweeping the African continent. Sixty-nine years later, this excitement is muted.
Good morning, Keith and thanks for that information. I know so little about Africa.
I admit to ignorance and would appreciate any further insights you'd have on this thought:
Years ago, I had a "discussion" with someone regarding the US presence in the middle east. Her argument is that we were over there to bring democracy and end anti-humanitarian regimes.
I said, if that was our concern in foreign policy, why are we not doing this in Africa? Is it because the people are black and/or because they have no resources (like oil) that we want?
For the last decade or so, I've sponsored a child in Africa. We've all seen those type of ads on late night tv for sponsoring children, I admit I've always been skeptical.
Three coworkers went to Africa on a church sponsored mission trip. They worked in what was laughably referred to as a clinic there. Laughable by our medical standards, but this was critical to the people there. They took a lot of photos and presented a slide show of conditions there. Much too long to get into, but I will never forget the stories they told. The extreme poverty in the US would be luxury to these people.
Probably a dozen or more children were sponsored by coworkers after seeing the photos and hearing their first hand stories. (A drop in the bucket but like the old story of the starfish, well, at least I can help one kid be fed and educated.)
Miselle Kudos for sponsoring an African child! Whatever the massive poverty and horrible conditions in Africa for millions of kids, helping one is a start. Georgia and I are doing this with a Ukrainian refugee family that is now in the LongIsland area where we have a house. We and a number of neighbors are providing substantial assistance to facilitate their integration. The local Congregationalist church has made available its parsonage as housing for an undetermined period.
Your friend’s comment that we were in the Middle East “to bring democracy and end anti-humanitarian regimes’ prompted a hefty guffaw. I spent years in the Middle East making documentaries and researching my book NASSER’S NEW EGYPT: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS (1960, New York, London).
Our focus back then: oil, Israel, Cold War. Today; oil, Israel, nuclear Iran. The major oil producers are mostly new countries in the Arabian Peninsula that are authoritarian and anti-humanitarian. [Witness Mohamed bin Salman.] Regarding ‘democracy,’ we participated in the ouster of the ‘democratic’ government of Mohamed Mossadaq in Iran in 1951 to install the shah. By global standards, there is not a single ‘democratic’ government in the Middle East.
As far as ‘humanitarian,’ whether it’s the internal oppression, the long-standing Palestinian refugees, those displaced from Syria and living in dreadful conditions, humanitarianism ranks low on America’s strategic priorities. In the Middle East.
Miselle When I joined the Foreign Service in 1960, the Assistant Secretary for the Near East, because of my Middle East experience, urged that I enroll in Arabic training in Beirut and specialize in the Arab World. I refused, stating that the two major US priorities in the Middle East were 1) Israel and 2) oil, both of which were handled at the White House level.
Then I sought the ‘tranquility’ of Congo from 1960-1966. I was involved with some ‘Arab’ countries as they sought to provide arms to the rebel Congolese government in 1961 and later in 1964.
I recall, in 1961, that President Kennedy, pissed at Nasser’s support for the Congolese rebels sent Nasser a stark message: ‘Big powers can take care of themselves. Others should be wary of becoming involved in matters beyond their pay grade.’ (This is the gist—the actual message probably is not yet released from government files.)
Miselle, I sponsor, now a young teen in Bangladesh. It is something I can do.
At a church Vacation Bible school (a week or two in the summer arranged for children to attend , to learn about the love of Christ, usually in the form of stories and real life people who teach and care for others in the name of Christ)....we saw a young African family as the young son gathered firewood for his mom to prepare a large pot of cornmush, their staple food. He was then off to school, 3 miles away, carrying firewood to pay the teacher for his classes. The classroom had crude wooden desks. There were only a few students. The teacher was a thin as a rail young black man in a worn black suit. There was a chalk board and only basic supplies for the students. Yet there they were investing what they had in education.
The young man returned home. He went to a river to fish for food for the family and also fish to take to his teacher as payment for the teaching he was receiving. Teaching his family valued.
We can each do something.
The offering the children and their families gave at the end of Vacation Bible school went to help such families.
There are many agencies who offer assistance to help children receive an education. It does not need to be a faith organization. We are able to help one another in this world in some way.
"They worked in what was laughably referred to as a clinic there. Laughable by our medical standards, but this was critical to the people there."
On my second trip to India, I worked a couple of months in a free clinic in a small rural village near Pimpalgoan, run by Dr. Goher Irani, who was trained in Western Medicine
(allopathy) but also use homeopathy and naturopathy, whichever was called for. I cleaned deep abscesses and learned a lot about administering 3rd World medicine - that was effective. Even gave IM injections because it was expected - mostly Vitamin A, which was usually lacking in the diet. (I also had minor surgery at the Booth Hospital in Ahmednagar). It was quite an experience and when later working in Nursing in the States found it comparable to more modern facilities.
My friend said that they had antibiotic liquids that they mixed up and dispensed. These were supposed to be "refrigerated" which, uh, little to no electricity and very little potable water. And yet, these people were incredibly grateful. She said it was quite humbling.
Also, they were requested to bring clothing they would be willing to leave behind. She said it was eye opening to go through her closet and chose items that she seldom wore and could cast off and these would be highly desired by the people there.
Keith, I am concerned about our own country as well as Africa and the rise of despots throughout the world.....I know we have never been a "pure" Democracy or pure ANYTHING......but there is the hope and the dream that inspite of the battles we fight within and without....even as individuals that good will overcome. It is our most powerful tool. We, as humble as each of us may be, have a part to play. The battle will never end....we cannot rest. We cannot put our beings in neutral.....to live , we must give as best as we are able, with our gifts and talents.
Emily Spot on! We should lead by example. In my early years I spent more than a decade in ‘Third World’ countries. I took comfort that the United States governed differently than did they.
Now—my Third World experience helps me assess what’s going on in my own country.As in families, it’s not what we say but what we do—like following our Constitution and having a nonpartisan judiciary.
Speaking about ‘Africa’ is a misnomer. There is little cohesion among the 54 countries that comprise ‘Africa.’ The same is true about ‘Latin America’ or ‘Asia.’ Though these words are frequently used, the diversity among these countries is vast.
Think about ‘United States.’ This is widely used, but, in fact, our country is comprised of 50 highly different states. What generalization could you make about NY or NJ that would be equally true about AZ of MS?
I usually take a brief look at Twitter evey couple of days or so. Today, attendees at the TFG rally in Waco scheduled for tomorrow are smiling and waving for the cameras. Keep smiling and waving! That way it’ll be easier to identify you on the surveillance tapes when you follow TFG’s marching orders to use violence in some twisted, white nationalist, Christo-facist, false narrative you do dearly love to hear. You’re not special, you’re next. (My post from Saturday)
Thank you, Professor, for another report on the state of our Democracy and Democracy across the world. While tfg worked his crowd at a gathering in Waco, hand over his heart, his fake patriotism is a warning that his drama can still stir supporters to believe him a victim and the insurrection only a rally. Yet, we are hoping more and more Americans are turning away from his lies. Across the world in Africa According to a report from Chatham House that reviewed the polling, Africans “believe that the military should stay out of politics, that political parties should freely compete for power, that elections are an imperfect but essential tool for choosing their leaders, and that it is time for the old men who cling to power to step aside.” Old men, young men, it’s time for the USA to recognize threats to our Democracy. The Hartmann Report details the trumpian dangers to our country now. It’s critical we actively pay attention and work to preserve our Democracy. In his latest post: “It's now a certainty that the last legitimately elected Republican president who wasn’t a traitor to the United States was Dwight D. Eisenhower….. In aggregate, this should be the biggest story in the media.” https://open.substack.com/pub/thomhartmann/p/america-has-ignored-gop-crimes-to?r=ele1&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post
I remember "I like Ike" scrawled on sidewalks on the way to school! ...an enormously bright and decent man who first warned us "beware the military-industrial complex." How prescient he was!
Ike was the last good Republican. My family voted Democratic all the way. Loved FDR who provided my Dad a job building Hoover Dam. More than talk. Getting things done. In a straw vote at school I was the lone Adlai Stevenson voter.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid said the crisis was driving Israel to the brink.
“We’ve never been closer to falling apart. Our national security is at risk, our economy is crumbling, our foreign relations are at their lowest point ever, we don’t know what to say to our children about their future in this country,” Lapid said. “We have been taken hostage by a bunch of extremists with no brakes and no boundaries.” AP 3/26/2023
While Africa is looking more democratic, Israel is looking more like Iran. More like Hungary. More like Russia. And God forbid, more like Nazi Germany. However, Israel still has a passionate and vocal democratic population that is beginning to resist. They weren't that vocal when Israeli right wing oppression was exerted against Palestinians, which is a crisis of moral conviction. But they are seeing that when justice crumbles for one, it proceeds toward crumbling for all.
The US population must realize and recognize that this is happening to us too. Trump opened the flood gates holding back the sewer of right wing extremism that contaminates all of our drinking water.
So Trumps is on stage with his hand over his heart while the insurrectionist theme song is being played? And behind him, footage of The U.S. Capitol being attacked ?
Anyway, I'm glad that U.S./Harris are meeting with Democratic Countries in Africa. "Pro Democracy " nations have a checkered past , to say the least, in their dealings with African Nations. When the Colonials pulled out of Africa, they left just enough management for exploitation and no meaningful help for the population. Russia and really China have stepped into the vacuum with support to build infrastructure. But this is at a cost. I put a lot of hope that Africa's leaders become more global in their thinking and curtail the corruption in their political dealings with outsiders. I'm certainly glad to hear that V.P. Harris is involved in this because frankly, she could use some high profile credits. The supremacists are going after her. Thank you for the info H.C.R.
This would be an excellent time to reintroduce organic farming to Africa rather than commercial fertilizer. The Kochs and other big fertilizer companies are using ever stronger weed killers because weeds become immune to the mixtures. Rachel Carson was right. Let’s try to do better and not export killer technology.
Here is some helpful reading. https://www.greenamerica.org/toxic-problem-pesticides-and-fertilizers
Thank you, Gigi. I support Green America, too. And Rachel Carson is a national, international hero. Even though the chemical companies fiercely opposed her. It was a long journey for her to be recognized by some in the scientific community. Just like today, the corporate world and even with a growing environmental movement, Monsanto and Dupont, continue to export banned chemicals to other countries that don’t have strict laws. And to block laws here. How many know her work inspired “a grassroots environmental movement that led to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency? And that she was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Carter.” What a contrast to tfg who wreaked havoc on the EPA and gifted the same award to Rush Limbaugh and Congressman Nunes.
Trump and Limbaugh in the same sentence as the "Presidential Medal of Freedom" cheapens that award I am sorry to say. Just another indication that some stuff just cannot be made up.
As for cheapening the award consider the source. We had a president who was given the power to give an award to the likes of Limbaugh - it says far more about tump than about Limbaugh.
I agree that the Presidential Medal to Rush Limbaugh is highly inappropriate.
However, Rush Limbaugh's gigantic impact on the United States is neither or joke or insignificant.
He ushered in the new (ok, old) politics of denigration, lies, name calling and hate. But, that's not what makes him significant. That was kind of always a background.
Limbaugh is significant because a huge fraction of America tuned in to his AM radio broadcasts and then bought in to them ushering in Trump and our modern divide.
I had a guy that I worked with (not an engineer, one of those many employees at Xerox whose relatives got him a job there), who adopted the term "Femi-Nazi". In the workplace.
For a short time he was my "project manager". Now that was truly funny.
Good explanation as to why trump might recognize Limbaugh with an award, but honoring someone who unearthed the worst of society - not so sure nationally recognizing Limbaugh is such a good idea. He got far more recognition than he and his message deserved.
Limbaugh absolutely got more recognition than he deserved, but my gosh, he blathered on for HOURS everyday to a huge audience of people who thought it was ok to be disrespectful to pretty much everyone but themselves. Rush Limbaugh did nothing to make anyone's life better or improve the country. He just fattened his wallet and garnered attention for himself.
And where is he now? Consigned to the manure pile of history— no one talks about him anymore
Hard to find that funny…
I agree. Not funny. It’s another American tragedy, giving power to the corrupt and greedy without responsibility.
Indeed, Irene. The contrast you accurately point out is jarring. It would be laughable, if it weren't so painful, to even put the Massive Maven of Mendacity in the same sentence as Rachel Carson.
"MMM" ... good one Daniel. 👍
Exporting these horrible pesticides to other countries is a crime. Birds and other wildlife know no borders, and it saddens me to think about the spring migrants who spend the winter in central and south America where these chemicals are used. And neonics may be legal, but they shouldn't be -- anywhere!
Here's an idea: how about any stockholders of monsanto and dupont selling off their stock? What would that do? Make the companies authoritarian?
Since Bayer bought Monsanto, that would be the stock not to own. If such a sale did take place, it would just increase the stake held by institutional investors like Vanguard and BlackRock. Better to keep the stock and use one's voting rights to change the company. It's challenging and frustrating, but it can work.
Ouch, Dave. Didn’t know that Bayer had bought Monsanto. That’s a lot of evil power combined. I am seeing ads FOR Roundup and AGAINST it on local TV.
Roundup is the chemical weed killer, people killer, that should have been banned decades ago. The google search is a mixed and confusing choice of pro and con research and opinions. Some compare it to
household vinegar, that it’s safer. There are injury lawyers who have websites offering information and defense for victims of use. Other countries have banned it. There are a lot of dangerous chemicals still in circulation or used with warnings. For years many schools and park departments routinely sprayed Roundup. Since it’s still legally sold I don’t know that status. However I do know people who worked in the recreation department in the 1970s that had sprayed community lawns and gardens who suffered or died from Cancer.
2017, the United States Environmental Protection Agency issued a draft report that concluded glyphosate, the main ingredient in Roundup, is safe and “not likely” to cause cancer in humans. The EPA is still reviewing data on the herbicide to determine whether it is a harmful product.
California courts have taken up Roundup lawsuits over glyphosate exposure, and a jury in 2018 awarded a multimillion-dollar verdict to a man who blamed the chemical for his cancer.
It is indeed a lot of power, and, in general, not used for long term positive purposes. Roundup is more nuanced than its detractors would like to recognize, and, like many drugs and chemicals, properly used it can be helpful. As with many things that are potentially helpful, however, when abused, as it frequently is, it is massively degrading to the environment and becomes a danger.
The executives own more than enough shares to off-set any organized individual effort.
Sad but true
Yes, and yesterday I was reading about a man and organization dedicated to using Trump like rallies and revival meetings , funded clandestinely by the fossil fuels industry, to oppose wind and solar energy placements on the local level using his cultish followers to disrupt town hall meetings and zoning commissions. And if that doesn't work, to threaten violance and vandalism on sites and people. This Manis fellow has been circulating around rural Michigan Counties.
That last sentence just reawakened my horror at the contrast. What a different world we could live in if repubs had not cheated their way to power in more elections than we had a clue about at the time. But now we know.
Gigi, yesterday while walking my dog, I heard loud honking above me and looked up to see a formation of Trumpeter Swans flying by. These giant, graceful birds were among the most endangered species in the country because of DDT, literally down to just a few hundred birds left at one point. Now, I have the privilege of seeing them daily- love the fact that they are a harbinger of Spring! In that same area, I also saw a pair of eagles, which were also highly endangered just 20 years ago. Now, Minnesota has the largest number of nesting pairs of bald eagles in the Contiguous 48. (I saw my first wild bald eagle on January 1, 2000. Seemed like a good omen!)
Rachel Carson’s passion to protect cost her her career. But her straight up factual presentations of the dangers of pesticides like DDT led to big changes. Exporting organic farming technology, along with renewable energy tech is the smart move. Let’s hope we continue to support democracy around the world by exporting our best planet protecting ideas, instead of more fossil fueled dangers.
Excellent thought, Gigi. BTW, Rachel Carson was way ahead of her time. A true American original thinker and pioneer
Here is a link to a great organization which is doing boots on the ground work sharing sustainable, low impact agricultural practices and techniques with people in Africa. They also have lots of classes, learning and volunteer opportunities at their home farm in Michigan, as well as being an excellent and ethical organization for donations of money, will will be put to well-documented good use!
Tillers International Global https://www.tillers.international/
WOW - interesting thoughts, Meredith. I will need to investigate your link, but the thought dawned on me: Wouldn’t it be cool for “Progressive/Green American Agriculture” to adopt Sibling Farms in Africa? AND, revitalizing the Peace Corps?
This is a monumentally important Biden-Harris initiative! [Hand over heart while listening to our National Anthem, unlike the Sh*thole FORMER President.]
Peace Corps is active in Africa, and they teach “green” agricultural practices. We’re proud of our son, an agricultural engineer trained in the “belly of the beast" in schools funded by Cargill and Monsanto, who spent three years teaching regenerative agriculture in Togo, West Africa.
Paul ..."...unlike the Sh*tholeI FORMER President', "former" president, please!
You got it!!
Just signed up.
No till gardening and farming can also be a useful method that protects fragile soils.
And support organic agriculture here in America and nontoxic manufacturing. Green America and Environmental Working Group (EWG) are two groups that have a long record of working to protect and educate the public.
https://www.greenamerica.org/toxic-problem-pesticides-and-fertilizers
https://www.ewg.org/
Thank you, Irenie, for pointing out these two excellent groups, favorites of mine also.
Good sites. Thanks.
I encourage everyone to watch Kiss the Ground showing on Netflix. Regenerative Farming!
Oh, yes, please! Do you, Gigi, beyond writing to Jon Tester (our only farmer in Congress) or asking an Idaho friend (?) to write, have an “in” to working on making organic farming the “fertilizer” we promote for Africa? In addition, we can write the Secretary for Agriculture or to the Agriculture Committee, hoping it isn’t corrupted by Koch money (small chance).
Thank you for having the FIRST REPLY with the most important issue facing all of us in this climate change world!
Actually, my Senator from Michigan is the head of the Ag. Committee!. She is Sen.Debbie Stabenow. She is definitely a organic farming advocate. Unfortunately, she is retiring at the end of the year. So far, the people who have said that they are running to replace her are not farming centered. Alyssa Slotkin and I don't know who in the Mich. Republican Party.
Since the Michigan Repuglican Party is so Trumpy Crazy, I can't imagine anyone these people get to run in what is left of their party, can win in a general election in the next election. Unlike nationally, the mainstream Republican politicians have already abandoned their party in the last election and signed a letter in support of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. That included every past Republican Governor and their descendents.
Yes to organics as more DDT is sold worldwide now than before they banned it here.
Where is your sourcing for that?
I used to cover Utah, a huge refuge for “ nutraceutical” companies due to Orrin Hatch’s fierce opposition to regulation of the industry. A customer, whose name I won’t reveal, asked me to test a few of their supplements so he could propose buying a mass spectrometer. When I gave him the results, over lunch of course as is required to do business in Utah then, he actually cried. There were significant levels of DDT and arochlors in all his products. They contained herbs he said were sourced in China and mostly India.
I thought after regulation after hatch’s death that had changed.
The customers didn’t buy the instrument. Management felt if they changed source it would be expensive, and if they tested and it was later discovered how toxic their products were they’d be in legal trouble. Ignorance makes you happy. Knowledge will make you cry.
That’s why I cry, my memory is too good.
Mismanagement
Much of that DDT is sold in Africa. Unfortunately, the loosening of export controls on DDT was because of the surge of death by malaria outbreaks that were drastic and terrible upsurge of mosquito swarms when spraying programs were stopped. I don't usually defend poison products, but they tried other things to control the mosquitoes and nothing worked.
I remember reading about this in one of my dad's medical journals year's ago. There was massive debates at the time.
Louise, if you haven't read 1493 by Charles Mann , you should (and 1491, it's prequel, for that matter). If they are spraying DDT for malarial mosquitoes, then it must be for the white population as one of the major reasons for the importation of black people to the Americas was for their genetic immunity to the mosqito that causes malaria, an insect that was killing the employers and Indigenous slaves in unsupportable numbers.
I did read 1491 but not the other. I do know that cycle cell anemia is the genetic adaptation that renders one immune to malaria, but not all black people in Africa have it. Also they use DDT in other places in the world for a check on other mosquito born diseases like outbreaks of yellow fever.
It has been a long time since I read the article, but it is just one of those trivia facts that stuck in the back of my mind. My head is full of unrelated facts of all sorts. I wish I could figure out why some random facts stick and some don't!! I am a pretty good partner in Trivial Pursuit, but often can't find my keys!!!
Thanks for telling me about the sequel to 1491. I found that book absolutely fascinating!
I just finished a novel, The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson, which is about Dahkota women saving seeds from about 1862 to the early 2000s. It is also about keeping culture. At one point the farmer husband makes a deal with a seed pesticide company much to the dismay of his Native American wife. I lived for three and half years in Sierra Leone, three of them upcountry in the south in a town called Pujuhun (pepper place). At that time there were little plots of rice. Now my understanding is that part of that area has become a plantation of some sort although I can't remember now what they grow. The soil is not particularly good and I can imagine all sorts of chemicals and fertilizer being used. Sierra Leone's most famous export is diamonds which is another story. In our own garden we are organic and use horticultural vinegar for weeds and good old hand pulling for those in the raised beds. It is 28 this am and I am waiting to plant early crops in the garden. I do have garlic planted (last fall) and peas. We'll see. We had snow in the hills this last weekend.
My Montana daughter is a seed keeper.
Kudos to your daughter and to all seed keepers.
Thank you for that, Michele. Ms. Wilson's novel sounds most intriguing. Reminds me a bit of the work of the magnificent Louise Erdrich.
And you're impressing me with your well articulated care for the land, especially in 28 degree weather!😃
Thank you. We do our best. In the NYT book review section this weekend was an essay on belief and prophecy. The author mentioned some books including Erdrich's A Plague of Doves and Morrison's A Mercy. They are both on my list to get along with a scholarly book about Biblical prophesy. So much to read, so little time. My current read is Origin, A Genetic History of the Americas. The author mentions treating Native Americans with respect which, of course, wasn't the case in the past. She also takes the reader inside an ancient DNA lab and all the protocols to keep things sterile and uncontaminated. Oh my.
YW, Michele. I read that same essay in the NYT first thing yesterday morning. Well, first after making coffee and feeding the always demanding cats. Looks like the first of an occasional series by a woman named Ayana Mathis. Most thoughtful piece. "Origin" sounds quite interesting as well.
I cannot recommend Louise Erdrich highly enough. She is truly a national treasure. I recently read "The Night Watchman" which I believe is her most recent novel. A truly masterpiece of a novel, with the title character loosely based upon her own Chippewa grandfather, to call it achingly beautiful would not be an exaggeration. I fell in love with the lead character, the inimitable Pixie/Patrice.
Keep up your good work!
thanks for the info on horticultural vinegar for weeds! Been using boiling water, but inefficient.
I found plain white vinegar to be effective against weeds in sidewalk cracks and left-behind spider plant roots trying to regenerate.
Thanks. I already purchase that in bulk for ant control.
Hmmmm... never occurred to me to use for ant control. Perhaps using it to erase ant trails? I use a paste, Grant's, that works like a charm. In my case, the ants have come in from behind the electric outlets in the kitchen so I take off the cover and use a toothpick to smear the paste around the edges of the opening. The ants disappear "overnight". Haven't even had an incursion for several years, maybe the paste was taken back to the nest and wiped it out? There's an applicator for larger jobs but so far my infestations have been limited to the outlets.
We've done that too. I sometime use my egg steaming water to pour on weeds. But yes, not efficient.
Yes! There's a great book about successful alternative farming method called "Lentil Underground." That it happened in Montana was kind of mind- blowing.
This is a group doing good for individual farms in parts of Africa. https://oneacrefund.org/
I wonder if there are farm collectives in regions within African countries that can work on alternatives to Russian fertilizers? Help keep people at home in their rural areas, well-fed and able to attend school. It shouldn't just be a dream, but a reality.
Brilliant and spot-on. In helping? First do no harm. Thanks for the reminder about Rachel Carson. You are so wise to bring this up. This is an important message to promulgate! Think you should write about it and post it somewhere. I’d repost!
Thank you all for your strong response against overuse of pesticides and fertilizers. It’s so gratifying to know that you consider this a very important issue. It’s important and easy to contact Biden, Harris, (whitehouse.gov) the EPA, Congress, and state and local authorities and the media to let them know your concerns. Special thanks to the readers who recommended resources and shared their experiences. What an amazing group Heather has created! Let’s go!
Excellent!
Several comments talk about the US's neglect of Africa - but Peace Corps has been active in Africa since it began in the 1960s. I spent three years in Burkina (Haute Volta at the time) in the 1970s as a PC volunteer. It makes me sad to see what has been happening there. Bravo to the Biden Administration for stepping up US involvement in Africa.
Peace Corps has resumed in Africa post-Covid. I served in Malawi 1964-66
I spend three years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Sierra Leone, 1965-1968. It changed my life. Also I met my husband in the PC and we were married in Freetown.
Lots of marriages result from the Peace Corps! Both I and my sister met our husbands in the PC.
Yes, we know several PC couples!
I found the main part of your letter very heartening. I’m glad we are trying to strengthen relations with African countries—it’s one of those times (I hope) when our interests and theirs coincide. Your last paragraph, however, really frightens me. Trump gets worse and worse. He has done such damage to our country—really, to everything and everyone he touches—and the description of his rally is terrifying.
Yes, that last paragraph! He's now overtly Hitlerian: can the GOP see that at last? and do something while they can? If they can. Hand over heart and footage of the insurrection? That's professional. Like the choice of Waco. I wonder who's coaching him now. I remember one of his very first public appearances as "president": everyone standing to attention as the anthem began, hand on heart, but he just stood to attention, radiant with pride. Melania, without moving her head, gave him a quick flick, and he quickly put his hand on what passes symbolically for his heart.
Alas, the official stance of the "Republican" Party has totally embraced Trump's authoritarian leanings, support wavering only with indications that Trump might be losing his appeal. Certainly Trump is not the only problem:
From the Guardian: "Marjorie Taylor Greene visited defendants charged in 2021’s deadly January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol and championed them as “political prisoners”. Greene high-fived the detainees and shook their hands, according to the Associated Press. As the tour group was leaving, the defendants chanted 'Let’s go Brandon!' ”
This is not the GOP, anymore. They are marching toward fascistic government that will replace what was established in 1787. We must admit this, it is obvious now that this is more than a fluke that will soon pass.
Jack Roe. you are absolutely correct. This is a dangerous time for our country. Subtlety was never Trump's style. It was always obvious where he was headed. Why does that not bother the GOP?
They’re not marching toward; they’re there.
Correct and we have a civil war in the early stages.
Why do we still call them the “Grand Old Party?” The are that no longer.
Banana Republicans might suit them.
I rarely do without the quotation marks. It "Ministry of Truth" level irony. I my 1950s youth the "GOP" used to call itself "The Party of Lincoln", which I have not heard much about since. The still cling to Lincoln's positive reputation, but not his thoughts or values. Government that is truly of, by and for "the people", I mean ALL of the people, is exactly what they fight against on a daily basis.
"They had things, levels of voting that if you’d ever agreed to it, you’d never have a Republican elected in this country again,” Trump said during an appearance on Fox & Friends. “They had things in there about election days and what you do and all sorts of clawbacks. They had things that were just totally crazy and had nothing to do with workers that lost their jobs and companies that we have to save.” - DJT
"Truth in Advertising" would be "The Anti-Republican Party". Read closely Reagan's rhetoric was never anti-government. but rather anti-democratic, with a small "d". They pine for a cunning authoritarian tyrant, certainly not a republic. "The Authoritarian Party" is even closer to the point.
I like that. I understand that Trump wants power and money, probably doesn't care about anything else. But these "Republicans"--what do they want? Power, yes, but to what end? Do they assume that they will be the winners in an authoritarian state? Do they just want power to make this a White, Christian, male-dominated country, assuming that that will make life better for them? What about the women who follow Trump?
I notice that tyrants like to have an untouchable class that anyone can abuse without consequences for the abuser, so the serfs see a share of status in a socially stratified society. Who are the people who get pushed around the most? It's part of the formula for absolute power, exerted by the few.
Delusional “leaders” are dangerous. Could it be that The GOP is losing its mind and its focus? Is that happening before our eyes, in broad daylight, so it is irrefutable?
Tipping Points. As a US Navy boilerman, I spent time in South Africa (Mozambique) on a spy ship. USS Georgetown during Vietnam. One of my jobs was keeping the ship on even keel at all times. Avoiding list to port or starboard is critically important. If a sailing vessel were to list too far, well, over she might go. RePutinCons have clearly reached their collective tipping points! Over they have gone. Capsized! And, in doing so, they have spilled out all semblances of sanity and clarity of thought or reason. Theirs is the lazy, easy, "whatever" view of life well-lived. Uncurious, and perfectly happy have a Dictator Daddy of any stripe to make decisions for them, they whistle past the graveyard. May the autocrats continue to atrophy while we look on, knowing there are far more of us than there are of them. Peace. Vote Peace!
So true, JL, and so scary.
I’ve been working on a mental image of today’s Republican Party as they wander around their Maze/Quagmire. “Geographically,” I have “The Nomads” - former Republican leaders & politicians (Michael Steele, David Jolly, Liz Cheney, Adam Kinzinger, etc) who seem to cling to Conservative Values, but are edging away. Next are the “Egotistical Entities” ) Mitt Romney, Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, etc.) who can’t find their Courage. Then, the “Soulless Ones” - Chris Christy, Mike Pence, etc.) And, finally, (going around the compass), I have the “Waco Whackos” - (easy to identify).
I, for one, do not POLITICALLY fear a DIVIDED Republican Party. Bill Maher, for one, believes that a “Stormy Daniels” indictment will skyrocket Trump into the nomination for 2024. I say, “Good, let him run in 2024. Let’s see if the Nomads and the Egomaniacal Ones, and the Soulless Ones support him.”
Divide and Conquer is one of the pillars of the current "GOP" MO. Differential stress on an inflexible material tends toward rupture.
Makes me sick.
It is incredibly rich to me to hear Trump and several House Republicans to decry the judicial investigations against Trump as displaying 2 tiers of justice - what ?! - and political prosecutions - what ?! Then they complain that this doesn’t happen in the US, only in authoritarian regimes like Russia, Turkey and Hungary - what?! Isn’t this exactly what they are calling for? They are always praising Putin, Erdogan, and Orban.Have they forgotten Bill Barr and his interference in investigations? Man, it beggars belief ....
Birds of a feather. Ask the Vindman Bros. about political persecution.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/24Bs3BwkqKEOC2C7dMf2Pm?si=3AEdYmrgSleyU6XMF2jAdw
Nazis in USA from 1930 to present
I see. Susan, thanks so much.
Hmm, Anne-Louise, could it be he mistook the anthem-playing/heart-covering was to pay homage to him?
Yes, my first thought.
I am glad Heather pointed out we are increasing ties with African countries, too often "left behind".
Yesterday we attend the air show at the huge USAF base in Tucson. The National Anthem was played twice and people put hands on hearts. It occurred to me that it would be very different in Waco TX (the only possible similarity was a large man wearing a Tshirt with the words "If you outlaw my guns, I will be an outlaw"). It was wonderful to view various AF planes out for display on the tarmac and in the air. I was amazed by the F-35 manoeuvres, piloted by a young woman pilot who had already seen combat. Those planes can do anything which is good since some F-35s intercepted Russian MiGs recently. After yesterday, I am pleased that Vermont has 20, for "readiness".
Absolutely! The beaming face meant "They're playing my song! I like this!"
Our warning: TFG: a bad actor and heartless.
Texas Lt Gov Dan Patrick recommended Waco. He doesn’t need to wear the hood to show his true colors.
Dan is Texas evil from start to finish. His trumpian ego is right up there with the worse traitors.
The evidence is pretty clear that at least 30% of regular Republican voters do not embrace this authoritarian support for the insurrection! Trump and MTG are now linked in the Main Street media portrayal of the Republican Party. So the political crazies and the insurrectionists are now a semi-official team representing the party nationwide and particularly in the eight or so “battleground states.” This is terrible for America but it sharpens our response at the polls in November 24. This political dichotomy should motivate us all to get off our butts and really work to protect our democracy.
I suggest, if I may, real support by each and every one of us for nonpartisan voter registration of young voters. That is the very best and most effective mechanism. TurnupUS led by extraordinarily talented and dedicated Harvard students is now recruiting high school leaders at 2,000 schools in competitive congressional districts and they need the support of all of us at www.turnup.us/. Thank you.
I very strongly suspect that the support for the anti-democratic agenda of Republicans is soft for some substantial percentage of their number, and yet they still vote for its agenda. he official embrace of the insurrection as "legitimate politcal discourse" and the smearing and condemnation of Cheney and Kinzinger was one of the more vivid lines in the moral landscape, not to mention the obvious theft of human rights by partisan voting restrictions and gerrymandering continues to evoke only feeble protest in the ranks. Yet history shows that the crowd is fickle, and Democrats are showing more spunk.
With every new generation I hear the hope expressed that the young will save us from what we can't or won't repair ourselves, but as you suggest, we need to all work to together. My impression is that communication, including listening, between generations, is becoming more imperative. It seems to me that the Democratic Party would also be wise to elevate the role of younger voters. It seems to me that the DNC has underappreciated the potential role and support of the young for decades. Thanks for the link.
Why hasn't he been arrested yet for serious attacks to overturn the election? What is taking so long? Why the H is he even allowed to be running again?
Please have patience as Jack Smith is perfecting a solid case!
It's nerve-wracking.
Have you heard Rachael Maddows Ultra? I sure wish now that i had asked my dad what he knew about George Silvester Viricht (spelling?)
Not recently - will check. Thanks. (Viereck).
Yes, Susan. @TFG gets worse and worse.” He’s scary. Watching him is like watching a horror show. I would hold my breath, close my eyes, but cannot ignore the dire threats he poses to our Democracy and the people of this country.
For me, watching Trump at his Waco rally was like watching old black & white newsreels of a Nazi rally in Germany in the 1930s. Terrifying.
I thought the same in 2016. But then again, I have studied cults and Hitler for decades and saw the early warning signs.
Bill Maher and Michael Moore both said that, if tfg were elected in 2016, he would not willingly leave if he lost in 2020. It was always his plan.
And we are trying to export ideas about the rule of law? Ugh.
Ironic, huh? But it is EXACTLY what the US should be doing, in contrast to the Waco Whackos.
Last night, Trump admitted his complicity in the insurrection and his guilt at inciting it. And the goobers loved it.
A gift to Jack Smith perhaps?
Yes. Modus Operandi & Admission Against Interest.
Heard yesterday on NPR that there's a legal case now re freedom of speech that may impact how Article I is interpreted. Depending on the outcome of the case may impact whether DJTs encouragement of those to head to the Capitol on Jan 6 would not be grounds for incitement and indictment, if I understood it correctly. If anyone knows this case and can add to and/or correct me, I'd appreciate it. Thank you.
I will keep my Constitutional eye out for the case but, there are many excellent 1st Amendment SCOTUS authorities. Practitioner Lawrence Tribe, of course, Lawrence's analytical technique is actually taught in law schools; Professor Joyce Vance's 'Civil Discourse' on Substack. Trial attorney Jay Kuo's 'The Status Kuo' also on Substack. Scotusblog & Others.
GOT IT UPDATE: United States vs. Hansen will be argued at SCOTUS next Monday. Sandra is correct, NPR 's Duttrow interviewed Amanda Schor, a worthy report.
Yes, many are watching the Federalist Society Six (6).
He admitted to stacking the SC, thinking they would protect him.
The “Turner Diaries President”
Timothy McVeigh had pages of The Turner Diaries with him when he was caught.
Crazy that the author of the Turner Diaries ( and father to the modern white supremacy movement) great great grandfather was the Confederate Gov of Alabama and also served as the A.G. Of the Confederacy. This Historical fact, like so many others, should be added to the 1619 Project.
Also Robert Spencer, MR. Charlottesville/ Unite the Right has claimed the Author William Pierce as his inspiration. And it gets worse, Spencer was married to a Russian woman who worked with/for Alexander Dugin, another Christian Fascist and Putin advisor.
The lesson is how the white supremacy milita movement has direct idealogical and material $ ties to the Russian government. David Duke was gifted a Moscow Condo and is paid speaking fees in Russia. It’s crazy that we allow Russia to destabilize our country in multiple ways. Race, cyber attacks, SM Propaganda, money laundering via real estate. Investments in bogus factories, donations to the NRA, debt mating dark to Campaigns…etc, etc
It was so refreshing, Heather, to see only the last paragraph of March 26 LFAA concerned tfg and his rally in Waco, Texas on Saturday night. Your fantastic letter about Africa and the US’s growing relationship with a continent long neglected by the US was a mini-course in world history. I learned more about VP Harris and her African heritage. Please continue to enlighten us, your devoted readers. May you have a beautiful week.
Elizabeth/Heather Thank you for mentioning Harris's visit along with her husband to Africa. It is refreshing to hear that leaders anf citizens of this amazing continent want Democracy.
How wonderful and what an opportunity to promote self-governance, education and medical help for all....job opportunities for all.
Poisons and dangerous fertilizers OUT!!!!
My family were all farmers. DDT was used....not realizing its danger. My father died of stomach cancer at the age of 61. He was otherwise a strong healthy person. I was 12 and my brother 10. He was the sweetest dad any kid could have and he loved my mom.
My mom was a farmer too and she was successful as she took over the business of farming.
People who receive money for the sale of dangerous chemicals of any type should be called out.
They should be imprisoned for selling these chemicals to anyone/country who does not understand the human cost of using them.
We are able to build people up through education while respecting culture, demonstrating the teaching of healthy governance, creating jobs, improving areas for crops to be grown safely without destroying forests and habitats for creatures so that they, too, have their homes/food. Teaching with respect....it is important.
Yes, isn’t there a way to increase food production in Africa without fertilizer and poisons, now that we know better?
Emily, I’m so very sorry your Father passed away from cancer. A loss that will forever be with you. As you know, there are studies linking the poisons, pesticides and herbicides to cancer and other diseases, but the industry lobby plus repubs have prevented banning many, including Roundup that contains glyphosate, linked to cancer. EPA has been compromised by the industry and repubs including TFG who weakened it even more.
California courts have taken up Roundup lawsuits over glyphosate exposure, and a jury in 2018 awarded a multimillion-dollar verdict to a man who blamed the chemical for his cancer.
Our sudden recognition of Africa's existence does my heart good.
Thank you Heather.
I truly hope the lives, prospects and fortunes improve for ordinary Africans - and Asians, Latin and South Americans. Authoritarianism = human misery.
As to tfg...
“Waco has been a touchstone for violent attacks on the government. There, last night, Trump stood on stage with his hand over his heart while loudspeakers played not the national anthem but a song recorded by January 6 insurrectionists. Footage from the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol played on a screen behind him.”
Sorry, my anger makes it hard to say anything constructive.
“...Sorry, my anger makes it hard to say anything constructive.” The degree of anger I experience as I watch the folks who worship TFG feels like PTSD. To realize there are so many people who share in his hateful narrative is quite scary. There is so much hate out there and most of these people would describe themselves as god fearing christians. There is a deep sadness in my spirit. The hypocrisy and willful ignorance is beyond my comprehension.
I made the mistake of wandering over to a former colleague's Facebook page to see what "the other side" was saying about the event in Waco. While I didn't find anything specific, my discovery of a fairly long post based on information from the Epoch Times was accusing Capitol Police of "inciting" some of the "protesters" during their "visit" to the Capitol. SMH.
Yes, all the hate and brainwashing propagandist media needs to be deal with-- starting with fox and qanon. I think the world will have to deal with 1st Amendment rights when it falls into lies and propaganda to create cults and destruction.
Will the 2nd Amendment people wake up about assault weapons????
I received a copy of the Epoch Times in my mailbox. I looked them up and was appalled. I think they tried the wrong person!
They must have gotten their spy algorithms messed up that day!
The Epoch Times is in a local grocery store, I complained. Did no good
Was in the toilet paper isle?
Doesn't China own the Epoch Times? And TikTok is a threat, but not the foreign influence in our unregulated media and on FB/Instagram/Twitter?
These are such important questions. I listened to a part of the TikTok hearing. The CEO from TikTok definitely tried to avoid answering about China's involvement with TikTok via Bytedance, but eventually conceded that China makes the final decisions for TikTok, not Singapore. My understanding is that so much data is gleaned from US citizens, to misuse, that it is being considered a spying company. I turned it off at that point.
The Epoch Times is a far-right[1] international multi-language newspaper and media company affiliated with the Falun Gong new religious movement.[29] The newspaper, based in New York City, is part of the Epoch Media Group, which also operates New Tang Dynasty (NTD) Television.[30] The Epoch Times has websites in 35 countries but is blocked in mainland China.[31]
From Wikipedia:
The Epoch Times opposes the Chinese Communist Party,[32][33][22] promotes far-right politicians in Europe,[8][10][22] and has supported former President Donald Trump in the U.S.;[34][35] a 2019 report by NBC News showed it to be the second-largest funder of pro-Trump Facebook advertising after the Trump campaign.[30][36][22] The Epoch Times frequently promotes other Falun Gong-affiliated groups, such as the performing arts company Shen Yun.[34][24][37] The Epoch Media Group's news sites and YouTube channels have spread misinformation and conspiracy theories, such as QAnon and anti-vaccine misinformation,[34][40] and false claims of fraud in the 2020 United States presidential election.[43]
Looks like China finances it but does not allow its own people to see it...hmmmm....propaganda machine against our country....
“most of these people would describe themselves as god fearing christians“
And therein lies a big, if not the problem. Why do fundamentalists Christians promote fear, promote a wrathful god? It is counter to Love, to that which Christ was the embodiment. Seriously, they twist a Loving God into a God that should be feared.
They are Pharisees
A lot of us were traumatized almost daily during the tRump years. It was and is scary.
My wife is a psychologist whose practice has been bonkers since November 2016. She works with a lot of trauma survivors…
Hopefully, the MAGA cult saw true footage of the chaos and brutality of January 6th rather than the isolated benign clips showcased by Tucker Carlson. They never saw it on Fox “News”.
Makes it hard for me to breath, the horror goes to the bones
Putin's war in Ukraine has interrupted food supplies to Africa.
It seems to me that the first goal of economic development of the African continent, by Africans, should be food independence. Given the land, natural resources, and the people, Africa has more than it needs to feed itself and produce a surplus for export as well, without having to plow the Serengeti Plain.
Agricultural deveopment, not mineral extraction, should be the first priority of any foreign entity that truly wishes to help Africans.
Food independence should be the goal, but Dictators in Africa have made food a political weapon for centuries. Climate and Drought will continued to make food independence difficult in Africa. Ending corruption has to be the first fix. Integration of African countries, like the EU could be a model for creating a system of interdependence and coopearation. This only works with Democracies. Dictators will take the China and Russian investments for resource extraction, allow themselves to be leveraged to stay in power and repress the will of their people.
Corruption must go in any event, and, you’re right; that will be difficult.
Yup. Russians love corrupt regimes to exploit resources, almost as much as they love corrupting democracies. If we look at what the Russians have accomplished with the QOP, what chance does a small African democracy or party have vs the Russians?
The Russians are hardly alone in supporting corrupt regimes for the sake of exploiting the resources, both natural and human, of poor nations.
I speak of our own sordid history in Central and South America.
And let’s do it without fertilizers and poisons!
Personally, I am not overwhelmed by this latest American focus on Africa highlighted by Vice President Harris’s trip and Jill Biden’s visit to three African countries several weeks ago.
In 1954 I first visited Africa (Anglo-Egyptian Sudan) when there was only one country (Ethiopia) in Africa. In February, 1955 I was co-organizer of the first university conference on Africa.
From 1960-1966 in the Foreign Service I worked in/on Congo and was dealing with emerging countries in West and Central Africa. I experienced the initial American focus on Africa. G. Menon Williams (former Michigan governor) was the first Assistant Secretary for Africa and President Kennedy had a fits-and-starts involvement in Africa.
Africa was viewed within a Cold War lens. Initially there was considerable enthusiasm for Nigeria’s first president, Balewa, and Nkrumah in Ghana. Congo was the earliest political/military cockpit.
More and more African Western colonies became independent—there are now 54. Over the years I observed the post-colonial chaos as tribalism, corruption, and political authoritarianism were much more the practice than ‘democracy.’
In the 1970s portions of Africa (Angola, Ethiopia, Somalia, and others) were Cold War hot spots. Under President Reagan Africa seemed ignored. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, I was unaware of Africa being a priority continent in Washington.
In recent years China has invested significant resources in some mineral-rich African countries. Driving hard bargains, they have already obtained control over one major African port in return for a defaulted African debt. Putin, through the Wagner Group, has mercenaries in the cat bird seat in at least three West African countries.
The United States has again become aware that Africa has a multitude of major natural resources. For numerous reasons these are difficult to mine and then ship out of Africa. Meanwhile ‘Africa’ has massive endemic problems, including over borrowing, systemic corruption, a vast gap between a Black elite and the great majority of the population, severe droughts, the impacts of covid and HIV, and generally mediocre governance.
There is still broad ‘anti-colonialist’ sentiment throughout much of Africa. The French and British are primary targets, while the United States, as the ‘principal Western power,’is often not considered trustworthy.
I believe that today ‘Africa’ (54 disparate countries) faces systemic problems and some hope for a better future. some African countries can benefit from a natural resource windfall. However, if the two largest African countries, Nigeria and South Africa, are bellwethers, I see scant reason for optimism.
Most African countries seek ‘positive neutrality’ [get goodies from both sides, without firm commitments to either]in the global conflict between the West and China/Russia. Regarding Putin and Ukraine, often they seek to be on the sidelines.
Back in the 1950s I was excited by the prospect of independence sweeping the African continent. Sixty-nine years later, this excitement is muted.
Good morning, Keith and thanks for that information. I know so little about Africa.
I admit to ignorance and would appreciate any further insights you'd have on this thought:
Years ago, I had a "discussion" with someone regarding the US presence in the middle east. Her argument is that we were over there to bring democracy and end anti-humanitarian regimes.
I said, if that was our concern in foreign policy, why are we not doing this in Africa? Is it because the people are black and/or because they have no resources (like oil) that we want?
For the last decade or so, I've sponsored a child in Africa. We've all seen those type of ads on late night tv for sponsoring children, I admit I've always been skeptical.
Three coworkers went to Africa on a church sponsored mission trip. They worked in what was laughably referred to as a clinic there. Laughable by our medical standards, but this was critical to the people there. They took a lot of photos and presented a slide show of conditions there. Much too long to get into, but I will never forget the stories they told. The extreme poverty in the US would be luxury to these people.
Probably a dozen or more children were sponsored by coworkers after seeing the photos and hearing their first hand stories. (A drop in the bucket but like the old story of the starfish, well, at least I can help one kid be fed and educated.)
Miselle Kudos for sponsoring an African child! Whatever the massive poverty and horrible conditions in Africa for millions of kids, helping one is a start. Georgia and I are doing this with a Ukrainian refugee family that is now in the LongIsland area where we have a house. We and a number of neighbors are providing substantial assistance to facilitate their integration. The local Congregationalist church has made available its parsonage as housing for an undetermined period.
Your friend’s comment that we were in the Middle East “to bring democracy and end anti-humanitarian regimes’ prompted a hefty guffaw. I spent years in the Middle East making documentaries and researching my book NASSER’S NEW EGYPT: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS (1960, New York, London).
Our focus back then: oil, Israel, Cold War. Today; oil, Israel, nuclear Iran. The major oil producers are mostly new countries in the Arabian Peninsula that are authoritarian and anti-humanitarian. [Witness Mohamed bin Salman.] Regarding ‘democracy,’ we participated in the ouster of the ‘democratic’ government of Mohamed Mossadaq in Iran in 1951 to install the shah. By global standards, there is not a single ‘democratic’ government in the Middle East.
As far as ‘humanitarian,’ whether it’s the internal oppression, the long-standing Palestinian refugees, those displaced from Syria and living in dreadful conditions, humanitarianism ranks low on America’s strategic priorities. In the Middle East.
Miselle When I joined the Foreign Service in 1960, the Assistant Secretary for the Near East, because of my Middle East experience, urged that I enroll in Arabic training in Beirut and specialize in the Arab World. I refused, stating that the two major US priorities in the Middle East were 1) Israel and 2) oil, both of which were handled at the White House level.
Then I sought the ‘tranquility’ of Congo from 1960-1966. I was involved with some ‘Arab’ countries as they sought to provide arms to the rebel Congolese government in 1961 and later in 1964.
I recall, in 1961, that President Kennedy, pissed at Nasser’s support for the Congolese rebels sent Nasser a stark message: ‘Big powers can take care of themselves. Others should be wary of becoming involved in matters beyond their pay grade.’ (This is the gist—the actual message probably is not yet released from government files.)
Miselle, I sponsor, now a young teen in Bangladesh. It is something I can do.
At a church Vacation Bible school (a week or two in the summer arranged for children to attend , to learn about the love of Christ, usually in the form of stories and real life people who teach and care for others in the name of Christ)....we saw a young African family as the young son gathered firewood for his mom to prepare a large pot of cornmush, their staple food. He was then off to school, 3 miles away, carrying firewood to pay the teacher for his classes. The classroom had crude wooden desks. There were only a few students. The teacher was a thin as a rail young black man in a worn black suit. There was a chalk board and only basic supplies for the students. Yet there they were investing what they had in education.
The young man returned home. He went to a river to fish for food for the family and also fish to take to his teacher as payment for the teaching he was receiving. Teaching his family valued.
We can each do something.
The offering the children and their families gave at the end of Vacation Bible school went to help such families.
There are many agencies who offer assistance to help children receive an education. It does not need to be a faith organization. We are able to help one another in this world in some way.
"They worked in what was laughably referred to as a clinic there. Laughable by our medical standards, but this was critical to the people there."
On my second trip to India, I worked a couple of months in a free clinic in a small rural village near Pimpalgoan, run by Dr. Goher Irani, who was trained in Western Medicine
(allopathy) but also use homeopathy and naturopathy, whichever was called for. I cleaned deep abscesses and learned a lot about administering 3rd World medicine - that was effective. Even gave IM injections because it was expected - mostly Vitamin A, which was usually lacking in the diet. (I also had minor surgery at the Booth Hospital in Ahmednagar). It was quite an experience and when later working in Nursing in the States found it comparable to more modern facilities.
I put your service on the same level as a soldier or first responder. Thanks.
My friend said that they had antibiotic liquids that they mixed up and dispensed. These were supposed to be "refrigerated" which, uh, little to no electricity and very little potable water. And yet, these people were incredibly grateful. She said it was quite humbling.
Also, they were requested to bring clothing they would be willing to leave behind. She said it was eye opening to go through her closet and chose items that she seldom wore and could cast off and these would be highly desired by the people there.
Good work.
Keith, I am concerned about our own country as well as Africa and the rise of despots throughout the world.....I know we have never been a "pure" Democracy or pure ANYTHING......but there is the hope and the dream that inspite of the battles we fight within and without....even as individuals that good will overcome. It is our most powerful tool. We, as humble as each of us may be, have a part to play. The battle will never end....we cannot rest. We cannot put our beings in neutral.....to live , we must give as best as we are able, with our gifts and talents.
We are citizens of the world.
Emily Spot on! We should lead by example. In my early years I spent more than a decade in ‘Third World’ countries. I took comfort that the United States governed differently than did they.
Now—my Third World experience helps me assess what’s going on in my own country.As in families, it’s not what we say but what we do—like following our Constitution and having a nonpartisan judiciary.
This reminds me of an interview 5 days ago on PBS with Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation about philanthropy and the need to shift some of our giving. Currently we contribute/invest in organizations that are already well funded when the organizations that are doing great work for the neediest are underfunded. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/darren-walker-proposes-shift-in-focus-of-giving-in-new-book-from-generosity-to-justice
Speaking about ‘Africa’ is a misnomer. There is little cohesion among the 54 countries that comprise ‘Africa.’ The same is true about ‘Latin America’ or ‘Asia.’ Though these words are frequently used, the diversity among these countries is vast.
Think about ‘United States.’ This is widely used, but, in fact, our country is comprised of 50 highly different states. What generalization could you make about NY or NJ that would be equally true about AZ of MS?
Thank you for your experienced, informed, and considered comments. You create a fortunate addition to LFAA. Thank you.
Today LFAA and these comments are useful in my ignorance about Africa. Thanks all.
The wacko in Waco: What a macabre scheme!
Unfortunately, it takes a war in Ukraine for the rich world to take an interest in Africa. Thanks. Heather, for this informative letter.
We've been in Africa for a long time, and troops are stationed there. It doesn't get much attention.
2 words for Trump Rally attendees: Facial Recognition.
I usually take a brief look at Twitter evey couple of days or so. Today, attendees at the TFG rally in Waco scheduled for tomorrow are smiling and waving for the cameras. Keep smiling and waving! That way it’ll be easier to identify you on the surveillance tapes when you follow TFG’s marching orders to use violence in some twisted, white nationalist, Christo-facist, false narrative you do dearly love to hear. You’re not special, you’re next. (My post from Saturday)
Wow, good point there James!
Perhaps a few more of the J6 "tourists" could be identified?!
Thank you, Professor, for another report on the state of our Democracy and Democracy across the world. While tfg worked his crowd at a gathering in Waco, hand over his heart, his fake patriotism is a warning that his drama can still stir supporters to believe him a victim and the insurrection only a rally. Yet, we are hoping more and more Americans are turning away from his lies. Across the world in Africa According to a report from Chatham House that reviewed the polling, Africans “believe that the military should stay out of politics, that political parties should freely compete for power, that elections are an imperfect but essential tool for choosing their leaders, and that it is time for the old men who cling to power to step aside.” Old men, young men, it’s time for the USA to recognize threats to our Democracy. The Hartmann Report details the trumpian dangers to our country now. It’s critical we actively pay attention and work to preserve our Democracy. In his latest post: “It's now a certainty that the last legitimately elected Republican president who wasn’t a traitor to the United States was Dwight D. Eisenhower….. In aggregate, this should be the biggest story in the media.” https://open.substack.com/pub/thomhartmann/p/america-has-ignored-gop-crimes-to?r=ele1&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post
"I like Ike." The names of my first pets (parakeets) were Ike and Mamie.
I remember "I like Ike" scrawled on sidewalks on the way to school! ...an enormously bright and decent man who first warned us "beware the military-industrial complex." How prescient he was!
Ike was the last good Republican. My family voted Democratic all the way. Loved FDR who provided my Dad a job building Hoover Dam. More than talk. Getting things done. In a straw vote at school I was the lone Adlai Stevenson voter.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid said the crisis was driving Israel to the brink.
“We’ve never been closer to falling apart. Our national security is at risk, our economy is crumbling, our foreign relations are at their lowest point ever, we don’t know what to say to our children about their future in this country,” Lapid said. “We have been taken hostage by a bunch of extremists with no brakes and no boundaries.” AP 3/26/2023
While Africa is looking more democratic, Israel is looking more like Iran. More like Hungary. More like Russia. And God forbid, more like Nazi Germany. However, Israel still has a passionate and vocal democratic population that is beginning to resist. They weren't that vocal when Israeli right wing oppression was exerted against Palestinians, which is a crisis of moral conviction. But they are seeing that when justice crumbles for one, it proceeds toward crumbling for all.
The US population must realize and recognize that this is happening to us too. Trump opened the flood gates holding back the sewer of right wing extremism that contaminates all of our drinking water.
So Trumps is on stage with his hand over his heart while the insurrectionist theme song is being played? And behind him, footage of The U.S. Capitol being attacked ?
Anyway, I'm glad that U.S./Harris are meeting with Democratic Countries in Africa. "Pro Democracy " nations have a checkered past , to say the least, in their dealings with African Nations. When the Colonials pulled out of Africa, they left just enough management for exploitation and no meaningful help for the population. Russia and really China have stepped into the vacuum with support to build infrastructure. But this is at a cost. I put a lot of hope that Africa's leaders become more global in their thinking and curtail the corruption in their political dealings with outsiders. I'm certainly glad to hear that V.P. Harris is involved in this because frankly, she could use some high profile credits. The supremacists are going after her. Thank you for the info H.C.R.
Trump's isolationism played right into the hands of Putin and Xi.
They must love him as a useful idiot.
I'm sure that there were four years of laughter and merriment in the Kremlin when Trump was in power.
J L Stalin would have drunken bashes at the Kremlin where his sycophants gulped down bottles of vodka in fear.
During Trump’s bromance with Putin vodka trucks arrived nonstop at the Kremlin as the KGB/NKVD kept celebrating their penetration of the White House.
Fortunately, President Biden has sobered up these celebrants.
It's time to break news
Fun things must end
Turn down the fake news
The Party's over....
Or so I hope.
Forgive me for the extreme redundancy... Donald Trump is a hideous being.