Thursday, September 29, 2022

Misstepping, Lock stepping Rise to Power and Relentless Malice

A Curious Character


Rose” Albrecht Von der Leyen

She was reportedly known since childhood as Röschen (Rose) born of a German / European politician and civil servant who made a name for political scandals most famously one that in the late 1970s involved manufactured evidence (exposed in the 1980s as a West German government plot) against a group called the “Red Army Faction.”

 During 1992 through 1996, she was a California (USA) housewife.

A couple of decades later, daughter Ursula Gertrud Albrecht (Von der Leyen) was accused by German scholars and other reviewers of having plagiarized huge portions of her 1991 doctoral thesis and that the material she presented failed to prove her thesis. Some academics accused her publicly of “intended plagiarism.”

An investigation conducted by reviewers at her Alma meter, the Hannover Medical School (Hanover, Germany), concluded in March 2016 that the “thesis contains plagiarism.” However, despite critics’ opposition, an investigatory commission took no punitive measures and permitted the physician to retain her medical license.

A

lbrecht (Von der Leyen): a continued pattern

 World News February 2022

 European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announces supply of weapons to Ukraine, closure of European airspace to all Russian aircraft, and EU banning of Russian media outlets RT and Sputnik. She accused the latter of spreading “harmful disinformation.”

No news from the ground

Also in February 

  • “German regulators banned RT’s German-language channel.
  • Google-subsidiary “YouTube” and Meta parent company of Facebook “demonetized RT’s accounts.”
  • “Google blocked downloads of RT’s app on Ukrainian territory.” RT February 27, 2022 “EU to ban RT and Sputnik: European Commission president announces bloc-wide ban on Russian media outlets,” https://www.rt.com/russia/550778-rt-sputnik-ban-eu/

Von der Leyen’s EU press

European Commission: “Disinformation: Commission welcomes the new stronger and more comprehensive Code of Practice on disinformation” Press release June16, 2022-Brussels https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_3664

(Excerpt)

The established Task Force will …

  • Monitor, review and adapt the commitments in view of technological, societal, market and legislative developments.
  • Broaden participation… not just for big platforms but also (for) a variety of diverse players (tasked with) mitigating the spread of disinformation (emphasis added)
  • Cut financial incentives for spreading disinformation by ensuring that purveyors of disinformation do not benefit from advertising revenues
  • Cover new manipulative behaviors such as fake accounts, bots or malicious deep fakes spreading disinformation
  • Empower users with better tools to recognize, understand and flag disinformation
  • Expand fact-checking in all EU countries and all its languages (and ensure that) fact-checkers are fairly rewarded for their work
  • Evaluate its (Commission’s) own impact through a strong monitoring framework and regular reporting from platforms on how they’re implementing their commitments

 NOTE: In the United States, “ownership” is an open “lawful” secret.   

 

The content and slant of news coverage (or blackout) is determined by an incestuous, entrenched public-private partnering cabal revolving in and out of government, moving influence, reciprocity, money, contracts, retainers, and an array of favors (corruption incarnate!) to achieve selfish, narrow ends.

 World News September 2022

 All terms as stated and defined by the European Commission

 Von der Leyen’s Europe demands, under law, that media companies disclose their “ownership” and any “conflicts of interest” “that might influence” their reporting.

Von der Leyen’s EU press

European Commission

“European Media Freedom Act: Commission proposes rules to protect media pluralism and independence in the EU Press release September 16, 2022-Brussels https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_5504

Speaking in contradictory terms

The proposed Regulation includes… safeguards against political interference in editorial decisions,” focuses on “stable funding of public service media,” … probing “media ownership and … allocation of state advertising.”

Except from Russia, infers European Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Breton, “the European Media Freedom Act provides

“Common safeguards” (guaranteeing) “a plurality of voices”

(Enabling) “our media… to operate without any interference private or public

“A new European watchdog to promote the effective application of new (EU Commission- determined) media freedom rules and to screen (unwanted EU Commission determined) media concentrations.”

Yes and No Propaganda, Disinformation  

“The European Media Freedom Act will ensure that media – public and private – can operate more easily across borders (only EU (Collective West, USA) brainwashing, propaganda, disinformation allowed) in the EU internal market, … taking into account the digital transformation of the media space.”

An EU Commission “Board” will “coordinate national regulatory measures regarding non-EU media that” (as determined by the EU Commission) “present a risk to public security….”

The European Media Freedom Act announced by President von der Leyen in her 2021 State of the Union Address… builds on the Commission’s ‘rule of law’ reports” that provide “for EU-wide coordination of national legislation for audiovisual media…;” and build on the “new Code of Practice on Disinformation” set out in the “European Democracy Action Plan” and the “EU’s efforts in (contradictory yes no fashion)

promoting democratic participation… and supporting media freedom….”

 

A source calling itself “The Deep Dive” terms the situation “A Shrinking Propaganda Machine” wherein only the Collective West is permitted to spread fairytales, falsehoods, farfetched slants, and propaganda.

CNN reports that TV carriers around the world are removing Russia Today from their channel lineup. Social media companies TikTok and the parent company of Facebook and Instagram (Meta) locking step by blocking Russia Today in Europe.

Reuters reports staff of Ruptly forced to leave their posts. The Deep Dive March 1, 2022, “Max Keiser Deletes Pro-Russia Tweets, Quits Russia Today,” https://thedeepdive.ca/max-keiser-deletes-pro-russia-tweets-quits-russia-today/

The Deep Dive describes itself as a source of stock analysis “for young investors on the Canadian junior markets” https://thedeepdive.ca/about/

 

At its website, Ruptly defines itself (differently from the Deep Dive’s definition of it) as “an award-winning international news agency” founded in 2013 by ANO TV Novosti “as an independent commercially-funded organization and sister agency to RT” and “a competitive alternative to the status quo news agencies.” The agency delivers “exclusive high impact and viral video, a varied selection of daily live feeds, and a full range of broadcast services and a customized personal service.” About Ruptly https://www.ruptly.tv/en/about-ruptly

 

P

ress is Free and Speech is Free except “Your” Press and “Your” Speech

Propagandists ban professional and well-sourced and prepared reporting. Capriciously and maliciously, they would ban media programming and content that does not salute and bow to their slants, their misinformation, their propaganda.

Any vulgarity and demonization and assassination, any mass killing and displacement of multi millions by the Collective West is praised by public figures and personalities; praised, promoted and applauded by the West’s major media. 

But serious news and reporting, analysis and commentary, any attempt by "the East" (of any alternative branded with some made-out-to-be disparaging label) to enhance public understanding, lend serious balance (not merely left-right, either-or), invite civil and intelligent debate is subjected to censorship, outright banning, and the imposition of violent aggression commonly known as sanctions.

It begs the question “what are they afraid of?” Why does the Collective West not want the masses of people of read (and reflect on) views, current events and historic context other than their own propaganda, misinformation, toxicity, and divide, conquer and maintain inordinate disinformation machines

Von der Leyen’s

R

uthless, Relentless, see-through Veiled Malice

 “The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed fresh anti-Russia sanctions on Wednesday. These included tighter trade restrictions, blacklisting of more individuals (Joe McCarthy style) and an oil price cap for third countries.”

“Under the proposal, European companies would be barred from providing more services to Russia, and European citizens would be prohibited from sitting on boards of Russian state companies.”

In its earlier actions the European Union “adopted seven packages of sanctions against Russia, targeting the country’s financial sector, individuals and entities, as well as Russian coal and gold, among other items.” RT September 28, 2022 “EU proposes new ‘biting’ sanctions against Russia: Oil price cap was among suggested measures aimed at hitting Moscow even more, Ursula von der Leyen says” https://www.rt.com/business/563674-eu-proposes-new-russia-sanctions/

“The European Commission has unveiled sweeping new regulations it claims will protect independent media against political interference and surveillance.

“The ‘Media Freedom Act,’ published on Friday, will ban the use of spyware and other surveillance tactics against journalists and their family members, and forbid the search and seizure of media offices – except ‘on the grounds of national security,’ in which case law enforcement must meet a high burden of proof.” RT September 17, 2022 “EU takes aim at ‘press freedom’ with new law: The regulations purport to safeguard against political interference in editorial decisions,” https://www.rt.com/news/563015-europe-press-freedom-law-disinformation/

 

Mrs. Von der Leyen’s lock stepping, despite hiccups and short stints, has permitted her rise to power, and its abuse.

  • Minister of Social Affairs, Women and Families and Health of Lower Saxony
  • March 4, 2003 –November 22, 2005 
  • Minister of Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth
  • November 22, 2005 –November 30, 2009 
  • Minister of Labour and Social Affairs
  • November 30, 2009 –December 17, 2013
  • Minister of Defense
  • December 17, 2013 –July17, 2019
  • President of the European Commission
  • December 1, 2019 - present

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ursula_von_der_Leyen

 

 

World and National Sources
Collage composed of individual Internet images
Composition, Commentary excluding quoted material and individual images

Copyright © Carolyn LaDelle Bennett

Author’s links

www.BennettsAmericanEpitaph.com

https://www.facebook.com/carolynladelle.bennett

https://insightbeyondtodaysnews.blogspot.com/

nolandanisland@hotmail.com

 

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Counting, Discounting “The Vote”: US Apathy at home, Aggression Abroad

Meddling in Others’ Affairs Abandons Home

Leaders, influential agents, people holding inordinate power should mend their own matters before meddling in the affairs of others.

The Vote

Voting for elective officials is a freedom afforded citizens of many (but not all) countries around the world. Some abuse the vote. Some take it for granted. Holding “public elections” does not in self “guarantee” free” and “fair” elections.

Voter turnout in the United States of America consistently lags behind that of the “developed” nations around the world. Average voter turnout of OECD countries is 69 percent.

Voter Turnout in the United States of America

  • 2016 estimate: 55.72 percent of eligible voters
  • 2020 estimate: 66.5 percent of eligible voters

 

F

actors found to be Contributive to Low Voter Turnout

  • Apathy and ignorance (particularly among young people who are otherwise eligible to vote)
  • Unawareness of voting process
  • Perceived corruption and dysfunction causing disenchantment and disaffection

Large and small election scandals

  • accusations of ballot box stuffing or improper counting procedures; 
  • unreasonable voting requirements; 
  • limiting, excluding or effectively outlawing (multi-) political party or (independent) candidate participation; 
  • gerrymandering of voting districts giving one party an unnatural advantage and delivering results contrary to the desires of the people as a whole. 
  • Limiting or prohibiting open, authentic debates

Highest Voter Turnout (%)

Top 10 Countries 2017-2022 (“parliamentary” applies to any election in which members are elected to a legislative body, whether or not the elective body is called a “parliament”)

1.      Rwanda (Central Africa) 2017 Presidential 98.15

2.      Laos (Southeast Asia) 2021 Parliamentary 98.02

3.      Turkmenistan (Central Asia) 2022 Presidential 97.17

4.      Singapore (Southeast Asia) 2020 Parliamentary 95.81

5.      Socialist Republic of Vietnam (Southeast Asia) 2021 Parliamentary 95.60

 

6.      Nauru (Island in Central Pacific) 2019 Parliamentary 95.13

7.      Ethiopia (East (Horn of) Africa) 2021 Parliamentary 93.64

8.      Equatorial Guinea (Central Africa-West) 2016 Presidential 92.70

9.      Togo (West Africa) 2020 Presidential 92.28

10.  Antigua and Barbuda (Island in Atlantic) 2014 Parliamentary 90.27

 

World Population Review https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/voter-turnout-by-country

Highest Voter Turnout (Top 10) among Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Member Countries 

  1. Belgium        87.2
  2. Sweden        82.6
  3. South Korea    77.9
  4. Denmark        80.3
  5. Australia        79
  6. Norway        78
  7. Netherlands    77.3
  8. Iceland        76.8
  9. Israel        76.1
  10. New Zealand    73.2

Latest published data 2015, WorldAtlas https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/countries-with-the-highest-voter-turnout.html

Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Member Countries

 

1.      Australia

2.      Austria

3.      Belgium

4.      Canada

5.      Chile

6.      Colombia

7.      Costa Rica

8.      Czech Republic

9.      Denmark

10.  Estonia

11.  Finland

12.  France

13.  Germany

14.  Greece

15.  Hungary

16.  Iceland

17.  Ireland (Republic of)

18.  Israel

19.  Italy

20.  Japan

21.  Korea (South Korea/ROC)

22.  Latvia

 

23.  Lithuania

 

24.  Luxembourg

 

25.  Mexico

 

26.  Netherlands

 

27.  New Zealand

 

28.  Norway

 

29.  Poland

 

30.  Portugal

 

31.  Slovak Republic

 

32.  Slovenia

 

33.  Spain

 

34.  Sweden

 

35.  Switzerland

 

36.  Türkiye

 

37.  United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern

38.  United States of America

 

https://www.oecd.org/about/document/ratification-oecd-convention.htm

 

P

rompted by Current reporting from the East laying bare US officials’ lead of Collective West in a relentless, aggressive interference and obstruction of elective processes abroad

September 24, 2022 Reporting

US President Joseph Biden, ahead of the actual voting in the Donbass Region (and never having set foot on the ground in that region),

Declares the process and outcome a “sham”;

Vows “never recognize” the decisions of voters; and

Threatens collective strangling of Russians and people of the Russian Federation with “severe economic costs”

Locking step with the US president’s threats, the Group of Seven (comprised of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan) labels the people’s votes “‘illegitimate’ and undemocratic, and vows ‘never (to) recognize’" the voters' decision.

September 27, 2022 Reporting

Following the election, the Collective West’s interference refused to let up. The “sham” charge continued as did the vow of non-recognition and increased punishment.

A spokesman for the EU’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell is reported declaring that

“The EU will slap sanctions on anyone involved in referendums on joining Russia in the Donbass republics, as well as in Zaporozhye and Kherson regions.”

Another loudspeaker connected with the European Union’s foreign policy division issued a public threat against individuals …“‘obviously linked’ to the referendums,” promising that they “‘would be targeted in the next sanctions package.’”

Y

ET, despite all the verbal threats of heavy hitters and all their lethal weaponry poured on Russia’s borders and into a reckless comedian’s Ukraine—courageous people in numbers reaching toward one hundred percent (far exceeding vote counts of any US election) showed up and voted their desire to join (to embrace and be embraced by) the Russian Federation.

“The polls were conducted in the republics, as well as in the Moscow-controlled parts of Ukraine’s Zaporozhye and Kherson Regions between September 23 and 27, 2022.” Both republics—that had broken away from Kiev in the aftermath of the 2014 Maidan coup and the ensuing conflict in Ukraine’s east—have shown a turnout exceeding 80 percent for the referendums.

  • More than 98 percent of voters in Lugansk “have supported the idea to join Russia” (official figures)
  • Similar results are shown in the Donetsk vote after “a count of more than half the ballots
  • Zaporozhye and Kherson regions’ ballot counts show “93 percent and 87 percent of voters, respectively,” have backed “the split from Ukraine and reunification with Russia”
  • “Despite Kiev’s (and others) attempts to disrupt it…, the referendum” (according to local elections officials) stands; it “is considered valid.”

International observers of the elections came from Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Germany, Serbia, Mozambique, France, and the Central African Republic. All reported the “enthusiasm of voters” and that there were “no violations” in the elections process. They did note, however, the continuing “threats and shelling from Ukraine.”

 

Sources

RT news September 24, 2022 “Biden pledges ‘response’ to referendums: The US will target Russia’s economy over the votes in Donbass and two Moscow-controlled regions, the president says” https://www.rt.com/news/563446-biden-pledges-response-referendums-russia/

RT news September 25, 2022,  “Early turnout numbers for referendums on joining Russia revealed: Preliminary results on the third of five voting days shows the threshold having been reached in Donbass and Zaporozhye and almost met in Kherson,” https://www.rt.com/russia/563509-donbass-referendums-turnout-figures/

TASS news September 27, 2022 “Voting on accession to Russia,” https://tass.com/politics/1514213

RT news September 27, 2022 “EU threatens foreign observers over Donbass referendums:The sanctions, if agreed, may also affect those monitoring votes on joining Russia in Zaporozhye and Kherson regions” https://www.rt.com/russia/563612-eu-referendum-donbass-sanctions/

Contents of full news reports RT News - September 27 2022 (20:00 MSK):

  • Final referendum results in the Kherson Region with 96 percent saying yes to join Russia; that’s as preliminary data in the Donbass republics and the Zaporozhye Region shows over 90 percent in favor. Our correspondents report on location.
  • Video evidence emerges showing what’s been described as unprecedented damage to the Nord Stream pipeline system with German media claiming possible sabotage.
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin says the West broke its promises for Ukrainian grain to go to countries in need, as only a small fraction of the supplies went to Africa. https://www.rt.com/shows/news/563537-rtnews-september-27-20msk/

RT news September 27, 2022, “Donbass republic estimates timing of referendum results Polling stations are set to close in the coming hours as the Lugansk People’s Republic (LPR) votes on joining Russia,” https://www.rt.com/russia/563585-lugansk-referendum-results-tuesday/

 

World and National Sources
Collage composed of individual Internet images
Composition, Commentary excluding quoted material and individual images

Copyright © Carolyn LaDelle Bennett

 

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