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

 

Impeachable Washington

“Legal” Corruption Entrenched Taken to Nth Degree

Reaction to Current Pageantry   

I have listened to a few hours of the current U.S. House of Representatives Impeachment Inquiry and what comes through to me in bold, glaring, unbearable relief is this.

A

merica’s substantive underpinnings are gone, nonexistent, dead on arrival. There is a sense of nothingness, valuelessness, shamelessness among persons; their corrupting malignancy affecting all that is within and that surrounds the structure of federal public government and governance. Even worse, the general population seems oblivious, unaware.

Overall the embeds on display in one or another public hearing and scores of others hidden in the shadows are sinister, inept and self-serving, shallow and careless of domestic and foreign affairs; all of them — from members of sundry Governmental (not only legislative) Committees and their entrenched membership, partners and nepotistic plants, and revolving-door riders in and out of government; to Executive Office hirings, firings, and partners and family members and other individuals riding the revolving-door of profiteering and influence peddling. Collectively, this crowd, its monopoly in government, conveys to America and the World

An absence of dependability

No core

No foundation

No integrity

No credibility

No demonstrated character of rigor, due diligence, or seriousness

Only pageantry, pretense, partisan blather

These days of display announce to the whole world that Federal Washington, Inside-The Beltway, the heart of America, the model to the world together with malleable media organizations are

Way off the rails

Arrogantly reckless

Utterly self-destructive and destructive on so many levels, to so many people—

Against the United States and its people

Against U.S. stature in the world;

In policies and practices, callously and continuously destructive of the world, its peoples, its institutions, and relations among peoples, regions and nations

I

 have believed for a long time that Americans (“We the People”) are being held hostage by vastly complex, reinforcing systems, and very clever people — 

Corrupt systems populated by corrupt and corruptible people who are genetically incapable (intentionally or unintentionally) of helping any other person or nation rid itself of corruption.

This system executes and enables unending conflict, war making; and sells arms to all takers.  

I believe the only way to fix America’s important systems is to alter the ethos and shovel out all current inmates and their buddies. The only way to mend the brokenness is to begin again.

S

tart over with principled people who, prior to assuming positions,

• Have demonstrated pertinent qualifications, sound moral character and professional ethics

• Are willing to conceive, shore up, adhere to fundamental principles (not merely personal ideology, propaganda, partisanship); and

• Truthfully commit their tenure to providing for the common defense (not foreign wars and aggression) and promoting the general welfare (this is U.S. Constitutional not “socialist” doctrine);

• Truthfully commit to or be removed for failing to assist in mending the Union of the United States of America.

“We the People” must change from a passive to an active and attentive body politic.  Here are some of the important issues Americans missed while Washington operatives were performing their usual blame dance of unending distraction.

Beyond Beltway News Reporting

 

P

ress TV Reporting November 19-20, 2019

• “Trump’s pardon absolved Gallagher from any alleged wrongdoing.”

“It’s not the first time that Trump has pardoned an alleged war criminal. In May Trump pardoned First Lieutenant Michael Behenna, a former Army lieutenant who previously served five years in prison for fatally shooting an Iraqi man in American custody.” November 20, 2019 https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2019/11/20/611642/UN-Donald-Trump-pardon-army-officers-war-crimes

• “UN troubled by Trump pardons of officers accused of war crimes” Last Update: Wednesday, November 20, 2019 https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2019/11/19/611594/US-President-Donald-Trump-UN-Human-Rights-Pardon

• “US war on terror cost nearly $6 trillion” 

“… The so-called US war on terror has cost over 800,000 direct war deaths in Afghanistan, Pakistan and the Middle East. …

The worst humanitarian disaster happened in Iraq where nearly 310,000 were killed; among them were over 200,000 civilians. … [M]ore than 147,000 were killed alone in Afghanistan. Nearly 59,000 of them were members of Afghan army and police (source latest findings by Watson Institute of International Public Affairs at the United State’s Brown University). The retaliatory violence gradually spelled over to Pakistan, whereas, per Brown University findings, 66,000 have been killed since then. Among them were over 9,000 security personnel. … Brown University found that, for every American soldier killed; six Afghan, Pakistani and Iraqi security personnel died while fighting against the militants. …

[T]he US government is conducting so-called ‘counter-terror’ activities in 80 countries.  Indirect deaths are generally estimated to be four times higher (than the Brown findings) which means that total deaths during the post-2001 US wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Pakistan, and Yemen are likely to go well beyond 3.1 million.” Last Update: Wednesday, November 20, 2019 https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2019/11/20/611698/US-war-terror-Afghanistan-Pakistan-Middle-East

• “Two US service members killed in Afghanistan military helicopter crash … More than 14,000 active US troops are reportedly based in Afghanistan. More than 2,200 US troops have been killed in the country since the invasion in 2001. President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed his frustration with their continued deployment.

US forces have remained bogged down there through the presidencies of GEORGE W. BUSH, BARACK OBAMA, and now TRUMP (caps added). The US has, in the past, tried to negotiate a peace deal with the Taliban militant group over the withdrawal of the American troops from Afghanistan. In the past year, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad held nine rounds of negotiations with the Taliban in Qatar, where the militant group has a political office. A solution seemed to be close in early September, but a new wave of violence and the death of a US soldier prompted Trump to call off the talks.

Trump then threatened to use an unprecedented amount of force against the group.” Last Update: Wednesday, November 20, 2019 https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2019/11/20/611661/US-Soldiers-Afghanistan-Death-Helicopter-Crash

• “Pompeo plans to run for Senate after resignation: Report… The report said Pompeo’s initial plan had been to stay in office at the State Department until early spring next year.… US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has planned to resign from the Trump Administration as soon as possible and run in next year’s elections.

“[H]owever, that recent political developments, including President Donald Trump’s ongoing impeachment inquiry over the Ukraine scandal, were hurting Pompeo and that he wanted to exit sooner.” Update: Wednesday, November 20, 2019 https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2019/11/20/611649/US-Pompeo-Resignation

R

T reporting October 4, 2019 - November 19-20, 2019

• “The Ukraine affair is damning, all right – just not in the way you’re being told to think” …

“At the heart of the latest media firestorm are the text messages between US diplomats and Trump’s personal attorney Rudy Giuliani. House Democrats seeking to impeach Trump have already sent a subpoena to the White House seeking more documents, and their allies in the media have proclaimed the texts to be ‘damning.’…

“Way back in April 2016, President Barack Obama argued that the US stood for the ‘principle… that nations like Ukraine have the right to choose their own destiny.’ Left unsaid was that such choices would only be honored if they aligned with US beliefs and objectives – and subject to ‘color revolution’ and regime change if not, which is just what happened in February 2014 in Kiev.

The fact that neither Democrats or Republicans are raising that issue with Volker’s testimony and the texts just goes to show that neither have a problem with the US acting like an empire, and Ukraine being its vassal. That is what is truly damning about all of this, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.” October 4, 2019 https://www.rt.com/usa/470232-ukraine-texts-volker-impeachment/

• “Impeachment hearing raises question (of) who is in charge of US foreign policy: Trump or ‘interagency consensus’…“Ukraine is neither a treaty ally of the US nor a sacred cow. It did receive every penny of the aid designated by Congress, before the statutory deadline. All the Ukrainian officials from Zelensky on down have sworn they were never pressured into anything by Trump or his aides.

“Instead, what has emerged is a 2018 letter from Democrats demanding Ukraine aid the Mueller investigation, and an account of Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut), one of the main supporters of the 2014 Maidan coup, telling Zelensky he should not ‘respond to requests from American political actors’ lest he lose Democratic support in Congress — So much for the talk about anti-corruption efforts, or the US respecting their sovereignty – a joke if ever there was one.” By Nebojsa Malic, senior writer at RT November 19, 2019 https://www.rt.com/op-ed/473833-impeachment-vindman-foreign-policy/

• “Impeachment hearing gets more bizarre with Sondland confirming ‘Zelensky loves Trump’s ass’, but vague on quid pro quo”

“One thing he did remember… Telling the president that ‘Zelensky loves [his] ass…It sounds like something I would say!’ To chortles from the audience, Sondland continued: ‘That’s how President Trump and I communicate…: A lot of four-letter words. Three letter.’

‘Putting it in Trump-speak by saying he loves your ass he’ll do whatever you want, meant that he would really work with us on a whole host of issues,’ Sondland explained, acknowledging that Zelensky was ‘eager’ to work with the US.” November 20, 2019 https://www.rt.com/usa/473912-sondland-impeachment-questions-zelensky/ 

“List of short-tenure Donald Trump political appointments” List excludes political appointees, White House staff and other officials of the federal government from previous administrations who left or were dismissed from their positions under Trump (such as James Comey or Sally Yates). [Wikipedia page last edited October 1, 2019] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_short-tenure_Donald_Trump_political_appointments

“List of Trump administration dismissals and resignations … The record-setting turnover rate in the (Donald J.) Trump Administration has been noted in various publications.”

A reporter questioned the 45th U.S. president on September 18, 2019 “about the lack of stability in his administration, particularly in DHS; and the president replied “‘We have acting people. The reason they are acting is because I’m seeing how I like them and I’m liking a lot of them very, very much. There are people who have done a bad job and I let them go — if you call that turmoil. I don’t call that turmoil. I say that is being smart. That’s what we do.’” [Wikipedia  page last edited on November 19, 2019] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Trump_administration_dismissals_and_resignations

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