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Page added on December 13, 2014
On the Brink of War and Economic Collapse
On occasion a reader will ask if I can give readers some good news. The answer is: not unless I lie to you like “your” government and the mainstream media do. If you want faked “good news,” you need to retreat into The Matrix. In exchange for less stress and worry, you will be led unknowingly into financial ruin and nuclear armageddon.
If you want to be forewarned, and possibly prepared, for what “your” government is bringing you, and have some small chance of redirecting the course of events, read and support this site. It is your site. I already know these things. I write for you.
The neoconservatives, a small group of warmongers strongly allied with the military/industrial complex and Israel, gave us Granada and the Contras affair in Nicaragua. President Reagan fired them, and they were prosecuted, but subsequently pardoned by Reagan’s successor, George H.W. Bush.
Ensconced in think tanks and protected by Israeli and military/security complex money, the neoconservatives reemerged in the Clinton administration and engineered the breakup of Yugoslavia, the war against Serbia, and the expansion of NATO to Russia’s borders.
Neoconservatives dominated the George W. Bush regime. They controlled the Pentagon, the National Security Council, the Office of the Vice President, and much else. Neoconservatives gave us 9/11 and its coverup, the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, the beginning of the destabilizations of Pakistan and Yemen, the U.S. Africa Command, the invasion of South Ossetia by Georgia, the demise of the anti-ABM Treaty, unconstitutional and illegal spying on American citizens without warrants, loss of constitutional protections, torture, and the unaccountability of the executive branch to law, Congress, and the judiciary. In short, the neoconservatives laid the foundation for dictatorship and for WW III.
The Obama regime held no one accountable for the crimes of the Bush regime, thus creating the precedent that the executive branch is above the law. Instead, the Obama regime prosecuted whistleblowers who told the truth about government crimes.
Neoconservatives remain very influential in the Obama regime. As examples, Obama appointed neoconservative Susan Rice as his National Security Advisor. Obama appointed neoconservative Samantha Power as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Obama appointed neoconservative Victoria Nuland as Assistant Secretary of State. Nuland’s office, working with the CIA and Washington-financed NGOs, organized the U.S. coup in Ukraine.
Neoconservatism is the only extant political ideology. The ideology is “America uber alles.” Neoconservatives believe that History has chosen the United States to exercise hegemony over the world, thereby making the U.S. “exceptional” and “indispensable.” Obama himself has declared as much. This ideology gives neoconservatives tremendous confidence and drive, just as Karl Marx’s conclusion that history had chosen the workers to be the ruling class gave early communists confidence and drive.
This confidence and drive makes the neoconservatives reckless.
To advance their agenda neoconservatives propagandize the populations of the U.S. and Washington’s vassal states. The presstitutes deliver the neoconservatives’ lies to the unsuspecting public: Russia has invaded and annexed Ukrainian provinces; Putin intends to reconstitute the Soviet Empire; Russia is a gangster state without democracy; Russia is a threat to the Baltics, Poland, and all of Europe, necessitating a U.S./NATO military buildup on Russia’s borders; China, a Russian ally, must be militarily contained with new U.S. naval and air bases surrounding China and controlling Chinese sea lanes.
The neoconservatives and President Obama have made it completely clear that the U.S. will not accept Russia and China as sovereign countries with economic and foreign policies independent of the interests of Washington. Russia and China are acceptable only as vassal states, like the UK, Europe, Japan, Canada, and Australia.
Clearly, the neoconservative formula is a formula for the final war.
All of humanity is endangered by a handful of evil men and women ensconced in positions of power in Washington.
Anti-Russia propaganda has gone into high gear. Putin is the “new Hitler.”
Daniel Zubov reports on a joint conference held by three U.S. think tanks.
The conference blamed Russia for the failures of Washington’s foreign policy. Read this article:http://sputniknews.com/columnists/20141205/1015538604.html to see how neoconservatives operate in order to control the explanations. Even Henry Kissinger is under attack for stating the obvious truth that Russia has a legitimate interest in Ukraine, a land long part of Russia and located in Russia’s legitimate sphere of influence.
Since the Clinton regime, Washington has been acting against Russian interests. In his forthcoming book, The Globalization of War: America’s Long War against Humanity, Professor Michel Chossudovsky presents a realistic appraisal of how close Washington has brought the world to its demise in nuclear war. This passage is from the Preface:
“The ‘globalization of war’ is a hegemonic project. Major military
and covert intelligence operations are being undertaken
simultaneously in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, sub-Saharan
Africa, Central Asia and the Far East. The US military agenda
combines both major theater operations as well as covert actions
geared towards destabilizing sovereign states.
“Under a global military agenda, the actions undertaken by the
Western military alliance (US-NATO-Israel) in Afghanistan, Pakistan,
Palestine, Ukraine, Syria and Iraq are coordinated at the highest
levels of the military hierarchy. We are not dealing with
piecemeal military and intelligence operations. The July-August
2014 attack on Gaza by Israeli forces was undertaken in close consultation
with the United States and NATO. In turn, the actions in
Ukraine and their timing coincided with the onslaught of the attack
on Gaza.
“In turn, military undertakings are closely coordinated with a
process of economic warfare which consists not only in imposing
sanctions on sovereign countries but also in deliberate acts of destabilization
of financial and currency markets, with a view to undermining
the enemies’ national economies.
“The United States and its allies have launched a military adventure
which threatens the future of humanity. As we go to press, US
and NATO forces have been deployed in Eastern Europe. US military
intervention under a humanitarian mandate is proceeding in sub-Saharan
Africa. The US and its allies are threatening China under President Obama’s
‘Pivot to Asia’.
“In turn, military maneuvers are being conducted at Russia’s
doorstep which could lead to escalation.
“The US airstrikes initiated in September 2014 directed against
Iraq and Syria under the pretext of going after the Islamic State are
part of a scenario of military escalation extending from North Africa
and the Eastern Mediterranean to Central and South Asia.
The Western military alliance is in an advanced state of readiness.
“And so is Russia.”
As I have often remarked, Americans are an insouciant people. They are simply unaware. Suppose they were aware, suppose that the entire population understood the peril, could anything be done, or have the insouciant Americans fallen under the control of the police state that Washington has created?
I don’t think there is much hope from the American people. The American people cannot tell genuine from fake leadership, and the ruling private elites will not permit real leaders to emerge. Moreover, there is no organized movement in opposition to the neoconservatives.
The hope comes from outside the political system. The hope is that the House of Cards and rigged markets erected by policymakers for the benefit of the One Percent collapses. David Stockman regards this outcome as a highly likely one. The collapse that Stockman sees as being on its way is the same collapse about which I have warned. Moreover, the number of Black Swans which can originate collapse are even more numerous than the ones Stockman correctly identifies. Some financial organizations are worried about a lack of liquidity in the fixed income (bonds) and derivatives markets. Barbara Novack, co-chair of Black Rock, is lobbying hard for a derivatives bailout mechanism.
David Stockman’s article is important. Read it until you understand it, and you will know more than most everyone. http://www.lewrockwell.com/2014/12/david-stockman/duck-and-cover%E2%80%A8/
Many will ask: If the wealth of the One Percent is vulnerable to economic collapse, will war be initiated to protect this wealth and to blame the Russians or Chinese for the hardships that engulf the American population? My answer is that the kind of collapse that I expect, and that David Stockman and no doubt others expect, presents government with such social, political, and economic insecurity that organizing for a major war becomes impossible.
Whereas the political impotence of the American people and the vassalage of the Western World impose no constraints on Washington, economic collapse brings revolutions and the demise of the existing order.
As hard as collapse would make it for people to survive, the chances for survival are higher than in the event of nuclear war.
Paul Craig Roberts was Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Economic Policy and associate editor of the Wall Street Journal. He was columnist for Business Week, Scripps Howard News Service, and Creators Syndicate. He has had many university appointments. His internet columns have attracted a worldwide following. His latest book, The Failure of Laissez Faire Capitalism and Economic Dissolution of the West is now available.
Paul Craig Roberts | Infowars.com
32 Comments on "On the Brink of War and Economic Collapse"
paulo1 on Sat, 13th Dec 2014 9:47 am
re: “As examples, Obama appointed neoconservative Susan Rice as his National Security Advisor. Obama appointed neoconservative Samantha Power as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Obama appointed neoconservative Victoria Nuland as Assistant Secretary of State. Nuland’s office, working with the CIA and Washington-financed NGOs, organized the U.S. coup in Ukraine.”
The guy (Obama) can’t effing win, can he? If he appointed a George McGovern type he would be an ineffectual softie and “what was he thinking”?
Another arm chair quarterback with an axe to grind, waxing on about conspiracies is our Mr. Roberts.
At least Dick Cheny has been side lined.
GregT on Sat, 13th Dec 2014 10:15 am
As usual, Dr. Roberts tells it exactly like it is, as uncomfortable as it may be for many people.
The US government has been hijacked by some very evil individuals, and if you think it can’t get any worse, just wait until Hillary is installed as the next POTUS.
Unelected ‘think tanks’, should not be allowed to direct US foreign policy. It is unconstitutional, but not surprising. The Neocons have been working very hard to shred the best constitution ever written.
For balance, the Stephen Harper regime is in full support of the neocon agenda. Canada is now complicit in war crimes against humanity, as is the UN Security Council.
The age of Endarkenment is upon us. Black is white, up is down, and good is bad. The only hope for change must come from the bottom up. Vote for anybody in the next election, other than democrats or republicans. Both parties have become one and the same.
JuanP on Sat, 13th Dec 2014 10:30 am
The title made me miss a heartbeat. It describes so perfectly how I see and feel our situation today. I, unfortunately, agree completely with this article. This is very close to the truth as I see it, too.
penury on Sat, 13th Dec 2014 10:34 am
Greg T,I do not think we (the U.S.) have until 2016. If you have been following the bills before the Lame Duck session you will find that escalation of the crisis appears to be the only policy. Take into account all of the gifts to Wall Street and the military build-ups in Ea. Europe. I hope I am wrong.
Perk Earl on Sat, 13th Dec 2014 11:36 am
In one manner or another the originally idealistic American political system as it was constructed by our forefathers over time became corrupted by allowing big money interest as lobbyists to influence policy. I suggest the neocons are part of that corruption as their entrenchment probably began simply as lobbying by the Industrial Military Complex.
What is most distressing is there is apparently is no choice in voting to change this, as either Repub or Dem president’s seem now to sit in power side by side with the neocons.
Northwest Resident on Sat, 13th Dec 2014 11:56 am
Perk Earl — I think you’re right about Repub or Dem presidents not really making that much of a difference. The reason why is because the entire political system is owned and operated by a wealthy, entrenched and powerful elite. No president or other official gets elected without their collective approval. In fact, from my point of view, it helps to promote one’s understanding of how things really work if we look at the Federal Government, banking system and major financial institutions, mega-corporations and military industrial complex as one vast cohesive functioning organization directed by a central source of power which derives from a broad consensus among the power elites. Any elected president or representative these days simply plugs into the vast machine and functions as a cog with a predetermined role to play. Not at all how the founding fathers envisioned it, I’m sure.
Davy on Sat, 13th Dec 2014 12:05 pm
Greg/Juan, do you think the CIA report is a shot across the Neocon’s bow? Neocons pushed for the harsh interrogation. I am wondering if there is rebellion simmering within the establishment?
Davy on Sat, 13th Dec 2014 12:15 pm
N/R, where do the tea baggers and the Elizabeth Warrens fit in? I see the whole establishment in open battle because of fundamental ideological differences and self interest. I do see everyone under the thumb of money interest. Yet, with the pie shrinking different money interests are being pitted against each other. I see a storm brewing when the really nasty decisions must be made I.e. when all the unfounded liabilities and entitlement reform must be dealt with.
Walt on Sat, 13th Dec 2014 12:22 pm
I foresee the following to take place.
1. More sanctions against Russia and Iran with end of talks. 2. A Kiev style campaign to overthrow Orban in Hungary because he looks out for Hungary. 3. Kiev launching a full scale assault into eastern Ukraine to distract Russia. 4. Redirect of the air campaign from ISIL to a full blown assault on Assad’s forces with the possibility of a two for one with Lebanon being bombed since it’s the home of Hezbollah. At this Israel will be given the green light and attack Iran’s nuclear facilities. At that point it becomes”Katie bar the door.”
Dredd on Sat, 13th Dec 2014 12:33 pm
Great post. Thanks Mr. Roberts.
Northwest Resident on Sat, 13th Dec 2014 1:29 pm
Davy — I honest don’t know the answer to your question. But of course, I do have an opinion! I won’t express it though because it would be purely political, and I don’t want to go there. Let’s just say that there is a lot of misdirected anger today that needs to be validated and channeled, which is probably where Elizabeth Warren and the Tea Party come in — useful tools for that, but no chance of ever making a big difference in the grand scheme of things. TPTB probably recognize that brewing, seething misdirected anger will just keep growing. If they can set up leaders that people believe are fighting to address their anger, then the anger can be vented relatively harmlessly through the political process. It’s when people stop believing that anybody is listening that things will start to get really messy. That time is coming soon enough, but for now, Warren and TParty imo serve as “anger outlets”, like steam vents in the boiling pot of water.
J-Gav on Sat, 13th Dec 2014 2:03 pm
There is usually something interesting in Mr Roberts’ articles and an issue or two which I find contestable. This one is no exception.
A couple or three cases in point: 1 – He was part of the Reagan administration at the time, so he’s covering his ass when he intimates that under ‘The Gipper,’ balance was restored, justice prevailed and prosecutions cleaned up what was left of the mess.
That is kind of forgiving and forgetting the role of a certain Oliver North, never prosecuted for anything, even after lying and massively ‘taking the fifth’ in the Iran-Contra scandal. He continues to this day to do his lecture tours.
Then there is is the extremely messy affair involving the American hostages in Iran and the ‘October Surprise,’ so well documented by investigative journalist Robert Parry. A clear-cut example of treason by any standard, since negotiating with a foreign government is, or should I say ‘used to be’ considered a grievous crime against any state represented by elected officials, as opposed to the under-handed schemes engineered by the likes of Bush senior and CIA director at the time William Casey.
Reagan lied through his teeth on these matters and was forgiven as ‘Mister soothing fireside chats.’ Roberts was part of that administration.
That doesn’t mean he hasn’t woken up since, nor that he has nothing of interest to say, particularly on the subject of finance. Something’s got to give. We do know that it will affect us all, but we don’t know just how deeply or how quickly. Several comments above give an idea as to how this could eventually work out so thanks for your contributions.
shortonoil on Sat, 13th Dec 2014 2:27 pm
Paul Craig Roberts is right. There are some very evil creatures in positions of great power in this nation. Be warned; your life is no more significant to them than an insect’s.
bobinget on Sat, 13th Dec 2014 3:24 pm
For now, I’m not giving up on the system and putting al my marbles on Elizabeth Warren.
Of course, I hoped for same miracles with President O.
The Senate just passed a trillion dollar budget.
BTW,’rider amendments’ struck down banking regulations put on post 2008 financial disaster.
To big to fail is back!
Party on big financials.
J-Gav on Sat, 13th Dec 2014 3:24 pm
Short – “Your life is no more signifiant to them than an insect’s.” That much is for sure.
J-Gav on Sat, 13th Dec 2014 3:28 pm
Short – “Your life is no more signifiant to them than an insect’s.” That much is for sure. TPTB don’t give a flyer about you, get used to it.
bobinget on Sat, 13th Dec 2014 3:30 pm
I have argued for months, we are not ‘on the brink of war’ but into the Big Muddy with no exit plan.
This is nothing short of a world war. I’ll post the definition once more, see if our current situation fits.
(Wikipedia)
A world war is a war involving some of the world’s most powerful and populous countries. World wars span multiple countries on multiple continents, with battles fought in multiple theaters. The term is usually applied to the two conflicts that occurred during the 20th century: World War I (1914–1918)
trickydick on Sat, 13th Dec 2014 4:19 pm
US foreign policy becomes whatever Israel decides it should be. Israel gets closed borders and no wars. US gets open borders and fights Israeli wars so Israel doesn’t have to lose a single life.
In the meantime, a lot of oil capacity is kept off the market. Exploding bombs tend to scare off oil workers. If the bombs don’t shut down oil production, the terrorists will show up and start shooting people. Whatever it takes, short of Israel deploying a single tank or soldier.
Perk Earl on Sat, 13th Dec 2014 4:20 pm
“The reason why is because the entire political system is owned and operated by a wealthy, entrenched and powerful elite.”
“Any elected president or representative these days simply plugs into the vast machine and functions as a cog with a predetermined role to play.”
That’s it exactly NWR, and as I see it too. Everybody remembers Obama with his plans, visions and ideas. He claimed he was going to end lobbying. That’s a huge claim especially considering he never mentioned it again once elected. We’re still in Afghanistan and yet he won a Nobel peace prize? So something happens either on the way to the White House or once they are sworn in, that seems to change them into yes people for the power elite.
Perk Earl on Sat, 13th Dec 2014 4:38 pm
“BTW,’rider amendments’ struck down banking regulations put on post 2008 financial disaster.
To big to fail is back!
Party on big financials.”
Yeah, I posted an article about that yesterday – it made me sick to my stomach that Obama wouldn’t stand up to that. It’s called a veto – all he has to do is sign on the veto dotted line! So what if the govt. shuts down – as prez he cannot allow the other party to blackmail him into signing, but yet he’s already said he’ll sign – wtf?. He’s becoming spineless. As my Father use to say, “He couldn’t beat his way out of a brown paper bag.”
Davy on Sat, 13th Dec 2014 5:01 pm
Perk, what does it matter there is no more juice in QE and bailouts anyway. In 2008 we shot our wad. That it for that happiness. The next round will be humpty dumpty phase.
J-Gav on Sat, 13th Dec 2014 5:24 pm
This ‘system’ is on its way down and out … It (and society at large) will react to that reality in potentially vicious and violent ways – I think we’ve already seen a number of examples of this over recent years – school shootings etc.
What will it take for people to realize that the half-a-chromosome of difference between us and chimpanzees needs to be nurtured and shaped to make way for a mammalian future which might have some sense regarding our continued presence on this planet?
Makati1 on Sat, 13th Dec 2014 6:53 pm
PCR, and a number of others that I read, are telling it like it really is. Not like we wish it would be. They may still have an agenda, we all do, but it is less scripted by Washington than anything out of the MSM Iron Curtain.
IF there is an election in 2016, Hilary is the chosen one and will be even more of a war hawk than Bush or O. The sheeple will listen to the BS, vote for their party favorite, the Republicrats, and go home and bitch for the next 4 yeas about declining living conditions and the inability to pay for their 600 channels of mind slop.
The government knows what is coming and they are preparing for it. Militarizing the police. Controlling the internet and cell systems so they can be shut down at any time. The introduction of drones into the skies over America. The total loss of privacy. Storm troopers, called SWAT teams, breaking down doors of private citizens homes in the middle of the night for no legal reason. And on and on….
Perk Earl on Sat, 13th Dec 2014 8:43 pm
“Perk, what does it matter there is no more juice in QE and bailouts anyway.”
Good point, Davy. I guess it just galls me that the powers of corruption right down to the last gasps of BAU are so dominant that a President of the US feels powerless to veto something he has already said he doesn’t like. I guess I believe in fighting the good fight – stand up for something even if it is late in the game.
Talking of the clock ticking down, I’m also beginning to chime in on what should be a quite interesting year, 2015. No predictions, just eyes wide open.
Plantagenet on Sat, 13th Dec 2014 9:05 pm
Trying to blame “neoconservatives for Obama’s wars in Libya, Syria, Iraq, Somalia, Yemen, etc. is silly.
Obama is a liberal. Biden is liberal. Hillary is a liberal. Obama’s wars are a product of woolly headed liberal thinking done by liberals.
steve on Sat, 13th Dec 2014 10:29 pm
Right and Left politics are a waste of time…we will soon look back and miss the good ole days of believing in one party or another as if it mattered…
Norm on Sat, 13th Dec 2014 10:51 pm
There us a great big bird, swooping out of the sky to kill you with its claws and sharp beak. The bird has a right wing, and a left wing. But it is just one bird.
That said, it seems the left wing is slightly less evil and less dangerous. However the left wing is also incompetent, so the right wing takes over sometimes.
Makati1 on Sat, 13th Dec 2014 10:53 pm
Plant, the Republicrats are all there is. There is no ‘liberal’ side anymore. It is all far right neocons in power. Blame anyone but yourself, is the American creed. World domination is the goal. Nothing less, even if it means the end of humanity.
GregT on Sun, 14th Dec 2014 2:31 am
Plant,
Democracy will only work with an intelligent and well informed populous. Your thought process is a prime example of why democracy will never work.
HARM on Sun, 14th Dec 2014 3:53 am
Plant: “Obama is a liberal. Biden is liberal. Hillary is a liberal. Obama’s wars are a product of woolly headed liberal thinking done by liberals.”
Yes, there’s nothing us liberals want more than ENDLESS WARS to fuel the military-industrial complex. Especially the ones that quash democracy and involve coups against popularly elected leaders. I was just at a local Green Party meeting talking about how bad I wanted the CIA to start another dirty war in the ME and how much I missed the Bush Administration, what with all the torture, secret spying, civil rights abuses and all but wiping their asses with the Constitution. Good times and noodle salad.
Davy on Sun, 14th Dec 2014 5:30 am
My dad said the Jesuits ruined me. Mom tries to justify me by saying I am a libertarian. You know conservatives can justify liberal thinking by labeling it libertarian. I took some online survey that labeled my liberal. If you have a brain in America you will be labeled a liberal these days. Conservatives use any thinking that will justify and support BAU and the status quo socially. I am a white male in his 50’s so you know I am going to have some traditional conservative streaks.
I am actually a little of the above and none of the above. I have no other concern then a pursuit of the truth in attempt to understand the paradigm shift from growth to descent. We are close or in the end days of life as we know it. IMO this is not unlike the apocalyptic thoughts of the past but without the rapture religious fantasy IMA fantasy that is nothing more than myth. We have lost the intellectual ability to understand myths in time space thinking. I equate this apocalypse with a natural process of nature cycling through epochs. The Anthropocene will end very quickly and a rebirth will occur with or without humans. The getting from here to there is going to be one hell of an event never experienced by man in all his history. Tell me friends does any politics measure up to that or is all politics lame in comparison?
I do not believe in politics anymore nor do I have any interest other than stirring up trouble with small talk with friends and family. I have found politics appeals to those with lower intellect and logic. It is really nothing more than a system of wealth transfer and power control. The laws that are passed are not passed in the spirit of law. This spirit of law we got from our historical growth as an enlightened people. Laws are now passed for the utilitarian purpose of wealth transfer and power control.
We have to put neocons where they belong. They have little interest in social issues. IMA this should be the primary interest of body politics. Neocons will appeal to the conservatives for strength but every issues for a neocon concerns power and control. Security control internally and externally is paramount. Neocons ultimate goal is control of the country and the world. They will whore themselves as needed to achieve the goal of power. They want this power to be as a secret as possible. The want to be an apparatus within the existing body politics like a virus controlling a cell. The NSA is a perfect example of the outward expression of this reality.
In this respect the neocons are evil. I use the world evil here not religiously but maliciously. They are an ideology completely corrupted by power and control. This is the worst kind of ideology because eventually you are a snake eating your tail. One can never have complete control so this ideology will destroy the body politic from the healthy balance from checks and balances. A nasty dictatorship is similar but overtly lusts power. Nothing is out of the reach of their methods nor objectionable to their intent. It is a perfect example of the religious picture of the mechanization of the Devil. Human nature is depersonalized and harnessed towards control which ultimately leads to death.
Neocons destroyed this country by trashing its potential world contribution and the disregard of the politically sacred constitution. There was a chance at end the cold war to initiate a healthy checks and balance in the world body politics. Instead the US was taken hostage by the neocons by power lust and disdain for global human rights. The question is when will they destroy themselves and the leadership of this country? Ben Franklin once replied to a question of the life span of the US. He thought it would end in 200 years from corruption. Ben was one smart guy in my book.
shortonoil on Sun, 14th Dec 2014 12:18 pm
There was a rather famous book written about the neocon agenda:
It is called: 1984</b?