Free Speech Free To Those Who Oppose Freedom

If you are an aficionado of Youtube it would be difficult to miss some of the best videos on the net.  Surprisingly, what appears to be well shot news stories comes from societies who would not let a Western media outlet speak as freely were they voicing their opinions from the host country.  Enter Press TV and RT, two media outlets who have learned from the Fox News model to turn supposed independent news into a point of view.

Press TV is from Iran, a country that openly eschews just about everything Western.  RT means Russian TV.  Both are full of flashy news with experts who supposedly are giving Americans, the consummate news junkies, what they lust for.  In reality, the news items are nothing short of slick propaganda designed to slide an anti-Western message under the nose of anyone who is willing to listen.

For example, recent reports from RT and Press TV both pitch the events in the Ukraine as a country simply attempting to return to it's roots.  Little is made about the invasion of the country by Russia.  Lost in the rhetoric are traditional American values in a red wrapper.

America will remain free so long as people are able to distinguish the truth from the hype.  In the old days of journalistic standards, reporters were not allowed to have a point of view, though they often did.  Then came FOX TV and Bill O'Reilly whose version of fair and balanced has made him a popular figure.  In pretending to keep journalistic standards, he always seems to give his opponents a voice and slants the article to underscore his version of the truth.  Through clever editing Bill is always right, something journalists should never be, and Americans have confidence in his diatribes.

News on a point of view without disclosing the reporter is editorializing is bad journalism.  Unfortunately, the bar continues to descend as new players use the play book to sway public opinion in the US while denying their citizens a "fair and unbiased" point of view at home.

Thugs On Motorcycles Prey On Venezuelan Citizens, Colectivos Bring Terror

In Communistic basic theory, every block in a city has a block captain who watches over the citizens in his block. The structure follows the chain up to districts and states. Those who serve to keep watch on the rest of society get special treatment as "party members". In Venezuela, they take the concept one healthy, or rather unhealthy, notch higher.


"Colectivos" are gangs of thugs, many former block party members supporting the government, mounted on motorcycles and roving Venezuelan barrios looking for victims. Any one who speaks out against a repressive regime is fair game. There is no point in calling the police or government agency for help, because these thugs are supported by the government.

Despite a press lock down, videos have been leaking out of besieged sections of major Venezuelan cities showing the absolute brutality of the Collectives. They are doing what the government, in it's supposed official capacity, has failed to do. Quelling unrest is one thing. Allowing the brutal assault and dehumanization of the opposition is another thing.

Sailors are advised to avoid Venezuela at all costs. The country has fallen into complete chaos. The government is resorting to violent methods not so unlike those used by Army Major Roberto D'Aubuisson en El Salvador. Last week, two opposition leaders, Luis Daniel Gómez, and Gustavo Giménez were found murdered in a Caracas Park. Supposedly, the leaders, friends of opposition Leopoldo López, one even having grown up in the same household. Yet, the Venezuelan government, which owns and controls the vast majority of the Nation's assets, and with all of it's investigative might, has conveniently been unable to identify or capture the assassins of the two men.

In fact, part of the unrest in Venezuela is due to the general feeling of insecurity. No one is safe in Venezuela today. Caracas now has a reputation of being one of the most dangerous places on Earth, despite considerable wealth and education. The government under Nicolás Maduro Moros, who took over after Hugo Chavez died from cancer, has been ineffective in protecting the supply of the most basic necessities of life, toilet paper, food, beverages and even the safety of the people who live under his rule.

People representing both the left and the right are fighting for basic freedom. The government is paralyzed to stop protests against it while encouraging the Colectivos to do the job the government, in full view of the limited press, prefers not to be seen as doing.  Yet, their silence and refusal to take action against unbridled thugs reminds people of other South American and Central American governments which quietly stood by while criminals did their dirty work.

SOS Venezuela, #prayforvenezuela A Country and Her People Cry For Help

A Country and Her People Cry For Help

Videos smuggled out of Venezuela and made available for download show Venezuela imploding.  Some of the videos show government forces brutalizing citizens.  Others show citizens out of control.  All of the evidence adds up to a country exploding from internal violence against a failed state which has broken it's promises to the people.

It is hard to imagine a society in which a shred of toilet paper is a rare commodity.  When the reality strikes home, as only one symbol of basic necessities unmet, life takes a drastic turn.  In Venezuela, people are desperate for necessities which include food.  Some people report waiting 8 hours just to buy rice.

While a government in panic may need to take extreme measures, there is a limit how far any government should go.  The suppression of free speech and the use of government troops to brutalize the opposition are steps too far.  A legitimate government cannot violate the population and remain legitimate.  The videos of officials pummeling protesters is an indication of how far out of control the state is, let alone the people.

While we have confidence in the source of these videos, we are unable to verify their authenticity.  They were sent to us marked as "evidence" and we suspect they are valid.

SOS Venezuela is one of the phrases being used by citizens to ask for help.  While various factions have their own view on the best way forward for Venezuela, one message is clear:  What has been transpiring represents a nightmare for people who deserve better.

Ivan Antonio Lopez Unable To Get Mental Health Assistance

Fort Hood, Texas Commanding General of III Corps and Fort Hood, Lt. Gen. Mark A. Milley confirmed the death of Spc. Ivan Antonio Lopez.  Spc Lopez is identified as the person responsible for the shooting incident April 2 at the Fort.

Lopez, 34, whose home of record is listed as Guayanilla, Puerto Rico, entered active duty service in June 2008 and was currently assigned to 49th Transportation Movement Control Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary).

He was previously assigned to Fort Bliss, Texas and assigned to the 1st Armored Division from April 2010 until November 2013 as an automatic rifleman. He reclassified as a motor transport operator in December 2013 and arrived at Fort Hood in February 2014.

Lopez deployed to Egypt from January 2007 to January 2008, and in support of Operation New Dawn from August 2011 to December 2011.

Lopez's awards and decorations include two Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals, three Army Good Conduct Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, Iraqi Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non commissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal and Multinational Forces and Observers medal.

There are four deceased Soldiers and 16 wounded from the April 2 incident. Of the 16 Soldiers, nine of them are at Scott & White Hospital in Temple, Texas and three are at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center here.  Four of the Soldiers have already been released.

"We have very strong evidence that he had a medical history that indicates an unstable psychiatric or psychological condition. (We're) going through all records to ensure that is, in fact, correct. But we believe that to be the fundamental underlying causal factor," Lt. Gen. Mark Milley, the post's commanding general, told reporters Thursday.

Presumably, Lopez had sought help for serious mental problems but had not been evaluated completely before the shooting. Fast tracking persons with mental and emotional problems was one of the priorities set after the last Fort Hood shooting. Lopez was reportedly distraught over the loss of his mother and grandfather within a two month period, according to FOX News.The Criminal Investigation Division of the United States Army continues as the lead investigating agency and are now synchronizing all of the investigative work of the federal, state, local and Army agencies throughout Fort Hood and the surrounding area.

Fort Hood officials are committed to letting the investigation run its course but, again, there are no indications at this time of any links to terrorist organizations of any type either national or international. 
  
"I’d also like to thank the outpouring of support from the Central Texas community and from the entire state of Texas, and from all of our national leadership within the military and our civilian leadership on the national level, Milley said at the conference. "Everyone is chipping in trying to assist in any way they can and I would recommend any individual wanting to donate support in any manner, shape or form, contact the Fort Hood PAO, that’s on the Facebook page, and they can point you in the right direction."

Primary Source:  Fort Hood Press

Another Tragic Day For Nation, 5 Dead At Ft. Hood

Four victims along with the shooter who killed them lie dead at this hour at Fort Hood, Texas.  The unconfirmed AP report says the base is on lock down at this time.  News of the shooting spread quickly.  A tweet said, "All personnel on post are asked to shelter in place".

Early reports say 14 people are injured.  CBS News, Dallas/Ft. Worth, reports the shooter as 34 year old Ivan Lopez.  CBS says the shooting started as a result of a dispute between soldiers.  

Sirens have been going off on base in an effort to alert people to take shelter.