Failed Privatizations — The Thatcher Legacy by Michael Hudson

Image by The PIX-JOCKEY (photo manipulation) via Flickr

by Michael Hudson
Writer, Dandelion Salad
michael-hudson.com
April 8, 2013

This is from my book on privatization, written some 15 years ago, never published.

As in Chile, privatization in Britain was a victory for Chicago monetarism. This time it was implemented democratically. In fact, voters endorsed Margaret Thatcher’s selloff of public industries so strongly that by 1991, when she was replaced as prime minister by her own party’s John Major, only 35 percent of Britain’s voters supported the Labour Party – half the proportion registered in 1945. The Conservatives sold off public monopolies, used the proceeds to cut taxes, and put the privatized firms on a profit-making basis.

Barack Obama’s Presidential Memorandum — Presidential Determination on Syria Drawdown

Dandelion Salad

Propaganda Alert!

The White House

Image by SS&SS via Flickr

Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
April 11, 2013

MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE

THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE

SUBJECT: Drawdown Pursuant to Section 552(c)(2)of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 of up to $10 Million in Commodities and Services from any Agency of the United States Government to the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) and the Syrian Opposition’s Supreme Military Council (SMC)

Two Obamas, Two Classes of Children by Ralph Nader

Dandelion Salad

by Ralph Nader
The Nader Page
April 11, 2013

Image by DonkeyHotey via Flickr

An Associated Press photograph brought the horror of little children lying dead outside of their home to an American Audience. At least 10 Afghan children and some of their mothers were struck down by an airstrike on their extended family household by order of President Barack Obama. He probably decided on what his aides describe as the routine weekly “Terror Tuesday” at the White House. On that day, Mr. Obama typically receives the advice about which “militants” should live or die thousands of miles away from drones or aircraft. Even if households far from war zones are often destroyed in clear violation of the laws of war, the president is not deterred.

Requiem for a Dominatrix by Michael Parenti

Image by Tim F Bklyn via Flickr

by Michael Parenti
Writer, Dandelion Salad
Michael Parenti Blog
www.michaelparenti.org
April 13, 2013

On April 8, 2013, the western world lost a grand dame, an iconic figure, a woman admired by millions while dismissed by others as just another lady in a bouffant hairdo. She came from a modest social background yet she made her way to the top, a woman who could perform winningly in what is arguably the most competitive arena of life. I am, of course, speaking of Annette Funicello, singer and Hollywood actress.