The Global Banking Game Is Rigged, and the FDIC Is Suing by Ellen Brown

by Ellen Brown
Writer, Dandelion Salad
The Web of Debt Blog
April 13, 2014

Taxpayers are paying billions of dollars for a swindle pulled off by the world’s biggest banks, using a form of derivative called interest-rate swaps; and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has now joined a chorus of litigants suing over it. According to an SEIU report:

Derivatives… have turned into a windfall for banks and a nightmare for taxpayers…. While banks are still collecting fixed rates of 3 to 6 percent, they are now regularly paying public entities as little as a tenth of one percent on the outstanding bonds, with rates expected to remain low in the future. Over the life of the deals, banks are now projected to collect billions more than they pay state and local governments – an outcome which amounts to a second bailout for banks, this one paid directly out of state and local budgets.

Filthy Mayhem in India–Cars, Lorries and Weddings by Graham Peebles

by Graham Peebles
Writer, Dandelion Salad
London, England
April 13, 2014

Along with the choking fumes and piles of putrid waste, sound systems and a constant bombardment of honking horns from cars, lorries and screaming buses assault residents and the unprepared in towns and cities throughout India. Loudspeakers are used to spread political propaganda; celebrate and circulate expensive arranged and prolonged weddings; and, mounted outside temples and mosques, loudly proclaim the jargon of the just and the righteous path to salvation.

John Pilger: Countries Can Be Independent As Long As They Comply With The US, interviewed by Cindy Sheehan

Image by Haydn via Flickr

by Cindy Sheehan
Writer, Dandelion Salad
Cindy Sheehan’s Soapbox Blog
April 13, 2014

This week Cindy chats with journalist/filmmaker John Pilger about world events and his new film, Utopia.

Then young Angeleno revolutionary poet Matt Sedillo will perform one of his poems for us.

Listen:

Tony Blair, George W. Bush and David Cameron: Hijacking God? by Felicity Arbuthnot

Image by Dandelion Salad via Flickr

by Felicity Arbuthnot
Writer, Dandelion Salad
London, England
April 13, 2014

There must be something in the water at No 10 Downing Street, currently inhabited by Prime Minister David Cameron.

When Tony Blair was in residence, according to the diaries of his former communications director, Alastair Campbell, before the illegal invasion of Iraq, for which Blair’s Downing Street offices produced fantasy, fictional, false justifications, the then Prime Minister was guided by his faith and regularly spoke to “his Maker.” Blair may have “spoken” – but, as ever, he clearly didn’t listen.