Hypocrisy at its worst. Remember how the imperial powers viewed the occupation of Tahrir Square as a positive step forward for democracy in Egypt (which it was)? But when it happens in their own backyard as in the peaceful Occupy Oakland protest, they respond with force.
(Another video of the police swoop, found on the KYVU website. Notice the ‘flash-bang’ tear gas canisters. To their credit, the protesters did not respond with violence.)
In the same way, while these imperial powers see the Libyan violence culminating in the execution of Gaddafi as ushering in a new chapter for Libya, they see the peaceful Occupy Wall Street as a negative development. (Incidentally, John Pilger views what’s happening in Africa now as a race between the United States and China for control of Africa’s resources.)
I don’t suppose these powers are going to ask Nato to intervene in Oakland etc.
Even the business website Forbes condemns the “disgraceful police response“.
The cops in Oakland, CA must be insane or have very dense people calling the shots. Their response to Occupy Oakland was so over the top it’s staggering. Tear gas, riot gear, flashbombs. Hundreds of armored police descended on the peaceful encampment.
The resilience of the protesters is amazing. They have been disciplined, peaceful and determined despite the hostility and provocation.
Meanwhile, those managing the US financial sector are in disagreement with one another while the people’s movement grows from strength to strength. Are we witnessing the seeds of protests that could swell into a much larger movement to dismantle the present unjust global financial and economic system?
Even in Korea there is distrust over the mainstream political parties as an independent candidate has emerged in the mayoral race, seen as a preview to the presidential polls. (See this Bangkok Post report.)
In another example of hypocrisy, Google reports that a US law enforcement agency wanted it to take down YouTube videos allegedly showing police brutality. The land of the free?
Such demands formed part of a 70 per cent rise in takedown requests from the US government or police, the Guardian reports. US authorities also demanded private information relating to more than 11000 Google users in the first half of the year.
Have a look at Google’s Transparency Report showing which countries with the most takedown requests.
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Many US citizens are not dumb ideological robots willing to be exploited any more. They even used to avoid using the word capitalism, referring to free market etc. instead. Now, their popular actions show cause for optimism, at least in the long haul. Stark poverty and injustice has woken them up. As a recent article points out, their own history of independence suggests that the road to the brave new world will be long and winding.
Anil
The world is getting too unbearable at times (eg bangkok flood, wall street protest etc).
So let’s have more pleasant outlook ahead while still in Diwali festive mood to bring lights to the world.
I dedicate this brilliantly made MTV shot at world heritage site of Machu Pichu in Peru.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abK89R_URpc&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL2897F3A3B30D4C3D&w=400
Hopefully Bollywood one day make MTV at Penang Heritage sites also.
They are learning from Malaysia. UMNO/MCA/MIC/GERAKAN in the peninsular and those in East Malaysia!
Even Indonesia had become more independent, practises more democracy of the right kind, compared to UMNO/BN in Malaysia!
Malaysia Boleh!
Wow you have such a special name that even anil can’t detect it correctly. Anil, please read this word loudly in public places “Kong Kek Kuat” !!!
Based on you name alone, you are not qualify to criticize anybody.
p/s: Anil, turn on the maturity filter.
Haha, Gherkin. Sounds better than your name. :-p
…Gerakan is so passe.