Déjà Vu: Fascism on the Rise

Here in America we have only just begun to feel the social and political effects of the worldwide economic crisis: rising unemployment, a wave of bankruptcies and foreclosures, and a general contraction in economic activity. State and local governments are imposing austerity measures, and the federal government faces a “fiscal cliff” that may be much … Continue reading “Déjà Vu: Fascism on the Rise”

And the State, Is It Loyal?

Several weeks ago, hundreds of students demonstrated in front of Ben-Gurion University’s administration building. About a third of the protestors were expressing their opposition to the government’s decision to attack the relief flotilla, while the remaining two thirds came to support the government. At one point the pro-government protesters began chanting: "No citizenship without loyalty!" … Continue reading “And the State, Is It Loyal?”

The Mediterranean Massacre

The condemnations, the imprecations, the expressions of shock are rolling in, as the nations of the world raise their voices in protest over the Mediterranean massacre carried out by Israeli commandos, but rather than get into specifics, I want to note a general pattern that this incident seems to confirm. It is often said, by … Continue reading “The Mediterranean Massacre”

The Business of America Is Kleptocracy

It’s hard to miss these days. The headlines tell the story – repetitively. Everyone, it seems, is on the take. The Securities and Exchange Commission has charged Goldman Sachs with securities fraud for creating and selling "a mortgage investment that was secretly intended to fail" – and then betting against its own customers. JPMorgan Chase, … Continue reading “The Business of America Is Kleptocracy”