Jim1cor13

I think we need to be careful trying to place blame on just one country over this latest outbreak. As much as it makes some feel good about demonizing and placing blame on others, we cannot overlook the US own involvement in this industry. This is sick stuff, and within it there are NO "good guys". So let's keep learning and researching, because a lot of dirty things are going on and we cannot afford to look the other way assuming it is only one player in this sickening industry that is a real threat to ALL humans. Cat's out of the bag and has been for decades... LINK WMD America: Inside the Pentagon’s Global Bioweapons Industry January 21, 2018 By 21wire 11 Comments By Dilyana Gaytandzhieva 21st Century Wire SPECIAL REPORT The US Army regularly produces deadly viruses, bacteria and toxins in direct violation of the UN Convention on the prohibition of Biological Weapons. As a result, many hundreds of thousands of unwitting people are systematically exposed to dangerous pathogens, and other potentially incurable diseases. This highly classified network of R &D and production facilities includes an array of US government private contracts, which raises additional concerns about privatised chains of command and public accountability. While much of the mainstream discourse of this subject centres around the asymmetric threat posed by non-state actors procuring and using biological agents in ‘bioterrorism’ attacks, very little if any investigation is done into the very real threat posed by states and private companies who are involved in this highly opaque industry. Part One: US Overseas Bio-Laboratories Network Bio warfare scientists using diplomatic cover test man-made viruses at Pentagon bio laboratories in 25 countries across the world. These US bio-laboratories are funded by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) under a $ 2.1 billion military program – Cooperative Biological Engagement Program (CBEP), and are located in former Soviet Union countries such as Georgia and Ukraine, the Middle East, South East Asia and Africa. PHOTO: The Lugar Center, Republic of Georgia The US Army has been deployed to Vaziani Military Air Base, 17 km away from the Pentagon bio-laboratory at The Lugar Center. Georgia is a testing ground for bioweapons The Lugar Center is the Pentagon bio laboratory in Georgia. It is located just 17 km away from the US Vaziani military airbase in the capital Tbilisi. Tasked with the military program are biologists from the US Army Medical Research Unit-Georgia (USAMRU-G) along with private contractors. The Bio-safety Level 3 Laboratory is accessible only to US citizens with security clearance. They are accorded diplomatic immunity under the 2002 US-Georgia Agreement on defense cooperation. The USA-Georgia agreement accords diplomatic status to the US military and civilian personnel (including diplomatic vehicles), working on the Pentagon program in Georgia. Information obtained from the US federal contracts registry clarifies some of the military activities at The Lugar Center – among them research on bio-agents (anthrax, tularemia) and viral diseases (e.g. Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever), and the collection of biological samples for future experiments. Pentagon contractors produce bio agents under diplomatic cover The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) has outsourced much of the work under the military program to private companies, which are not held accountable to Congress, and which can operate more freely and move around the rule of law. US civilian personnel performing work at The Lugar Center have also been given diplomatic immunity, although they are not diplomats. Hence, private companies can perform work, under diplomatic cover, for the US government without being under the direct control of the host state – in this case the Republic of Georgia. This practice is often used by the CIA to provide cover for its agents. Three private American companies work at the US bio-laboratory in Tbilisi – CH2M Hill, Battelle and Metabiota. In addition to the Pentagon, these private contractors perform biological research for the CIA and various other government agencies. CH2M Hill has been awarded $341.5 million DTRA contracts under the Pentagon’s program for bio-laboratories in Georgia, Uganda, Tanzania, Iraq, Afghanistan, South East Asia. Half of this sum ($161.1 million), being allocated to The Lugar Center, under the Georgian contract. According to CH2M Hill, the US Company has secured biological agents and employed former bio warfare scientists at The Lugar Center. These are scientists who are working for another American company involved in the military program in Georgia – Battelle Memorial Institute. Battelle as a $59 million subcontractor at Lugar Center has extensive experience in research on bio-agents, as the company has already worked on the US Bio-weapons Program under 11 previous contracts with the US Army (1952-1966). Source: US Army Activities in the US, Biological Warfare Programs, vol. II, 1977, p. 82 The private company performs work for the Pentagon’s DTRA bio laboratories in Afghanistan, Armenia, Georgia, Uganda, Tanzania, Iraq, Afghanistan and Vietnam. Battelle conducts research, development, testing, and evaluation using both highly toxic chemicals and highly pathogenic biological agents for a wide range of US government agencies. It has been awarded some $2 billion federal contracts in total and ranks 23 on the Top 100 US government contractors list. The CIA-Battelle Project Clear Vision Project Clear Vision (1997 and 2000), a joint investigation by the CIA and the Battelle Memorial Institute, under a contract awarded by the Agency, reconstructed and tested a Soviet-era anthrax bomblet in order to test its dissemination characteristics. The project’s stated goal was to assess bio-agents dissemination characteristics of bomblets. The clandestine CIA-Battelle operation was omitted from the US Biological Weapons Convention declarations submitted to the UN. Classified Experiments Battelle has operated a Top Secret Bio laboratory (National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center – NBACC) at Fort Detrick, Maryland, under a US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) contract for the last decade. The company has been awarded a $344.4 million federal contract (2006 – 2016) and another $17.3 million contract (2015 -2026) by the DHS. NBACC is officially classified as a US Top Secret facility (Photo Credit: DHS) Among these classified experiments, performed by Battelle at NBACC, are: Assessment of powder dissemination technology ; Assessment of hazard posed by aerosolized toxins and Assessment of virulence of B. Pseudomallei (Meliodosis) as a function of aerosol particle in non-human primates. Melioidosis has the potential to be developed as a biological weapon, hence, it is classed as a category B. Bioterrorism Agent. B. Pseudomallei was studied by the US as a potential bioweapon in the past. Besides the military experiments at the Lugar Center in Georgia, Battelle has already produced ‘bioterrorism’ agents at the Biosafety Level 4 NBACC Top Secret Laboratory at Fort Detrick in the US. Scientists engineer pathogens at the NBACC lab (Source: NBACC) A NBACC presentation lists 16 research priorities for the lab. Amongst them to characterize classical, emerging and genetically engineered pathogens for their BTA (biological threat agent) potential; assess the nature of nontraditional, novel and non-endemic induction of disease from potential BTA and to expand aerosol-challenge testing capacity for non-human primates. Pentagon biolabs at the epicenter of the Ebola crisis The US Company Metabiota Inc. has been awarded $18.4 million federal contracts under the Pentagon’s DTRA program in Georgia and Ukraine for scientific and technical consulting services. Metabiota services include global field-based biological threat research, pathogen discovery, outbreak response and clinical trials. Metabiota Inc. had been contracted by the Pentagon to perform work for DTRA before and during the Ebola crisis in West Africa and was awarded $3.1 million (2012-2015) for work in Sierra Leone – one of the countries at the epicenter of the Ebola outbreak. IMAGE: Metabiota worked on a Pentagon’s project at the epicenter of the Ebola crisis, where three US biolabs are situated. A July 17, 2014 report drafted by the Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Consortium, accused Metabiota Inc. of failing to abide by an existing agreement on how to report test results and for bypassing the Sierra Leonean scientists working there. The report also raised the possibility that Metabiota was culturing blood cells at the lab, something the report said was dangerous, as well as misdiagnosing healthy patients. All of those allegations were denied by Metabiota. (Image, Left) In 2011, The Lugar Center, Andrew C. Weber US Assistant Secretary of Defense (2009-2014), US DoD Deputy Coordinator for Ebola Response (2014-2015), is currently a Metabiota ( the US contractor) employee. Military Experiments on biting insects Entomological warfare is a type of biological warfare that uses insects to transmit diseases. The Pentagon has allegedly performed such entomological tests in Georgia and Russia. Biting Flies in Georgia In 2014 The Lugar Center was equipped with an insect facility and launched a project “Raising Awareness about Barcoding of Sand Flies in Georgia and Caucasus”. The project covered a larger geographic area outside of Georgia – Caucasus. In 2014-2015 Phlebotomine sand fly species were collected under another project “Surveillance Work on Acute Febrile Illness” and all (female) sand flies were tested to determine their infectivity rate. A third project, also including sand flies collection, studied the characteristics of their salivary glands. Biting flies Georgia As a result Tbilisi has been infested with biting flies since 2015. These biting insects live indoors, in bathrooms, all year long, which was not the typical behaviour of these species in Georgia previously (normally the Phlebotomine fly season in Georgia is exceptionally short – from June to September). Local people complain of being bitten by these newly appeared flies while naked in their bathrooms. They also have a strong resistance to cold and can survive even in the sub-zero temperatures in the mountains. Biting Flies in Dagestan, Russia Since the start of the Pentagon project in 2014 flies similar to those in Georgia have appeared in neighboring Dagestan (Russia). According to local people, they bite and cause rashes. Their breeding habitats are house drains. Flies in Georgia (on the left). The same fly in Dagestan (on the right) Flies from the Phlebotomine family carry dangerous parasites in their saliva which they transmit through a bite to humans. The disease, which these flies carry, is of high interest to the Pentagon. In 2003 during the US invasion of Iraq American soldiers were severely bitten by sand flies and contracted Leishmoniasis. The disease is native to Iraq and Afghanistan and if left untreated the acute form of Leishmoniasis can be fatal. A 1967 US Army report “Arthropods of medical importance in Asia and the European USSR” lists all local insects, their distribution and the diseases that they carry. Biting flies, which live in drains, are also listed in the document. Their natural habitats, though, are the Philippines, not Georgia or Russia. Source: “Arthropods of medical importance in Asia and the European USSR”, US Army report, 1967 Operation Whitecoat: Infected flies tested to bite humans In 1970 and 1972, Sand Fly Fever tests were performed on humans according to a declassified US Army report – US Army Activities in the US, Biological Warfare Programs, 1977, vol. II, p. 203. During operation Whitecoat volunteers were exposed to bites by infected sand flies. Operation Whitecoat was a bio-defense medical research program carried out by the US Army at Fort Detrick, Maryland between 1954 and 1973. Despite the official termination of the US bio-weapons program, in 1982 USAMRIID performed an experiment to see if sand flies and mosquitoes could be vectors of Rift Valley Virus, Dengue, Chikungunya and Eastern Equine Encephalitis – viruses, which the US Army researched for their potential as bio-weapons. Killer Insects A. Aegupti Mosquito The Pentagon has a long history in using insects as vectors for diseases. According to a partially declassified 1981 US Army report, American bio warfare scientists carried out a number of experiments on insects. These operations were part of the US Entomological Warfare under the Program for Biological Weapons of the US. ‘Value for Money’: How to kill 625,000 people for just $0.29 cost per death A US Army report in 1981 compared two scenarios – 16 simultaneous attacks on a city by A. Aegupti mosquitoes, infected with Yellow Fever, and Tularemia aerosol attack, and assesses their effectiveness in cost and casualties. ‘Operation Big Itch’: Field tests were performed to determine coverage patterns and survivability of the tropical rat flea Xenopsylla cheopis for use as a disease vector in biological warfare. ‘Operation Big Buzz’: 1 million A. Aeugupti mosquitoes were produced, 1/3 were placed in munitions and dropped from aircraft, or dispersed on the ground. The mosquitoes survived the airdrop and actively sought out human blood. Source: Evaluation of Entomological Warfare as a potential Danger to the US and European NATO nations, US Army, March 1981 Report. Operation May Day: Aedes Aegupti mosquitoes were dispersed through ground based methods in Georgia, USA, during a US Army operation codenamed “May Day.” Parts of the 1981 US Army report such as the “Mass production of Aedes Aegypti” have not been declassified, potentially meaning that the project is still ongoing. Aedes Aegypti, also known as yellow fever mosquito, have been widely used in US military operations. The same species of mosquitoes are alleged to be the vectors of dengue, chikungunya and the Zika virus, which causes genetic malformations in newborns. Operation Bellweather The US Army Chemical Research and Development Command, Biological Weapons Branch, studied outdoor mosquito biting activity in a number of field tests at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, in 1960. Virgin female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which had been starved, were tested upon troops out in the open air. For reference: Outdoor Mosquito Biting Activity Studies, Project Bellweather I, 1960, Technical Report, US Army, Dugway Proving Ground Military Experiments with Tropical Mosquitoes and Ticks in Georgia Such species of mosquitoes and fleas (studied in the past under the US Entomological Warfare Program) have also been collected in Georgia and tested at The Lugar Center. Under the DTRA project “Virus and Other Arboviruses in Georgia” in 2014 the never-before-seen tropical mosquito Aedes albopictus was detected for the first time and after decades (60 years) the existence of Aedes Aegypti mosquito was confirmed in West Georgia. Aedes Albopictus is a vector of many viral pathogens, Yellow fever virus, Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika. These tropical mosquitoes Aedes Albopictus having never been seen before in Georgia, have also been detected in neighboring Russia (Krasnodar) and Turkey, according to data provided by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Their spread is unusual for this part of the world. Aedes Aegupti Mosquitoes have been distributed only in Georgia, Southern Russia and Northern Turkey. They were detected for the first time in 2014 after the start of the Pentagon program at The Lugar Center. Under another DTRA project “Epidemiology and Ecology of Tularemia in Georgia” (2013-2016) 6,148 ground ticks were collected ; 5,871 were collected off the cattle and 1,310 fleas and 731 ticks were caught. In 2016 a further 21 590 ticks were collected and studied at The Lugar Center. Anthrax Outbreak in Georgia and NATO Human Trials In 2007 Georgia ended its policy of having compulsory annual livestock anthrax vaccination. As a result, the morbidity rate of the disease reached its peak in 2013. The same year NATO started human based anthrax vaccine tests at The Lugar Center in Georgia. (Above) In 2007 despite the anthrax outbreak the Georgian government terminated the compulsory vaccination for 7 years, 2013 saw NATO start human trials on a new anthrax vaccine in Georgia. Pentagon Research on Russian Anthrax Anthrax is one of the bio agents weaponized by the US Army in the past. Despite the Pentagon’s claims that its program is only defensive, there are facts to the contrary. In 2016 at The Lugar Center American scientists carried out research on the “Genome Sequence of the Soviet/Russian Bacillus anthracis Vaccine Strain 55-VNIIVViM”, which was funded by the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency’s (DTRA) Cooperative Biological Engagement Program in Tbilisi, and administered by Metabiota (the US contractor under the Pentagon program in Georgia). In 2017 the DTRA funded further research – Ten Genome Sequences of Human and Livestock Isolates of Bacillus anthracis from the Country of Georgia, which was performed by USAMRU-G at The Lugar Center. 34 people intentionally infected with Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) in Georgia Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is caused by infection through a tick-borne virus (Nairovirus). The disease was first characterized in Crimea in 1944 and given the name Crimean hemorrhagic fever. It was then later recognized in 1969 as the cause of illness in Congo, thus resulting in the current name of the disease. In 2014 34 people became infected (among them a 4-year old child) with CCHF. 3 of which died. The same year Pentagon biologists studied the virus in Georgia under the DTRA project “Epidemiology of febrile illnesses caused by Dengue viruses and other Arboviruses in Georgia”. The project included tests on patients with fever symptoms and the collection of ticks, as possible vectors of CCHV for laboratory analysis. 33 people became infected with CCHF, 3 of them died in Georgia. Source: NCDC-Georgia The cause of the CCHF outbreak in Georgia is still unknown. According to the local Veterinary Department report, only one tick from all of the collected species from the infected villages tested positive for the disease. Despite the claims of the local authorities that the virus was transmitted to humans from animals, all animal blood samples were negative too. The lack of infected ticks and animals is inexplicable given the sharp increase of CCHF human cases in 2014, meaning that the outbreak was not natural and the virus was spread intentionally. IMAGE: Symptoms of CCHF. In 2016 another 21 590 ticks were collected for DNA database for future studies at The Lugar Center under the Pentagon project “Assessing the Seroprevalence and Genetic Diversity of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) and Hantaviruses in Georgia”. Military bio-lab blamed for deadly CCHF outbreak in Afghanistan 237 cases of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) have also been reported across Afghanistan, 41 of which were fatal as of December 2017. According to Afghanistan’s Ministry of Health most of the cases have been registered in the capital Kabul where 71 cases have been reported with 13 fatalities, and in the province of Herat near the border with Iran (67 cases). Afghanistan is one of 25 countries across the world with Pentagon bio-laboratories on their territory. The project in Afghanistan is part of the US bio-defense program – Cooperative Biological Engagement Program (CBEP), which is funded by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). The DTRA contractors, working at The Lugar Center in Georgia, CH2M Hill and Battelle have also been contracted for the program in Afghanistan. CH2M Hill has been awarded a $10.4 million contract (2013-2017). The Pentagon contractors in Afghanistan and Georgia are the same and so are the diseases which are spreading among the local population in both countries. Why the Pentagon collects and studies bats Bats are allegedly the reservoir hosts to the Ebola Virus , Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and other deadly diseases. However, the precise ways these viruses are transmitted to humans are currently unknown. Numerous studies have been performed under the DTRA Cooperative Biological Engagement Program (CBEP) in a search for deadly pathogens of military importance in bats. 221 bats were euthanized at the Lugar Center for research purposes in 2014. Bats have been blamed for the deadly Ebola outbreak in Africa (2014-2016). However, no conclusive evidence of exactly how the virus “jumped” to humans has ever been provided, which raises suspicions of intentional and not natural infection. Engineering deadly viruses is legal in the US MERS-CoV is thought to originate from bats and spread directly to humans and/or camels. However, like Ebola, the precise ways the virus spreads are unknown. 1,980 cases with 699 deaths were reported in 15 countries across the world (as of June 2017) caused by MERS-CoV. GRAPH: 3 to 4 out of every 10 patients reported with MERS have died (Source: WHO) MERS-CoV is one of the viruses that have been engineered by the US and studied by the Pentagon, as well as Influenza and SARS. Confirmation of this practice is Obama’s 2014 temporary ban on government funding for such “dual-use” research. The moratorium was lifted in 2017 and experiments have continued. Enhanced Potential Pandemic Pathogens (PPPs) experiments are legal in the US. Such experiments aim to increase the transmissibility and/or virulence of pathogens. Tularemia as Bioweapon Tularemia, also known as Rabbit Fever, is classified as a bioterrorism agent and was developed in the past as such by the US. However, the Pentagon’s research on tularemia continues, as well as on possible vectors of the bacteria such as ticks and rodents which cause the disease. F. Tularensis is a highly infectious bacterium and has the potential to be weaponized for use through aerosol attacks. F. Tularensis The DTRA has launched a number of projects on Tularemia along with other especially dangerous pathogens in Georgia. Especially Dangerous Pathogens (EDPs), or select agents, represent a major concern for the public health globally. These highly pathogenic agents have the potential to be weaponized with proof of their military importance seen through the following Pentagon projects: Epidemiology and Ecology of Tularemia in Georgia (2013-2016) (60 000 vectors were collected for strain isolates and genome research); Epidemiology of Human Tularemia in Georgia and Human Disease Epidemiology and Surveillance of Especially Dangerous Pathogens in Georgia (study of select agents among patients with undifferentiated fever and hemorrhagic fever/septic shock). Tularemia is one of the bio-weapons that the US Army developed in the past. Source: 1981 US Army Report Pentagon bio-laboratories spread diseases in Ukraine The DoD Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) has funded 11 bio-laboratories in the former Soviet Union Country Ukraine, bordering on Russia. The US military program is sensitive information Ukraine has no control over the military bio-laboratories on its own territory. According to the 2005 Agreement between the US DoD and the Ministry of Health of Ukraine the Ukrainian government is prohibited from public disclosure of sensitive information about the US program and Ukraine is obliged to transfer to the US Department of Defense (DoD) dangerous pathogens for biological research. The Pentagon has been granted access to certain state secrets of Ukraine in connection with the projects under their agreement. Biowarfare scientists under diplomatic cover Among the set of bilateral agreements between the US and Ukraine is the establishment of the Science and Technology Center in Ukraine (STCU) – an International organization funded mainly by the US government which has been accorded diplomatic status. The STCU officially supports projects of scientists previously involved in the Soviet biological weapons program. Over the past 20 years the STCU has invested over $285 million in funding and managing some 1,850 projects of scientists who previously worked on the development of weapons of mass destruction. The US personnel in Ukraine work under diplomatic cover. 364 Ukrainians died from Swine Flu One of the Pentagon laboratories is located in Kharkiv, where in January 2016 at least 20 Ukrainian soldiers died from Flu-like virus in just two days with 200 more being hospitalized. The Ukrainian government did not report on the dead Ukrainian soldiers in Kharkiv. As of March 2016 364 deaths have been reported across Ukraine (81.3 % caused by Swine Flu A (H1N1) pdm09 – the same strain which caused the world pandemic in 2009). According to DPR intelligence information the US bio lab in Kharkiv leaked the deadly virus (pictured above). Police investigate infection with incurable disease A highly suspicious Hepatitis A infection spread rapidly in just few months across South East Ukraine where most of the Pentagon biolabs are located. 37 people have been hospitalized for Hepatitis A in the Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv as of January 2018. Local police have launched an investigation into “infection with human immunodeficiency virus and other incurable diseases”. In addition, three years ago more than 100 people in the same city became infected with Cholera. Both diseases are alleged to have spread through contaminated drinking water. In the summer of 2017 60 people with Hepatitis A were admitted to hospital in the city of Zaporizhia, the cause of this outbreak is still unknown. In the Odessa region, 19 children from an orphanage were hospitalized for hepatitis A in June 2017. 29 cases of Hepatitis A were reported in Kharkiv in November 2017. The virus was isolated in contaminated drinking water. One of the Pentagon bio-labs is located in Kharkiv which was blamed for the deadly Flu outbreak a year ago which claimed the lives of 364 Ukrainians. Ukraine and Russia hit by new highly virulent cholera infection In 2011 Ukraine was hit by a cholera outbreak. 33 patients were reportedly hospitalized for severe diarrhea. A second outbreak struck the country in 2014 when more than 800 people all across Ukraine were reported to have contracted the disease. In 2015 at least 100 new cases were registered in the city of Mykolaiv alone. A new highly virulent variant of the cholera agent Vibrio cholera, with a high genetic similarity to the strains reported in Ukraine, hit Moscow in 2014. According to a 2014 Russian Research Anti-Plaque Institute genetic study the cholera strain isolated in Moscow was similar to the bacteria which caused the epidemic in neighboring Ukraine. Southern Research Institute, one of the US contractors working at the bio-laboratories in Ukraine, has projects on Cholera, as well as on Influenza and Zika – all pathogens of military importance to the Pentagon. Along with Southern Research Institute, two other private American companies operate military bio-labs in Ukraine – Black&Veatch and Metabiota. Black & Veatch Special Project Corp. was awarded $198.7 million DTRA contracts to build and operate bio-laboratories in Ukraine (under two 5-year contracts in 2008 and 2012 totaling $128.5 million), as well as in Germany, Azerbaijan, Cameroon, Thailand, Ethiopia, Vietnam and Armenia. Metabiota has been awarded a $18.4 million federal contract under the program in Georgia and Ukraine. This US company was also contracted to perform work for the DTRA before and during the Ebola crisis in West Africa, the company was awarded $3.1 million (2012-2015) for work in Sierra Leone . Southern Research Institute has been a prime subcontractor under the DTRA program in Ukraine since 2008. The company was also a prime Pentagon contractor in the past under the US Biological Weapons Program for research and development of bio-agents with 16 contracts between 1951 and 1962. Source: US Army Activities in the US, Biological Warfare Programs, vol. II, 1977, p. 82 Soviet Defector produced anthrax for the Pentagon Southern Research Institute was also a subcontractor on a Pentagon program for anthrax research in 2001. The prime contractor being Advanced Biosystems, whose president at that time was Ken Alibek (a former Soviet microbiologist and biological warfare expert from Kazakhstan who defected to the US in 1992). Ken Alibek was the First Deputy Director of Biopreparat, where he oversaw a program for biological weapon facilities and was the Soviet Union’s main expert on anthrax. After his defection to the US, he was engaged on Pentagon research projects. $250 000 for lobbying Jeff Sessions for “research for US intelligence” Southern Research Institute lobbied the US Congress and US Department of State hard for “issues related to research and development for US intelligence” and “defense related research and development”. The lobbying activities coincided with the start of the Pentagon projects on bio-labs in Ukraine and other former Soviet states. The company paid $ 250 000 for lobbying the then Senator Jeff Sessions in 2008-2009 (currently the US Attorney General appointed by Donald Trump), when the institute was awarded a number of federal contracts. US Attorney General Jeff Sessions, US Senator from Alabama (1997-2017) Watson Donald For a 10-year period (2006-2016) Southern Research Institute paid $1.28 million for lobbying the US Senate, House of Representatives , the State Department and the Department of Defense (DoD). Senator Jeff Sessions’ aide on Capitol Hill – Watson Donald, is now a Senior Director at Southern Research Institute. Police investigate Botulinum toxin poisoning in Ukraine 115 Botulism cases, with 12 deaths, were reported in Ukraine in 2016. In 2017 the Ukrainian Ministry of Health confirmed a further 90 new cases, with 8 deaths, of botulinum toxin poisoning (one of the most poisonous biological substances known). According to the local health authorities, the cause of the outbreak was food poisoning into which police launched an investigation . The Pentagon biolaboratories in Ukraine were among the prime suspects, as botulinum toxin is one of the bioterrorism agents which have already been produced at a Pentagon bioweapons facility in the US (see below). The Ukrainian government stopped supplying antitoxin in 2014 and no botulism vaccines in stock were available during the 2016-2017 outbreak. Botulism is a rare and extremely dangerous illness caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. ‘1 gm of the toxin can kill as many as 1 million people’ Botulinum neurotoxin poses a major bio-weapon threat because of its extreme potency, ease of production and transport. It causes muscles paralyses, respiratory failure and ultimately death if not treated immediately. A single gram of crystalline toxin, evenly dispersed and inhaled can kill more than one million people. Crucially, it could be disseminated via aerosol, or by contamination of water and/ or food supplies. The Pentagon produces live Viruses, Bacteria & Toxins Botulinum Toxin was tested as a bio-weapon by the US Army in the past, as well as Anthrax, Brucella and Tularemia. Although the US bio-weapons program was officially terminated in 1969 documents show that the military experiments have never ended. Presently the Pentagon produces and tests live bio- agents at the same military facility as it did in the past – Dugway Proving Ground. Current Field Tests: Source: Capabilities Report 2012, West Desert Test Center Past Field Tests: Source: 1977 US Army Report, p. 135 Part Two: Home and Away – America’s Network of Bioweapons Factories The US Army produces and tests bio-agents at a special military facility located at Dugway Proving Ground (West Desert Test Center, Utah), as proven in a 2012 US Army Report. The facility is overseen by the Army Test and Evaluation Command. The Life Sciences Division (LSD) at Dugway Proving Ground is tasked with the production of bio-agents. According to the Army report, scientists from this division produce and test aerosolized bio-agents at Lothar Saloman Life Sciences Test Facility (LSTF). Lothar Saloman Life Sciences Test Facility (LSTF) where bio-terrorism agents are produced and aerosolized (Photo Credit: Dugway Proving Ground) Biological Agents produced by the US Army at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, USA (Source: Capabilities Report 2012, West Desert Test Center) The Life Sciences Division consists of an Aerosol Technology branch, a Microbiology Branch , and a Aerosol Technology Branch, develops and aerosolizes biological agents and stimulants. The Microbiology branch produces toxins, bacteria, viruses and agent-like organisms which are used in chamber and field testing. The fermentation laboratories at the Life Sciences Test Facility grow bacteria in fermentors ranging from a small 2 L to a large 1500 L system. The fermentors are tailored specifically to the requirements of the microorganism that is being engineered – pH, temperature, light, pressure, and nutrient concentrations that give the microorganism optimal growth rates. IMAGE: A large 1500 L fermentator. The facility also does post-production in its laboratory, drying and milling test materials. After the bio-agents are produced, the scientists challenge them at containment aerosol chambers. Technicians disseminate live biological agents for identification sensitivity tests. Photos Credit: Dugway Proving Ground Aerosol experiments with Botulinum Neurotoxin and Anthrax Documents prove that the US Army produces, possesses and tests aerosols of the most lethal toxin in the world – Botulinum Neurotoxin. In 2014 the Department of the Army purchased 100 mg of Botulinum Toxin from Metabiologics for tests at Dugway Proving Ground. The experiments date back to 2007 when an unspecified quantity of the toxin was procured to the Department of the Army by the same company – Metabiologics. According to the 2012 West Desert Test Center Report, the military facility performs tests with Botulinum Neurotoxin Aerosol, as well as with aerosolized Anthrax, Yersinia pestis, and Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus (VEE). Source: Capabilities Report 2012, West Desert Test Center Outdoor field test programs at Dugway Proving Ground US Army documents and photos show that the Pentagon has developed various dissemination methods for bio-terrorism attacks including by explosives. Source: Capabilities Report 2012, West Desert Test Center Dissemination of contaminants for biological/chemical tests. Dissemination of stimulants by explosives (Photo Credits: Dugway Proving Ground) Liquid Dissemination system (above) Smoke delivery system for biological agents. Dissemination on the test grid (Photos Credit: Dugway Proving Ground) The US Army report lists numerous dissemination techniques including by bio-aerosol sprayers. Such sprayers called Micronair disseminators have already been developed by the US Army and tested at Dugway Proving Ground. According to the documents, they can be vehicle-mounted, or worn as a backpack, with a pump system which can be fitted to the unit to increase the accuracy of the release. Micronair sprayers can release 50 to 500 mL of bio-liquid simulant per minute from 12 L tanks. The US stole bacteria from Saddam Hussein’s bio weapons factory ‘B thuringiensis’ Bacillus thuringiensis is an insect pathogen that is widely used as a bio-pesticide. B. Thuringiensis (BT) Al Hakam was collected in Iraq by the UN Special Commission led by the US in 2003. It is named after Al Hakam – Iraq’s bio-weapons production facility. Apart from Pentagon field tests, this bacterium is also used in the US for the production of GM corn, resistant to pests. Photos posted by the CIA prove that the bacteria was collected by the US in Iraq. According to the CIA, the vials containing bio-pesticide, were recovered from an Al Hakam scientist’s home. CIA: A total of 97 vials-including those with labels consistent with the al Hakam cover stories of single-cell protein and bio-pesticides, as well as strains that could be used to produce BW agents were recovered from a scientist’s residence in Iraq in 2003 (Photo Credit: CIA) Information from the US federal contracts registry shows that the Pentagon performs tests using the bacteria stolen from Saddam Hussein’s bio-weapons factory in Iraq. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) federal project for laboratory analysis and field tests with bacteria. Source: govtribe.com The tests are performed at Kirtland Air Force Base (Kirtland is the home of the Air Force Materiel Command’s Nuclear Weapons Center). Here weapons are being tested, meaning that the field tests with biological simulants (bacteria) also fall into this group. The DTRA contractor on this project – Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute (LBERI), operates an Animal Bio-safety 3 Level (ABSL-3) laboratory which has Select Agent status. The facility is designed to conduct bioaerosol studies. The company has been awarded a 5-year contract for field tests with biological stimulants at Kirtland Air Force Base (above). Some of the tests are performed in a wind tunnel (Photo credit: Dugway Proving Ground) Field tests with Biological Simulants (bacteria) What the Pentagon is now doing is exactly what it did in the past, meaning that its bio-weapons program was never terminated. The US Army performed 27 field tests with such biological simulants, involving the public domain from 1949 to 1968, when President Nixon officially announced the end of the program. Source: US Army Activities in the US, Biological Warfare Programs, vol. II, 1977, p. 125-126 Field tests in Chechnya The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), which runs the US military program at the Lugar Center in Georgia, is alleged to have already performed field tests with an unknown substance in Chechnya, Russia. In the spring of 2017 local citizens reported on a drone disseminating white powder close to the Russian border with Georgia. Neither the Georgian border police, nor the US personnel operating on the Georgia-Russia border, commented on this information. $9.2 million US military project on Russia-Georgia border DTRA has full access to the Russia-Georgia border, granted under a military program called “Georgia Land Border Security Project”. The activities, related to the project have been outsourced to a private American company – Parsons Government Services International. DTRA has previously contracted Parsons for similar border security projects in Lebanon, Jordan, Libya and Syria. Parsons have been awarded a $9.2 million contract under the Pentagon border security project on the Russia-Georgia border. Local citizens in Chechnya noticed a UAV sprayer near the Russian border with Georgia in 2017. US Defense Agency tests GM Insects to transmit GM Viruses The Pentagon has invested at least $65 million in gene editing. The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded 7 research teams to develop tools for genome engineering in insects, rodents and bacteria under DARPA’s Safe Gene program, using a novel CRISPR-Cas9 technology. Under another military program –Insect Allies, GM insects are engineered to transfer modified genes to plants. The $10.3 million DARPA project includes both gene editing in insects and in the viruses that they transmit. Ecological Niche-preference Engineering is a third ongoing military program for genome engineering in insects. The Pentagon’s stated objective is to engineer GM organisms so that they can resist certain temperatures, change their habitat and food sources. Source:fbo.gov DARPA Genome Project Besides gene editing in insects and in the viruses they transmit, the Pentagon is pursuing genetically engineered applications for humans too. DARPA Advanced Tools for Mammalian Genome Engineering Project seeks to create a biological platform inside the human body, using it to deliver new genetic information, and thus altering humans at the DNA level. DARPA wants to insert an additional 47th artificial chromosome into human cells. This chromosome will deliver new genes that will be used for engineering the human body. SynPloid Biotek LLC has been awarded two contracts under the program totaling $1.1 million (2015-2016 – $ 100,600 for the first phase of the research; 2015-2017 – $ 999,300 for work which is not specified in the federal contracts registry. The company has only two employees and no previous record on bio-research. Top Secret Research on Synthetic Viruses Between 2008 and 2014, the United States invested approximately $820 million in synthetic biology research, Defense being a major contributor. Most of the military projects on synthetic biology are classified, among them are a number of classified studies by the secretive JASON group of US military advisors – e.g. Emerging Viruses and Genome Editing for the Pentagon, and Synthetic Viruses for the National Counterterrorism Center. JASON is an independent scientific advisory group that provides consulting services to the U.S. government on matters of defense science and technology. It was established in 1960 and most of their resulting JASON reports are classified. For administrative purposes, the JASON’s projects are run by the MITRE Corporation, which has contracts with the Defense Department, CIA and the FBI. Since 2014 MITRE has been awarded some $27.4 million in contracts with the DoD. Although the JASON Reports are classified, another US Air Force study titled Biotechnology: Genetically Engineered Pathogens, sheds some light on what the secretive JASON group has researched – 5 groups of genetically engineered pathogens that can be used as bio-weapons. These are binary biological weapons (a lethal combination of two viruses), host swapping diseases (animal viruses that “jump” to humans, like the Ebola virus), stealth viruses, and designer diseases. Designer diseases can be engineered to target a certain ethnic group, meaning that they can be used as ethnic bio-weapons. Ethnic Bioweapons Ethnic biological weapon (biogenetic weapon) is a theoretical weapon that aims to primarily harm people of specific ethnicities, or genotypes. Although officially the research and development of ethnic bio-weapons have never been publicly confirmed, documents show that the US collects biological material from certain ethnic groups – Russians and Chinese. The US Air Force has been specifically collecting Russian RNA and synovial tissue samples, raising fears in Moscow of a covert US ethnic bio-weapons program. Source: fbo.gov Apart from Russians, the US has been collecting biological material from both healthy and cancer patients in China. The National Cancer Institute has collected biological samples from 300 subjects from Linxian, Zhengzhou, and Chengdu in China. While another federal project, titled Serum Metabolic biomarkers discovery study of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in China, includes analysis of 349 serum samples which have been collected from Chinese patients. Chinese biological material has been collected under a series of federal projects including saliva and cancer tissue. Among them, Genotyping DNA Samples from Lymphoma cases and from controls (healthy patients), Breast cancer tissue blocks from breast cancer patients, Saliva samples of 50 families who have 3 or more cases of UGI cancer, Genotype 50 SNP’S for DNA samples from the Cancer Hospital, Beijing, Genotypes from 3000 cases of gastric cancer and 3000 controls (healthy patients) in Beijing. IMAGE: The US National Cancer Institute has been collecting biological material from patients of the Chinese Cancer Hospital in Beijing. Tobacco Vaccines: How the Pentagon helped tobacco companies to profit from Ebola The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has invested $100 million in vaccines production from tobacco plants. The companies, involved in the project, are owned by the biggest American tobacco companies – Mediacago Inc. is co-owned by Philip Morris, and Kentucky BioProcessing is a subsidiary of Reynolds American which is owned by British American Tobacco. Currently they are producing Flu and Ebola vaccines from tobacco plants. The $100 million program Blue Angel was launched as a response to the H1N1 pandemic in 2009. Medicago being awarded $21 million to produce 10, 000 million doses of an influenza vaccine within one month. Blue Angel program manager Dr. John Julias explains: “Although there are multiple plant species and other organisms being explored as alternative protein production platforms, the US Government has continued to make an investment in tobacco-based manufacturing.” (Photos Credit: DARPA) The plant-based vaccine production method works by isolating a specific antigen protein that triggers a human immune response from the targeted virus. A gene from the protein is transferred to bacteria, which is used to infect plants. The plants then start producing the protein that will be used for vaccinations. It is not clear why the Pentagon chose to invest in vaccines produced from tobacco plants amongst all other plant species, which they explored. Medicago, co-owned by Philip Morris, paid $495,000 for lobbying the Department of Defense, the Congress and The Department of Health and Human Services for “funding to advance technology to support public health preparedness applications”. The Pentagon funded tobacco companies to develop new technology and to profit from vaccines. Biological Experiments are war crimes Article 8 of The Rome Statute of The International Criminal Court (ICC) defines biological experiments as war crimes. The US, however, is not a state party to the international treaty, and cannot be held accountable for its war crimes. *** Author Dilyana Gaytandzhieva is a Bulgarian-based investigative journalist, specializing in covering conflicts and terrorism in Middle East and Asian conflicts, and international weapons trafficking operations. This story was first published at the military analysis website South Front. SEE ALSO: US Opens Major Off-Shore Biological Facility in Kazakstan (2015) READ MORE CHEMICAL WEAPONS NEWS AT: 21st Century Wire Chemical Weapons Files SUPPORT 21WIRE – SUBSCRIBE NOW & BECOME A MEMBER @21WIRE.TV

Excellent comment nstoolman1, thank you! This is a tragedy no matter who was on the flight. I think Kobe was a fantastic basketball player, one of the best, but he wasn't the only person on the flight. In our celebified society, I think too many people have to have their "hero" figure, someone deemed larger than themselves, but this tends to diminish others who are not celebrities but are nonetheless of no less value as a human being. To me, the real 'hero's' are usually unknown and never try and attract attention to their life and actions. They live a life of decency and help wherever they are needed.

Thanks so much my friend, the very same to you! You are a quality person Umb, I always appreciate your kindness and decency that you show on this forum and towards myself. Hope you also have a great year ahead! All the best...

What an amazing video, beautiful to watch. Great way to start the week, no bickering, just something positive to take with us for the day. Thank you KristiD! Have a lovely week...

Interesting article KristiD, thank you! Yes, you commented that the world has been conned for centuries...actually it has been literally thousands of years humans have been conned. No easier way to con someone than to add some form of religion to the mix, along with all the reasons one "must" adhere to its beliefs or of course they will suffer some manner of terrible outcome, which brings in the best controlling tool of all...fear. This article underscores the relationship of religious beliefs and how far some will go in their efforts to feel they are some how more favorable to their gods by how they conduct their daily rituals, of which eating is one of those rituals for some folks. Veganism is indeed a religion, part of that religion is their ritual of eating. I understand someone making a choice NOT to eat meat...but when it is based upon a religious belief, it becomes a ritual in order to gain some manner of favor. In addition, try to challenge a vegan's beliefs in WHY they do what they do...some will turn angry, just like the reactions of many when their religious beliefs are questioned, or political beliefs, etc. Most choose to defend their beliefs rather than considering the challenge if it is valid and something they should think about rather then reacting to. Religion generally tends to demand control over each adherents life, their minds, what they eat, how they THINK, how they see others, all used to shape the belief system, and when it comes to a business...religion is one of the largest on this earth, buying, selling and shaping the beliefs of those that submit to them AND making sure they do their best to provide the underlying framework that assists in keeping the faithful under their control in every aspect of life. Demonize those foods that do not fall under their beliefs. Then create the reasons why everyone should be a "vegan". Use fear, threats, whatever it takes to enlarge the fold. Spread stories about the consequences of "eating meat", how it will harm your health, etc. Then, sell it as the "only true diet" or "only true way to eat". Yes, just like religion...all the while the goal is reaping the financial benefits of those you control. If you own the various business establishments that play a part in their influence, you can expect huge returns.

Unfortunately, some folks are actually taught this manner of hatred, from their pulpits. Glad he didn't murder anyone in the name of his gods. I have known some folks so close to the edge in their religion, they transformed from "hate the sin love the sinner", to the mindset this guy displayed, pure militant hatred, and mentally unstable. Strange how many religious folks actually support something like this. When these actions are done in the name of religion, it is beyond dangerous...and some encourage this. He belongs where they put him, before he carried out other acts of "vengeance" and ended up killing in the name of his gods.

Everything is seen through that "doomsday" lens now Shabs. The threats lodged against those who do not submit to the veiled threats. We know what those threats are, angry wrathful gods who tell us to "love", yet will violate their own words by slaughtering those who refuse to submit to the tyranny kind of mind set. It is the only thing left that some folks have to use...threats, anger, hoping somehow they will be validated and will attempt to make every event appear to be the "end". Been this way since man stepped foot here, as long as people follow various superstitions, it never changes and some folks push this narrative into just about everything. Maybe someday, we humans will learn how we treat others is actually the bottom line, any thing other than that is just noise. Over the years, I have met enough folks in real life that are so enslaved by what they think it "truth", they are incapable of normal conversation without lodging some manner of threat. Now that is all over social media, with the same destructive results...but those who do such things must believe they are justified in some way, or it is really just a game to them to gain control over others minds.

Good observations adhoc10. Most of us know "fear sells". It motivates humans to SUBMIT to whoever causes the fear. You mentioned the "health system"...same tactics in many cases...scare the patient, create a business opportunity. Nothing uses "fear and doom" as well as religion and politics. That is a fact, and just look at how many people have bought the BS that at any moment, an angry wrathful entity is going to decide to destroy the world, slaughter its enemies, and somehow this act will bring "peace"! It's hilarious, yet very effective...thousands and thousands of years worth of mental rape trying its best to control society by introducing the most effective tools in order to accomplish it all...religion and politics. The most divisive tools ever used to stoke fear and discontent within the human population. If you can keep the masses living in a state of fear and the expectation of some form of horrible outcome IF one does not do this or that...it actually renders human resistance to a fraction...which of course IS the and always has been the goal. I'd say it has worked perfectly to divide, distract and swallow its adherents in fear and causing many to stop living and just "exist" within the confines of their programmed fears and constant diet of speculation. I think if you allow others to think for you, you open up something that will surely enslave you in some fashion...exactly how religion and politics work...but few who dare admit to it, although it is right in front of their faces.

I think I have read about some of this Greg. A lot of folks leaving Ca., understandable, many are tired of the path the state has taken and the expense of living there, not to mention the glitter of the region has worn off over the years. Hollyweird is flailing in their own illusions.

I'm glad someone remembered the mountain of evidence against those VIP's and other twisted people. This tragedy runs DEEP into the heart of both politics and religion...beyond anyone's imagination and those who try hard to cover it all up. We should never look the other way no matter who it implicates just because we want to avoid admitting the problem is within certain institutions or political parties, etc., that we may support or be a part of. Sexual abuse is rampant within the "church", has been for centuries, and usually covered up in order to "protect" it all, when in reality, it is the people and followers who should have demanded all involved be held accountable. That still has not happened, and I call that hypocrisy. It is also rampant in some political circles, it is not a "left right" issue, it involves all of them and many within these religious and political circles are actual sociopaths, and use their positions of perceived "authority" in order to take advantage of the defenseless and those they fool with their authority. It is indeed tragic, but it IS the people who must stand up and demand accountability rather than too many hiding behind their religion or political favorites hoping that it all goes away without taking action. It is not just a democrat socialist issue, it is a sickness deep within the system and has affected religion, politics and law enforcement also. Thanks LGD for mentioning you recalled this back in 1989. Glad someone did, most never heard of it OR they outright denied it, but it was ugly and is STILL going on within DC and various religious institutions across the board...no matter the sect or denomination, most have been hurt by some of their twisted controlling "leaders".

We really need to deal with more facts when it comes to who started the precedent of bailing out financial criminals and basically offering corporate welfare. It was the economic stabilization act, and it was signed into law by Bush. Not any other president, it was BUSH and it has continued as LAW by every president after him. The remaining presidents are continuing this terrible policy because it is now LAW. Some find it convenient to blame their political opponents, in order to cover for their particular parties guilt, but there is no doubt this baby was birthed by the Bush Admin, and the same policy is being done by everyone since. To deny these facts is to show willful ignorance, and divisive political tactics rather than speaking up how bad this policy actually was and is. No, it was not an Obama thing nor is it a Trump thing, it was signed into LAW by President George W. Bush and trillions have been laid out and "WE THE PEOPLE" were strapped with the debt. My question...where were all the conservative mouth pieces in 2008 condemning this "act"? No where to be found, noit a WORD against their president...so all of this is pure political hypocrisy and finding blame on everyone else but "their man" or their party...BOTH parties agreed to it all...and WE get the bill. Nice right? Bush LOBBIED for congress to pass the bill. Now that it is LAW, every president asks their treasury secretary to PROP up markets, which requires 100's of billions of dollars in order to keep the credit machine flowing and reduce massive margin calls, etc. We the people had NO SAY as to how this was rolled out by Bush, we just use it to fight about politically rather than dealing with the facts it is LAW. Now that the economy has heated up, consumer debts are at historic levels, rates must come down and the "plunge protection team" based in the US Treasury must act to avoid market implosion. Blame whatever president is convenient, but the truth is it was Bush who began the process, and signed it into LAW. That is reality, so we should really get beyond this bickering nonsense about who is to blame...those that created this insanity opened up the doors for trillions of bank and corporate welfare, and we the people could do nothing to stop it. Now, Trump's treasury secretary Mnuchin has stated several times they stand ready to "intervene", and they are big time. So anyone still denying the facts of WHO the parties were behind the housing crisis and resulting bill signed into LAW? The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, often called the "bank bailout of 2008," was proposed by Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, passed by the 110th United States Congress, and signed into law by President George W. Bush. The act became law as part of Public Law 110-343 on October 3, 2008, in the midst of the financial crisis of 2007–2008. The law created the Troubled Asset Relief Program to purchase distressed assets from financial institutions. A financial crisis had developed throughout 2007 and 2008 partly due to a subprime mortgage crisis, causing the failure or near-failure of major financial institutions like Lehman Brothers and American International Group. Seeking to prevent the collapse of the financial system, Secretary of the Treasury Paulson called for the U.S. government to purchase about several hundred billion dollars in distressed assets from financial institutions. Paulson's proposal was initially rejected by Congress, but the ongoing financial crisis and the lobbying of President Bush ultimately convinced Congress to enact Paulson's proposal as part of Public Law 110-343. The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 created the $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program to purchase toxic assets from banks. The funds for purchase of distressed assets were mostly redirected to inject capital into banks and other financial institutions while the Treasury continued to examine the usefulness of targeted asset purchases.[1][2] Estimates for the total cost of the bailout to the government are as much as $29 trillion.

I don't recall this news back in 1989, I was surprised to find it a few years ago because little was ever known of it as it was covered up quickly as far as I can tell. Apparently this was going on with certain key "officials" at the time in the Reagan Bush whitehouse. We can't over look the fact there has been a pedophilia problem in govt. and it involves people within both parties, not just one. There is also similar problems in other countries govt's. Of course most never hear of these matters, they are quickly covered up. Preying upon children is certainly nothing new, been going on for thousands of years, embedded within religion and political circles. Many of these twisted folks would have been exposed by the likes of Epstein, but before he sang like a bird, he's gone. We should never ignore or deny the evidence over decades of this happening, and the child trafficking along with it. If our political loyalties ever blind us to this manner of corruption, what does that say about us? Here is an article that at the time went no where, as so many of these cases go. This corruption still exists no matter what the party affiliations are. This is from 1989. More at this link: http://www.whatreallyhappened.com/WRHARTICLES/Franklin/FranklinCoverup/franklin.htm Also, This was the biggest pedophile scandal in the history of the U.S.A. The story received some newspaper coverage but there was a TV News Media blackout on the subject. For this reason, most Americans have never heard of it. Former republican Senator John Decamp was involved in the production a documentary called "Conspiracy of Silence" it was to air May 3, 1994 on the Discovery Channel. This documentary exposed a network of religious leaders and Washington politicians who flew children to Washington D.C. for sex orgies. At the last minute before airing, unknown congressmen threatened the TV Cable industry with restrictive legislation if this documentary was aired. Almost immediately, the rights to the documentary were purchased by unknown persons who had ordered all copies destroyed. A copy of this videotape was furnished anonymously to former Nebraska state senator and attorney John De Camp who made it available to retired F.B.I. chief, Ted L. Gunderson. While the video quality is not top grade, this tape is a blockbuster in what is revealed by the participants involved.

The people who DO NOT hide behind their religion and politics are the people that often show the most integrity. They are often those who are not afraid to ask questions and keep learning outside of their comfort zones and those things they convince themselves of. You use both politics and religion to get reactions from those you dislike, so you can twist their words, accuse them, and walk away thinking you are somehow better than they are, when in reality, you are just as indoctrinated into your beliefs as you accuse them of being. You think only ONE party is corrupt, when you know the truth is BOTH parties are corrupt and have been complicit in the decay of this country over the last 100+ years. When you demonize everything that does not agree with you or your beliefs, you only do yourself a disservice, because most folks who actually CAN think critically, understand it is never a ones sided issue when it comes to politics OR religion. Both have goals to encourage division and distraction, because when the people are divided, it provides great cover for the criminal elements within. "We the people" have allowed much of it...we allowed politics to redefine the true meaning of a "patriot". A patriot is not one who is loyal to a party, but one who is loyal to the people AND their country first. Both sides have their corruption within, so to believe one side represents good and the other evil, is simply shortsighted. Both parties thrive on division and a culture of corruption, and you know this to be true.

Thankfully, MOST folks regardless of their politics or religious beliefs, are actually decent human beings AND know better than to allow either to cause them to harm their fellows. Allowing their beliefs and ideologies to drive them to a violent path is simply not a part of who they are. MOST stable folks are able to "agree to disagree" and move on and live their life in peace without feeling they have to have the last word on anything or make threats towards others because of differing beliefs, etc. Keep in mind, politics and religion tend to turn OFF a persons critical thinking abilities because they allow these tools to control their thoughts and actions, and are often too fearful to question those things that insult their intelligence, yet they just cannot bring themselves to admit it. Nothing uses fear like politics and religion...it is the only method they have to enforce their manipulation when all else fails. There are unstable folks, some sociopaths within politics and religion that live so close to the edge that it takes little to trigger them into doing something they would never consider if it were not for politics or religion or media feeding them a constant diet of bull sh*t. People like this Wiles character thrive on making claims and selling their BS to their audience, usually using fear and uncertainty to push their own twisted speculations.

Hi Shabs :) I always appreciate your honesty. I think both religion and politics have screwed up most folks, only a few have the courage to admit to it. You know how some of these threads end...being locked because it gets personal, hateful, etc. It appears it is "ok" for some to hate as long as they underscore that with their religion, in the attempt to make their accusations or beliefs sound legitimate when they invoke their gods. Some things never change, I think by now we should all be well aware that mixing politics with religion ruins most discussions because cognitive dissonance is difficult to overcome when peoples beliefs are challenged, and the only reaction is to attempt to target and discredit those that present challenges to those who are unable or afraid to question their own beliefs. You think for yourself, that is becoming a lost virtue, don't allow anyone to sway you from that no matter how many veiled threats of their god hating you or torturing you if you dare not submit. it is all they have...and they are convinced it is 100% truth...so you are wasting your time trying to question that although everyone should. Any time something is based upon fear and threats, run the other way, it is just more manipulation aimed at getting YOU to submit to others beliefs and fears. Just keep thinking for yourself...and let those who follow a entity they believe will treat its creation in the most sadistic ways if one does not "believe" do whatever makes them feel "righteous". Some have been taught in this manner since a child...rarely does that change. Been going on like this for thousands of years my friend...and few dare question it because superstition appears to always win out over logical thought, unfortunately. You are a decent person who thinks for himself. That is worth many times more than any attempts from others to discredit your thoughts or beliefs because they do not line up with a majority. Most have forgot the universal rule of thumb...treat others as you desire to be treated. Anything more than that just adds to human division and contempt...the very things that religion and politics are masters at.

Hi Umberto Remember when some of these folks condemned you for rarely taking part in the discussion/debate of articles/posts? It is called a setup. They do not care what you have to say, they only need a target for their own brand of hatred, someone to focus their own frustrations upon. Once you began to get involved, you were just another toy for them. Anyone who disagrees with their beliefs or political ideologies are accused and labeled and then they attack you personally. It is against the rules, but it appears the rules are, there are no rules for some. Don't take their bait...don't play their game. Never stoop to their level...no matter what they say. It proves you are the better person for it. Just remember, whenever religion or politics are involved, it is best to walk away because too many people are unable to think for themselves, they need constant validation, kind of like herd mentality. Keep in mind, many serve an angry god and angry politics...that is all they focus upon and if you do not fall in line with that toxic mix, you will be a target. Take good care, keep treating people decently, that always speaks much louder than tearing each other apart. And to think...anyone who states what I just stated are labeled "libretards", or any other popular label to side track real discussion. The ONLY discussion desired by a few here is their opinion coming out of YOUR mouth. Every few weeks, someone decides to stop the bickering...or apologize, but some just cannot help expressing their own hatred they so fondly accuse others of. Just roll with it, stop feeding it. It is a bunch of anonymous troll like folks who have nothing better to do and they have no desire other than to create conflicts.

In the US, healthcare costs are now around 3.6 Trillion$ annually. Many from both political parties think it is good for govt. to control it...I don't see how that could ever work other than increasing the costs. I think the only way to "reform" healthcare is more competition from the marketplace, and less govt. involvement. Perhaps we should go back to the early model of healthcare, where it was not for profit, like in the 60's and 70's before Nixon and Kaiser came up with the insurance scam that was in part responsible for the gradual increase in costs. It is a mess, not just in the US but other countries. I often wonder how anyone survived in the days before people wanted govt. to control their lives? That never works, it only creates more dependence and statism. I think folks need to realize a country such as the US that has 320 million + people residing here is not an easy task to manage it all...not to mention trying to fool people into thinking govt. healthcare is a "good thing". Healthcare must begin with the person taking care of themselves first, eating properly, rather than running to the ER for everything like it has become now. Finland is feeling what happens when political promises are made that can never be carried through. Thanks for the post...

Mannarino has been saying this for the last 10 years, right after Bush bailed out criminal bankers, strapped taxpayers with it, and that policy continued by Obama and now Trump. Greg and many others are quick to promote the fear porn in order to SELL something. They have no other "plan", but all admins since Bush take the same stand. Bail outs, then strapped on the people. When the markets corrected back in November 2018, Mnuchin stated the same mantra of the treasury standing ready to help, etc., and it is always the people who shoulder it. I am amazed so few noticed it back in 2008, Bush got away with what should have been seen as a criminal act against the people, who had little to do with the housing crash, some borrowing more than they should have, but it was the lenders writing mortgages to those not qualified for the amounts lent, then wrapping them into "mortgage backed securities" (MBS) and selling them as fast as they wrote them. Banks profited, then it went global and they all got nailed. Then were bailed out...the same action would occur today if it happens, and most would say nothing about it, but it gets politicized and everyone gets blamed except the ones who began the insanity. Rewarding criminals within the system only encourages them to continue the charade.

Thanks CL for the thread. I always ask the same question when it comes to "gun control" debates, etc. Does a gun, rifle, etc., ever on its own, pursue its target? A human must pick it up, point it at a target and pull the trigger. The trigger puller must be held accountable, the gun did not commit the crime but it is blamed. if someone drowns in a pond of water...should we blame the water? A human beats another with a baseball bat...blame the bat? Agreed on education, but the real problem is always the human factor. Humans have been for the most part predatory since time began. Little has changed on that fact, only thing that changes are the weaponry employed to be used by humans. Violence, war, conflicts of every type are now part of american culture, fed by politics, media, etc. 2nd amendment was created so the public could protect themselves from govt. abuse, tyranny. Of course personal defense is close second and THAT should never be toyed with by any political party. We the people must maintain the right to bear arms...and the very reason is what we continue to see played with by both parties..."gun control". Now having said that...often those involved in shooting crimes are often on the younger side. What drives this, going back to mid to late 90's when school shootings began to become far too common? Most school shootings if one digs deep enough have been linked to some form of pharmaceutical drug, some psychotropic drug. Many labels on these drugs warn of potential violent outbreaks, etc. Especially in the YOUNG, but can affect anyone with bouts of violent behavior. We hear little about that factor, the drug factor, because much of media will NOT report it specifically because pharma is a large part of their advertising and they are told NOT mention it. In addition, where do some kids get the idea to pursue violence? parents? Parents politics or political ideologies? The constant left/right bickering the young may see or hear? Bottom line is the problem is a human one, and one that no one or nothing has been able to tame. It all goes back to one major principle of life...treat others as you desire to be treated. This one principle is older than any religion, and is the basis of human interaction. This too has failed. As long as the minds of people young or old are fed a constant diet of spin and media programming often with violence a part of the daily diet, any attempt to "control" guns is simply missing the point. Anyone has the potential to become unstable due to a myriad of causes, influence of politics or religion, mental instabilities, that may push them to take their anger out on innocent people.

Take this for what it's worth...It is called Statism, basically just another religion demanding blind acceptance. Statism is a "belief" that the state should control either economic or social policy, or both. Real patriots reject this, but cannot stop it. Too many desire full govt. control, based upon the belief of Statism and that belief is firmly entrenched within both political parties.

Thank you Kevin for your sentiment. Unfortunately, too many out there on BOTH sides live for the conflict. They bicker, they blame, they simply enjoy the conflict while accusing each other of things they are both guilty of. Both sides are guilty of their own brand of personality cults, yet both sides deny it. Politics...religion...both very similar in how they promote their ideologies, how they divide and how they market that division to their faithful. Until we the people understand the game AND goal of politics and political division, we will continue to allow its influence to control too much of our lives while both parties thrive on the discord. I do not post much any more, mainly because it is futile to try and have decent discussion. To many desire to label, twist words and then accuse those who do not agree with the majority. We see it daily and it is beyond old by now. Thanks for the refreshing common decency in your post Kevin, much appreciated, and telling how few supported your post. We all better get our heads out of our bottoms and learn to treat each other decently. it is OK to disagree...it is NOT ok to demonize others because they disagree. That is childish BS. Two things will be the ruin of this country if we are not careful...politics AND religion. The modern brand of both is toxic. All the best to you folks...and treat each other kindly. Life is too short to live in fear and bitterness.

Great post Shabs. Although this is nothing "new", the things people believe today is stunning. Few realize how we are toyed with daily, by the very things that get the most emotional reactions. Most of the BS is used only to get a desired reaction...for example, a site that always pushes doom and gloom, fear, "end of the world" type of mind rape and is covered in ads for "survival foods", because fear always sells something. Alex Jones takes in over 40 million$ per year on sales of various products, sold to those who hang on his every word, that believe everything he tells them, it never matters if it is true, they just believe it, because it reflects how they view their world. Attempting to point that out just makes many of them hostile. Thinking logically and rationally in today's world is damn near revolutionary, and rarely welcome, especially any challenges to what folks believe. People will always seek out those things that support their beliefs...they just never realize that just because one believes in something, that in itself does not make it truth. Truth never needs belief as a validation, it stands firmly upon its own evidence. Only beliefs need validated, because if it takes "belief", then there is a lack of evidence, they are easily challenged, and few ever want to admit what they believe was found to be an illusion. Hope you are well and happy

There is never a shortage of "systems" like this that really only want your money, and to get it, they will promise folks the moon along with the holy grail of trading systems. Their targets are often those who are novice traders, those that rarely have successful trades, and their favorite targets are those who are desperate. Anyone who preys upon people like this are low life's in my opinion. Thanks B/A

Thanks PP. Probably a good idea before it goes too far south as usual when it comes to religion. LGD has the right to choose his own spiritual path, he doesn't need anyone to critique those choices, too many just want to start arguments, shake their fingers at each other, and bash another's faith. All it accomplishes is dragging everyone down to their level. Why not learn to build each other up? Is it really that difficult or do some just need the bickering?