Camillo Mac Bica, Truthout: On the 100th anniversary of the Christmas Truce, the author remembers the Hootch program, which brought together Soviet and US Cold Warriors, and concludes it is not the truce or the occurrence at the Hootch, but war that is the aberration – a violation of human nature.
Fact Not Fiction: The Unending Korean War
Christine Ahn and Suzy Kim, Truthout: The fact that the Korean War ended with a temporary cease-fire rather than a permanent peace treaty has given the North Korean government justification to invest heavily in the country’s militarization. Another 50 years failed policy that needs to change?
A Vote for “Draft Warren” Is a Vote for a Democratic Primary
Robert Naiman, Truthout: “If you object to the proposition that Hillary Clinton should become the Democratic nominee for president in 2016 without having to substantially engage with Democratic primary voters and caucus-goers about what she would do as President, speak now or forever hold your peace.”
Cuba and the United States: Political Realism’s Triumph
Roberto M. Yepe Papastamatin, Truthout: The historic US-Cuba diplomatic rapprochement signals a long-overdue rectification and the recognition of the Cuban Revolution’s legitimacy by the most powerful nation that has ever existed, with profound implications for both countries and for the inter-American relations system as a whole.
Shining Light Into the Dark World of US Drone Warfare
Charles Sevilla, Los Angeles Daily Journal: Approved at the highest levels of government, the use of US drone strikes has steadily escalated for more than a decade. These targeted killings are justified as legal and effective measures to defend the homeland. The book Drones and Targeted Killingquestions both premises.
Torture’s Time for Accountability
Ray McGovern, Consortium News: The United States’ reputation for cognitive dissonance is being tested by the Senate report documenting the US government’s torture of detainees and the fact that nothing is happening to those responsible.
It’s a Wonderful Life, Comrade
Michael Winship, Moyers & Company: When It’s a Wonderful Life first came out, it fell under suspicion from the FBI and the House Un-American Activities Committee as Communist propaganda, part of the Red Scare that soon would lead to the blacklist and witch hunt that destroyed the careers of many in Hollywood.
Get Ready Now for the Fast-Track Fight
Dave Johnson, Campaign for America’s Future: “Fast-track essentially pre-approves trade agreements before people get a chance to read them, analyze them and rally opposition. It prevents Congress from fixing problems in the agreements. This is the wrong way for our country to do this.”
How Mindfulness Could Give You the Gift of a Calmer Christmas
Anna Leyland, The Conversation: From the time you wake up on this Christmas morning, take time to fully notice the little things. Consider that many other people you do not know have made effort to grow, make or transport parts of your present too. Be kind and compassionate to everyone you have contact with – including yourself.
Remembering the Greediest Americans This Holiday Season
Sam Pizzigati, OtherWords: Among the youngest of the 2014 top ten greediest Americans: 38-year-old Travis Kalanick, the CEO and cofounder of Uber. Uber is worth $40 billion – profits made, critics charge, by taking short cuts like not running adequate background checks on drivers.
BuzzFlash
The BuzzFlash commentary for Truthout will return soon.
Stopping Imperialistic Wars Could Radically Reduce Terrorism
Federal Officials May Use Little-Known Civil Rights Statute in Police Shooting Cases
Read the Article at The Guardian
US to Send More Private Contractors to Iraq
Grand Jury Clears Houston Officer in Shooting of Unarmed Black Man, Jordan Baker
Read the Article at Al Jazeera America
Heralded by Human Rights Groups, Global Arms Trade Treaty Goes Into Force
Read the Article at Common Dreams
LAPD Body Camera Footage Won’t Be Released to the Public
Off Duty, Black Cops in New York Feel Threatened by Fellow Police Officers
Spirit In Action 