You are spot on in everything you say and I totally support you and your journey. But I want to point out there is one other piece to this: the reason that Trump wants the Venezuelan oil (largest reserve in the world) is so that he and Netanyahu can remake the Middle East into the Gaza Riviera they are determined to make and have planned for a minimum of 10 years. They will achieve that by neutralizing Iran (bombing) but cannot do that until they secure a massive oil reserve in the Western Hemisphere. Hence Venezuela.
...Trump wants to control access to mineral resources in the Americas, not just the oil in Venezuela. ..that's what explains his desire to take over Canada (oil, water and rare minerals) and get to Greenland (rare minerals).
100%, right on the eve of Columbia also declaring the Amazon totally off limits, for mining and oil activities. Venezuela is real, but it's the proxy, where they will set up base for access into Columbia.
Like clockwork…. This is what I said last week before they hit Venezuela…. Columbia is the real goal. Overtaking the Amazon is the real goal. This fucktard of a president you have is so obnoxious, he can't help false flexing and peacocking.
Venezuela is more than real. It has the largest oil reserves in the World. It is a great prize for the Puppeteers. Its all about resources, extraction, money, and power. And distraction.
Linda, I’m an attorney and theologian who grew up in the international affairs community. I have a very deep knowledge of Middle Eastern history and politics, especially oil and colonialism, both personally and professionally. I’ve been watching this movie for over 60 years, so can read between the lines. I never depend on Western media because they lie and suppress.
Is it Gazan riviera or the more sinister desalination plants. Israel has new desalination technology and with all the water in the world now testing for pfa's, how much can you charge for pure water?
Thank you Carole. The United States has emerged as an unstable partner, an untrustworthy "ally", and a rogue nation -led by a criminal elect and his Cabinet of liars, sociopaths, alcoholics, and corrupt incompetents.
I often write that any meaningful attempt at democracy requires an educated, informed, and engaged society. It also cannot withstand the extreme concentration of wealth which has destroyed institutional guardrails, consolidated media, diminished affordable higher education, and continues to erode societal protections and justice.
The current government was chosen at the intersection of insatiable billionaire greed and the willful ignorance of far too many people.
Denial is our favored expression of patriotism here in America. This obviously isn't good for anyone, anywhere. I'll never forget the faithfully disinformed during the height of the pandemic who, from their own deathbeds, ridiculed other Americans for believing "the covid hoax". They spent their final heaving breaths patriotically, which is to say denying the reality of their final heaving breaths. This isn't just a memory, it's a metaphor and a warning.
I don’t know if the USA can be stopped. This is not just a Republican or Trump move. If the Democrats win the 2026 elections, nothing will change. What is happening is the real essence of America. At the very least it would take a majority of the world’s countries coming together to develop a system that makes American sanctions impotent. That’s not going to happen since all western governments have made their countries subject to America’s corporate oligarchs.
Ron, this type of nihilism will only hurt people. Please remember all that the U.S. has overcome, all that people of this country have done to change the government’s trajectory.
How has the government's trajectory changed? Almost all western governments have gotten more xenophobic, more oppressive to their own people, and patently more kow-towing to the fascists in America. If the people rise up in any western nation, we know the government will unleash full state power against them. Some prime examples are the USA, the UK, and Germany. Further, Trumps' corollary to the Munroe Doctrine (really the Heritage Foundation's corollary) has not stopped the USA from fomenting protests in Iran. The fascists from both the Heritage foundation and the Israeli Zionist cult don't know when to stop. It's very possible they'll take a step too far and this will all go nuclear.
I propose that all of the aforementioned current and recent events (we all agree there is a multitude of things going on) are of somewhat relative, but grave significance. When it comes to one of those events, namely the demand for the release of Epstein files - it's quite likely that the information contained therein is intertwined in many of the remainder of the appalling events of which we speak. 😑
Trump wanted to invade Venezuela in his first term, long before the Trump files were widely known.
Trump is incapable of distracting from anything. He's not that smart.
On top of that, even with the knowledge of that stuff coming out during the 2024 campaign, that didn't stop his voters from voting for him anyway, along with all the people who sat out the election with the great conservative lie "both sides are the same."
Well, in fact, America IS our enemy and it does no harm to say so. It's not the only one but it's playing Godzilla centre-stage right now. It is the enemy of Europe, of PALESTINE, of most of Africa, of most of Latin America etc etc And especially of the environment. You know, this teeny globe we disasterously inhabit. As far as the good judge Nicholas Guillou is concerned (and I deeply respect him and the other judges for the principled stand they've taken) most of the world's population proves that you can live quite well without all those things he's been deprived of: Air BnB (that supports Israeli genocide), Expedia, PayPal and so on. Now, when they block your bank accounts then you're in deep sh*t...... Sigh. Happy New Year everyone - and Carole especially!
Got all that Carole, read, marked and inwardly digested….
We URGENTLY need a new, non US/Trump controlled platform to communicate, in preparation for when your and our wings - wires - WiFi - wisdom are clipped.
SO: WHEN you are sanctioned/censored…. By US media…. HOW will you communicate to the wider public? HOW will we, your subscribers, stay in contact.
It has happened before when Telegraph lines were cut…. Radio stations removed… Whilst Trump et al love their publicity and silence critics…. HOW will those critics keep each other informed?
We need some Tech Bros - better still sisters to think out of the US, Silicon Valley, Trump Sycophant BOX….
Now would be the time for Europe, Canada, and elsewhere to develop tech platforms independent of the US. This is also a crucial moment for them to lure our researchers, who no longer have a career in the US, over to their side. Don’t underestimate the fact that many of us would jump at a chance to leave if we could, especially if that meant continuing a career that contributes to the greater good (research, tech, or otherwise). It’s true that because of our current domination of the tech market other countries will not sanction us, which is what is needed. The world as we knew it is no longer the same. While that is alarming and disorienting, it’s also an opportunity to rebuild something better, if good people paying attention are able to focus and organize.
Totally agree! You tech guys (the moral and ethical ones need to act, and act now - don’t leave it too late. You could become a #WisdomWarrior! See my New Year Message:
Running Ghost on a non-US server is trivial for someone with basic to intermediate tech skills.
Going back to basic HTML on a non-US web host is even easier.
People who are not tech-savvy and just want to get their writing on the internet somewhere tend to feel overwhelmed by these things, but the mechanics of "put words people can read at a web address" is not very complicated and definitely doable without US-based infrastructure, which is why I feel saddened and frustrated by how many writers I like and respect staying on Substack for convenience.
Oh Carole, your post has made me cry with relief. All day I've been following MSM reports on Trump's latest roguery and have been screaming in frustration at the lukewarm official "western" responses. Your post has finally validated my reaction - and it made me reach for my credit card immediately. Thank you!
I did the same and second Maggie and urge others to do the right thing and pony up to subscribe, support Carole, a beacon of light in dark times, vigilant, rational and courageous.
Even if only a stop-gap solution, you can create a "mirror" of your posts using something like Wordpress (open source, pick your own host location) so your words continue to get out without suddenly being cut off. I am sure there are plenty of tech people willing to get you set up by supper time tonight. Just duplicate your Substack posts there.
Yes but how will independent journalists like Carole be able to learn, know and communicate what’s happening to us if news and social media channels are closed down, curtailed, interfered with or manipulated worldwide?
That is a problem for us all, but a separate one - my comment was directed to her personal situation if she is suddenly kicked off Substack. Anyone in her position needs a Plan B.
and, a Plan C! Proton Mail seems to be fairly non-aligned, "sensible", but I haven't found any contemporary technologies to replace BlueSky and/or Substack - open to suggestions! Dog forbid we go back to Bulletin Boards and the like... (I've always found WordPress to be incredibly painful to get into and use...)
I use Proton, it is excellent. To replace Bluesky there is Mastodon. As a Substack alternative set up a blog using Wordpress hosted in a country you trust - you can have subscribers like Substack and the option to pay is also there. Import your Substack mailing list.
London and Sadiq Khan are probably safe for the time being, not because sovereignty is respected equally, but because the consequences of violating it would be uncontrollable. The real warning sign is elsewhere. If Caracas is deemed actionable while London is not, the danger zone lies with countries that lack strong alliance backstops, sit within an asserted “sphere of interest”, or can be framed as criminal, chaotic, or already unstable. That leaves much of Latin America, parts of Africa, and other fragile states in a far more exposed position. The lesson isn’t that “anything could happen anywhere”, but that international law is now being selectively enforced. Precedents are being set where the cost is lowest, and history suggests those precedents rarely stay contained.
Yet another distraction while the Dept of Justice stalls the release of the Epstein files. Another distraction from high prices, layoffs, and Donald's cognitive decline.
Of course they count, but Trump doesn't care about the Venezuelans, sadly. He only cares about money and power. I'm sorry for Venezuela and embarrassed at what the US has done today.
You are spot on in everything you say and I totally support you and your journey. But I want to point out there is one other piece to this: the reason that Trump wants the Venezuelan oil (largest reserve in the world) is so that he and Netanyahu can remake the Middle East into the Gaza Riviera they are determined to make and have planned for a minimum of 10 years. They will achieve that by neutralizing Iran (bombing) but cannot do that until they secure a massive oil reserve in the Western Hemisphere. Hence Venezuela.
...Trump wants to control access to mineral resources in the Americas, not just the oil in Venezuela. ..that's what explains his desire to take over Canada (oil, water and rare minerals) and get to Greenland (rare minerals).
100%, right on the eve of Columbia also declaring the Amazon totally off limits, for mining and oil activities. Venezuela is real, but it's the proxy, where they will set up base for access into Columbia.
Yup. Venezuela is just the entry point to access everything.
Like clockwork…. This is what I said last week before they hit Venezuela…. Columbia is the real goal. Overtaking the Amazon is the real goal. This fucktard of a president you have is so obnoxious, he can't help false flexing and peacocking.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTDwZKoiLwS/?l=1
Venezuela is more than real. It has the largest oil reserves in the World. It is a great prize for the Puppeteers. Its all about resources, extraction, money, and power. And distraction.
Mexico, Cuba, and Latin America, too. That may happen sooner than later.
I'd say sooner than later - it takes the.minds of the US general public from economic issues, flailing everything else
And the Epstein files!
Christ. Well said
Linda, I’m an attorney and theologian who grew up in the international affairs community. I have a very deep knowledge of Middle Eastern history and politics, especially oil and colonialism, both personally and professionally. I’ve been watching this movie for over 60 years, so can read between the lines. I never depend on Western media because they lie and suppress.
lie, suppress ... and ARE SUPRESSED!
Which media/sources do you recommend reading?
Yes, I'd also like to know what entities they suggest as reliable news sources.
Won't Saudi object to its lesser status as an oil titan if US doesn't need it anymore?
I guess the point is, if they no longer control the world’s largest accessible oil field, they no longer have a voice.
Is it Gazan riviera or the more sinister desalination plants. Israel has new desalination technology and with all the water in the world now testing for pfa's, how much can you charge for pure water?
Bloody hell. I think I will just go away and cry quietly in a corner now.
Same 😢
That and the water needed for their AI centres they need to run all their spy networks, Gaza will be a big hub of these data centres.
I also suspect trump did putin’s bidding. Maduro has outlived his usefulness to the russian regime
So short-sighted.
I respect your courage. And I fear for the world.
Thank you Carole. The United States has emerged as an unstable partner, an untrustworthy "ally", and a rogue nation -led by a criminal elect and his Cabinet of liars, sociopaths, alcoholics, and corrupt incompetents.
I often write that any meaningful attempt at democracy requires an educated, informed, and engaged society. It also cannot withstand the extreme concentration of wealth which has destroyed institutional guardrails, consolidated media, diminished affordable higher education, and continues to erode societal protections and justice.
The current government was chosen at the intersection of insatiable billionaire greed and the willful ignorance of far too many people.
Denial is our favored expression of patriotism here in America. This obviously isn't good for anyone, anywhere. I'll never forget the faithfully disinformed during the height of the pandemic who, from their own deathbeds, ridiculed other Americans for believing "the covid hoax". They spent their final heaving breaths patriotically, which is to say denying the reality of their final heaving breaths. This isn't just a memory, it's a metaphor and a warning.
I don’t know if the USA can be stopped. This is not just a Republican or Trump move. If the Democrats win the 2026 elections, nothing will change. What is happening is the real essence of America. At the very least it would take a majority of the world’s countries coming together to develop a system that makes American sanctions impotent. That’s not going to happen since all western governments have made their countries subject to America’s corporate oligarchs.
Ron, this type of nihilism will only hurt people. Please remember all that the U.S. has overcome, all that people of this country have done to change the government’s trajectory.
How has the government's trajectory changed? Almost all western governments have gotten more xenophobic, more oppressive to their own people, and patently more kow-towing to the fascists in America. If the people rise up in any western nation, we know the government will unleash full state power against them. Some prime examples are the USA, the UK, and Germany. Further, Trumps' corollary to the Munroe Doctrine (really the Heritage Foundation's corollary) has not stopped the USA from fomenting protests in Iran. The fascists from both the Heritage foundation and the Israeli Zionist cult don't know when to stop. It's very possible they'll take a step too far and this will all go nuclear.
Ron, here's a look at how that can happen:
https://archive.org/details/doctorow-39c3
But the West can reclaim its digital sovereignty: https://disconnect.blog/we-need-an-international-alliance/
Even Substack is American.
A good distraction from the Epstein files (and numerous other shady dealings). 🤡
Compared to all the other stuff going, I regard the Epstein files - as appalling as that story is- a distraction from the rest.
I propose that all of the aforementioned current and recent events (we all agree there is a multitude of things going on) are of somewhat relative, but grave significance. When it comes to one of those events, namely the demand for the release of Epstein files - it's quite likely that the information contained therein is intertwined in many of the remainder of the appalling events of which we speak. 😑
Trump wanted to invade Venezuela in his first term, long before the Trump files were widely known.
Trump is incapable of distracting from anything. He's not that smart.
On top of that, even with the knowledge of that stuff coming out during the 2024 campaign, that didn't stop his voters from voting for him anyway, along with all the people who sat out the election with the great conservative lie "both sides are the same."
Less than 50% "voted for him." Read up on the Electoral College and voter suppression for the true number. The rest is propaganda, Fox News style.
Wag the MAGA dog
Well, in fact, America IS our enemy and it does no harm to say so. It's not the only one but it's playing Godzilla centre-stage right now. It is the enemy of Europe, of PALESTINE, of most of Africa, of most of Latin America etc etc And especially of the environment. You know, this teeny globe we disasterously inhabit. As far as the good judge Nicholas Guillou is concerned (and I deeply respect him and the other judges for the principled stand they've taken) most of the world's population proves that you can live quite well without all those things he's been deprived of: Air BnB (that supports Israeli genocide), Expedia, PayPal and so on. Now, when they block your bank accounts then you're in deep sh*t...... Sigh. Happy New Year everyone - and Carole especially!
Thank you, Carole, for your clarity of reporting, your bravery, and the obvious fact that you care.
Got all that Carole, read, marked and inwardly digested….
We URGENTLY need a new, non US/Trump controlled platform to communicate, in preparation for when your and our wings - wires - WiFi - wisdom are clipped.
SO: WHEN you are sanctioned/censored…. By US media…. HOW will you communicate to the wider public? HOW will we, your subscribers, stay in contact.
It has happened before when Telegraph lines were cut…. Radio stations removed… Whilst Trump et al love their publicity and silence critics…. HOW will those critics keep each other informed?
We need some Tech Bros - better still sisters to think out of the US, Silicon Valley, Trump Sycophant BOX….
Now would be the time for Europe, Canada, and elsewhere to develop tech platforms independent of the US. This is also a crucial moment for them to lure our researchers, who no longer have a career in the US, over to their side. Don’t underestimate the fact that many of us would jump at a chance to leave if we could, especially if that meant continuing a career that contributes to the greater good (research, tech, or otherwise). It’s true that because of our current domination of the tech market other countries will not sanction us, which is what is needed. The world as we knew it is no longer the same. While that is alarming and disorienting, it’s also an opportunity to rebuild something better, if good people paying attention are able to focus and organize.
Totally agree! You tech guys (the moral and ethical ones need to act, and act now - don’t leave it too late. You could become a #WisdomWarrior! See my New Year Message:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BvhSs7NuJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://github.com/anitwek/alternatives-to-us?tab=readme-ov-file
You may want to consider that the list is currently hosted on a US website owned by Microsoft.
Certainly is - ironic
Wow thanks Steven… any specific recommendations from the list of goodies?
Running Ghost on a non-US server is trivial for someone with basic to intermediate tech skills.
Going back to basic HTML on a non-US web host is even easier.
People who are not tech-savvy and just want to get their writing on the internet somewhere tend to feel overwhelmed by these things, but the mechanics of "put words people can read at a web address" is not very complicated and definitely doable without US-based infrastructure, which is why I feel saddened and frustrated by how many writers I like and respect staying on Substack for convenience.
So…. My take on your thoughts is... Someone needs to explain to we techy novices HOW to do it and get off main line , as it were…
This guide seems pretty straightforward to me, but I am not a novice so I'd need someone else to try it out and see where the tough points are: https://readonlymemo.com/substack-to-ghost-migration-guide-in-2024-setting-up-mailgun-and-cloudflare/
Oh Carole, your post has made me cry with relief. All day I've been following MSM reports on Trump's latest roguery and have been screaming in frustration at the lukewarm official "western" responses. Your post has finally validated my reaction - and it made me reach for my credit card immediately. Thank you!
I did too, Maggie!
I did the same and second Maggie and urge others to do the right thing and pony up to subscribe, support Carole, a beacon of light in dark times, vigilant, rational and courageous.
Even if only a stop-gap solution, you can create a "mirror" of your posts using something like Wordpress (open source, pick your own host location) so your words continue to get out without suddenly being cut off. I am sure there are plenty of tech people willing to get you set up by supper time tonight. Just duplicate your Substack posts there.
Yes but how will independent journalists like Carole be able to learn, know and communicate what’s happening to us if news and social media channels are closed down, curtailed, interfered with or manipulated worldwide?
That is a problem for us all, but a separate one - my comment was directed to her personal situation if she is suddenly kicked off Substack. Anyone in her position needs a Plan B.
Yes you’re right - I’m sorry I partly misread your words.
and, a Plan C! Proton Mail seems to be fairly non-aligned, "sensible", but I haven't found any contemporary technologies to replace BlueSky and/or Substack - open to suggestions! Dog forbid we go back to Bulletin Boards and the like... (I've always found WordPress to be incredibly painful to get into and use...)
Wordpress is more complex but the latest versions are not too hard
I use Proton, it is excellent. To replace Bluesky there is Mastodon. As a Substack alternative set up a blog using Wordpress hosted in a country you trust - you can have subscribers like Substack and the option to pay is also there. Import your Substack mailing list.
Trump doctrine - adherence to international law is for ‘shithole countries’.
I.e., "We do whatever the hell we want. Get used to it."
London and Sadiq Khan are probably safe for the time being, not because sovereignty is respected equally, but because the consequences of violating it would be uncontrollable. The real warning sign is elsewhere. If Caracas is deemed actionable while London is not, the danger zone lies with countries that lack strong alliance backstops, sit within an asserted “sphere of interest”, or can be framed as criminal, chaotic, or already unstable. That leaves much of Latin America, parts of Africa, and other fragile states in a far more exposed position. The lesson isn’t that “anything could happen anywhere”, but that international law is now being selectively enforced. Precedents are being set where the cost is lowest, and history suggests those precedents rarely stay contained.
Tbh international law has always been selectively enforced. It’s just right out in the open now.
Yet another distraction while the Dept of Justice stalls the release of the Epstein files. Another distraction from high prices, layoffs, and Donald's cognitive decline.
Not another distraction for Venezuelans. They count in the equation I hope.
Of course they count, but Trump doesn't care about the Venezuelans, sadly. He only cares about money and power. I'm sorry for Venezuela and embarrassed at what the US has done today.
Thank you for your clarity of thought and placing this military action in the context of the NSS. You articulate my understanding perfectly.
Another American shame and tragedy brought to use by THEIR pedoprez.
They VOTED for him. Fck the USA
I say Fck your attitude, and your country!