(Astro)Turf Wars

Duration: 90 minutes

Synopsis: From the Tea Parties to the healthcare and climate wars, America’s conservative citizens have revolted against the Obama agenda. But are these grassroots actions in fact examples of ‘astroturfing’? – The practice of manufacturing citizens groups for the purpose of delivering corporate messages. Curious to find out, Australian filmmaker Taki Oldham went undercover to investigate. What he found was astroturfing on a scale greater than he could have imagined, threatening not only the heath of American democracy, but that of its citizens and the planet as a whole.

Number of Americans living in poverty 'increases by 4m'

One in seven Americans was living in poverty in 2009 with the level of working-age poor the highest since the 1960s, the US Census Bureau says.
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The bureau defines poverty as any family of four living on less than $21,954 a year.
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The official US poverty rate in 2009 rose to 14.3% from 13.2% in 2008. In 2009, 43.6 million Americans lived in poverty, up from 39.8 million the year before, the third consecutive increase, the bureau said.

"We Tolerate The Cultivation of Opium Poppies"

Geraldo Rivera visits a giant poppie field used to produce opium in Afghanistan.

"Mind Control"

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtOcKv7Z5O0&feature=related

Interesting segment from the documentary "Fall of the Republic" that focuses on TV, propaganda, and mind control techniques.

Jimmie Vaughan - "Shackles On Me"

"Food: The Ultimate Secret Exposed"

Alex Jones goes over a few of the known poisons and additives that are put into many foods that have adverse health affects. (He leaves out 'high fructose corn syrup', 'BPA', and a few others.)

United We Fall

A 2010 documentary that discusses the negative effects of globalization and NAFTA in North America.

"Google Goes 'Evil' "

[Google] announced a new policy recommendation that would kill the Internet as we know it, if implemented by FCC Chair Julius Genokowski and other policy makers. [...] And they're now asking the public to accept two Internet experiences -- a great experience for the old Internet that will soon cease to exist, and an experience filled with discrimination and lack of a level playing field for the entire future of the Internet.

And another editorial: "Google-Verizon Pact Proves Need for Real Net Neutrality":

Now, Google and Verizon come along like wolves in sheep's clothing--developing a proposal to very narrowly define net neutrality, and with enough built-in intricacy and double-speak to leave the door wide open for industry players to interpret net neutrality to fit their needs. Putting "net neutrality" lipstick on that pig didn't really fool anyone, though, and ultimately Google and Verizon helped the FCC cause for real net neutrality and did the general public a favor by proving why it's needed.

$3,328.64

Sen. Franken on corporate consolidation and net neutrality

Where's The Money In America?

A neat infographic.

Henry Giroux on Neoliberalism, Democracy, and Education

Giroux's talk, "Shattered Bonds: Youth in a Suspect Society and the Politics of Disposability," railed unambiguously against neoliberalism, against the "mindless, stupid" practice of teaching to the test, against the contempt with which society often treats youth (and more so those cut across class and color lines), against casino capitalism and against a culture of cruelty that insists "any form of dependency whatsoever is somehow a weakness."

In recent years, "democracy has taken a major hit." And for great study on how precarious matters are, Giroux urged attendants to look to the plights of youth. With zero-tolerance policies taking greater precedence - and financial resources - over the welfare of students, "punishing young people seems to be far more important than educating them."

Deus Ex Human Revolution E3 Trailer (2010)

The newest game coming out in the series of "Deus Ex" games. It depicts a pretty interesting view of the future...

"Iraq Vet Beaten By Cop"

June 22, 2010 - More of the same in New York.

"Seattle Policeman Punches Girl in the Face"

June 15, 2010 - Another corrupt cop pushing his weight around. This time in Seattle.