June 2014

DC cop caught driving without lights near Dupont Circle

At about 2:50AM, MPD Seargent Nebel drove MPD cruiser #1213 with all lights turned off on a foot trail between the "P st Beach" or "Black Forest" woods and the tennis courts behind the school. He got there by driving through the school's parking lot, again without lights.

Dueling protests at the White House over new Iraq intervention

On the 21st of June, antiwar protesters showed up at the White House for the 2nd time in 6 days, demanding that Obama cancel plans new US intervention in Iraq. There were also opposing protesters who appeared to be Iraqi Shiites, the group fighting against ISIS. Organizers said they wanted intelligence sharing and arms, not occupation troops, but at least one of them claimed troops would not occupy the country.

Video on Archive

Oil Train Week of Action July 6-13, 2014

Are explosive Bakken crude oil trains coming through your town?  / Actions you can take now!

IMF Releases Paper on Ending Predatory Behavior: Paper Propels IMF Board Financial Stability Decisions

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) officially released a major paper focused on increasing stability in the financial system and preventing predatory hold-out behavior in debt restructuring.

Performance Bicycle refusing to sell bikes or bike frames to buyers without ID

Performance Bicycle is a national chain with outlets in the DC area in Montgomery County, MD. They tell me they will not sell complete bikes or frames to people unwilling to present identification. Their advice was to buy used when I asked them where they refer potential customers without drivers licenses or ID.

When I contacted City Bikes, by comparison, they said ID was only required for test rides, where it would be needed to find the rider if the bike was stolen.

Starbucks CEO confronted by former barista over low wages at DC event

Remember Starbucks, the corporation made famous among global justice activists by Seattle? Well, Starbucks exploits workers in 2014 like they did in 1999, and former employee Sam Dukore caught CEO Howard Schultz at a DC event where Starbucks was promoting online classes.

Youtube video by Starbucks Workers Union and IWW

Argentina Responds to Supreme Court with Debt Swap Plan: Global Consequences of Court Ruling Remain Intact

 In reaction to an adverse Supreme Court ruling against Argentina, President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner announced that Argentina would offer new bonds to its creditors governed under Argentine law.

Code Pink protests new US intervention in Iraq in front of White House

On the 16th of June, Code Pink staged a protest in front of Obama's White House featuring "John McCain" and demanding that Obama not listen to McCain's warmongering over Iraq.

Video of John McCain skit on Archive

Neo-Neocon John McCain ducks the questions

Drone protest closes CIA gate as renewed US War in Iraq looms

On the 14th of June, antiwar protesters showed up at the CIA's Dolly Madison Ave entrance as drone flights over Iraq began anew. As usual, the CIA shut down the entrance due to the presence of the protesters. They have been there the second Saturday of every month since November 2012 demanding an end to the use of armed drones for assasination and bombing. Now, Obama is making menacing speeches about returning to combat in Iraq, but somehow doing it without ground troops.

Video on Archive download if you can't play in browser

The protest seen from the highway median

Argentina Battles in Two World Cups

While Argentina prepares to face Bosnia Sunday in the first round of the World Cup, the South American soccer power faces a second major contest in a very different venue. The United States Supreme Court will announce in June if it will hear Argentina vs NML Capital that impacts the operation of the global financial system.

Obama threatens US return to Iraq as Isis marches on Baghdad

On the 12th of June, Isis, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria marched towards Baghdad after taking several of the country's largest cities. In response, President Obama has threatened to return the US to the war.

Supreme Court Justices Consider Hearing Argentina Hedge Fund Debt Case

US Supreme Court justices will decide next steps in the Argentina vs NML Capital debt case today. The case dates back to 2001 when Argentina defaulted on its debts and a group of predatory hedge funds purchased some debt for pennies on the dollar. The hedge fund NML Capital leads a group of hold-out creditors in suing the country for more than $1 billion. The case will set a precedent that will impact the functioning of the global financial system.

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