Surviving Capitalism (Not) : “Free Speech” hypocrisy in the aftermath of the attack on Charlie Hebdo

We’ve lived so long under the spell of hierarchy—from god-kings to feudal lords to party bosses—that only recently have we awakened to see not only that “regular” citizens have the capacity for self-governance, but that without their engagement our huge global crises cannot be addressed. The changes needed for human society simply to survive, let alone thrive, are so profound that the only way we will move toward them is if we ourselves, regular citizens, feel meaningful ownership of solutions through direct engagement. Our problems are too big, interrelated, and pervasive to yield to directives from on high.
—Frances Moore Lappé, excerpt from Time for Progressives to Grow Up

Friday, January 9, 2015

“Free Speech” hypocrisy in the aftermath of the attack on Charlie Hebdo

Click here to access article by David North from World Socialist Web Site.

...President François Hollande is striving to transform France into the United States’ principal ally in the “war on terror,” the attack in Paris plays into his hands.

In these efforts Hollande can rely on the media, which in such circumstances directs all its energies toward the emotional manipulation and political disorientation of the public. The capitalist media, skillfully combining the suppression of information with half-truths and outright lies, devises a narrative that is calculated to appeal not only to the basest instincts of the broad public, but also to its democratic and idealistic sentiments.

Throughout Europe and the United States, the claim is being made that the attack on the magazine Charlie Hebdo was an assault on the freedom of the press and the unalienable right of journalists in a democratic society to express themselves....

Following this, North reminds us of the many historical facts that suggest the Empire sees many journalists as their enemy.

Also read this piece from the same website entitled "Gunmen were 'probably followed' by French police before Paris massacre" which arouses suspicions about a false-flag operation. A TV report from Bloomberg news entitled "How Much Did U.S. Know About France Terror Attacks?" does the same--although unintentionally.