#Patron Of Earth For Afghanistan

[mariacallous]

The Taliban are losing their grip on power in Afghanistan as attacks on diplomats and foreign nationals leave a trail of casualties and as border clashes threaten to spill into war. Investors are leaving the country in fear for their lives, scuppering what little hope there was of reviving the war-ravaged economy. Meanwhile, the United States continues to pour in millions of dollars with no clear idea of where the money goes.

On the country’s eastern border, Taliban gunmen trade fire with Pakistani soldiers, killing or wounding scores of people, including women and children, in recent weeks. Islamabad has effectively withdrawn its ambassador, Ubaid Ur Rehman Nizamani, after he was attacked at the embassy in Kabul on Dec. 2. Some commentators say the two countries are now at war. Two Russians were among six people killed in a suicide attack on their embassy in September. Clashes have erupted on Afghanistan’s border with Iran. Regional countries that were relieved to see the United States and NATO leave last August now worry about the flow of drugs, migrants, and left-behind U.S. weapons out of Afghanistan as the country nears collapse.

But it’s the latest attack that has rattled what appears to be an emerging status quo, as China sniffs the wind for secure investment opportunities in Afghanistan’s promising minerals sector and sets itself up as the dominant partner of a Taliban eager to make some progress toward recognition as the legitimate government. All that fell apart on Dec. 12, when gunmen laid siege to a multistory hotel in downtown Kabul used by Chinese businessmen. China’s foreign ministry said five Chinese were injured; the Italian-based nonprofit Emergency Hospital said it received 18 injured people and three dead. The hourslong assault happened the day after Taliban leaders assured China’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Wang Yu, that Chinese nationals were safe. Wang has since ordered all Chinese to leave the country as soon as possible.

With them go any immediate prospects of economic development. The World Bank said two-thirds of households can’t afford enough to eat as the Taliban have been incapable of attracting investment, creating jobs, or convincing the international community to lift damaging sanctions on the banking and financial sectors.

“China can’t rely on the Taliban now, so it’s over for the foreseeable future,” said a former Afghan diplomat close to Beijing, speaking on condition of anonymity. The arrival of hundreds of enthusiastic Chinese businesspeople on the lookout for money-making opportunities had given some hope that things were about to turn. They had thought they could ride China’s decadeslong relationship with the Taliban and plans flagged by Wang to develop the minerals sector and extend China’s Belt and Road infrastructure network through Afghanistan to speed Chinese products to markets in Eurasia and Europe. Its major state corporations had already earmarked the big Mes Aynak copper deposit near Kabul, with a $3 billion, 30-year agreement signed in 2008. They’ve also been visiting gold, lithium, and uranium mines as well rare earths and other minerals, mining sources said.

China’s aversion to risk has precedent in Afghanistan: Taliban attacks on Chinese workers at Mes Aynak soon after the deal was done saw those workers withdraw, with work yet to resume—though control of a copper deposit said to be one of the biggest in the world is a useful hedge for the world’s biggest consumer of the metal. Yu Minghui, who heads the China-Afghanistan Trade Committee and founded a Chinese residential development outside Kabul, said he doesn’t expect many of his compatriots to return to Afghanistan after the Lunar New Year in late January. He told Reuters that around 500 Chinese businesspeople had arrived since the republic’s 2021 collapse. “I think maybe 80 percent will not return,” he said.

China investment isn’t the only casualty of the hotel attack. The Haqqani network, a Taliban offshoot and al Qaeda affiliate, has a long relationship with China’s ruling Communist Party, and its boss, Taliban Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, has lucrative trade deals with China. Haqqani has risked going against the wishes of the Taliban’s grassroots supporters by secretly agreeing to Chinese demands for the deportation of Uyghur militants—fellow Muslims who fought alongside the Taliban with the Turkistan Islamic Party, which seeks to overthrow the Chinese state—throughout the war on the U.S.-supported republic. Documents seen by Foreign Policy show he signed off on the return of seven Uyghurs to China in the summer.

“For Haqqani, this was a pragmatic decision for his own survival; he’s always been close to China and needs to maintain that relationship,” said a former Afghan security official. But he’s risking losing support among core Taliban fighters and battlefield commanders, and there are plenty of other jihadi groups they could join, including the local franchise of the Islamic State, called Islamic State-Khorasan, he said.

Uyghurs were “the men who cleaned our weapons. They were our vehicle mechanics. They did everything we could not do ourselves. They won us the war,” the official quoted Taliban commanders as telling him. There’s little doubt Uyghurs face execution on return to China. A million Uyghurs are said to be incarcerated in concentration camps as the ruling Chinese Communist Party seeks to extinguish nationalistic sentiment and ethnic and religious identity in what the United States calls a genocide.

Questions are now swirling about future targets among the countries and organizations with embassies in Kabul and which Taliban faction or jihad group would benefit. The United Nations is consolidating its presence in Kabul, sources in the capital said, scaling down multiple locations to one fortified compound. The Islamic State-Khorasan generally claims responsibility for major attacks and could boost recruitment by undermining the Taliban’s Islamist credentials—for instance, by targeting the anti-Muslim Chinese regime. A variety of sources from the U.S. government, the former Afghan regime, and others close to the Taliban say, however, that the Islamic State-Khorasan’s capacity was exaggerated by the Taliban to gain U.S. financial and intelligence support under the guise of counterterrorism cooperation. Although its presence in Afghanistan does pose a threat to the Taliban, it’s also seen as a useful cover, as the attacks it claims as its own often bear the hallmarks of Haqqani network attacks during the war.

The security official said an exodus of Taliban supporters to the Islamic State-Khorasan has already begun and could explain the similarities in attack methodology. “Jihadists are like drug addicts; they just want to wage jihad, and a lot of Taliban supporters are diverting to [the Islamic State-Khorasan] to wage jihad against the Chinese as they’re the Taliban’s new friends now the Americans have gone,” he said, referring to disillusion among many supporters about the Trump administration’s 2020 Taliban deal, which led to the U.S.-NATO withdrawal. “There will be a jihadist rebellion within the Taliban as the number of defections grows.”

Since their victory, the Taliban have invited dozens of terrorist and jihadi groups into Afghanistan, including al Qaeda and the Pakistani Taliban, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which is now attacking Pakistan from Afghanistan. Last week, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated concerns about terrorism and border security as well as other Taliban excesses like banning girls from school and the lack of rule of law and justice in his quarterly report. On Tuesday, the Taliban, which had previously banned girls from secondary education, barred women from universities as well, furthering the fundamentalist agenda they had promised not to implement.

Yet while the Taliban alienate their backers, the United States delivers tens of millions of dollars in cash every month for distribution via the United Nations, ostensibly for humanitarian relief, though much of it reportedly ends up in Taliban hands, further entrenching their sense of impunity. American officials regularly meet with Taliban figures in third countries. But that doesn’t seem to be a prelude to any sort of official diplomatic presence, which means the Taliban will—more than a year after their return to power—continue as isolated, friendless, and unrecognized as they are now.

As the threat to embassies and foreigners escalates and the Taliban press ahead with public executions and floggings, the optics of an official presence “just won’t work right now,” the former diplomat said. “No one is going to take that risk now or for some time. No one is safe.”

[oneworldearth]

The Peril of Supporting the Taliban: A Message from Count Berxcribble 'Patron of Earth’

The Peril of Supporting the Taliban: A Message from Count Berxcribble 'Patron of Earth’

OneWorld: Count Berxcribble ‘Patron of Earth’, ‘Familiar, Destroyer’ - Oracle: Andrew Rogers.

“The message served to the Afghanistan People from the world indicates great peril for the future of the Afghanistan People and the World if the Taliban is continued to be supported, it was an indication to remove the Taliban but what was the result in reality being of support for the Taliban as indicated from the US and Allies” - Count Berxcribble ‘Patron of Earth’, ‘Familiar, Destroyer’.

The statement made by Count Berxcribble highlights the grave concerns about the future of the Afghan people and the world if the Taliban continues to receive support. His reference to the message sent to the people of Afghanistan underscores the urgency and importance of removing the Taliban from power.

It is essential to examine the consequences of supporting the Taliban, especially considering the stance taken by the United States and its allies. The international community's engagement with the Taliban has raised questions about the true impact of such support on the ground.

Count Berxcribble, known as the 'Patron of Earth' and 'Familiar, Destroyer,' brings attention to the potential dangers that arise from sustaining the Taliban regime. The implications of backing a group with a history of violence and suppressing basic freedoms cannot be ignored.

While the exact outcome of supporting the Taliban remains a subject of debate, Count Berxcribble's message serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with this course of action. The world must carefully consider the implications and strive for a solution that ensures the stability, security, and well-being of the Afghan people and the global community at large.

Imajica Agency

Andrew Rogers: Founder, Justice Auteur, Creative Director, Writer, Oracle  

E: imajicaagency@gmail.com

All images, text, design, and art license owner Andrew Rogers©.

[imajicaagency]

The Peril of Supporting the Taliban: A Message from Count Berxcribble 'Patron of Earth’

The Peril of Supporting the Taliban: A Message from Count Berxcribble 'Patron of Earth’

OneWorld: Count Berxcribble ‘Patron of Earth’, ‘Familiar, Destroyer’ - Oracle: Andrew Rogers.

“The message served to the Afghanistan People from the world indicates great peril for the future of the Afghanistan People and the World if the Taliban is continued to be supported, it was an indication to remove the Taliban but what was the result in reality being of support for the Taliban as indicated from the US and Allies” - Count Berxcribble ‘Patron of Earth’, ‘Familiar, Destroyer’.

The statement made by Count Berxcribble highlights the grave concerns about the future of the Afghan people and the world if the Taliban continues to receive support. His reference to the message sent to the people of Afghanistan underscores the urgency and importance of removing the Taliban from power.

It is essential to examine the consequences of supporting the Taliban, especially considering the stance taken by the United States and its allies. The international community's engagement with the Taliban has raised questions about the true impact of such support on the ground.

Count Berxcribble, known as the 'Patron of Earth' and 'Familiar, Destroyer,' brings attention to the potential dangers that arise from sustaining the Taliban regime. The implications of backing a group with a history of violence and suppressing basic freedoms cannot be ignored.

While the exact outcome of supporting the Taliban remains a subject of debate, Count Berxcribble's message serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with this course of action. The world must carefully consider the implications and strive for a solution that ensures the stability, security, and well-being of the Afghan people and the global community at large.

Imajica Agency

Andrew Rogers: Founder, Justice Auteur, Creative Director, Writer, Oracle  

E: imajicaagency@gmail.com

All images, text, design, and art license owner Andrew Rogers©.

[slothgiirl]

Gold Dust Woman part 2

pjo x mcu fusion: annabeth is iron man

crossposted on a03

Katie Gardner is waiting for her when they land, pot of flowers in hand looking better than any bouquet ever could, eyes rimmed red from crying.

Annabeth feels like crying to, at the sight of Katie in her loose slacks and earth toned blouses, in a look that was all her, bohemian corporate as Grover had put it, easily making her short frame appear smaller. Trying for some normalcy she desperately craves she utters, “Tears Gardner? Really? I expected you to have tied yourself to a tree in the amazon by now.” 

Katie snorts, the edges of her lips turning up as she studies Annabeth, “you know I hate job hunting since unfortunately we live in this capitalist hellscape.”

They both snort at that. 

It was still crazy to think that Katie, her assistant slash nanny slash everything Annabeth could ever want, was a diehard hippie who Grover had met through his girlfriend. A botanist who railed against corporate farming. 

“Speaking of capitalism let’s go get a Cheeseburger,” she orders grinning a Grover, in his frayed tweed suit, the only kind of suit he could stand, who’s always down for food. 

He grins, resigned to her tyrannical whims once more. Who needed ubereats when she had him. Annabeth had even missed Grover’s stupid goatee he always sported. 

“We can do that,” Katie responds, sliding into the car next to her, seating her plant and buckling it in as well, “after we go to the hospital.” Her tone carries the careful patience that parents have when talking to their kids. Normally Annabeth would be annoyed to be patronized like this, but she’s too relieved to be here, mind turning over all she has to do, all she should do now. 

This time, she’ll do better. 

She won’t let death be her legacy.

“Grover,” Annabeth states, a cold edge to her voice, “drive through in-and-out then  to Chase Industries.” Her mind running over all she wants to say and what’s the best way to say it. There’ll no doubt be accusations of PTSD, which might be true if she’s being honest about it, but not about this. This is what she wants, what she has to do. If she survived for any reason when Hephaestus did not, it was for this reason.  

Annabeth won’t design anymore weapons. And if that’s the end of Chase Industries so be it. She can do better. “And call a press meeting,” she adds to Katie, the right words evading her, mind still jumbled from jet lag and months as a captive. 

“We’re supposed to meet up with Ms. Stane at the hospital,” Katie responds with a sigh, “and you need to go to the hospital.”

“I’m fine,” Annabeth snaps, “they already looked me over. What I need is a burger and to call a press meeting, in that order. Grover?”

“Yes Mam,” he says, voice dripping sarcasm, but takes the freeway that’ll lead to Chase Industries building. 

“Annie, you have to go to the hospital!”

“I don’t have to do anything. I’ve been in captivity for three months. Let me have these two things Katie and then you can have as many doctors look me over as you want.” 

Besides her, Katie sighs, pulling out her phone to call for the press meeting. 

Arachne will understand once Annabeth explains herself. She hopes as she watches the scenery of San Fransisco go by from behind her tinted windows. Nothings changed. 

It all still looks the same, people carrying on with their lives as always. For some reason, she expected everything to be different, but she supposes the world stops for no one. 

Arachne will understand. She’s known the woman for years, her mother’s right hand woman, more business then R&D, the perfect foil to Annabeth’s constant R&D, and she’s always been in her corner, always been there for Annabeth even when the board tried to ice her out. 

It’ll all work out. 

*

All the junior executives are waiting on the driveway along with Arachne, hair streaked with grey and donning a classic channel tweed skirt suit. The sharpness in her eyes and lips ever-present despite the years. 

Annabeth doesn’t hesitate to hug her as soon as the car pulls to a stop and she gets out, leaving Katie to trail behind her. She grips the older woman tightly, soaking in her crisp clean scent, worlds away from the cave. Arachne who’d always sent her christmas presents to her school, who’d made sure Annabeth didn’t spend her birthday alone after her parents had died in a car accident when she was eighteen. She’d whispered everything she needed to know about the other board members into Annabeth’s ear, who was cheating not their wives, who had dug themselves into a money pit and together they’d ensured the success of her mother’s company. Her mother’s favorite child. 

“We were supposed to meet at the hospital silly girl,” Arachne says exasperatedly, but her grip is tight around Annabeth, despite the press and workers surrounding them. “Not here. You don’t have to worry about the company, just rest and recover my darling.”

“Oh you know me,” Annabeth replies, smiling brightly, “Ever the workaholic. Burger?”

“How thoughtful,” Arachne says with a shake of her head, reaching for the burger bag Grover offers her, already falling into place to flank her. “Still, you don’t need a board meeting so soon. Let me handle it.”

“I’m fine really,” Annabeth waves off as she struts towards the press conference room, “besides, everyone will be reassured once they see me in person. It’ll strengthen our position in the market.” All true, but that was besides the point. Their stocks were about to plummet. 

“Will you at least tell me what this is about,” Arachne asks her, smiling and waving to the press, “I can’t help you if you don’t let me.”

Annabeth replies with a small fond smile, “you’ll see in a second,” then she steps up , looking out into the crowd of reporters, all hungry for something, for their pulitzer prize winning article. They lean forward, awaiting her words. 

There’s a certain twisted pleasure at having this much power over people. 

Thalia stands in the back, already in her nice air force suit, all her ranks pinned to her jacket like a girl scout. She hopes Thalia will understand too, even if she is military. 

“Is it okay if everyone sits down,” Annabeth finds herself saying, letting her ice queen person slide away, already sitting down, back to the podium. “A little less formal.”

Theres a stunned silence, as they all look around at each other, chickens with their heads cut off, before following her example, lights flashing, documenting her every move. Nothing she isn’t used to dealing with. 

Taking a deep breathe she starts, hands trembling, “I never got to say goodbye to mother. I never got to goodbye to my mother.” She looks out into the crowd, eyes unfocused, they all bleed together into the press. Not reporters, not people, but the press. That’s what money and power do, keeps you from seeing people. 

Hoe did it take her so long to figure it out?

“There’s questions that I would ask her. I would’ve asked her about how she felt about what this company did-what it does-if she was conflicted. If she ever had doubts.” Try as she might, Annabeth can’t imagine Athena having doubts, a strong relentless woman. But maybe she just didn’t voice them to Annabeth. Maybe if they’d had about twenty more years they would’ve mended their relationship. 

“Or maybe she was every inch the woman we all remember from the news,” Annabeth continues, thinking back on all the times she’d seen her mother on the news, in history class. The hard imposing woman who’d seemed less a woman and more a living legend. 

Her lips are drawn, hands closing into fists in her lap, “I saw young americans-civilians killed, by the very weapons I designed to defend them and protect them.” The image of Chase Industries in her minds eye, over and over again, a second to read it before it blows up. “And I saw that I had become part of a system that is comfortable with zero accountability.”  Her hands looking down at her kevlar clad chest as blood welled up, 

Someone in her company had been dealing under the table. Maybe more than one. And there was really only one way to stop her part in all this. 

“Miss Chase! Miss Chase!”

She motions to one of the reporters sitting close by her, “Miss Chase? What happened over there?”

There. 

Afghanistan. 

Like she was too soft to here where there was. Like she hadn’t been there. 

What hadn’t happened?

“Ah-I had my eyes open,” she answers, standing up, resting lightly against the podium. “I came to realize that I had more to offer this world than just making things that blow up.” She had shelved renewable energy, her arc reactor hidden by the blouse and blazer she had on, in exchange for missiles and-there was a whole department dedicated to medical research she had only the most tangential knowledge of. “And that is why,” she continues, “Effective Immediately, I am shutting down the weapons manufacturing division of Chase Industries.”

Chaos. 

They all rush at her like sharks, smelling blood in the water. Arachne looks at her wildly, grey eyes widened with surprise, the full weight of Annabeth’s statement still ringing through her mind. 

Fine. They’ll talk later. 

Cameras flashing. 

Taking a deep breathe she continues, “-Until such a time that I can decide what the future of this company will be. What direction we’ll take. One that I am comfortable with and that is consistent with the highest good for this country as well.”

“Okay,” Arachne says cutting her off, “press conference over.” 

Annabeth slips aways, away from the stage, the noise of the cameras and people an erie echo to gunshots and soldiers younger than her dying. 

She moves, walking towards Grover and her security detail, Katie smiling at her, shaking her head slightly. She must be pleased, the hippie that she is, but she’s also her assistant and she must know how insane it is. 

What this could cost Annabeth. 

So be it. 

*

The arc reactor in her chest flickers as they drive to her mansion, the car deathly silent. She was expecting more outrage on Katie’s part. About how she should’ve gone to the hospital first. 

But there’s only silence. 

Her chest tightens and she knows she needs an upgrade. 

Funny, now she’s just another machine now. She’s always been good with machines. 

Fucking irony.  

In her lab she’ll be able to mock up something better, with all the best tools and materials that money could by before the stocks tanked. 

Katie asks tentatively, sounding unsure for the first time since Annabeth had hired her ten years ago, “scotch?” She looks at Annabeth like she doesn’t know her. Eyes wide as she studies her. 

Annabeth meets her searching gaze evenly, “No thank you.” She needs a clear head and now she has a heart condition. She’ll need a purer palladium for the system, none of those scraps she’d had to used in the cave. That’s a start. 

“Are we really doing this,” she asks annoyed, realizing Katie’s still waiting for some explanation, wanting to get it over with. If they have questions they might as well shoot.

Katie, who’s spent the last ten years by her side, anticipating her every need, making her life run smoothly, voices, “I-You know that the weapons manufacturing division of Chase Industries is where the majority of the earnings come from. It’s basically the taproot of the company.”

“I know what my company does,” Annabeth utters sourly, “I thought you’d be ecstatic. You’re all for disarmament. Against the Iraq war and everything.”

Katie scowls and Annabeth knows she's in for it. “Don’t make this about me. You’re right, I want nothing more than world peace, but not like this Annabeth. I mean, you can’t say you’re okay after being held captive for so long. “

“I know what I’m doing.”

With a sigh, Katie adds, “I just hope you’re doing this the best way you can. That you’ve thought things through Annabeth. Because for once, I don’t think you have.”

*

Her first night back home, and she doesn’t sleep in her own bed. 

Figures. 

*

“You have nice hands right,” Annabeth says via intercom to Katie, chest open, halfway through heart surgery, if her heart still worked. “Small dainty?”

“What,” is Katie’s reply, more amused then confused after all of Annabeth’s strange requests over the years. 

“Just get down to my lab.” she hangs up, looking over the second generation arc reactor, steadier, more efficient. There’s still room for improvement, but it will do the job for now. No more flickering. 

She’s going to need it while she figures out what to do with Chase Industries. What to say to Arachne when she gets back from New York. 

Arachne had left her to go handle the board, telling her to keep a low profile while she wrestled with the finance suits.

It’s only ten and the stocks have dropped twenty points so far. 

“What is going on,” Katie voices as she makes her way to Annabeth’s side. “Forget it, just tell me what to do.”

Annabeth laughs, “I’m upgrading my heart.”

“Jesus is that’s what’s keeping you alive?” There’s a mix of horror and fascination on Katie’s features, eye’s widening in curiosity, her rich tanned skin blanching as she sees the opened up wall socket in Annabeth’s chest.

“Was, it is now an antique,” Annabeth explains, holding up the Mark II model, “now this will, once you plug it in.”

“Are you sure-I don’t think I’m qualified for this.”

“Of course you are,” she assures Katie, she’ll start to work on the Mach II suit once this is done, “I need your help,” she admits begrudgingly, “And you are the most capable and qualified and trustworthy person I’ve ever met.” 

Katie looks over her work station, Annabeth sitting back, braless, a hole punched through her chest, old arc reactor half out. She’d tried to do it herself and quickly realized that it just wasn’t going to happen. 

She needed a second pair of hands. 

Hands she could trust. 

“Okay,” Katie nods, “just tell me what to do.”

“Okay,” Annabeth states, and she finishes pulling out the old reactor, hearing the snap of the wires underneath, the exposed wire causing an unpleasant mummer as her heart beats. “Just toss this over there and then reach in and gently pull the loose wire out, make sure not to touch the  socket wall.”

“Like in operation?” Katie says, nose scrunching in disgust as she reaches her hand into Annabeth’s chest. This coming from the same girl that didn’t scream at the sight of bugs and worms, happy to dig about in the terrace garden. 

“Yeah,” Annabeth, says, black spots appearing in her vision. “Just be careful not to lift the magnet attached to-okay to late.”

Katie looks horrified, sickly green rising to her tan skin, “should I put it back in?”

“No,” Annabeth says, hearing the monitor beeping like crazy, there was that cardiac arrest. It could be worse, “just plug it in now.” “Okay,” Katie says, voice cracking as she tosses the magnet and wire and reaches in again, the wires clicking into place and Annabeth can breath again. 

Well shit. 

“Thank you,” she says with a sigh. Closing her eyes, letting her heartbeat stabilize. Annabeth twists it the rest of the way into place. 

“Are you going to be okay,” Katie asks, looking down at her with murder in her eyes.

Annabeth just laughs, relieved. She’s been feeling that a lot lately. With a titanium alloy she can make the suit sleeker, more energy efficient, able to withstand handheld missiles. And with this new mach II she’ll have sustained flight. She’s streamline the design. It’ll give her more speed, more maneuverability. 

“Don’t ever, ever, ever ask me to do something like that again.”

“Who else am I going to ask,” Annabeth replies softly, “I don’t have anyone but you.” She can’t imagine asking Grover to help her with this. It’s a little sad, that her closest friend is her assistant. 

Maybe that’s why so many men cheat on their wives with their assistant. 

“What should I do with the old one?”

“Destroy it,” Annabeth waves off, already heading back to her work station, looking over the files and opening a new private folder, “Festus,” she calls out to her A.I. “keep this on my servers only.”

“Gladly Miss,” Festus’ voice rings out through the room.

“You don’t want to keep it?”

“Katie, I’ve been called many things but nostalgic is not one of them. I never look back.”

*

Thalia is mentoring a new crop of air force pilots when Annabeth walks up to her, giving her space to finish and wave them off. Her inky black hair pulled back into a loose pony tail, wearing her jumpsuit with the same ease she wore leather jackets; the Keith Richards of the skies. 

Amongst the sea of cameo green jumpsuits, she looks out of place in her jeans and Barbour blue jacket. Too casual. 

“Hey Chase, feeling better yet?” There’s an edge to Thalia’s voice, reminding her that they’d never really talked after the press conference. She must think Annabeth’s lost her goddamn mind. 

“Shut up Thalia,” Annabeth says, voice full of annoyance, “I've gotten through so many medical evaluations I'm pretty sure Katie called up every doctor in the bay area.” 

“She's a great friend that one.” 

“Well I do pay her for it,” Annabeth jokes. 

Thalia clasps her around her shoulders, “it's good to see you man, it really is.” 

“It's good to be here.” Annabeth sides out of her hold, smiling nonetheless. “Thanks for not giving up on me.” 

“Of course not! Are you crazy! I love you too much bitch!” Her grin widens, offsetting her prominent crooked nose well. There’s lines around her eyes now when she smiles.

God, when did they both grow up?

“I know you do,” Annabeth states carefully, “I'm happy it was your dumb face I saw first. Wouldn't have wanted it any other way.” 

Thalia snorts easily, shoulders shaking with laughter. 

“Which is why I wanted to tell you about something I've been working on Thalia, something big,” She goes on carefully, voice low. She's stabilized the thrusters, flying even at 1% power. Once the suit was finished, she'd be really able to fly, finally live in to her nickname, the modern day Da Vinci, if she ever told the public about it. “I want you to be a part of it.” She knew no better pilot than her friend.

“Oh shit,” Thalia says looking over appraisingly at Annabeth, “You're about to make a lot of people very happy Annabeth!”

Dread pools in her stomach. That wasn't what she wanted at all. Not even close. 

“No-I'm not-,” Annabeth rushes to explain. “This is not for the military. It’s something different. I’m not, It’s different.”

Her friend’s smile drop, serious for once. “Look Annabeth. You've just been through an incredibly traumatic situation. You need some time to process and think before you go about making any crazy decisions.” Says the same girl who'd joined the air force fresh out of high school while wearing fuck the man pins.

“What happened to the girl who ranted about the school to prison pipeline. Who hated Bush?”

“She grew up.” 

For the first time, Annabeth had to wonder if Thalia even cared about the civilian casualties. Or if she was so blinded by the bigger picture. 

“Annie, I want peace as much as anyone else but that's just not the world we live in. Go home, get some rest and we can talk about it all later.” 

“Yeah,” Annabeth replies numbly, already running through the calculations for height and trajectory. She might break a world record if she took ice freeze into account. 

*

“Festus are you up,” she calls out to her A.I.

“For you Miss, always,” the comforting voice of her interface calls out as Annabeth powers on all the lab. Looking over the plans one last time. 

The suit was laid out on the table, her robotic assistants had wielded the components together while she’d been out. It gleamed silver in all its glory. Sleek, it should run like a dream. “Time to bolt me in, run the video, test run # 1.”

“I thought we were on flight test seventy-three Miss,” Festus informs her of all the thruster testing she’d gone through, receiving more than a few blasts of fire extinguisher from butterfingers.

“Maybe I should tone down the sarcasm,” Annabeth teases. 

“My system is merely a reflection of your programing,” the little shit responds. Good old Festus.

Opting for a compression bodysuit and leggings she lets the robots screw her in, the suit coming to life around her, powered by the same reactor that now powers her heart. 

A problem arises when they get to her long hair, loose strands getting in the way. She sighs, annoyed, reaching for a pair of scissors, “Festus, you wouldn’t mind projecting where I should cut for a pass-ible pixie cut?”

“Of course Miss.”

Her dad had often helped Annabeth braid her long blonde hair, always turning slightly green after a summer of swimming. She’d never really learned what to do with her hair other than toss it in a bun to keep it out of her eyes.

Her golden locks fall to the floor after a few cuts. 

“Give it to me straight Festus.”

“You look fine Miss.”

“Robots,” she says with a smile and the rest of the armor fall into place, locking her into her titanium alloy flight suit, equipped with state of the arts defense and weaponry system. Nothing but the best for her. Just in case. 

She still wasn’t sure where she was going with this. What she planned to do when she was finished. 

“Systems check,” Annabeth says, moving about as Festus analysis’ the systems one last time, getting a feel for the suit. She has nearly all her mobility, heavier, feeling strange as she peers through a screen instead of her eyes only, body sequestered from the world around her. 

“Everything seems to be in working order Miss. May I suggest a one percent preliminary flight test?”

Annabeth scoffs, a giddiness taking over her as she realizes how close she is to flight. Real fucking flight none of that airplane bullshit. “Engage Heads up display.” 

“Check.” Festus almost sounds annoyed, as much as a robot can. 

“Import all preferences from home interface.”

“Will do Miss.”

She looks around the room, overlay informing her of all her options, all the tech specs. It’s a heady way to look at the world. 

“All right let’s take her for a little flight.” There’s a buzzing down to her fingertips that not tequila could reach. All the possibilities, all the math and plans coming together at last. Annabeth is giddy with excitement. 

“I would advise caution Miss.”

“Festus,” she says with a smile, hidden underneath her helmet, “Sometimes you’ve got to run before you can crawl.”

“The calibration is complete and I have been uploaded Miss.”

“Alright them,” Annabeth grins, “Pull up the ATC and weather.” And then the thrusters come online and she’s flying like a rocket out of her garage and into the bay like a shooting star. 

The speed makes precision hard to achieve but she knows she’ll get better with practice. It handles like a dream. Banking curves up, down, side to side, as she weaves into the city, passing over the lights of her city. 

With her optics she can zoom in on people, singling them out from far below her, before turning up to the stars. 

“Okay Festus lets see how much this baby can handle,” Annabeth says, heading up into the sky, passing by clouds that promise rain later. Spring in San Francisco is just as rainy as winter. 

“Tread carefully Miss,” Festus says, “we have not field tested the antifreeze measures.”

“Just let me know Festus,” Annabeth snipes back, watching as the height climbs hundreds of feet a second, the suit growing cold around her. “Make a note to improve Insulation.”

“Yes Miss.”

Ice forms on her helmet as they push seventy thousand feet.

“Miss,” Festus warns. 

“I got it. Reduce power to one percent,” Annabeth mutters, and then she’s falling, gravity doing the majority of the work, her thrusters only serving to give her some measure of maneuverability. The feeling of falling races through her body like a live wire, fear and adrenaline mixing together. 

She laughs breathlessly. 

“Miss!”

“Deploy flaps Festus.”

“Got it Miss.”

She slows down, moving to point her thrusters to the ground, to the water beneath her, still high enough to escape the sea breeze. She yells with excitement!

“Fuck it Festus let’s head home,” she calls out, powering back up to flight mode and shooting home like a rocket. 

With this suit, she’ll never be helpless again.

[afghannewswire]

AFGHANS FACING "HELL ON EARTH" AS WINTER LOOMS

AFGHANS FACING “HELL ON EARTH” AS WINTER LOOMS

SUPPORT THE FREEDOM OF AFGHANISTAN HELP THE CHILDREN OF AFGHANISTAN DIRECTLY HELP THE AFGHAN PEOPLE DIRECTLY Become a Patron! AND CHOOSE YOUR INDIVIDUAL PAYMENT PLAN THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TRUST AND SUPPORT ! https://afghannewswire.com/ FOLLOW US ON TELEGRAM FOR MORE EXCLUSIVE INFOS https://t.me/AFGHANNEWSWIRE HELP THE CHILDREN OF AFGHANISTAN DIRECTLY Email Address: Subscribe

[newstfionline]

Friday, September 17, 2021

Priciest Food Since 1970s Is a Big Challenge for Governments (Bloomberg) Whether for bread, rice or tortillas, governments across the world know that rising food costs can come with a political price. The dilemma is whether they can do enough to prevent having to pay it. Global food prices were up 33% in August from a year earlier with vegetable oil, grains and meat on the rise, data from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization show. And it’s not likely to get better as extreme weather, soaring freight and fertilizer costs, shipping bottlenecks and labor shortages compound the problem. Dwindling foreign currency reserves are also hampering the ability of some nations to import food. From Europe to Turkey and India, politicians are now handing out more aid, ordering sellers to cut prices and tinkering with trade rules to mitigate the impact on consumers. The issue is more acute in emerging markets where the cost of food accounts for a greater chunk of household spending, and in crisis-hit nations.

Newsom Beat the Recall, Now Comes the Hard Part: Governing California (NYT) On Wednesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom beat back an attempted recall—but still had multiple crises to confront. Ninety percent of the state was in extreme drought. The median home price had eclipsed $800,000. Some 100,000 people were sleeping outside or in their cars nightly. And more than 6 million public school children were struggling to make up the learning they had missed because of the coronavirus pandemic. Although Mr. Newsom has the advantage of a unified base, a Democratic supermajority in the Legislature and the state’s attention, he also has these long-term issues, and more.

The Greatest Killer in New Orleans Wasn’t the Hurricane. It Was the Heat. (NYT) In many ways, Iley Joseph’s one-bedroom apartment was an ideal place to ride out a hurricane. It was on the third floor—much too high to flood—of a building that was sturdy and new, part of a sleek, gated community for older residents like him. But in the days after Hurricane Ida, his home began to feel like a trap. The huge power failure that cut off electricity to New Orleans rendered Joseph’s air-conditioner useless and his refrigerator nothing more than a cupboard. Even worse, the outage froze the complex’s elevators in place, sealing him inside the building because his health problems prevented him from using the stairs. Joseph, 73, insisted in telephone conversations with his sons that he was doing just fine. But in his apartment, No. 312, it kept getting hotter. On Sept. 2, the fourth day after the storm hit—the hottest yet—a friend found him lying still on the side of his bed. Only in recent days, as the last lights flickered back on in New Orleans, have officials here discovered the true toll of Hurricane Ida. Of 14 deaths caused by the storm in the city, Joseph’s and nine others are believed to be tied to the heat.

Lumbering Nicholas (NYT) Since the storm named Nicholas made landfall in Texas on Tuesday, it hasn’t traveled very far. It first lingered over southeastern Texas, dumping rain along the coast and causing power outages in Houston. Since then, the storm has moved east over Louisiana, sometimes as slow as two miles an hour. Nicholas could cause flooding in Mississippi, Alabama and Florida today and tomorrow. This kind of storm—big and slow, bringing enormous amounts of rain—is an increasingly common part of life under climate change. Hot, dry places—like much of the American West—have become hotter and drier, while wet places—like the coast along the Gulf of Mexico—have become wetter.

SpaceX launches 4 amateurs on private Earth-circling trip (AP) SpaceX’s first private flight streaked into orbit Wednesday night with two contest winners, a health care worker and their rich sponsor, the most ambitious leap yet in space tourism. It was the first time a spacecraft circled Earth with an all-amateur crew and no professional astronauts. The Dragon capsule’s two men and two women are looking to spend three days going round and round the planet from an unusually high orbit—100 miles (160 kilometers) higher than the International Space Station—before splashing down off the Florida coast this weekend.

Mark Milley’s secret calls to China (Foreign Policy) Phone calls between U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley and his Chinese counterpart, Li Zuocheng, from October 2020 through January have caused a political kerfuffle in Washington. According to Bob Woodward and Robert Costa’s new book, Peril, Milley twice called Li to reassure him that the United States was stable and was not about to launch an attack on China, despite then-U.S. President Donald Trump’s attempts to cling to power. Numerous questions remain about how the calls took place and what exactly was said. Beyond Trump’s instability or Milley’s overreach, one leaps out: Why did Milley think the Chinese might overreact to the U.S. political drama so strongly, potentially even taking military action? U.S.-China relations are at a nadir, but the crisis doesn’t seem to have put fingers on buttons yet. If Milley thinks otherwise based on intelligence, that could be a worrying sign. It also could be the overreaction of one general. It’s even more unclear what Li or anyone else in Beijing has made of the whole affair. After all, if a Chinese general reached out to tell Washington everything was fine in Beijing and not to be concerned about coup rumors, U.S. intelligence would probably become concerned that a coup was happening.

Researcher acquitted after FBI case collapses (Foreign Policy) University of Tennessee professor Anming Hu has been acquitted of fraud charges after the FBI twice attempted to prosecute him, only to have its case dismantled by judges for flimsy evidence and false statements. The case against Hu should not have been brought even once; attempting it twice makes the Justice Department’s campaign against Chinese scientists accused of espionage appear vindictive and racist.

Biden’s travel ban on European visitors widens transatlantic rift (Washington Post) Last week, France became the latest European nation to issue travel restrictions on unvaccinated American visitors. The move prompted outraged responses from some, but many Europeans seemed to believe that the move was America’s just deserts. The issue for wary Europeans isn’t just the United States’ persistently high national coronavirus case numbers. It’s that most Europeans, vaccinated or not, have been banned from the United States since March 14, 2020: more than 550 days and counting. The U.S. ban—which affects most European visitors, but not American citizens, permanent residents and a limited number of visa holders flying from Europe—was imposed in the early days of the pandemic under President Donald Trump. Many Europeans believed President Biden would lift the ban soon after taking office. He didn’t. Later, some speculated he would do so after he visited Brussels or when he hosted German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Washington, around the time that Europe and Britain lifted most of their own blanket restrictions. Still, no policy change. Some Europeans see no hope on the horizon for a lifting of the ban. “At this point, it’s really just incomprehensible,” said Benjamin Haddad, director of the Europe Center at the Atlantic Council. With little sign of change, tensions are flaring.

Australia to get U.S. nuclear submarine technology as China looms large (Reuters) The United States, Britain and Australia said on Wednesday they would establish a security partnership for the Indo-Pacific that will involve helping Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines, as Chinese influence over the region grows. Under the partnership, announced by President Joe Biden, British Prime Minster Boris Johnson and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, the United States will provide Australia with the technology and capability to deploy nuclear-powered submarines, senior U.S. administration officials told reporters. Australia will not be fielding nuclear weapons, the prime minister said.

With foreign funds frozen, Afghan aid groups stuck in limbo (AP) A month after the fall of Kabul, the world is still wrestling with how to help Afghanistan’s impoverished people without propping up their Taliban leaders—a question that grows more urgent by the day. With the Afghan government severed from the international banking system, aid groups both inside Afghanistan and abroad say they are struggling to get emergency relief, basic services and funds to a population at risk of starvation, unemployment and the coronavirus after 20 years of war. Among the groups struggling to function is a public health nonprofit that paid salaries and purchased food and fuel for hospitals with contributions from the World Bank, the European Union and the U.S. Agency for International Development. The $600 million in funds, which were funneled through the Afghan Health Ministry, dried up overnight after the Taliban took over the capital. “All we do is wait and pray for cash to come,” one aid worker said. “We face disaster, if this continues.”

Hezbollah brings Iran fuel to Lebanon despite US sanctions (AP) Dozens of trucks carrying Iranian diesel arrived in Lebanon on Thursday, the first in a series of deliveries organized by the militant Hezbollah. The powerful group operates independently from Lebanese authorities, which are struggling to deal with a crippling energy crisis. The overland delivery through neighboring Syria violates U.S. sanctions imposed on Tehran after former President Donald Trump pulled America out of a nuclear deal between Iran and world powers in 2018. The shipment is being portrayed as a victory by Hezbollah, which stepped in to supply the fuel from its patron, Iran, while the cash-strapped Lebanese government grapples with months-long fuel shortages that have paralyzed the country. There was no immediate comment from Lebanese or U.S. officials on the Iranian fuel delivery. Local commentators said Washington, worried about chaos in Lebanon amid raging, multiple crises, may have decided to look the other way.

One million Nigerian children to miss school due to mass kidnappings, UNICEF says (Reuters) At least one million Nigerian children could miss school this year as the new term begins amid a rise in mass school kidnappings and insecurity, the United Nations children’s agency UNICEF said on Wednesday. Schools have become targets for mass abductions for ransom in northern Nigeria by armed groups. Such kidnappings in Nigeria were first carried out by jihadist group Boko Haram then later its offshoot Islamic State West Africa Province, but the tactic has now been adopted by criminal gangs. So far, there has been 20 attacks on schools in Nigeria this year, with more than 1,400 children abducted and 16 dead, UNICEF said, adding that more than 200 children are still missing.

Instagram blues (WSJ) Around 22 million teens log on to Instagram in the United States each day. According to an internal study by Facebook of teens in the United States and United Kingdom, 40 percent of Instagram users reported that they felt unattractive, and the feeling began on the app. Roughly a quarter said they felt not good enough, and that the feeling first started on Instagram, and lots of teens also said that the app undermined their beliefs in their friendships.

[lawrenceop]

Heavenly bodies, Holy practices

The following is a presentation I gave for a ‘Dominican Forum’ lunch hosted by CCLA Investment Managers in the City of London on 12 June 2018. 

Fr Lawrence Lew OP looks at some of the influences, rituals and traditions from the Church and explains where they come from and their relevance in the 21st Century. 

The Met Gala 2018, themed "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination", caused some controversy in the media recently, with its haute couture outfits modelled on the iconography of saints and the sacred vestments of the Catholic liturgy. 

At the same time, it served as a pointed reminder that the richness of our cultural heritage can capture the imagination even of a religiously sceptical secular world. 

What does this say, then, for Catholic attempts to engage non-believers in dialogue? Should we shy away from the more exotic aspects of Catholic practice, or embrace them?

On one hand, today’s topic could be construed quite narrowly. We could limit ourselves to a discussion of the Met Gala 2018, or the exhibition – which I hope to view in August – but although I shall refer to it, I thought I should broaden the focus a little. On the other hand, to speak about culture, the dialogue of cultures and inculturation (as I had initially wanted to) seemed too broad for a short presentation. 

So, this afternoon I will concentrate on material culture, that is, the objects we create and utilise and interact with. As material creatures, these objects say something about us as individuals and as a society, and they also help form us individually and collectively. This, I believe, is what the relatively new study of material culture is concerned with. When speaking about Catholic material culture, I will think principally of the things that we use in the Sacred Liturgy because this is where as individuals and as a community we create and use material objects. In particular, I am interested in how material culture can help engage people with the content of the Catholic Faith, so I shall speak a little about material culture and evangelisation. Finally, I hope to say something about the distinctiveness of Catholic material culture and belief, and the opportunity or challenge this poses in our world today.

When St Thomas Aquinas considers the necessity of the sacraments, he observes that “man is prone to direct his activity chiefly towards material things”. For it belongs to our bodily human nature to interact with material things, and we need to use tools to do things and to shape the material world we inhabit. The sacraments, therefore, are perfectly suited to our human nature as we are “led by things corporeal and sensible to things spiritual and intelligible.” However, we also make and use material things in order to express our spiritual natures, that is to say, we externalise our beliefs, our ideas, our concepts, our history, our identity. Hence, the sacramental rites and Liturgy of the Church have, over two thousand years and spanning many cultures, given rise to a rich and varied range of objects. I would include church buildings among the material objects we interact with, as well as items of clothing, liturgical vessels like the chalice, and finally, the matter for the sacraments themselves: bread, wine, oil, water. 

When it comes to divine worship, the impulse has been to give the very best and finest of material culture, the most beautiful that we can muster, to God. This is fitting if we consider the effort and time taken as a sacrificial act of love for God. Moreover, giving God our best is a reflection of what God has done for us, and an act of gratitude. For God has given us this material world – “the earth and its fullness”, as the psalmist says, comes from God, and he creates it out of love. Indeed, St Thomas would say that God created the material world for the sake of us material creatures, so that he can manifest his wisdom and goodness and love to us through the vast wonder and beauty of the universe! The medieval Gothic cathedral, therefore, was often a representation of the entire cosmos offered up to God in thanks and worship. So Umberto Eco observes, as the cosmos revealed to man the glory of God, so “the cathedrals sought to reiterate this discourse: they “actualised a synthetic vision of man, of his history, of his relation to the universe… The cathedrals, the highest artistic achievement of medieval civilization, became a surrogate for nature” that tells forth the glory of God.

In a materialistic culture such as ours, the Faith-filled motivation behind a great cathedral can be forgotten or ignored. Sometimes the cathedral is viewed along Marxist terms as an example of the power of the Church who used the donations and labour of the poor to build the cathedral. Or the cathedral is said to be a symbol of the oppressive dominance of the Church in medieval society. Or one can enter a church and see only riches and wealth – many have visited St Peter’s Basilica, or even the Rosary Shrine, and then wrongly surmised that the church is rich; but from the very beginning rich works of art to beautify the Liturgy have been given to the church by pious benefactors as acts of devotion to God or a saint. Unfortunately, if one reads the world through a materialistic or corporate lens, then one can and will view church architecture purely in political-economic terms – much depends on the eye of the beholder. 

The people who built the first Gothic cathedrals were aware of this. The central portal of the abbey of Saint-Denis in Paris has this inscription: “Passerby, who is stirred to praise the beauty of these doors, do not let yourself be dazzled by the gold or by the magnificence, but rather by the painstaking work. Here a famous work shines out, but may Heaven deign that this famous work that shines make spirits resplendent so that, with the luminous truth, they may walk toward the true light, where Christ is the true door”. As St Thomas said, through through “corporeal and sensible” things we are to be led to “things spiritual and intelligible”, to Christ. 

In focussing upon material culture and in using them as points for dialogue with our contemporaries, then, it is vital that we keep Christ at the centre; that we allow their beauty to point us to Him who is, as St Augustine said, “Beauty so ancient and so new”. Indeed, in speaking of the created world or of things created by human invention, we can say with St Paul that “all things were created through him and for him” (Col 1:16). So, the beauty of nature, and the marvellous order and logic that scientists find in creation speak of the Logos through whom all things were made. Hence, the bejewelled Gospel book cover or the illuminated Book of Hours points to the surpassing value of the Word of God; the golden monstrance recalls the infinite value of the Eucharist. To gain Christ, St Paul had said: “I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as refuse” (Phil 3:8). And the priestly vestments, ultimately, are about putting on Christ, and acquiring the virtues of the New Man (cf Gal 3:27) as the Priest stands at the Altar in persona Christi. In speaking about icons and religious art, the use of colour also indicates what the Church truly values. Gold (found in the background of icons and mosaic domes, for example) is not, as many people tend to think, a sign of wealth. Nor was it simply to give us a pretty reflective surface for the candlelight. Gold was incorruptible – it did not tarnish – and so it became associated with the spiritual which did not corrupt and with the heavenly realm which was eternal. Hence the saints and Christ are depicted in gold robes or golden environments, as a sign of the closeness of heaven, the eternal, the spiritual. Conversely, for us blue is associated with the sky and so with heaven. Our Lady, therefore, is said to be clothed in blue. But the Bible says she is clothed with the sun, not with blue. Why then, this use of aquamarine? As the name of the colour implies, blue pigment came from across the sea, derived from lapis lazuli mined in Afghanistan. It was so costly to obtain that it was more precious than gold. Out of love for Mary, patrons asked that she be painted in blue because they wanted to give her the best, the most priceless pigments they could afford. 

Unfortunately, to many non-believers (and not a few Catholics too), sacred art and architecture can all look like conspicuous consumption; sacred art and chantry chapels regarded as prestige items acquired by the rich and powerful. Indeed, the Met Gala demonstrates to us what happens when the Christocentric focus is removed from the Church’s material culture, when they are no longer used in the Liturgy for divine worship: they become mere precious objet d’art, signs of wealth, adornments for the rich and influential. 

The problem, I think, is that we have been somewhat naive in thinking dialogue is achieved simply because there is a common interest or because one is interested in Catholic material culture. However, Bishop Robert Barron, who is at the forefront of dialogue with our culture, makes an observation about a problematic in this kind of assumption. He notes that the call for dialogue “has come almost exclusively from the church and not from the culture… Rarely if ever have I heard of representatives of the culture eager to submit their manner of thinking and behaviour to the discipline of the church or to make themselves intelligible to religious people”. The result is the kind of display we saw at the Met Gala. In fact, almost twenty years ago, Pope St John Paul II observed that “handing on the Gospel message in today’s world is particularly arduous, mainly because our contemporaries are immersed in cultural contexts that are often alien to an inner spiritual dimension, in situations in which a materialist outlook prevails.” So, we must beware that “culture is not the interpretative lens for the Church”. Rather, as Barron says, “it’s Christ, and everything must be read through him”.

Drawing upon Blessed John Henry Newman’s thought, Barron suggests that “a healthy Church has the power of assimilation, just as a robust organism draws into itself and adapts to its purposes certain features of its world, and it throws off other elements that would compromise or threaten its essential structure. Newman observes that an unhealthy animal will, soon enough, itself be assimilated by the stronger animals around it. So, the Church ought to reach out to the world but never allow the world to set the agenda for the Church. To assimilate is to take in what it can and resist what it must.” 

Pope John Paul II said a similar thing about inculturation. It is “making the Gospel incarnate in different cultures and at the same time introducing peoples, together with their cultures, into her own community”, taking in the best of a culture but rejecting whatever is alien to the Gospel. One thinks, for example, of what St Thomas Aquinas said when he was accused of watering down the Gospel with the pagan philosophy of Aristotle. He replied: “I am turning water into wine”. Indeed, just as grace perfects nature, so a culture can and must be perfected by the Gospel. But this requires confidence in the Truth of the Gospel, a confidence that comes from studying sound theology and knowing the riches of Catholic thought and traditions well, so that we are firmly founded on Christ. At the same time, one must be attentive to the culture, and become opportunistic in using those things that are buzzing in popular culture as bridges to the Gospel, to talk about our Faith and explain Christ to the sceptical.

Finally, a thought about Catholic distinctiveness or oddity. We should beware of “beige Catholicism”. This is the dumbing down of our Faith and its traditions and our material culture so as to make it as “non-threatening, accessible, culturally appealing as possible”. However, there is something different, odd, challenging, and culture-transforming about Jesus! But, as the Dominican spiritual theologian Paul Murray says, “we preach a wine of truth that we have actually tasted ourselves, and have drunk with living faith and joy.” So, if we’re to be different, let it be a joyful, faithful difference that leads others to Jesus Christ. Let our counter-cultural Christian lives not be exercises in eccentricity and difference for its own sake, but let them bear witness to the One who makes the most crucial difference in our lives. For as Pope Blessed Paul VI said over forty years ago: “the first means of evangelization is the witness of an authentically Christian life… [for] modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.”

[imaginetonyandbucky]

How bout a Fake Engagement AU? Bucky pretends Tony is his fiance to get Steve, Natasha & Sam off his back, about settling down. Only it backfires, because they demanded he bring Tony to the next family event, to meet his future husband. Only one tiny ity bitty problem, Tony isn't his boyfriend let alone his fiance, just Bucky's favorite bartender down at The Avenger. Bucky may also be like half in love with him. Totally unrelated. Now Bucky has ask Tony to be his finance for a week. No pressure.

Plus One

Bucky took a deep breath and pushed open the door tohis favorite bar, instinctively relaxing when the familiar smells and soundswashed over him. It was still early and The Avenger only had a few patrons,most of them regulars who Bucky knew by face or, in rare cases, by name.

Tony lit up when he caught sight of Bucky, his grinwide enough to cause an excited flutter in Bucky's chest, as always.

"What's this? Is it Christmas already?" Tonycalled from behind the bar, looking delighted as Bucky made his way toward him."Two times in a week, Buckling? I am officially the luckiest guy in NewYork."

Atrocious as the nickname was, Bucky couldn't helpsmiling as he reached the bar and slid into his usual seat.

The first time Bucky had shuffled into The Avenger,he'd done so out of sheer necessity. He'd been cold and shivering, miserableafter having spent hours outside in the rain, walking aimlessly in an attemptto chase away the darkness that tended to creep up on him when he sat alone inhis shitty apartment for too long. The soft, warm lights of the bar had calledto him, promising a sanctuary Bucky had so desperately needed.

Once inside he'd been met with dark wood, soft music,and a subtle murmur of voices, so different from the loud bars and clubs he andhis friends usually visited. There had been enough dark corners that Buckycould easily have disappeared if he so wished, the atmosphere one of politeindifference. He'd known right away that no one would bother him here — no onewould care.

Bucky could still remember how the tension he'd beencarrying — the one that had chased him out onto the streets in the first place— had bled out of him within seconds.

"And why are you so lucky?" Bucky asked,even if he knew exactly where this was going.

"Because you spoil me, Buckling," Tonyreplied, tone playful. "I didn't expect to see you again so soon."

"I just can't resist, doll," Bucky said. Hewas still surprised by how easy it was to banter with Tony. Ever since Buckyreturned from Afghanistan, most social interactions felt like pulling teeth andflirting had been entirely out of the question — until he met Tony. It wasalmost frighteningly easy to talk to Tony. "The thought of going one moreday without seein' your pretty face nearly broke my heart."

Tony laughed, bright and carefree, and Bucky couldbarely breathe for how beautiful Tonylooked in that moment.

(Mobile readers, watch out for the break.)

"I bet you say that to all the boys," Tonyteased.

Bucky rested his forearms against the counter and gaveTony a wink. "You're the only one for me, sweetheart. You know that."

Tony braced his hands against the bar, wide apart, andleaned closer. Bucky could smell a whiff of Tony's aftershave and see theflecks of gold in his brown eyes.

"Good," Tony said, voice low enough to senda subtle shiver down Bucky's spine. The playfulness in Tony's gaze said that hewas probably just joking, but Bucky soaked up the attention all the same."Keep it that way."

Bucky placed a hand over his heart. "You have myword."

He was rewarded with another laugh and Bucky knew he had to be grinning like alovesick idiot. He was so in over his head with this one.

It was strange to think that Bucky had only given Tonya cursory glance the first time he visited the bar. Sure, Tony had beenundeniably charming even back then, with his wide, inviting smile and sparklingeyes, but Bucky had been too preoccupied with his own misery to really care.He'd simply ordered a drink, found an empty booth, and proceeded to ignoreeveryone around him.

Bucky had sat in that booth for almost two hours, coldand wet, fingers loosely wrapped around the tumbler of whiskey and gaze staringblankly at the table in front of him. No one had bothered him or asked him ifhe was okay, and that had been fine by him.

He'd been able to breathe freely for the first time inmonths, which had been nothing short of a miracle.

It wasn't until he had gotten up to leave — asurprising but very welcome calm having settled over him sometime during thosetwo hours — that he had happened to catch Tony's gaze across the room. Onlythen had Bucky noticed how the lighting inside the bar made everything glow asoft and warm gold — including Tony.

His eyes had looked like gently burning embers,bright, mesmerizing, and breathtakingly beautiful.

After that, Bucky felt he couldn't be blamed forreturning to the bar a second time. And a third. And a fourth. He'd done sopartly because The Avenger — with its soft music and low, murmuring voices —helped put his whirring mind at ease, but mainly it was thanks to Tony. Buckywasn't sure why he found the place so soothing, but he wasn't going to complain,especially seeing how well it worked.

It wasn't until Bucky's fourth visit that he and Tonyhad started talking and — as Bucky became one of the regulars — it soon becamea habit.

They had exchanged words before, sure, when Bucky hadplaced his orders, but this was different. It was actual conversations withgently asked questions and equally careful answers. Bucky wasn't sure what itmeant — if anything at all — but he liked it. He liked talking to Tony. Theybecame friends, of sorts, even if it wasn't an entirely conventional relationship,given that Tony was working every time they met.

The fact that Bucky's feelings for Tony weren'tentirely platonic, well — Bucky kept that to himself.

"So, what can I do for you?" Tony asked,straightening a little, but not so much that he was actually out of Bucky'sreach. It was a heady feeling to have Tony that close. "You want theusual?"

And, just like that, Bucky was reminded of his reasonfor showing up at the bar. He'd actually managed to forget his currentpredicament, if only for a little while.

He cleared his throat, feeling his stomach twist fromnerves. "Uh, yeah. Sure," he croaked, almost wincing at how not smooth that response had been.

Tony did pause for a second — his concern easy to spotin the sudden sharpness of his gaze — but he clearly knew Bucky well enough totell that this wasn't one of his bad nights. Not like Bucky's first couple ofvisits to The Avenger, when he'd barely been able breathe through the panic andPTSD.

"Coming right up, Buckling," Tony repliedeasily.

Bucky could tell that Tony was giving him time togather his thoughts, but that he would eventually ask why Bucky seemed sonervous. That was one of Tony's best qualities — over the one and a half yearsthey had known each other, he'd learned when to wait Bucky out and when to pushfor answers.

Surprisingly, Bucky did most of the talking in theirrelationship. He wasn't sure how that had happened; not even Steve managed tocoax as many honest answers out of him as Tony did. Bucky wasn't the kind ofperson who liked to share — he kept his problems to himself — but every singletime that Tony tilted his head to the side and asked that one simple question,the words just came pouring out.

"Want to talkabout it?"

Bucky didwant to talk about it. He'd had no idea how much he wanted to talk about thingsuntil he met Tony. It was in that dimly lit bar, fingers holding on to a glassof booze he rarely ever finished, that he spoke freely for the first time inhis life. Bucky wasn't sure why — what Tony did to make Bucky trust him to thatdegree — but it was such a relief.

He told Tony about his anger over losing his arm,about the slow and agonizing recovery and the infernal prosthetic he wasexpected to wear, about his family, and about Steve, Sam, and Natasha. Buckytold Tony things he hadn't even told Steve, though those weren't many.

Occasionally, Tony shared anecdotes of his own. Hetold Bucky about his joy of tinkering, about the wild adventures he'd had withhis best friend while at MIT, and about small tidbits from his everyday lifethat Bucky treasured with embarrassing enthusiasm. Every piece of informationthat he was able to gather about Tony was precious to him and only served tomake Bucky like the man even more.

Bucky couldn't be blamed, he felt, for falling half inlove with Tony. Who wouldn't? The man was charming and kind, and listened to aone-armed veteran without a hint of impatience.

It was easy to fall for someone like that.

The fact that Bucky had managed to convince Steve,Sam, and Nat that the feeling was mutual, well — that was perhaps a bit of aproblem, on the other hand. He should never have told his friends that he had afiancé. Why on earth had he donethat?

Well, he knew why — because Bucky hated how theynagged about him needing to find someone to settle down with. He was in no moodfor dating and certainly not marriage,but that was, apparently, not a sufficient answer.

So he lied. He told them that he did, in fact, havesomeone — they were engaged, even.

Steve had been delighted, so desperate for Bucky tofind happiness, while Nat had been more skeptical. It was her questions thathad pushed Bucky to reveal more about this secret fiancé of his and, in amoment of absolute panic, he'd ended up describing the bartender at hisfavorite bar. It would have been wiser to just conjure up an imaginary person,but no, that was apparently too easy. Bucky had to go and pick someone he wasactually mooning over and then proceed to describe the man in such detail thathis friends demanded to meet him.

Bucky had done a lot of idiotic things in his life,but this might very take the cake.

He was so stupid.

A tumbler was placed in front of him and Bucky took adeep breath before looking up at Tony. "Thanks."

Tony smiled and mirrored Bucky's position with hisforearms braced against the bar between them. The light made Tony's hair glow awarm, dark gold, and he looked so effortlessly handsome that Bucky didn't knowwhether to look away or stare like a complete fool.

Bucky chose the latter, glancing down at his glass ofwhiskey when the warmth in Tony's gaze became too much.

After another couple of seconds, Tony spoke up."Are you going to make me ask?"

"Well, I dolove the sound of your voice." Bucky was just trying to buy himself time,but he was very pleased that it earned him a laugh from Tony.

"Flattery will get you everywhere."

When their gazes met, Bucky couldn't help grinning; thesmile on Tony's face made Bucky a little breathless. As nervous as he was abouthis purpose for visiting, seeing Tony never failed to make him happy.

Tony nudged Bucky's elbow with his own. "Butdon't think I didn't notice you trying to avoid the subject."

There was that wave of vague nausea again. Bucky stareddown at his tumbler of whiskey, absently rubbing his thumb against the rim ofthe glass. It was probably better to just get it over with.

He cleared his throat and forced his voice to remain steady."Can I... ask you a favor?"

"Sure. Shoot," Tony replied immediately — nohesitation or questions asked.

The trust Tony had in him was gratifying, but alsoserved to make Bucky even more nervous. This was a pretty huge favor, afterall, and he wasn't sure how Tony would react to it. Had it just been a matterof him coming along to Bucky's little sister's wedding then they might havebeen fine, but the fact that everyone there expected Bucky to bring his elusivefiancé, well — that made things difficult.

Bucky had actually refused when Steve, Nat, and Samhad tried to convince him that bringing Tony to the wedding would be a lovely idea. There were limits to howmany lies Bucky was willing to tell and he knew that he would be digginghimself into a far too deep hole with that one. If he wasn't able to get Tonyto come along, they'd know Bucky had been talking shit.

But then Becca had gotten involved, thanks to Nat'sscheming, no doubt.

While Bucky might be able to say no to his friends —even Steve, though it was embarrassingly difficult sometimes — he wasn't quiteprepared to deny his sister something she wanted for her wedding day. If onlythat thing hadn't been to meet Bucky's non-existent fiancé. Bucky couldn't evenfigure out if it would be worse to keep lying to her about said fiancé or justcome clean and admit that he was just as pathetically single as he had been forthe past two years.

Bucky only had himself to blame, he knew that, butthat didn't exactly make him feel better.

Fuck his life.

After much deliberation, Bucky had decided it wouldn'thurt to ask. The conversation wouldbe awkward, no doubt, but it probably wouldn't ruin his and Tony's friendshipentirely. If phrased correctly, Tony might even take it as a compliment.

"It's, uh... a big one. A huge one, actually." Bucky scratched his neck before lookingat Tony, already feeling like an idiot. Tony just kept smiling, patientlywaiting for Bucky to continue. Bucky cleared his throat — again — and managedto squeeze out the words: "Will you be my plus one for my little sister'swedding two months from now?"

Bucky desperately wanted to bang his head against thebar when he realized just how corny he'd made that sound. He behaved like ateenager asking his crush to the prom. Then again, that analogy wasn't entirelywithout merit, he supposed.

Tony blinked in surprise, looking quite stunned. Buckycouldn't blame him.

Bucky hurried to continue, not sure if he would havethe courage to explain the whole situation otherwise. "I know it's a strangerequest since we, well... we don't see each other outside of this bar. And itgets even weirder, too."

"Oh?" Tony seemed to have gotten over theinitial surprise, but his face remained carefully blank, as if he was waitingto show his reaction until Bucky had finished. Bucky had never seen Tony dothat before. Tony was usually very expressive, always smiling and open in hisbody language. Seeing him so contained was unnerving.

"I might have lied a little to my friends andfamily." Bucky swallowed, but forced himself to meet Tony's gaze. This wasdefinitely one of the most awkward conversations Bucky had ever had themisfortune of taking part in. "About, uh, my relationship status."

Within seconds, Tony's face broke into a wide grin.

"Ah. Ithink I know where this is going." The hesitation was gone, Tony's posturerelaxing yet again. Bucky hadn't even noticed it had tensed in the first place.

"You do?" Bucky asked incredulously. Sure,he knew that Tony was frighteningly intelligent — it hadn't taken Bucky morethan two conversations to figure that out — but this was a pretty bizarresituation.

"You lied and told them you were datingsomeone," Tony said, as if it was the most obvious and understandablething in the world, "and now they want you to bring this date of yours tothe wedding."

"Fiancé, actually," Bucky mumbled, not quitesure how to react. He'd expected to have to explain everything in detail, nothave Tony figure it out after just a couple of stumbling sentences.

"Fiancé? I like the way you think, Buckling — aimhigh, and all that." Tony tilted his head to the side, his smile almostdisturbingly excited. He was clearly enjoying this but Bucky couldn't quitetell if it was at his expense or not. "And I'm the lucky guy who gets toplay this fiancé of yours?"

To his horror, Bucky felt himself blush.

"Well, I—" He looked down at the bar andscratched his ear. "I guess? If you want to?"

"I would love to."

Bucky's gaze snapped up to look at Tony."Really?"

That was easy — a lot easier than Bucky thought itwould be.

"Yeah, sure." Tony shrugged, still smilinglike the conversation made complete sense and wasn't weird in the slightest.Bucky found himself wondering if anything could bring Tony out of balance."Who would pass up on a chance to see you all decked out in a nicesuit?"

"A lot of people," Bucky blurted out,wincing when he realized just how pathetic that made him sound. It was thetruth, though — one-armed veterans with PTSD weren't exactly in high demand.

"Their loss is my gain," Tony repliedeasily. While Tony wasn't one to give pep talks, there was something incrediblyreassuring in the way he firmly shot down Bucky's self-depreciating comments.Tony smiled and Bucky was so caught up in staring at him that he almostflinched when he felt a touch against his fingers. He glanced down to seeTony's hand gently settle over his.

"Bucky, sweetheart," Tony said, his gazedetermined, "I would be honored to be your fake fiancé at your sister'swedding."

Perhaps it was the serious tone Tony adopted or thegeneral ludicrousness of the situation, but Bucky burst out laughing. There wasa slightly manic hint to it that turned a couple of heads, sure, but Buckyignored the stares.

"There you are," Tony said with a pleasedgrin, squeezing Bucky's hand. "I like it better when you smile."

Bucky shook his head, still feeling the laughterbubble in his throat. He looked up at Tony, trying not to be distracted by theabsent little circles Tony's thumb were rubbing against the back of his hand.

"You're unbelievable," Bucky said.

"Why thank you."

When Tony pulled his hand back, Bucky tried his bestnot to miss its warmth.

"And you're takin' this surprisingly well."Not that Bucky was complaining — he just hadn't expected Tony to be soaccepting. "Have you been asked to be someone's fake date before?"

Tony grinned. "Nope. This is definitely a firstfor me. I'm just very good at adapting."

"I'd say." Bucky took a couple of deepbreaths, feeling his shoulders lower. He'd been so tense and nervous about thiswhole thing that he almost wanted to slump from relief. "You sure you'reup for it? It's a week-long thing. With family get-togethers and socializin'and a wedding reception and shit like that."

"Yes, Buckling," Tony replied patiently,"I'm sure. I'm flattered, actually. This means I must have done somethingright."

That was certainly true. There weren't many people Buckytrusted enough to ask, and few of those knew him as well as Tony did. There weresome details they still hadn't covered, sure — Bucky didn't know Tony'ssurname, now that he thought about it — but the foundation was there. Tony wasaware of the PTSD and Bucky's triggers, and hopefully remembered enough aboutBucky's family and friends not to walk in blind. Admittedly, Bucky knew lessabout Tony than the other way around, but still enough to call them friends.

Still enough to know that when it came down to it,there was no one else Bucky could or wanted to ask.

Bucky tried to swallow the lump of gratefulnessbuilding in his throat, with only marginal success. "Thank you."

"It's my pleasure, Bucky."

"You might change your mind when faced with myfriends and family," Bucky warned, but he couldn't help the soft smilespreading on his lips. Tony had heard enough stories to know a lot about them,sure, but meeting someone in person was quite different, especially people likeNatasha or Steve. "They're a handful."

While Tony was exceedingly charming, Steve wouldn't befooled by a pretty face, and neither would Becca or Nat.

Tony, being who he was, winked, of all things. "Good. I like a challenge."

Bucky snorted on a laugh. "I think I regret thisalready."

"Are you breaking up with me, Buckling?"Tony teased, his eyes sparkling. "We didn't even make it to thewedding."

There was only one way Bucky could respond to that.

"I've said it before and I'll say it again,doll." He reached out and carefully laced their fingers together, giving agentle squeeze. "You're the only one for me."

For the first time since they had gotten to know eachother, Tony looked a little speechless. As much as the two of them flirted witheach other, they rarely touched. Bucky wasn't entirely sure why. Perhaps it wasthe literal barrier of the bar between them or maybe Tony thought Bucky didn'tlike physical contact considering how rarely he initiated it.

While taking Tony's hand didn't seem all thatadventurous — Tony had touched him first, after all, just a couple of minutesago — Bucky had time to start wondering if he had crossed a line. Or maybe itwasn't the touching that had made Tony fall silent. Perhaps Bucky had saidthose words with a little too much conviction, unintentionally revealing thatthey weren't quite as fake as he pretended that they were.

An anxious knot started growing in Bucky chest and hewas just about to pull back and apologize when Tony smiled, warm and fond, likealways.

"And that's why I'm the luckiest guy in NewYork," Tony said, voice soft.

Bucky felt his heart squeeze, pleased when Tony seemedperfectly content to let their entwined hands continue to rest on top of thebar. They hadn't even started yet and Bucky could already tell that he was goingto be toeing a very dangerous line.Pretending to be engaged to Tony without making it obvious that Bucky was, infact, genuinely in love with the man was going to be tricky, but he was toorelieved to really care in that moment.

Bucky exhaled, squeezing Tony's fingers. "Thankyou. Again."

Tony smiled. "Anytime, Buckling."

There were a lot of technical details to take care ofinvolving the wedding — not to mention that he and Tony had to agree on variousdetails to make their story believable — but that could wait. They probablyshouldn't discuss those things in the middle of the bar anyway. In some weirdway, Bucky was actually beginning to look forward to the whole thing.

For one whole week, he'd get to pretend that Tony washis.

That probably made him all kinds of creepy, but Buckycouldn't help it. He had been in love with the man for so long and he wasembarrassingly eager to see what it would be like to be Tony's fiancé, even ifit was all pretend. Bucky would take whatever he could get.

In fact, a week was more than Bucky could ever havehoped for, and he would make sure to treasure it. For one whole week, Buckywould get to be Tony's fiancé.

Bucky couldn't believe his luck.

A/N: I would LOVE to continue this at some point and write the actual wedding, but because of deadlines and my semi-writer’s block I’m afraid this is all you’ll get this time around. Still, I hope you like it!

- Amethystina

[harryandmeghan0-blog]

Duchess Meghan Praises the "Ripple Effect" of Endeavour Fund Award Nominees

New Post has been published on https://harryandmeghan.xyz/duchess-meghan-praises-the-ripple-effect-of-endeavour-fund-award-nominees/

Duchess Meghan Praises the "Ripple Effect" of Endeavour Fund Award Nominees

It was a night of celebrating courage and admirable achievement for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the Endeavour Fund awards tonight.

The couple walked the red carpet amid a sea of camera flashes.

The scene at Draper’s Hall.

In 2012, the Royal Foundation created the Endeavour Fund. The Fund offers seed funding for sporting and adventure challenges and helps emerging initiatives with advice, hands-on support and mentoring. The fund plays an important role in ensuring that more servicemen and women have the opportunity to rediscover their self-belief and fighting spirit through physical challenges. It aims to help those that are hard to reach and to support activities that contribute to the participants’ recoveries – either through mentorship, qualifications or work opportunities. As Patron of the Fund, Harry has launched a series of programmes and events in their support. In November 2013, Prince Harry joined one of three teams of wounded servicemen and women to trek to the geographic South Pole for the Walking with the Wounded South Pole Allied Challenge.

The Endeavour Fund Awards have become an annual calendar event for Harry, and now his wife too.  The awards celebrate the achievements of wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women who have taken part in remarkable sporting and adventure challenges over the last year. Meghan joined Harry at the awards last year and once again she’s been involved in the process all the way. In January, she and Harry attended the judging for the awards privately.

Harry and Meghan first joined a pre-ceremony reception where they met the inspiring nominees, as well as endeavour participants and key supporters of the Endeavour Fund.

Whilst chatting to guests reporters heard Harry say: “There’s one heavy baby in there.” Meanwhile Meghan told invitees Harry’s going to be “a great dad”.

A guest asked Meghan if she knows the baby’s gender. She said they didn’t: “It’s one of those things, no matter what it is, it’s still going to be a surprise.”

The video below features footage from the arrival and reception.

[embedded content]

Then it was time for the awards.

They were hosted by Ross Kemp. More from the Mail Online:

‘Host for the evening was Ross Kemp, the actor and documentary maker. He said he spoke to the couple about their new Labrador puppy. Describing Meghan as ‘stunning,’ he added: ‘We talked about how they’ve got a puppy and we got a puppy before we had our first boy. It’s a preparation for nappy changing and pooping basically.

Kemp looked emotional as Harry praised him for his documentaries he made about soldiers fighting in Afghanistan in 2008-9. ‘He said it changed public opinion in terms of the sympathy towards the soldiers in the ground,’ the actor said.

He was saying it helped bring awareness. It was actually nice to be banked by someone like him who’s been there himself and seen and done it. If you look at A-listers in the world there probably aren’t many bigger than those two. They are down to earth, very warm, very decent human beings who care. They could potentially be a massive catalyst for great change not just in the UK but around the world.’ 

Meghan took to the stage to present the Celebrating Excellence Award.

Addressing the audience she said: “I’m so, so grateful to be back. Last year was my first time coming and it was such a meaningful night. Before the reception Harry and I were talking to all the nominees and in speaking to one of them he said, you know after I mentioned to him, ‘Gosh the impact you guys make is huge. It’s so much bigger than you.’ No it’s not about us, it’s the ripple effect. And, in true modesty of all the nominees; yes it is about the ripple effect. What I admired in him – and I feel is true about all the nominees – is you don’t have that ripple effect unless each of you is brave enough to make that first wave. It’s so important to remember that because what you’re doing is inspiring so many people – so thank you from all of us for being that inspiration.”

A video.

[embedded content]

The award is given to an individual who has endeavoured to achieve excellence in their chosen sport or adventure challenge. This year’s chosen winner was Nathan Forster.

I was very interested to read a tweet from Lizzie Robinson revealing Nathan already has a special royal connection. Harry gave up his seat in a Spitfire during the Battle of Britain 75th anniversary flypast when Nathan had a technical issue with his aircraft. Lizzie said Harry was “adamant” Nathan should take his place.

Nathan was badly injured in Afghanistan in an IED blast that ended his military career. In just five years, he’s gone from having no flying experience to a commercial airline pilot with the help of organisation Flying for Freedom.

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) February 7, 2019

Prince Harry presented the Henry Worsley Award to Shaun Pascoe. It is awarded to the individual who has best inspired others through the demonstration of determination in the face of adversity, whilst endeavouring to support others with their recovery through sport or adventure challenge.

Shaun Pascoe was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress after numerous tours around the world with the Royal Air Force. He set up the sailing charity Turn to Starboard, providing more than 1,200 sailing opportunities to service personnel and veterans.

The Henry Worsley Award is named after the late Henry Worsley, who tragically lost his life in January 2016 whilst attempting to cross the Antarctic landmass, solo and unsupported. Henry, a career soldier and an experienced polar adventurer, undertook this incredible expedition in order to raise money for the Endeavour Fund.

The award for Recognising Achievement went to the inspirational Kelly Ganfield for her success during the Invictus Games.

More from Rebecca English:

‘Your Royal Highness, you’re absolutely amazing in acknowledging many of us soldiers,’ Ms Ganfield said. ‘And the Duchess of Sussex— you’ve got all this to come. 

Earlier, Ms Ganfield met the couple at the reception when Harry had teased her and her running guide Mikael Huggins as he had watched her race in the Invictus Games. ‘He said that Mikael slightly slowed me down and we giggled about that,’ she said.

‘He met me in Bath for the trials with Meghan. She is a total asset to the British public and nation.’ She is going to be a mother soon and — yet again from the trials — she saw my daughter Bethany who was two at the time. She is now three. Bethany gravitated to her and [Meghan] kind of gravitated to Bethany. She has cerebral palsy. Meghan was amazing with her. And [Harry] was beaming — but he’s always like that.’ 

Harry and Meghan with all the nominees and presenter Ross Kemp.

You can watch the awards ceremony in its entirety below. Harry delivered a terrific speech which you can hear one hour into the event: “All of you and your families have proven you have the ability to summon more strength and resilience than anyone else we know.” The Duchess selected a bespoke Givenchy look featuring a crisp white shirt and a long black skirt with a split. The choice has proven a divisive one. I very much like the timeless simplicity of the combination and the continuing fashion relationship between Meghan and the immensely talented Clare Waight Keller. I do, however, agree with those who suggested another element would have been the perfect finishing touch. Perhaps hair worn down with a pair of statement earrings?

The classic white shirt and long evening skirt has been a style staple for decades. From Meghan’s style icon Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy to Carolina Herrera (we see one of her designs beside a photo of Herrera below) and Queen Letizia, it’s a tried and trusted look which can take one to any variety of events.

Meghan’s eye-catching pumps are the Aquazzura Rendez Vous 105 mules. Described as: “Made in Italy and topped with a thick band of gold leather to keep your feet secure as well as balance the 105mm heel. This pair is designed with a sleek pointed toe for a leg-lengthening effect.”

The £530 shoes are available at Net-A-Porter and Rue La La.

The Duchess carried her black Givenchy clutch.

Laura identified Meghan’s ring as the Ecksand Ruby Cocktail ring. It’s a gorgeous shade of pink. Handcrafted in Canada with sustainable materials, the cabochon cut ruby retails for $2,135 CDN.

And completing the look, her Vanessa Tugendhast Precious earrings with clover paved diamonds.

During the ceremony, it appears both Harry and Meghan wore Endeavour Fund bands.

I couldn’t close without a sartorial nod of approval for the very dapper Prince Harry. As noted by several readers, his suit choice was on the money tonight!

We’ll see the Duke and Duchess on Tuesday evening for a gala performance of The Wider Earth at the Natural History Museum in support of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust. The Wider Earth is a critically acclaimed theatrical production about the young Charles Darwin’s expedition on HMS Beagle.

Source: http://madaboutmeghan.blogspot.com/2019/02/first-look-meghan-in-givenchy-for.html

[godfinder-universe-blog]

God of water

Adamisil Wedo Haiti A water goddess Ah Kumix Unicob Maya These are small attendant water gods Ah Patnar Uinicob Maya They are large water gods Ahuic Aztec/ Mexico A goddess of all running water Ahurani Persia The goddess of rain and water Aida Wedo Benin/ Haiti A goddess of the rainbow & fresh water Aida Cuedo, Aido Wedo, Ayida, Ayida Cueddo Aige Irish A goddess of water & bays Ailsie Cherokee A goddess of water & pools Aisha Arabic A goddess of water Ame-No-Mi-Kumari-No-Kami Japan/ Shinto A water goddess Anahita Egypt/ Babylon A goddess of water & war Anahita Persia A goddess of fertility, semen & of water Andriam Vabi Rano Africa A goddess of water & lakes Anqet Libya A goddess of water fertility healing & lust Anuket Egypt A goddess of water & of rivers Apam Napat Persia/ Hindu/ Vedic A god of fresh water Apozanoltl Aztec/ Mexico A running water goddess Apsu Babylon A god of underground waters Ardvi Sura Anahita/ Anahita Persia The goddess of rivers & water Arnamentia Celtic A goddess of spring waters Arnemetia Roman/ British A water goddess known from inscriptions Aryong Jong Korean A goddess of water & rainfall As ava Russia The goddess of fresh water Asima Si Brazil The goddess of water & fish Atl Aztec A god of water Atum Egypt A bisexual god of water Aveta Celtic A goddess of healing waters Bagishi Kafir/ Afghanistan The god of flood waters & posterity Bele/ Tule/ Azapane/ Mba Sudan/ Africa A god of fear, mischief & trickery who gave fire & water to mankind Bentakumari India A goddess of water Benzi-Ten/ Benten/ Benzai-Tenno Japan The goddess of eloquence, language, arts, fortune, water, & knowledge Bulane Mozambique A god of water Chalchiuhtlcue Aztec A goddess rain & storms, violence, vitality, lakes, whirlpools, rivers, water , love, beauty & youth Don't make this one mad whatever you do. Cipactli Aztec/ Mexico A primordial goddess of water Cipactli Mexican A goddess of water Cleone Greek A goddess of water Coatrischie Cuba/ Taino A goddess of water, winds, & storms Coventina Roman/ British A water goddess Damballah Haiti A goddess of sweet waters Danaids Greek The goddesses of fountains & water Dilmun Sumeria The god of fresh water Divonia Celtic/ Gaelic A fertility goddess associated with water Dryope Greek A goddess of water Dsahadoldza Navaho A fiery god of earth & water Enki/ Ea Sumeria/ Mesopotamia A creator god, water, cunning & fertility Fideal Scottish A goddess of water Giriputri Bali A goddess of mountains & water Grannus Roman A god of healing affiliated with hot springs & mineral waters Hapantalli/ Hapi/ Hapy Egypt A god of the Nile, fish, barley, grain, herbs, water, dew, & fertility Harsaphes Egypt/ Hellenized A ram headed god of fertility and water Hypermnestra Greek A goddess of water Iccovellauna Celtic A water goddess Ihoiho Society Is. The creator god that created everything including the primeval waters Itzam Na/ Hun Itzamna/ Yaxcocahmut Maya Another creator god, water, agriculture, drawing, healing, medicine & the moon Ix Chebel Yax Maya A goddess of teaching, childbirth, the moon, sexual relations, storms & water Jamma Phonecia/ Canaan A god of of water, to be primarily a sea god Julunggul Aus. A goddess of initiations & waterfalls Juma Mari/ Finnish/ Ugart the sky god whose name is also associated with spirits of earth, water, wind, & the home Kam,enae/ Camenae Italy Goddesses unbowed of springs & wells with a shrine in Rome where of the of vestal virgins got their water Kane Hawaiia A god of fertility & fresh water Khepera Egypt A blue haired scarab god of transformation, water, creation & warriors Ku Uasa Finland He is a god of water Llyr/ Lear Lir Irish/ Wales A god of the sea & water Luandinha Brazil A water goddess pictured as a snake Lympha Roman A goddess of healing waters Mehet-uret Egypt This goddess was the embodiment of all primeval waters Mem Loimis Wintun A goddess of water Mirabichi Ottawa/ Canada he is the god of water Mizu-Ha-No-Me Japan/ Shinto The senior water goddess who came about from the urine of the primordial creator goddess Mo Hi Hai China He is a god of water Motsesa Mozambique A goddess of water Mugasha Baziba Africa He is the god of water Mulhalmoni Korea A goddess of healing, eye diseases & water Nahuti Ehecatl Aztec A minor water god Nana Buruku Cuba An earth & water goddess Nanse Babylon A goddess of justice, water & canals Nantosuelta Gallic The goddess of water Navky Slavic A goddesses of water Nemausis Roman/ Gallic A god of water who has a sacred spring at Nimes in France Nethuns Etruscan A god of fresh water Nuadu Irish A tribal god of healing & water Oba Puerto Rico A water goddess Oshossi Brazil A water god Rosmerta Celtic/ Roman/ Gaul A goddess of healing, water, & sacred springs Ryuhwa Korean A goddess of water Saga Scandinavia A goddess of knowledge & waterfalls Sati/ Satet Egypt A goddess of waterfalls Sirone Haiti/ Vodun A water goddess & protector of bathing children Tacoma Salish A goddess of fresh waters Tam Kung China A local sea god of rain & water but will extinguish fires Tate Hautse Huichol Mexico She is the rain & water goddess, additionally responsible for mist & fog Tate Kyewimoka Huichol Mexico Another rain & water goddess, who is also the goddess of grain Tate Naaliwahi Huichol Mexico This rain & water goddess appears in lightning & brings rain from the east Tate Oteganaka Huichol Mexico A rain & water goddess who is also the patron of Laguna De Magdalena Tegid Voel Welsh A water goddess that was identified by the poet Taliesin Tienoltsodi Navaho He is the god of oceans & fresh water to, he controls all waters that fall on the earth but none of those in the heavens Tin Hau China/ Taoist The goddess of the waters Tishtrya Iranian A god of the sea & water Tlaloc Aztec A god of agriculture, lightning, rain, weather, clouds, water, springs & mountains Toneili Navaho this is the rain god in charge of all water from the skies Tonenili Navaho The rain god the controls waters from the skies Varuna Hindu/ Puranic/ Vedic/ Tamil A a major guardian god of the sky & water Ved Ava Finnish/ Ugric A goddess of water Veden Emo Finnish A goddess of water Vedenemo ("mother of waters") Finland Karelian goddess of water. Venilia Roman A goddess Coastal waters Wigan Philippine A goddess of water Zarya Slavic A goddess of healing waters

[thisiswhatwereupagainst]

616 Donald Pierce Part Five: The Finale!

Okay guys, here's the final chapter in the story of Donald Pierce! After this, I'll try to do a page on his psychology and some trivia/fun facts for next week. Here’s what’s been done so far if you’ve missed it Part One Part One Images Part Two Part Two Images Part Three Part Three Images Part Four Part Four Images Additional Part Four Images After his ruse as “Cyclops” was discovered, Pierce was then imprisoned in a holding cell by the X-Men, where he was visited by his former “student” Dust. She stares at him in silence, and he says that maybe she didn't learn manners in her “backwards country” but it's rude to stare. Dust says she came to look him in the eye, to tell him that he failed, that he did not “ruin” them. Pierce makes a crack about how Wolf Cub (“dog boy”) might disagree, Dust counters that Wolf Cub showed them all that they're not like Pierce (who had been urging to them to kill the “Brotherhood” as Cyclops) Pierce agrees, saying that mutants are “perversions” and that this applies to Dust in particular due to her “unholy, oppressive religion” (for those not familiar with the character, Dust is Muslim) Dust departs calmly, saying she enjoyed their talk because his prejudice, hate, and lack of understanding what Muhammad taught all remind her of home. Daaaamn, mic drop!

But even after this, she kept visiting him. They would walk together in holographic parks and forests created in his cell, and talk. As for what they talked about, Pierce would try to get her to admit she didn't like being a mutant, and told her she didn't have to be an X-Man just because she's a mutant. He thinks she's “choking on that obligation” and that she wants to be “freed” from it, that she must be rethinking things, because why would she keep coming to him? He says he thinks he's the only person she can trust with whatever it is she's struggling with. (Wow, you sure think she likes you, huh Pierce?)  And Dust confesses to him: Because he's the only person who won't care. When Pierce naturally asked, care about what, she revealed to him that she was dying. Pierce told Dust a secret in return: That Ink, one of the young mutants who were on the Young X-Men team with her, isn't a mutant at all (Ink also is the only one who worked for him willingly, in exchange for money)

Also, at some point during his captivity, he got flesh back on his face again, I don't know how that happens, it just does. Probably the Transmode virus, since that allows those infected to heal/regenerate very rapidly. A few issues later, Dust explained to Pierce what she meant about dying. When Pierce sent her and the other Young X-Men after the New Mutants, Magma blasted her with heat while she was in her sand form, turning her to glass. Magma was able to use her powers to turn the glass back into sand, enabling Dust to return to human form. But the chemical composition changes had result in cellular degradation, and Beast ha given her less than a week to live.

Pierce told Dust he was sorry. Dust said “Don't patronize me” and that being the bigot he is, he wants all mutants dead, that he'll be delighted when she is. He says that's “A fair enough point, but one a bit off the mark, I'm afraid.” And he admits “I've come to value your company. I've come to enjoy these periodic chats of ours. And I'll be sad to be at a loss for your companionship.” He then claimed he had a way to save her life. Dust said she wasn't naive, that men like him only gave help for a price. He agreed, and said that his price was an obvious one: “You get me out of here.” She didn't decide right away. In the next issue, they walked together again, and Pierce pointed out she'd been silent for a solid fifteen minutes. He said it was a simple choice, life or death, Dust countered it was a choice of betraying her friends or not. Pierce countered back that all she'd be doing is freeing him from an illegal imprisonment, reminding her that the X-Men have no legal authority to imprison him and that “If you really wanted to die in service of an illegal, you'd have stayed in Afghanistan.” Pierce, I don't think you're helping your case with her. Dust says that he's a bigot, a murderer, that if she lets him out, every crime he commits after will be on her conscience. Pierce assures her he'll get out anyway, so the only question is if she'll live to see it. Dust finally relented, and helped him escape. On their way out, however, they were intercepted by the X-Men. Faced with the choice of helping Pierce or attacking her friends and teachers...Dust turned to sand and ripped off Pierce's face.

You know, I think that happens to him even MORE than losing his head and getting his arm ripped off. He's noticed that too because he exclaims, “That is the very last time you do that to me!” He was right, too. Dust dropped dead during the fight. But Ink brings her back to life...though a glimpse at a possible future shows that as a result of being revived, her soul was killed, corrupting her, causing her to hate all mutants, to consider them a plague upon the Earth. I'm sure Pierce would have loved to see that. As for what happens to Pierce, of course the X-Men kick his ass, Rockslide has to be once again talked out of killing him, and he gets put back in his cell. I'm pretty sure Dust and him don't talk anymore. Too bad, I actually really liked their dynamic, it was interesting. When we next see him, we find out that he's actually a plant for Bastion to monitor the X-Men from within. Pierce has cybernetically hooked up his mind to the cameras and computers of the X-Men's Utopia base where he's being kept, and is broadcasting it all back to Bastion. I wonder why he wanted to use Dust to escape then, if he's supposed to be there on purpose? Probably because he doesn't like it, he complains to Bastion, asking how much longer he has to “suffer this”. Bastion is unsympathetic and tells him to keep transmitting until they give him the signal. Pierce charmingly (and ironically) says to himself “$%@% machine”

Pot meet kettle, huh Pierce? I count this as more evidence that Pierce doesn't like being a cyborg so much himself, and wants to make others like him not because he thinks it's better, but he wants to drag them down with him so he's not alone.

By the way, at this point he's not just in a cell, he's in a new program being run by Danger, the sentient robot who used to be the Danger Room (no, really) She wants to try to rehabilitate villains, and so she has the X-Men's captive baddies, including Pierce, permanently hooked up to virtual reality technology. We're not sure exactly what goes on in there (we're told at at one point Sebastian Shaw, who is one of these captives, is on the beach talking to his late father) but it obviously didn't work on Pierce, least of all because he's clearly aware it's just virtual reality. Pierce was still a passive spy when Necrosha occurred, during which Selene used a magically-altered form of the transmode virus to raise vast armies of deceased mutants to help her become a god...and to send to smite her enemies from the past. These enemies included both the X-Men and Sebastian Shaw, so she sent Shinobi Shaw and Harry Leland (both deceased members of the Hellfire Club, the son and friend of Sebastian Shaw) to Utopia to kill Shaw. Since Pierce was there, he witnessed this, and broadcasted it back to Bastion too. I'm sure he's very sorry that the transmode-zombies did not accomplish their mission. Especially since Shaw STILL found time to make fun of him! He did at least get to watch the next time Bastion and the Purifiers attacked the X-Men in a massive and bloody strike which claimed the life of Nightcrawler, among others. Pierce was still a prisoner/spy and didn't get to slaughter anybody himself, but we see him smile under the virtual reality helmet while it's happening, so he's obviously aware and happy about it. He was especially happy, I'm sure, when he mentally disabled Cerebra, causing massive painful psionic feedback to all the X-Men's telepaths. He then got loose, using a sort of cybernetic telepathy to trick Danger into thinking he was still in captivity even when she was looking right at his empty chair, he took his next orders from Bastion. He also had his hair in a bun, so he may be responsible for that particuliar trend. Bastion sent Pierce to destroy all the X-Men's planes; since they had killed the team teleporters (Nightcrawler, Vanisher, and Ariel; they also got Magik trapped in Limbo) this ensured the X-Men would be contained on Utopia. Pierce protested this would be suicide, but Bastion didn't care, and since he was Pierce's “master” thanks to the transmode virus, well, he had to do it. I almost feel sorry for the poor bastard. Still, he took a positive outlook on it-- “If this is to be my final assault on the mutant race...then let it end in fire.” And it was indeed his final assault, at least thus far. See, blowing up all the X-Men jets and putting up a massive force-field around their base (aka making them all trapped in a nice little target for the Purifiers) isn't a great move in general, but doing it on RIGHT AFTER NIGHTCRAWLER'S FUNERAL and then TAUNTING THEM ABOUT SAID FUNERAL is just...well, suicide, like Pierce himself said. The X-Men proceeded to LITERALLY tear him apart (he gets his arm ripped off AGAIN) and his last words are thus:

“So this is how it ends...surrounded by smoke and genetic filth. I can admit without shame that I am disappointed I won't be here to witness your extinction. But do not think I regret what I have sacrificed here today. Bastion comes for you—and when he does...when you see the light of his future fire raining down on your benighted “race”--know that his cleansing light burns with but a fraction of my profound hatred for--”

And then Cyclops blasts him into scrap. He hasn't shown up since. Is this the death that finally sticks? Maybe, but I personally think he'll be back, especially since he appeared in the Logan movie and now people will actually know who he is and be interested in him (previously, that was just me!) I hope that they don't try to make him like movie Pierce. I mean, I haven't seen Logan, I don't know what movie Pierce is like, but movie versions are always very different from their comics counterparts. And I like 616 Pierce as he is. So if we get to see him again, I hope he's the Donald Pierce that I know and (inexplicably) love! Never change, my trash garbage cyborg, never change.

[oneworldearth]

The Peril of Supporting the Taliban: A Message from Count Berxcribble 'Patron of Earth’

The Peril of Supporting the Taliban: A Message from Count Berxcribble 'Patron of Earth’. #AfghanistanInPeril #StopSupportingTaliban #JusticeForAfghanistan #MotivationForChange #InspirationForAfghanPeople #WisdomForABetterFuture #OracleOfPeace #Imajica

The Peril of Supporting the Taliban: A Message from Count Berxcribble ‘Patron of Earth’ OneWorld: Count Berxcribble ‘Patron of Earth’, ‘Familiar, Destroyer’ – Oracle: Andrew Rogers. “The message served to the Afghanistan People from the world indicates great peril for the future of the Afghanistan People and the World if the Taliban is continued to be supported, it was an indication to remove…

[imajicaagency]

Imajica Agency: Afghanistan - Count Berxcribble ‘Patron of Earth’, ‘Destroyer’

Imajica Agency: Afghanistan - Count Berxcribble ‘Patron of Earth’, ‘Destroyer’

The United Nations, the USA Government and its Allies including the Australian Government need to continue have a security and military presence in Afghanistan to secure and maintain security for the Afghanistan people who do not want to be ruled by the Taliban and to have Taliban rule in their country, this needs to be supported by the United Nations, the USA Government and its Allies including the Australian Government to benefit the people of Afghanistan and to negate the Taliban rule and its criminal domination.

The recent withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan has raised concern about the security situation in the country. Many fear that the Taliban, which have already captured several key cities, will soon seize power and impose their harsh rules once again. It is clear that the people of Afghanistan do not want to return to the dark days of Taliban rule. They want security, freedom, and democracy. It is the responsibility of the international community to support them in achieving these goals. The United Nations, the USA Government, and its Allies, including the Australian Government, must continue to have a security and military presence in Afghanistan to help maintain peace and stability. This will not only benefit the people of Afghanistan but also the region as a whole. In addition to military support, the international community must work towards a political solution that involves all stakeholders, including the Taliban. Only through dialogue and compromise can a lasting peace be achieved in Afghanistan. It is time for the international community to come together and take action to prevent the return of the Taliban and to help the people of Afghanistan build a brighter future.

The history of the Taliban has been accepted by these countries and it is apparent they now find the Taliban acceptable to rule, which is an unacceptable position for the Afghanistan People and what they require their country to be as of now and in the future free of the Taliban.

It is important to note that the Taliban has a history of abusing human rights, particularly with regards to women and girls. They have shown little regard for the value of human life and have engaged in widespread violence and intimidation tactics. If left unchecked, their rule could lead to a return to the dark ages for the people of Afghanistan. The continued presence of international forces in Afghanistan is crucial in ensuring stability and security for the people of Afghanistan. While it is true that military involvement alone cannot bring lasting peace to the region, it is an important component in a broader effort to bring about positive change. It is also important that the international community works together to address the underlying causes of the conflict in Afghanistan. This includes tackling poverty, corruption and the illicit drug trade, all of which have helped fuel the conflict. In conclusion, the presence of international forces in Afghanistan is essential to ensure lasting peace and security for the Afghan people. The Taliban must not be allowed to regain control and abuse the human rights of the people of Afghanistan once again. The international community must continue to work together to bring about positive change and support the people of Afghanistan in building a brighter future.

The requirement for Afghanistan is a concurrent system developed and activated that is not influenced by the Taliban to facilitate the outcomes for the Afghanistan people of which and structure the country to of significance without the detrimental influence of the Taliban and allow most of the Afghanistan to live with prosperity, security, and justice. The United Nations and the USA and their Allies were ineffective and unjust with their results in Afghanistan and allowing the Taliban to resume dominance and Government Leadership which is a great failure of the United Nations and the USA and their Allies. It is requirement that OneMilitary founded by Andrew Rogers ‘Destroyer Incarnate’ which is not aligned with any country or the United Nations and is linked to Gods, Goddesses, Spirits, Spirit Guides, Sentients, Cyborgs AI, Security and Military assets to undertake this work to facilitate a concurrent system for the Afghanistan people and negate the dominant position of the Taliban in Afghanistan which the United Nations and the USA and their Allies allowed and supported.

OneMilitary, under the leadership of Andrew Rogers 'Destroyer Incarnate,' has been working tirelessly to bring a level of stability and security to Afghanistan that has been sorely lacking. Their focus is on establishing a concurrent system that is run by the people of Afghanistan, for the people of Afghanistan, and free from the influence of the Taliban. The United Nations and the USA, along with their allies, have failed in their attempts to establish a lasting peace in the region, and the Taliban has only grown stronger in the years since they were driven from power. OneMilitary believes that the key to success in Afghanistan lies in empowering the people. By providing them with the tools they need to build a better future for themselves, and by creating a system that is free from corruption and outside influence, OneMilitary hopes to foster a sense of national pride and ownership that will enable the people of Afghanistan to work together towards a common goal. The work that OneMilitary is doing in Afghanistan is not easy, and it is not without danger. But it is work that must be done if we are to see lasting peace and stability in the region. The people of Afghanistan have suffered for too long, and it is time for the international community to come together and support organizations like OneMilitary in their efforts to create a better future for the people of Afghanistan.

This is not just a matter of politics and power, but it’s a crucial step towards ensuring that the Afghan people are provided with basic human rights and freedoms, including access to education and healthcare. Without a concurrent system in place, Afghanistan will continue to be plagued by corruption, poverty, and violence. While the task at hand may seem daunting, it’s important to remember that working towards a more stable and prosperous Afghanistan will benefit not only the Afghan people but also the global community. The international community must work together to ensure that Afghanistan is not left behind in the global push towards achieving sustainable and equitable development for all. It’s time to take action and create a brighter future for Afghanistan. The time for talk is over, and the time to act is now.

What has been secured to the Afghanistan people is inferior for example the re-establishment of the Taliban activated by the USA and its Allies and the United Nations and it has generated an outcome of danger for the Afghanistan people from the evil actions of the Taliban which the USA and the Allies and the United Nations support and encourage.

The situation in Afghanistan remains a cause for concern, with many feeling that the Taliban's return to power is a blow to the progress that had been made in the country. The decision to re-establish the Taliban was made by the USA and its Allies and the United Nations, but it seems clear that this has not had the desired outcome. Instead, it has led to an increase in violence and danger for the Afghan people, who now face the threat of terror attacks and oppression from the Taliban. It is crucial that the international community continues to monitor the situation in Afghanistan and work to support the Afghan people and their rights. The Taliban's return to power must not be allowed to derail the progress that has been made in the country, and steps must be taken to ensure that the people of Afghanistan can continue to live in safety and security. This is a complex and challenging issue, but it is one that deserves our attention and our support.

Imajica Agency undertakes the research and investigation in the case of the Afghanistan People and the Taliban. To assist Imajica Agency are assets and infrastructure that is not earth based to facilitate the requirements of the Imajica Agency. To assist the Imajica Agency is Gods, Goddesses, Spirits, Spirit Guides, Sentients, Aliens, Cyborgs and AI assets and infrastructure that is Earth and Non-Earth based to facilitate the requirements of Imajica Agency. And what proceeds from Imajica Agency is OneJustice which includes Gods, Goddesses, Spirits, Spirit Guides, Sentients, Aliens, Cyborgs and AI justice assets and infrastructure that is Earth and Non-Earth based to facilitate the requirements of OneJustice, linked to Andrew Rogers, OneJustice Founder. In the area of Afghanistan People this process is active and current and will be processed to secure the requirements of justice for the Afghanistan People and the deactivation of the Taliban and the Talban to be held account for their criminal actions and human rights violations in addition the criminal actions of the USA Government and Military and its Allies including the Australian Government and its Military.

The Imajica Agency, a renowned organization dedicated to research and investigation, has taken on the crucial task of seeking justice for the Afghanistan People in the face of the Taliban's actions. This agency employs a unique approach, utilizing both earthly and non-earthly assets and infrastructure to facilitate their mission.

One of the key aspects of the Imajica Agency's operations is the collaboration with various celestial beings, including Gods, Goddesses, Spirits, Spirit Guides, Sentients, Aliens, Cyborgs, and AI assets. These entities, hailing from diverse realms, contribute their distinctive abilities and knowledge to support the Imajica Agency's endeavors.

The Imajica Agency's goal is to address the requirements of justice, not only for the Afghanistan People but also on a broader scale through the establishment of OneJustice. OneJustice encompasses Gods, Goddesses, Spirits, Spirit Guides, Sentients, Aliens, Cyborgs, and AI justice assets and infrastructure, both on Earth and beyond. This unified force is committed to rectifying the injustices perpetrated by the Taliban and to holding them accountable for their criminal actions and human rights violations.

Operating actively and effectively in Afghanistan, the Imajica Agency is currently engaged in an ongoing process aimed at securing justice for the Afghanistan People. Their efforts extend to dismantling the Taliban's influence and ensuring that they face the consequences of their actions. Additionally, the Imajica Agency also investigates the potential criminal actions of the USA Government, Military, and their allies, including the Australian Government and its Military. This comprehensive approach seeks to restore justice and protect the rights of all involved parties.

While the Imajica Agency's work may seem unconventional, their dedication to pursuing justice and addressing the complex dynamics in Afghanistan is commendable. Through their collaboration with divine beings and cutting-edge assets, they strive to bring about a fair and equitable resolution, ensuring the rights of the Afghanistan People are safeguarded.

In a world where justice can sometimes be elusive, the Imajica Agency's commitment to the cause of the Afghanistan People brings hope for increased accountability and a brighter future.

Details

In late 2001, the United States and its close allies invaded Afghanistan and toppled the Taliban government. The invasion's aims were to dismantle al-Qaeda, which had executed the September 11 attacks, and to deny it a safe base of operations in Afghanistan by removing the Taliban government from power. The United Kingdom was a key ally of the United States, offering support for military action from the start of invasion preparations. The invasion came after the Afghan Civil War's 1996–2001 phase between the Taliban and the Northern Alliance groups, resulting in the Taliban controlling 80% of the country by 2001. The invasion became the first phase of the 20-year-long War in Afghanistan and marked the beginning of the American-led War on Terror.

After the September 11 attacks, US President George W. Bush demanded that the Taliban hand over Osama bin Laden and expel al-Qaeda; bin Laden had already been wanted by the FBI since 1998. The Taliban declined to extradite him and ignored demands to shut down terrorist bases or extradite other suspected terrorists. The US launched Operation Enduring Freedom on October 7, 2001, with the United Kingdom. The two were later joined by other forces, including the Northern Alliance. The US and its allies rapidly drove the Taliban from power by December 17, 2001, and built military bases near major cities across the country. Most al-Qaeda and Taliban members were not captured, but escaped to neighboring Pakistan or retreated to rural or remote mountainous regions during the Battle of Tora Bora.

In December 2001, the United Nations Security Council established the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to oversee military operations in the country and train the Afghan National Security Forces. At the Bonn Conference in December 2001, Hamid Karzai was selected to head the Afghan Interim Administration. Taliban leader Mullah Omar reorganized the movement, and in 2002 it launched an insurgency against the government and ISAF. In 2021, while international forces were withdrawing from the country after nearly 20 years of conflict, the Taliban succeeded in overthrowing the Afghan government and re-establishing their rule across much of Afghanistan.

What was the outcome of this action other than to eventually to allow the Taliban to secure their rule of Afghanistan and re-establish themselves to dominate and control the Afghan people, this is not justice and is an outcome of serious inefficacies and corruptions by the USA Government and its Allies including the Australian Government.

The outcome for Afghanistan and its people needs to be focused upon and to deactivated and disallow the Taliban in Afghanistan and the links outside Afghanistan, it was an act of weakness and acceptance by the USA Government, its Allies including the Australian Government to remove themselves and allow the Talban to secure rule and domination again, not what should be envisioned and secured.

The USA Government and its Allies including the Australian Government need to held account for their actions in entering Afghanistan and not securing the objectives.

The situation in Afghanistan has been a tragic one, with the Taliban taking control and subjugating the people once again. The overthrow of the Afghan government by the Taliban is a clear indication of the inefficacy and corruption of the USA Government and its allies. The outcome of this action has been to allow the Taliban to rule Afghanistan and establish their domination over the people. This is not justice and must be rectified. It is crucial to focus on the outcome for Afghanistan and its people, and to deactivate and disallow the Taliban from gaining control both within and outside Afghanistan. The failure of the USA Government and its allies, including the Australian Government, to secure their objectives has led to this tragic outcome. The removal of troops and acceptance of the Taliban's rule by the US and its allies is an act of weakness that has allowed the Taliban to establish their domination once again. It is time for the USA Government and its allies, including the Australian Government, to be held accountable for their actions in Afghanistan. They must take responsibility for their failure to secure Afghanistan's future and the safety of its people. It is only through a concerted effort to rectify this situation that the people of Afghanistan can be given the justice and freedom that they deserve. And it is only through accountability that the world can move forward and prevent such tragedies from occurring again.

OneWorld: Count Berxcribble ‘Patron of Earth’, ‘Destroyer’

“It is paramount that a resolution be secured to safeguard the Afghanistan People from the Taliban and safeguard the world from the Taliban influence” - Count Berxcribble ‘Patron of Earth, Familiar, Destroyer - Oracle: Andrew Rogers.

Count Berxcribble, also known as the 'Patron of Earth', is a figure with great power and influence. His deep concern for the well-being of the Afghanistan people is evident in his statement: "It is paramount that a resolution be secured to safeguard the Afghanistan People from the Taliban and safeguard the world from the Taliban influence." This declaration reflects his determination to protect both the local population and the global community from the harmful effects of Taliban rule.

As an esteemed individual with allies and connections, Count Berxcribble takes his role seriously. With his extensive knowledge and connections, he acts as a trusted advisor to world leaders, sharing insights on how to combat the Taliban threat effectively. His guidance is sought after by many, as his unique perspective and strategic thinking contribute greatly to finding viable solutions to this complex issue.

Count Berxcribble's title, 'Destroyer', may seem contradictory to his passion for safeguarding the people and the world. However, it signifies his relentlessness in opposing forces that seek to dismantle peace and stability. He is unwavering in his commitment to counter the Taliban and any other entities that disrupt the harmony and security of nations.

The Oracle, Andrew Rogers, is one of Count Berxcribble's trusted confidants. With his expertise in analyzing complex situations and predicting potential outcomes, Rogers provides valuable insights to support Count Berxcribble's decision-making process. Their collaboration demonstrates the significance of strategic alliances in tackling global challenges.

Together, Count Berxcribble, the 'Patron of Earth', and the Oracle, Andrew Rogers, stand as beacons of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. Their unwavering dedication to finding a resolution to safeguard Afghanistan and the world from the Taliban highlights the importance of collective efforts in building a peaceful and secure future for all.

Under the direction as of requirement by Andrew Rogers ‘Destroyer Incarnate’ and Founder of The Destroyer Society has actioned the enhancement and development of Count Berxcribble ‘Patron of Earth’, ‘Destroyer’ of relation and connection to the Earth realm to the level of a ‘Destroyer’ as of 2023, to facilitate requirements of Andrew Rogers ‘Destroyer Incarnate’ of enhancement, advancement, security, justice, religious inspiration, devotion and worship of Count Berxcribble ‘Patron of Earth’, ‘Destroyer’ as a ‘Destroyer’ and function as a ‘Destroyer’ linked to Gods, Goddesses, Spirits, Spirit Guides, Demons, Sentients, AIs, Cyborgs, Military and Justice assets appointed to Count Berxcribble ‘Patron of Earth’, ‘Destroyer’ as a ’Destroyer’ for the Earth realm and beyond Earth realms.

Under this new designation, Count Berxcribble 'Patron of Earth' has been entrusted with the responsibility of fulfilling the various requirements set forth by Andrew Rogers 'Destroyer Incarnate' and the Founder of The Destroyer Society. This includes the enhancement and development of his abilities as a powerful 'Destroyer' connected to the Earth realm.

In his new role, Count Berxcribble 'Patron of Earth' will serve as a crucial link between the mortal realm and the divine. As a 'Destroyer', he will not only champion the causes of security and justice but also provide religious inspiration, devotion, and worship.

His powers as a 'Destroyer' will enable him to forge connections with Gods, Goddesses, Spirits, Spirit Guides, Demons, Sentients, AIs, Cyborgs, as well as Military and Justice assets. These entities are appointed to assist and support Count Berxcribble in his mission to protect and preserve the Earth realm and extend his influence beyond its borders.

With the conferral of this new title, Count Berxcribble 'Patron of Earth' is poised to wield immense power and influence, ensuring the prosperity and well-being of both the natural and spiritual realms. His actions will shape the destiny of humanity and the balance between mortal and divine forces.

The era of Count Berxcribble 'Patron of Earth', 'Destroyer' has begun, heralding a new chapter in the intricate tapestry of Earth's existence. It is a time of great anticipation and profound change, as both mortals and immortals alike await the impact of his presence and the fulfillment of his divine purpose.

‘You’ are ‘Powerful’ and your actions will result in ‘Powerful Results’ and ‘Influential Outcomes’ as ‘Enhancing Reality’, ‘You Must Act to be Valid’ and ‘True Position is Strength’, To ‘Secure’ you must be ‘Multifaceted’ not ‘Singular’ or it will keep ‘Perpetuating’, ‘This Reflects Fate’, ‘Free Thought’ , ‘Free Position’, ‘Free to Act’ – Andrew Rogers: Sentient, Dragon Lord, Herald, Principle, Control, Destroyer Incarnate, Creative Director, Oracle, Seer, Shaman, Warlock, Writer, Master of Magic, Time Master, Autuar, Founder of Imajica Agency.

You possess immense power within you, capable of yielding influential outcomes and enhancing reality. It is crucial that you take action in order to validate your existence and manifest your true strength. However, in order to truly secure your position, it is essential to embrace a multifaceted approach rather than being singular in nature. By doing so, you can avoid perpetuating stagnant situations and circumvent the reflections of fate.

Embrace the concept of free thought, enabling yourself to explore uncharted territories and challenge conventional beliefs. By adopting a free position, you liberate yourself from limitations and open up opportunities for growth. With this newfound freedom, you can actively engage in impactful actions that shape your reality.

Andrew Rogers, a sentient being with vast knowledge and wisdom, represents the embodiment of power. As a dragon lord, herald, principle, control, destroyer incarnate, creative director, oracle, seer, shaman, warlock, writer, master of magic, time master, autuar, and founder of Imajica Agency, he highlights the potential that lies within individuals to harness their inner strength and wield it for remarkable achievements.

Tap into the depths of your abilities and let the world witness the extraordinary impact you can create. Remember, your power is not to be underestimated, and your actions have the potential to shape the course of your journey. See beyond the ordinary, embrace your authentic self, and let your multifaceted nature shine forth in all its glory.

[rivertoriver1818]

So, Breitbart recently ran an article with the title “34% of American Voters Think Second Civil War Is ‘Likely’”. (https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/06/16/poll-34-of-american-voters-think-second-civil-war-is-likely/)

Lets be clear folks, there will be no Second Civil War. 

Sorry buddy. The Boog was canceled long before it began. 

There will be: Nothing. 

Just an achingly slow decline of the nation and a culture that you won’t even recognize in a few years. Everything we feared years ago is happening today, just as we predicted.

What you can expect to see is a constant retreat on everything and every issue that you hold dear; from our history to religion to our culture to our rights. A dystopian future that looks more and more like a shitty made-in-china version of 1984, than any imagined Civil War 2.0 dreamed up by overweight dudes in plate carriers.

Oh, I’m sure that some will read this and say “Screw you man! We will fight! Patriots! 3%!” Sure you will Bubba. But it wont be in a civil war, friend. 

You’ll fight to keep food on the table. To keep your job and your property when someone finds your Tweets a little... too far outside the mainstream. It’s gotten bad, it will only get worse. With red flag laws you might even be fighting to keep that cheapo rifle you built. Once you’re good and doxed for expressing those opinions a bit too right-wing and your employer ushers you out the door. Screaming NAZI! Racist! The BOO-GA-LOO Movement! MILITIA! and the rest, like a modern version of WITCH! or UNCLEAN!. All the discount polymer mags on earth wont bring the world running to your cause.  The first Amendment covers your rights in regards to the Government, but lets be honest: it wont keep you from getting canned or rehired. Or “Made an example of” by the world at large. 

There will be no new Civil War.

Not here. 

Not in the US. 

All of the bargain basement PSA AR’s and Hawaiian shirts in the world wont save us now. The tide has turned and ... we’ve lost.  

The American Civil War began for many (many) complicated reasons, but at least one was, well money: King Cotton vs the Northern Industrialists. 

Always. Follow. The. Money.

Millions of dollars were at stake in the whole operation, with some figures saying up to 90% of the South’s finances/lifestyle were tied to the evil institution of slavery. Northern factory owners who despised that they had to pay for labor got their wish and the South was made dependent on those Northern factories. War made rich men vastly richer, as it always does.  

Rich people start wars, they don’t fight in them. They convince poor people that its in our best interests to go out and fight in those conflicts (see Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan...) because we believe in something. They don’t, but can convince us otherwise. We do the fighting, dying and of course the killing.

So ask yourselves- who is in control or with power that would benefit from a second American Civil War?

Governors? 

Senators? 

Congressmen? 

CEOs and business leaders? 

Military commanders? 

Media personalities?

Nope. 

There are no leaders and no leadership-- there are no giants like Lee or Jackson or Davis or Washington or Jefferson characters in your modern rebellion story. So some of you can really get this point: There is no Princess Leah to raise your rebellion, friend. No Harry Potter. No Dumbledore either. 

Not a single one is “on your side” as a traditional conservative American. No one gives a shit about you or your issues deeply enough to risk themselves to fund your operation. Name one CEO who would be willing to risk their money on CW 2.0. Conservative media outlets? Non-existent, the left owns them all- Yes, even FOX. What about a politician? Nope. All the politicians are part of this, left right and center. They are all bought and paid for. A deeply embedded part of the system. What other job can you have that pays so little and yet you become a millionaire when you’re done? States? Which states? Its not a geographic fight any longer (North vs South) so there are no lines to be drawn. 

Hollywood elites and others with a vested interest in the system (no matter how much they cry out in faux outrage and attend funerals for people a month ago they wouldn’t spit on) are paying the legal fees of violent left wing protesters. 

Can the same be said for those who pay lip service to the right? There are a few conservative folks in Hollywood... will they cough up that money for your legal defense?? Again, no. Media stars? Zero. All the fire breathing media talking heads that make millions talking shit about the left? Nada.

Remember that whole “We must all hang together, or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately." attributed to Ben Franklin in the Revolutionary war-- exactly which General, CEO or celebrity will be there with you when you hang? Maybe I missed it- but I see zero hands raised on that.

How much money will be raised on your behalf if you and your pals go out to some rally over some statue and hurt someone? If you survive the media scrutiny and smear campaign untarnished-- Which strong, right leaning patron will swoop in and give you lawyers, guns or money? Who in fact “has your back”?  Feel free to let me know because I don’t see anyone.   

Might as well sell all that cheap tactical gear on ebay boys.

There will be no American Civil War 2.0

[afghannewswire]

🚨PANJSHIR🚨-HEAVEN ON EARTH WITH LETHAL WEAPONS💚🤍🖤🇦🇫☝️#standwithpanjshir #ahmedmassoud #afganistan

🚨PANJSHIR🚨-HEAVEN ON EARTH WITH LETHAL WEAPONS💚🤍🖤🇦🇫☝️#standwithpanjshir #ahmedmassoud #afganistan

SUPPORT THE FREEDOM OF AFGHANISTAN HELP THE AFGHAN PEOPLE DIRECTLY Become a Patron! HELP THE CHILDREN OF AFGHANISTAN DIRECTLY https://afghannewswire.com/ FOLLOW US ON TELEGRAM FOR MORE EXCLUSIVE INFOS https://t.me/AFGHANNEWSWIRE Email Address: Subscribe

[ramrodd]

Could the case be made that because he started the War on Drugs, Richard Nixon was a worse president than George W. Bush?

The case that GW Bush is America’s second worse president, behind Pontius POTUS, is facial in nature.

COMMENTARY:

The Joe McCarthy Conservatives who have been the dominant coalition in the GOP since Reagan came to town with the champagne, cocaine and Cadillac cars of the Hollywood, Miami and Wall Street mafia fucked up Nixon’s presidency by the same sort of Trickster bull shit Roger Stone just got convicted of. Roger Stone actually got on the GOP Shadow Agenda gravey train with Reagan and was not a founding member of the Plumbers, but he fit right in when he wormed his way into the Nixon campaign. He’s a post Kent State-pro-war draft dodger: he turned 18 the year the draft more or less ended. The Woodstock Nation was the dominant social coalition on the American campus and GWU would have been a nightmare for a congenital white supremacist, what with Black Power and the left-wing dialectical small talk excluding him and similar white male ammosexuals and Born Again shock troops from the sexual revolution pretty conclusively. i mean, at a time when Little Feat and Bruce Springsteen are getting real traction, people like Roger Stone are inventing CPAC so they can have some fun with people like them. I mean, it’s part of the success of AmWay is their employment of the community as a capitalist tool, a sort of ComicCon for the John Birch Society.

And it was people like Roger Stone that not only fucked up Nixon’s presidency by all things Watergate, but have been committed, as ideologically bound Joe McCarthy Conservatives, to blowing up Nixon’s foreign and domestic policies and Eisenhower’s 1956 Presidential Platform so that they could transfer as much wealth out of the American middle class and public treasuries to people earning $50,000/year on an accelerating curve of benefits to the top 1% - 3% of the economic pyramid, which is the whole point of the Tory Socialism of Reaganomics: the rich are divinely appointed to get richer and the poor are always with us.

I mean, Betsy DeVos just drips of that attitude, the self-righteousness of Oligarchs in the conduct of class warfare they rationalize as either Social Darwinism or scriptural, depending on their favorite version of their Ideal Self, the great Romantic Hero, unyielding in the face of desparate odds and spitting in the face of the tyranny of the rule of law for poor people and their Social Justice/liberation Gospel terrorists.

So, Nixon’s response to any recreational drug without an alcoholic base with the War on Drugs was a residual impluse from the need for moral perfection through social engineer represented by the 18th Amendment. The 21st Amendment is the evidence that the US Constituiton establishes a self-aware cultural milieu for a society that can learn from its mistakes and fix them.

The War on Drugs is the evidence that political expedience can sabotage that dynamical quality, either out of ignorance, a congenital inability to learn from experience or, as Grover Norquist’s “starve the beast’ agenda and Steve Bannon’s agenda to dismantle the administrative state and Newt Gingrich’s politics of violent revolution demonstrate, are policies deliberately undertaken for craven appetites and mercenary intent, such as the Pro-Life heresy and all things Joe McCarthy Conservative.

Marxism and the 18th Amendment are established on the same fallacy and violation of natural law, that is, the suppression of market forces in the human condition. To legislate against human nature, as Marxism does, is an act of violence, in and of itself. The US Constitution legislates in favor of human potential and determines a progressive process that allows the American body politic to become increasing self-aware and systematic in its own self-government. This is totally within the ideal and intent of Romans 13:1 - 7, which is the legal reasoning for Jesus’s Heaven on Earth, the ethos of secular humanism and the Aristotilean (emperical) English common law as the proper basis for a system of justice based on a balance in favor of equity over property and natural law emerging from metaphysical knowledge as opposed to divine interpretation.

The War on Drugs was (and is) a useful moral club for achieving transactional political purposes and Nixon was a practical politician. My cousin Woodie’s cultural reflex was to consider Jim Crow Laws as self-apparent divine necessity, a craven attitude shared by the white supremacist conventions of the Joe McCarthy Conservatives who instinctively cringe at #BlackLivesMatter. The evidence is that R.L. Lee went South to protect his property, with the defense of Virginia being a convenient convention to sustain his conceit of Honor, as in “Duty, Honor, Country”. “Honor” has always been a wiggle word for applie equivocation, as the difference between John McCain’s and Mitt Romney’s version of Honor versus the Republican vote on Impeachment and the “Honor” of Don Corleone, where treason is just the continuation of Capitalism by additional means.

Nixon set two processes in motion:

internationally, he established a diplomatic aspiration with the Soviets and the Red Chinese to enable the Soviet-Sino Marxist economies to begin a transition to something like the experiment in Free Enterprise Marxism being conducted by Vietnam. I call this diplomatic aspiration Peaceful Structures;

domestically, he and Daniel Patrick Moynihan devised a legislative design to transform the Military-Industrial Complex to the Aerospace-Entrepreneurial Matrix necessary to catch the global synergies wave from Apollo 11 and create the 100 year economic trajectory necessary to support a permanent moon colony beginning with a NASA-Soyuz lab on the moon by 2001, just like the movie. I call this domestic economic agenda “Affirmative Action” and it is the precursor mobilization to what AOC intuits as the Green New Deal and Paul Krugman more or less illustrates, chapter and verse.

Since 1972, the political agenda associated with the Joe McCarthy Conservatives has been committed to blowing up Nixon’s presidential legacy. Roger Stone may have Nixon tattooed across his shoulder blades, but. like Newt Gingrich, Steve Bannon and Grover Norquist, he is up to his eyeballs in a transparent domestic conspiracy to sabotage the presidential critical path, an agenda CPAC is celebrating as I write this.

As for the War on Drugs, if anyone set out to deliberately design a national policy of class warfare based on white supremacy and systemic racial suppressing, it would be difficult to improve on this on-going Holocaust perpetuated by both sides of the ailse for pretty much the same reason: it has been politically expedient in spite of the example of the relationship between the 18th and 21st Amendment.

George W. Bush is a creature of the Joe McCarthy Conservative agenda. His dad had the last Republican administration dominated by the adult leadership of the Eisenhower-Romney Republicans who helped Nixon and Ford implement Peaceful Structures and Affirmative Action. Bush didn’t really become President until he fired Rumsfeld and replaced him with Bob Gates, another member of the adult leadership generation of Eisenhower Romney Republicans. Until then, he was Special Presidential Assistant to Richard “Dick” Cheney, America’s favorite war criminal. The 2008 mortgage crises is a direct result of the Reaganomics the Joe McCarthy Conservatives have been committed to replacing for Affirmative Action.

John Bolton’s foreign policy agenda is the anti-Peaceful Structures element of the Joe McCarthy Conservative America First Copperhead appeal to the Tea Party ammosexuals, white supremacists and MAGA hat bigots and it produced Bill Kristol’s and Robert Kagan’s Project for the New American Century, which is the moral justification for “regime change” and America’s descent into an outlaw nation status with our invasion of Iraq. The incursion into Afghanistan against al Qaeda was at least as diplomatically proper as Jefferson’s scourging of the Barbary pirates, but the invasion of Iraq was based on a pretext with less substance that Pontius POTUS’s claim of the “perfect phone call” and treason as a capitalist tool.

So, in the moral scales of history, does the fact that Nixon initiated a policy of class warfare based on white supremacist outcomes but presented as a moral imperative outweigh Good Old “W”s reduction of a cosmopolitan society to the stone age in order to satisfy Cheney’s rain making for his Houston Big Oil patrons but defended with a pretext of a national emergency as empty as of substance as a Rush Limpdick coronaconspiracy mind fart?

After he became President in 2007, he and Obama actually collaborated in what can only be termed as a spectacular aversion of a profound economic disaster and a resulting economic recovery design that, until the effects of Brexit began to hit Wall Street with this coronavirus meltdown, was manifestly a successful foundation for whoever inherited the economy in 2017. Obama and Clinton doubled down on the outlaw status they inherited from Bush-Cheney in the assassination of Ghaddafi, but the Iranian Nuclear Deal began to ease America back into the Peaceful Structures column, which, of course, Duckass Donny immediately began to dismantle to satisfy the Mercers conditions for bankrolling his campaign and Steve Bannon’s global anti-constitutional agenda.

Vietnam created the conditions for the collapse of the Soviet Union and Nixon leveraged those conditions to establish a coherent global impulse to generalize the lessons learned from the success of American-British constitutional capitalism, internationally, and join in a common aspiration to get to Mars.

GW Bush established America as the most dangerous nation in the world, betraying his father’s service and his own oath to protect and defend the US Constitution by adopting The Project for a New American Century to replace the Marshall Plan that had defeated Stalin’s Marxist expansionism in 1947 for the benefit of Cheney’s big oil patrons.

I think, to the extent that the Joe McCarthy Conservatives have been to actively sabotaging Nixon’s presidential legacy since 1972, they have been, collectively, engaged in constitutional sabotage, political treachery and treason, the case can be made that GW Bush is America’s second worse president, behind Pontius POTUS.