Glenn Greenwald

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Community for Glenn Greenwald and his show, System Update.

Full Name: Glenn Edward Greenwald


Independent, Unencumbered Analysis and Investigative Reporting, Captive to No Dogma or Faction.


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New York Times bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist.

More info about him: https://greenwald.substack.com/about

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About:

  1. Journalist;
  2. Author
  3. Host, @SystemUpdate_
  4. Columnist, @Folha
  5. Founder: @TheInterceptBr
  6. Co-Founder:
  1. Vegan

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  7. https://greenwald.locals.com/landing/article

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Citizenfour uncovers the secret and illegal practices of the U.S. National Security Agency’s mass surveillance programme using classified documents revealed by NSA whistle-blower Edward Snowden. It aims to shed light on the indiscriminate invasion of the privacy of American citizens as well as those of other countries carried out by the NSA in a case that the shocked the world.

The film follows award-winning documentary maker Laura Poitras and journalist Glenn Greenwald as they receive unprecedented access to Snowden and classified evidence of the government’s spying. The events covered in Citizenfour occur over an intense eight-day period in a Hong Kong hotel room in 2013.

Poitras had been working on a documentary about the extent of the government’s surveillance for two years when she started receiving encrypted emails from someone claiming to have proof of the shocking and illegal practices of the NSA. Five months later after the email correspondence began, Poitras convinces Snowden to let her film their encounter in Hong Kong after Snowden made it clear that he intended to use his real identity as the source of the classified information.

Citizenfour manages to put the audience in the hotel room with Snowden showing them his motives for blowing the lid on the government conspiracy. It also takes them through the intense eight-day period where Snowden, Poitras, and Greenwald were forced to make important decisions about the story that would change the world. Lastly, it warns of the extent and dangers of unrestricted government surveillance.

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Independent, Unencumbered Analysis and Investigative Reporting, Captive to No Dogma or Faction.

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Independent, Unencumbered Analysis and Investigative Reporting, Captive to No Dogma or Faction.

Join us LIVE on Rumble, weeknights at 7pm ET: https://rumble.com/c/GGreenwald

Now available as a podcast! Find full episodes here: https://linktr.ee/systemupdate_

Become part of our Locals community: https://greenwald.locals.com/

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Generated Summary of Video Below:


Joe Biden's Leadership and Public Perception

  • The discussion opens with a critique of President Joe Biden's leadership, suggesting that many decisions made during his presidency are not genuinely his own.
  • The speaker points out Biden's physical presence and performance during a press conference, where he appeared disoriented while reading from a teleprompter, indicating a lack of functionality in his role as president.
  • The speaker emphasizes that the current state of the presidency reflects a significant scandal, as they believe the country has not had a functional president for an extended period.

Presidential Citizens Medal Recipients

  • The White House recently announced the recipients of the Presidential Citizens Medal, which is awarded to individuals who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country.
  • Among the recipients is Liz Cheney, who the speaker argues is being honored by the Democrats as they leave the White House.
  • The White House justified Cheney's selection by highlighting her two decades of public service, including her role as vice chair of the committee investigating the January 6 attack.
  • The speaker notes that Biden's remarks about Cheney focus on her commitment to defending American ideals such as freedom, dignity, and decency.

Liz Cheney's Reception and Political Influence

  • During the ceremony where Cheney received her medal, the speaker describes an enthusiastic reception from Biden's staff and Democratic luminaries, likening it to adoration typically reserved for pop culture icons.
  • The speaker suggests that Cheney has become a significant figure within the Democratic Party, indicating that she could potentially run for president in 2028 and be a formidable candidate.
  • Despite her past as a Republican, the speaker argues that Cheney's actions and public support have garnered her significant admiration among Democrats.

Contradictions in Political Alliances

  • The speaker reflects on the historical context of Liz Cheney's political career, noting that her rise is largely due to her father's legacy, Dick Cheney, who was previously vilified by Democrats.
  • The speaker points out that Liz Cheney has consistently upheld her father's policies, which have been criticized as authoritarian and dangerous.
  • The narrative suggests that Cheney's political positions have not strayed far from those of her father, despite her recent accolades from the Democratic establishment.

Biden's Past Critique of Dick Cheney

  • The speaker recalls Biden's past statements while campaigning for vice president, where he described Dick Cheney as one of the most dangerous vice presidents in American history, highlighting the perceived threat of his consolidation of power.
  • Biden's remarks are contrasted with his later actions, including attending a ceremony honoring Dick Cheney, which the speaker interprets as indicative of the theatrical nature of political rivalries.
  • The speaker argues that such political theater obscures the true relationships and alliances that exist between establishment politicians across party lines.

Liz Cheney's Role in Foreign Policy and Military Engagements

  • The discussion shifts to Liz Cheney's advocacy for maintaining military presence in Afghanistan, particularly opposing the withdrawal negotiated by Donald Trump.
  • The speaker highlights Cheney's reliance on discredited claims regarding Russian bounties on American soldiers to justify her stance against withdrawal, indicating a pattern of misleading narratives in her arguments.
  • Cheney's statements about American adversaries and military responses are presented as part of a broader pro-war narrative that the speaker critiques as harmful and dishonest.

Defending the Iraq War and Its Consequences

  • The speaker examines Liz Cheney's defense of the Iraq War, asserting that her arguments are rooted in the same discredited narratives that led to widespread public distrust in government.
  • Cheney's continued support for her father's policies is portrayed as an attempt to uphold a legacy that the speaker believes contributed to significant harm and loss of life.
  • The speaker emphasizes that Cheney's political career is intertwined with her defense of these controversial policies, raising questions about the integrity of her current political positions.

Conclusion and Reflection on Political Dynamics

  • The closing remarks reflect on the complexities of political dynamics, particularly how historical relationships and past criticisms can shift over time.
  • The speaker suggests that the admiration for Liz Cheney from the Democratic establishment is indicative of deeper ideological alignments that transcend traditional party lines.
  • Ultimately, the discussion calls for critical examination of political narratives and the motivations behind public figures' actions and statements.

Independent, Unencumbered Analysis and Investigative Reporting, Captive to No Dogma or Faction.

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Key Points:

  1. Political Rhetoric: Accusations like Warren’s indicate a broader strategy in political discourse where opponents are labeled with serious charges to undermine credibility.
  2. Intelligence Integrity: The integrity of the intelligence community is questioned, suggesting that political motivations often overshadow national security concerns.
  3. War vs. Diplomacy: The contrast between Gabbard’s focus on diplomacy and the establishment’s preference for military intervention highlights a fundamental divide in U.S. foreign policy.
  4. Historical Context: The current political climate reflects past patterns of labeling dissenters as traitors, echoing McCarthyism and Cold War paranoia.
  5. Defense of Dissent: The defense of dissenting views is crucial in a democracy, yet increasingly threatened by partisan attacks like those against Gabbard.
  6. Media’s Role: The media’s complicity in amplifying unfounded accusations reveals a troubling trend of sensationalism over factual reporting.
  7. Call for Accountability: There is a growing need for accountability in political accusations to maintain the integrity of public discourse and democratic principles.

Independent, Unencumbered Analysis and Investigative Reporting, Captive to No Dogma or Faction.

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Key Points:

  1. International Law Violations: The U.S. letter cited potential violations of international law, highlighting the gravity of the situation in Gaza. However, the lack of enforcement raises questions about U.S. commitment to human rights.
  2. Election Influence: The timing of the ultimatum suggests a strategic move to influence voter sentiment rather than a genuine effort to address humanitarian concerns.
  3. Aid Blockade: Israel’s continued blockade has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, indicating a deliberate strategy to control the population in Gaza.
  4. U.S. Military Support: The ongoing military support from the U.S. to Israel, despite its actions, reflects a complex geopolitical relationship that prioritizes strategic alliances over humanitarian needs.
  5. Media’s Role: The shift in media coverage signifies growing awareness and criticism of Israel’s actions, potentially influencing public opinion and policy discussions.
  6. Cycle of Violence: The situation illustrates a cycle where humanitarian needs are neglected amidst ongoing conflict, leading to increased desperation and suffering in Gaza.
  7. Accountability: The U.S. government’s complicity in the humanitarian crisis raises ethical questions about its foreign policy and the moral responsibility to intervene.

Independent, Unencumbered Analysis and Investigative Reporting, Captive to No Dogma or Faction.

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Key Points:

  1. Lack of Evidence: Weiss’s inability to substantiate her claims about Gabbard illustrates the pervasive issue of evidence-less accusations in political discourse. This trend undermines credible debate.
  2. Deteriorating Discourse: The conversation reveals a troubling shift in political discussions, where accusations are made without foundational reasoning, promoting division rather than dialogue.
  3. Rogan’s Role: Rogan’s inquiry into Weiss’s claims showcases the importance of critical questioning in media, emphasizing accountability for public figures making serious allegations.
  4. Diplomatic Engagement: Gabbard’s meetings with foreign leaders highlight the necessity of diplomatic engagement, challenging the notion that such actions equate to betrayal or complicity.
  5. Historical Context: The comparison of Gabbard’s actions to past U.S. leaders meeting controversial figures illustrates that diplomacy has historically been a tool for peace rather than a sign of loyalty to adversaries.
  6. Media Influence: Weiss’s reliance on media narratives (“everyone knows”) reflects how mainstream media can shape public perception through unverified claims, emphasizing the need for critical media literacy.
  7. Polarizing Narratives: The labeling of individuals who seek dialogue with adversaries as traitorous feeds into a dangerous polarization, undermining nuanced discussions about foreign policy and national security.

Independent, Unencumbered Analysis and Investigative Reporting, Captive to No Dogma or Faction.

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Key Points:

  1. Bipartisan Appeal: Gabbard’s ability to attract support from both sides highlights her unique position within a polarized political landscape. Her military background adds credibility to her stance on foreign policy, differentiating her from typical political narratives.
  2. Media Response: The intense media reaction to Gabbard’s nomination underscores the establishment’s fear of outsider influence, revealing deep divisions in current political discourse regarding foreign policy and national security.
  3. Foreign Policy Evolution: Trump’s presidency has shifted the GOP’s foreign policy perspective, moving away from interventionist practices. This reflects a broader trend among some Republicans who are reconsidering traditional hawkish stances.
  4. Veteran Credentials: Gabbard’s military experience positions her as a credible voice on national defense, contrasting with critics who have avoided military service while advocating for war.
  5. Establishment Resistance: The pushback against Gabbard indicates a reluctance within the establishment to accept alternative viewpoints on foreign intervention, often branding dissenters as unpatriotic.
  6. Complex Dynamics: The complexities of Trump’s foreign policy team suggest a potential clash between traditional neocon values and Gabbard’s more isolationist stance, leading to unpredictable outcomes.
  7. Need for Oversight: The second Trump administration must maintain a vigilant approach to ensure that the direction of foreign policy aligns with the anti-interventionist principles that many of his supporters advocate for.

Independent, Unencumbered Analysis and Investigative Reporting, Captive to No Dogma or Faction.

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Key Points:

  1. Polarizing Nomination: Gaetz’s selection reflects Trump’s commitment to appointing allies who challenge the status quo, but it alienates traditional party members. This could reshape GOP dynamics.
  2. Justice Reform Advocate: Gaetz’s focus on dismantling the politicization of the DOJ resonates with many voters disillusioned by perceived corruption, positioning him as a populist hero.
  3. Foreign Policy Stance: His anti-interventionist views resonate with a segment of Americans tired of endless wars, reflecting a potential shift in GOP foreign policy direction.
  4. Corporate Accountability: Gaetz’s alignment with figures like Lena Khan shows a bipartisan interest in tackling corporate monopolies, which could redefine conservative economic priorities.
  5. Due Process Importance: The lack of charges against Gaetz raises critical discussions about due process, highlighting the potential for political bias in legal investigations.
  6. Changing GOP Landscape: Gaetz represents a faction of the GOP that prioritizes radical change over traditional conservatism, signaling a shift in party ideology.
  7. Controversial Allies: His support for pardoning figures like Snowden illustrates his willingness to challenge conventional political narratives, making him a divisive figure in Washington.

Independent, Unencumbered Analysis and Investigative Reporting, Captive to No Dogma or Faction.

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Key Points:

  1. Contradiction in Actions: Biden’s warm reception of Trump undermines the urgent warnings about him being a fascist, highlighting political hypocrisy.
  2. Media Influence: The relentless portrayal of Trump as a Hitler figure may have influenced public perception, yet actions show a different reality.
  3. Voter Disillusionment: The failure to convince voters of Trump’s threat reflects a disconnect between elite narratives and grassroots concerns.
  4. Party Dynamics: Democrats’ actions, such as granting surveillance powers, reveal an inconsistency in their fear-based rhetoric.
  5. Presidential Norms: Biden’s invitation to Trump underscores the importance of maintaining political civility, even amidst deep divisions.
  6. Consequences of Rhetoric: The extreme language surrounding Trump has not translated into corresponding political action, revealing a potential gap in genuine belief.
  7. Political Polarization: The contrasting views within the Democratic Party about Trump may lead to a fractured approach in addressing threats to democracy.

Independent, Unencumbered Analysis and Investigative Reporting, Captive to No Dogma or Faction.

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Key Points:

  1. Avoiding Neocon Influence: Trump’s early decisions suggest a desire to distance from neoconservatives, which could reshape U.S. foreign policy. However, this remains to be seen as new appointments may contradict this intent.
  2. Factional Dynamics: The influence of family and allies like Don Jr. and Tucker Carlson will likely create ongoing factional conflicts within the administration, complicating unified policy direction.
  3. Contradictory Appointees: New appointments, such as Marco Rubio and Elise Stefanik, bring traditional neocon views into key positions, potentially undermining Trump’s promise of a less interventionist stance.
  4. Unpredictability Factor: Trump’s instinct-driven decision-making style means that his administration could diverge from expected norms, leading to unpredictable foreign policy outcomes.
  5. Complexity of Intent: While Trump’s initial signals suggest a break from the past, the actual composition of his cabinet reveals complexities that may perpetuate previous policies.
  6. Future of U.S. Foreign Policy: The ongoing analysis of Trump’s choices will be crucial to understanding the future trajectory of U.S. engagement on the global stage, particularly regarding conflicts like Ukraine and Israel.
  7. Potential for Change: Despite concerns, Trump’s history indicates the potential for deviation from established norms, providing hope for a more isolationist approach if he chooses to embrace it.

Independent, Unencumbered Analysis and Investigative Reporting, Captive to No Dogma or Faction.

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Independent, Unencumbered Analysis and Investigative Reporting, Captive to No Dogma or Faction.

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Independent, Unencumbered Analysis and Investigative Reporting, Captive to No Dogma or Faction.


Per AP

Donald Trump: 72,019,538 Votes (51%)

Kamala Harris: 67,208,955 (47.5%)

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Independent, Unencumbered Analysis and Investigative Reporting, Captive to No Dogma or Faction.


TIMESTAMPS:

  1. Intro (10:39)
  2. Election Analysis (17:04)
  3. Interview with Lee Fang (1:10:29)
  4. Election Analysis Continued (1:27:38)
  5. Outro (1:41:33)
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Independent, Unencumbered Analysis and Investigative Reporting, Captive to No Dogma or Faction.


Key Points:

  1. Brutal Conditions: Assange’s isolation in prison has severely impacted his mental state, demonstrating how confinement can strip away one’s identity and voice. This highlights the psychological toll of prolonged detention.
  2. Journalism Under Threat: Assange’s admission of guilt for journalism raises alarm about the criminalization of truth-telling, suggesting a dangerous precedent for journalists worldwide.
  3. Systemic Injustice: The legal framework that should protect journalists failed Assange, revealing the fragility of press freedoms in the face of government power.
  4. Global Implications: Assange’s experiences reflect broader threats to democracy and press freedom, urging a reevaluation of how governments handle dissent and whistleblowing.
  5. Political Prisoner Status: The Council of Europe’s designation of Assange as a political prisoner underscores the chilling effects of his treatment on journalists and whistleblowers everywhere.
  6. Exposing War Crimes: Assange’s work revealed significant misconduct and war crimes, yet he remains the only one prosecuted, demonstrating the risks faced by those who expose state wrongdoing.
  7. Impact on Family: The personal toll on Assange’s family, including threats against them, highlights the human cost of state repression against whistleblowers and journalists.
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Independent, Unencumbered Analysis and Investigative Reporting, Captive to No Dogma or Faction.


Key Points:

  1. Censorship Trends: The Democratic Party’s shift towards censorship reflects a broader cultural move against dissenting political views, raising concerns about free speech. This trend reflects fear of losing control over political narratives.
  2. Legal Misunderstandings: Many politicians, including Tim Walz, misinterpret First Amendment protections, leading to calls for regulating “disinformation” and “hate speech,” which historically have broader protections. This misunderstanding risks undermining fundamental democratic principles.
  3. Historical Context: The phrase “shouting fire in a crowded theater” originated from a case that justified political censorship, illustrating how historical legal precedents can be misapplied to current debates about free speech.
  4. Big Tech and Censorship: The pressure on social media platforms to censor dissenting opinions, particularly around government policies, reveals a troubling alliance between state power and corporate censorship, which threatens free expression.
  5. Intellectual Elitism: Political elites express discomfort with dissent, lamenting the loss of control over information, which demonstrates a desire for consensus over diverse opinions—a core tenet of democracy.
  6. Call for Unity: There is a growing need for Democrats and Republicans to reject censorship and promote open dialogue and debate, emphasizing persuasion over suppression.
  7. Impact on Democracy: The systemic attempt to justify censorship poses a significant threat to the foundational values of democracy, as it stifles political discourse and undermines public trust in democratic institutions.
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Independent, Unencumbered Analysis and Investigative Reporting, Captive to No Dogma or Faction.


Key Points:

  1. Biden’s Discomfort: Biden’s expressed discomfort with Israel’s actions indicates a disconnect between the President and U.S. foreign policy, showcasing potential internal conflicts.
  2. Policy Override: The actions of unelected officials in shaping foreign policy reveal a troubling trend where executive decisions are undermined, raising questions about accountability.
  3. Military Funding: The U.S. continues to prioritize military funding for foreign nations over domestic needs, highlighting a misalignment of priorities in government spending.
  4. Value of Life: The perception that Israeli lives are more valuable than Palestinian lives reflects a deeper bias in U.S. foreign policy, influencing international relations negatively.
  5. Risk of Escalation: Concerns from military and intelligence communities about U.S. involvement in another Middle Eastern conflict emphasize the potential dangers of current policies.
  6. Global Perception: The U.S.'s approach to foreign conflicts alienates many countries, potentially strengthening adversaries like China, which could have long-term geopolitical consequences.
  7. Deteriorating Domestic Focus: The lack of attention to pressing domestic issues, such as disaster relief, indicates a significant neglect of the needs of American citizens by policymakers.
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Independent, Unencumbered Analysis and Investigative Reporting, Captive to No Dogma or Faction.


Key Points:

  1. Targeted Retaliation: Iran’s missile strike was a calculated response to prior Israeli actions, highlighting the complex nature of retaliation in warfare. This underscores the strategic calculations that nations make in armed conflicts, often with significant implications for regional stability.
  2. Media Bias: The differing media portrayals of the missile attack versus Israeli operations in Gaza reflect a bias that influences public perception and understanding of the conflict. This disparity demonstrates how narratives are shaped in international discourse, often prioritizing certain viewpoints over others.
  3. Civilian Impact: The overwhelming civilian casualties in Gaza and Lebanon contrast sharply with the lack of Israeli deaths from the missile attack, raising questions about the ethics of military engagement. This disparity serves as a reminder of the humanitarian costs of war, particularly in densely populated regions.
  4. Military Infrastructure: The integration of military and civilian infrastructure complicates the narrative of accountability in warfare. This indicates a broader trend where military strategies directly affect civilian populations, challenging claims of moral high ground in military operations.
  5. International Community’s Role: The response of the international community to the conflict reveals geopolitical alliances and the complexities of global politics. This interplay emphasizes how international relations often prioritize strategic interests over humanitarian concerns, affecting conflict resolution.
  6. Escalation Risks: The missile attack could trigger further military responses from Israel, potentially escalating the conflict. This highlights the precarious nature of regional stability, where retaliatory cycles can lead to broader confrontations involving multiple actors.
  7. Path to Peace: The ongoing violence raises urgent questions about the prospects for peace and resolution in the region. This underlines the necessity for diplomatic efforts and negotiations aimed at achieving a sustainable solution to the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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Independent, Unencumbered Analysis and Investigative Reporting, Captive to No Dogma or Faction.


Key Points:

  1. Debate Dynamics: Vance’s calm demeanor contrasted with Waltz’s nervousness, allowing Vance to effectively communicate his points and challenge media narratives about him.
  2. Potential Poll Impact: Historical data suggests VP debates rarely shift voter opinions significantly, but Vance’s strong performance could challenge that norm.
  3. Media Narratives: The media’s attempt to label Vance as an outsider or “weirdo” contradicted his presentation of a relatable American story, which could reshape public perception.
  4. Waltz’s Strategy Misfire: By aligning too closely with Vance, Waltz undermined the Democratic narrative that Vance is an extreme candidate, making him seem more mainstream.
  5. Empathy in Politics: Vance’s acknowledgment of Waltz’s personal story demonstrated his ability to connect on a human level, enhancing his likability.
  6. Harris’s Vulnerability: Vance effectively positioned Harris as part of the current administration’s failures, undermining her claims of being an outsider.
  7. The Role of Personality: Vance’s articulate and confident delivery may appeal to undecided voters, potentially influencing the broader election landscape.
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Independent, Unencumbered Analysis and Investigative Reporting, Captive to No Dogma or Faction.

21
 
 

Independent, Unencumbered Analysis and Investigative Reporting, Captive to No Dogma or Faction.

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Independent, Unencumbered Analysis and Investigative Reporting, Captive to No Dogma or Faction.

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Independent, Unencumbered Analysis and Investigative Reporting, Captive to No Dogma or Faction.


Read Evan Barker's article here: https://www.newsweek.com/i-raised-millions-democrats-dnc-i-realized-theyre-party-rich-opinion-1955377

Follow Evan Barker: https://x.com/evanwch

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Independent, Unencumbered Analysis and Investigative Reporting, Captive to No Dogma or Faction.

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Independent, Unencumbered Analysis and Investigative Reporting, Captive to No Dogma or Faction.

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