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    • Online Education, NFL Schedule, New Car, Financial Growth, and Canal SafetyPurdue Global provides online education for career-driven individuals, NFL fans wait for the 2024 schedule, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is a family-friendly car, Navy Federal Credit Union supports financial growth, and doctor William Gorgas ensured canal workers' safety

      For individuals seeking a respected education while continuing their careers, Purdue Global, an online university backed by Purdue University, offers a solution. Meanwhile, NFL fans eagerly anticipate the release of the 2024 NFL schedule. In other news, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe is a suitable vehicle for families' travel needs. Navy Federal Credit Union aims to help its members grow financially, and the podcast "How Rude" pokes fun at Ohio's advertising efforts. The discussion also delved into the history of Panama and the efforts to make the canal zone biologically safe for workers building the canal, led by doctor William Gorgas.

    • US doctor eradicates diseases during Panama Canal constructionThe US's efforts to control diseases during Panama Canal construction led to a complex relationship between humans and nature, with both intended and unintended consequences for public health.

      During the construction of the Panama Canal, General William C. Gorgas, a military doctor, was put in charge of public health for the entire nation due to the US's right to administer sanitation from the Canal Treaty. Gorgas' primary goal was to eradicate diseases like yellow fever and malaria that posed a threat to the mostly white workforce. His methods ranged from reasonable, such as mandating the elimination of standing water, to authoritarian, like regular inspections of homes and harsh fines for noncompliance. The US's efforts to control the environment also had unintended consequences, such as the destruction of jungles and the creation of new breeding grounds for mosquitoes due to the canal construction itself. Despite these efforts, the importation of a large number of non-immune workers and the radical disruption of the environment led to higher death rates from diseases than during the French canal effort. In essence, the US's drive to build the canal led to a complex and often problematic relationship between humans and nature, with both intentional and unintended consequences for public health.

    • Systemic racism during Panama Canal constructionThe US prioritized controlling and punishing black laborers, leading to a malaria epidemic, while ignoring deadlier diseases due to racial bias. Unsanitary living conditions contributed to the spread of diseases, and white workers were given better living conditions based on racist beliefs.

      During the construction of the Panama Canal, the US prioritized controlling and punishing black laborers while inadvertently creating ideal conditions for mosquitoes to breed, leading to a malaria epidemic. This happened despite the fact that pneumonia, which killed more workers, was largely ignored due to the racial bias in medical literature and treatment of non-white workers. The US imported workers from the Caribbean and housed them in unsanitary conditions, contributing to the spread of diseases. The justification for providing better living conditions for white workers was based on the belief that the tropics were toxic to them, leading to degeneration. This highlights the systemic racism and neglect towards non-white laborers during the construction of the Panama Canal.

    • Racial biases influenced health and safety for non-white laborers during Panama Canal constructionBeliefs that black workers were genetically predisposed to neglecting dangerous environments and poor hygiene led to segregation and medicalization, perpetuating deep-rooted racism during Panama Canal construction

      During the construction of the Panama Canal, racial biases significantly influenced the perception and handling of health and safety issues for non-white laborers. Doctors concluded that black workers were genetically predisposed to a lack of appreciation for dangerous environments, leading to high rates of fatal accidents. This belief, along with the belief that black laborers were negligent when it came to personal hygiene and sanitation, led to segregation and the belief that physical separation was necessary to protect white workers from disease. These beliefs were deeply rooted in racism and were still prevalent in the 1920s, decades after the canal's construction. The complex layers of terraforming, ethnic cleansing, and medicalization during this time created a deep and horrific level of racism that is often overlooked in the history of the Panama Canal.

    • US Justification of Jim Crow Laws in Panama Canal ConstructionThe US imported black laborers from the Caribbean for Panama Canal construction, justifying Jim Crow laws and creating a racial underclass, while oppressing indigenous Panamanians and imposing US control over politics and society, leaving a lasting impact.

      During the construction of the Panama Canal from 1904 to 1914, black laborers, mostly imported from the Caribbean, made up the majority of the workforce. The US justified the importation of Jim Crow laws, creating a racial underclass and perpetuating segregation in Panama. Indigenous Panamanians also faced oppression. The US disbanded the Panamanian military and asserted control over politics, leading to the occupation and dictatorship of General Richard Blatchford. Despite the fiction of Panamanian autonomy, the US acted brutally to suppress any signs of independence. The US also attempted to impose prohibition, but was unsuccessful. The legacy of US influence and control over Panamanian politics and society continues to this day.

    • Renter Strike and US Intervention in PanamaThe US intervened militarily in Panama during a renter strike, disregarding treaties and causing civilian deaths. This marked the beginning of US interference in Latin American politics for its own interests.

      During the Panama Canal construction, a renter strike erupted among unemployed black laborers who were abandoned by the US after the project's completion. When rent hikes were announced, a renters league formed to boycott rent, leading to violent clashes with police. The US intervened with military force, resulting in deaths of civilians. The US had a history of intervening in Panamanian affairs for its own interests and the benefit of the elite, disregarding treaties and expropriating land without compensation. Manuel Noriega, a future Panamanian dictator, was among those trained at the US-run School of the Americas. Despite these events, the US media focused on trivial matters, such as a luxury cruise ship and its passengers. This intervention set the stage for US involvement in Latin American politics throughout the 20th century.

    • US military tested chemical weapons in Panama for decadesThe US military conducted extensive chemical weapons tests in Panama from the 1920s to the present, leaving behind thousands of unexploded weapons and raising ethical concerns

      The use of chemical weapons, including mustard gas and nerve agents like VX, was extensively tested in Panama by the US military for several decades, starting in the 1920s. These tests, which involved bombing trails and spraying beaches with chemicals, were part of plans to make the country uninhabitable in case of invasion. Despite the potential dangers, the tests continued even after the threat of invasion had passed, leaving behind thousands of unexploded chemical weapons. The military's attitude towards the use of chemical weapons was that they were humane because they caused few fatalities among those with protective gear, and that they were particularly effective against non-European populations. This history sheds light on the moral and ethical implications of military research and testing, and the long-term consequences of such actions for future generations.

    • US chemical weapons tests on humans and animals in Panama during WW2From 1942 to 1968, the US conducted secretive chemical weapons tests on animals and humans, predominantly people of color, in Panama, with lasting health and environmental consequences.

      During the World War 2 era, the United States and its partners conducted extensive chemical weapons tests on both animals and human beings, primarily on people of color, in Panama. These experiments involved gassing animals to test the effectiveness of weapons and gassing humans to study racial differences in response. The subjects were kept in secrecy, without proper documentation or follow-up healthcare, and were forced to keep quiet about the tests under threat of military punishment. The testing continued until 1968, leaving behind a significant amount of dangerous chemicals on the island, which were only partially cleaned up in the following decades. This history sheds light on a dark chapter in American military history, where practices reminiscent of Nazi Germany were carried out long before they became widely known and condemned.

    • Tensions between US and Panama over sovereignty and flag rights lead to protests and violenceLong-standing disputes over Panamanian sovereignty and US flag rights ignited protests and violence, culminating in the 'flag riots' of 1964. US response fueled Panamanian nationalism and led to a coup, resulting in a government committed to regaining control of the Panama Canal.

      The tensions between the United States and Panama leading up to the US withdrawal from Panama in 1964 were fueled by long-standing issues of sovereignty and flag rights. The US refusal to negotiate on these matters led to escalating protests and violence, culminating in the infamous "flag riots" of January 1964. The US response to these protests, including the killing of Panamanian civilians, further inflamed tensions and led to a breakdown in diplomatic relations. Omar Torrijos, a Panamanian National Guard officer who had previously been a US asset, eventually seized power in a coup and established a populist government committed to gaining greater control of the Panama Canal. Torrijos's complicated relationship with the US highlights the complex history of US involvement in Panama and the long-lasting effects of US actions on Panamanian nationalism.

    • Negotiations, Spying, and Drug Trafficking: The Intricate Relationship between the US, Panama, and the CIAThe CIA's involvement in Panama involved attempts to overthrow leaders, co-opting assets, and allowing drug trafficking, highlighting the complex and often-gray areas of international intelligence operations.

      The relationship between the United States and Panama, particularly regarding the Panama Canal, was far more complex than a simple transaction of payment for spying. Torrijos, the Panamanian leader during Jimmy Carter's term, managed to negotiate a new canal treaty promising total Panamanian control by the end of the century. However, the CIA, unhappy with this development, attempted to overthrow Torrijos but failed. They then co-opted his right-hand man, Manuel Noriega, who became a CIA asset while also serving as Panama's chief of military intelligence. Noriega, who was also a prolific cocaine trafficker, was allowed to continue his drug dealing as long as he remained loyal to the CIA. The CIA's history in Latin America shows a pattern of arming and training future enemies, a trend that can be seen in the CIA's involvement in Syria and the tensions between the CIA and the military. Torrijos died in a suspicious plane accident in 1981, and while it's unclear if the CIA was involved, it's not out of character for their operations. The intricate web of relationships between the United States, Panama, and the CIA highlights the complexity of international relations and the often-gray areas of intelligence operations.

    • Monopoly Go brings excitement with changing challenges, rewards, and mini gamesMonopoly Go offers a dynamic gameplay experience with continuous updates and mini games, setting it apart from traditional Monopoly.

      Monopoly Go offers a fresh and exciting experience every time you play with constantly changing challenges, rewards, and mini games. Meanwhile, the 2024 NFL schedule is anticipated with excitement, and Amy Winehouse's Back to Black movie is a must-watch for music fans. In the world of CBD products, Lazarus Naturals stands out for its transparency and commitment to quality. Looking back at history, the US had significant involvement in Panama during the 1980s, leading to the election of a US-backed president and the transformation of the Panamanian National Guard into a US-loyal military force under Noriega's control. This period saw increased US military equipment and training provided to Panama, with Noriega effectively acting as the country's leader despite being a puppet president.

    • U.S. supported Noriega despite cocaine trafficking allegationsDespite knowing about Noriega's cocaine trafficking since 1980, the U.S. continued to support him due to strategic importance until the Iran Contra scandal exposed his ties to the administration, leading to his eventual indictment and invasion in 1989.

      The U.S. government, specifically the Reagan administration, had knowledge of Noriega's involvement in cocaine trafficking since at least 1980 but continued to support him due to his strategic importance. However, when the Iran Contra scandal broke in 1986, Noriega's ties to the administration became a major issue, leading to his eventual indictment and the U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989. The Iran Contra scandal and Noriega's cocaine trafficking were interconnected, as key administration officials, including Oliver North and William Casey, were Noriega's main contacts. The public outrage over crack cocaine in the late 1980s provided an opportunity for President George H.W. Bush to address the issue and distance himself from Noriega, who was seen as a symbol of foreign drug trafficking. The media's portrayal of crack cocaine as a foreign scourge and the public's fear of its spread contributed to the U.S. government's aggressive response against Noriega and other drug traffickers.

    • Media fueled narrative of race war in Panama justifying US interventionThe media's portrayal of the crack epidemic in Panama as a race war between Panamanians and Americans was used to manufacture consent for US military intervention in 1989.

      During the late 1980s, the media and political narrative around the crack epidemic in Panama was used to justify invasive military interventions in sovereign nations, specifically Panama. This narrative was fueled by the media, which portrayed the situation as a race war between dark-skinned Panamanian supporters of General Noriega and white Americans, including US military personnel. The media's portrayal of Noriega's supporters as "government goons" and the use of footage of Noriega waving a machete created an image of Panamanians as savages. This narrative was used to manufacture consent for US military intervention, which ultimately led to the invasion of Panama in 1989. The media's role in shaping this narrative was significant, as they used the same language and phrases repeatedly to reinforce the idea of a race war. The pressure to address the crack epidemic also played a role in the US decision to intervene in Panama.

    • The US government used the drug war as a pretext to advance political and military interests in Latin America during the late 1980sThe US government exploited public fear of drugs to justify military interventions and demonize left-wing groups in Latin America, leading to invasions and the deaths of hundreds to thousands of people.

      During the late 1980s, the United States government used the drug war as a pretext to advance its political and military interests, particularly in Latin America. This is evident in the case of the DEA pushing a drug deal in Lafayette Park, which was aimed at justifying a tough stance on drugs and boosting support for a potential invasion of Panama. The public was highly receptive to this narrative, as evidenced by a poll showing that 64% of respondents believed drugs were the most pressing issue. This created an environment of war fever, with many in the military eager to use new high-tech weapons they had developed during the relative peace since Vietnam. The invasion of Panama in 1989, which was driven in part by this mindset, ultimately led to the death of hundreds, if not thousands, of people. The government's actions also had the effect of demonizing left-wing insurgents and groups supportive of them, further justifying military intervention. This strategy proved successful, with Congress making the defense department the lead agency in detecting and monitoring drug trafficking in the hemisphere in 1989.

    • The US invasion of Panama in 1989 was not an unprovoked actThe US invasion of Panama in 1989 resulted in significant civilian casualties in impoverished neighborhoods, while wealthier areas were prioritized and spared.

      The US invasion of Panama in 1989, which was justified by the White House as a response to the killing of a US marine lieutenant, was not an unprovoked act as portrayed. Instead, it was the culmination of a pattern of aggressive behavior by a small group of US troops. The invasion, which was the bloodiest war on Panamanian soil in 90 years, resulted in the leveling of densely populated neighborhoods like El Churrillo, where most of the Panamanian military and civilian population lived. The US military, which had the most advanced and deadly military apparatus in human history, gave little warning before attacking these areas, resulting in significant civilian casualties. The US press corps, which was embedded with the defense department, reported on the precision of US weapons and the minimal damage to civilian areas, but failed to cover the destruction of El Churrillo and other impoverished neighborhoods. The US invasion prioritized the preservation of wealthy neighborhoods and business interests, while the poorer communities were devastated.

    • US invasion of Panama in 1989 resulted in thousands of civilian deaths and displacementsThe US invasion of Panama in 1989 resulted in extensive civilian casualties and the destruction of the Panamanian military, with the truth about the extent of the violence being hidden for years.

      The US invasion of Panama in 1989 resulted in thousands of civilian deaths and displacements, which were extensively hidden by the US military. The invasion led to the destruction of the Panamanian military and granted the US the right to maintain a military presence in Panama. The US media and government portrayed Noriega as a demon, justifying the extreme measures taken to capture him and the resulting deaths and destruction. The truth about the extent of the violence and the reasons for the invasion were largely hidden from the public for years. The invasion served US interests, but came at a great cost to the people of Panama.

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    https://www.hrw.org/report/2023/02/15/thats-when-nightmare-started/uk-and-us-forced-displacement-chagossians-and

    https://archive.is/KvGqw#selection-1769.0-1781.535

    Vine, David. Island of Shame: The Secret History of the U.S. Military Base on Diego Garcia (p. 18). Princeton University Press. Kindle Edition.

    https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2019/2/25/how-britain-forcefully-depopulated-a-whole-archipelago/

    https://archive.org/details/webofdeceitbrita0000curt/page/432/mode/2up?q=chagos

    https://journals.openedition.org/oceanindien/2003

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Behind the Bastards
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    Behind the Bastards is doing it's annual fundraiser for the Portland Diaper Bank! We had a soft start a week or so ago but will actually be plugging it this week and next. Please help if you can!

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    https://www.hrw.org/report/2023/02/15/thats-when-nightmare-started/uk-and-us-forced-displacement-chagossians-and

    https://archive.is/KvGqw#selection-1769.0-1781.535

    Vine, David. Island of Shame: The Secret History of the U.S. Military Base on Diego Garcia (p. 18). Princeton University Press. Kindle Edition.

    https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2019/2/25/how-britain-forcefully-depopulated-a-whole-archipelago/

    https://archive.org/details/webofdeceitbrita0000curt/page/432/mode/2up?q=chagos

    https://journals.openedition.org/oceanindien/2003

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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