Free Music Download…
In the last few months I’ve been working on a new album, and since all the demos sound pretty good I decided to let people listen and download (for free).
So, here you go: http://www.antitrust.renderedred.net/antitrust_bipolar_demos/
Enjoy!
So,
what do I usually rant about? Politics, Israeli politics. Out of a million things that do piss me off, this is mostly the one I am willing to sit down, basically waste my time, and write about it.
Whatever…
So, what’s new?
Plenty.
1. Now I understand Lieberman’s role in the new government.
At first I was appalled, as everybody was, by the decision to appoint Mr. Lieberman as Foreign Minister. I mean, he’s the one that appointed Netaniyahu as Prime Minister, so why not return a favor. Not only that, but now I am beginning to understand Mr. Netaniyahu better. Every “good cop” needs a “bad cop” for the routine to work. And who’s up for “bad cop” role if not the “Bad Lieutenant” himself – Mr. Lieberman.
As far as real and stable peace agreements go, here in Israel, usually they were made and upheld by the Right (yes you are reading this correctly) rather then the Left. However, there’s no more Left in Israeli politics (thanks to Mr. Barack), so I am sort of all for this “good-bad cop” thing. It may bring something else to the table.
Moreover, as far as the Arab side goes, it is most likely that they will find a way to talk to Lieberman, because it is as simple as their usual approach. They do not respect whom they don’t fear. At least a little. So, as hard as this may be for me to admit, yes, Lieberman is the right choice. I just hope Netaniyahu doesn’t fuck up the “good cop” side of it.
2. I also understand Netaniyahu’s economic policy better now.
Lies and deceit. Simple. Effective. Plus stupidity on top.
So what is Netaniyahu trying to achieve? Same thing as President Obama or any other leader in the capitalist world. They want the “middle class” spending money. Simple. This whole huge machinery called economics or the banking system (capitalism in general) is nothing more than an enormous pyramid scheme waiting to collapse. So whenever it sort of shows that side, all capitalist governments jump up and down in an attempt to convince (or confuse) us into thinking that everything will be OK. With the help of media of course.
Because, what is capitalism all about? The rich getting richer on the account of the poor. Simple and effective. So, all in all, as soon as the “middle class” starts spending money, the machine moves on, and on, and on…
The thing is Mr. Netaniyahu is smart. Before the elections he commits to lowering taxes. That’s a great move. Nobody else does a crazy thing like this in the midst of an economic crisis. Right? By doing so, he wins the elections. Then, after the elections he increases taxes on cigarettes, alcohol and gas (which is OK) and adds VAT on fruit and vegetables. Now, that’s the real catch 22. Everybody needs to eat. EVERYBODY buys food and vegetables. Right!
Bottom line, in a true hardcore capitalist move Mr. Netaniyahu ensures popularity plus spending and even more money for the government. Cheers! That was a great move. Lowering the taxes for the higher classes (about 14%) and adding 17% VAT on an everyday commodity (basic food). You do the math, it’s simple. THEY WIN!
On the other side, to be honest, Mr. Netaniyahu never said or committed to assisting the lower classes. I guess, it’s only fair, as long as we understand that, but most of us don’t.
And, finally, the touch of stupidity on top. I heard this a few weeks ago, but now it is public. The Treasury Ministry was toying around with the idea of collecting taxes on people’s e-mails, about 3 cents per mail plus 2 cents per attachment. I mean, although the Treasury has denied it officially, how stupid can you get? Tax me for something I don’t event pay for to begin with? Talk to Google, not me.
In conclusion, it ain’t all that bad as it looks. It is actually going to be very bad, seriously…
Thank you for listening,
CAPUT58
Updated:
my saga with Bezeq International and Hot over my Internet connection that has a mind of its own. Or not!
New Demos!
My band antitrust has released two new demos from our upcoming record “bipolar”.
Visit: http://www.myspace.com/antitrustjerusalem and listen…
Thanks,
CAPUT58
Peace Agreements (1989 Onwards)
“The Peace Agreements Digital Collection, part of the Margarita S. Studemeister Digital Library in International Conflict Management, strives to contain the full text of agreements signed by the major contending parties ending inter- and intra-state conflicts worldwide since 1989. It is a collection constantly under development by the Jeannette Rankin Library Program as a means to strengthen worldwide access to information on peaceful means to end international conflict.”
With a special section for Middle East: http://www.usip.org/library/pa.html#middleeast
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