Top Five 2007 Self-Censored Stories Among Dissenters … Thus Far

I love the “Censored Stories” annually published by Seven Stories Press. Here’s a prematurely-put-together potluck of items for today’s meal, which focus on what we blot out of our own minds … without much help from culpable mainstream media outlets.

1. Why is so much fuss being made over the recent oil spill around San Francisco while virtually nothing is being reported/discussed about the “simultaneous” spill in the Black Sea.
Context: Dozens of birds and beaches were affected in the Bay Area while 30,000 birds were killed on the Russian/Ukraine border … extending ecological catastrophe over a much greater area. Also, people died and four freighters went down along the Crimean coast. Is it that someone’s discovered the birds were communists? If there’s going to be a death penalty for anything, why isn’t it applied to the individual — and, surely, there was one person responsible — who gave the green light for a tanker without a double hull to be in the Kerch Strait’s heavy seas? To remain there even after official warnings were issued.
Category: Ecological Catastrophe

2. Why do celebrities like Don Cheadle and George Clooney and Brad Pitt agree to do an “African” special in Vanity Fair when they know that Condy Rice and George W. are going to be getting feathers in their caps alongside them while Bono gets away with blending GAP and his RED project in a very fashionable, favorable light?
Context: It should be called “Vanity Unfair,” but at least Archbishop Desmond Tutu put himself in a prayer position (with eyes closed) as he was forced to pose with Bush for the July issue.
Category: That’s Entertainment!

3. Why are so many prescription drugs (like Celebrex, designed to treat arthritis pain) so popular with doctors and the public when the number of suicides and serious (possible) side effects are astronomical?
Context: The length of the “warning” points in the literature which accompanies distribution of the Pfizer product (and so many others) is unbelievable. When one thinks about the fact that people in general (let alone the unassisted elderly) will not plow through all the small print, it’s a wonder that so much political fuss is made over making prescription drugs available to one and all in health plans.
Category: Ongoing Abominations.

4. Why are so few activists who’ve wanted to incorporate people of color into the ranks of anti-war protests joining hands with members of the Latino community over the monumentally important/historic immigration issue?
Context: In a recent study out of Teachers College, Columbia University only one in ten anti-war activists questioned indicated that they had made an effort to do so. All else aside, our ages-old-tradition of vigilante action, being implemented along the border now with official sanction, is no less a horror than what went on with the tolerated/encouraged lynching of African-Americans throughout U.S. history.
Category: That’s Soldiarity!

5. Regarding the Minot-Barksdale Nuclear Missile Flight, why, out of over 900 high school Social Studies teachers canvassed, has there been no discussion of the “mistake” in “Current Events” school segments?
Context: Immediately after reading Dave Lindorff’s timely rundown of the event, I had my contacts across this “great” nation telephone 85 teachers (on average) in eleven states. I don’t know if things changed following his follow-up piece.
Categories: Ostrich Syndrome and That’s Education!

Marcelle Cendrars, freelancing daughter of Blaise Cendrars, can be reached at: bcendra@yahoo.com. She is the "Provost" of San Jose, California's Free Underground College to Kindergarten Educational Retreat, a home school network of dissenting citizens who encourage parents to have their children drop out of mainstream institutions, and make use of alternative educational options. Read other articles by Marcelle, or visit Marcelle's website.

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  1. Marcelle Cendra said on November 17th, 2007 at 8:04pm #

    Thanks to the DVoice gang for posting this. For readers, please note that regarding #5, there has been NO change (since I wrote this piece) vis-a-vis what’s being discussed in those classrooms (the ones where there’s been follow-up, which total over a hundred). You’d think a first contact, let alone a second, would encourage something positive. But “no,” thus far. Regarding #4, I recommend that one and all acquire No One Is Illegal: Fighting Racism and State Violence on the U.S.-Mexico Border if you want to get motivated to reach out in solidarity to the Latino Community. The book is by Justin Akers Chacon and Mike Davis, a 2006 Haymarket book. Getting ready to do so myself…so if you’re in California, please get in touch with me at bcendra[at]yahoo[dot]com.

  2. Dave Lindorff said on November 18th, 2007 at 7:40pm #

    It’s interesting to imagine what would have happened if the six missing nukes had gone missing under the same circumstances–mounted on cruise missiles in launch position on a Russian “Bear” intercontinental bomber.

    Answer: It would have been a banner story in every US newspaper and the lead on every TV news program for days. And Congress would have had several committees actively investigating it.

    Yet because it happened here, it wasn’t news and nobody in Congress gives a damn. They’re happy to take the Air Force at its word that it was an honest “mistake.”

  3. Jeremy Wells said on November 18th, 2007 at 9:21pm #

    The #1 story forever censored by “Progressive” media, the essential perspective that is never allowed a regular program on Pacifica, the one topic Amy Goodman never discusses on DEMOCRACY NOW!, the story that is more suppressed than the essential truth of atheism, and that is this:

    GLOBAL CAPITALISM AND ESPECIALLY U.S. CAPITALISM MUST END IF THERE IS ANY HOPE FOR SURVIVAL OF HUMANITY.

    If you want to end War(s) in the Middle East, the profit generated by war must end.

    If you want to end Global Warming, destruction of the enviornment, the profitable polluters must be put out of business.

    If you want true universal health care for all, the profit factor must be taken out of health care.

    If you want any kind of political democracy, corporate money must be taken out of politics.

    Two books to begin to understand how the world really works today.

    Naomi Klein’s SHOCK DOCTRINE: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism.

    James Petras. “Rulers and Ruled in the U.S. Empire: Bankers, Zionists, Militants”

    “A brilliant and succinct guide to the systemic dimensions of the US empire —
    The social forces which rule it, the politico-economic and military means whereby US domination is assured, and the current state and possibilities of resistance.”

    To cut through the rubbish of periodicals such as THE NATION, or NPR radio, and for a “reality check” read daily the World Socialist Web Site http://www.wsws.org

    Both Democratic and Republican parties are corporate controlled. We desperately need a new socialist party to end the corporate rule of the federal government.
    A socialist party of, by and for the economic needs of the vast majority of people.

  4. Marcelle Cendra said on November 18th, 2007 at 9:43pm #

    I’m very glad that you made this contribution to the commentary, Jeremy. However, I think the scorecard is in regarding the potential for achieving significant, ongoing change vis-a-vis the electoral system…following old models. The electoral system might have to be embraced to some degree, but, if so, it must be made use of in a new way. Not just by having a third or fourth party compete with the “major” parties –which because of the huge influence of their CAPITAL and related elements– will not allow a level playing field at the ballot box. I have a plan to make use of the electoral system in California…which I’m going to put on the table for a group’s consideration tomorrow. Wish me well. If they pick it up and run with it, we’ll have an excellent shot at getting somewhere (along the lines of what I’m sure you’d love)…making use of the ballot box following a new paradigm. If anyone reading this is in California, I can run it by you in person upon request possibly. One of the aspects of any new approach that’s crucial is working the initial stages in confidence. The old way would be to announce that such and such a party…with such and such a platform…is planning to do such and such…on particular dates, etc. To accomplish anything in any realm against hard core capitalists (in charge)…we’re going to have to make use of the element of surprise. Or we’ll get crushed. Low profile whatever you do as much as possible. That’s for starters. Best in solidarity, MC

  5. Siamdave said on November 19th, 2007 at 1:42am #

    Capitalism is indeed the enemy that too few people dare to confront directly. It’s talked about considerably more in a new online book called ‘They’re Building a Box – and You’re In It’ here – http://www.rudemacedon.ca/dlp/box/box-intro.html

  6. Marcelle Cendra said on November 19th, 2007 at 8:42am #

    Thanks to Dave for joining in, of course. Thanks to you all. Regarding Siamdave’s contribution, I took a look at the link provided, and I’m wondering if I missed something. Specifically, at the opening of the “Building a Box” rap the author states that there’s a “solution” that won’t be easy, but which is doable. Perhaps I read through the piece too quickly. Can you condense in a sound bite what the “solution” is as per the author? Again, I have a “solution” which I’m going to put on the table for consideration this very day, here in San Jose, California. To a very influential group. Anyone in the area…please…I encourage you to contact me…so that you can join in on the blah blah. In solidarity, Marcelle

  7. hp said on November 22nd, 2007 at 3:16pm #

    I think the most self censored story is the number of dual Israeli-American citizens in positions of power in the government. Especially in positions of foreign policy. Wink, wink, nod, nod.

  8. Marcelle Cendra said on November 23rd, 2007 at 8:29am #

    Yes. Elaborate on that for one and all, if you will, hp. — Marcelle

  9. hp said on November 23rd, 2007 at 8:36pm #

    We all know their names, who they are. The big pushers of the demonic war on Iraq. The liars, the bastards, the cowardly killers, aka, neocons, aka Zionists.
    Former Pentagon Comptroller on 9-11= Dov Zakheim-dual Israeli.
    Former Deputy Secretary of War on 9-11=Paul Wolfowitz-dual Israeli. Former assistant Secretary of War=Richard Perle-dual Israeli.
    Former Undersecretary of War for Policy =Douglas Feith-dual Israeli.
    Former Undersecretary for Political Affairs on 9-11=Marc Grossman-dual Israeli.
    Former Director of CIA on 9-11=George Tenet-dual Israeli.
    Former Assistant attorney General on 9-11, now head of Homeland Security=Michael Chertoff-dual Israeli.
    New Attorney General=Michael Mukasey-dual Israeli.
    Philip Zelikow=led 911 cover up commission=appointed Counselor of US Department of State-dual Israeli.
    Ari Fleischer=White House spokesman on 9-11-dual Israeli.
    Elliot Abrams=former National Security Counsel member-dual Israeli.
    Lewis “Scooter” Libby=convicted of lying (Valerie Plame)-dual Israeli.
    William Kristol=Editor of Weekley Standard-dual Israeli.
    Henry Kissinger=dual Israeli.
    Kenneth Adelman=Defense Policy Board for Rumsfeld-dual Israeli.
    Donald Kagan=Yale historian-dual Israeli.
    Richard Haas=President Council on Foreign Relations-dual Israeli.
    Robert Satloff=Director WINEP-dual Israeli.
    David Frum =speech writer for Bush-dual Israeli.

    I could go on and on and on and continue into the fields of TV, movies, publishing, banking, etc., etc., etc.
    You get the picture.
    In fact, I’m sure this could be continued to include similar situations and positions in most European countries as well as Canada.
    How this huge and proven to be monsterously destructive subversive force could exist right under our noses is indeed quite a story.
    I think it is the story of the last and present century.

  10. Deadbeat said on November 28th, 2007 at 11:45pm #

    How this huge and proven to be monstrously destructive subversive force could exist right under our noses is indeed quite a story.
    I think it is the story of the last and present century.

    The reason is that Zionist was able to exploit the U.S. racist history and racist attitudes.

  11. hp said on November 29th, 2007 at 2:29pm #

    Do you think perhaps greed sits higher up on the list than racism?
    Racism has been know to dissipate dramatically when green appears.

  12. Marcelle Cendra said on November 30th, 2007 at 8:44am #

    Instead of going blah blah on questions such as whether or not class supersedes race…or talking ourselves to death regarding the degree to which Zionists or others have a hand in this or that…perhaps some readers can jump into the ranks of the Action Brigade, trying their hand at making a difference on the ground…as opposed to the ethereal realm of words. All commentary –in these days of urgency– should remain very conscious of the need for taking action which follows a new paradigm. If anyone is in California I recommend direct contact with me asap. There’s something that can be done. — Marcelle

  13. hp said on November 30th, 2007 at 12:55pm #

    Boycott Israel for starters.

  14. Marcelle Cendra said on November 30th, 2007 at 8:11pm #

    Boycotting any particular group, regardless of how influential/horrible, etc., won’t cut the mustard. Not as a fundamental rallying point for necessary solidarity…as long as the usual ways of going about such actions are followed. Again, for readers, I have a proposal to share. Please contact me. –Marcelle

  15. Cool Breeze said on November 24th, 2008 at 4:19am #

    Well, Mrs or Miss Cendra,
    I find your respnse to HP quite lofty and frankly dismissive. You ask for actions of solidarity and he offers one of boycotting, which is and has been a very powerful and effective form of solidarity. Isn’t that what you ask parents to do with regards to removing their children from mainstream institutions? Or is that more of a neccessary boycott inititative than, say, unemployed American workers forming solidarity around a boycott of many products made in China? Whatch the double standard trap Please!