“In his magazine debate over socialism, the late-Victorian individualist Auberon Herbert saw in the presentation of his opponent, J. A. Hobson, ‘an attempt to reduce the individual to nothingness, and on the ruins of the individual to exalt and glorify ‘the social organism.’ … Herbert asked: ‘[Is] there any solid reality in this view of the social entity, or must we treat it as a mere literary creation?’ He opted for the latter because, in fact, it is individuals all the way down.'” (07/17/26)
“People deal with [Donald Trump] as if he were a unique figure in American history and in some ways, of course, he couldn’t be more so. But not, it turns out, when it comes to American-style war. There, he seems almost boringly part of a story (now more than three-quarters of a century old) of how the seemingly greatest power on Planet Earth in the endless decades after World War II simply couldn’t — no, not ever! — win a war.” (07/17/26)
“The United States is seeking the extradition of James ‘Fergie’ Chambers from Spain, having accused the wealthy donor to Palestinian and other causes of financing ‘terrorism’. Authorities in Ibiza detained Chambers last Friday on an international arrest warrant, after the US alleged he has provided material support to Hamas, the Palestinian group that governs Gaza but is designated a ‘terror organisation’ by Washington. … Heir to the family that owns telecom giant Cox Communications, Chambers has donated more than $1m to pro-Palestine causes and humanitarian projects in Gaza.” (07/17/26)
“Creation of a Palestinian state next to Israel seemed feasible when President Bill Clinton hosted the signing of the Oslo accords at the White House in September 1993. The goal was reaffirmed in 2011 when 90 percent of the Senate co-sponsored a resolution supporting ‘a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.’ But today, the two-state scenario is far-fetched to the point of delusion if not evasion. For politicians, it has become a box to check. According to data from the American Jewish Congress, every Democrat and most Republicans on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee currently say they support ‘the two-state solution.’ Whatever the rhetoric, ending Israeli control over Palestinians in the territories occupied since 1967 is not on the table.” (07/17/26)
It’s a web-only “FIREHOSE FRIDAY” at the freedom movement’s daily newspaper. We’ve got at least 108 (maybe more by the time you read this) news stories, opinion pieces, and audio/video links awaiting your perusal here at the web edition.
We’ve been moving away from “web-only” editions the last few months, instead publishing a regular 60-item email/social media edition and posting EXTRA material to the web edition. We’ve usually got at least another 20 or so posts for you on the web.
What’s different this week (and probably next week)? Steve Trinward is traveling, and I’m covering for him, so I’ve got more work to do than usual. Don’t break out the world’s smallest violin or anything. I’m not complaining (Steve covers for me when I’m traveling, too). Going “web-only” takes just a little bit of the extra work off my plate and lets me focus on the content instead of the formatting and such.
We’re a reader-supported publication. You’re a reader. I’d like nothing better than for Steve to return from his travels (he just had a birthday, too!) with a little more money waiting for him than usual (I won’t turn down my share, either). If you find our work valuable, you can show your love for us at:
“The US launched a wave of strikes against Iran for the sixth night in a row, its military said, as the two sides battled over control of the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command (Centcom) said the attacks were intended to ‘further degrade Iranian military capabilities’, before saying it had boarded a vessel as part of its blockade of Iranian ports. State media reported that the US had hit civilian infrastructure, including bridges, a train station and an airport. The BBC has verified an attack on one bridge to the west of Bandar Abbas in Hormozgan province. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) say they have retaliated by striking US maritime surveillance radar sites in Oman as well as targets in Kuwait and Bahrain. They also claim to have attacked a US special operations command centre in Syria.” (07/17/26)
“‘I want to stop American aid,’ Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on June 30. ‘It’s like welfare; I don’t want it.’ Usually, Netanyahu gets anything he demands from Uncle Sugar. But on July 15, the US House of Representatives voted, 314-104 against even partially granting his wish. Every Republican except Thomas Massie of Kentucky, and more than half of Democrats, voted down an amendment that would have removed $3.3 billion in ‘Foreign Military Financing’ aid from the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. What’s up with that? … This may be the first time I’ve ever found myself in agreement with Benjamin Netanyahu on anything. Well, partial agreement, anyway. US aid to Israel isn’t ‘like welfare.’ It IS welfare.” (07/16/26)
“Andy Burnham will officially become leader of Britain’s governing Labour Party on Friday, clearing his final hurdle to taking office as prime minister next week. The center-left party will announce the result of a leadership contest to replace departing Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in which Burnham was the only contender. He had secured nominations from 379 of the 403 Labour lawmakers in the House of Commons as of Thursday night. … Starmer announced last month that he would resign after two years in office marred by missteps and judgment errors that eroded his standing with his party and the public.” (07/17/26)
