Tourist traps

It's always lovely to go and eat where locals go. There are no doubt. Twelve out of twelve blogging friends, who left a comment on my previous post, agree on this. I appreciate my blogging friends sharing their point of view on tourist accomodation and restaurants run by big corporations. Thank you for that. 

A tourist trap is a location, like a shop, restaurant or attraction, that caters specifically to visitors and preys on them with high prices, low quality and inauthentic goods. The photo above shows a Cape Verdean woman running a small shop selling traditional handicrafs. I hope shops like that one one will be never run by big corporations.

               

This morning, on a sunny Sunday, while I was going to the beach I drove through the countryside covered with sunflowers 🌻☀🚗 I have noticed there are a lot of sunflowers in Rome's surroundings. Perhaps the production of this cereal has been increased in Italy because it is no longer possible to import it from Ukraine and Russia.

This Sunday is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. 

Have a lovely Sunday and a great new week ☀  

Direct participants in Israel war crimes

With regards to the ongoing massacre carried out by Israel, I think it is not a coincidence the fact that since October 7th, 2023, at least 227 journalists have been killed in the Palestinian territories of Gaza and West Bank. Israel's war on Gaza is the deadliest conflict for media workers ever recorded. And it is not a coincidence that Israel's stock market has broken record this year amid raging multifront wars, outperforming the world mayor stock markets. As recently mentioned by the United Nations special rapporteur, Francesca Albanese, Tel Aviv's stock exchange has increased by 179 % "since the war in Gaza began" in October 2023. She also specified that Israel has set up an economy of genocide and ethnic cleansing. 

Obviously our media system doesn't spread these news. 

              

In addition, leaders of the so called civilized world are not neutral observers to the genocide in Gaza. They are direct participants in Israel war crimes, providing them with the weapons, intelligence and diplomatic cover to carry out a systematic massacre of Palestinian women and children. Needless to point out that the US is the Israel military's biggest supplier. That's how would be dangerous an unipolar world, where one state holds a dominant position of power, potentially leading to instability and conflict.

In the meanwhile, the EU decided not to suspend its association agreement with Israel at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on the 15th July, 2025. This means the EU gives Israel the green light for more genocide and ethnic cleansing. 

Regarding on the EU's position on the Russia-Ukraine war, we are witnessing the celebration of Brussels' hypocritical double standard. 

Newlyweds in Venice

 

Yesterday Jeff Besoz and Lauren Sanchez's Venetian wedding came to a close with a final star-studded party. The events are estimated to cost about € 40 million, or $ 55.6 million. This figures bring to mind people who are homeless because they can not afford  the rents costs. 

According to a study by Willian J. Robinson, there were 130,000 homeless people in Los Angeles in 2021,  1,000 of whom died in the street in 2022.   

Have a nice Sunday ☀

Dutch-Italian street-artist Jorit Agoch

 

The above photo shows the mural made by the Dutch-Italian street-artist Jorit Agoch. The mural is dedicated to Ilaria Cucchi, who lost her brother Stefano under terrible circumstances. Her brother suffered a violent beating by Italian police officers (Carabinieri) in Rome. In Naples, Jorit Agoch dedicated a Mural to Ilaria Cucchi

I am going to visit thermal bath complexes in Budapest in the next days. That's why I will be out of blogging for a while. 

Continuation of inequality

I would like to thank those blogger friends who have shared their thought about political and economic interest that are fueling wars in East Europe and Middle East. Despite it is easy to understand that many people don't like to talk about this hot topic, I think it's time to write down a few thoughts about predators interested in starting and maintaining wars.

The main problem, in my opinion, is that the high level of weapons & missiles spending is strictly related to the fact that the military industrial complex is privatized in a widely known part of the world. In this perspective, it's no coincidence that private arms manufacturers sell most of their products to governments, whose policy-makers behave as puppets. 

                                         

But that's not all, as coincidentally the main investors of arms manufacturers are the top ten world investment management companies. The question is who will be the next? Moldova, Georgia, Taiwan or Iran? War spending is the main mechanism for increasing the concentration of capital among the 0.05 percent richer people. This means the continuation of inequality.

42,409 Palestinians killed since Oct. 2023

 42,409 Palestians killed in Israel's attack on Gaza Strip since October 2023. 

Just a few figures could help us to understand why this genocide will not go to an end soon, unfortunately. The state of Palestine, which consists of  the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza Strip, was declared in 1988. Since then 146 countries have recognized Palestine as a sovereign state. Consequently, it's easy to see that  many countries that haven't recognised yet Palestine as a state are in a subordinate position to the United States. And, as it is known, Washington's elite are sending weapons and missiles to Israel ... needless to mention that more Jews live in the US than in Israel and Jews represent more almost 10% of the population of New York state.

According to some NGOs, "The world cannot continue to stand by as Israel's government commits these atrocities". In addition to the "orrifying level of atrocity",  since the beginning of October no food has been allowed in Northern Gaza area.

I took a photo of that war ship some months ago. Sorry if some blogger friends are not interested in the genocide taking place in that corner of the Middle East. I will try not to publish any more posts about this topic. 

Three months without international assistance

 

On the basis of the current figures,  on average 247 Palestinians have been killed each day by Israel. They include 48 mothers each day,  which means two of them every hour.  And 117 children have been killed every day.  In addition,  since 7th October hospitals have been attacked every day.

According to international law, reprisal may be carried out in response to an attack. And reprisals are, firstly, activated by illegal act of a delinquet state and, secondly, they must be in propotion to the seriousness of the violations committed by the enemy.  But on 7th October the enemy wasn't Palestinian people. Israel was attacked by a terrorist organization that has nothing to do with Palestinian State, as everybody knows that Palestinian people couldn't fund such terrorist organization.

United Nation General Assembly resolutions calling for humanitarian cease fire have been ignored. 

In this context, the so called civilized world remains silent. 

Never again

 

I know I have bored you since October 7th, due to the fact that I sometimes speak about Gaza's  massacre. But I am sorry to hear that the United States' government vetoes Security Council draft resolution that would have demanded a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.

I have never heard of collective punishment of innocent people, as we see in Gaza. And, in this context, the EU should have been arguing for the protection of civilians in Gaza. On the contrary, while a genocidal war is going on, the EU president, Von Der Leyen, says: "Europe stands with Israel". But who gives her the right to speak for the citizens of Europe? We, Europeans, stand for justice for the people of Palestine. We disagree on  Israel airstrike, open declaration of siege, and fuel, electricity and water left. Not to mention of killing of children, women, journalists, nurses and doctors!

As mentioned by the Australian senator, Lidia Thorpe, at every genocide the world cries "never again". 

On the wrong side of history

Israel's crimes against humanity still continue in Gaza. But is the hitting of hospitals and ambulance convoys still illegal under the International law? And while Westerners and many Middle East countries are turning a blind eye on the massacre in Gaza, the ICC  continues to lose credibility. On the contrary, If Russia, China or Iran were to do the same atrocities as we see in the Israel-Palestine conflict, they would be prosecuted by ICC. 

In the meanwhile, Palestinian death toll in Gaza since October 7th had passed 15,500 including 6,500 children. And the death toll of Palestinian journalists has rised to 73. 

As mentioned by the Turkish president recently, this time the so-called civilized world's societies are on the wrong side of history in the Israeli genocide of Palestinian people who live in Gaza.

Support

The image below doesn't need any description. I have realized that situations like these were what turned people into hypocrites. Not to mention of brainwashed people 🇸🇩

Have a nice Sunday ☀️

Many powers are trying to escalate the war

I have been astonished since I heard that Britain should engage directly in war against Russia. The head of the British Parliament defence committee, Mr. Ellwood, recently said: "We are at war in Europe, we need to move to martial law". It's easy to see that some Western powers want (and need) the Ukrainian-Russian war to escalate. 

In this context, the fact that on February 11 Zelensky will be reached via video call, during Italy's festival song, is sparking political controversy. A petition against the speech of Ukrainian president at the Sanremo Festival has been launched in Italy. It is noted that more than 90,000 signatures have been collected until now. The petition, which has been signed by public figures, writers and artists, is against sending weapons to Ukraine, as Italy must end all direct or indirect assistance to one of the parties to the war. 

https://www.byoblu.com/sanremo-libera/

I hope most people will understand soon that the enemy is not China, it is not Russia. The enemy is the military industrial complex. Once again I would like to write Pope Francis' quote about the war in East Europe. In 2022 Pope Francis said: "NATO barking at Russia's doors could have alarmed the Kremlin".

Meanwhile, those politicians calling for weapons & missiles to Ukraine, never call for weapons and missiles for the people of Palestine or for the people of Yemen.

BlackRock

US, UK & EU are sending billions to Kyiv to supply Ukraine with weapons and anti-missile systems. Who pays for that? We, taxpayers.

And who benefits from that? Weaponry manufacturers, obviously.  But who is the largest shareholder in weapon manufacturers? BlackRock. 

Last but not least: who is going to "reconstruct" Ukraine's buildings, highways and power stations after the war? BlackRock. 

It's so simple! We can understand it. 

Middle class and working class have nothing to gain from wars

Since the Ukraine-Russia war began early this year, most politicians in USA, UK, and EU have been calling for weapons and missiles to Ukraine. But they haven't sent any weapon in other countries that have been invaded. As mentioned by Clare Daly, Irish member of the EU Parliament, Western powers have never called for weapons and missiles for people of Palestine or for people of Yemen. 

Meanwhile, this morning four Palestinians have been killed and nearly 20 others injured by Israeli forces operating in an occupied  sovereign country (Palestine's West Bank). At least 164 Palestinians (civilians) have been killed by Israeli forces in the occupied territories since January 2022. 

If USA, UK, and EU's policy-makers were interested in negotiation, we would see peace agreements in Ukraine, Palestine, Yemen, etc.

Italy's first female Prime Minister

 

Far-right Giorgia Meloni and her right-wing alliance will have control of both houses of the Italian Parliament. Election night victory is Mrs. Meloni first step to become Italy's first female Prime Minister. 

But don't worry! This doesn't change anything, as unemployment will continue to rise and weapons & missiles will be shipped to Ukraine again and again. And migrants smugglers will continue their dirty job. Not to mention that many so called migrants, who arrive in South Italy from North Africa (who are only men), wear Adidas & Nike shoes and have Sansung smartphone. 

We see what she will be able to do.  

In the meanwhile, the outgoing Italy's Prime Minister, Mario Draghi, has been honoured with the World Statesman Award by Rabbi Arthur Schneider. The latter is Appael of Conscience Foundation's president and founder. During the gala cerimony, in New York early last week, the former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger sat beside Draghi at the reception in the Pierre Hotel. 

It's easy to see who rules the Western World!

Land of the free

In November 2021 Angelique Coetzee, a South African Doctor, discovered the Omicron Covid-19 strain. She said that same European governments pressured her not to reveal publicly that Omicron was a mild illness. They asked her to say that it was a serious illness. She declined! Dr. Angelique Coetzee answered: "In South Africa Omicron is a mild illness, but in Europe it is a very serious one. That's what your politicians wanted to hear". 

https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/plus236780035/Omikron-Entdeckerin-Man-wird-mich-nicht-zum-Schweigen-bringen.html?

Never has there been a time that each and every one of us must let our voices be heard to defend our right to freedom. It's easy to see that many governments around the world are threatening with a complete disregard of laws and constitutional principles. Why are those governments forcing people to sign a piece of paper where it is written down in black and white that they didn't force them? People will not and should not undergo passively this abuse. Why are they using the tools of cowards? Those are the exact same methods of the organized crime: "pay or we burn down your home". It is called extortion!

Some people have doubt! I think people have an entitlement and freedom of choice, without bullying and harassment, blackmail, and threatening to take the job away. Not to mention of social life. Many people say no to the discrimination towards those of us who wants their free choice of not being vaccinated.

France, US, Italy, Greece, Austria, Luxembourg, etc. ... that's the land of the free. Land of the free!

Welcome to the new inequality!

Less than one month ago W.H.O. Chief, dr. Tedros Adhranom Ghebreyesus, said: 

"Every day there are six times more boosters administered globally than primary doses in low-income countries. This is a scandal that must stop now". Dr. Tedros reiterated that only immunocompromised people should be administered booster doses. According to reports, more than 36 countries are currently administering booster doses.

"It make no sense to give boosters to healthy adults or to vaccinate children when older people and other high-risk groups are still waiting for their first dose." The exception, as Dr. Tedros said, are immunocompromised individuals who are unable to fight infections. 

People who represent one third of world population are still waiting for their first dose.

Pharma companies' abusive vaccine deals

The world's largest pharmaceutical company, which is in talk with about 100 countries around the world, will be delivering 2 billion vaccine doses this year. But a lot of people don't know that the company ask some countries in South America to create a guarantee found. 

When the Covid-19 epidemic began to spread across the Northern hemisphere in early 2020, the CEO of the world's largest pharma company hypocritically said: "We believe that every person deserves to be seen, heard and cared for. That's why from the very beginning our vaccine development program, our company has been firmly committed to working towards equitable and affordable access of Covid-19 vaccines for people around the world".

According to the pharma companies' deals, Brazil and other countries have to take in consideration delay in vaccine delivery. It means that the Brazilian government can not penalise pharmaceutical companies for delayed delivery. 

In addition to this, manufacturer of pharmaceuticals will be exempted from all civil liability. The company also wants sovereign assets as guarantee, such as military bases, embassy buildings and sovereign founds. In other words, a vaccine maker asks for a country's military basis in return of vaccines.

While EU, Chinese and Indian pharmaceutical companies are selling free vaccines to poorer countries, there are big vaccine makers which are bullying countries. Not to mention of someone who refuses to sell vaccine raw materials and says no to sharing vaccine formulas to developing countries.

Meanwhile, while Covid-19 cases were increasing in the EU, Austria's government announced strict lockdown measures. There are fears other EU countries might do the same. It's easy to see that current vaccines may not be the ideal match for new variants, although pharmaceutical and biotech stocks have been rising on the markets.

Blunting the edge of fiscal paradises

Two weeks ago leaders of world's 20 richest countries gathered for summit in Rome with the aim of adopting corporate tax rules. The agreement is aimed at "blunting the edge of fiscal paradises". As it is known, multinational companies make money in one country and move their profits to another.

In this contexts, about 14 countries representing more than 90% of global economic output endorsed the agreement which aims to raise more revenue for most governments and offer stability to international businesses. Consequently, profits of big companies will face tax at least 15% under pact approved at the 2021 Rome's G20 summit.  In addition to this, companies have to be taxed in territories where they sell their products and services, rather than where they are headquartered. But four countries (Pakistan, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, and Kenia) rejected the deal, as they said it will not be sustainable. 

I hope the agreement will be useful to end decades of competition between countries to attract foreign investments.

The 1st picture above shows the neighborhood of Rome where the G20 summit was held in late October. The tall white building in the picture, which was designed in 1938, is an example of the Italian Rationalism (someone would like to call it as fascist architecture). The style resembles that of the ancient Rome. This neighborhood is a business district, nowadays. And the building is known in everyday speech as "Swiss cheese" or "Square Colosseum".

Constitutional clashes on the EU's green pass

Everything surronding Covid-19 has become politicized since many EU countries use the Digital Covid Certificate to grant or deny access to nightlife venues, restaurants, cafees, and other public spaces.  The vaccine passport has become a condition for every day life also in Italy, although most Italian people are still observing social distancing rules perfectly. Italian people are also wearing masks everywhere.

According to many researches, people who have been vaccinated or previously infected with the Covid-19 are able to catch and spread the virus. That's the main reason why last month Spain's Supreme Court ruled against using vaccine passport to restrict access to public spaces. It's the first judicial authority to do so in Europe, as using vaccine passport to prevent access to public spaces may not be useful to prevent the spreading of the infection. In this perspective, it seems that Italian policy makers still pretend to misunderstand the EU principles of effectiveness, necessity and proportionality.  

In many EU countries people who haven't a green pass are banned from public spaces, basic freedoms and services, although it is already clear that there is no difference between the vaccinated and the unvaccinated with regards to the Delta variant. In this context, it's easy to see that pharmaceutical and health product companies are spending billions on lobbying politicians around the world. At the moment, in Spain it is not the case. 

In Italy, the protests against the Covid health pass have now been going for 10 weeks.

Surplus vaccine doses

The COVID-19 pandemic has made clear global inequality of our time, as only two percent of people who live in the African continent has been fully vaccinated.

According to Airinfinity Ltd, a science information company headquartered in London, western developed countries could have 1.2 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses by the end of this year. As a matter of fact, surplus COVID-19 vaccine shots in US, UK, EU and Japan will not be shipped to poorer countries.

As said by the WTO spokeperson, Keith Rockwell, if we were to delocalise part of vaccine production in developing countries, more shots would go into arms in Africa and Andean countries. Not mention of Israeli data which shows vaccinated people are becoming ill with COVID-19, but that's another story.