From Russia With Threats

In a chilling reversal of the good will that has existed between Russia and the US for more than a decade, Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a series of very serious threats in response to what he sees as US aggression in central Europe.

MOSCOW (AFP) - President Vladimir Putin issued an acerbic warning Thursday to the United States, saying the recent test of a new Russian missile was a direct response to US actions and condemning "imperialism" in world affairs.

"Our American partners have quit the ABM Treaty," Putin told reporters after meeting his Greek counterpart, referring to the landmark 1972 US-Soviet treaty limiting the missile defenses of the Cold War superpower foes.

"We warned them then that we would come out with a response to maintain the strategic balance in the world. Yesterday we conducted a test of a new strategic ballistic missile with multiple warheads, and of a new cruise missile, and will continue to improve our resources."

Unfortunately, this is a sobering reminder that the likelihood of conflict (although remote) still exists between the former superpower and the US.

Another Loss of Freedom in Venezuela

It sounds like something out of a dark science fiction movie. Television stations being shut down that run shows not approved by the dictator - programming instead being replaced with propaganda messages run by the government, "Venezuela now belongs to everyone." It's frightening.

Hugo Chavez is slick, indeed. He trumps up accusations about the only station that dares to question his leadership ability, saying they have "incited attempts on [his] life." Well, isn't that convenient. He tells his followers, those most eager to believe in what he is selling (shared wealth for everyone), what he wants them to hear, and then they do the rest. For example, while thousands protested against Chavez's closure of RCTV, his followers held a counter "anti-violence" demonstration. It's dystopic.

As Chavez tightens his grip on power, I can guarantee that the people of Venezuela will see similar justifications for the seizure of their freedoms. And, since Chavez now controls the media, the people will believe him.

Can this happen here in America? You better believe it. All it would take would be for circumstances to be bad enough, a slick politician who promises prosperity at the expense of the upper class, a willing Congress and presto! Don't believe me? That's OK... I'm sure the people of Venezuela thought it was absurd ten years ago, too.

Wild, Extreme Weather Threatens US

Tornadoes in the plains, floods in the Midwest, fires in the southwest and southeast, and a tropical storm in the Atlantic.

Main article HERE.

Major Flooding in the Midwest Could Rival "Great Flood of 1993"

Five levees along the Missouri River have burst sending thousands scrambling for shelter as the water levels continue to rise. A state of emergency has been declared in Missouri, and throughout several counties in Kansas.

AGENCY, Mo. (AP) - Five burst levees along the Missouri River sent a deluge of water that submerged the tiny town of Big Lake on Tuesday, as thousands in the region fled their homes amid warnings that the flooding could near the devastation of 1993.

The levees broke Monday south of Big Lake and the rush of river water immersed the town on Tuesday, said Mark Sitherwood, presiding commissioner of Holt County. Many of the buildings in town had several feet of water inside, said Holt County Clerk Kathy Kunkel.

Read more HERE.