US: Tyranny by the book, ‘til the book is burned
As the empire suddenly restructures, healthcare, press freedom and energy security pay a steep price.
Late on Tuesday, dozens of South African organisations that provide HIV services were emailed a termination notice, noting that “continuing this programme is not in the national interest”.
Health news outlet Bhekisisa reported that some of the letters were signed off with “God bless America”.
When the new US leadership started destroying USAID – the country’s foreign aid arm – it responded to criticism by saying it had carved out exceptions for programmes like those preventing the transmission of HIV.
Opposition to this has bounced between courts, with the government ignoring or sidestepping court orders. As that fight continues, the president, Donald Trump, has persisted in volleying out decisions that rattle norms and undermine US imperial adventures.
In Africa, NBC reports that the regime wants to downsize Africom, the military department that oversees US troops on the continent and the constant, undeclared wars the US has been running under Democrat and Republican leaders. It’s unclear if this will mean fewer drone strikes. Bloomberg News reports that Power Africa, a billion-dollar programme to fund renewable energy on the continent, has been gutted.
The Trump administration is also working hard to try and ensure fewer of its decisions make it into the public. The White House has barred journalists from three major outlets: the Associated Press, Reuters and Huffington Post. It is a textbook step from any would-be dictator.
The move has been described as a violation of the country’s First Amendment, which guarantees press freedom and is used to legitimise the hate speech of the people now in power.
Well summarized. Thank you.