In a move that has raised eyebrows across Europe, Poland has recently passed a new form of conscription card, designed for use in the event of mobilization and during a war. The changes to this card are significant, with a 6-hour notice and severe penalties for failing to report to the army in such situations. This development comes amidst a backdrop of increasing tensions between NATO and Russia, with the latter being accused of harboring intentions to take over Europe. However, it’s worth noting that these accusations are not universally accepted, with some arguing that they are part of a larger narrative designed to justify ongoing military spending and geopolitical maneuvering.
Meanwhile, the Irish government is considering a law that could potentially criminalize the possession of memes, cartoons, or any content deemed “hateful”. The proposed bill lacks a clear definition of hate, leaving it open to potential misuse. Critics argue that this is part of a broader trend towards limiting free speech in the name of preventing hate speech.
In the Middle East, Iran has launched missile strikes against alleged Israeli “spy headquarters” near the U.S. Consulate in Irbil, Iraq, and targets linked to the Islamic State in northern Syria. The strikes resulted in civilian casualties and have been condemned by the U.S. for undermining Iraq’s stability. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claim to have hit a Mossad headquarters in the Kurdish region of Iraq and destroyed Islamic State targets in Syria. The extent of the damage from the strikes remains unknown.
In the realm of digital platforms, a prominent cancel culture activist, Casey Newton, has left the Substack platform after failing to convince the company to engage in full-blown content moderation. Newton’s departure underscores the ongoing debate about the balance between free speech and the prevention of hate speech and extremism on digital platforms.
On the economic front, the world economy is showing signs of strain, with several factors contributing to a potential downturn. These include a shift from growth to shrinkage in many parts of the economy, increasing debt burdens, and the concentration of wealth among the rich and powerful. Inflation and high food prices are particularly affecting low-income individuals, while broken supply lines and conflicts over resources are indicative of an economy reaching its limits.
In energy news, the U.S. has imported a cargo of Payara Gold crude for the first time, according to data from U.S. Customs and S&P Global Commodity Insights. The cargo, shipped by China’s CNOOC and consigned to ExxonMobil, arrived in Louisiana on January 10. This development comes as the CEO of Occidental Petroleum, Vicki Hollub, warns that the world could face an oil shortage from 2025 onwards due to a decrease in the ratio of discovered resources versus demand. This prediction underscores the need for new resources, investments, and supply to maintain current supply levels as older fields mature.
Sources
Occidental CEO Warns Oil Supply Crunch Begins Next Year
2025 and beyond is when the world is going to be short of oil.
Source | Submitted by congero1
United States Imports First Cargo of Payara Gold Crude from Guyana
The United States of America has imported a cargo of Payara Gold crude for the first time, according to data from U.S. Customs and S&P Global Commodity Insights.
Source | Submitted by racewheel1
The World Economy in 2024: An Aging System on the Brink of Collapse
In 2024, the world economy is acting more and more like an 80-year-old man than like a young vigorous economy.
Source | Submitted by aaronmckeon
Cancel Culture Activist Rage Quits Substack After Failing to Push for Censorship
Cancel Culture Warrior Casey Newton proudly displays his Monkeypox vaccine record / X.com
Source | Submitted by nils-grimley
Iran Fires Missiles at Israeli "Spy Headquarters" in Iraq and Islamic State Targets in Syria
The United States strongly condemns ‘Iran’s reckless missile strikes’ in Irbil, said State Department spokesman Matthew Miller. He said the attacks ‘undermine Iraq’s stability.’
Source | Submitted by rhollenb
Irish Government Proposes Controversial Law Criminalizing Possession of "Hateful" Content
The Irish government wants to pass a law that could see you or your loved ones jailed for the mere possession of memes, cartoons, or any content that could be deemed “hateful” unless you are a Neocon promoting hate speech to incite war with Russia.
Source | Submitted by rhollenb
Poland Passes Radical New Conscription Law, Signaling Preparation for War
The changes in this formula are significant, with the 6-hour notice and the drastic penalties for failing to report to the army in such situations clearly showing the backdrop intent for war.
Source | Submitted by rhollenb