In Austria, large agricultural corporations are attempting to patent the genetic material of vegetables, plants and even beer, using CRISPR genetic engineering to claim exclusive rights to natural traits such as disease and pest resistance. The practice undermines the protections of conventionally bred plants, which allow companies to control different plant species and food varieties. Despite Austria’s opposition to GMOs, a court ruling prevents the country from banning them, and the European Commission has approved the use of CRISPR without labeling, making it difficult for consumers to avoid genetically modified products. In addition, new rules are being proposed that could criminalize the free exchange of seeds between farmers and gardeners, threatening traditional vegetable and grain varieties.

The increasing implementation of surveillance and control mechanisms via digital IDs and biometric systems raises concerns about potential authoritarianism. Governments and private sectors are working together to improve these systems, which rely heavily on digital IDs and extensive surveillance. Recent political events, including the attempted assassination of Donald Trump and the announcement of JD Vance as his vice presidential candidate, have fueled discussions about the manipulation of public opinion and the role of social networks and data brokers in shaping narratives. The intersection of intelligence agencies and venture capital, with companies like Palantir playing a major role, highlights the privatization of surveillance and its implications for pre-crime and predictive policing. The conversation also touches on stablecoins and their potential to augment the existing financial system, advocating for alternative financial systems that prioritize individual freedom and privacy.

British journalist Richard D. Hall is set to stand trial over his claims that the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing was a staged event. Hall’s 2020 documentary suggested that the bombing involved pyrotechnics, a practice scenario and state agents, and that the bomber, Salman Abedi, was an intelligence operative. In April 2023, the Hibberts sued Hall for libel and harassment, leading to a High Court ruling in their favour. The judge upheld the official story of the bombing as a terrorist attack and Hall was ordered to pay damages. His appeal was dismissed in June 2024, and a trial is scheduled for July 2024. Iain Davis, who championed Hall’s research, argues that the bombing was a hoax and a psychological attack on the public, continuing Hall’s quest for justice in his book The Manchester Attack.

Larry and Pepe Escobar’s conversation in Moscow delves into several geopolitical topics, including the global response to the attempted assassination of Trump and its significant impact in Southeast Asia, China, and Japan. They explore the implications of Trump’s near-death experience and the perceived failures of the Secret Service. The conversation shifts to the US’ aggressive stance on China and Iran, with the selection of JD Vance as Trump’s vice president seen as strategic. They discuss Thailand’s geopolitical position, its strong relations with China, and the potential impact of joining the BRICS. The conversation also covers the situation in Yemen, the role of the Houthis, and the broader geopolitical implications in the Middle East. They reflect on the changing global landscape, the decline of Western influence, and the rise of new economic and political powers in Asia, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and adaptation.

Sources

Austrian farmers face genetic engineering crisis as companies patent nature

Companies win, but breeders, farmers and we as consumers lose.

Source | Submitted by Shplad

Attempted assassination of Trump sparks debate over surveillance, AI and political power games

If you look at what it’s working towards, and if we have such a system where peace is created through surveillance, mass surveillance, and peace is created through a police state and all of those kinds of things, then you can have an extremely authoritarian, totalitarian government maintaining order.

Source | Submitted by rhollenb

Richard D. Hall to face trial over Manchester Arena bombing hoax claims

In April 2023, Martin and Eve Hibbert filed a lawsuit against Richard D. Hall for defamation and harassment, alleging that his statements damaged their reputations and caused distress.

Source | Submitted by Andrew

Trump assassination attempt creates pop phenomenon in Asia, raises questions about US security

Not just here, Larry, all over China. I’m going to Hong Kong tomorrow. I’ll be following the last two days of the Beijing plenum in Hong Kong. It’s better to follow in Hong Kong because you have a certain amount of room to maneuver, you know, it’s not too regimented and the information flow is fantastic.

Source | Submitted by rhollenb