Israel has finalized its awful government.
Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, finally formed the most right-wing and ‘religiously conservative’ government in the nation’s short history. He’s gone so far as to appoint ultranationalist Itamar Ben-Gvir as minister of national security, a man so violently extreme that the government wouldn’t let him join the Israeli Occupation Forces as a teenager. He’s sure to be popular with the oppressive and violent supporters of apartheid.
The incoming coalition has pledged to expand illegal Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, a move that will most certainly deepen the ongoing oppression and violent suppression of Palestinians. And the coalition members also agreed to prioritize far-reaching changes that would curb the power and influence of the “independent judiciary”. Just a few of the measures that Western critics warn “risk damaging Israel’s democratic system” and “pave the way for racism and discrimination against minorities.” Fortunately, here at The Mourning, we understand perfectly that the way in Israel has been paved for decades, and it’s awash in Palestinian blood.
Side Items
Andrew Tate, the dingleberry provocateur misogynist scamfluencer was arrested/detained by Romanian police yesterday in a late entry for biggest self-inflicted L of 2022. Tate and his brother Tristan were brought in on charges of human trafficking and rape, not the kinda stuff you get for not paying parking tickets. Romanian authorities apparently needed proof that Tate was in the country so they reportedly used his recent social media rants against teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg, an actual child. His absurd video featured him bragging in front of a pizza from a Romanian chain, Jerry's Pizza, confirming he was in fact in the country
Pele Passes On: The final living icon of the biggest sport on the planet, Pele (born Edson Arantes do Nascimento), passed away yesterday at the ripe age of 82. The 3 time World Cup champion, Brazilian and global legend, greatest to ever play the game, the one who turned it from sport to art and proved that it was called “The Beautiful Game” for a reason. One of the first black superstars on TV and in sports on a global scale. A man who could literally bring pause to a civil war. The loss of life is sad, as it was tough seeing him weakened with illness towards the end of his life, but his legacy, the stories and the wisdom of Pele will live on
I guess it’s only right to include Viv: Vivienne Westwood also passed away at 81 years old. The fashion designer who defined the look of punk, using rock iconography, bits and pieces of royalty, art and religion as recurring motifs (French word alert) in collections that brought rebelliousness to the table of British style, and who later went on to a long successful career in high fashion. The greats really took one look towards the future and decided, “no thanks chap”
Best/Worst Reads of 2022
Best: Designing Palestinian Futures: This long and thoroughly enjoyable read tells the story of Palestinian women and feminist organizations that are reimagining what liberation can look like beyond national independence. It’s refreshing and empowering to read about people resisting and making change every day without yearning for a lost past or idly waiting for the promise of freedom. I hope 2023 brings that ability of rebellious self-improvement to us all
Best on Worst: Southwest Screw-Up: This wonderful read gets at the heart of the problems Southwest has stirred up this week with flight cancellations. Our broken system is currently deliberately set up to create mutual antagonism between powerless members of the working class, in this case pitting flying passengers against the low-wage counter workers and less-than-helpful help line attendants. Meanwhile, faceless corporate executives remain shielded like mob bosses, far removed from the action and from taking any responsibility, the modern definition of ‘customer service’
Worst: When SBF Was Still A Genius: Remember that glowing interview/profile some reporter did on SBF, the crypto-wunderkind, just a few months ago?? Well that aged about as well as an open jar of mayonnaise on a sunny day. It’s always enjoyable seeing the object of fascination for so many people wind up being some unhygienic kid with rich parents who spent too much time on the computer. Here’s hoping 2023 lands us the big one, as the world realizes the fraudulence of the belief that having more money makes people smarter