MEDIA SCOUNDRELS

On this season finale special episode of Going Underground, we speak to legendary journalist and film-maker John Pilger on a round-up of all the latest issues. John describes the current state of global affairs as in a state of world war, warning that the ‘coming war on China’ he warned about…has now arrived, he also discusses the Hong Kong protests and why they have grown, along with US involvement in the unrest.

DANIELLE RYAN—In this rendition of history, the US almost unwittingly “allowed” itself to become an “accomplice” to plunder against its better nature. Foer writes of the era that it was a risky time when “Russian values” might be allowed to “infect” and weaken the “moral defense systems” of American politics and business. With such a corrupting influence, the US could never emerge “untainted.”

RICK STERLING—It may be a new low in propaganda. National Public Radio (NPR) used the news that Syrian First Lady Asma Assad had overcome breast cancer to mock her and continue the information war against Syria.

BRIAN MIER—The problem is bigger than individual flaws with foreign correspondents. Like Trump and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Jair Bolsonaro represents what George Monbiot refers to as a “killer clown” (Guardian, 7/26/19). According to Monbiot, clowns like Bolsonaro provide distraction and deflection for elites. “While the kleptocrats fleece us,” he says, “we are urged to look elsewhere.”