(Read entire article)

There is a growing movement among many conservatives and right wing state legislatures to call a Constitutional Convention to pass a ‘balanced budget amendment’ to the US constitution.

Despite the attempt by many on the right to frame the issue as one of fiscal responsibility, in reality it is merely the latest attack on working people and the poor in the US.

Last month, Michigan’s state senate approved Joint Resolution V, which calls on the US Congress to call a convention in order to draft a new amendment to the constitution requiring the federal government to maintain a balanced budget. (Read entire article)

http://youtu.be/EBdOykY_gVUEric Draitser of StopImperialism.org appears on RT to discuss the recent deal struck between the US, Russia, and Ukrainian junta. Draitser explains that the US is employing a seemingly conflicted strategy, on the one hand posturing as honest peacemakers interested in negotiation, while on the other hand continuing to escalate tensions.  He notes that sanctions, NATO mobilization, and other issues continue to lie at the heart of US-NATO policy vis-a-vis Russia and that, until these toxic aspects of US foreign policy are removed, the diplomatic conflict will continue.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 4:08 — 3.8MB) | Embed

Eric Draitser of StopImperialism.org provides his analysis of the recent developments in Ukraine, and the diplomatic conflict between the US and Russia.  Draitser explains that Washington continues to claim that it wants deescalation while doing everything it can to exacerbate the conflict and ratchet up tensions.  He notes that justifying NATO expansion and the military-industrial complex of the Western powers is at the heart of US-EU foreign policy while diplomacy remains a convenient tool.

The PACE decision to suspend Russia’s voting rights and exclude it from all leadership positions in 2014 is yet another, mostly symbolic, retaliatory measure by the West in response to Crimea’s vote to reintegrate with Russia.

Moreover though, it is an affirmation of Moscow’s reiteration of the hypocrisy of the West with regard to democracy and the rule of law.

PACE is an advisory body within the Council of Europe, one that makes recommendations and releases opinions, but is understood as being symbolically, rather than practically, powerful. However, their recent resolution to suspend the voting and leadership rights of the Russian delegation is an attempt to further isolate Russia diplomatically. (Read entire article)