https://archive.ph/YznM1

https://fortune.com/2023/11/11/china-xi-jinping-invites-everyday-people-from-iowa-to-dinner/

Why a group of ‘everyday people’ in Iowa have been invited to dinner by Chinese president Xi Jinping: ‘We’re eager to meet with him’

Xi’s warm feelings toward the Midwesterners contrasts with the recent acrimony between the two largest economies.

BY JENNIFER JACOBS AND BLOOMBERG

Lmao

A group of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s “old friends” from Iowa have been invited to a dinner he will attend in California next week — 38 years after they welcomed the then-unknown party official for a hog roast, farm tours and a Mississippi River boat ride as they showed him how capitalists do agriculture.

Only politician to actually like Iowa

“This has been a heck of a journey — we can’t figure it out. We don’t even know why he likes us!” said Sarah Lande, an 85-year-old Muscatine resident who has maintained connections with Xi since he made his first visit to the US as the leader of a food processing delegation from China’s Hebei Province in 1985.

“But we’re eager to meet with him, too. We’re regular, everyday people,” Lande added. Xi’s warm and enduring bond with the Midwesterners he first encountered nearly four decades ago stands in contrast with the suspicions and acrimony that have characterized relations between the two largest economies over the last few years. Both Xi and President Joe Biden, who plan to meet Wednesday during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco, have taken recent diplomatic steps to ease the strains.

The Iowans’ invitations for the reception and dinner, on the sidelines of APEC, came through the the National Committee on US-China Relations and the US-China Business Council, in coordination with China’s embassy, Lande said.

The Iowans haven’t been told if they’ll get a private audience with Xi, who was 31 when they met him.

Terry Branstad, a former Iowa governor and US ambassador to China, has also been invited, according to an aide.

In 1985, Gary Dvorchak’s parents gave Xi his bedroom, decorated with Star Trek items, in their Muscatine home. Dvorchak and his sister Paula, who talked to the future Chinese leader about American movies, are on next week’s guest list.

So is Luca Berrone, then an Iowa economic development official, who drove Xi around to company sites including Monsanto Co., Cargill Inc. and Quaker Oats, grain and livestock farms, the Amana Colonies — a religious community known for its farming heritage and communal living — and Iowa State University in Ames.

“He wanted to learn how to feed his people,” Lande said in a telephone interview. Xi had read Mark Twain “and he really wanted to see the Mississippi,” she said. She hosted him for a potluck at her home overlooking the river. Berrone’s stops with the four-member delegation and their interpreter included a farm in Coggon, a spot where Twain had hidden manuscripts in a wall. Berrone arranged hotels as well as home stays where none were available.

“We had a really good time in two weeks,” he said. “We were like the road movie — five or six guys on a road trip.”

Hell yeah, dudes rock

‘You Are America’

The Iowans made an impression on Xi, said Ken Quinn, the former president of the World Food Prize Foundation, who is planning to attend the Bay Area dinner.

“He was not anyone special and the friendship they showed him touched him personally,” said Quinn, who met Xi’s father, Xi Zhongxun, an architect of China’s economic opening, when he himself traveled to Iowa in 1980.

When Xi Jinping returned to the United States in 2012, as vice president and about to ascend to the presidency, he gathered with the “old friends” in Lande’s Muscatine home again. “He said, ‘You were the first people I met in America, and to me, you are America,’” she said.

That year, Xi invited more than a dozen of the Iowans to China, and “they had the whole thing set up in two months,” Lande said. “He was the top-down boss and he made it happen.” Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan — a famous Chinese folk singer in her own right — threw a banquet for them. “She said, ‘Well, I just had to meet the people from Iowa,’” Lande recalled. “By the way, she is a lovely, beautiful lady. Her last remark was, ‘If we ever retire, I’m going to gather my daughter and we’re coming to Muscatine.’”

China’s embassy in Washington and the dinner’s organizers didn’t respond to requests for comment on Friday night.

The reunion aside, Iowa, a major soybeans and corn producer, has an interest in better relations between Washington and Beijing.

This week, China, a top soybean importer, bought more than 3 million metric tons of the commodity from the US, a volume that surprised the market. China had been buying cheaper Brazilian supplies and the move is a goodwill gesture ahead of the Biden-Xi talks, according to people familiar with the matter who asked not to be named discussing governmental decisions.

That's right, Xi Jinping, the man who is concidered to be the second coming of Stalin, says mee-maw and pawp-pawp of the cornfields are America to him.

Yemen is confirmed to be based and piratepilled

everybody get your sea shanties ready, it's time to hoist some landlubbers to the mast

One month has passed, pope continues not excommunicating joe biden

Two detained in Saudi Arabia for publicly praying for Gaza

A sheikh of Algerian origin was detained by police in Madinah, Saudi Arabia for reportedly praying for Palestine and its people.

The sheikh states that he did not make the call and prayer on video but only shared with people that he had prayed for Palestinians in the land of the two holy mosques for Muslims.

"I consider it an honour that I was detained in the city of the messenger of Allah. Is it a crime to pray for the weak, and the oppressed, as hospitals and mosques are destroyed? Little children were killed and slaughtered. Doesn’t this require us to pray? We pray in the most honourable places. Is it dangerous?" asks the sheikh as he cautions people to keep their prayers between themselves and their God.

It's apparently not the only instance of this, either.

Sanders calls for a ceasefire!

Biden is such a coward. Calling Xi a “dictator” after the conference is over and he left. Real tough-guy move there, Genocide Joe.

Norman Finkelstein on Twitter

I was supposed to debate a person named "Destiny" this evening at 6:00 pm. He agreed that Briahna Joy Gray would moderate the debate. Ms. Gray accepted. I provided Mr. "Destiny" with references so as to help him along in the debate. He called my scholarship "atrocious" so I anxiously awaited this challenge. But then Mr "Destiny" disappeared. I guess this debate wasn't our -- you guessed it -- destiny.

Twitter losers are handling this OBL letter thing in the worst way possible.

"Oh if you agree with what he says about 9/11 then why don't you go read this book called Mein Kampf?"

Zoomers are gonna become Nazis just because libs can't stop themselves from making smug comments.

The poetry editor of The New York Times Magazine has resigned due to the Israeli state's US-backed war against the people of Gaza.

my resignation - by Anne Boyer - M I R A B I L A R Y

Anne Boyer

Nov 16, 2023

I have resigned as poetry editor of The New York Times Magazine.

The Israeli state's U.S-backed war against the people of Gaza is not a war for anyone. There is no safety in it or from it, not for Israel, not for the United States or Europe, and especially not for the many Jewish people slandered by those who claim falsely to fight in their names. Its only profit is the deadly profit of oil interests and weapon manufacturers.

The world, the future, our hearts—everything grows smaller and harder from from this war. It is not only a war of missiles and land invasions. It is an ongoing war against the people of Palestine, people who have resisted through decades of occupation, forced dislocation, deprivation, surveillance, siege, imprisonment, and torture.

Because our status quo is self-expression, sometimes the most effective mode of protest for artists is to refuse.

I can’t write about poetry amidst the "reasonable" tones of those who aim to acclimatize us to this unreasonable suffering. No more ghoulish euphemisms. No more verbally sanitized hellscapes. No more warmongering lies.

If this resignation leaves a hole in the news the size of poetry, then that is the true shape of the present. — Anne Boyer

1923: The world's richest man is an antisemite. The hot new music on the street is experimental jazz flute.

2023: The world's richest man is an antisemite. The hot new music on the street is experimental jazz flute.

Making fun of the IDF necrophiliac squad is actually a new form of antisemitism called cum libel.

Israeli security cabinet member and agriculture minister Avi Dichter says the quiet part out loud, as he has openly admitted that "We're Rolling Out Nakba 2023."

'We're Rolling Out Nakba 2023,' Israeli Minister Says on Northern Gaza Strip Evacuation

https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-11-12/ty-article/israeli-security-cabinet-member-calls-north-gaza-evacuation-nakba-2023/0000018b-c2be-dea2-a9bf-d2be7b670000

Presidential debate night yesterday in Argentina, and Milei got demolished by Massa. Lots of things, Milei looked like absolute shit, he tried to present himself as the dominant one very early in the debate but he couldn't even scratch Massa's rock solid face. Lots of discussion revolving around the economy, and I think my favorite moments were when Massa exposed Milei on foreign policy. First, Massa acknowledges the "multipolar world", which is a big plus to me because it means he's aware that the world is changing, while Milei stays in a static "US-ISRAEL THE FREE WORLD" position (Yes, he said "Israel" is the free world).

Then came Massa's attack on Milei regarding his plan to cut relations with Brasil and China because they're communists. He got absolutely demolished here: He forced Milei to walk back on his sayings, to provide "context" while cornered and to fail spectacularly while doing so. He says that "the state shouldn't interfere" in the economy, yet he planned to cut relations with them (clear state interference). Then he claimed that it is the "private sector" who should decide to trade, or not, with them, and if the relations are cut, "privates will find a way to continue trading, either by triangulating or by finding alternatives on their own". Well look at fucking that lmfao, turns out the "economy understander" doesn't understand international commerce and relations. Cutting relations with either of these countries sends the argentinian economy into absolute chaos, Brasil is our largest trading partner and China is not far behind, what the fuck is he even thinking lmfao.

Later on the topic of Malvinas was brought upon the debate, and while both candidates "agrees" that Argentina should reclaim the islands, Massa attacked him because back in the day Milei said he admires none other than Margaret fucking Thatcher. Of all people, that fucking witch. She is THE enemy of modern Argentina, like everyone here (and in many other places, as well) fucking hates her. But he doesn't, he likes her. So he had to provide a reason as of why he likes Thatcher, he said that he "understands the war, but there's people who have done great things" (Thatcher? lmao), he mentioned he admires Reagan, Thatcher and Churchill. Just look at how the list gets progressively more and more ghoulish lol. Then for some reason he attacked Massa saying that "he must have felt very bad during 1989 when the wall was brought down", huh? His mind is stuck in the Cold War and in the "End of History" of the 90s.

Finally, Massa delivered a massive hit to Milei, he touched something that Milei holds very dearly and almost made him cry. Turns out that back when Milei was almost graduated from whatever university he was on, he worked temporarily in the Central Bank as part of his final studies. He HATES the Central Bank though, his campaign continuously talks about "demolishing" it. So, apparently, he was kicked out of his post in the Central Bank because he showed psychological issues. After Massa delivered this blow, Milei just couldn't gather enough strenght to counterattack, he could barely talk, his voice was very low and shaky. It was beautiful. He also accussed Massa of "trying to steal the election", Trump-esque move. How splendid.

This debate should be the final nail in the coffin, his performance was dreadful and, I hope, it finally convinces the undecided to either not vote for Milei or vote for Massa, which sucks but at least he doesn't have dementia. Elections are next sunday, if we can bury this motherfucker we can talk about trying to rebuild, step by step, in a new world.

Edit: I made so many grammar mistakes. Damn, I'm really struggling these days.

Israel is currently cooking up the most concentrated copium the world has ever seen in that hospital basement.

Hexbear Travel Group presents the first Russian Ukraine group trip! Embark on a captivating 10-day journey through the heart of Russian Ukraine! Explore the charming cities of Donetsk, Avdiivka, Mariupol, Soledar, Bakhmut, Robotyne, Kherson and Tokmak, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From picturesque landscapes to rich traditions, this trip promises an unforgettable experience. Book now for an immersive adventure and discover the hidden gems of Russian Ukraine!

Day 1: Donetsk

• Landing at the historic Donetsk International Airport

• Experience the captivating life of a Donetsk civilian by dodging shells in central Donetsk

Day 2: Avdiivka

• Guided tour of the famous Avdiivka Coke Plant

• Visit to the Promka industrial zone

• For a small fee, write a personalised message and lob your very own shell towards central Donetsk

Day 3: Bakhmut (Prigozhingrad)

• Walking tour of beautiful downtown Bakhmut

• Buy a bouquet and lay it on the feet of the Yevgeny Prigozhin memorial statue

Day 4: Soledar

• VIP all inclusive experience in the Soledar Salt Tunnels

• Free shopping day

Day 5: Kherson

• Explore the natural beauty of the Russian countryside in a 9 hour train journey to Kherson

• Pilot an FPV drone over the Dnieper at night and capture some unforgettable photos

Day 6: Kherson - Nova Kakhovka

• Experience life like a solider in the newly-opened Kherson Surovikin Park

• Pilot a small raft across the Dnieper and avoid the falling grenades from the sky

• Fun and wet treasure hunt in the former site of the Nova Kakhovka dam reservoir

Day 7: Robotyne

• Visit to the unique Leopard Graveyard Park

• Capture amazing photos on top of the countless Bradleys, Leopards and Strykers

• Landmine fun in the forest belts north of Robotyne

Day 8: Tokmak

• Visit to the Tokmak Trench Center

• Learn how to build a trench from world renowned Russian trench instructors

Day 9: Mariupol

• Beach adventures on the Azov Sea

• Immersive guided tour of Azovstal, including the VIP POW experience in the tunnels of Azovstal

• Chechen-themed farewell dinner in Akhmat's Tunnel Bakery

Day 10: Mariupol

• Early departure from Mariupol International Airport

Xi Jinping looks happier to meet Newsom than Biden lmao

France issues arrest warrant for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad

Mr Al-Assad, your under arrest, please go to the nearest French police station. Based on a quick look at a map, it's probably in Menton or Nice.

According to a friend in Berlin, lots of subreddits are getting geoblocked in Germany for apparently supporting Palestine. I had a quick look it seems to be the case, including publicfreakout, therewasanattempt, and Britain as some of thr bigger ones. Naturally, the scum over at r/Europe are celebrating and suggesting other subs to rat out to the German authorities.

In the past three years alone, life as a young transgender person in the U.S. has changed dramatically. Before 2021, gender-affirming medical care was legal in all 50 states. None had even tried to ban it. Today, 22 states have passed restrictions on that care—and while several have been blocked in court or have yet to take effect, most are active law. (Article)

I wonder who was President when all that went down.

Israel propaganda is drinking from the same well of cringe as the Ukraine propaganda blitz back in 2022. The difference is that Zelensky is a good actor and can actually pull off the "cute victim" role and his side characters like Reznikov also pulled it off well, while the Israelis just can't not be genocidal and insanely evil in every single statement. From a Western lib perspective, cute short camo-wearing actor-president Zelensky was perfect to sell the Ukraine war, but Netanyahu is just so clearly evil and can't even be repackaged into a good propaganda tool. Same goes for evil Peter Griffin twin Ben Gvir, or zombie looking Gantz, or the countless weirdo ultra-zionist losers crying on TV. Really hard to sell people on the crying propaganda when you're the ones committing the clear genocide.

I've been listening to the second season of Blowback about Cuba and it's really cooking my noodle how similar the old propaganda about Cuba is to the new propaganda about Hamas. Apparently some Yanks accused Cuba of having secret caves full of nuclear missiles - compare that to today's hysteria about secret tunnel headquarters under hospitals and schools in Palestine. Same shit as al Qaeda's supposed mountain fortresses during the war in Afghanistan too. It's unreal how the media and politicians can trot out the same lies over and over to fabricate excuses to attack their enemies

A man follows Israeli occupation forces instructions and leaves his home holding a white flag.

His son comes with him and is shot in the head by fascist Israeli soldiers.

What the actual fuck?

CW: literal war crimes

https://twitter.com/Lowkey0nline/status/1725509200913014838?t=GFBzfCidhLWWLxQqglbWhg&s=19

My crush hasn't texted me back yet. Hamas must pay for this.

Comrade @InevitableSwing@hexbear.net posted this at the tail end of the last news mega:

Nitter

I wanted to share it here because when I saw that, I really made me think about that quote from Disco Elysium (which was taken from a Russian poem, I believe):

In dark times, should the stars also go out?

Omelas but there's a 24/7 livestream of the child suffering and every news channel is telling you that it's good

Biden ordered to shut the fuck up by Blinken

Some people are outraged that a German politician called the Hamas hostages with German citizenship "not pure Germans" instead of the more acceptable term "not real Germans" (9th paragraph here). The real news to me here is that the latter term is apparently commonly used and accepted. Please stop doing impolite fascism, stick to the official polite version, thank you.

I feel like I can discern what the Israeli strategy is going to be here - storm Al-Shifa, dress the basement+tunnels up to look like what they think a command bunker looks like, film it, declare victory - but beyond the propaganda for foreign audiences, I'm really sure what that... does? Like, in the actual world? They might even try and do the classic "make a symbolic victory, leave Gaza without actually having defeated their enemy at all" move, but that can't really work. Not even in a "well erm acktually there are still Hamas fighters existing in the tunnels" way, but because the tunnels are still pretty much mostly unstormed and uncleared, Hamas still has the ability to take your tanks out, and most importantly from a propaganda point of view, still has the ability to launch missiles into Israel. Westerners are willing to believe a lot, and I mean a LOT of bullshit, but giving a victory speech in Tel Aviv while the sirens are blaring from missile strikes incoming would probably raise some eyebrows.

The CEOs aren't doing ok. During a 'fireside chat' with students for recruitment, CEO has a very normal reaction to a student in the audience standing up and saying her name, before asking her a question about their investment in fossil fuels and arms companies supporting Israel.

I guess Palestinians’ eyes aren’t blue enough and hair ain’t blond enough for the solemn bullshit they pulled for Ukkkraine

If you believed in the whole "racial purity is strength, our superior Zionist stock must survive" then why are you taking semen from the dead soldiers that have been blown the fuck out? They're surely the weakest ones. Completely counter to Darwin. Maybe if you let the Zionist ubermenschen program develop for another thousand years with the good soldiers then Israelis will evolve bioluminsence so that they can see in the tunnels.