Caitlin’s Newsletter

Caitlin's Newsletter, authored by Caitlin Johnstone, features critical analyses of global politics, focusing on conflict zones like Gaza, militarism, Western hypocrisy, the media's role in shaping perceptions, and the societal impact of policies driven by powerful elites. It also includes personal reflections, artistic expressions, and discussions on human rights.

Global Politics Conflict and Warfare Western Hypocrisy Media and Perception Human Rights Art and Expression Personal Reflections

The hottest Substack posts of Caitlin’s Newsletter

And their main takeaways

They're Really Going To Try To Lay All The Blame For Gaza On Netanyahu

1816 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Israel-Palestine conflict Media Manipulation Foreign Relations Genocide Human Rights
  1. Blaming all of Gaza's issues on Netanyahu might be a way to avoid necessary changes.
  2. Critics argue that blaming Netanyahu alone overlooks the larger network of powerful entities involved in the Gaza situation.
  3. Increased online education is helping people see through biased narratives and support causes like Palestine.

Aaron Bushnell Burned Himself Alive To Make You Turn Your Eyes To Gaza

3096 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Gaza Protest Activism Middle East Propaganda
  1. Aaron Bushnell's action of self-immolation aimed to draw attention to the situation in Gaza and shake people out of their distracted state.
  2. The sounds in the video of the self-immolation, like his screams and the reactions around him, were impactful in conveying the gravity of the incident.
  3. The response to Bushnell's act highlights the efforts of some to manipulate the narrative and distract from the message he sought to convey about the plight of Gaza.

You Can't Trust Any Part Of This Dystopia If You Want Health And Sanity

1685 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Society Wellbeing Health Dystopia Consciousness
  1. Be mindful of what you consume - from food to media - in a society driven by profit over wellbeing.
  2. Exercise caution and selectivity with what you let into your life and body, such as pharmaceuticals and products, in a profit-centered society.
  3. In a civilization filled with toxicity, prioritize critical examination to maintain health and sanity.

Genocidal Psychopaths Celebrate International Day To Combat Islamophobia

1625 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
📰 News Politics Religion Social Issues Ethics Human Rights
  1. International Day to Combat Islamophobia led to hypocritical statements by political figures condemning Islamophobia while engaged in actions that fuel it.
  2. The Democratic party is characterized as masking the violent actions of the US empire with proclamations of love and support for marginalized groups, while continuing to engage in harmful policies globally.
  3. The post criticizes Democrats for outwardly condemning Islamophobia while being complicit in atrocities against Muslim populations, highlighting the disconnect between their words and actions.
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A Profound Act Of Sincerity

2659 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Activism Society Humanity Authenticity Mainstream Media
  1. The self-immolation of Aaron Bushnell was a profound act of sincerity that shocked society.
  2. This act highlighted the lack of authenticity in a world filled with artificiality and pretense.
  3. Aaron Bushnell's sacrifice awakened a sense of awareness and inspired many to reevaluate their perspectives on global issues and personal sincerity.

Israel Accused Of Torturing UN Workers To Obtain False Testimony About UNRWA

1778 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Torture Israel UN Hamas Media
  1. UNRWA staff were reportedly tortured by Israeli forces to obtain false testimonies about the agency's ties with Hamas.
  2. The information ecosystem can sometimes prioritize certain narratives over others, with allegations against enemies receiving more attention than evidence against those in power.
  3. The media coverage around this incident highlights potential biases and disparities in how news is reported and prioritized.

"Pay No Attention To That Genocide Right In Front Of Your Face"

1909 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Genocide Propaganda Government Humanity Palestine
  1. The message from dominant institutions is to ignore the genocide happening right in front of us and focus on less urgent matters.
  2. There is a call to defy orders by refusing to divert attention away from atrocities like the genocide in Gaza, despite pressure to do so.
  3. The author emphasizes the importance of refusing to play along with the diversion tactics and continuing to pay attention to ongoing atrocities like the genocide committed by Israel.

Oscar Winners Who Don't Speak Out On Gaza This Weekend Will Be Complicit In Genocide

1792 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Genocide Imperialism Israel Foreign Policy
  1. Every Hollywood celebrity should use their platform to condemn their government's actions, especially in cases of genocide.
  2. Supporting an active genocide should not be a political party's mainstream position; such parties should not exist.
  3. Trying to change mainstream political parties from within often results in individuals being changed by the party's corrupt objectives, rather than the party being reformed.

Nobody With Real Power Cares If You Refuse To Vote For Biden

1895 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Propaganda
  1. Democratic party leaders don't lose anything if they lose an election, their careers and benefits remain the same.
  2. The unelected empire managers who run US power structure are unaffected by election outcomes as they continue their agendas regardless of who wins.
  3. Real change and forcing an evil power structure to stop doing evil things require awakening people to the truth, spreading awareness, and engaging in direct action.

Crocodile Tears For Gaza While Backing Its Destruction

1471 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Genocide US Politics Governance Ideology Palestine
  1. US politics highlights Biden's vulnerability due to sponsoring a genocide, yet Republicans can't confront him since they also support it.
  2. Western officials supporting Gaza's destruction shed mock tears, trying to appear sympathetic, which is hypocritical.
  3. Israeli atrocities surpass occurrences like October 7 but are not given equivalent attention, showing a bias in media coverage.

Worrying About TikTok During An Active Genocide

1532 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Genocide Invasion Human Rights International relations
  1. Benjamin Netanyahu's defiance against Biden's 'red line' highlights the questionable enforcement of policies.
  2. Footage of Israeli soldiers' actions in Gaza raises concerns about societal issues and atrocities.
  3. Focusing on trivial matters like TikTok during a humanitarian crisis like a genocide is a distraction from more significant issues.

Saying "Hamas Just Needs To Surrender" Is Saying "We'll Kill Kids Until We Get What We Want"

1625 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Humanitarian Aid Genocide International relations Military Actions
  1. Saying 'Hamas Just Needs To Surrender' equates to endorsing killing children until demands are met.
  2. The US and Israel view civilian casualties in Gaza as Hamas's fault for not yielding to military demands.
  3. US aid to Gaza is used as leverage to pressure Hamas, supporting the starvation and coercion of Gazan civilians.

On Palestine And The Worthlessness Of The Western Liberal

1862 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Israel-Palestine conflict Human Rights Foreign Policy
  1. Opposition to Israel's actions in Gaza is often paired with support for Israel's right to exist, despite its genocidal history.
  2. The idea of a Jewish ethnostate in historic Palestine without tyranny and abuse is contradictory; it would require a complete overhaul of Israel's systems.
  3. Many liberals want to maintain the status quo with a facade of justice, but lack a real push for actual change on various issues.

The Most American Thing That Has Ever Happened

2156 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protest Israel Genocide Activism Ethnic Cleansing
  1. A man in the US set himself on fire in protest against the genocide in Gaza, which is a powerful and extreme act of demonstrating his convictions.
  2. The incident of self-immolation outside the Israeli embassy showcases a deep level of urgency and sincerity in addressing the issue of war crimes and atrocities.
  3. The contrast between the extreme measures taken by protestors against atrocities in Gaza and the lack of action or empathy from supporters of the ethnostate highlights a stark difference in commitment to their causes.

Israel Supporters Are Some Of The Worst People In The World

2230 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Conflict Human Rights International relations War
  1. Some Israel supporters display extreme vitriol and disregard for human suffering, justifying monstrous acts against innocent children in Gaza.
  2. The behavior of these specific Israel supporters is seen as shockingly disturbing, leading to accusations of immorality and dishonesty.
  3. The negative behavior highlighted is not exclusive to Israelis or Jews, but extends to various ideological groups, illustrating a troubling trend of unwavering support for violent actions in Gaza.

When The Imperial Media Report On An Israeli Massacre

1741 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Propaganda Humanitarian Crisis Media bias Atrocities
  1. At least 112 Gazans were killed and hundreds more injured after Israeli forces opened fire on civilians waiting for aid trucks near Gaza City.
  2. The western imperial media tried to downplay the atrocity by using misleading headlines and avoiding direct reporting on the Israeli massacre.
  3. The propaganda machine of the western press functions to shape public opinion in favor of the political status quo, even at the expense of truth and justice.

Liberals Are Always Trying To Distance Biden From Netanyahu, And Netanyahu From Israel

1280 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Israel-Palestine conflict
  1. Western liberals try to create a distance between Biden and Israeli government's atrocities by framing him as a passive observer.
  2. Liberal media reports try to convey the idea that Biden is frustrated with Netanyahu, despite his actions showing otherwise.
  3. Liberals attempt to separate support for Netanyahu from support for Israel, when in reality, Israeli violence and Netanyahu are deeply intertwined.

Don't Equate The Violence Of The Oppressor With The Violence Of The Oppressed

1010 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Genocide Occupation Military Oppression
  1. Don't equate the violence of the oppressor with the violence of the oppressed. The oppressor is the ultimate source of violence from both sides.
  2. The oppressor has moral responsibility for both their violence and the violence of the oppressed. Ending oppression will lead to a cessation of violence.
  3. The focus should be on demanding the oppressor to stop being violent and oppressive, as they are the cause of the violence. The violence of the oppressor is a cause, while the violence of the oppressed is an effect.

On Aaron Bushnell, Methinks The Israel Apologist Doth Protest Too Much

1778 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Israel United States Genocide
  1. Aaron Bushnell's message aimed to awaken people to the horrors happening and encourage action to stop it.
  2. Israel apologists are aggressively trying to manipulate the narrative around Aaron Bushnell's story and are resorting to misleading tactics.
  3. The United States' lack of action in stopping Israel's atrocities in Gaza exposes the true nature of its foreign policy aims and challenges the narrative it promotes.

The Empire's Weakness Is That It Still Needs Normal People To Turn Its Gears

1681 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Propaganda Journalism Leaks Imperialism Genocide
  1. The empire relies on regular people to keep running but these people are starting to realize the lies they've been fed.
  2. Internal conflicts within mainstream media outlets reveal cracks in the system, causing concern and leaks amongst staff.
  3. The empire's dependence on ordinary individuals and constant propaganda is causing a clash, leading to a struggle in maintaining control.

Pretending The US Can't Just Drive Aid Into Gaza

1411 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Aid Gaza Propaganda Genocide
  1. The Biden administration is planning to set up a temporary pier in Gaza to deliver aid, despite facing obstacles.
  2. There is a manipulation tactics report revealing how different words frame discussions on Gaza for public consumption.
  3. Criticism of West Bank settlements often takes precedence over condemning the genocide in Gaza, revealing underlying political complexities.

I Don't Need Guns I Need Fire Extinguishers

1387 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
📰 News Politics Activism Conflict Global Issues Social Issues
  1. The author creatively uses the analogy of fire extinguishers to call for solutions to global crises, emphasizing the need for healing and peace over violence.
  2. There is a critique of the military-industrial complex and the prioritization of weapons over humanitarian aid and environmental protection.
  3. The text advocates for prioritizing efforts to restore a healthy planet for future generations, highlighting the urgency of addressing current global challenges.

So They're Experimenting With Military Robots In Gaza Now

1550 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Military Technology Ethics Global Warfare
  1. Military operations are used to test new war machinery, putting human lives at risk for the benefit of empire managers and the military-industrial complex.
  2. Gaza is being used as a testing ground for military robots and autonomous weapons systems, raising concerns about dehumanization and widespread killing.
  3. The practice of using conflict zones like Gaza, Ukraine, and Africa as testing grounds for new weapons and technology is common, allowing for improvements and profit in the global arms industry.

Crocodile Tears Over Navalny While Ignoring Assange

2267 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
  1. Western media shows more concern for Navalny's prison death than Assange's extradition.
  2. Individuals in countries persecuting Assange should focus on their government's actions instead of international issues.
  3. Spiritual teachers who ignore or support current atrocities are not practicing what they preach.

When The Slaughter Stops In Gaza

1769 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Middle East Peace Humanitarian Crisis Social Issues
  1. The author reflects on hopeful plans for peaceful times after the violence in Gaza stops, like caring for plants and learning new things.
  2. The piece vividly describes a future post-conflict scene of normal, joyful activities with loved ones, contrasting it with the current distressing situation in Gaza.
  3. The writing emphasizes the longing for peace, normalcy, and connection amidst the ongoing violence and chaos in Gaza.

You Have Already Taken A Side On Israel-Palestine (Whether You Admit It Or Not)

1578 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Israel-Palestine Ethnic Cleansing Injustice Neutrality Human Rights
  1. It's important to take a stance on the Israel-Palestine issue, whether you are aware of it or not.
  2. Being neutral can sometimes inadvertently support the oppressor rather than help the oppressed.
  3. Standing against injustice like genocide and ethnic cleansing should be a fundamental position, even amidst complex issues.

A Dementia Patient Is President Because It Doesn't Matter Who The President Is

2612 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections President Empire Voting
  1. A dementia patient holding the office of the US president demonstrates that the person in power doesn't significantly impact the functioning of the US empire.
  2. The reality is that the US government is largely controlled by unelected empire managers who have consistent influence across different administrations.
  3. Voting might not lead to meaningful changes in crucial aspects of US government behavior, suggesting the need for alternative methods to bring about real change.

Nobody Who Gets Gaza Wrong Is Worth Listening To

2048 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Israel-Palestine Media Manipulation Imperialism Foreign Policy
  1. Understanding the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is fundamental, and ignoring the clear atrocities in Gaza is unacceptable.
  2. Gaza serves as a pivotal point for awakening anti-imperialist sentiments, leading to greater questioning of Western foreign policies and propaganda.
  3. Challenging mainstream narratives and seeking diverse information sources are crucial to avoid falling into manipulated consent for unethical actions by those in power.

The Difference Between Republicans And Democrats

1788 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Parties Policies Imperialism Leadership Criticism
  1. The difference between Republicans and Democrats lies in how they are perceived when supporting or backing certain actions - Republicans are seen as evil with evil reasons, while Democrats are viewed as having noble humanitarian reasons in spite of their actions.
  2. Republicans and Democrats differ in the ways they support certain agendas - Republicans use right-wing language to argue, while Democrats use left-wing language, even as they support wars, militarism, capitalism, and oppression.
  3. Republicans and Democrats vary in their approach towards global conflicts and issues - Republicans tend towards wars with China, while Democrats lean towards conflicts with Russia; they also differ in the perceptions of civilian casualties during their administrations.

"In The War Of Propaganda, It Is Very Difficult To Defeat The United States"

2347 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Propaganda Media Manipulation
  1. Challenging the United States on the front of propaganda is extremely difficult due to its powerful and complex propaganda machine.
  2. The US empire's propaganda works subtly, often going unnoticed, such as in the biased language used in media coverage of conflicts like in Gaza.
  3. US propaganda influencing headlines and news content can shape public perception and acceptance of certain narratives and actions, contributing to a distorted perspective of world events.

Aaron Bushnell's Death Can't Rightly Be Called An Act Of Suicide

1434 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
  1. Aaron Bushnell's act was not suicide but a form of extreme protest for justice and peace.
  2. The framing of Bushnell's actions as suicide by some was seen as an attempt to undermine the message of his protest.
  3. Bushnell's self-immolation had a goal of advocating for a free Palestine, making it fundamentally different from conventional suicide.

We Think This Dystopia Is Normal Like People In Abusive Relationships Think It's Normal

2100 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Society Freedom Manipulation Conformity Propaganda
  1. Westerners may not fully grasp how dysfunctional western society truly is, similar to someone in an abusive relationship not recognizing the problem.
  2. Despite perceptions of freedom, western civilization is heavily influenced by mass-scale psychological manipulation through media and culture.
  3. There is a need for collective awareness to break free from the societal norms that perpetuate a dystopian reality.

Assange, Gaza, And The Ugly Reality Of War Crimes

1792 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics War Crimes Journalism Palestine US
  1. The post discusses the gruesome reality of war crimes, portraying them as cruel and brutal power abuses against civilians.
  2. Journalists play a crucial role in documenting and exposing war crimes, highlighting the importance of press freedom.
  3. The article emphasizes the potential consequences of extraditing journalists like Julian Assange, setting a dangerous precedent for press freedom worldwide.

You Can't Be A "Lesser Evil" When You're Sponsoring A Genocide

1536 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
  1. Labeling someone as a 'lesser evil' doesn't apply if they're supporting genocide. Beyond a certain point, it's just evil.
  2. Israeli supporters, Biden supporters overlooking his role in genocide, and progressives still advocating voting for Biden are criticized for dishonesty and lack of integrity.
  3. Trading political power for feelings without real change - Western leaders prioritize feelings over concrete actions for issues like genocide, police brutality, and healthcare.

The Perfect Recipe For A Real Antisemitism Crisis

1909 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Antisemitism Genocide Government Control Media bias Conspiracy Theories
  1. Creating a real antisemitism crisis involves committing evil acts under a Jewish flag and linking them to the Jewish people and faith.
  2. Promoting antisemitism requires desensitizing people to warning signs, dehumanizing Jewish individuals, and reinforcing conspiracy theories.
  3. To exacerbate antisemitism, one must incite hatred towards Jews, use it to justify further atrocities, and establish a cycle of violence and hatred.

You Only Need To Cage A Bird If It Knows That It Can Fly

1718 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
  1. The dystopia described is one where people believe they are free, but are actually controlled by powerful forces using propaganda.
  2. There is a call to action to spread truth, fight propaganda, and weaken trust in mainstream media to break free from the manipulative power structures in society.
  3. The key to creating a better society lies in un-jacking our brains from the influence of propaganda, and working towards a truth-based community that serves everyone's interests.

Israel-Palestine Isn't 'Complicated', You Just Support Killing Palestinians

1597 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Israel-Palestine US Foreign Policy Global Conflicts Authoritarianism Human Rights
  1. The Israel-Palestine situation is not as complicated as it may seem, it boils down to supporting colonialism and genocide.
  2. The US is backing harmful actions and considering extraditing foreign journalists for exposing war crimes, while maintaining a condescending stance on human rights.
  3. Authoritarian measures being implemented aim to maintain the current societal structure rather than create a new one, solidifying the existing exploitative and oppressive systems.