In 1953, the CIA begins Project MKUltra, a human testing program. Experiments on humans were intended to identify and develop drugs and procedures to be used in interrogations and torture, in order to weaken the individual to force confessions through mind control. MKUltra used numerous methodologies to manipulate people’s mental states and alter brain functions, including the surreptitious administration of drugs (especially LSD) and other chemicals, hypnosis, sensory deprivation, isolation, verbal and sexual abuse, as well as other forms of psychological torture. The scope was broad, with research undertaken at 80 institutions, including 44 colleges and universities, as well as hospitals, prisons, and pharmaceutical companies. Many subjects died under testing, or committed suicide. Others such as Frank Olson were murdered for threatening to expose the program. 1
It is!
Frankly, we should be surprised, is what I’m saying, as this is beyond what most people would even expect (even people like Ben Norton and the rest of The Grayzone).
I don’t want to be optimistic, but the CIA has delineated much of its “responsibility” between different branches, factions, and organizations (like the NED and private contractors and spies).
That being said: I say “optimistic” because that could buy us time to more fully organize and prepare ourselves, as obviously the New Cold War probably took the bourgeoisie somewhat by surprise, at least somewhat.
Well, I’ll just say this: I think the China/Russia/Iran and the other states are more prepared for this so I honestly think that they’ll handle themselves for the time being, but I’m interested to see how much focus they (the international bourgeoisie) put toward “domestic” issues in their own country, i.e. whether they’ll attack the international communist movement in their home turf or not.
We’ve already seen various attacks on old CPs and communist/socialist organizations in Europe, though it seems to be mostly uncoordinated, for the most part (though still no less bad and harmful to the overall movements).
I have high hopes, but let’s be careful and try to strike while the iron is hot (consolidate our forces and organize immediately).