#obliterate

— Oil industry market researcher Rory Johnston from an interview at The New Statesman where he comments about the recessionary effects on the economy of the oil disruptions caused by Trump's Iran war. (archived)

It only gets worse. He adds...

To be clear, if the Strait does remain closed, let’s say indefinitely, we’re not talking recession – we are talking depression. But I think in terms of, let’s say, three weeks – by that stage you’re probably looking at prices tipping up into $130, $140, $150 [a barrel] on Brent. That trickles through to all the [refined] products as well. I think that is when people will start to fill the pinch and people will begin to change behaviour. But I think that it’ll probably take a couple more months to actually enter a full blown recession. And then thereafter things get worse the longer this goes on. But let’s say the war ended today, and let’s say the Strait reopened today to 100 per cent of its prior flow – even then, I think we’re talking two to three months to renormalise the global system.

Rory is a bit of an optimist.

Iran's most potent weapon is to cut off traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump's threats to "obliterate" Iran just meet with a shrug there because he and Bibi are trying to obliterate Iran anyway.

And it's relatively easy for Iran to cut off traffic at the Strait. It takes only a disposable drone costing a few hundred dollars to bomb an oil tanker. No shipping company is going to risk the loss of an expensive tanker and its cargo.

President Donald Trump has warned that the U.S. will “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if it doesn’t fully open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, prompting Tehran to say it would respond to any such strike with attacks on U.S. and Israeli energy and… President Donald Trump warned the U.S. will “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if it doesn’t fully open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours,…

The heart, once vibrant, now a hollow shell, Beats with the rhythm of a mournful dirge. In silence, echoes of a distant knell Resound, as joy and sorrow slowly merge.

Time’s cruel hand, relentless in its sweep, Erases all that once was held so dear. In memory’s grave, forgotten secrets sleep, Their whispers lost to the indifferent ear.

History shows us the power of speaking up. In 1969, the Supreme Court ruled in Tinker v. Des Moines that students do not “shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate.” This landmark decision affirmed that even in challenging environments, voices must not be silenced.

Fast forward to today, and the stakes are high. A government hostile to criticism can be dangerous. But history offers a roadmap. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr., demonstrated the strength of collective action. Peaceful protests, strategic litigation, and relentless advocacy brought about monumental change.

We must harness this spirit. Organize, educate, and mobilize. Use social media to amplify voices. Support organizations fighting for free speech. Engage in peaceful protests. Vote for leaders who respect constitutional rights.

Obliterate. A word that packs a punch. In the world of social media, it means holding people accountable with the force of a thousand retweets. When someone spreads misinformation or hate, the community steps in. They don’t just correct; they obliterate the falsehoods.

Building Trust Through Accountability

Trust is built when users see others being held accountable. A viral tweet can spread like wildfire, but so can the truth. When a user posts harmful content, others quickly respond with facts. This collective effort builds a safer online space.

Evidence Speaks Louder Than Words

Screenshots and archived links are the weapons of choice. They provide undeniable proof of what was said. When someone tries to backtrack or delete their post, the evidence remains. This transparency is crucial for accountability.

Criticism? Pre-bunked!

Some argue that this is just cancel culture. But accountability isn’t about canceling; it’s about correcting. It’s about ensuring that misinformation doesn’t go unchecked. It’s about making social media a place where truth prevails.

Call to Action: Be Part of the Solution

You can be part of this movement. When you see misinformation, speak up. Share the truth. Use your voice to make a difference. Every tweet, every post counts.

Conclusion: A Better Online World

Corporate mandates were once heralded as the backbone of societal progress. Today, they often serve a different master.

The Shift in Corporate Mandates

Originally, corporate mandates were designed to align business operations with the public good. They aimed to balance profit with societal benefits, ensuring that businesses contributed positively to the communities they served. However, over time, the focus has shifted dramatically. The primary objective of many corporations has become maximizing shareholder value, often at the expense of broader societal interests.

Evidence of the Shareholder Supremacy

Numerous studies highlight this shift. A 2022 report by the Business Roundtable revealed that despite public commitments to stakeholder capitalism, most corporations continue to prioritize shareholder returns above all else. This is evident in practices such as aggressive cost-cutting, outsourcing, and environmental neglect, which boost short-term profits but can harm employees, communities, and the environment.

Criticism and Counterarguments

Critics argue that focusing solely on shareholder value undermines long-term corporate sustainability. They suggest that this approach can lead to reputational damage, loss of consumer trust, and increased regulatory scrutiny. However, proponents claim that shareholder-focused strategies drive economic growth and innovation. Yet, the evidence increasingly suggests that the costs to society outweigh these benefits.

Calls to Action for a Balanced Approach

To realign corporate mandates with the public good, stakeholders must demand transparency and accountability. Consumers can support companies that prioritize ethical practices. Investors can push for sustainable business models. Policymakers can enforce regulations that ensure corporations contribute positively to society.

Conclusion: A Path Forward