ANTIWAR.COM DROPPED BY GOOGLE ADSENSE FOR ABU GHRAIB AND UKRAINE WAR IMAGES, COUNTS ON BITCOIN SUPPORT (OP-ED)

Imagine a world where the raw, unfiltered truth about war is readily accessible, a world where the atrocities committed in the name of national security are laid bare for all to see.For over a decade, Antiwar.com has strived to offer precisely that, providing an alternative perspective on American interventionism and the devastating consequences of war.However, this commitment to unflinching reporting has recently come at a cost. The page of Abu Ghraib photos had been up for 11 years and during all that time Google Adsense had been running ads on the site. The page can be found here and has had two million hits since posted.Google AdSense, the advertising giant that once supported the website, has abruptly suspended ad delivery, citing ""violent or disturbing"" content – specifically, images of the Abu Ghraib prison abuses that have been on the site for eleven years. Posted on Septem Septem by Kelley B. Vlahos Categories Uncategorized Tags abu ghraib, guantanamo, torture 23 Comments on Palin and Beck Don t Support the Troops Vlahos on getting war crimes out in the open Vlahos: lionizing soldiers won t help themThis act has triggered a wave of concern about censorship, narrative control, and the role of tech giants in shaping public perception of conflict.Now, Antiwar.com is turning to the decentralized world of Bitcoin for support, highlighting the growing tension between traditional media funding models and the demand for unbiased, independent journalism.The question is: can Bitcoin fill the financial void and help Antiwar.com continue its mission of shedding light on the darkest corners of war?

The Google AdSense Ban: A Decade-Old Image Sparks Controversy

The specific reason given by Google AdSense for the suspension was the presence of a page displaying images of the horrific abuses committed by U.S. soldiers against Iraqi detainees at Abu Ghraib prison. Excerpted from Don t See Evil: Google s Boycott Campaign Against War Photography and Alternative Media by Dan Sanchez On the morning of March 18, Eric Garris, founder and webmaster of Antiwar.com, received a form email from Google AdSense informing him that all of Antiwar.com s Google ads had been disabled. The reasonThis page, which has garnered over two million views, has been live for eleven years, generating revenue for Antiwar.com through Google AdSense advertising throughout that entire period. You can see them here On Wednesday morning, AntiWar.com received an automated email from Google explaining that the site was being suspended from Google s AdSense ad network, because that page violates AdSense policy. Either Google is incorrectly enforcing its own policies, or their policies do not allow for controversial but clearly andThe timing of the ban raises serious questions.

Why, after a decade of co-existence, did these images suddenly become a violation of Google's policy? We received a note from Google Adsense informing us that all ads for our site had been disabled. Why? Because of this page showing the horrific abuses committed by U.S. troops in Iraq at Abu Ghraib. This page has been up for 11 years. During all that time Google Adsense has been running ads on our site but as Washington gets ready to re-invade Iraq, and in bombing, killing, and abusingMany speculate that it's directly tied to the escalating tensions surrounding the Ukraine war and the potential for renewed U.S. involvement in Iraq. What happens when a dynamic company, started by a couple of idealistic friends in grad school, succeeds so wildly that it becomes a mega-corporation that pervades the lives of hundreds of millions? In imperial America, it would seem, it eventually becomes corrupted, even captured. Tragically, that seems to be the unfolding story of Google.This leads to concerns that Google, influenced by political pressure or internal biases, is attempting to control the narrative by suppressing unflattering depictions of American military actions.

The specific violation, according to Google's automated email, fell under the AdSense policy against content that is ""violent or disturbing."" While the images are undoubtedly disturbing, they document real-world events of profound historical significance.The removal of such content raises questions about the definition of “violent or disturbing” and how consistently it is applied across the platform.

The Implications of Deplatforming Alternative Media

This incident underscores the growing trend of deplatforming and demonetization of alternative media outlets, particularly those critical of U.S. foreign policy.What are the broader implications of this trend?

• Censorship Concerns: The ban raises serious concerns about censorship and the ability of independent media outlets to report on sensitive topics without fear of reprisal.
• Narrative Control: By limiting access to certain perspectives, tech giants like Google can exert significant influence over the public's understanding of complex issues like war and international relations.
• Financial Strain: The loss of AdSense revenue can be crippling for independent websites that rely on advertising to fund their operations.
• Chilling Effect: This action creates a chilling effect, potentially discouraging other media outlets from publishing controversial or dissenting viewpoints.

MintPress News, another independent media organization, has also faced similar threats from Google AdSense for publishing the same Abu Ghraib images. An unmuzzled dog appears to be used to frighten a detainee at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. Two military dog handlers told More Photos Surface (updated June 11) (Warning: Graphic Photos Below) The Washington Post has released new photos along with new information about the use of dogs on prisoners.These coordinated actions suggest a broader effort to silence voices that challenge the mainstream narrative on war and conflict.

Google's Justification: Enforcing the Rules or Controlling the Narrative?

Google representatives have stated that they are simply enforcing their existing policies against violent or disturbing content.However, critics argue that this explanation is disingenuous, given the long history of the Abu Ghraib images being hosted on Antiwar.com with Google AdSense support.

Don Sanchez, in his article ""Don't See Evil: Google's Boycott Campaign Against War Photography and Alternative Media,"" argues that Google's actions are part of a broader pattern of suppressing dissenting voices and controlling the information landscape.He suggests that Google's immense power and influence make it a de facto gatekeeper of information, with the ability to shape public opinion on critical issues.

Is Google truly just enforcing its rules, or is it actively shaping the narrative surrounding war and American interventionism? Antiwar.com, an alternative media organization that has been covering war crimes and American interventionism for over a decade, was recently dropped by Google adsense. The contextThis question remains at the heart of the controversy.

Antiwar.com's Response: Turning to Bitcoin for Support

Faced with the loss of Google AdSense revenue, Antiwar.com is turning to the decentralized world of Bitcoin for financial support.This move highlights the growing appeal of cryptocurrency as a means of funding independent journalism and circumventing traditional channels that may be subject to censorship or political pressure.

Bitcoin, as a decentralized currency, offers several advantages for organizations like Antiwar.com:

• Censorship Resistance: Bitcoin transactions cannot be easily blocked or censored by governments or corporations.
• Global Reach: Bitcoin can be used by anyone, anywhere in the world, making it an ideal tool for international fundraising.
• Transparency: Bitcoin transactions are recorded on a public ledger, providing a high degree of transparency.
• Direct Support: Bitcoin allows supporters to directly fund the organization without intermediaries.

Antiwar.com hopes that its supporters will recognize the importance of independent journalism and contribute to its mission through Bitcoin donations. On the morning of March 18, Eric Garris, founder and webmaster of Antiwar.com, received a form email from Google AdSense informing him that all of Antiwar.com s Google ads had been disabled. The reason given was that one of the site s pages with ads on it displayed images that violated AdSense s policy against violent or disturbingThis strategy represents a significant shift away from traditional advertising models and towards a community-funded approach.

How Can Bitcoin Help Independent Media?

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies offer a potential lifeline for independent media outlets struggling to survive in an increasingly polarized and controlled information environment.

1. Donations: Bitcoin provides a secure and anonymous way for individuals to donate to their favorite media organizations.
2. Subscriptions: Cryptocurrency can be used to create subscription models that bypass traditional payment processors.
3. Micro-payments: Bitcoin allows for small, incremental payments for access to individual articles or content.
4. Decentralized Platforms: Blockchain-based platforms can be used to create decentralized news networks that are resistant to censorship.

By embracing cryptocurrency, independent media outlets can regain control over their funding and ensure their long-term survival.

The Abu Ghraib Photos: Why They Still Matter

The Abu Ghraib photos are not simply ""violent or disturbing"" images; they are a crucial historical record of the abuses committed by U.S. soldiers in Iraq. Putin s Winter War on Ukraine. Maj. Danny Sjursen, USA (ret.) I Know You Are But What Am I : Russia s Ready Response to US Africa-Alarmism. Justin Raimondo The FBI vs. Antiwar.comThese images serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of war and the potential for unchecked power to corrupt. 331 votes, 97 comments. 5.9M subscribers in the Bitcoin community. Bitcoin is the currency of the Internet: a distributed, worldwide, decentralizedHiding or suppressing these images does not erase the events they depict; it only prevents us from learning from our past mistakes.

The images depict:

• Detainees being physically and psychologically abused.
• Sexual humiliation and degradation.
• The use of dogs to intimidate prisoners.
• Overall inhumane treatment of individuals in U.S. custody.

These photos sparked international outrage and led to investigations and prosecutions of some of the perpetrators.However, many believe that the full extent of the abuses was never revealed, and that those higher up in the chain of command were never held accountable.

The Ongoing Relevance of the Abu Ghraib Scandal

Even years later, the Abu Ghraib scandal continues to resonate for several reasons:

• It highlights the dangers of unchecked power: The abuses at Abu Ghraib demonstrated how easily power can be abused in the context of war and occupation.
• It underscores the importance of accountability: The failure to fully investigate and prosecute those responsible for the abuses sent a message that such behavior is acceptable.
• It fuels anti-American sentiment: The images of Abu Ghraib were used by extremist groups to recruit new members and justify acts of violence against Americans.
• It serves as a warning against future abuses: By remembering the lessons of Abu Ghraib, we can work to prevent similar atrocities from occurring in the future.

The ongoing relevance of the Abu Ghraib scandal reinforces the importance of keeping these images in the public consciousness, even if they are disturbing.Suppressing these images would be a disservice to the victims and a betrayal of the principles of transparency and accountability.

The Future of Independent Journalism in the Age of Tech Giants

The case of Antiwar.com and Google AdSense highlights the growing challenges faced by independent journalists in the age of tech giants. MintPress News and AntiWar.com have both been targeted by Google AdSense with threats to kill ad revenue for publishing the infamous photos of Abu Ghraib detainee torture by American troops. Many are left wondering if this is an attempt to control the narrative on the war in Iraq.These platforms wield immense power and influence, and their decisions can have a profound impact on the ability of independent media outlets to survive and thrive.What steps can be taken to ensure the future of independent journalism?

• Diversify Funding Sources: Independent media outlets should explore a variety of funding sources, including donations, subscriptions, grants, and cryptocurrency.
• Build a Strong Community: Cultivating a loyal audience that values independent journalism is crucial for long-term sustainability.
• Embrace Decentralized Platforms: Exploring blockchain-based platforms can help media outlets circumvent censorship and maintain control over their content.
• Advocate for Transparency and Accountability: Holding tech giants accountable for their decisions and advocating for greater transparency is essential for protecting freedom of the press.

The survival of independent journalism depends on the willingness of individuals and organizations to support alternative voices and challenge the dominance of mainstream media. New Abu Ghraib Abuse Photos released Febru by Australia's Special Broadcasting Service TV CLICK ON IMAGE FOR BIGGER PICTURE earlier Abu Ghraib photosBy embracing new technologies and building strong communities, independent journalists can continue to hold power accountable and provide the public with the information they need to make informed decisions.

Conclusion: A Fight for Uncensored Truth

The decision by Google AdSense to drop Antiwar.com for its Abu Ghraib images is a stark reminder of the fragility of independent journalism and the power of tech giants to shape the narrative around war and conflict.While Google claims it is simply enforcing its policies, the timing and context of the ban raise serious questions about censorship and the suppression of dissenting voices.Antiwar.com's decision to turn to Bitcoin for support represents a bold step towards a more decentralized and censorship-resistant future for independent media. An unmuzzled dog appears to be used to frighten a detainee at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. Two military dog handlers told investigators that intelligence personnel ordered them to use dogs to intimidate prisoners. An Iraqi detainee appears to be restrained after havign suffered injuries to both legs at Abu Ghraib.Whether or not Bitcoin can fully replace the lost AdSense revenue remains to be seen, but the move underscores the growing importance of cryptocurrency as a tool for funding independent journalism and circumventing traditional channels that may be subject to political pressure.Ultimately, the fight for uncensored truth is a fight for a more informed and democratic society. The page of Abu Ghraib photos had been up for 11 years and during all that time Google Adsense had been running ads on the site. The page can be found here and has had two million hitsBy supporting independent media outlets like Antiwar.com, we can help ensure that diverse perspectives are heard and that the atrocities of war are never forgotten. On Wednesday morning (), Google AdSense suspended ad delivery to Antiwar.com demanding that we remove our 11-year-old pages that showed the abuse by US soldiers of Iraqi detainees at Abu Ghraib.The support of Bitcoin for alternative news sites like Antiwar.com provides a potent symbol to the fight against censorship.Do you support Antiwar.com?