The US Agency for International Development (USAID), most recently in the headlines for its covert creation of “Cuban Twitter,” a social media enterprise aimed at regime change, is set to throw more money at sympathetic media in the Ukraine.
Already on the hook for millions of dollars at this point, USAID announced another $1.25 million for promoting “universal values” in the Ukraine, much of it related to the upcoming elections.
In addition to direct support for media, the USAID money is also aiming to organize “town hall events” in Ukraine focusing on the importances of “Ukrainian unity and the implications of EU integration.”
The program was initially unveiled during the Yanukovych government, and at the time focused on “independent media.” Now, USAID openly declares its supports for the interim Ukrainian government, and is focused instead on pushing to establish the legitimacy of that new ruling faction.
This is so sad..Dude, where's my country's sanity?
USAID can always sponsor a new reality show starring the trollops of P***y Riot for the cultural enrichment of the Ukrainian people. Snooki from "Jersey Shore" and Kim Kardashian can be creative consultants.
I 'am wondering if USAID is an arm of the CIA….maybe the whole body….approval, support, and control.
The CIA likely has contacts in USAID that moonlight for the "Agency" and add impetus from time to time, but being part of the FedGov, it really doesn't need much encouragement.
You can stop wondering… Whether done withor without his approval, USAID, if not a front the CIA than a convenient vehicle for placing it "assets" and utilizing it key people. One of the major operatives was the successfully self-promoting Tom Dooley III. Yeah, the same guy the the Kingston Trio made the title of their BIG HIT.
Ruling faction? Not for much longer! Ukrainians will elect a new president and parliament on 25 May. And does Mr Ditz really expect us to believe that all kinds of groups and individuals, both public and private don't pay media outlets to peddle their line?
The pols in DC constantly talk and rant about saving taxpayer dollars (but do nothing sane)…well, a really good start would be to pull the organizational plug on USAID. Imagine the savings from not having to fund stuff like fake twitter accounts in Cuba and supporting the media of a fascist-riddled government in a country the State Dept is trying to destroy by pushing them into armed civil war.
USAID is the CIA. Everyone knows this so why do they even bother to hide it?
Let me get this straight, we have no money to extend unemployment, we have people leaving in the street, and we were able to help prevent people from freezing to death during this past winter, but we have enough cash to subsidize the Ukraine media. This is appalling.
The US is losing its status of a Democracy.The real rulers are the Banks,Business,Military,Secret Services,,Media Circus.The average US citizen is paying for this with his wealth.And the Politicians can play Superpower and do what the Super-Rich order them.
EU countries did not want another welfare basketcase to pay for, so Washington is unilaterally raising expectations and making them take it anyway.
“… to teach universal values”.
What are ‘universal values’?
And do they apply to the USA as well, or just everyone else but the USA?
"In addition to direct support for media, the USAID money is also aiming to organize “town hall events” in Ukraine focusing on the importances of “Ukrainian unity and the implications of EU integration.”"
Just a note to USAID – you are too late in Odessa – your pals burnt the hall down killing plenty inside – you can save a few bucks there.
Sure is a hell of a way to focus “Ukrainian unity and the implications of EU integration.”