The United States could be fighting in dozens of conflicts around the world or none at all, depending on how one defines “war” or “conflict.” And despite repeated failures of U.S. military intervention to create global stability, American troops continue to be sent into more nations and more battles, usually without congressional approval.

Marcus Abrams, a 17-year-old autistic teen from St. Paul, who also suffers from seizures, didn’t belong on the tracks at a Metro Transit station, but his family is questioning the violence of his subsequent arrest during which police tackled him to the platform floor. Advocates for the autistic and disabled say the incident highlights the need for better police training.

Shadowproof Mailbag: Citizens United means we’re all “doing time” and only the 1% benefit from the law. Why we must bring Wall Street to justice. What the comic book fantasies of the intelligence community reveal about mass surveillance.

Don’t let anyone fool you: Sectarian strife in Syria has been engineered to provide cover for a war for access to oil and gas, and the power and money that come along with it.

Comrade Chompsky, Shadowproof Reader: A couple of months ago I placed an ad in Craigslist, seeking shared housing. In itself, this is unremarkable; what makes this one different, is the character of the ad. Entitled “Lifelong Activist Seeks Permanent Share,” it has produced some interesting responses — and frames some of the issues activists must face.

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