Bradblog: Worldwide Coverage Of The Sibel Edmonds Bombshell! - And In The U.S.? ...Um...

[Hissyspit]

http://www.bradblog.com/?p=5527

Worldwide Coverage of the Sibel Edmonds Bombshell!
And in the United States of America...um....

Good news! The bombshell report on the front page of London's Sunday Times on charges made by former FBI translator Sibel Edmonds, has finally led to press coverage by the mainstream media!

From one side of the globe to the other, as expected, the explosive allegations whistleblower allegations concerning highly-placed, well-known U.S. officials in the Departments of State and Defense involved in an illicit, for-profit scheme to develop and protect a network of spies, who then stole and sold American nuclear secrets to the international black markets via Turkey, Israel and Pakistan, is now worldwide news!

That, even though the Times only covered "about 20%" of the story she has to tell, according to Edmonds, who we spoke to late last night.

Sunday's British blockbuster, detailing how nuclear secrets were then proliferated to Iran, Libya, North Korea, and potentially even al-Qaeda, was picked up on Monday and reported by international mainstream outlets such as The Times of India, Pakistan's Daily Times, Iran's PressTV, Israel's Haaretz and even the Turkish Daily News.

Here in the United States, the mainstream media coverage included:



That's right. Nobody. None of them. Zilch. Not a one.

Edmonds told The BRAD BLOG last night, that her phone had been ringing of the hook since the Times story hit. From reporters around the globe, she said. As to America: "Not a single mainstream media channel, not even a newspaper."

Apparently American nuclear secrets, stolen by "moles" at America's most sensitive nuclear installations, sold on the black market with the help and protection of highly placed American officials, which then found their way into the hands of America's enemies, is not notable news to Americans. According to the American corporate mainstream media, anyway. We suppose they're all too busy fighting the War on Terror in New Hampshire or something.

And you wonder how our country got into this mess?

Edmonds was no longer amazed by it all. We still are.

(Hat-tip to Mizgîn, a Kurdish blogger at Rastî, for her collection of foreign press articles covering the Sunday Times story. Note: Mizgîn also has some harsh words for the coverage of our friend Larisa Alexandrovna of RAW STORY at that same link. We are friends with Alexandrovna, and are thus likely compromised on this point. So we'll stay out of it for now and let each of them deal with the particulars as they see fit.)

From Hissyspit - an additional related blog post from today: Steve Clemons reaction at The Washington Note to the Sibel Edmonds interview with a comment by DUer Lukery.

http://www.thewashingtonnote.com/archives/002681.php

January 08, 2008
Sibel Edmonds

I have received a few dozen emails asking my thoughts on the Sibel Edmonds case. My response won't please many of the readers advocating on her behalf or asking if there are ways in which I can help her get more mainstream press attention.

MORE AT LINK

[rodeodance]

1. the us media is beyond help.

[Kip Humphrey]

2. MSM is executing a very PUBLIC & RISKY collusion of silence regarding Kucinich, Edwards & Edmonds!

[tom_paine]

19. What's risky about it? I have seen no indication they have been harmed by their many collusions

with our Bushie Tyrants.

What passes for reality in Imperial Amerika these days is a self-referential bubble with no history, no memory.

I wish what you say was true, but I see no sign of it.

If the past is any indicator, there will be only one word to describe what the Bushies and their MSM Toadies have done (for the hundredth time or more, I might add): Successful.

I hope and pray that I am wrong.

[kansasblue]

3. Write you congress critter and at least encourage them...

to be informed on the topic. Seems like if they just knew the issue we'd see some progress.

[spanone]

4. kkkarl rove left the white house to become minister of propaganda for the US media

or at least if would appear that way.

[flyarm]

5. oh and this MSM here that would ignore this story wouldn't possibly manipulate our elections ..

now would they ..nahhhhhhhhhhhhhh...

only joshing..

fly

[lala_rawraw]

6. I posted my response

to this Mizgin on Brad's blog. Feel free to include it.

[Hissyspit]

8. Oops, I missed it for the OP, Larisa. Had to go teach class.

[Hissyspit]

9. Larisa response to Mizgin:

COMMENT #1
... Larisa Alexandrovna said on 1/8/2008 @ 9:14 am PT...

Wow, talk about entirely crazy. Not your post Brad, but on this person Mizgin's post. It is amazing to me that someone who knows nothing of journalism, source-reporter relationships, the work that goes into confirming a story, is going to give me a lecture on their blog about what I posted on my personal blog. At the very least, Mizgin could have read the preface to the list in which I state rather clearly that I am posting information "from my own investigation." Apparently, I am only allowed to post what this Mizgin thinks is appropriate with regard to this case.

I know that with collecting clips of news reports all day, someone could get a bit confused about just what it is they think they know. I would have appreciated an email from this fine mental all star if there were questions, but I don't appreciate the lecture.

I am not going down a laundry list of what ONLY Sibel knows, because I have been for the past few years trying to understand the scope and implications of her allegations. That is why I can add things that do not appear on Edmond's list. I can also subtract things, that do appear on Edmonds list from my own notes. Why? Because if I cannot find a confirming source, then I am not simply going to take someone's word for it.

Sibel has not been and obviously cannot be my source (prison). So for the last few years I have worked this story on my own trying to confirm as much as possible of what Sibel has said.

On Lantos, I simply don't have additional confirmation. That is not to say that I question Sibel's allegations. I don't. It is simply due diligence in terms of investigating. On Kissinger, he does relate from his involvement with funding and supplying the extremists in Turkey (who are still there by the way). You cannot start this story at the birth of Sibel and end it with the photo gallery. Her allegations require context to fully understand.

So I have no problem with my list. Mizgin has shown exactly why there are so many skeptics about citizen journalism. You can believe a source with all of your heart, but a single source without any confirming evidence, context, etc., does not equal fact in the eyes of standard journalistic procedures. That is why one attempts to verify as much as possible on their own if there is only a single source. Otherwise, Mizgin, you would simply be a stenographer - and frankly, that is exactly what Mizgin is.

Sadly, Mizgin has now made this important story about herself and her fight against the big, bad, journalist - me - who has been one of the few people trying to report this story. Really, consider the harsh criticism and tell me - any of you - if Mizgin is justified.

L

[annabanana]

11. Lantos just announced his retirement. (don't remember where I read)

Is he hightailing it into the sunset?

[lala_rawraw]

15. i think he has cancer...

i don't know. frankly, all i have on him are these connections... no clue what the allegations are. i can assume that it is bribery, but i would rather know. i am sure we will find out eventually:)

[JuniperLea]

25. Thanks for your diligence on this...

Why anyone would actually trust mainstream news over real citizen news is beyond me. They only criticize you because they are afraid:)

[lala_rawraw]

31. really luke deserves the credit at this point....

i am really just a back up singer as I have not been covering this story for a long time. i appreciate the kind words though:)_

[0007]

61. You tell 'em sweet smell 'em ...... I don't have the nerve. LOL!

Thanks for the good news man.

[mmonk]

7. I know of one news organization that knows

the UK story, the Haaretz piece, and the gallery. They won't be able to play dumb.

[HamdenRice]

10. KRNT!

[robertpaulsen]

12. To the top! Here's other threads regarding Sibel's recent revelations.

Sibel Edmonds case: Front page of the (UK) papers (finally)
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=2609572

Larisa Alexandrovna at Huff Post: "Sibel Edmonds Speaks" (Additional Info/Naming Names!)
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=2612872

Larisa Alexandrovna: "Sibel Speaks Part II - Naming More Names..."
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=2613823

Names with the faces, please?
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=2614702

Sibel 'Names Names' (in pictures!)
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=2614883

Lindorff weighs in on the Sibel Edmonds UK article.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=2618021

9-11 Cover-Up, Treason and The Bomb
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=2618136

American Judas 2nd Edition Part Six: Sibel Edmonds
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2619735

[BradBlog]

13. THANK YOU for picking this up, Hissyspit!

Guys -- Please take a look at the story and judge for yourself. I believe after you do, you'll understand the necessity to MAKE NOISE about this report!

To put it simply,while the world MSM has picked up on the Sibel Edmonds story -- from Turkey to India to Israel and even Pakistan! -- but not a single word published in a U.S. mainstream media outlet.

To review it quickly for you, Edmonds, the former FBI translator, is risking jail in breaking her gag order under an unprecedented "States Secrets Privilege" to reveal that: American nuclear secrets were stolen by "moles" at America's most sensitive nuclear installations, sold on the black market with the help and protection of highly placed American officials (some of who she also now names), and which then found their way into the hands of America's enemies (Iran, Libya, N. Korea and even al-Qaeda!)
Yet, so far, the American MSM doesn't believe the news is notable (despite reports on Sibel on 60 Minutes and in Vanity Fair back before she actually decided to risk jail and spill the beans).

I hope you disagree with the American MSM and will kick and recommend this article, and make as much noise about it everywhere else as you can!

Brad

[bluesmail]

14. I prefer Corporat Media, has a nice $$$kRing to it

[wildbilln864]

16. kick & rec! n/t

[vickitulsa]

17. ... but then we never know just when "this will be the time," right?

Or am I still too willing to harbor a smidgeon of hope on this amazing story?

It's just that ... well, ever since I came to DU a couple of years ago and got up to speed on Sibel Edmonds, it has always seemed to me that eventually she will get the information she has to offer "out there." I felt it might take too long, depending on just how ruthless her "opponents" decide to be toward her, for the appropriate results to come of it; but I believed there was at least a good chance her determination and courage would win out.

And then, IF this ever happened, it seemed to me a pretty sure thing that cataclysmic changes in international (and domestic) politics could ensue -- hopefully toward transparency and to the benefit of decent people everywhere, with a result of Justice all around in the end. If such a positive outcome were possible at all, I mean.

After several times in the last couple of years when it seemed this point had been reached, and then (shockingly) nothing happened, I admit my confidence waned quite a bit -- but I never gave up completely.

I do try, whenever possible, to be reasonably optimistic!

But now ... NOW with this UK article "stunner" garnering the worldwide attention it is ... might not the international pressure on the guilty parties build to such a scope that the U.S. corporate media/propaganda machine is compelled to address it? To respond to a story of such magnitude and impact?

Is that not yet still possible? Somebody tell me if I'm simply unable to stop hoping in the face of the evidence against such hope. But might this be "the time" after all, that enough pressure forces the issue?

If the U.S. media ever break and begin to cover the story at all, won't it then take on its own momentum as more people learn part of it and want to know more? What am I missing here? Should I be convinced of "Their" invincibility in their control of us all?

Sorry if I sound like a nut or a very naive person here, but it's difficult to jump in with my DU friends who know so much about this, offering my very small two cents' worth. I do so, struggling with the wording as I go, because it's just so important. To me ... to all of us.

[RuleOfNah]

27. "enough pressure forces the issue?"

In the mainstream media in the USA? Doubtful. They can still do detailed reporting (See popstar/missinggirl/etc) but refuse to do substantial reporting.

In mainstream politics in the USA? Doubtful. Can't bite the hand that feeds.

In international courts? Doubtful. They lack enforcement capabilities.

At the UN? Maybe. If they are up for rolling on DC.

That leaves external gangsters, governments, and the like. The most worrisome group, as the coup came from their colleagues.

:popcorn:

[vickitulsa]

28. Appreciate your response very much.

Exactly what I needed.

I guess I was thinking overwhelming news coverage in key countries as word spreads and interest (and outrage) grows, direct confrontation by foreign diplomats and leaders, a swelling tide that U.S. media could not ignore.

Pondering your points, well, DAMN.

Thanks for the concise and helpful reply to my bumbling post and questions. :)

[RuleOfNah]

41. You are very welcome.

It is nice to know that bitter disgust, phrased politely, can still be of some slight use in todays world. Glad to be of service. :)

Overwhelming tides would be great, and hope it not yet extinguished, but time is in such a hurry...

[defendandprotect]

66. Looking at what they don't/can't cover exposes the vast vulnerability of the corruption --- !!

[AntiFascist]

40. Do you realize what we are up against?

The huge military-industrial complex with $trillions riding on the War on Terror. The neocons and the oil industry who are counting on regime change and exploitation of foreign resources. The entire underworld of money laundering, which few have even scratched the surface. The Elite Few who want greater wealth and more control.

Any success in getting these stories out should be celebrated, and the strategy of gaining greater recognition should be planned very carefully while considering what is at stake.

[vickitulsa]

42. I suppose I needed to hear it summarized again neatly for me,

as you've done -- and as RuleOfNah did. It's not that I was not aware of these hard facts, of "what we're up against." (See footnote below)

One of my best friends constantly reminds me of the power "They"* have in these times we live in. He points out in news events all over the world where Their hands are moving behind the curtains -- and I almost always see it even before he brings it up.

I guess there's still just a part of me -- a small, stubborn part -- that believes it's the secrecy of what They do that makes it possible for Them to control so much and get away with so much.

That is why my hope surges whenever I see even a notable crack (like this latest one) in Their grand, masterful cover-up which might signal a real breakthrough ... which might lead to a flood as the dam finally breaks.

For sure I was NOT over-confident! And now I've got a grim grip back again after my brief surge of hopeful anticipation. Thanks. And I heartily agree with you on this, too:

"Any success in getting these stories out should be celebrated, and the strategy of gaining greater recognition should be planned very carefully while considering what is at stake."




("They" being the MIC you mention, which I've been very alert to since Ike first warned us about it; plus I worked on the TransAlaska Pipeline construction in 1974-75, I live in an oil state and thus worked in the industry for many years, for CEOs and Veeps, so I do know who and what those guys are and how dirty they play to gain, keep, and increase their power and wealth.)

[RuleOfNah]

46. CEOs and Veeps

Do tell! Perhaps you have some of your own little levee reports to share? ;)

[vickitulsa]

69. Indeed I do!

Boy, could I tell you stories....

In fact, I have been telling others what I learned from 33 years working in the "energy industry," but I'm afraid those who tend to frown at me as a possible "conspiracy theorist" have sort of discouraged me from offering any more warnings about what I know.

Summarized in a paragraph (since I know I tend to go on too long once I get started), I can tell you that Big Oil, or as they like to call themselves now, "the energy industry," is the DIRTIEST of all dirty players in corporate America that I ever encountered. There is nothing too low for them to stoop to in order to keep themselves in control and to increase their wealth.

To elaborate, if you're interested:

I was a highly skilled executive secretary, and I preferred mostly to work "temp" because it gave me more control of my own life. But I did work long term and at times "permanent" for oil and gas employers -- for example, two years in Alaska for Bechtel. And another benefit of being a temp was that I got to see the inside workings of not just one or two of these powerful corporations, but MANY.

In a way, it was surprising how even as a temp I had the usual secretarial access to virtually all records in corporations with big secrets to keep. (I always figured they never saw me as a potential threat.)

I think the one storyline that reveals the most about how these guys operate is something I encountered in every oil company (and related engineering firms) I worked for. Because my secretarial skills included shorthand, I often took Minutes of Meetings of the highest level executives. And time after time, year after year, I would transcribe my notes of what actually DID happen and what was really said in these meetings, only to have them changed by the execs reviewing them before they were released.

I was appalled and sometimes even stunned at what I had to type up and then release as the official record! They cut out all references to their conspiring and dirty trick planning, their celebration at their political wins and mammoth financial gains, and many other such discussions, ENTIRELY. What was issued instead as final, complete minutes of meetings was a very limited, watered down and completely dishonest version of what went on behind those doors.

If THAT doesn't give people a clue, I don't know what it would take....

I'm retired now, but during my last few years working for these dangerous people (from 1995-2000), I noticed that they were wising up to the anger and suspicion from the public toward them, and I began to see that they thought it wise to begin a broadbased but fairly subtle campaign to label every former employee who might be willing to spill the beans on them as "disgruntled" and a likely "conspiracy nut."

I made sure none of them knew *I* was one of those employees, so they weren't posing for my benefit. In fact, their campaigns were so widespread and pervasive, they couldn't have been merely to warn any one person who might "betray" them. They wanted to fully discredit and totally intimidate ALL who might be able to offer credible evidence of their dirty tricks, political influence, and frequent criminal behavior.


Sorry for my slow reply, btw. It was a late night for me, and when I finally woke up today, I've been following the unfolding story of questions about the "amazing" win by HRC yesterday, wondering if others were going to try to dismiss as "conspiracy theorists" those who are wary of any Diebold decisions -- even if they benefit their candidate.

Very worrisome stuff going on here, indeed.

Edited to add: I've always wondered why the public didn't seem to be puzzled by the odd "coincidence" of the shocking 1973 price hikes by OPEC that caused the record-setting gas prices "at the pump" here in the U.S. Remember, the TransAlaska Pipeline Project had been delayed for seven years by those concerned about the environmental damage the immense project might cause. (I helped put the finishing touches on the EIA -- Environmental Impact Assessment -- the oil company consortium was compelled to carry out in those years.)

But suddenly when prices at the pump soared out of sight, all political obstacles holding up the TAPP were dropped, and it was permitted to proceed unhindered. The price of gasoline then dropped accordingly before too long -- after the goal was accomplished, imo.

I saw first-hand many times the cozy cooperation between the OPEC sheiks and those who run American oil companies.

And we never saw again the "gas wars" that once benefitted consumers.

[RuleOfNah]

70. Hmmm, sounds like "scienter", AKA intent.

"changed by the execs reviewing them before they were released"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scienter

If only the courts weren't in collusion, they might be able to make use of any documentary evidence. Perhaps action will be taken after share prices collapse?

Thank you for the reply vickitulsa. It was both timely and interesting!

[AntiFascist]

50. Sorry I didn't want to come off as condescending...

its easy enough to get carried away by the work people do on DU, but it sounds like you have a lot more direct experience with the types we are talking about. There is plenty of reason for hopeful anticipation and I certainly don't want to discourage it. I always try to keep in mind that "They" are simply on the wrong path and being deceptive while "We" are trying to correct that path and focused on the truth.

[defendandprotect]

67. We can still fight back on all of this --- our big problem is Global Warming . . .

will we have the time to fight back?

Or will we now be facing the greatest shock and awe to overtake our planet --- ???

[RuleOfNah]

68. "will we have the time to fight back?"

What else is there to do while we wait?

I don't expect to 'win', to 'fix', but resisting is so irresistible.

[Elspeth]

18. I would never have known if I didn't read DU

The American media is criminally negligent.

[Hissyspit]

20. There was her appearance on 60 Minutes, which is how my mother (who is not a DUer) found out

about Sibel. But you are right that if one missed that episode that night, as most Americans did, one would never find out about her. Very sad state of affairs.

[tom_paine]

21. "Criminally negligent" is far too tepid a term for it.

How 'bout Grotesquely Treasonous?

[Elspeth]

22. I was being guarded in my speech

In case Agent Mike was watching.

[tom_paine]

23. Fuck Agent Mike Levine, or whichever servant of Tyrants has the duty today.

God I wish we had the ol' -|- smiley here still!

[Elspeth]

26. Shhhh! Agent Mike is listening!!!

:scared:

[JohnyCanuck]

29. Maybe it's time for agent Mike and his colleagues

to start wondering if they might find themselves on trial one day for complicity in TREASON. (One can only hope).

[tom_paine]

49. I REFUSE to be afraid! REFUSE!

If we let ourselves be paralyzed by fear, the Bushies and Bin Laden win.

[Elspeth]

52. Yes. We need to fight them over here so that we don't have to fight them over there

:)

[JuniperLea]

24. We should all feel very manipulated right now...

If this hasn't hit mainstream US news, as huge as this is, imagine how the primary news is being manipulated right now!

[lala_rawraw]

33. yeah... the iran thing really freaked me out...

because i thought they were pulling back, but I should have known better.

[JuniperLea]

64. What does your gut instinct tell you about this latest...

"Confrontation"? I feel we are, yet again, being put in a position to agree with "the bad guys". I think it's all made up, just like WMD, etc.

[robinlynne]

38. not to mention the vote counting.

[wildbilln864]

30. hey guys?

Is it my computer that's causing this page to be blank except for the heading? Or have the pics been taken down? :shrug:

[lala_rawraw]

32. i don't see pics... what pics?

you mean the smileys?

[wildbilln864]

34. I may have the wrong link but...

I thought it was Sibel Edmonds' State Secrets gallery of pictures of the traitors. It was a link on Bradblog, but all I see is a heading.

[file83]

43. I clicked the link and saw a bunch of pictures of people like Richard Pearl, etc...

It works. :thumbsup:

[wildbilln864]

63. Thanks file83...

My brother 20 minutes away said the same. For some reason my puter wasn't loading the pics. :shrug:

[mikelewis]

35. If she is under a gag order, I'm not sure the MSM is allowed to cover the story...

I'm not saying they would if they could but it was my understanding that she was prohibited by law from disclosing the story and that those who printed it could also be liable. This was my purely my assumption and it is not based on any legal experience... however, if true, it could explain why our media has not touched it. Surely, if not Bill Moyers than Keith Olbermann would certainly raise the issue if they were aware of it... and how could they not be?

[mojowork_n]

36. Oh my God, why does Churchill's Fulton, MO speech suddenly spring to mind?

"From Stetin in the Baltic, to Trieste in the Adriatic, an Iron Curtain has descended on Europe"

Winston Churchill, Fulton, Missouri, 1947

Thank God for the 'bunch of tubes', borrowing from Alaska Sen. Ted Steven's famous phrase. (Downloadable from Jon Stewart, Comedy Central.)



http://www.savetheinternet.com/blog/2006/07/13/the-daily-show-takes-on-stevens-and-his-bill/

[AntiFascist]

37. K&R, its' official then...

the corporatist media has turned against the interests of the United States.

[AspenRose]

39. The media have other things more important to cover

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=2629558

Memo from Associated Press' Los Angeles assistant bureau chief

From: Baker, Frank S.
Sent: Tue 1/8/2008 11:58 AM
To: News - Southern California Editorial Staff
Subject: Britney

All:

Now and for the foreseeable future, virtually everything involving Britney is a big deal. That doesn't mean every rumor makes it on the wire. But it does mean that we want to pay attention to what others are reporting and seek to confirm those stories that WE feel warrant the wire. And when we determine that we'll write something, we must expedite it.

Thanks.

[file83]

44. You know, if evidence and testimonials came forward today confirming Gov't involvment in 9/11...

...I don't think the media would pick it up. Everyone would be all "What's 9/11? Ho-hum..."

[bjobotts]

45. Google "Operation Mockingbird" a revealed CIA media operation

Then you will know how and why the MSM ended up in the hands of just a few owners.

[bpeale]

65. OMG! this is shocking & you can see it in action everyday

[bjobotts]

47. Roy Blount -R rep MO. This is treason punishable by death.

As Bush would say ..." the smoking gun may come in the form of a mushroom cloud"...from nukes these traitors sold to our enemies. Ashcroft, who gagged Sibel to begin with, is also from MO so Blount must have gotten in with his knowledge.

[bonito]

48. K&R n/t

[DemReadingDU]

51. morning kick

[Sugar Smack]

53. Thank you for this.

[Echo In Light]

54. Gee, why would the Times only carry 20% of her story? Golly...

[NoFederales]

55. State-run Media (ie, Corpo-Gov) and Election Service

I'm thinking that these are strikes One and Two, maybe strike Three will be *'s success in attacking Iran--Game Over.

It's so depressing, and I see no solutions; certainly, I see no Champions leading against these pitches. Am I wrong to want a hopped-up, steroid-sucking Slugger to line drive these pitches through the Opposition?

Beer and Hot Dogs are not consolation...........

NoFederales

[0007]

56. Best news of the day. Perhaps this will shut the trap of a certain DUer

that made disparaging remarks about Sibel Edmonds statement that she was gonna tell all. But then again that certain DUer hasn't anything good to say about anyone, including her own DUer's.

[Echo In Light]

57. There's a handful who immediately spring into "damage control" re certain topics

[0007]

60. Egads! What are those dudes doing dude?

[0007]

62. Those are the dudes that wrote that famous song.

Then I guess you know who I'm referring too, 'eh?

"I love you, but you don't give a fuck about me

[Mrs. Overall]

58. K&R

[w4rma]

59. Extremely important. (nt)