This was posted this morning from WikiLeaks. I watched the video this morning. I was disgusted. This is NOT a game. War is NOT a game.
How can they live with doing such a terrible act? These men act as though it is a game. They are shooting at targets as though it is a video game. Make comments that only one will make when playing a game. But the problem is that they are shooting real targets, innocent targets. Innocent children. Innocent journalists. Innocent bystanders. Did they really think that the object hanging from one man’s shoulder was a gun? Good god it was a camera. And then they run over him with a tank?
The video is real. This video will show you what soldiers have done and I believe are still doing in Iraq and Afghanistan.
When will it all end? When will we stop killing each other? When will start to understand that not everyone believes the same?
Watch this and if you are not ashamed, then there is no hope for you. I really hope that the men involved in this “incident” are made accountable for their actions.
I think it is time for me to add something that is not so politically heavy. I get drawn into what is happening beyond my borders and I don’t like what I am reading. I am not surprised. But I am disappointed. Politics, power and religion are the same – all wanting more control. And it appears that this control is getting out of control. That is one reason all my life I have stayed away from any political or religious agenda. It scares me. Except of course on the light side – The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster!! So time to step away……
For years I have wanted to delve into my family history but have never put aside any time to research. I was born in England and records can be traced way way back in time. Bristol, where I was born is rich in history and was a major trading port to the “New World” . Do pirates dome to mind?! What secrets will I discover?
My father never ever spoke of his family. I only knew my Grandmother and nothing, nothing beyond that. My Grandfather died in his sleep way before I was born and from the few tales, he was a bit of a drinker. Grandma never remarried and ran a boarding house in Bristol until it became too much for her. She was strict and would not put up with any nonsense. Bringing up three kids in the 30′s on her own must have been difficult. She did send her eldest son to live with his grandparents in the north of England due to him using “foul” language. The house was sold and she then lived with her daughter until her death. Occasionally Dad would throw snippets of his family but never elaborate. He mentioned once or maybe twice that his father’s side (I think) was Irish. That his distant relative made a living by singing in the local pubs ….. now how much of that is true or just a fabric of his imagination, I don’t know and it is now up to me to find out.
My mother speaks more openly about her family although now everything is a little vague in her memory. She knows that her mum was born from parents who owned a hotel in York and she says that is why her mum never ever did anything around the house because it was always done for her!!
One night last week I “googled” my father’s name out of curiosity and boredom. There, right there on the first page, his name appeared in a thread from RootsChat. Who else would be looking for my Dad, I thought? Well it turned out that is was not my Dad but my Grandfather’s name. A lady was looking for her Great Great Grandmother and my Grandmother’s name was there. I could not believe it! I now know that my Grandmother had a sister. Now I am in touch with a distant cousin! How amazing is that? All within a matter of days.
I am very excited about the journey that I am about to embark on. I have only just started and look where I am! I have also only just begun to look at what information RootsChat can provide and it’s looking good. I’ll keep you posted!
Two devastating earthquakes. One in Haiti. One in Chile. They were headline news for awhile. Reports are still there yes, but no longer make it to the front page. Our daily lives are bombarded with information from around the world and somehow the deaths from natural disasters in far away lands is soon forgotten.
But we should pay more attention to what is happening in Haiti and Chile. Look beyond the press. Find out what really is being done to help these people rebuild their lives and dignity. And is it being done for the right reasons. Ashley Smith has written an article for Dissident Voice which is linked below. He is factual and to the point. He explains the differences and similarities by comparison, these two earthquakes. He speaks of the aftermath and why people have turned to helping themselves who are now labeled as looters. And I just love this, Hilary Clinton while visiting Chile:
In an expression of “generosity,” she delivered a grand total of 25 satellite phones to aid in the coordination of disaster relief.
Excuse me?!?!
Ashley is asking questions that need to be answered. I agree with him, politics should never ever play any part in helping people in distress. But unfortunately, as he states, capitalism, no matter where in the world you are, “puts profit and stability over people, even amid disaster”.
Read Ashley’s full article. I was taken back but not surprised at all. Thanks Ashley.
Since that report, I have been compelled to search for further information on Canadian mining companies and their involvement in Central America. Needless to say when one searches on the net, you find the PR machine and the corporate media reporting on how they are helping to bring jobs, money and security to the various regions they are mining and their corporate responsibility. But if you dig deeper, this really is not the case. In my opinion they are filling their own pockets with no respect the indigenous people of the regions. Nothing it seems has changed over the centuries. Money is power and if you have power, you then loose respect on the people that have helped line your pockets and nothing will stand in your way.
Goldcorp from Vancouver, has mining operations in Honduras, specifically in the Valle de Siria region. An interview from Todd Gordon and Jeffery R. Webber with Carlos Danilo Amador. the General Secretary of the Regional Environmental Committee of the Valle de Siria, published in the Upside Down Worldshould be widely circulated in the mainstream press but I fear it will not reach many Canadians. From the interview Goldcorp is doing little to help the people in the region, they continue to take the dignity away from the people. They are no longer farming and living off the land, their water is contaminated and the continual mining will damage the land beyond repair.
I thank James, Todd, Jeffery and scores of others who continue to bring these reports to the attention of those who seek it. Without people like you, we would not know.
Many ask that question – why, why are we in Afghanistan? But this video is asking the American public why are we in Afghanistan AGAIN?
I understand very little about why we (Canadians, British and Americans) are there and ask the same question. This video written a directed by Michael Zweig gave me answers that one does not read in the corporate media. Yes I believe that we should “rethink Afghanistan” before it is too late. Perhaps it already is.
The video below is the “express” version and most definitely should be viewed. The full length version can also be accessed from the link.
We have heard so much as of late about natural disasters that have left thousands dead and millions homeless.
Most of us sit at home quite comfortably reading horrific tales of disaster on our lap tops, hoping that kind of disaster will never come our way. And when it does, we think are more prepared in the “west” than any country. Well, we know that is not true after Katrina.
I read reports where people are amazed that help can not get to the people who have suffered from the world’s fury. At the disgust of local officials. My, what a short memory these people have. Even here in Canada a few years back, many people in rural areas in the dead of winter were left without power for weeks!! Oh we heard the excuses but one just had to wait. In reality, man has no control over natural disasters. No one, no matter how much technology, can inform people how much damage will occur.
Again, I turn to Cuba. the fury that they see is hurricanes. They are well prepared. They prepare their people what to do. Call it what you want, but their people listen and people live through the torment and human life is spared. Perhaps it is time that nations should take note of what they do to protect their people.
My heart goes out to all who are at this moment suffering what nature has thrown in their path. I wish I could help. I wish I could be there – even if it is to hold someone while they cry of their loss. But I cannot. I will trust those who are more equipped and ready to send experienced people to help. But is it not true, sometimes in adversity, all you want is some one to listen to you and some one to hold. We are because of technology closer but it some ways we are farther apart.
Well the word is out that apparently I am not meant to be a house cleaner……… hmmmmmm!!
My stint lasted six months – not bad. But damn hard work for $11 an hour and to be treated by many as though you are their servant!!! I was not amused. I do not mind hard work, nor do I mind helping people but to get on my knees and bow down to them – I don’t think so – not in this life time. Now then again if I could do this for myself and make double the money ………… the story may be a little different….. just a little.
I have never during all my experience as a bartender let people belittle me as their “server” and now because I am cleaning their house – HA!!! I don’t think so!! What gives these people the right to treat others as slaves?!!? Are there still slaves in Canada?!!? Excuse me but where are we and what planet are we on and what year is it?!?! Yet others are so grateful that you have reduced their burden …….. they are the ones who are real and have a life and can hire someone to help them keep their house in order. Nothing wrong with that. But to work around someone who is lounging around on their fat ass with an attitude of supremacy………. sorry I do not want to help them.
OK I am not saying that I will not clean houses but only under my terms baby – not theirs.
My beef for the day …………….
Maybe yes maybe it is time for a change again ………… I love change …. makes life interesting and a challenge!!
I look at the picture at the top of my page and my mind wanders back to Cuba. It has now been five months since my last visit. I miss Cuba. I miss my friends. I miss their love of life. I miss their attitude. It really is time to return.
But alas, I cannot return today, nor tomorrow, nor do I see my return happening within the next few months. And this makes me sad.
Why does this island, alone in the Caribbean call me back? I feel different when I am there. I feel alive. I feel the passion of life. Why? I keep trying to answer that question and I do not have the answer. The only thought comes to mind is the people. They are Cuba.
You may ask what is holding me back – HA!! No bloody money!! No work – no money – no return. So find work, buy a ticket and go where you do feel alive……easier said then done BUT I will return by the end of the year. Once if not twice …………
I could not stop myself from laughing or posting this video. If you need a laugh or even just a smile on your face anytime of the day, then you should watch this. The couple that made this obviously love life and their four legged friend. Kudoos to you!!
These series of pictures have just been released. Taken, so we are told, by the New City Police Department helicopter.
My question is why were these pictures with held from the public and how come the NY cops were right there at the right time to take these pictures? Yes, they have helicopters – but how many and when and where are they dispatched? That said, these are amazing pictures.
