If you smile at me, I will understand
Cause that is something
Everybody everywhere does in the same language
How badly did I want to go to that concert? Not just CSN, Young was there too?! Pretty fucking badly. Of course they charged a ridiculous amount for their freedom of speech concert. Far too much for any real college student. But, those days are long gone, nobody cares about us anymore.
But I digress.
Seriously, why does it have to be so hard to be green and pro-Israel? Todd Chretien came to the rally (I had to miss out, so I've only got photographic evidence and stories), making the anti-Israel side look like a Green Party thing. I never even supported Todd, anyway. I voted for Kent Mesplay in the primary...a real green, unlike Chretien, just another ISO communist looking to take over the party. But, I was planning on voting for him in the general election...as part of the Million Votes for Peace campaign, a great effort to send the message to Feinstein and other pro-war democrats that they need to get their acts together. Now, I'm torn. Well, I'm not voting for Feinstein no matter what. Kent told me that he may be running a write-in campaign, though, it's always a possibility. I could always right to Todd and tell him he's losing a vote. Or tell him in person when the campus greens host him again in the fall.
Still, we're making strides. LA Greens, Advocates for Israel...it's just pretty frustrating right now.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
ummm...oops
We's done fucked up.
Four UN peacekeepers killed in Israeli airstrike
Might be time for a little restraint.
Four UN peacekeepers killed in Israeli airstrike
Might be time for a little restraint.
Monday, July 24, 2006
WILDLIFE ALERT
http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/swcbd/Programs/predator/control/index.html
The Forest Service has proposed new rules governing predator control -- aerial gunning, poison baits and traps, and the like -- in designated wilderness areas and research natural areas. Relax the circumstances under which predator control may occur in designated wilderness Permit killing the "local population" of animals instead of the "offending individual" Permit motorized use inside designated wilderness areas for predator control Permit poison baits and traps (the notorious "M-44" guns) where they were previously prohibited Permit "collaborative groups" to set predator control objectives Relax all the language that formerly provided some small measure of protection to predators in wilderness areas and Research Natural Areas
The Forest Service has proposed new rules governing predator control -- aerial gunning, poison baits and traps, and the like -- in designated wilderness areas and research natural areas.
The new rules:
The Center for Biological Diversity is urging everyone who cares about wild animals and wild places to oppose this new rule change. This web page is designed to give you quick access to background documents that may help you understand and work to prevent this terrible rule from passing, and secure protection for wolves, coyotes, bears, foxes, bobcats and mountain lions wherever they roam.
What You Can Do
To sign onto the letter pasted below, send an email to
eryberg@biologicaldiversity.org with your contact
information, including a phone number.
Second, please consider writing your own comment
letter in addition to joining our sign-on letter.
Explain to the Forest Service why wilderness and
predators are important to you, and why you believe
they deserve complete protection from government
hunters and poison baits and traps. Comments must be
postmarked on or before August 7, 2006, and should be
addressed to:
Forest Service, USDA
Attn: Director, Wilderness and Wild Scenic Rivers
Resources
201 14th Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250
You may also email your comments to
PDM@fs.fed.us.
For more information please visit:
http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/swcbd/Programs/predator/control/index.html
This web page is designed to give you quick access to
background documents that may help you understand and
work to prevent this terrible rule from passing, and
secure protection for wolves, coyotes, bears, foxes,
bobcats and mountain lions wherever they roam.
Thank You,
Kimberly Baker
Klamath Forest Alliance
530-627-3090
Sign on letter:
Director, Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers
Resources
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service
201 14th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20250
Dear Director:
We are writing to oppose the Forest Service rule
published in the June 7, 2006 Federal Register at
Volume 71, page 32915 that would expand trapping,
poisoning, and aerial gunning of bears, bobcats,
coyotes, foxes, mountain lions, wolves, and other
animals in federally designated wilderness areas and
research natural areas on Forest Service lands.
The proposed rule contains sweeping changes that
dramatically increase the conditions under which
predators may be killed in federally designated
wilderness areas and on Forest Service research
natural areas. Moreover, the new rule explicitly
permits hidden sodium cyanide traps within wilderness
areas for the first time, a reversal of the current
prohibition of these devices.
Predators play a vital ecological role, and they have
a place in wilderness areas and the public landscape
that surpasses any claim that can be made for domestic
livestock. They influence a myriad of other animals
and even plants in the ecosystems they inhabit. Their
prey species have evolved keen senses and strong
abilities to run, climb or fight for their lives in
the presence of predators—and
sometimes even time their parturition for maximum
safety.
The numeric balance of wildlife also shifts in
response to predation, and plants that are eaten by
the carnivores’ prey—such as cottonwood trees in
Yellowstone National Park where wolves have been
reintroduced—thrive when those herbivores’ access to
them is
limited. These changes in vegetation then further
reverberate in ecosystems in many ways, for example by
allowing beavers and songbirds to thrive.
Both Wilderness Areas and Research Natural Areas are
unsuited for aerial gunning and cyanide poisoning of
the animals that live there. Aerial gunning, killing
pups in their dens, and placement of buried cyanide
guns run completely contrary to the purposes for which
wilderness and research natural areas were designed,
and they
pose a danger to the many people who seek out
wilderness areas for the remote, primitive recreation
opportunities only those lands provide.
The most significant change in the new rule is Section
1(c), which authorizes collaborative groups to set
management goals and objectives for wildlife
populations, and calls for predator control in order
to achieve those objectives. For the first time,
predator control objectives in wilderness will be set
not by federal authorities but by
whatever private individuals have the ability or
financial incentive to form or attend a “collaborative
group.” Under this new provision, animals need not be
implicated in livestock depredation in order to be
targeted by predator control operations in wilderness
areas.
The current rule prevents indiscriminate predator
control in wilderness areas by requiring that only the
“offending individual” be targeted. But the new rule,
by contrast, permits entire “local populations” to be
killed in a wilderness area, thus making room for the
indiscriminate, programmatic killing of predators as a
general policy. And because the new rule does not
require an individual animal to have been implicated
in any livestock depredation in order to be killed, it
opens the door to
continuous, scheduled killing of all predators that
may be found in an area.
The proposed rule reverses the flat prohibition on the
infamous M44 cyanide guns, which are buried devices
that, when triggered, expel a cloud of lethal sodium
cyanide crystals. These devices are indiscriminate and
a danger to humans and their domestic pets as well as
wild animals, and do not belong anywhere on public
lands,
much less in wilderness areas or research natural
areas.
Finally, the proposed rule removes the requirement
that the Regional Forester authorize each control
action on a case-by-case basis, and even permits
private individuals to conduct predator control in
wilderness areas. This almost guarantees abuse by
livestock interests and others with financial
incentive to kill predators.
In sum, the new rule would remove or significantly
reduce all of the current substantive protections of
wilderness resources. It transforms a rule that
currently contains meaningful limitations on
government funded predator killing in wilderness areas
into one that permits programmatic and indiscriminate
targeting of entire local populations via aerial
gunning, motorized transport, and buried cyanide guns.
It risks the public’s health, and annihilates the
solitude so many seek in wilderness. It is a dramatic
step backwards in principles of ecosystem management
and the recognition of the important roles played by
predators in our nation’s most intact and cherished
landscapes. We believe the proposed rule should be
withdrawn in its entirety.
Respectfully Submitted,
-------------------------------------------------------
sickening
I've felt torn about the current war (Lebanon and Gaza).
So of course when I read today that 5 were killed in northern Gaza when an Israeli shell hit a crowd outside of a block of flats, I felt pangs of guilt. And when I read about the 11 year old and his grandmother being among the victims, my stomach turned.
Then I read this:
Israel said the buildings in northern Gaza belonged to members of the Palestinian militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad, and that it had warned residents to evacuate the buildings before the attacks to avoid civilian casualties.
Nothing angers me more than seeing a group warned and then not protecting civilians that will be in danger. Undoubtedly this is deliberate, with the idea that civilians dying will increase world pressure on Israel. The same sort of thing happens in Lebanon. Hezbollah hides itself among civilians and stores it's weapons in residential areas. What is Israel supposed to do, drop arms and let Hezbollah destroy them? Thank god civilians have been directly warned through leaflets, rather than relying on their government, or god forbid, Hezbollah to be responsible.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5209964.stm
A friend's family lives in Kiryat Shemona. Their apartment building was just hit.
So of course when I read today that 5 were killed in northern Gaza when an Israeli shell hit a crowd outside of a block of flats, I felt pangs of guilt. And when I read about the 11 year old and his grandmother being among the victims, my stomach turned.
Then I read this:
Israel said the buildings in northern Gaza belonged to members of the Palestinian militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad, and that it had warned residents to evacuate the buildings before the attacks to avoid civilian casualties.
Nothing angers me more than seeing a group warned and then not protecting civilians that will be in danger. Undoubtedly this is deliberate, with the idea that civilians dying will increase world pressure on Israel. The same sort of thing happens in Lebanon. Hezbollah hides itself among civilians and stores it's weapons in residential areas. What is Israel supposed to do, drop arms and let Hezbollah destroy them? Thank god civilians have been directly warned through leaflets, rather than relying on their government, or god forbid, Hezbollah to be responsible.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5209964.stm
A friend's family lives in Kiryat Shemona. Their apartment building was just hit.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
recent events
It's 110 here. It's 75 in Jerusalem. No fair.
There have been quite a few protests of Israel in SF lately, partly because of the war, partly because it's the summer and lots of kids are free (not that the hardcore protesters have jobs, anyway), and partly because the al Awda conference was in town. We managed to get quite good turnouts to the last couple, which was very exciting. At one, a bunch of the people from Jews for a Free Palestine sat in an intersection. What did it do? Well, it stopped people from driving by and seeing their message. Also, since this was right in front of a large Wells Fargo, people were asking "what did Wells Fargo do." Furthermore, the message of Jewish Voice for Peace was diluted by the jihadis screaming things like "we support Hezbollah," "from the river to the sea," and "long live the Intifada." One person in our counterprotest shouted over the bullhorn something along the lines of "Jewish Voice for Peace, how can you stand next to this flag with a bloody fist?" And our crowds were large and fairly diverse. These were overwhelming successes.
Here are photos from the July 13 one:
http://www.zombietime.com/israeli_consulate_protest_july_13_2006/
For more, check out the Indybay Palestine page. Scroll down, links to photo pages are in the center column. Disclaimer: I do not take any responsibility for any nausea caused by reading any part of Indybay.
Also, on Sunday at noon there will be a rally in solidarity with Israel, at Justin Herman Plaza. Details are under the announcements here: http://www.sfvoiceforisrael.org/
There have been quite a few protests of Israel in SF lately, partly because of the war, partly because it's the summer and lots of kids are free (not that the hardcore protesters have jobs, anyway), and partly because the al Awda conference was in town. We managed to get quite good turnouts to the last couple, which was very exciting. At one, a bunch of the people from Jews for a Free Palestine sat in an intersection. What did it do? Well, it stopped people from driving by and seeing their message. Also, since this was right in front of a large Wells Fargo, people were asking "what did Wells Fargo do." Furthermore, the message of Jewish Voice for Peace was diluted by the jihadis screaming things like "we support Hezbollah," "from the river to the sea," and "long live the Intifada." One person in our counterprotest shouted over the bullhorn something along the lines of "Jewish Voice for Peace, how can you stand next to this flag with a bloody fist?" And our crowds were large and fairly diverse. These were overwhelming successes.
Here are photos from the July 13 one:
http://www.zombietime.com/israeli_consulate_protest_july_13_2006/
For more, check out the Indybay Palestine page. Scroll down, links to photo pages are in the center column. Disclaimer: I do not take any responsibility for any nausea caused by reading any part of Indybay.
Also, on Sunday at noon there will be a rally in solidarity with Israel, at Justin Herman Plaza. Details are under the announcements here: http://www.sfvoiceforisrael.org/
Friday, July 21, 2006
pro-lifers making lives harder, once again...on the taxpayer's dollar!
From Planned Parenthood...
So-called "crisis pregnancy centers" are proliferating across the nation — a deceitful new tactic of the anti-choice movement to keep women from getting the accurate education and health services they seek.
These fake "clinics" often masquerade as health centers offering the full range of reproductive health services, when their only real purpose is to keep women from exercising their right to choice and family planning.
One such center in Indiana shares a parking lot with a real Planned Parenthood clinic, and was designed expressly to lure our patients and deceive them. Recently, people from the fake "clinic" waged a campaign of intimidation and harassment against a 17-year-old teenager who, with her mother and boyfriend, came to what she thought was our clinic for an abortion. Over the following days, the anti-choice extremists called the police to say the girl was being forced to have an abortion, showed up at her home, called her father's workplace, and even went to her school and urged classmates to pressure her not to have an abortion.
The worst part? Your tax dollars are funding these "crisis pregnancy centers" to the tune of $30 million.
A new bill in Congress, the "Stop Deceptive Advertising for Women's Services Act" (H.R.5052), would stop "crisis pregnancy centers" from deceiving women. Urge your representative to support this important bill.
Oy. According to another email I got:
These centers use neutral-sounding names and ads, falsely promising full reproductive health services. And now, thanks to an investigation by Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA), we know exactly what they're telling women, because female investigators called, saying they were pregnant, and recorded their conversations.
What kinds of sage advice are our tax dollars funding? Here are some direct quotes:
The research shows: Psychological stress after an abortion is NO MORE COMMON than after childbirth.
But they said: Abortions cause "guilt ... sexual problems ... suicidal ideas ... drug use, eating disorders" and "a downward spiral."
The research shows: Abortion does NOT cause an increased risk of breast cancer.
But they said: "All abortion causes an increased risk of breast cancer in later years."
The research shows: Abortions in the first trimester, using the most common abortion procedure, create NO risks for future fertility.
But they said: It's "common" for abortion to lead to "many miscarriages" or "permanent damage," such that "you wouldn't be able to carry."
So-called "crisis pregnancy centers" are proliferating across the nation — a deceitful new tactic of the anti-choice movement to keep women from getting the accurate education and health services they seek.
These fake "clinics" often masquerade as health centers offering the full range of reproductive health services, when their only real purpose is to keep women from exercising their right to choice and family planning.
One such center in Indiana shares a parking lot with a real Planned Parenthood clinic, and was designed expressly to lure our patients and deceive them. Recently, people from the fake "clinic" waged a campaign of intimidation and harassment against a 17-year-old teenager who, with her mother and boyfriend, came to what she thought was our clinic for an abortion. Over the following days, the anti-choice extremists called the police to say the girl was being forced to have an abortion, showed up at her home, called her father's workplace, and even went to her school and urged classmates to pressure her not to have an abortion.
The worst part? Your tax dollars are funding these "crisis pregnancy centers" to the tune of $30 million.
A new bill in Congress, the "Stop Deceptive Advertising for Women's Services Act" (H.R.5052), would stop "crisis pregnancy centers" from deceiving women. Urge your representative to support this important bill.
Oy. According to another email I got:
These centers use neutral-sounding names and ads, falsely promising full reproductive health services. And now, thanks to an investigation by Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA), we know exactly what they're telling women, because female investigators called, saying they were pregnant, and recorded their conversations.
What kinds of sage advice are our tax dollars funding? Here are some direct quotes:
The research shows: Psychological stress after an abortion is NO MORE COMMON than after childbirth.
But they said: Abortions cause "guilt ... sexual problems ... suicidal ideas ... drug use, eating disorders" and "a downward spiral."
The research shows: Abortion does NOT cause an increased risk of breast cancer.
But they said: "All abortion causes an increased risk of breast cancer in later years."
The research shows: Abortions in the first trimester, using the most common abortion procedure, create NO risks for future fertility.
But they said: It's "common" for abortion to lead to "many miscarriages" or "permanent damage," such that "you wouldn't be able to carry."
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
honest reporting
So I've been sorta pissed about the way that LA-IMC is hiding legitimate but zionist comments. To be fair, most (keyword most) have either been spammed or have personal attacks in them, but some perfectly good comments have been hidden for no reason, and they don't seem to be hiding many of the anti-zionist comments, leaving up pure insults. What is worthy of staying up? Check out this wonderful article:
HUNDREDS OF MOSSAD AGENTS RUNNING WILD!
I did a little search of recent articles containing the word Mossad...not surprisingly, many came up. There were some nice ones like "Mossad and Abramhoff" with a nice subtitle of "Would yu [sic] like Mossad to install your telephone?" Here's another ge:
An article claiming, among other things, that Kristallnacht was a false flag op by THUH JEWS
And here's another one published today, from my favorite anti-semite WendyCampbell, or as David Gehrig calls her, Wenchmart Wendy, on why to boycott Wikipedia:
http://la.indymedia.org/news/2006/07/168073.php
Indymedia. Quality news reporting.
HUNDREDS OF MOSSAD AGENTS RUNNING WILD!
I did a little search of recent articles containing the word Mossad...not surprisingly, many came up. There were some nice ones like "Mossad and Abramhoff" with a nice subtitle of "Would yu [sic] like Mossad to install your telephone?" Here's another ge:
An article claiming, among other things, that Kristallnacht was a false flag op by THUH JEWS
And here's another one published today, from my favorite anti-semite WendyCampbell, or as David Gehrig calls her, Wenchmart Wendy, on why to boycott Wikipedia:
http://la.indymedia.org/news/2006/07/168073.php
Indymedia. Quality news reporting.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
ACLU report on the Minutemen
http://www.vigilantewatch.org/docs/CreatingtheMinutemen.pdf
page 8 (labelled as 13 on the actual report) is of note...so much for the myth that the Minutemen attempt to perpetuate, that they are just a peaceful group that merely calls Border Control.
page 8 (labelled as 13 on the actual report) is of note...so much for the myth that the Minutemen attempt to perpetuate, that they are just a peaceful group that merely calls Border Control.
Sunday, July 09, 2006
on the run from american imperialist pig eaters
This probably isn't politically correct, but I can't stop laughing...
ACTION ALERT
First of all, there are photos from the Ventura plenary, June 24-25. I was indeed there. It's possible that I am pictured somewhere within this album, but given that there were around 100 people in attendance (I think), it's not likely. But, certainly possible. It's a mystery!
http://tian.greens.org/GreenParty/GPCAJune06Ventura/index.html
Wanna see some misogyny? Check out this thread: http://la.indymedia.org/news/2006/07/166993_comment.php#167617
Basically, TW getting pissed because a woman is aggressively debating and refusing to be subordinate. Also, check out the link that TW posted to a thread from a couple of weeks ago that is the most amazingly misogynist thing I've had the privledge of seeing in "progressive" circles. Theories that lesbians are angry because they need men, etc. It's a real piece of work:
http://la.indymedia.org/news/hidden.php?id=166360#166522
Now, for the feature presentation:
ACTION ALERT FORWARD WIDELY
Counter Protest Anti-Israel demonstration outside the
Israeli Consulate
Downtown San Francisco, 456 Montgomery Street
Thursday, July 13rd, 4:00PM
On Monday afternoon during rush hour, al-Awda,
A.N.S.W.E.R., MECA, and ISM will demonstrate at the
Israeli Consulate in downtown San Francisco against
Israels actions in Gaza. They call it an assault on
the Palestinian people and claim that Palestinians
are dying. What they fail to mention is that the
raid is in response to a sustained barrage of missiles
from Gaza into Israel and the internationally
condemned kidnapping of a young Israeli soldier by
Hamas militants. The groups sponsoring this
demonstration all demonize Israel as apartheid,
endorse Israels destruction, and refuse to even
acknowledge the violence the Palestinians perpetrated
against Israel that led to Israels defensive actions.
When Israel disengaged from Gaza last year, they
promised that assaults on Israel from Gaza would be
met with harsh response. In line with international
demands, Israel opened border crossings with Gaza when
there were not specific terrorist threats and turned
over the Rafah crossing to the Palestinians with
international observers. Despite this, the Gazan
militant groups, many supported or funded by Hamas,
intensified their rocket attacks into Israel.
Following a prolonged period where Israel exercised
restraint in the face of continuing assaults, Israel
struck back at the militants terrorizing Israel’s
cities and farms near Gaza to put an end to the
assault on its citizens.
San Francisco Voice for Israel/Stand With Us will
counter the anti-Israel/pro-terrorism voice. We will
bring Israeli and American flags, pro-Israel signs,
and most importantly, the truth to counter the
genocidal hate and lies of the anti-Israel groups.
Our presence at these events has proven highly
effective at countering their message and making sure
that the anti-Israel activists can not push their
propaganda on the public unopposed!
Please bring your noisemakers, shofarim, flags, and signs. As
always, feel free to make your own signs but please no
signs or graphics offensive to any racial or ethnic
group including but not limited to Arabs, Islam, or
Palestinians. Signs in violation of our policies will
not be allowed.
Demand an end to Palestinian rocket attacks against
Israeli civilians!
Demand Cpl Gilad Shalit be returned home safely!
Demand the Palestinian Authority put an end to terror
attacks!
Demand an end to the deligitimization and demonization
of Israel!
Demand the Palestinian Authority and their local
supporters choose peace so that the Palestinian people
can have a future!
http://tian.greens.org/GreenParty/GPCAJune06Ventura/index.html
Wanna see some misogyny? Check out this thread: http://la.indymedia.org/news/2006/07/166993_comment.php#167617
Basically, TW getting pissed because a woman is aggressively debating and refusing to be subordinate. Also, check out the link that TW posted to a thread from a couple of weeks ago that is the most amazingly misogynist thing I've had the privledge of seeing in "progressive" circles. Theories that lesbians are angry because they need men, etc. It's a real piece of work:
http://la.indymedia.org/news/hidden.php?id=166360#166522
Now, for the feature presentation:
ACTION ALERT FORWARD WIDELY
Counter Protest Anti-Israel demonstration outside the
Israeli Consulate
Downtown San Francisco, 456 Montgomery Street
Thursday, July 13rd, 4:00PM
On Monday afternoon during rush hour, al-Awda,
A.N.S.W.E.R., MECA, and ISM will demonstrate at the
Israeli Consulate in downtown San Francisco against
Israels actions in Gaza. They call it an assault on
the Palestinian people and claim that Palestinians
are dying. What they fail to mention is that the
raid is in response to a sustained barrage of missiles
from Gaza into Israel and the internationally
condemned kidnapping of a young Israeli soldier by
Hamas militants. The groups sponsoring this
demonstration all demonize Israel as apartheid,
endorse Israels destruction, and refuse to even
acknowledge the violence the Palestinians perpetrated
against Israel that led to Israels defensive actions.
When Israel disengaged from Gaza last year, they
promised that assaults on Israel from Gaza would be
met with harsh response. In line with international
demands, Israel opened border crossings with Gaza when
there were not specific terrorist threats and turned
over the Rafah crossing to the Palestinians with
international observers. Despite this, the Gazan
militant groups, many supported or funded by Hamas,
intensified their rocket attacks into Israel.
Following a prolonged period where Israel exercised
restraint in the face of continuing assaults, Israel
struck back at the militants terrorizing Israel’s
cities and farms near Gaza to put an end to the
assault on its citizens.
San Francisco Voice for Israel/Stand With Us will
counter the anti-Israel/pro-terrorism voice. We will
bring Israeli and American flags, pro-Israel signs,
and most importantly, the truth to counter the
genocidal hate and lies of the anti-Israel groups.
Our presence at these events has proven highly
effective at countering their message and making sure
that the anti-Israel activists can not push their
propaganda on the public unopposed!
Please bring your noisemakers, shofarim, flags, and signs. As
always, feel free to make your own signs but please no
signs or graphics offensive to any racial or ethnic
group including but not limited to Arabs, Islam, or
Palestinians. Signs in violation of our policies will
not be allowed.
Demand an end to Palestinian rocket attacks against
Israeli civilians!
Demand Cpl Gilad Shalit be returned home safely!
Demand the Palestinian Authority put an end to terror
attacks!
Demand an end to the deligitimization and demonization
of Israel!
Demand the Palestinian Authority and their local
supporters choose peace so that the Palestinian people
can have a future!
Saturday, July 08, 2006
the first step to recovery is admitting your problem
I can't quite figure out why Indymedia is so addictive. There is an element of good, a quest to spread truth. But that often is just an excuse. It's fun when you know people on it, but more fun are the people that you don't know (btw, Tia, I hope you're not offended that I really wanted a bedtime story from TW, not you...). It's so much fun to imagine what they're really like, especially your opponents. Nessie...well, we're on to his trail, and he knows it (hi there, Nessie!) But it's TW who's the most fun, I don't know why. I always wonder what everyone really is like...how old they are, how they act around their friends, their hobbies, marital/relationship status, what they do for a living...why should I care?
Regardless of the reason, you know you have a problem when you're walking back from a friend's place at 8 in the morning, after a fun filled night involving a few good friends, the new pirates movie, a hot tub and guinness...and you think, "wow, I must have missed out on a lot of indymedia talk, better hurry back."
Nevertheless, there's no way I'm quitting.
Regardless of the reason, you know you have a problem when you're walking back from a friend's place at 8 in the morning, after a fun filled night involving a few good friends, the new pirates movie, a hot tub and guinness...and you think, "wow, I must have missed out on a lot of indymedia talk, better hurry back."
Nevertheless, there's no way I'm quitting.
Friday, July 07, 2006
al awda protest
OK, I'm calm enough to talk about this...
On Tuesday I went to one of the many counterprotests that SF Voice for Israel holds. What was different about this one, as opposed to the ANSWER ones? I directly faced hate.
I've heard the stories, I've seen it on Zombietime...but I've been pretty lucky thusfar. Sure, I've seen some kids trying to cross the street and get at us (one tried so many times that he was finally arrested), I've seen a few signs...but this was pushing my limits.
Truthfully, I put myself in the situation. For awhile, I stood right accross from their front lines...with a police barracade and a few feet of space separating us. An elderly woman making obscene gestures and shouting obscenities. No biggie, she was clearly crazy. Those brainwashed ANSWER kids, with their stupid hats and vests that make them look like traffic crossing guards, chanting stupid slogans like "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free." Annoying, but whatever. Teens screaming at us in Arabic. Not so bad at first..until you learn what it means. Redemption through blood. The Palestinian flag up front had a fist dripping blood. The young man holding it also had a boy on his shoulders who looked to be 6, smiling along with them. They were filled with hate. When our looks were horrified, their looks were smug. When I asked for peace, they barely responded...and continued with their hateful words. I couldn't stand it. I had to leave the front lines. The most effective thing, truthfully, was talking to people. There were pro-palestine supporters on the other side of the street, separated from the haters...a much more peaceful bunch. They were willing to compromise. I actually knew some from green party business. Nice people. Those I didn't know were interesting to talk to...they were shocked when they figured out that I wasn't a neocon..."but Bush supports Israel?!" Oh, San Francisco, where shallow liberalism in the form of Bush hating replaces the fashion of LA as trendiness.
When I got back, I found out that there were more disturbing chants
Itbakh al Yahood
Kill the Jews
So, it's happening again. Once again, al-Awda organized, same time, same place. Except this time it's right before the al-Awda conference, where haters are shipped in from accross the country. What a bunch of fun! Well, this time, hopefully our tactics will be different. And hopefully I'll be able to ignore the hate.
I don't think anybody reads this blog, but just in case...for those who can make it to San Francisco next Thursday:
http://www.al-awda.org/events/san-francisco.html
On Tuesday I went to one of the many counterprotests that SF Voice for Israel holds. What was different about this one, as opposed to the ANSWER ones? I directly faced hate.
I've heard the stories, I've seen it on Zombietime...but I've been pretty lucky thusfar. Sure, I've seen some kids trying to cross the street and get at us (one tried so many times that he was finally arrested), I've seen a few signs...but this was pushing my limits.
Truthfully, I put myself in the situation. For awhile, I stood right accross from their front lines...with a police barracade and a few feet of space separating us. An elderly woman making obscene gestures and shouting obscenities. No biggie, she was clearly crazy. Those brainwashed ANSWER kids, with their stupid hats and vests that make them look like traffic crossing guards, chanting stupid slogans like "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free." Annoying, but whatever. Teens screaming at us in Arabic. Not so bad at first..until you learn what it means. Redemption through blood. The Palestinian flag up front had a fist dripping blood. The young man holding it also had a boy on his shoulders who looked to be 6, smiling along with them. They were filled with hate. When our looks were horrified, their looks were smug. When I asked for peace, they barely responded...and continued with their hateful words. I couldn't stand it. I had to leave the front lines. The most effective thing, truthfully, was talking to people. There were pro-palestine supporters on the other side of the street, separated from the haters...a much more peaceful bunch. They were willing to compromise. I actually knew some from green party business. Nice people. Those I didn't know were interesting to talk to...they were shocked when they figured out that I wasn't a neocon..."but Bush supports Israel?!" Oh, San Francisco, where shallow liberalism in the form of Bush hating replaces the fashion of LA as trendiness.
When I got back, I found out that there were more disturbing chants
Itbakh al Yahood
Kill the Jews
So, it's happening again. Once again, al-Awda organized, same time, same place. Except this time it's right before the al-Awda conference, where haters are shipped in from accross the country. What a bunch of fun! Well, this time, hopefully our tactics will be different. And hopefully I'll be able to ignore the hate.
I don't think anybody reads this blog, but just in case...for those who can make it to San Francisco next Thursday:
http://www.al-awda.org/events/san-francisco.html
Thursday, July 06, 2006
great comment on indybay
The right path isn't always the
Wednesday Jul 5th, 2006 2:25 PM It only goes to show the desperation of life living under the occupation that people, especially young people, are willing to give up their lives in resistance.
It is tragic to live in a society without hope.
What matters is how you deal with it. Do you choose the path of King and Gandhi, or do you choose the path of violence and war?
I am reminded of the Jews after World War II. Their homes were gone. Their families were gone. They had nothing left and nothing to live for. Rather than seeking revenge against their tormentors, the reminding Jewish population sought to peacefully re-establish their lives.
There is always a choice. Choose peace.
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/07/03/18285026.php?show_comments=1#18285669
And, it would be very condescending to assume that just because they hail from a different culture, they have no personal responsibility...
And don't you just love their government? Oh yeah, Hamas is definitely moderating. Check out this state sponsered commercial, and prepare to be disturbed: http://www.pmw.org.il/asx/PMW_duraClip2006.asx
Oh, and I was at the rally that is pictured. I still haven't calmed down, I can still feel the hatred of Jess Ghannam's crowd. I'll post later.
It is tragic to live in a society without hope.
What matters is how you deal with it. Do you choose the path of King and Gandhi, or do you choose the path of violence and war?
I am reminded of the Jews after World War II. Their homes were gone. Their families were gone. They had nothing left and nothing to live for. Rather than seeking revenge against their tormentors, the reminding Jewish population sought to peacefully re-establish their lives.
There is always a choice. Choose peace.
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/07/03/18285026.php?show_comments=1#18285669
And, it would be very condescending to assume that just because they hail from a different culture, they have no personal responsibility...
And don't you just love their government? Oh yeah, Hamas is definitely moderating. Check out this state sponsered commercial, and prepare to be disturbed: http://www.pmw.org.il/asx/PMW_duraClip2006.asx
Oh, and I was at the rally that is pictured. I still haven't calmed down, I can still feel the hatred of Jess Ghannam's crowd. I'll post later.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
it's not easy being green
Happy Fourth of July to everyone!
I've been wondering what it means to be a green. I've met people that identify as greens, but aren't registered. I've met many that say that they were "green before there was a party." Not many people would say "I'm a democrat" or "I'm a republican" if they haven't registered. Maybe there are some libertarians in this conundrum as well...it is a political philosophy. Same with the greens.
http://www.cagreens.org/platform/10k.htm
That's what it means. Some might be strange or redundant, but others are truly key...nonviolence (when possible, at least...), decentralization and grassroots democracy (as opposed to this neoconservative method of centralizing everything...seems some dems have the same views...we need to have this be a government by and for the people), environmentalism (how could you not be?), and social justice...this is separate from personal responsibility, because given that the purpose of the government is to protect the interests of the people, it must ensure that there is social justice...often in the form of government services. This is probably where we break off from libertarians...while decentralization often provides that laws regarding personal choices that don't affect others are not prevalent, this is not the case in ensuring broader social justice. Lets not be naive...personal responisibility isn't gonna cut it. And that's the governments place to step in, to protect individuals from larger entities. Those crimes could be equated to theft. I can't begin to describe how frustrating it is that the Enron guys will get off with less than someone who steals electronics from a store. I guess it's sad that I have a lack of faith in humanity, but that's just life.
Still, to be a real green, you should at least register...show support and grow the party. And registering democrat or republican, which are pro-war corporate parties...I just can't see how that's possible.
I've been wondering what it means to be a green. I've met people that identify as greens, but aren't registered. I've met many that say that they were "green before there was a party." Not many people would say "I'm a democrat" or "I'm a republican" if they haven't registered. Maybe there are some libertarians in this conundrum as well...it is a political philosophy. Same with the greens.
http://www.cagreens.org/platform/10k.htm
That's what it means. Some might be strange or redundant, but others are truly key...nonviolence (when possible, at least...), decentralization and grassroots democracy (as opposed to this neoconservative method of centralizing everything...seems some dems have the same views...we need to have this be a government by and for the people), environmentalism (how could you not be?), and social justice...this is separate from personal responsibility, because given that the purpose of the government is to protect the interests of the people, it must ensure that there is social justice...often in the form of government services. This is probably where we break off from libertarians...while decentralization often provides that laws regarding personal choices that don't affect others are not prevalent, this is not the case in ensuring broader social justice. Lets not be naive...personal responisibility isn't gonna cut it. And that's the governments place to step in, to protect individuals from larger entities. Those crimes could be equated to theft. I can't begin to describe how frustrating it is that the Enron guys will get off with less than someone who steals electronics from a store. I guess it's sad that I have a lack of faith in humanity, but that's just life.
Still, to be a real green, you should at least register...show support and grow the party. And registering democrat or republican, which are pro-war corporate parties...I just can't see how that's possible.
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