May all of the victims of war rest in peace, and may we live to see a day where human beings no longer destroy each other.
Olympic Mountain View
March 2010 Seattle Washington
Showing posts with label militarism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label militarism. Show all posts
11 September 2011
Sunday 11 September 2011
On this the 11th day of September 2011, let's remember how our nation's leaders took advantage of the tragic events of 9/11/01, 10 years ago, and capitalized on fear and shock, in order to foist upon and project upon the world an era of increased American militarism and efforts toward expanded global political and economic dominance.
May all of the victims of war rest in peace, and may we live to see a day where human beings no longer destroy each other.
Olympic Mountain View
March 2010 Seattle Washington
May all of the victims of war rest in peace, and may we live to see a day where human beings no longer destroy each other.
Olympic Mountain View
March 2010 Seattle Washington
08 September 2011
New Stuff
I have a couple new posts on Olyblog, and I posted a note on Facebook about boycotting against states that demonstrate aggression. My blog at OlyBlog can be found at http://olyblog.net/blog/berd and I will post the text of the note from facebook below the fold here.
09 April 2011
Some Thoughts about Nuclear Weapons, Bullying, and Policy
 |
| I will not bully. |
I was reminded of it because of I was arraigned on federal trespassing charges yesterday in Tacoma, WA. I and six others are accused of trespassing on the Naval Nuclear Weapons/Submarine Base Kitsap—Bangor, during a protest hosted by the Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action [http://gzcenter.org/], on Martin Luther King day this year (15 January 2011.)
KOMO had a TV camera and reporter there, and also a journalist with the radio station.
During a pre-arraignment rally and vigil, I was able to speak in front of the TV camera for a little bit, and then reporter from the radio station did a short interview with me.
In front of the camera I echoed previous comments made by my fellow defendants, about being inspired by the actions of the Disarm Now Swords into Plowshares group [disarmnowplowshares.wordpress.com].
I also mentioned being thankful for the hard work that the GZ Center does, and my reason for being there, which is to inspire increased awareness, and inspire people to ask whether we might be on the wrong track as far as these weapons are concerned—and if so, then how we might go about abolishing them as soon as possible!
I am glad the KOMO radio reporter also stopped me before entering the courthouse, because I was able to talk more about my reasons for being there. Which is where the bullying idea comes in. My opposition to nuclear weapons is not only based on their destructive potential (and illegality,) but because their existence is designed to support, enable, and further policies and practices of economic and political dominance.
So I ask why, when it is wrong for children to bully in kindergarten, is it considered normal or acceptable for grown-ups to bully in the marketplace or in the international political arena?
Just say no to bullying!
[also see "no more Hiroshimas or Nagasakis": www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1589328&l=9ad9eae545&id=1061322373]
02 April 2011
Peace Vigil Video with Frog Song
Peace Vigil at Percival Landing with frog song audio overlap
Friday the 1st of April, 2011
Peace Vigil at Percival Landing
Olympia!
Another version of the video posted below (audio track removed, frogs only.)
09 August 2010
An Act of Nonviolent Civil Resistance
Update, it's about 1pm on Monday, and I feel super bad, because I slept through my alarm and failed to make it to the protest at Ground Zero. I guess this is proof that I need to take care of myself. I am sorry that I let down my friends, and I hope the protest went well. I will look forward to being able to participate in the future.
The following is something I intended to publish earlier, though I stopped it from being published after my friend called and woke me up, and I realized that I had slept through my alarm and wouldn't be able to make it to the protest in time to participate. -Berd
This post is set to self-publish at 6 am on the morning of Monday the 9th of August, which is the 65th anniversary of the atomic bombing of the Japanese city Nagasaki. I will be on the Kitsap peninsula at that time.
I am planning to participate in nonviolent civil resistance/disobedience against the immoral and illegal maintenance of nuclear weapons by my government, the United States of America, by entering the roadway in an effort to blockade passage into the base. As these Trident nuclear missile weapons system exist in a first strike capacity they are illegal under recognized legal agreements. As such, this is a big part of why I see the USA as a rogue nation.
These maintenance of these weapons furthers the American Empire, an empire which is also immoral and illegal. I call for an end to imperialism.
When I enter the roadway and risk arrest, I will do so in an effort to raise awareness about, and prevent the conduct of, an immoral and illegal military infrastructure. Either way, I enter the roadway to block traffic in a sincere effort to prevent harm, to save lives, and to give voice to the vision of a world that is based on mutual respect and reciprocity, rather than conquest and domination.
I will carry a statement similar to the following, when I enter the roadway.
Peace,
Berd
The following is something I intended to publish earlier, though I stopped it from being published after my friend called and woke me up, and I realized that I had slept through my alarm and wouldn't be able to make it to the protest in time to participate. -Berd
This post is set to self-publish at 6 am on the morning of Monday the 9th of August, which is the 65th anniversary of the atomic bombing of the Japanese city Nagasaki. I will be on the Kitsap peninsula at that time.
I am planning to participate in nonviolent civil resistance/disobedience against the immoral and illegal maintenance of nuclear weapons by my government, the United States of America, by entering the roadway in an effort to blockade passage into the base. As these Trident nuclear missile weapons system exist in a first strike capacity they are illegal under recognized legal agreements. As such, this is a big part of why I see the USA as a rogue nation.
These maintenance of these weapons furthers the American Empire, an empire which is also immoral and illegal. I call for an end to imperialism.
When I enter the roadway and risk arrest, I will do so in an effort to raise awareness about, and prevent the conduct of, an immoral and illegal military infrastructure. Either way, I enter the roadway to block traffic in a sincere effort to prevent harm, to save lives, and to give voice to the vision of a world that is based on mutual respect and reciprocity, rather than conquest and domination.
I will carry a statement similar to the following, when I enter the roadway.
Peace,
Berd
By peacefully entering the roadway in front of the Gate to the Naval Submarine Base Kitsap-Bangor, on Monday the 9th of August 2010, I take meaningful action in nonviolent civil resistance to the immoral and illegal actions of my government. I resist the maintenance of weapons of mass destruction.
I act against bullying.
I act against imperialism.
I act against aggression.
And I call for change.
I call for peace. I call for respect for the rights of all people, all around the world, the rights of whom are denied by the policies of my government, of the USA. People deserve to live in peace, and to be free from the fear of the threat of nuclear war.
By taking action to resist, and risking arrest for doing so, I stand for a world that is much different than the one we have now. I stand for a benign world that is altruistic, a world that seeks to serve life and to meet the needs of all people.
I stand and voice my desire for a day when people don't feel the need to wield power over others, whether they do so in order to feel safe themselves or for other reasons.
I have a message for the soldiers, sailors, and other military personnel of the US military: I want to be your friend. I mean that sincerely. From where I stand, I see the government as a guilty partner, an abuser, and an enabler of tremendous abuses.
I believe that we have that in common, that we are essentially victims here, the victims of an abusive society, one that is enabled and perpetuated by the government of the United States of America.
What I want is for you, and for all people, to have meaningful work that is enjoyable, and constructive. I want you and all people to have economic security, without weapons, and violence, bullying and belligerence.
I want to be happy, and I want you to be happy. I want happiness and joy for all people.
So here I stand: a witness to the annihilation, 65 years ago today, of the residents of the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. May it be that such atrocities never happen again—to anyone.
For the immediate abolition of all nuclear weapons!
Sincerely,
Robert Friend Weber (Berd) Whitlock
03 August 2010
Israel's PR War
Who benefits from Israeli occupation?
What is the source of Israel's delegitimization?
Could it be that Israel delegitimizes itself by committing crimes against humanity?
01 June 2010
Emergency Demonstration for Gaza Aid Freedom Flotilla
Monday, May 31, 2010
Olympia, Washington
Well over 100 people gathered to protest against Israel's recent attack on human right's activists. Several hundred people were attempting to escort a significant shipment of material humanitarian relief supplies, when Israeli commandos hi-jacked them under the cover of darkness in the early morning. Israel even went so far as to kill some of the human rights workers during their take-over of the ships.
more information about the Freedom Flotilla here: The Free Gaza Movement
07 January 2010
Cultural Transformation
I have posted this before here, but I am posting it again, because I have been thinking about this quote recently.
Here's another MLK quote that I like:
We must accept finite disappointment,see photo larger: Cultural Transformation Shift
but we must never lose infinite hope.
– Martin Luther King Jr.
12 October 2009
Shift
I posted this before, but here I am posting it again. I have been thinking about this quote by MLK Jr. a few times today:
"I am convinced that if we are to get on the right side of the world revolution, we as a nation must undergo a radical revolution of values. We must rapidly begin the shift from a thing-oriented society to a person-oriented society. When machines and computers, profit motives and property rights, are considered more important than people, the giant triplets of racism, extreme materialism, and militarism are incapable of being conquered."
~ Martin Luther King Jr.
"I am convinced that if we are to get on the right side of the world revolution, we as a nation must undergo a radical revolution of values. We must rapidly begin the shift from a thing-oriented society to a person-oriented society. When machines and computers, profit motives and property rights, are considered more important than people, the giant triplets of racism, extreme materialism, and militarism are incapable of being conquered."
~ Martin Luther King Jr.
04 September 2009
Letter to President Obama (and Members of the Obama Administration)
Here's a letter I just sent to the White House:
Dear President Obama, and Members of the Obama Administration,
I have hope. I believe in Change. I believe that we can heal the world. Yes we can!
But not without challenging the unjust status quo. Take for example the wealth discrepancy between rich and poor. It is astronomical. It's almost unfathomable and it takes great powers of conceptualization in order to comprehend. It's iniquitous, and I believe, totally indefensible.
Please take some concrete steps toward change that I can believe in.
Please do not continue this landslide toward war, profligacy and environmental degradation. That's not change. War is waste and pollution, and it's just more of the same.
The United States spends more on military than the entire rest of the world combined. This is unacceptable to me. It cannot be logically argued that the military might of the USA exists solely for the purposes of legitimate defense. These military expenditures are immoral, and a betrayal of common ethical values. Military policies and practices are hurting people, and it's just not right.
Please, take concrete steps toward real change. For example: pulling out of Iraq and Afghanistan, making a formal apology to the world, requesting international support for efforts toward reconciliation, and holding members of the Bush Administration accountable for wrongly driving the nation to war.
Thank you, and sincerely wanting of change that I can believe in,
Berd Whitlock
13 July 2009
On the Right Side
"I am convinced that if we are to get on the right side of the world revolution, we as a nation must undergo a radical revolution of values. We must rapidly begin the shift from a thing-oriented society to a person-oriented society. When machines and computers, profit motives and property rights, are considered more important than people, the giant triplets of racism, extreme materialism, and militarism are incapable of being conquered."
~ Martin Luther King Jr.
16 June 2009
War Wastes, War Confines: Peace Conserves, Peace Liberates
Stoploss is one of the horrible policies to come out of the military in relation to imperialism. Stoploss is a backdoor draft that attempts to force and coerce soldiers to stay in the military beyond what ought to be their rightful contractual obligation.
End Stoploss
Comments (posted to the flickr photo page):
Wayne in Indy says:
If you're a coward, don't join the armed forces like this one did.
^Berd says:
I have the pleasure to report that this young man is not a coward.
In fact - he is a model of courage.
Wayne in Indy says:
He is a model of cowardice.
^Berd says:
Looks like we have different opinions on this one.
So then, why do you think his behavior demonstrates cowardice?
Wayne in Indy says:
When one signs up for military service they are expected to fully understand that, if war comes, they will likely see combat. It's disgusting that, when war does come, some servicemen suddenly get the willies and want out. So, if this character is anti-war, he had no reason to join up in the first place.
Surely it's not that he opposes this particualar war? That's worse. There are only two sides and no middle ground whatsoever. You either support the war against Terrorism or you support Terrorism.
So which of the two is he?
^Berd says:
I don't know Josh's story, but I know him enough to know that he isn't a coward. It takes real courage to stand up and refuse to comply with the military establishment.
A lot of folks signed up to be in the National Guard, thinking that they would protect the USA against invasion - but never dreaming of being sent overseas to fight against an ambiguous enemy in a foreign nation.
Let's look at what is going on in Iraq. It's a guerilla war, an insurgency. To Iraqis, insurgents are freedom fighters - fighting for liberation against imperial occupation.
Terrorism isn't so simple. And the best way to fight terrorism isn't with war and violence. The best way to fight terrorism is with justice, truth, and tolerance of personal differences. Economic imperialism is creating terrorists. It's blowback. It's well documented and well understood. America's foreign and economic policies (global domination, or hegemony) are principle causes of terrorism.
If you're really against terrorism, then it makes sense to be against imperialism too.
Wayne in Indy says:
Terrorism is, by my definition, resistance to American imperialism. It must be destroyed. I don't give a rat's caboose about folks who consider terrorists to be freedom fighters. It just means that they too are terrorists.
"Justice", "truth", and "tolerance" as weapons against "Terror"? Need to come out of that dream world of yours, my dear Berd. Real world don't work that way--never has.
The application of full-scale brute force has been, is, and ever shall be, the ONLY answer.
Resistance to America is a war crime and should be dealt with as such.
^Berd says:
Terrorism defined as resistance to American Imperialism, that's interesting.
You support imperialism. I oppose imperialism. In fact, I resist American imperialism. By your definition, I would be a terrorist.
Might does not make right. America behaving as if it can dictate the ways of the global economy is ridiculous and insane. Empires are born to fail. They are inherently unsustainable. Empires require oppression. People naturally will resist and oppose oppression.
The American Empire is already on its way out. The Empire is on the wane. Inherently unstable, the empire alienates, disenfranchises, and weakens its own foundations all the time. The empire is wholly dependent on a steady supply of cheap energy. Supplies of cheap energy are dwindling.
I could go on and on. But the point here is that being opposed to imperialism is not wrong. Opposition to empire is right. Empire is constricting, restricting, wasteful, oppressive. So (nonviolently) resisting empire is the right action to take.
I am a humanist Wayne. I care about humanity. I want all people to be free. I want a common societal denominator of ecological and economic sustainability.
Empire is an obstacle to peace. Empire is oppression. Empire is environmental degradation. Empire limits freedom. Empire wastes resources. Empire is a blood stain on the fabric of humanity.
Opposition to empire - resistance to empire - that's right and true.
Wayne in Indy says:
I agree that the American Empire is in decline. However I'm hopeful that this decline will be reversed when all the inevitable disasters of of the Obama presidency come home to us--and they will. It took four years of Jimmy Carter to bring us eight of Reagan and four of Bush for twelve years total. Obama is worse than Carter--far worse. A right-wing backlash is inevitable as Americans are rudely awakened by the consequences of the last presidential election.
And cheap energy isn't going anywhere. The planet is producing more oil than we can drill for.
And your dream of "peace" will never come, Berd. Too many people like me out there. Human beings are a predator species. That's what makes us great. The idea of all human beings coming together as one is a nightmare far too horrific for me to even contemplate.
^Berd says:
Dear Wayne, why is the idea of all human beings "coming together as one," or living alongside each other respectfully and peacefully, horrific for you?
It seems to me common sense, and something that resonates with most people, that justice, fairness and equity are universal. I prefer to think that there are no bad people. Sure, some people do bad things. But people only do bad things out of fear, out of misunderstanding, out of being hurt themselves. People hurt each other as a product of being hurt. It's an insane obsession.
I believe that taking an eye for an eye will only leave the whole world blind. How sad would the world be then? I want to live in a world that is full of beautiful light and color - light and color that everyone can see.
Peace will come. Peace is the way. Peace is all around us everyday. Peace comes from within. When enough people carry peace in their hearts, then we will see peace reflected in the institutions, societies and culture around us.
Human beings are versatile, adaptable. That's what makes us great. We never stop learning. The only reason that human beings prey upon each other, and hurt each other in general, is because of misunderstandings and fear. When we wake up to the fact that there is enough for everyone, then we will no longer oppress each other, and put each other down.
The world is changing. A growing chorus is rising up. People know that true security and peace are born out of economic justice and equity. There is enough to go around. There is no scarcity of what we need to live happily. There is enough land, water, food, love and community for everyone.
A world where people live to lift each other up, to support each other in personal and social liberation is not far off.
War is waste. War is prison. War is poison. Peace conserves. Peace liberates. Peace heals.
Another world is possible. A world of peace, truth, justice, and security -- for all.
Wayne in Indy says:
What makes us great is our primitive human nature. We are one of the only (if not the only) predator species that preys even on itself. This, coupled with our complex homo-sapien brain, makes us a truly deadly and has given us sole control of this world. Our continuing to utilize this deadly combination is the very root and reason of our expansion and our technological advancement.
Without these, we are nothing more than glorified plants.
^Berd says:
That's sad.
Wayne in Indy says:
Nothing "sad" about it. We are the Alpha Predator species on this planet and possess the most complex brain in all of nature.
You want to throw it away and embrace peace, love, and kumbayah. Yeech! What a waste.
^Berd says:
Wayne, that's offensive and cruel. I am not so sure that you aren't just trying to test getting a rise out of me. However, it's plain to see that most people would consider your ideas to be hate speech.
Wayne. Humans do not exist on this beautiful planet for the purpose of conquering and subduing. Humans exist on this planet for the purpose of promoting the natural brilliance and beauty. Humans exist as shephards, stewards and protectors. The highest virtue and noblest cause for any human being is to serve the interests of life. To hold up the sanctity of all life, we as human beings are the ultimate arbiters of our fate - and I know that the great majority of us would rather work toward a "heaven on earth," a place where all people have enough, a place where all people take care of each other, a place where all people have the opportunity to prosper, a place where no one lives under oppression.
I know that the far and away great majority of people believe in this vision of a stable, secure, cooperative, peaceful, and harmonious co-exist amongst all the peoples of the one human family... Come join us Wayne. There is plenty of love and community to go around for everyone.
In Peace,
Berd
End Stoploss
Comments (posted to the flickr photo page):
Wayne in Indy says:
If you're a coward, don't join the armed forces like this one did.
^Berd says:
I have the pleasure to report that this young man is not a coward.
In fact - he is a model of courage.
Wayne in Indy says:
He is a model of cowardice.
^Berd says:
Looks like we have different opinions on this one.
So then, why do you think his behavior demonstrates cowardice?
Wayne in Indy says:
When one signs up for military service they are expected to fully understand that, if war comes, they will likely see combat. It's disgusting that, when war does come, some servicemen suddenly get the willies and want out. So, if this character is anti-war, he had no reason to join up in the first place.
Surely it's not that he opposes this particualar war? That's worse. There are only two sides and no middle ground whatsoever. You either support the war against Terrorism or you support Terrorism.
So which of the two is he?
^Berd says:
I don't know Josh's story, but I know him enough to know that he isn't a coward. It takes real courage to stand up and refuse to comply with the military establishment.
A lot of folks signed up to be in the National Guard, thinking that they would protect the USA against invasion - but never dreaming of being sent overseas to fight against an ambiguous enemy in a foreign nation.
Let's look at what is going on in Iraq. It's a guerilla war, an insurgency. To Iraqis, insurgents are freedom fighters - fighting for liberation against imperial occupation.
Terrorism isn't so simple. And the best way to fight terrorism isn't with war and violence. The best way to fight terrorism is with justice, truth, and tolerance of personal differences. Economic imperialism is creating terrorists. It's blowback. It's well documented and well understood. America's foreign and economic policies (global domination, or hegemony) are principle causes of terrorism.
If you're really against terrorism, then it makes sense to be against imperialism too.
Wayne in Indy says:
Terrorism is, by my definition, resistance to American imperialism. It must be destroyed. I don't give a rat's caboose about folks who consider terrorists to be freedom fighters. It just means that they too are terrorists.
"Justice", "truth", and "tolerance" as weapons against "Terror"? Need to come out of that dream world of yours, my dear Berd. Real world don't work that way--never has.
The application of full-scale brute force has been, is, and ever shall be, the ONLY answer.
Resistance to America is a war crime and should be dealt with as such.
^Berd says:
Terrorism defined as resistance to American Imperialism, that's interesting.
You support imperialism. I oppose imperialism. In fact, I resist American imperialism. By your definition, I would be a terrorist.
Might does not make right. America behaving as if it can dictate the ways of the global economy is ridiculous and insane. Empires are born to fail. They are inherently unsustainable. Empires require oppression. People naturally will resist and oppose oppression.
The American Empire is already on its way out. The Empire is on the wane. Inherently unstable, the empire alienates, disenfranchises, and weakens its own foundations all the time. The empire is wholly dependent on a steady supply of cheap energy. Supplies of cheap energy are dwindling.
I could go on and on. But the point here is that being opposed to imperialism is not wrong. Opposition to empire is right. Empire is constricting, restricting, wasteful, oppressive. So (nonviolently) resisting empire is the right action to take.
I am a humanist Wayne. I care about humanity. I want all people to be free. I want a common societal denominator of ecological and economic sustainability.
Empire is an obstacle to peace. Empire is oppression. Empire is environmental degradation. Empire limits freedom. Empire wastes resources. Empire is a blood stain on the fabric of humanity.
Opposition to empire - resistance to empire - that's right and true.
Wayne in Indy says:
I agree that the American Empire is in decline. However I'm hopeful that this decline will be reversed when all the inevitable disasters of of the Obama presidency come home to us--and they will. It took four years of Jimmy Carter to bring us eight of Reagan and four of Bush for twelve years total. Obama is worse than Carter--far worse. A right-wing backlash is inevitable as Americans are rudely awakened by the consequences of the last presidential election.
And cheap energy isn't going anywhere. The planet is producing more oil than we can drill for.
And your dream of "peace" will never come, Berd. Too many people like me out there. Human beings are a predator species. That's what makes us great. The idea of all human beings coming together as one is a nightmare far too horrific for me to even contemplate.
^Berd says:
Dear Wayne, why is the idea of all human beings "coming together as one," or living alongside each other respectfully and peacefully, horrific for you?
It seems to me common sense, and something that resonates with most people, that justice, fairness and equity are universal. I prefer to think that there are no bad people. Sure, some people do bad things. But people only do bad things out of fear, out of misunderstanding, out of being hurt themselves. People hurt each other as a product of being hurt. It's an insane obsession.
I believe that taking an eye for an eye will only leave the whole world blind. How sad would the world be then? I want to live in a world that is full of beautiful light and color - light and color that everyone can see.
Peace will come. Peace is the way. Peace is all around us everyday. Peace comes from within. When enough people carry peace in their hearts, then we will see peace reflected in the institutions, societies and culture around us.
Human beings are versatile, adaptable. That's what makes us great. We never stop learning. The only reason that human beings prey upon each other, and hurt each other in general, is because of misunderstandings and fear. When we wake up to the fact that there is enough for everyone, then we will no longer oppress each other, and put each other down.
The world is changing. A growing chorus is rising up. People know that true security and peace are born out of economic justice and equity. There is enough to go around. There is no scarcity of what we need to live happily. There is enough land, water, food, love and community for everyone.
A world where people live to lift each other up, to support each other in personal and social liberation is not far off.
War is waste. War is prison. War is poison. Peace conserves. Peace liberates. Peace heals.
Another world is possible. A world of peace, truth, justice, and security -- for all.
Wayne in Indy says:
What makes us great is our primitive human nature. We are one of the only (if not the only) predator species that preys even on itself. This, coupled with our complex homo-sapien brain, makes us a truly deadly and has given us sole control of this world. Our continuing to utilize this deadly combination is the very root and reason of our expansion and our technological advancement.
Without these, we are nothing more than glorified plants.
^Berd says:
That's sad.
Wayne in Indy says:
Nothing "sad" about it. We are the Alpha Predator species on this planet and possess the most complex brain in all of nature.
You want to throw it away and embrace peace, love, and kumbayah. Yeech! What a waste.
^Berd says:
Wayne, that's offensive and cruel. I am not so sure that you aren't just trying to test getting a rise out of me. However, it's plain to see that most people would consider your ideas to be hate speech.
Wayne. Humans do not exist on this beautiful planet for the purpose of conquering and subduing. Humans exist on this planet for the purpose of promoting the natural brilliance and beauty. Humans exist as shephards, stewards and protectors. The highest virtue and noblest cause for any human being is to serve the interests of life. To hold up the sanctity of all life, we as human beings are the ultimate arbiters of our fate - and I know that the great majority of us would rather work toward a "heaven on earth," a place where all people have enough, a place where all people take care of each other, a place where all people have the opportunity to prosper, a place where no one lives under oppression.
I know that the far and away great majority of people believe in this vision of a stable, secure, cooperative, peaceful, and harmonious co-exist amongst all the peoples of the one human family... Come join us Wayne. There is plenty of love and community to go around for everyone.
In Peace,
Berd
18 April 2009
On the Right Side of the Law
Laws, and rules, exist to protect people, and planet. If rules do not protect people, then of what good are they - of what use?Protesters who oppose the use of public roadways and municipal transportation facilities, for enablement of movement of military hardware that is destined for the cause of imperialistic and interventionist wars, are on the right side of the law - even to the point when they act in direct action, civil resistance (necessarily nonviolent,) to the military traffic.
Mass nonviolent civil resistance is a promising avenue of direct action for stopping the imperialism of the government of the USA. Real policy changes must occur. The current corruption is much too costly.
(In part, to the people of law enforcement agencies:) Get on the right side of the law. Oppose imperialism and aggression!
Nonviolent Strike Against War!
26 February 2009
Interaction on Flickr: Speaking the Truth about Empire and Conquest
I often engage others in political discussion on the Internet. Flickr is a frequent locale for such discussion. The open format there, and focus on photographs, gives a really topical format which lends itself to discussion. Here's an example of a recent interaction:
Here's how to deal with Iran and N. Korea
America airpower can, alone, deliver massive devastation on military, government, and economic targets inside these nations with virtual impunity.
Comments
scarley says:
this is a really beautiful shot.
^Berd says:
Looks like something out of star wars - the evil empire strikes back.
Wayne in Indy says:
Thank you. Your definition of America as an "evil empire" illustrates with perfect clarity the stark contrast between how liberals and conservatives see America.
scarley says:
Scarlett is ashamed of people like ^Berd. Shame on you. SHAME ON YOU!!! These guys keep you SAFE! These guys are the product of freedom. They are the product of freedom to explore technology and science. Freedom to create! These wouldn't be if it were not for our freedom. And in this day in age, were it not for these, our freedom would be overrun.
Wayne in Indy says:
You're wasting your breath, Scar. He's commented on other of my photos. In Berd's view, America is the "evil" in the world. And he equates the idea of "America First" with "hatred". Get this: When I related my world-view to him, he bagan to ask me if I'd had a traumatic-type childhood!
It's the liberal mindset, Scar. If some Tyrone-from-the-ghetto type [check on the racism -berd] attacked and assaulted my wife, I'd happily blow the guy away without a second thought. If the same happened to Berd's wife, however, he'd likely try to "understand" what might have motivated the animal in question to perpetrate such a misdeed. Berd would likely conclude that the real criminal was George Bush because he didn't shovel more money into the ghettos which, in turn, caused the poor man to "strike out" at society.
Don't laugh. This is how these people think.
scarley says:
Oh I don't think it's funny at all. I think it's pitiful and shameful.
^Berd says:
Freedom to create—weapons of mass destruction. What an irony.
These machines are used as tools of empire and conquest. That's not creative. That's destructive. These machines are used to wage war and instill fear in those whom are opposed to the military and economic juggernaut of the USA.
The USA has so much potential to be a truly uplifting and constructive force in the world. But the current situation, the status quo is of tremendous harm. The current economic reality is one of planetary environmental and social degradation.
The USA is on the road to empire. The USA is on the road to ruin.
To save our republic - Stop our empire!
All human beings deserve to be treated equally and fairly.
Oppression, in all of its forms, must be challenged, opposed and eradicated. Another world is possible. A world where human beings belong to a universal fellowship of love, respect and tolerance of personal differences... Another world is possible. A world where cooperation—not conquest—is the principle. A world where people everywhere share, and hold in trust for all, the limited resources afforded by this wonderful planet.
Here's how to deal with Iran and N. Korea
America airpower can, alone, deliver massive devastation on military, government, and economic targets inside these nations with virtual impunity.
Comments
scarley says:
this is a really beautiful shot.
^Berd says:
Looks like something out of star wars - the evil empire strikes back.
Wayne in Indy says:
Thank you. Your definition of America as an "evil empire" illustrates with perfect clarity the stark contrast between how liberals and conservatives see America.
scarley says:
Scarlett is ashamed of people like ^Berd. Shame on you. SHAME ON YOU!!! These guys keep you SAFE! These guys are the product of freedom. They are the product of freedom to explore technology and science. Freedom to create! These wouldn't be if it were not for our freedom. And in this day in age, were it not for these, our freedom would be overrun.
Wayne in Indy says:
You're wasting your breath, Scar. He's commented on other of my photos. In Berd's view, America is the "evil" in the world. And he equates the idea of "America First" with "hatred". Get this: When I related my world-view to him, he bagan to ask me if I'd had a traumatic-type childhood!
It's the liberal mindset, Scar. If some Tyrone-from-the-ghetto type [check on the racism -berd] attacked and assaulted my wife, I'd happily blow the guy away without a second thought. If the same happened to Berd's wife, however, he'd likely try to "understand" what might have motivated the animal in question to perpetrate such a misdeed. Berd would likely conclude that the real criminal was George Bush because he didn't shovel more money into the ghettos which, in turn, caused the poor man to "strike out" at society.
Don't laugh. This is how these people think.
scarley says:
Oh I don't think it's funny at all. I think it's pitiful and shameful.
^Berd says:
Freedom to create—weapons of mass destruction. What an irony.
These machines are used as tools of empire and conquest. That's not creative. That's destructive. These machines are used to wage war and instill fear in those whom are opposed to the military and economic juggernaut of the USA.
The USA has so much potential to be a truly uplifting and constructive force in the world. But the current situation, the status quo is of tremendous harm. The current economic reality is one of planetary environmental and social degradation.
The USA is on the road to empire. The USA is on the road to ruin.
To save our republic - Stop our empire!
All human beings deserve to be treated equally and fairly.
Oppression, in all of its forms, must be challenged, opposed and eradicated. Another world is possible. A world where human beings belong to a universal fellowship of love, respect and tolerance of personal differences... Another world is possible. A world where cooperation—not conquest—is the principle. A world where people everywhere share, and hold in trust for all, the limited resources afforded by this wonderful planet.
25 February 2009
The Militarism of the State of Israel
Who, or what, does the militarism of the State of Israel serve? Anyone?
I argue not. I argue that this militarism serves no one. Not Israelis. Not Jews. Not Americans. Certainly not Palestinians.
Maybe you can argue that it serves the interests of US Imperialism in the Middle East. Maybe you can argue that it serves the interests of the military industrial complex (and associated interests.) But it does not.
This timeless quotation speaks to that:
I support Israel. I support a Jewish homeland, and a refuge from a world that all too often targets people, or groups of people, based on differences. I am not against Israel. But Israel's treatment of the Palestinian people is unacceptable and intolerable. The subjugation, the systematic racism, the apartheid - a situation that can rightly be described as bordering on genocide - is totally unacceptable.
This situation is not only wrong for Palestinians. It is also wrong and harmful for Israelis.
If Israel wants peace, then it must treat Palestinians like human beings. Israel will have to afford Palestinian people the dignity and respect they deserve as human beings. It's really that simple.
The violence committed by Palestinians against Israelis is no more acceptable than the violence committed by Israelis against Palestinians. No more, and no less, acceptable. The difference is that Palestinians have been subjected, for decades now, to oppression, including but certainly not limited to forced re-locations, and all sorts of humiliating and harmful actions committed by the State of Israel. Palestinians act out in violence - they react - because they are so utterly oppressed and impoverished, they also act in a self-defense that I believe can rightly be argued as more legitimate than any such notion of self-defense by the State of Israel.
Yes, the situation is horrible. If it is to get better, both sides will have to be able to sit down across from each other at the same table. This can only happen if Israel is willing. Palestinians are willing to talk. Why isn't Israel?
Is it because the State of Israel is not willing to share land with Palestinians?
It is time for reconciliation on this matter. The subjugation of Palestinians by the Israelis and the State of Israel is intolerable. I will leave you with this quote that gets to the heart of social and environmental degradation:
We will all be served by a society and a culture which seeks justice, fairness, equity and equitableness. Let us work toward egalitarianism.
Counter fear, violence and hate — with love. Replace conquest with cooperation. Peace is the way. Be peace.
I argue not. I argue that this militarism serves no one. Not Israelis. Not Jews. Not Americans. Certainly not Palestinians.
Maybe you can argue that it serves the interests of US Imperialism in the Middle East. Maybe you can argue that it serves the interests of the military industrial complex (and associated interests.) But it does not.
This timeless quotation speaks to that:
"What is morally wrong can never be advantageous, even when it enables you to make some gain that you believe to be to your advantage." – Marcus Tullius Cicero (January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC)Militarism and violence truly serve no one. Militarism and violence, and hate, only serve the cause of destruction, and social and environmental degradation.
I support Israel. I support a Jewish homeland, and a refuge from a world that all too often targets people, or groups of people, based on differences. I am not against Israel. But Israel's treatment of the Palestinian people is unacceptable and intolerable. The subjugation, the systematic racism, the apartheid - a situation that can rightly be described as bordering on genocide - is totally unacceptable.
This situation is not only wrong for Palestinians. It is also wrong and harmful for Israelis.
If Israel wants peace, then it must treat Palestinians like human beings. Israel will have to afford Palestinian people the dignity and respect they deserve as human beings. It's really that simple.
The violence committed by Palestinians against Israelis is no more acceptable than the violence committed by Israelis against Palestinians. No more, and no less, acceptable. The difference is that Palestinians have been subjected, for decades now, to oppression, including but certainly not limited to forced re-locations, and all sorts of humiliating and harmful actions committed by the State of Israel. Palestinians act out in violence - they react - because they are so utterly oppressed and impoverished, they also act in a self-defense that I believe can rightly be argued as more legitimate than any such notion of self-defense by the State of Israel.
Yes, the situation is horrible. If it is to get better, both sides will have to be able to sit down across from each other at the same table. This can only happen if Israel is willing. Palestinians are willing to talk. Why isn't Israel?
Is it because the State of Israel is not willing to share land with Palestinians?
It is time for reconciliation on this matter. The subjugation of Palestinians by the Israelis and the State of Israel is intolerable. I will leave you with this quote that gets to the heart of social and environmental degradation:
"We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect." - Aldo Leopold (January 11, 1887 – April 21, 1948)Peace be unto you.
We will all be served by a society and a culture which seeks justice, fairness, equity and equitableness. Let us work toward egalitarianism.
Counter fear, violence and hate — with love. Replace conquest with cooperation. Peace is the way. Be peace.
21 February 2009
A Theft from the People
To the U.S. Government and its keepers:
[edit 2/25/09: Also in need of discussion is the necessity to invest in truly sustainable infrastructure - as opposed to simply aiming economic stimulus toward propping up this same old tired and broken, and iniquitous, system.
Additionally, the topic of education is of vital importance to addressing the need for knowledgeable, aware and capable individuals upon whom a great burden of reckoning will be placed in years to come.]
Stop stealing from the American People. Stop collecting tax monies to support a system that is harmful and destructive. Instead of spending money on war of aggression, on conquest, domination and imperialism—spend the money on projects which uplift humanity, spend the money on projects which are true to the service of life...(What is harmful? Let's have that discussion.)
Stop spending money on death and destruction. Support projects that bring people closer toward one another. Support education, so people can better understand the world and each other, and become more tolerant and accepting.
Stop this thievery. Stop doing the bidding of a few powerful businesses and industries, and instead re-orient the system toward serving the best and common interests of all people in terms of the need for meaningful employment; healthy food, water and air; education; and a stable and truly sustainable economy.
Stop engaging in and enabling harmful economic activities.
[edit 2/25/09: Also in need of discussion is the necessity to invest in truly sustainable infrastructure - as opposed to simply aiming economic stimulus toward propping up this same old tired and broken, and iniquitous, system.
Additionally, the topic of education is of vital importance to addressing the need for knowledgeable, aware and capable individuals upon whom a great burden of reckoning will be placed in years to come.]
17 February 2009
Two Weeks Ago
I already posted this, but want to return to a letter I wrote a couple weeks ago to advocate dropping charges against the Oly 26. This group of people protested against the use of the municipal port for the shipment of military cargoes related to the occupation of Iraq. Drop Charges Against Oly 26 Protesters
05 February 2009
Divest from the Occupation
I am working with a group called TESC Divest Campaign. We believe that the situation in Israel and Palestine amounts to apartheid. Palestinians are horribly oppressed by the Israeli State. The State of Israel is, more and more, denying Palestinians basic human rights and dignity. The UN has found Israeli actions in violation of international law time and time again.
We are working to pressure the Administration of The Evergreen State College—specifically the Evergreen Foundation, to make its investments transparent, in order to insure the students, faculty, staff, alumni and the overall community that Evergreen is not supporting the horrible oppression and dreadful treatment of Palestinians by Israel.
I believe that the Israeli occupation of Palestinian Territories hurts not only Palestinians, but also Israelis very much as well! So this is a nonviolent way to promote a change in the situation.
One of the arguments, in fact the only argument, that I have heard in favor of the status quo is that the current situation is expedient. The Evergreen Foundation has fiduciary responsibility to provide access to scholarships and grants for Evergreen Students. And it does a good job. There is significant money available. The bulk of the Evergreen Foundation funds are now with the University of Washington Consolidated Endowment Fund. The Evergreen Foundation has no control over day to day investing policies and practices at the CEF.
There is no transparency. There is no way for a member of the public, or a member of the institution (outside of the investment circles,) to know what the CEF monies are being invested in.
There is no discussion of a change to this policy. What we need is an ethical investment policy. What we need are ethical investment practices. It makes no sense to educate students in the ways of stopping the dragon of harmful economic activity, while feeding the dragon in order to fund the students' educations...
It is like giving people the swords to kill the dragon (of harmful economic activity), meanwhile shoveling food into its face to feed the voracious furnaces of its appetite for domination, destruction and violence.
Stop feeding the dragon. Make it weak. Make it possible for the righteous swords of justice, trained in the halls of our higher institutions, to have the best chance of killing the beast. Starve the beast. Starve the evil dragon of destructive economic activities.
Basically what I am saying is that it is time to grow up and stop playing pretend. We are causing harm here! Our investments enable harmful economic activities! The current status quo is feeding the destructive economies of militarism and conquest. It's time to wake up and realize the true roots of injustice. To see the springs of our discontent percolating to the surface in our very own community. It is time to make basic changes to the system, so that we are no long part and party to these horrible realities of economic destructiveness, human rights abuses, crimes against humanity, and crimes against peace.
What economic activities are more harmful than tyranny and military occupation and oppression of native peoples?
It's time to change. Yes, we can!
Let's evolve.
Let's revolutionize our relationships with each other and with the land. Let's learn to live with each other rather than at the sake of each other. Let's care for the Earth, not as though it is a commodity belonging to us - but as though it is a community to which we belong!
Okay. So. Where to start? How about: Who profits from the occupation? That seems like a good place.
I received an email from Jewish Peace News today pointing me to a site that seeks to answer just that question. Here's the link: http://www.whoprofits.org/
Onward!
p.s. I am using the "sword" as an icon, and a metaphor for the pen, as in the writing instrument (these days its moreso the keyboard), and a metaphor for the power of words—especially the word of truth. The pen is mightier than the sword. The pen has much greater potential for nonviolent change than the sword. ...Use the pen with a mind and an eye for justice. The truth will out. The truth will prevail.
We are working to pressure the Administration of The Evergreen State College—specifically the Evergreen Foundation, to make its investments transparent, in order to insure the students, faculty, staff, alumni and the overall community that Evergreen is not supporting the horrible oppression and dreadful treatment of Palestinians by Israel.
I believe that the Israeli occupation of Palestinian Territories hurts not only Palestinians, but also Israelis very much as well! So this is a nonviolent way to promote a change in the situation.
One of the arguments, in fact the only argument, that I have heard in favor of the status quo is that the current situation is expedient. The Evergreen Foundation has fiduciary responsibility to provide access to scholarships and grants for Evergreen Students. And it does a good job. There is significant money available. The bulk of the Evergreen Foundation funds are now with the University of Washington Consolidated Endowment Fund. The Evergreen Foundation has no control over day to day investing policies and practices at the CEF.
There is no transparency. There is no way for a member of the public, or a member of the institution (outside of the investment circles,) to know what the CEF monies are being invested in.
There is no discussion of a change to this policy. What we need is an ethical investment policy. What we need are ethical investment practices. It makes no sense to educate students in the ways of stopping the dragon of harmful economic activity, while feeding the dragon in order to fund the students' educations...
It is like giving people the swords to kill the dragon (of harmful economic activity), meanwhile shoveling food into its face to feed the voracious furnaces of its appetite for domination, destruction and violence.
Stop feeding the dragon. Make it weak. Make it possible for the righteous swords of justice, trained in the halls of our higher institutions, to have the best chance of killing the beast. Starve the beast. Starve the evil dragon of destructive economic activities.
Basically what I am saying is that it is time to grow up and stop playing pretend. We are causing harm here! Our investments enable harmful economic activities! The current status quo is feeding the destructive economies of militarism and conquest. It's time to wake up and realize the true roots of injustice. To see the springs of our discontent percolating to the surface in our very own community. It is time to make basic changes to the system, so that we are no long part and party to these horrible realities of economic destructiveness, human rights abuses, crimes against humanity, and crimes against peace.
What economic activities are more harmful than tyranny and military occupation and oppression of native peoples?
It's time to change. Yes, we can!
Let's evolve.
Let's revolutionize our relationships with each other and with the land. Let's learn to live with each other rather than at the sake of each other. Let's care for the Earth, not as though it is a commodity belonging to us - but as though it is a community to which we belong!
Okay. So. Where to start? How about: Who profits from the occupation? That seems like a good place.
I received an email from Jewish Peace News today pointing me to a site that seeks to answer just that question. Here's the link: http://www.whoprofits.org/
Onward!
p.s. I am using the "sword" as an icon, and a metaphor for the pen, as in the writing instrument (these days its moreso the keyboard), and a metaphor for the power of words—especially the word of truth. The pen is mightier than the sword. The pen has much greater potential for nonviolent change than the sword. ...Use the pen with a mind and an eye for justice. The truth will out. The truth will prevail.
23 January 2009
Truth Will Have Final Word in Reality
This is an excerpt from Martin Luther King Jr.'s Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech in December of 1964. I was turned onto it when read it in the program for an Olympia Family Theater production of Korczak's Children, which is about the Warsaw Ghetto in Nazi Poland.
I refuse to accept despair as the final response to the ambiguities of history. I refuse to accept the idea that the "isness" of man's present nature makes him morally incapable of reaching up for the eternal "oughtness" that forever confronts him. I refuse to accept the idea that man is mere flotsom and jetsom in the river of life unable to influence the unfolding events which surround him. I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality.
I refuse to accept the cynical notion that nation after nation must spiral down a militaristic stairway into the hell of thermonuclear destruction. I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right temporarily defeated is stronger than evil triumphant. I believe that even amid today's motor bursts and whining bullets, there is still hope for a brighter tomorrow. I believe that wounded justice, lying prostrate on the blood-flowing streets of our nations, can be lifted from this dust of shame to reign supreme among the children of men. I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits. I believe that what self-centered men have torn down men other-centered can build up...
27 December 2008
Thank You!
But then again, what if it's not so simple—not so clear. What if the truth is something different than that reality as presented so often in mainstream media. What if the troops are actually protecting US access to global mineral resources? What if the troops are actually enabling the execution of a foreign policy of dominance? Should we still thank them if it turns out that they aren't protecting us? What if the truth is that they are actually protecting the interests of oil companies, war contractors, and the likes of Halliburton, et al.?
The reality on the ground—the truth as I see it, is that the USA is pursuing a foreign policy of dominance. That's to say that the goal of the US government is to enable domination of the global economy by US and Western, and other associated interests.
It can also be rightly stated and understood that the US attack on Iraq was unprovoked. And even though the attack of Afghanistan was (arguably) provoked by the 9/11 attacks, it also doesn't mean that the attack was justified (either by law or by legitimate defensive strategy.)
The greatest crime is a foreign policy of dominance as it seeks to employ the means of violence, militarism and aggression in order to accomplish it's oppressive ends. This dominance policy is a foreign policy of might makes right, and it would be absolutely intolerable if it was being practiced against "us" rather than by "us." (''Us" in quotes because of my desire to separate myself from the dreadfully wrong foreign policy of my government.)
The above sign is a sticker as it was seen on the front door of a restaurant in Northern Wisconsin (where, perhaps coincidentally, my long beard received plenty of stares.)
So, Thank You. Thank you to those soldiers who refuse to serve in illegal and immoral imperial wars of aggression. You're the real heroes. You're the ones who dutifully uphold your oath of service, your oath to the constitution.
To those troops who serve either willingly or unwillingly, I am so sad. And I am sorry that you have been thrust into this horrible position. I will continue to work to hold our government accountable so that the military is not used to further aggressive and intrusive foreign policy agendas.
More resources:
Free the Shministim (Israel's Young Conscientious Objectors)
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