Well, carbombs go off, conflicts continue, commercialisation of life goes on and expands, innocent people get killed off, and life goes on. The only thing is, what kind of life will exist later on, whether 10 years,20 years or even 5 years from now.
Tonight's article link is a document drafted by a Christian organisation working in Iraq, that asks where exactly and how are billions of US dollars in aid used in Iraq and details why they have become suspicious that the money has, to put it mildly, not been used for what it is intended.
Also http://www.williambowles.info/ has a 'frontpage' article on its main page about the war/conflicts/unrest in Sudan which goes into the country's history and asks why in these past (at least) 20 years has there been interest or concern generated by international mainstream media outlets while now it's almost the main international topic of the day. The author goes on to voice his concerns over the role of oil in the West's (US, England and co.) 'sudden' (I include opportunistic) concern and sympathy for Sudan. (The frontpage has changed now and the article's link is now: http://www.williambowles.info/africa/sudan_gowans.html)
Yes, I know there is a genuine crisis going on in western Sudan-Darfur involving the hunger, homelessness, terrorising and violence afflicting those due to attacks by government supported militia. However, a war has been going on in the south for 2 decades now, and though a ceasefire was recently signed, hundreds of thousands of lives have already been destroyed and even the conflicts in Darfur have been going on for almost several years now.
We still need to wait to see if there are any tangible results from the current posturing and warnings from foreign leaders towards Sudan's government about Darfur, and certainly the peace in the South must last before people get too optimistic.
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Our bible study last week was on 'social justice' and the book was Amos. Among the injustices described during that time and place, were oppression of the weak, continual prosperity of the rich whilst the poor were suffering, and the vibrant festivities to God but the lack of application in regular life. Why do I focus so much on the US, on GWBush's & company (Cheney, Rumsfeld, Ashcroft, plus corporate connections-Halliburton, Carlyle group, the now defunct-Enron) blunders or manipulations, and problems and events that happen in distant lands-Africa, Iraq?
There is so much injustice around us, so much around the world, there are wars, famines, poverty, crime, corruption and greed. Yet the biggest injustice of all, is the inequality that exists between the haves and the have-nots,the rich and the poor, the Canadas and the Ugandas.And the worst thing, is that it's continuing and spreading, with the inequality gap in incomes,assets, possessions, and influence.
A lot of the injustice in existence derives from corporate influence and quest for profit. As such, a lot of this is controlled by the WorldBank, ILO and WTO. Then, the most powerful nations are all influenced by corporate influence. The reason why these giant corporations are to be feared and need to brought to public awareness is the unseen but immense power they wield with their corporate interests and goals, their manipulation of people via advertising, sponsoring, and (by influencing their lives and stroking their greed which allows for consumption of more and more products), their huge stocks of cash, assets, land and other forms of wealth, and lobbyists that all work to influence and control political policies, decisions, and actions all for their good, not regular people. The scary thing is that politicians are like pawns to these corporations and no matter who is in power, corporations heavily influence, corporations heavily influence them and thingscan only get worse.
This is why international bodies- the WorldBank, International Monetary Fund and World Trade Organisation are all so reviled and distrusted by many, especially in poor,developing countries.
Journalist Greg Palast (author of "The best democracy money can buy") is one who doesn't fear searching and revealing the truth. His book and articles provide detailed and information on the shady practices of the WTO, IMF and WorldBank, the Bush administration, large corporations including oil giants, Wal-mart and the now-defunct Enron. Here's a few of his articles- this one reveals 2 situations (Ecuador and Tanzania) where IMF policies have done harm to the common people (which they were supposed to help). This one details how the IMF helped cause the fatal plunge of Argentina's economy in 2000 and 2001.
And this talks about the secret agenda of the WTO in implementing trade agreements that would weaken state rights over a country's resources and affairs like environmental standards, consumer laws and government regulation so allowing foreign corporations to have more freedom without much restraint and safeguards in their operations.
There is so much injustice around us, so much around the world, there are wars, famines, poverty, crime, corruption and greed. Yet the biggest injustice of all, is the inequality that exists between the haves and the have-nots,the rich and the poor, the Canadas and the Ugandas.And the worst thing, is that it's continuing and spreading, with the inequality gap in incomes,assets, possessions, and influence.
A lot of the injustice in existence derives from corporate influence and quest for profit. As such, a lot of this is controlled by the WorldBank, ILO and WTO. Then, the most powerful nations are all influenced by corporate influence. The reason why these giant corporations are to be feared and need to brought to public awareness is the unseen but immense power they wield with their corporate interests and goals, their manipulation of people via advertising, sponsoring, and (by influencing their lives and stroking their greed which allows for consumption of more and more products), their huge stocks of cash, assets, land and other forms of wealth, and lobbyists that all work to influence and control political policies, decisions, and actions all for their good, not regular people. The scary thing is that politicians are like pawns to these corporations and no matter who is in power, corporations heavily influence, corporations heavily influence them and thingscan only get worse.
This is why international bodies- the WorldBank, International Monetary Fund and World Trade Organisation are all so reviled and distrusted by many, especially in poor,developing countries.
Journalist Greg Palast (author of "The best democracy money can buy") is one who doesn't fear searching and revealing the truth. His book and articles provide detailed and information on the shady practices of the WTO, IMF and WorldBank, the Bush administration, large corporations including oil giants, Wal-mart and the now-defunct Enron. Here's a few of his articles- this one reveals 2 situations (Ecuador and Tanzania) where IMF policies have done harm to the common people (which they were supposed to help). This one details how the IMF helped cause the fatal plunge of Argentina's economy in 2000 and 2001.
And this talks about the secret agenda of the WTO in implementing trade agreements that would weaken state rights over a country's resources and affairs like environmental standards, consumer laws and government regulation so allowing foreign corporations to have more freedom without much restraint and safeguards in their operations.
Monday, July 26, 2004
Many times, international events are (closely) connected to our lives,
and the terror on September 11 was one such. What happened in mainly Middle Eastern and Arabian countries in which crowds of people seemed to celebrate and rejoice over the WTC bombings sent shock, anger and amazement through many in America, and the Western hemisphere. Who were these foolish people to show joy at America's tragedy?
Certainly the first thing that comes to our minds about the Palestinians are
suicide-bombers or crowds of foolish,maddened trouble-makers always rioting and throwing stones. (Then Yassir Arafat, PLO, Hamas etc.) The fact is, with all these news of violence and turbulence in Israel and Palestine, many have come to equate Palestinians as terrorists and fundamentalists and Israelis as normal, innocent God-fearing people who're always the victims of Palestinian terrorist attacks.
The truth could not be more distorted and obscured. Modern circumstances show otherwise. History shows otherwise. How many of us know about Sabra and Shantila (1982 Lebanon -see Ariel Sharon's role in this) and Jenin (2002 the West Bank)-refugee camps where the Israeli military or Israeli-supported militia killed/ or masacred over a thousand Palestinians including women, children and old people (surely most of them were terrorists right and deserved their deaths, right?) ,or about the thousands of Palestinians forced out of their homes and towns to make way for the creation of the Israeli state?
And what about current circumstances, with the Palestinians living under a form of police-state with jobs, security, water and land, all controlled by Israel and its potent American-supplied military. And then, even in their own territory, they are not safe as they never know when Israeli tanks and bulldozers will come crashing through their schools, offices and homes, destroying their infrastructure and their possessions or when Israeli planes and helicopter gunships will rain some rockets onto their heads. These have occurred many times and each time, these inhumane attacks are passed off by the Israelis as standard raids to apprehend Palestinian suspects or militants.
September 11 was devastating, it was horrendous. And months later, the mighty US went on a 'crusade against evil', invading Afghanistan and toppling the ruling Taliban government, then more than a year later, went on the offensive again in Iraq, rolling into the capital Baghdad, toppling Saddam and his Baathist regime from power, and in the meantime, killing and wounding thousands of innocent civilians in Afghanistan and Iraq. In the ensuing occupation of Iraq, thousands more civilians have been killed and wounded too.
The Palestinians having been subjugated and oppressed for decades are only guilty of doing what the US (or any other nation would do) did after suffering a large-scale attack. While the US have their cruise missiles, aircraft carriers and combat fleets, F/A-18 and F-15 attack fighters, special forces, heavy tanks and infantry divisions (and the world's largest military budget), the Palestinians only have their small and hand-held arms, their improvisational
bombs, stones and their own bodies (suicide bombers) plus their desperation and anger to strike back at their oppressors.
Of course, Palestinians were celebrating the WTC destruction and families of suicide-bombers were supported financially by Saddam Hussein himself. But then, their Israeli 'masters' are supported by the US financially and technologically, with most of their military equipment, technology and planes provided from the US.
This doesn't excuse the tactics of the suicide-bombers and those who dress their babies up as soldiers with guns and explosives but next time you hear of a Palestinian attack in Israel or see Palestinians using hit and run tactics against Israeli soldiers, remember the immense amount of oppression and terror these same Israelis have inflicted upon Palestinians. Think of entire generations of
Palestinians these past 3 decades who have grown up knowing only pain, frustration, bitterness and hopelesssness. Then think about if you were in their shoes and lived their life. What terrible feelings would run through your head? Then understand why these people did not display any sympathy for the 911 WTC attacks.
and the terror on September 11 was one such. What happened in mainly Middle Eastern and Arabian countries in which crowds of people seemed to celebrate and rejoice over the WTC bombings sent shock, anger and amazement through many in America, and the Western hemisphere. Who were these foolish people to show joy at America's tragedy?
Certainly the first thing that comes to our minds about the Palestinians are
suicide-bombers or crowds of foolish,maddened trouble-makers always rioting and throwing stones. (Then Yassir Arafat, PLO, Hamas etc.) The fact is, with all these news of violence and turbulence in Israel and Palestine, many have come to equate Palestinians as terrorists and fundamentalists and Israelis as normal, innocent God-fearing people who're always the victims of Palestinian terrorist attacks.
The truth could not be more distorted and obscured. Modern circumstances show otherwise. History shows otherwise. How many of us know about Sabra and Shantila (1982 Lebanon -see Ariel Sharon's role in this) and Jenin (2002 the West Bank)-refugee camps where the Israeli military or Israeli-supported militia killed/ or masacred over a thousand Palestinians including women, children and old people (surely most of them were terrorists right and deserved their deaths, right?) ,or about the thousands of Palestinians forced out of their homes and towns to make way for the creation of the Israeli state?
And what about current circumstances, with the Palestinians living under a form of police-state with jobs, security, water and land, all controlled by Israel and its potent American-supplied military. And then, even in their own territory, they are not safe as they never know when Israeli tanks and bulldozers will come crashing through their schools, offices and homes, destroying their infrastructure and their possessions or when Israeli planes and helicopter gunships will rain some rockets onto their heads. These have occurred many times and each time, these inhumane attacks are passed off by the Israelis as standard raids to apprehend Palestinian suspects or militants.
September 11 was devastating, it was horrendous. And months later, the mighty US went on a 'crusade against evil', invading Afghanistan and toppling the ruling Taliban government, then more than a year later, went on the offensive again in Iraq, rolling into the capital Baghdad, toppling Saddam and his Baathist regime from power, and in the meantime, killing and wounding thousands of innocent civilians in Afghanistan and Iraq. In the ensuing occupation of Iraq, thousands more civilians have been killed and wounded too.
The Palestinians having been subjugated and oppressed for decades are only guilty of doing what the US (or any other nation would do) did after suffering a large-scale attack. While the US have their cruise missiles, aircraft carriers and combat fleets, F/A-18 and F-15 attack fighters, special forces, heavy tanks and infantry divisions (and the world's largest military budget), the Palestinians only have their small and hand-held arms, their improvisational
bombs, stones and their own bodies (suicide bombers) plus their desperation and anger to strike back at their oppressors.
Of course, Palestinians were celebrating the WTC destruction and families of suicide-bombers were supported financially by Saddam Hussein himself. But then, their Israeli 'masters' are supported by the US financially and technologically, with most of their military equipment, technology and planes provided from the US.
This doesn't excuse the tactics of the suicide-bombers and those who dress their babies up as soldiers with guns and explosives but next time you hear of a Palestinian attack in Israel or see Palestinians using hit and run tactics against Israeli soldiers, remember the immense amount of oppression and terror these same Israelis have inflicted upon Palestinians. Think of entire generations of
Palestinians these past 3 decades who have grown up knowing only pain, frustration, bitterness and hopelesssness. Then think about if you were in their shoes and lived their life. What terrible feelings would run through your head? Then understand why these people did not display any sympathy for the 911 WTC attacks.
This glaring example of double-standards and hypocrisy provides a reason why hatred of America runs deep through many countries and people in the world ( and not just the middle east- check the huge anti-American protests in South Korea against the presence of american troops and against Korean troop involvement in Iraq eg.).
The sad thing is that regular american civilians- businessmen, teachers, students, scientist, officeworkers, housewives, factory workers, don't have an idea (or not a clear one) of their government's (not just current but previous ones) manipulative and divisive foreign policies, activites and roles and its consequent ill-effects- war, dictatorships, poverty, inequality, even religious fundamentalism (like the mujahadeen muslim fighters including OB-L, in Afghanistan fighting the Soviets) . So many buy into GWB's assertion that terrorists struck at us (America) because 'they' hate 'our freedoms' and democracy.
The sad thing is that regular american civilians- businessmen, teachers, students, scientist, officeworkers, housewives, factory workers, don't have an idea (or not a clear one) of their government's (not just current but previous ones) manipulative and divisive foreign policies, activites and roles and its consequent ill-effects- war, dictatorships, poverty, inequality, even religious fundamentalism (like the mujahadeen muslim fighters including OB-L, in Afghanistan fighting the Soviets) . So many buy into GWB's assertion that terrorists struck at us (America) because 'they' hate 'our freedoms' and democracy.
Can this be the freedom to exploit other nation's resources and support corrupt and brutal dictators (Saddam in the 80s, Pinochet in the 70s) and regimes when circumstances are profitable or suitable?? And freedom to interfere/intervene in countries by (or trying to) instigating revolt (Venezuela 2001, Chile 1970s) when their current leaders don't want to roll over ?
Can this be the same freedom that developed nations deny or control over weaker 3rd world nations during colonialisation, slavery, the policies of the IMF, WorldBank and WTO?? The freedom to invade weaker nations (whether rightfully or not) with full military might but do half-hearted job of rebuilding them?
Can this be the same freedom that developed nations deny or control over weaker 3rd world nations during colonialisation, slavery, the policies of the IMF, WorldBank and WTO?? The freedom to invade weaker nations (whether rightfully or not) with full military might but do half-hearted job of rebuilding them?
Please.
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
Another independent news-collecting site that features continuously-updated news that people wouldn't get from mainstream media. Check out http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/.
Today's articles include 2 that reveal plans by GWBush and members of his inner circle to dominate the world through US military aggression and developement.
The first article reveals a report prepared by a think-tank PNAC (of which members of Bush's cabinet founded or are members of) which calls for US military campaigns and dominance to ensure superiority.
The second article describes this "PNAC" group and its doctrines and members. It then comments on the after-effects if the US continues on this path of aggresion and empire-building, including the profits to be gained by military firms (mentioned in Fahrenheit 911 for the Iraq war) and media outlets as well, and the roles of WTO and IMF in financing. All this implies a terrible outcome for the rest of the world when the US, its massive and superior military, its corporations and media control the state of the world.
Finally, this is a report done on the war and turbulence in Africa. By foreign governments and multi-national corporations that is. That's right, read this article and get a brief glimpse into the murky world of multi-national corporations, rich nations and the exploitation, rape and pillage of the Dark Continent. However it mainly provides a list of companies that have business interests in Africa (specifically their rich mineral resources including oil) and the powerful people (politicians, retired statesmen, generals etc.) who have links or work in these companies.
Today's articles include 2 that reveal plans by GWBush and members of his inner circle to dominate the world through US military aggression and developement.
The first article reveals a report prepared by a think-tank PNAC (of which members of Bush's cabinet founded or are members of) which calls for US military campaigns and dominance to ensure superiority.
The second article describes this "PNAC" group and its doctrines and members. It then comments on the after-effects if the US continues on this path of aggresion and empire-building, including the profits to be gained by military firms (mentioned in Fahrenheit 911 for the Iraq war) and media outlets as well, and the roles of WTO and IMF in financing. All this implies a terrible outcome for the rest of the world when the US, its massive and superior military, its corporations and media control the state of the world.
Finally, this is a report done on the war and turbulence in Africa. By foreign governments and multi-national corporations that is. That's right, read this article and get a brief glimpse into the murky world of multi-national corporations, rich nations and the exploitation, rape and pillage of the Dark Continent. However it mainly provides a list of companies that have business interests in Africa (specifically their rich mineral resources including oil) and the powerful people (politicians, retired statesmen, generals etc.) who have links or work in these companies.
Monday, July 19, 2004
Most of my recent posts have been about the state of American leadership ie. the Bush government and what their nation has become like under this government (as well as previous ones). Reading more into recent history and news, one realises that previous governments and leaders have also had their roles in creating unjust conditions in the world using American power. Anyway, why these things concern me (as I'm not an American) and why I think other people should be aware of these issues relating to America, is that America is the most powerful, richest and influential (whether for good or bad) nation/state in the world and it has been for the past few decades (even in the Cold War against the mighty USSR which was never as wealthy). And if these are the problems that affect and occur because of the US, then this world is indeed in worst shape than we think.
It's reached the point that all institutions that exist around us in society have negative qualities and cannot be trusted. Whether the government, the established media, entertainment, corporations and world bodies (WTO, WorldBank) , all these institutions of society have been corrupted in different ways to cause great injustice, suffering, poverty, ignorance and social, racial and economical inequality.
The first step in any action, is to realise the problem, and to do that, one needs information and knowledge. Mainstream media do not provide 'fair and balanced' news and most serve the interests of corporations or government.
Here are a few websites, that provide detailed, accurate, and honest information (many not mentioned or in contrast to mainstream media) relating to social and international issues.
Znet-a community of people (writers,intellectuals,professors,journalists) who write on a variety of topics. A great site, providing in-depth information and viewpoints.
whatreallyhappened.com -a collection of articles gathered from different sources that mainly deal with American politics, government and international actions.
http://prisonplanet.com/ -from the sitename you know what they deal with, contains articles and reports on politics, media, and the increasing methods of surveillance technology and anti-privacy laws and measures to create a police state and control the population.
From international to the local scope,
Last week there was a workshop on social injustice in my church, and the pastor made a good point of 'becoming' before 'doing', regarding christians addressing social injustice. That might sound very vague to some, but the point he was getting at is that before you do things, you should search and examine yourself, your values,attitude, thoughts, and make the effort to really connect with God and care about others, and then perform relevant actions to help those less unfortunate.
From this, one can realise that there are many problems that need to be ,not just recognised, but understood and in detail. However many are still uncertain what can be done to address the problems of homelessness or rampant crime, for example.
As a result, people must take more measures to understand the situation around them, whether by Internet, by reading books and magazines, and talking to those who see and know injustice, like pastors or social workers eg. All these are alternatives to depending on mainstream media to obtain news and information.
A great book to read is "No logo" by Naomi Klein, which was published a few years back but which gives excellent on topics as varied as corporate exploitation including sweatshops and the creation of 'perma-temps" and minimum-wage (McJobs) jobs, advertising and its excessiveness in North America and culture-jamming/ adbusting. It makes great points, such as connecting our North american/ developed nation materialistic urges to buy excessive clothes and SUVs with the exploitation of poor workers and nations by these same companies that produce, sell and market these clothes and cars.
A review of No logo on slashdot.
Site by author of same name as book,but containing current articles and information by Mrs. Klein on relevant topics and her work.
It's reached the point that all institutions that exist around us in society have negative qualities and cannot be trusted. Whether the government, the established media, entertainment, corporations and world bodies (WTO, WorldBank) , all these institutions of society have been corrupted in different ways to cause great injustice, suffering, poverty, ignorance and social, racial and economical inequality.
The first step in any action, is to realise the problem, and to do that, one needs information and knowledge. Mainstream media do not provide 'fair and balanced' news and most serve the interests of corporations or government.
Here are a few websites, that provide detailed, accurate, and honest information (many not mentioned or in contrast to mainstream media) relating to social and international issues.
Znet-a community of people (writers,intellectuals,professors,journalists) who write on a variety of topics. A great site, providing in-depth information and viewpoints.
whatreallyhappened.com -a collection of articles gathered from different sources that mainly deal with American politics, government and international actions.
http://prisonplanet.com/ -from the sitename you know what they deal with, contains articles and reports on politics, media, and the increasing methods of surveillance technology and anti-privacy laws and measures to create a police state and control the population.
From international to the local scope,
Last week there was a workshop on social injustice in my church, and the pastor made a good point of 'becoming' before 'doing', regarding christians addressing social injustice. That might sound very vague to some, but the point he was getting at is that before you do things, you should search and examine yourself, your values,attitude, thoughts, and make the effort to really connect with God and care about others, and then perform relevant actions to help those less unfortunate.
From this, one can realise that there are many problems that need to be ,not just recognised, but understood and in detail. However many are still uncertain what can be done to address the problems of homelessness or rampant crime, for example.
As a result, people must take more measures to understand the situation around them, whether by Internet, by reading books and magazines, and talking to those who see and know injustice, like pastors or social workers eg. All these are alternatives to depending on mainstream media to obtain news and information.
A great book to read is "No logo" by Naomi Klein, which was published a few years back but which gives excellent on topics as varied as corporate exploitation including sweatshops and the creation of 'perma-temps" and minimum-wage (McJobs) jobs, advertising and its excessiveness in North America and culture-jamming/ adbusting. It makes great points, such as connecting our North american/ developed nation materialistic urges to buy excessive clothes and SUVs with the exploitation of poor workers and nations by these same companies that produce, sell and market these clothes and cars.
A review of No logo on slashdot.
Site by author of same name as book,but containing current articles and information by Mrs. Klein on relevant topics and her work.
Saw Fahrenheit 911 last week and it was really provocative, with scenes of parents of dead American soldiers questioning the reasons why their children were sent to fight and ultimately,die, and the heavy business investments Saudi royals have in America and of course, the corporate ties of GWBush, his father and VP Cheney which involved the Saudi royals and even the Bin Laden family.
It had a lot of dramatic scenes like the American soldiers (tankers not infantrymen) talking about what kind of music they played when rushing into battle in Iraq,footage of a public beheading in Saudi Arabia, and a raid by Amercia troops on an Iraqi home at night during christmas time. It also had its funny moments like the Bonanza theme and opening credits, but with the heads of Bush, Brit PM Blair, VP Cheney and Secretary of State, Colin Powell imposed on the bodies of the main characters,
the (ridiculous but true) footage of Bush declaring he's a 'war president' and that whenever he thinks foreign policy, he 'does it with war on his mind'.
It was a very good movie, one that was informative and very entertaining to watch, however Fahrenheit 911 cannot be considered a true documentary. It is instead, a narrow, biased (though describing true images and events) and propaganda-like attack against GW Bush rather than a documentary on how and why 911 happened and the unjustness of foreign American policy. Moore personally did not try to hide this fact though, as he speaks out against Bush and his policies every opportunity he gets,
Still I found the movie had a lot of valid points and information but not a lot of depth in probing those points, such as Moore's lack of focus on those around Bush- Cheney, Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz and their actions and beliefs (if Bush is so dumb as Moore alleges, obviously Bush couldn't have come up with all this by himself, which he didn't). Another one is Moore tells how Bush and his GOP party 'stole' the election in Florida, by using his connections to prevent possible Democratic voters from voting, creating a stalemate and so causing the elction to be decided in the Supreme Court where the majority were GOP appointees (appointed by Republican administrations). From then on,Bush and his 'regime' went on the rampage, hiding poor domestic policies from the attention of the public (disproportionate large tax cuts for the rich, refusing to sign the Kyoto protocol on environmental standards etc.) by starting foreign military 'crusades' using a combination of terrorism and vague and untrue reasons. Yet throughout all this, Moore did not mention anything about how or why most of the opposition went along with all this, especially back to the election footage, the night of the election when a number of black (Democratic) congresspeople petitioned and made impassioned pleas to VP Gore (in his dual role as president of the Senate) for a recount but could not because no Senator (GOP or Democractic) agreed to sign the petition. Moore paints it as Bush screwing the blacks of America, both in society and in Congress but essentially they were also screwed by their own party.
The greatest danger is that Moore has focused so much blame and ridicule and anger on GW Bush that people are likely to think that Bush is the main (and only) evil and that to get rid of it, to restore their nation to its past glory and righteousness, Americans need only to elect the other party's candidate to office. There are so many factors, so many issues and problems that go beyond just GW Bush and his Saudi business connections that nothing would end with his defeat.
There is a lot of criticism towards this movie, but besides the usual Bush supporters and Republican (Bush's party) right-wing backers, there's also criticism from anti-Bush and leftist individuals,writers, intellectuals and activists.
Here's a few of these articles, this one from Counterbias, points out the absence of mention of Israel and the 'neo-cons', a group of politicians, thinkers and powerful people in society whose main philosophy is that the use of american power to change foreign nations ensures American dominance and progress. Whatreallyhappened.com has a list of questions for M. Moore on his implications of the Saudis and 911. This posting on libertyforum.com has a detailed account by an individual who cares deeply about the state of his country and he points out valid concerns that the movie only focuses on GW Bush thus making him seem as the source of all evil, whilst ignoring the larger picture of what caused 911 and consequently the unjustness in the American nation and its leaders,both Democrat and Republican.
Here's a very controversial inference to be found in the movie:
Using the official and widely accepted version of the events of 911, 19 Arabic 'terrorists', members of Al-Qaeda, hijacked 4 planes and succesfully crashed 3 of them into their planned targets, causing great loss of life and the destruction of the WTC.
Osama Bin-Laden is the leader of Al-Qaeda, born into a rich family with close ties to the Saudi royal family, and with business investments in the US. From offiical reports made by the US administration and the US media,Osama was supposedly estranged from his family, the black sheep yet in Fahrenheit 911, Moore states that Osama wasn't as cut off from his family as reported as one of his brothers had attended his son's wedding in the late 90s in Afghanistan. then after the 911 attacks, Saudi nationals including members of Bin Laden's family were flown out of the country (Moore alleges while the ban on all flights was imposed).
I hope you see the possible connection (on how 911 happened and who were involved), one that is hugely controversial and frightening.
It had a lot of dramatic scenes like the American soldiers (tankers not infantrymen) talking about what kind of music they played when rushing into battle in Iraq,footage of a public beheading in Saudi Arabia, and a raid by Amercia troops on an Iraqi home at night during christmas time. It also had its funny moments like the Bonanza theme and opening credits, but with the heads of Bush, Brit PM Blair, VP Cheney and Secretary of State, Colin Powell imposed on the bodies of the main characters,
the (ridiculous but true) footage of Bush declaring he's a 'war president' and that whenever he thinks foreign policy, he 'does it with war on his mind'.
It was a very good movie, one that was informative and very entertaining to watch, however Fahrenheit 911 cannot be considered a true documentary. It is instead, a narrow, biased (though describing true images and events) and propaganda-like attack against GW Bush rather than a documentary on how and why 911 happened and the unjustness of foreign American policy. Moore personally did not try to hide this fact though, as he speaks out against Bush and his policies every opportunity he gets,
Still I found the movie had a lot of valid points and information but not a lot of depth in probing those points, such as Moore's lack of focus on those around Bush- Cheney, Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz and their actions and beliefs (if Bush is so dumb as Moore alleges, obviously Bush couldn't have come up with all this by himself, which he didn't). Another one is Moore tells how Bush and his GOP party 'stole' the election in Florida, by using his connections to prevent possible Democratic voters from voting, creating a stalemate and so causing the elction to be decided in the Supreme Court where the majority were GOP appointees (appointed by Republican administrations). From then on,Bush and his 'regime' went on the rampage, hiding poor domestic policies from the attention of the public (disproportionate large tax cuts for the rich, refusing to sign the Kyoto protocol on environmental standards etc.) by starting foreign military 'crusades' using a combination of terrorism and vague and untrue reasons. Yet throughout all this, Moore did not mention anything about how or why most of the opposition went along with all this, especially back to the election footage, the night of the election when a number of black (Democratic) congresspeople petitioned and made impassioned pleas to VP Gore (in his dual role as president of the Senate) for a recount but could not because no Senator (GOP or Democractic) agreed to sign the petition. Moore paints it as Bush screwing the blacks of America, both in society and in Congress but essentially they were also screwed by their own party.
The greatest danger is that Moore has focused so much blame and ridicule and anger on GW Bush that people are likely to think that Bush is the main (and only) evil and that to get rid of it, to restore their nation to its past glory and righteousness, Americans need only to elect the other party's candidate to office. There are so many factors, so many issues and problems that go beyond just GW Bush and his Saudi business connections that nothing would end with his defeat.
There is a lot of criticism towards this movie, but besides the usual Bush supporters and Republican (Bush's party) right-wing backers, there's also criticism from anti-Bush and leftist individuals,writers, intellectuals and activists.
Here's a few of these articles, this one from Counterbias, points out the absence of mention of Israel and the 'neo-cons', a group of politicians, thinkers and powerful people in society whose main philosophy is that the use of american power to change foreign nations ensures American dominance and progress. Whatreallyhappened.com has a list of questions for M. Moore on his implications of the Saudis and 911. This posting on libertyforum.com has a detailed account by an individual who cares deeply about the state of his country and he points out valid concerns that the movie only focuses on GW Bush thus making him seem as the source of all evil, whilst ignoring the larger picture of what caused 911 and consequently the unjustness in the American nation and its leaders,both Democrat and Republican.
Here's a very controversial inference to be found in the movie:
Using the official and widely accepted version of the events of 911, 19 Arabic 'terrorists', members of Al-Qaeda, hijacked 4 planes and succesfully crashed 3 of them into their planned targets, causing great loss of life and the destruction of the WTC.
Osama Bin-Laden is the leader of Al-Qaeda, born into a rich family with close ties to the Saudi royal family, and with business investments in the US. From offiical reports made by the US administration and the US media,Osama was supposedly estranged from his family, the black sheep yet in Fahrenheit 911, Moore states that Osama wasn't as cut off from his family as reported as one of his brothers had attended his son's wedding in the late 90s in Afghanistan. then after the 911 attacks, Saudi nationals including members of Bin Laden's family were flown out of the country (Moore alleges while the ban on all flights was imposed).
I hope you see the possible connection (on how 911 happened and who were involved), one that is hugely controversial and frightening.
Friday, July 09, 2004
Today's or tonight's articles comprise situations that one can draw parallels with the American people and their current 'rulers'.
The first article is on a very informative and website that deals with the reign of the Nazis in Germany,their leaders, and the way how they came to power and manipulated an entire nation. The article, called "They thought they were free " in which the German people were slowly and subtly manipulated to support the ruling Nazi party and their aggressive policies that eventually led to World War 2, being made to feel that everything was alright in their nation while its leaders was preparing it for war and conquest, to propogate the greatest evil in the 20th century.
The other article has a list of 14 'symptoms' of a society under fascist regime and the author is claiming the US is perfect in this list.
Something to think about.
The first article is on a very informative and website that deals with the reign of the Nazis in Germany,their leaders, and the way how they came to power and manipulated an entire nation. The article, called "They thought they were free " in which the German people were slowly and subtly manipulated to support the ruling Nazi party and their aggressive policies that eventually led to World War 2, being made to feel that everything was alright in their nation while its leaders was preparing it for war and conquest, to propogate the greatest evil in the 20th century.
The other article has a list of 14 'symptoms' of a society under fascist regime and the author is claiming the US is perfect in this list.
Something to think about.
Thursday, July 08, 2004
A very harsh but accurate criticism of America 'evil' leaders and their manipulation and control of the US and its foreign policies. It's frightening seeing how corrupt and greedy the most powerful nation can become while keeping most of its citizens in ignorance. I hope more and more that people everywhere can learn and educate themselves on the evil state of the world and realise how much oppression and terror exists in this world (eg.Palestinians,Iraq,Sudan) outside of developed countries (eg. us in Canada)and all or mainly because of greed for power and money.
This is another interesting and provocative article that goes back into history to suggest questionable reasons behind the September 11 bombings.
This is another interesting and provocative article that goes back into history to suggest questionable reasons behind the September 11 bombings.
Thursday, July 01, 2004
This has been an eventful week for news- elections in Canada, handover in Iraq, Saddm Hussein's trial, even Euro 2004(well I had to mention it). I've spent more time on my readings especially with Adbusters, also I've been going through and searching new sites on the Net that offer non-mainstream news and opinions on foreign matters.
There's a huge bunch of these sites, and it's hard to absorb all this information. I admire these people whether journalists,webmasters,scientists,writers or simply someone with informed opinions, intelligence and good conscience who wants the lies and injustices out there to be exposed.
I've read some really interesting and provocative articles on 9-11 and the shady circumstances over who's to blame, comments of Michael Moore's new movie-Fahrenheit 911 (this one is very good), and the continuing unrest and oppresion in the Middle East.
A few sites I'd like to recommend:
Whatreallyhappened
investigating imperialism
and this article written by a soldier serving in Iraq, very candid,quite chilling account of simply what soldiers go through down there.
There's a huge bunch of these sites, and it's hard to absorb all this information. I admire these people whether journalists,webmasters,scientists,writers or simply someone with informed opinions, intelligence and good conscience who wants the lies and injustices out there to be exposed.
I've read some really interesting and provocative articles on 9-11 and the shady circumstances over who's to blame, comments of Michael Moore's new movie-Fahrenheit 911 (this one is very good), and the continuing unrest and oppresion in the Middle East.
A few sites I'd like to recommend:
Whatreallyhappened
investigating imperialism
and this article written by a soldier serving in Iraq, very candid,quite chilling account of simply what soldiers go through down there.
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