Terribly sick. Miserable start of spring, and worst, I know that my annual end of May allergies are on their way. Mostly I'm spending my days shivering in bed and trying to sleep away 24 hours of each day, waking every two hours, eating very little. I haven't been ill in years I think, so I guess I was due.
Happily I am reading and listening to some great Democracy Now! shows. If you've never checked out Democracy Now! please listen and consider supporting them. We need a Democracy Now! North.
Tonight apparently Barack Obama is going to address the Muslim world or something. More meaningless bullshit. Check out Robert Fisk's great commentary on the dismal speech to come. I've included an excerpt tonight:
"OK, so here's what President Barack Obama should say today about the Middle East. We will leave Afghanistan tomorrow. We will leave Iraq tomorrow. We will stop giving unconditional, craven support to Israel. Americans will force the Israelis – and the European Union – to end their siege of Gaza. We will withhold all future funding for Israel unless it ends, totally and unconditionally, its building of colonies on Arab land that does not belong to it. We will cease all co-operation and business deals with the vicious dictators of the Arab world – whether they be Saudi or Syrian or Libyan – and we will support democracy even in those countries where we have massive business interests. Oh yes, and we will talk to Hamas.
Of course, President Barack Obama will not say this. A vain and cowardly man, he will talk about the West's "friends" in the Middle East, about the security of Israel – security not being a word he has ever devoted to Palestinians – and he will waffle on and on about the Arab Spring as if he ever supported it (until, of course, the dictators were on the run), as if – when they desperately needed his support – he had given his moral authority to the people of Egypt; and, no doubt, we will hear him say what a great religion Islam is (but not too great, or Republicans will start recalling the Barack Hussein Obama birth certificate again) and we will be asked – oh, I fear we will – to turn our backs on the Bin Laden past, to seek "closure" and "move on" (which I'm afraid the Taliban don't quite agree with)."
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
Sad Truths
Wow, another brilliant and challenging article from George Monbiot. I especially appreciate his challenge to back to the land folks (I guess I'm one of them--just ignore my computer), around manufacturing. We obviously will need energy and mining to make gardening tools, butchering tool in the future. Anyway please check out the article. If you don't here are some highlights below:
"The problem we face is not that we have too little fossil fuel, but too much. As oil declines, economies will switch to tar sands, shale gas and coal; as accessible coal declines, they'll switch to ultra-deep reserves (using underground gasification to exploit them) and methane clathrates. The same probably applies to almost all minerals: we will find them, but exploiting them will mean trashing an ever greater proportion of the world's surface. We have enough non-renewable resources of all kinds to complete our wreckage of renewable resources: forests, soil, fish, freshwater, benign weather. Collapse will come one day, but not before we have pulled everything down with us."
"All of us in the environment movement, in other words – whether we propose accommodation, radical downsizing or collapse – are lost. None of us yet has a convincing account of how humanity can get out of this mess. None of our chosen solutions break the atomising, planet-wrecking project. I hope that by laying out the problem I can encourage us to address it more logically, to abandon magical thinking and to recognise the contradictions we confront. But even that could be a tall order."
I guess I really have to start talking to people about powering down in a real way, make it real to them. I don't feel much like a spokesman but we really need to start talking about these issues. I have no idea how to challenge all the advertising that promotes the destruction of the planet in such a pretty package. We are up against it friends. Again check out that article.
"The problem we face is not that we have too little fossil fuel, but too much. As oil declines, economies will switch to tar sands, shale gas and coal; as accessible coal declines, they'll switch to ultra-deep reserves (using underground gasification to exploit them) and methane clathrates. The same probably applies to almost all minerals: we will find them, but exploiting them will mean trashing an ever greater proportion of the world's surface. We have enough non-renewable resources of all kinds to complete our wreckage of renewable resources: forests, soil, fish, freshwater, benign weather. Collapse will come one day, but not before we have pulled everything down with us."
"All of us in the environment movement, in other words – whether we propose accommodation, radical downsizing or collapse – are lost. None of us yet has a convincing account of how humanity can get out of this mess. None of our chosen solutions break the atomising, planet-wrecking project. I hope that by laying out the problem I can encourage us to address it more logically, to abandon magical thinking and to recognise the contradictions we confront. But even that could be a tall order."
I guess I really have to start talking to people about powering down in a real way, make it real to them. I don't feel much like a spokesman but we really need to start talking about these issues. I have no idea how to challenge all the advertising that promotes the destruction of the planet in such a pretty package. We are up against it friends. Again check out that article.
Puke
The rejoicing in the death of Osama Bin Laden is enough to make one want to puke. I listened to the World at Six on CBC Radio One this evening and it was sickening to hear the joy that a bullet to the head caused. It just shows how violent and screwed up we all are. Revenge, revenge, revenge! The media, as ever, took sides, instead of just covering the news. Beating the drums of war and never, ever risking discussing complexity to confuse the plebs.
And these were grown adults rejoicing in death. The only moment of sanity came from the mouth of a babe. The comments of a little boy, whose father had been killed in 9/11 or the numerous trillion dollar wars that have followed (I'm sorry I don't remember which one) were conveyed by his mother. She happily told him bluntly of the brains splattered on the mansion walls in Pakistan. His response: "Why didn't they put him on trial"? Bless you.
Children at least know something about justice, unlike the madmen and women who lead and follow.
And never, ever do we wonder if, for all his own brand of madness (not far from our own clearly), does Bin Laden have (excuse me, had) genuine grievances. A quick list: the occupation of Palestine, Arab dictators, torture (and Bin Laden surely used it too) and secret police, corruption demonstrates that he had some fair points (Hitler had some good ideas right?).
Incidentally check out this great opinion piece from Robert Fisk. Fisk interviewed Bin Laden on three occasions and, unlike most reporters, he doesn't serve power.
Now I can get back to puking as the Conservatives win their majority. I'm sure Bin Laden would have died happy had he lived to see this result.
And these were grown adults rejoicing in death. The only moment of sanity came from the mouth of a babe. The comments of a little boy, whose father had been killed in 9/11 or the numerous trillion dollar wars that have followed (I'm sorry I don't remember which one) were conveyed by his mother. She happily told him bluntly of the brains splattered on the mansion walls in Pakistan. His response: "Why didn't they put him on trial"? Bless you.
Children at least know something about justice, unlike the madmen and women who lead and follow.
And never, ever do we wonder if, for all his own brand of madness (not far from our own clearly), does Bin Laden have (excuse me, had) genuine grievances. A quick list: the occupation of Palestine, Arab dictators, torture (and Bin Laden surely used it too) and secret police, corruption demonstrates that he had some fair points (Hitler had some good ideas right?).
Incidentally check out this great opinion piece from Robert Fisk. Fisk interviewed Bin Laden on three occasions and, unlike most reporters, he doesn't serve power.
Now I can get back to puking as the Conservatives win their majority. I'm sure Bin Laden would have died happy had he lived to see this result.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Back
Well finally I am home and kind of settled. This is a funny year. For a bunch of reasons I am finding myself heading to Halifax now and again. Last Friday was the last time. But I'm really wanting to be home and settled and working in the garden.
Today was a lovely day and I wanted to tell you about it. It's a sunny day and the greenhouse is nice and warm. Frances and I had lunch in there. The tomatoes and onions are out in the greenhouse along with the small rosemary plant. The brassicas and just out on some flagstones as I don't want to overheat them.
I weeded a bed and I'm going to plant some red clover as a cover crop/green manure. This is the first time I've tried green manure. Then I planted a few hazelnut trees in the hedge that we are building next to the driveway. I'm easing into the season so I lay on the grass and snoozed before coming in to write this post.
As I relaxed, Buddy went into the baby barn and came out carrying a vole he had caught. I was half hoping he would help evict a squirrel that's taken up residence there.
Then a huge raven, flew over the house. The wing beats were something to hear.
Earlier a raven or crow, perhaps the same one, started cawing and flying up the drive toward the house. Frances and I were weeding and we hadn't really seen this from a crow/raven before. But then we got our answer. A bald eagle flew over our heads from behind us and cruised away. It seems that ravens and crows have the ability to push around bald eagles. I know they are very crafty.
So I'm sorry that I haven't been writing as much but I'm going to shift gears now and start focusing on the beautiful season to come.
Today was a lovely day and I wanted to tell you about it. It's a sunny day and the greenhouse is nice and warm. Frances and I had lunch in there. The tomatoes and onions are out in the greenhouse along with the small rosemary plant. The brassicas and just out on some flagstones as I don't want to overheat them.
I weeded a bed and I'm going to plant some red clover as a cover crop/green manure. This is the first time I've tried green manure. Then I planted a few hazelnut trees in the hedge that we are building next to the driveway. I'm easing into the season so I lay on the grass and snoozed before coming in to write this post.
As I relaxed, Buddy went into the baby barn and came out carrying a vole he had caught. I was half hoping he would help evict a squirrel that's taken up residence there.
Then a huge raven, flew over the house. The wing beats were something to hear.
Earlier a raven or crow, perhaps the same one, started cawing and flying up the drive toward the house. Frances and I were weeding and we hadn't really seen this from a crow/raven before. But then we got our answer. A bald eagle flew over our heads from behind us and cruised away. It seems that ravens and crows have the ability to push around bald eagles. I know they are very crafty.
So I'm sorry that I haven't been writing as much but I'm going to shift gears now and start focusing on the beautiful season to come.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Forgotten Bahrain
Libya is providing some cover for the continued brutal suppression in Bahrain. The people in Bahrain are demanding an end to the absolute monarchy that rules them. They have taken peaceful actions and are being met by force. Even worse, the militaries of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf States have been welcomed into Bahrain to aid in the violence against peaceful protesters.
The following were uploaded to Facebook today. If you've ever seen American History X you'll remember the seen where the protagonist stomps on the face of a black man. The fucking pig in this picture is just as brutal. Gotta love that wind-up. Make it count fucker, you're next.
And if these images weren't bad enough our dear leaders tell us they are doing all they can. The following is an excerpt from a letter I received from Lawrence Cannon on Bahrain.
--
The Office of the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister, has forwarded to me your email of February 17, 2011, concerning the current situation in the Kingdom of Bahrain . . .
. . . Canada strongly encourages Bahraini authorities to continue their efforts toward building a sincere dialogue that addresses the concerns of the country's citizens. I believe an open national dialogue is the only valid option to resolve the current unrest. The Canadian government calls on all parties involved to show openness in this process in order to peacefully address the Bahraini people's concerns.
Canada hopes for a prompt and lasting return to calm, democracy and respect of human rights in Bahrain.
--
Huh! What democracy and respect for human rights? Is Lawrence Cannon living in a dream world? These are our dictators. They facilitate our privilege. We might as well recognize them as such. The delusion is so strong though that we assume that everyone lives with their rights guaranteed. Not so. Ask the cop in the pictures.
The following were uploaded to Facebook today. If you've ever seen American History X you'll remember the seen where the protagonist stomps on the face of a black man. The fucking pig in this picture is just as brutal. Gotta love that wind-up. Make it count fucker, you're next.
And if these images weren't bad enough our dear leaders tell us they are doing all they can. The following is an excerpt from a letter I received from Lawrence Cannon on Bahrain.
--
The Office of the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister, has forwarded to me your email of February 17, 2011, concerning the current situation in the Kingdom of Bahrain . . .
. . . Canada strongly encourages Bahraini authorities to continue their efforts toward building a sincere dialogue that addresses the concerns of the country's citizens. I believe an open national dialogue is the only valid option to resolve the current unrest. The Canadian government calls on all parties involved to show openness in this process in order to peacefully address the Bahraini people's concerns.
Canada hopes for a prompt and lasting return to calm, democracy and respect of human rights in Bahrain.
--
Huh! What democracy and respect for human rights? Is Lawrence Cannon living in a dream world? These are our dictators. They facilitate our privilege. We might as well recognize them as such. The delusion is so strong though that we assume that everyone lives with their rights guaranteed. Not so. Ask the cop in the pictures.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Mid-East Musings
A few thoughts on the so-called Middle East.
So a US F-15 has crashed due to mechanical failure today. The pilot was saved naturally. I'd like to continue the tally of cost on this 'mission'. So there are two models of F-15. I expect the more expensive one comes with air conditioning and power locks, possibly all-wheel drive. We can't tell which it is from the pictures.
The cost of this fighter breaks down like this. And don't forget inflation which I have calculated for:
F-15A/B: US$27.9 million (1998) = $37,880,497 in 2011 dollars
F-15C/D: US$29.9 million (1998) = $40,595,945 in 2011 dollars
So that makes a grand total of around $120,000,000 including those tomahawk missiles.
Just in: the Coalition of the Willing (now with Romania!) has fired 160 tomahawk missiles thus far. I'm going to stop keeping track of these expenses now as this is a stupid exercise.
Needless to say there's no cuts planned to the military but we are apparently broke.
--
Incidentally, can Libya box up that fighter and send it back to the US with a bill? Seriously arguably this is littering on a grand scale. And I'm sure that the fighter is full of toxic materials. I somehow doubt it.
--
I love these dictators holding meetings and ranting on. Just saw Yemen's decrepit 'President' barking and snarling at the head of a mammoth table. Imagine being there. Do these guys take themselves seriously? Oh yeah, the torture. They are serious.
So a US F-15 has crashed due to mechanical failure today. The pilot was saved naturally. I'd like to continue the tally of cost on this 'mission'. So there are two models of F-15. I expect the more expensive one comes with air conditioning and power locks, possibly all-wheel drive. We can't tell which it is from the pictures.
The cost of this fighter breaks down like this. And don't forget inflation which I have calculated for:
F-15A/B: US$27.9 million (1998) = $37,880,497 in 2011 dollars
F-15C/D: US$29.9 million (1998) = $40,595,945 in 2011 dollars
So that makes a grand total of around $120,000,000 including those tomahawk missiles.
Just in: the Coalition of the Willing (now with Romania!) has fired 160 tomahawk missiles thus far. I'm going to stop keeping track of these expenses now as this is a stupid exercise.
Needless to say there's no cuts planned to the military but we are apparently broke.
--
Incidentally, can Libya box up that fighter and send it back to the US with a bill? Seriously arguably this is littering on a grand scale. And I'm sure that the fighter is full of toxic materials. I somehow doubt it.
--
I love these dictators holding meetings and ranting on. Just saw Yemen's decrepit 'President' barking and snarling at the head of a mammoth table. Imagine being there. Do these guys take themselves seriously? Oh yeah, the torture. They are serious.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Hidden History
You have to wonder how much longer the US with their buddies in France and Canada want to punish the people of Haiti. I know they liberated themselves from slavery to France then defeated Napoleon's conquering army when it tried to enslave them again. They reached out to the United States, the supposed beacon of liberty only to suffer through 200 years of abuse at the hands of Americans, French and yes even Canadians.
But you know, all this has been said before.
And the important thing is that Jean-Bertrand Aristide is back in Haiti. No thanks to Barack Obama, he arrived this weekend to a riotous welcome. Anyway I was following the coverage on Democracy Now! and learned something that I never knew about his kidnapping in 2004. I wanted to share it with you today.
As President of Haiti, Aristide recognized that one of the major problems in his country was a lack of medical services. There are very few doctors serving the population and doctors have to go abroad to study, and many I would imagine, didn't return. In fact I have read that there were only 2,000 doctors in the whole country of 9 million. So working with Cuba (famous for the exporting of doctors) in 2001 he broke ground on a new facility to house a new medical school for his country. The University of the Aristide Foundation was opened in late 2003 and its primary goal was to train poor, rural doctors to return home and serve their communities. The school was training 247 doctors by the time of the second anti-Aristide coup, orchestrated by the United States on February 28 2004.
Outrageously the occupying US and UN forces kicked out the medical students and used the building as a barracks until 2007! Some students went to Cuba to continue their training but Haiti lost an important institution (happily the building survived the earthquake). Aristide is looking forward to continuing the work he started in 2001 now that he is back in Haiti.
But you have to wonder what kind of friend moves in and takes over an important medical school in a country that desperately needs medical professionals? We are reminded by the media and our dear leaders how poor and vulnerable Haiti is; how much better prepared for the earthquake would they have been with these doctors in the field?
I was shocked to read this hidden history. But it's nice to know that the US and UN don't give a shit about Haiti. Once you realize these things you can move on to the next logical step.
But you know, all this has been said before.
And the important thing is that Jean-Bertrand Aristide is back in Haiti. No thanks to Barack Obama, he arrived this weekend to a riotous welcome. Anyway I was following the coverage on Democracy Now! and learned something that I never knew about his kidnapping in 2004. I wanted to share it with you today.
As President of Haiti, Aristide recognized that one of the major problems in his country was a lack of medical services. There are very few doctors serving the population and doctors have to go abroad to study, and many I would imagine, didn't return. In fact I have read that there were only 2,000 doctors in the whole country of 9 million. So working with Cuba (famous for the exporting of doctors) in 2001 he broke ground on a new facility to house a new medical school for his country. The University of the Aristide Foundation was opened in late 2003 and its primary goal was to train poor, rural doctors to return home and serve their communities. The school was training 247 doctors by the time of the second anti-Aristide coup, orchestrated by the United States on February 28 2004.
Outrageously the occupying US and UN forces kicked out the medical students and used the building as a barracks until 2007! Some students went to Cuba to continue their training but Haiti lost an important institution (happily the building survived the earthquake). Aristide is looking forward to continuing the work he started in 2001 now that he is back in Haiti.
But you have to wonder what kind of friend moves in and takes over an important medical school in a country that desperately needs medical professionals? We are reminded by the media and our dear leaders how poor and vulnerable Haiti is; how much better prepared for the earthquake would they have been with these doctors in the field?
I was shocked to read this hidden history. But it's nice to know that the US and UN don't give a shit about Haiti. Once you realize these things you can move on to the next logical step.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
