Clipmarks | papananook's 'peace' clips

America in the World: Silenced by Bush

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 01:35:55 GMT

clipped by: papananook
clipper's remarks: Such Bushian doublespeak, expressed with total "sincerity," has regrettably defined America's relationship with our fellow human beings in this new century. As a result, even US critics of the administration's policies are reluctant to condemn aggression by other countries because they do not want to be accused of what the Bush regime, worldwide, will perhaps be most remembered for -- hypocrisy.

Clip Source: www.commondreams.org

"The true hypocrite is the one who ceases to perceive his deception, the one who lies with sincerity."

--André Gide

One of the legacies of Bush's tragically flawed foreign policy is that it has managed to silence Americans who believe that the United States -- for all its faults -- should condemn aggression in other parts of the world.

If one word describes how Bush has dealt with the rest of our small planet, it is hypocrisy. For the past eight years, the administration's deeds have seldom, if ever, matched its rhetoric. Operation Iraqi Freedom, it now seems clearer than ever, was in fact Operation Iraqi Oil. While the State Department issues human rights reports, the Bush/Cheney regime supports dictators who suppress the innocent. And in Eastern Europe, which the administration proclaims should be a region of peace and stability, it is heightening tensions by installing missile systems against "the Iranian threat."

Obama-Kennedy--Yeah, that's the ticket!

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 01:17:57 GMT

clipped by: papananook

Clip Source: www.michaelmoore.com

An Open Letter to Caroline Kennedy (head of the Obama VP search team) from Michael Moore

"Caroline: Pull a Cheney!"

August 29th: Wish John McCain a Happy 72nd Birthday | Things Younger Than John McCain (VIDEO)

August 23rd - 28th: SiCKO Kicks Off a Week of Health Care Events at the DNC in Denver | Rage Against the Machine to Rock DNC | DNC 2000 (VIDEO) | Bring the War to the DNC

September 1st - 4th: Help SDS Shut Down the RNC in St. Paul | Rage Against the Machine to Rock the RNC | SDS Fired Up, Ready to Go | Twin Cities Anti-War Committee

August 19th, 2008
Close the Book on John McCain; "I would rather you go and work for a local candidate than read my book." – Michael Moore | 'How The Democrats Can Blow It ...In Six Easy Steps' ...from 'Mike's Election Guide'

August 19th, 2008
Forgotten War Remembered; 600 crosses to be added to 4,122 already there

August 18th, 2008
Working for Peace is a Full-time Job; Antiwar activists want table at school career day

Pelosi confronted at book signing

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:40:58 GMT

clipped by: papananook
clipper's remarks: Madam Speaker was so flustered by our efforts that she barely made a cogent remark for her whole "Know Your Power" talk. Our peaceful action had impact. The truth is a powerful tool. But if only our actions weren't necessary. If only, as Jodie Evans suggested, Madam Speaker would do her job!
Saddest of all is the contrast of who Pelosi once was to who she his now. For a woman who was once at the cutting edge of social progressivism, Nancy Pelosi has lost her way. She has strayed from her former social consciousness into the malaise of power. A sorry state for a woman who 32 years ago was a pivotal player in the 1976 Presidential campaign of radically progressive California Governor, Jerry Brown.

Clip Source: www.opednews.com

Last Monday evening, in the plush environs of Los Angeles' American Jewish University, a dedicated group of pro-peace, Pro-Constitution patriots "booked" Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. No, I don't mean "booked" as in charged her with a crime and jailed her. In this scenario, "booked" is more akin to "punked" - in which case we surprised Madam Pelosi by revising her new book, then forced her to read our revisions. Tuh-Dah!!

It happened like this: Madam Speaker of the House Pelosi, second in line to the Presidency, appeared at a book signing for her ironically titled new tome, "Know Your Power." Since Madam Pelosi has not used her power as Speaker to hold impeachment hearings against George W. Bush and Dick Cheney, as prescribed by Article 1 Section 2 of the Constitution, we pro-Constitution patriots held her to task. We took her new book and scrawled our personalized imperatives and questions within it.

Both Democrats and Republicans are in service to the War System

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:49:12 GMT

clipped by: papananook
clipper's remarks: Mr. Obama is another Democrat who will continue in this tradition--if the war is sellable--sell it under the name of Nation Security and keep the economy rolling. Fuckin' lies are just bouncing around out there.

Clip Source: www.questionwar.com

This War is consistent with centuries of wars waged for profit and domination. It should be obvious that Iraq is merely the continuation of standard US foreign policy. Wars are forced upon naturally peace-seeking peoples with deceptive and coercive tactics by a small minority ruling class. The lies of today follow the same time-tested formula used by governments to gain support from the people to pay for and die for greed-driven agendas that run completely counter to claims of security, freedom, democracy, humanitarian intervention etc. George Bush is only the latest in a string of presidents to cloak aggression in idealistic rhetoric. Killing in the name of democracy has a long and terrible history...

It is critical that we see the larger agenda beyond the current conflict so that peace activism does not continue to protest one war after another without addressing the fundamental and systemic causes that have persisted unchallenged for a very long time.

The Dalai Lama is a better man than I

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:58:01 GMT

clipped by: papananook
clipper's remarks: Sorry, I can't love the King St. George Dumbfuck just yet. I haven't evolved quite that far. Too much death, Blood and sorrow on Bush's hands. I guess I need some "inner disarmament", neh? Seriously.

Clip Source: www.opednews.com

Headlined on 7/17/08:
Dalai Lama: "I Love President Bush... but... Lack(s) Understanding of Reality"

Of course, I have great respect for, in fact, I love President Bus, because he is very frank, very straightforward. His intentions are good, but some of his policy in spite of his sincere motivation and right goal, and some of his method becomes unrealistic because of lack of understanding about reality.

He went on to explain,

"You cannot look in one direction. In order to see reality, (you) have to see in three or four or seven dimensions" and that this applies in the economical field, political field and international relations."

The main message the Dalai Lama presented was the idea of aiming for world peace through inner and outer disarmament. He explained that to reach a point where nations would outwardly disarm, people must first inwardly disarm, by becoming compassionate, not just with friends, but with all people, including those perceived as enemies.

Insane people with insane objectives

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:08:03 GMT

clipped by: papananook
clipper's remarks: Whenever I think of John Lennon, I am saddened again by his murder by by an insane person.

Clip Source: www.opednews.com

"Our society is run by insane people for insane objectives. I think we're being run by maniacs for maniacal ends...I believe that as soon as people want peace in the world they can have it. The only trouble is they are not aware they can get it...You're just left with yourself all the time, whatever you do anyway. You've got to get down to your own God in your own temple. It's all down to you, mate …All we are saying is give peace a chance…All you need is love…Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one."-John Lennon

: the people of the land are much better than the leadership they currently live under.

Humor and Nonviolent resistance is anathema to Big Brother for Big Brother only understands violent force.

Affirmation of a free spirit

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:10:44 GMT

clipped by: papananook
clipper's remarks: Now to work on this every day...

Clip Source: www.propeace.net

“I Am a Free Spirit”

I will heal
And not harm

I will love
And not hate

I will restore
And not demolish

I will help
And not hurt

I will seek to understand
And not judge or dismiss

I will grow
And not stagnate

I will be respectful
And not rude

I will be compassionate
And not cruel

I will have empathy
And not apathy

I will be mindful
And not heedless

I will be strong
And not weak

I will be courageous
And not cowardly

I will dare to dream
And not relinquish hope

I will plant peace
And not strife

I will inspire
And not crush

I will thrive
And not be thwarted

I will live in the moment
And not dwell in the past or on the future

I will cherish my loved ones, animals, and Mother Earth
And never take any of them for granted

I will embrace my uniqueness
And never be generic

I will make magic
And not malignancy

I will create
And not destroy

I will be free
And never confined

I am a free spirit
Who is grateful
For my life and freedom . . . today.

2008 Rainbow Gathering

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:20:20 GMT

clipped by: papananook
clipper's remarks: Thanks to Dee for the photos. It brings back memories.

Clip Source: deesings.livejournal.com

A really cool feature of the Rainbow Gathering is just taking in the sights - the people and all the creativity. Here are more photos:

The Prayer Pole in the Main Meadow where all the meals are served and the Meditation for World Peace on July 4:

This is Tianna from Hawaii. I was struck by her creativity during her pregnancy:

July 4: Meditation for World Peace (thousands of people encircling the main meadow with hands held chanting "OM", followed by a parade led by Kiddie Village and then culminating in a big boisterous celebration that lasts all day and night:

This is the very colorful "Grandpa Woodstock" who is a regular attendee of the Annual Gathering. He told me that I was "very beautiful and could be Queen of the Blueberry Blossoms"!

The area was very beautiful. We walked along the Dutch Joe River....

....and walked to the top of a rock with dozens of other folks to watch the sunset:

Nationwide Protests at Canadian Consulates, Wed. July 9

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:59:38 GMT

clipped by: papananook
clipper's remarks: Having been a Refusenik myself (and I never forget it), these men and women of conscience hold a special place in my heart...I know how difficult, yet liberating it can be to stand up to the Federal Gummint.
Following Parliament vote welcoming war resisters, please sign new letter to stop deportations! We'll mail the letters for you...See site link.

Clip Source: www.couragetoresist.org

Events in 14 U.S. cities to urge Canadian government to abide by historic
House of Commons resolution welcoming war resisters
- - - Full list of nationwide actions at http://www.couragetoresist.org

On Wednesday July 9, military veterans, religious leaders and peace activists will convene on Canadian Consulates to protest the planned deportation of AWOL GIs back to the U.S., where they would face court martial, imprisonment and dishonorable discharges. Vigils and delegations in 14 U.S. cities will press the Conservative government to allow U.S. war resisters to remain in Canada.

In a landmark vote on June 3rd, 2008, the House of Commons called on the Canadian government to “immediately implement a program to allow conscientious objectors… who have refused or left military service related to a war not sanctioned by the United Nations… to apply for permanent resident status and remain in Canada.” The motion, which passed 137-110, also called for an immediate halt to planned deportations.

Criminalizing peace

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 14:57:22 GMT

clipped by: papananook
clipper's remarks: Cointelpro lives.

Clip Source: www.brasschecktv.com

[Video]

Law enforcement?

Homeland security has become a multi-billion dollar industry in the US, as well as a full-employment program for civilians who carry guns on behalf of the government.

Just one example of where the money goes.

McCain's volatile temper

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 19:28:19 GMT

clipped by: papananook
clipper's remarks: What really annoys me about McCain is his kinda shrug-off attitude to anyone challenin his ideas or his so-called hero status...I'd like to know what missions he flew in Vietnam and who he bombed before he was shot down.

Clip Source: www.mcclatchydc.com

GULFPORT, Miss. — John McCain engaged in a physical confrontation in 1987 with a left-wing Sandinista leader during a diplomatic meeting in Nicaragua, according to one of his colleagues, Sen. Thad Cochran, a Mississippi Republican.

Still, Cochran told the Sun Herald of Biloxi, Miss., on Monday that he'd witnessed a confrontation between McCain and a Sandinista leader that shocked him, in which McCain "got mad at the guy and he just reached over there and snatched him."

"The thought of his being president sends a cold chill down my spine," Cochran told the Globe. "He is erratic. He is hotheaded. He loses his temper and he worries me."

The two senators have since made peace. Cochran said McCain had included him on a recent campaign visit to Mississippi. He told the Sun Herald on Monday that McCain is the best man for the job.

But he drew wide national notice in January when he told The Boston Globe his judgment of his longtime Senate colleague McCain.

For sale: one used country - cheap

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 14:47:19 GMT

clipped by: papananook
clipper's remarks:
The US news media didn't think this post 9/11 "mercy" flight for Bush's personal friends was worth investigating.

==============================

How deep the connection goes

"September 13, 2001 - Thousands of Americans were dead. They have been killed in a terrorist operation largely run by Saudis. Nonetheless the two men (Bush and Prince Bandar Of Saudi Arabia) each lit up a Cohiba cigar (on the Truman balcony of the White House)...

Few Americans realized that these two dynasties had a history dating back more than twenty years. Not just business partners and personal friends, the Bushes and the Saudis had pulled off elaborate covert operations and gone to war together...

They had been involved in the Iran-contra scandal, in secret U.S. aid in the Afghanistan War that gave birth of Osama bin Laden."

From: House of Bush, House of Saud: The secret relationship between the world's most powerful dynasties by Craig Unger. Page 15

Clip Source: www.brasschecktv.com

[Video]

For sale: one used country - cheap

Over the years, the Saudi Royal Family has put at least $1.4 billion into the hands of the Bush family and its friends.

Even in these days of inflation, that's real money.

Did Bush go to Saudi Arabia to ask for lower oil prices or to assure the Saudis they could keep sticking it to us as long as he and his family were given their cut?

In the days right after 9/11, all commercial flights in US air space including those for Congressmen and the FBI, the private jets of billionaires, and transportation for donated organs were shut down.

There was one exception...

The White House arranged for dozens of still unnamed Saudi Arabians living in the US - including members of the House of Saud and the Bin Laden family - to be flown out of the country in style.

The FBI didn't think it was necessary to get a passenger list...but if you show up at a peace rally, they'll be sure to get your face on video and add your name to their database if you're arrested at one.

Elite US Army Academy Lures Kids With Mud and Duty

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:43:37 GMT

clipped by: papananook
clipper's remarks: this sickening;
Kathleen Engle, 16, from Fairfield, California, said she had looked into the Peace Corps and other options but decided on the military.

“I was in fifth grade when 9/11 happened and that’s when I decided the best thing I could do for my country was this,” she said, playing a video game called “America’s Army.”

“I guess it’s going to be hard to kill someone, but if that’s your job and that’s what our commander tells us we need to do, I’m going to do that in order to protect my country.” Brainwashed at 16, or sooner

Clip Source: www.commondreams.org

WEST POINT, New York - Climbing ropes and crawling in the mud under barbed wire, dozens of American high school kids at an unusual summer camp vied to see who could get most dirty as they tackled an Army obstacle course.

And as they ran between obstacles in the woods, the kids shouted Army chants. Asked by a cadet if they were motivated, they shouted back in unison: “Motivated, motivated, downright motivated. Ooh, aah, ooh, aah, I want to kill somebody.”

Each summer, 800 high school kids hoping to become soldiers spend a week at West Point to see what life is like at the prestigious U.S. military academy for future army officers.

With the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan straining the U.S. military and public support low for the Iraq war, recruiting future officers might seem a tough sell. But officials say applications to the summer program are at a record high.

West Point says it recruits “scholars, leaders and athletes.”

Is a voting boycott in order?

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 15:32:56 GMT

clipped by: papananook
clipper's remarks: This group may go to far but they make good points. We have a rigged political system and Obama is NOT a peace candidate.

Clip Source: truthawaits.com

But there has been some change among the U.S. electorate. We are becoming better informed. And some of us have realized that we cannot bring about peace by continuing to vote for war. We know that a vote that is not counted or is flipped to another candidate is not a voice in government. We know that once in office, candidates cannot be held accountable. And we have decided to boycott the war and express our sincere yearning for peace by not voting in the November election.

If you really want a voice in government, stop voting in rigged elections where you cannot be sure if your vote is even counted.

If you really want peace, don't vote for war criminals.

[Video]

r Long National Nightmare Of Peace And Prosperity Is Finally Over'

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 11:58:45 GMT

clipped by: papananook
clipper's remarks: Onion Prophecy of Bush era nailed it...a nd 8 yrs later we gasp...Way to go, 'Murrika!

Clip Source: www.theonion.com

WASHINGTON, DC–Mere days from assuming the presidency and closing the door on eight years of Bill Clinton, president-elect George W. Bush assured the nation in a televised address Tuesday that "our long national nightmare of peace and prosperity is finally over."

President-elect Bush vows that "together, we can put the triumphs of the recent past behind us."

"My fellow Americans," Bush said, "at long last, we have reached the end of the dark period in American history that will come to be known as the Clinton Era, eight long years characterized by unprecedented economic expansion, a sharp decrease in crime, and sustained peace overseas. The time has come to put all of that behind us."

During the 40-minute speech, Bush also promised to bring an end to the severe war drought that plagued the nation under Clinton, assuring citizens that the U.S. will engage in at least one Gulf War-level armed conflict in the next four years.