In the comments to my last entry, one of my regular posters asked if I'm going to be even more focused on politics now, after the Presidential elections in USA, or do the opposite? And that's a good question. The current American government have just begun, on it's corrupt path of destruction. Fear not. It's just starting to get interesting. And for as long as Bush are going to sit where he sits, I'm going to be one of those irritating people that will growl at it, until things change (which maybe wont even happen, in my lifetime).
And if you are one of those people, that thinks the opposition against American terrorism, were shamed when the war leader was elected; let me tell you something; This is not about facts or figures. This is not about picking the side, that you believe will win and then mock the side who lost. This is not a game. This is not about being a coward, for standing against warfare. And this is not about winning. This is about what I fundamentally believe in. Many times I have said, that I would never use violence as a resistance, but if I had to I would rather be killed for what I believe in, than to fight for it with guns. So a Pacifist is not a coward, because there are many ways to fight.
And to those who thinks that all Pacifists are pot-smoking hippies, or pathetic aggressive anti-war demonstrators, I can tell you; most of the agitators and those with revolutionary ideas, are not even peaceful demonstrators, nor interested in pot. They are ordinary people. But because the aggressive demonstrators tend to be more outgoing, than it's more peaceful half, they are sadly the ones that people often think of, when they refer to the anti-war movement. If you ask my opinion about it, I can mention that I have never had much respect or admiration, for people that need to cover their face, while expressing their views. And the naive and simple idea, that tells you that if you beat up a Nazi, his ego will lower itself, are not much different than if a police officer, felt the same way about aggressive demonstrators. And I like to call them aggressive demonstrators, because I don't think they fit to be called Pacifists, Punks or Anarchists.
And to those who thinks that the world will change and flowers will blossom, when you assassinate a troublesome war leader, let me tell you; things will not necessarily change, because a leader is just one man, his philosophy will still be here when he's gone. And if we get a new leader, what makes you think that everything will be better? It's not the leaders that should be different, it's the people. Because even in places where you have dictators, the leaders are a mirror of the society and a mirror of the peoples will to do, or not to do. So what we see in our own neighbourhood, can be seen in the expression of our own business men. It's the sad truth, but it's also the truth that will eventually change things.
If violence is your idea of a good resolution, then your violence will truly show, who you really are. Forget about anything else you had to say, because if you cannot express peace with your own behaviour, then how do you think the society as a whole, will be able to express it.
Violence feeds and it's never full, but it's always hungry. It thrives in every society, in every home and in everyone. So it's a personal duty to ask yourself; what you can do to be less aggressive in your expression. Because although you might think that your violence, are sweet and homely and needful, it will feed the things that are not so homely and create a thread of negativities, that will bound us all together. So the little violence in your home, the ideas you teach your child, will infest itself and flourish. We don't always see it and when it comes booming into your culture, we will quickly try to find someone to blame it on. It's like the Little Shop Of Horrors film. It's cute, it eats and then it grows over your head like a full grown monster, but it's never ever full.
The other day I was finally able to see Fahrenheit 9/11. Nothing I saw in the film came as a shock to me, there was nothing there that I hadn't already seen or heard about. All the facts have been documented in newspapers, videos, pictures and trough many sources from before. It's a propaganda film and I can understand, why the right-wingers are angry about it. It will tease you, if you are fond of the ruling figures. The great thing to me about this film, are indeed the way they present the political leaders. There are long tedious moments, when you see them before a speech session. They get makeup fixings, hair corrections and they look nervous. And that's the reality, the film says, everything that comes after the makeup is fake. Leaders are ordinary people, that are a little bit more wealthy, than ordinary people. And they always look better, than ordinary people on TV. Everything is polished. And if the suit and tie guy happens to be the war President, he's not actually giving you an image of the war, when he speaks to you. He is not the one that lives in dirt and blood.
Laura Bush never answered when asked, if she had seen Fahrenheit 9/11. -"What do you think?" she said. If this movie included so many incorrect facts, why not face it then? If I was a political leader and someone made such a film about my politics, I think I would have liked to see it and also talk about it, unless I really had something to hide. If someone suspected you of theft, wouldn't you want to try prove your innocence, if you hadn't done it.
The most interesting parts of the film to me, were not included in the film itself. It was a small part of the extended interview version. The one that Moore did, with the former Iraqi soldier called Abdul Henderson. It's found on the extra features DVD. The soldier spoke about the things he had seen, when he was serving in Iraq. I don't have a correct quote on the things that was said, but that was really a major fact to me. I think it's strange, that they hadn't added it in the film, because to me, there were other things that seemed less important, but that was included. For example that part were Henderson said that he noticed Christian symbols, in a car of an Iraqi victim. In that moment, he felt bad about what he was doing, killing a person that had the same faith that he believed in. To me, that moment didn't make sense, but it was obviously added to give an affect by making the Iraqis seem more human, by linking them with Christianity.
Some would maybe say that the saddest part in the movie, was the moment when the bombs fell. In my eyes the saddest part was when Marine Sergeants, tried to recruit young American men, by saying military could be a great way for them, to get into basketball or music. Yeah, and that's the way to trick them maybe. Cause after all, how many people would really like to die, for their country. To get cash to be able to go to school, is a much higher goal to most people, than the hero heaven for dead soldiers. And military is a free option, maybe mostly because rich men doesn't need, nor do they want their own kids in battle.
The most powerful moment in the film, was not overly focused on, probably because it would upset more people, than would be healthy for the film. That moment was when soldiers referred to warfare battle, to be a great adrenaline kick. I have seen it before. I though; why not let that be an ad for recruiting soldiers. It would work perfectly, in our over-sexualized, aggressive modern society. "You think sex is great? Forget sex, try war! It gets you popular with the ladies! It's better than magic perfumes! You don't need a fancy car! And when we bring you home, you will be cleaned and massaged in all sour places, by lustful innocent nurses! You think your penis is great? Forget penis, try a gun!"
And about Lila Lipscomb, the woman who had pushed her scared son to go to Iraq, just to change her mind when he was killed. She was a perfect mother any war President, would want a young boy to have. But she was also the perfect mother any anti-war film, would want to cling to. You would pity her for her naivety and you would think behind your words; -that she was probably not a very good mother. War kills people and maybe someone should have informed Lila about this. Any day would be perfect to sit down with her, in the middle of her world of handsome military suits and pretty ribbons and clean wall flags. -"This is not what war is about. You might think that it's a romantic fairytale, of putting the genders and God in it's place. Just like you line up the window flowers and hang the picture frames, no imbalance, not even slightly. People will love you, not for who you are, but for your uniformity. And when you discover a tiny ugliness in your world of romance, you will realize that someone should have showed it to you, a long time ago. Because there is not a difference between the death of your American son and the death of another person."
And now I want to share a link, to a video everyone ought to see. It doesn't include any extreme violence. And this is a civilised approach from the so called "terrorists". Here is a message from The Iraq Resistance. It speaks for itself.
These comments are taken from the site, where I used to keep my journal, before I moved it here.
You can add replies to the entry, or the comments below.
From PUBLIUS: Well done! Thank YOU for taking the time to write that for it is important and has great meaning. Before I go check out this link on some recent Bush news---> Slaughter Legalized.
From czar: This is interesting and while I don't agree with everything you said, I like it. It's a good first entry to read. I don't think the movie makes sense though; violence begets violence. This is what it always has done, and all it can do.
From Arcticvanilla with strawberry and cream: People need to investigate and not just accept what political leaders claim. It's too easy to become one of their tools.
From Dag: Again, great entry ! Hate is like a fire .. and the match is violence and aggression.. But anger might be somehow healthy, its just a case of making sure it not hurts anyone.. Thats why i still kindof think sports are a good idea to some extent.. Whew will try to write another comment later, now i will get some food .. Maybe at the new kebabplace about 35 meters away from me :-D (In the old Hydro gas station in central Larvik..Below the carpark house..) Its called "Egins Kebab", they have cheap pizza as well 99 kr !!140 delivered ! :-)
From tuff517: I thought that was a really great entry. You're very eloquent about saying how you feel. Thanks for posting it. It can be hard, knowing there will be people who will disagree and possibly just be ignorant about it, but we're all free to speak our minds.
From Eowyn: Publius told me to read this, and I'm sorry, but it's a lot of lies. There's plenty of people willing to die for their country. Fahrenheit 9/11 isn't worth wasting one's time on because it's as full of lies as the movie can hold. Those newspaper articles are stuff that people wrote - people with a slant to the way they interpret things. It's good to get a balanced idea about these things. Check out www.fahrenhype911.com. You'll understand why conservatives don't like that movie. Michael Moore is famous for his so-called "documentaries" but they're always slanted just the way he wants. A documentary is a non-biased way of showing things the way they are. Such is not the kind Michael Moore makes. Of course war is not a game. We've learned that time and time again. But we live in a messed up world - and places as messed up and corrupt as this place we call home don't go for peace. Has there EVER been a single year on earth without war? Of course not. Will there ever be? Maybe... But I don't think you really care about my beliefs. I hate to not put down my site, since I feel sneaky and evil doing that, but I've gotten enough nasty notes from Republican- and conservative-haters to know it would not be a wise move of mine. Well, have a nice day, dearie! ;)
From Publius: Excuse me for adding on to this but it is a comment on this entry and the prior post in this comment section as well to my url. I have to add what I have always stated about Michael Moore and that he is not a journalist but more a political cartoonist with a video camera. Are we as a people going to start slandering every political cartoonist then? It doesnt manner what mediuum they use whether its with a pen, a camera or anything else.. for its freedom of speech. If you cant respect the views of those who you disagree with and stand up for them, then you dont stand believe in it for anyone. Instead of judging others, we as teh human race need to fight intolerance and open up to others ideas and accept them no matter what they believe. First clear our minds of judgement and live with an open mind and clear conscience. It is also not about whether people are conservative, liberal, libertarian, socialist, republican, or even authortarian.... when there is an issue don't make up your mind before you have heard what it is. That defines ignorance and predjudice! Take each issue separately and then go from there. This gang mentality is bullshit. I've read the posters comments and found nothing nasty whatsover, but you cant please everyone. Hope I didnt cause a stir Raven, if so I apologise. I respect Eowynnes opinion even though she seems to possibly not respect others, or maybe its possible she just cant handle the subject.
From Raven: No thanks for your reply Publius, I appreciate it! And I don't mind Eowyn posting here, everyone are welcome as I have said before :) I will reply to the comments later.
From Raven: To Publius: Thanks to you too! And I'm glad you posted that link, it's very sad! But that doesn't either come as a shock. Bushie couldn't do anything, that would actually surprise me.
To Czar: I'm not sure I know what you mean. As I said in my entry; violence feeds and it grows, so you cannot destroy it with more violence. This war is a perfect example, it has showed us all the gruesome sides of violence. The Fahrenheit 9/11 movie doesn't show it, as much as I would have liked though. I would have preferred a war documentary, that didn't include the propaganda that Fahrenheit 9/11 had. A film that didn't pick a political side, but that merely showed everything in it's raw format. But of course most people, doesn't want such a film.
To Arcticvanilla: Vanilla? Why not liquorice? Anyway, a huge thanks for the picture!
To Dag: Thanks! I have never been to Egins Kebab, sounds great! And yes hate is like fire. I also agree with that anger is healthy, but some people mistake it oh so often to be hate. It's because there are way too much hate in this world, so it more than repeatedly ruins communication.
To Tuff517: Thank you for saying that! I try to get over the fact that some people get angry about it, it's just pointless to be upset about.
To Eowyn: Where are the lies? You mean in my entry, or in the film? I didn't lie about anything. In my entry I wrote -"The current American government have just begun, on it's corrupt path of destruction". And that's not based on facts, it's based on opinion. This war have killed more innocent people than 9/11 did. Because of that I am free to think, the American government are indeed corrupt. My opinion is not a lie.
The other things I mentioned are:
Pacifists are not cowards, just because they don't believe in warfare.
Pacifists are not necessarily hippies, or violent demonstrators.
Leaders are a mirror of the society and the peoples will to do, or not to do.
Violence will only grow, when violence are your weapon.
We are all a part of making a difference, or just feeding aggression.
These things I talked about are my outlook on the world, it's not a lie. People observe differently, just because you don't see what I see, doesn't mean that I'm liar.
Yes unfortunately there's plenty of people, willing to die for their country. There wouldn't be wars, if it wasn't for these people. But just because they are willing to die, doesn't mean that they really want to die for their country. I believe that most soldiers join for glory and cash to get education and so on. And most of them have no idea what warfare is and that's another good reason, why we need a good war movie. A movie that shows all the gore and brutality the way it is, instead of political films like Fahrenheit 9/11. I would like a war documentary, that only showed the violence.
And about Fahrenheit 9/11. The facts in the film have been expressed elsewhere, most of it, a long time ago. Personally I have always thought that most governments and leaders lie, because their power and influence are at stake. And a government have more too lose, than a small filmmaker and some newspapers. Naturally, sometimes the media have been bought and adjusted I'm sure and they will lie to get more power to the powerful.
I saw parts of Fahrenhype 9/11 before I saw Fahrenheit 9/11, so I know about all the details in the film. Nothing shocked me in that one either, like Fahrenheit 9/11 it's a propaganda film too. It didn't give me much. The thing is that one of these two films, have won a lot of respect and it has affected a lot of people. Michael Moore are just the person America needs, because a lot of the things he have highlighted, in his documentaries are very important issues. He have spoken for the little man in the American society. He made a film about the gun nation and I though; why didn't someone do this before? Michael Moore are just too unAmerican for America and that's why they need him.
We have not learned or taken wise experience from the past. War is a game to the warfare people, because they are not willing to end warfare. They are only willing to create more and try to win them. That's like a game and people are just toys for government regimes, it laughs behind your back.
Oh, great the world are full of wars, so it's no need to end it then right? Lets have more? Maybe a new one every week? And lets stop evolution while we're at it. Come on now, either you think war is a great way of changing things, or you don't. America went forward with an example, the example was war. So maybe we should start one too? Would that be okay?
As I have said many times, people don't have to post their link, everyone are free to post here anyway and do as they like. But one thing I like to say; I don't hate anyone and I would never post nasty messages on your site, just because you disagree with me. If I found myself to be hateful in my political expression, I would stop expressing myself altogether. Personally I think that communication are more important, than just bringing out my thoughts. Because politics separates people and I think the whole purpose is lost, when we cannot share ideas. And communication between the country borders, are essential.
From Eowyn: Publius seemed to think he had the right to post my website under his name, and while I don't think you would leave me nasty notes - I'm afraid of what your friends might do. That's usually what happens. My mum was one who was willing to die for her country, and I'm very proud of her. She was in the Marines - and a seargant, at that. If there weren't people who were willing to die for their country, we wouldn't have a free country. And people such as ourselves would not be allowed to debate these topics at all whatsoever.
From realitychic: I don't have the time to make a good comment to your entry but I want to! I agree with many of your opinions and I slightly disagree with others. For example, I believe Michael Moore has the right to produce movies based on his beliefs (as any one else does), but it's not a good idea to accept his opinions as fact and many people do. There were a few elements in his movie that were exaggerated or twisted to make them seem a certain way. Even a few so called "liberals" believe that. He does the same thing with most of his documentaries, eventhough I enjoy watching them. If there was no drama or shocking aspect to his message no one would care what he had to say. When I saw the 9/11 movie, I was open to what he had to say, but at the same time realized we can never really know the true story because someone always has an angle. Additionally I think war and violence are terrible but it's impossible to make those things disappear. They will always exist for one reason or another as long as humanity exists. And I also believe that there will always be a divide between people who fight against war and violence, and others who embrace it or join it in hopes of ending it in a different way. I think soldiers are a good example of the latter. They don't want to die, they don't necessarily like violence, but as long as war exists, someone has to do the job. It's a very sad prospect and it makes no sense, but it's also reality. I have deep respect for soldiers and their families. I would never want to go through that, but if someone close to me was willing to lay down their life for what they considered their duty, I would support them 100% No matter how much violence, hate, and war despises me. And can I just add that I think it's great everyone is allowed to have their own opinions here. I hope it's not the case that differing opinions are mocked while others are valued. Debating such issues is what helps us grow. We can all learn from one another.
From Publius: To Raven: Thank you for the kind remarks. I also think highly of your latest remarks in this comment section. Bravo for your stating “I don't hate anyone and I would never post nasty messages on your site, just because you disagree with me. If I found myself to be hateful in my political expression, I would stop expressing myself altogether. Personally I think that communication are more important, than just bringing out my thoughts. Because politics separates people and I think the whole purpose is lost, when we cannot share ideas. And communication between the country borders, are essential.
To Eowynne: If someone attacks you unfairly do know that I would defend you and your journal, and side with you if the person did so with hate and utter disrespect. If you post then be true and honest by showing your URL. I always do so and did so with a link to yours, but stated that I was by being up front about it. Yes, I do have the right to link you and I do so with in the right manner as well. You may disagree but that’s your choice too. As to your statement on debates, Sherman Austin is not allowed to debate and his rights have been violated. Who fights to protect his rights that been taken away unconstitutionally?
From Beth: I was NOT going to get involved with this one, but Eowyn being my best diaryland friend hands down, I have to put into my two cents. I realize, Raven, that this is your blog and you have every right to express whatever opinions you wish. I respect this space, because it is yours. I am not going to attack what you said in your enty, because I don't have the time, the energy, the emotional strength nor the patience to even start something of that nature. Yes, you are all right. Michael Moore has the right to do whatever he wants. He can make a little movie, if he so wishes. And that's fine- but we also have the right to express the fact that we believe that it is the most duplicitous thing we have ever seen. Eowyn and I are both being told that we need to learn to accept other people's beliefs- but our beliefs say that we ought not to. Where does that put us then? Does that make us evil because we are following are belief standards? And I must say, if you are trying to keep the peace, Publius, then you ought not to do something against someone's wishes because that is the first (and most direct) step to causing an uproar. "If you post then be true and honest by showing your URL". I think that's a sly and rude thing to say. I really truly do. You've asked me to respect your boundaries on a title I gave you once, and I'm not telling you to use that title to be honest! Listen, Publius, I respect you as a person. I would also defend you if Eowyn had done this to you- don't think otherwise. Someday, I'll be the first to step up and fight with you. But until then, practice what you preach. I have another thing to say...:) Your heart lamp, Raven, is SO ADORABLE. My gosh. It's so cute. You have excellent taste.
From Raven: To Eowyn: Well, I don't think I have any hateful friends and if I found that any of them were spewing hatred, I would no longer consider them to be my friend. I'm sorry to hear that you are afraid of this, especially when you have things to say. I have gotten a lot of different type of comments in relation to my political opinions, some of them have been hateful. I think however, if I try to be open and polite, most people will treat me the same way. Although I sometimes get angry, I don't mind the hateful comments, because usually people that disagree with me are not hateful, they just disagree.
I hope you wouldn't change your mind about supporting soldiers, if your mom happened to get killed. I mean for your own good. Personally I would not support anyone I knew, if they decided to go to war. It goes against my morals and it's little bit narrow minded to believe that violence are the only way to fight. If you read something about oppression and the different ways it's been handled trough time, maybe you would feel differently about it. As I have said many times before, to make an example; Gandhi was a man who fought without guns, he proved that it worked if the people are willing. War is an old fashion and completely outdated method to be using in our modern days, it shames everything that we call modern and civilised. Besides all attack wars are based on corrupt systems, it could be different on the defensive side of course. The Iraq war coming from the US is an attack, not a defence. It would something else if America, tried to defend itself on it's own soil.
And if I wouldn't be here, if it wasn't for warfare; I would rather be dead. I will never ask anyone, to die for my safety.
To Realitychic: Yes Michael Moore should be able to express himself, just like anybody else. And I totally agree with you, about the fact that people should be sceptic about the info. His Fahrenheit 9/11 is a propaganda film, it picks a political side to support, while it slanders the other side. I liked some parts of the film very much, but that's because I like things, that makes fun of political leaders. As I have already stated I would have preferred a film that didn't pick a side, but showed the warfare in it's raw format. Because it's much more interesting when people are not fed the facts to easily, but are given a choice to make up their own mind. It irritates me to be an outsider in these cases and not be able to see everything that goes on. Saying that, I still do like Moore and his work.
The only thing I disagree with you in your comment, are what you say about warfare in itself. I don't think it's impossible to avoid, because violence are only one way to fight, there are also many other ways. A lot of aggressive situations have been solved by peaceful solutions and a lot of people have worked very hard, to change the way we function and work together, between the nations. I firmly believe that war will be seen as a criminal operation in the future. But as long as some people will win on warfare and for as long as some people think that this is the only way, we are not going to get peace out of it. That's also why we should have War Crimes Tribunals.
But I have a slightly different outlook on defence wars. If you defend your attacked country, I could always understand it, but that doesn't mean that I agree with it. It's something else with attack warfare. The Iraq war is an attack war, not a defence war. It's understandable if the Iraqis, wish to defend themselves.
I wouldn't support it if anyone I knew joined a war. I'm not patriotic and I do not respect governments that way. There are innocent people in all countries and they are the ones that suffer when militaries attack. I would rather want to live in fear, than to risk the life of other people for my safety. My life isn't that important and I would rather want to die being unprotected, than knowing someone had to die to save my life!
To Publius: Thanks!
From Bernard: I just want to say: Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Peace on Earth and Goodwill to All. (I might argue later, but right now I prefer not to.)
From Raven: To Beth: Yes the lamp are wonderful I think, thanks!
Feel free to attack whenever you like, if that is your nature and your wish. I have a lot of patience.
Your beliefs says that you ought to not accept, other people beliefs? Why is that? I don't think it makes you evil, and personally I like to not use the word evil. Maybe I think it makes you slightly confusing. Because I think people should accept other peoples beliefs, or decide that they don't accept it. I don't need anyone to accept my beliefs though, they will still be here. And if you look down on me for it, I rather wish that you not accept them.
I don't know anything about the situation between you and Publius, so I'm not going to get into it. And I don't want to either. But of course I would appreciate, that people leave their link on my site. Especially if they come back to write here. Besides I looked at Eowyn's diary and she writes about political issues (like I do), so she's going to have to accept, that people will disagree and give her comments. When you give a comment, I think you should also accept a comment in return. But that's just the way I see it. I'm not an American and for some people, the net are the only way get to communicate with people from other countries. A little openess should be the friendly thing to be.
From Publius: Well the cats out the bag... I have emailed Beth and Éowyn, if they with to discuss this and clarify on points I have asked them to email me, so ball is their court if they wish to proceed in a friendly compassionate manner to resolve any problems.
Raven-- Your Welcome and I agree with your statement "A little openess should be the friendly thing to be."
From Raven: Thanks for the comments! Now I think I have to get some rest and get a pill. I had surgery today. I have this wound on my ankle (from hurting my ankle) that wont grow properly, inflammations and such. So today they needed to do a local anesthetization and they would cut a huge flesh wound out of it. I hope this will make it grow faster. Ok, that was maybe more info, that you really needed) So it's very uncomfortable right now, but I will reply when I can, if anyone post here. I hope my current replies haven't been too painted, by my little ankle pain (and that my words wont shock me later on) ;)
And MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HANUKKAH, PEACE & LOVE to you too Bernard! And everyone else too of course. I'm going to write more before Christmas arrives though.
From Publius: Before I forget, My apologies to Éowyn then over the link. I never meant or tried in any way to upset you over doing such, but do take responsibilty for what you write. That is how I feel and you may agree of disagree. I should have just posted a link like this: http://hamiltonian.diaryland.com/040711_20.html
From Raven: To Publius: Thanks Publius and I agree with you on responsibilty.
From Publius: Thanks for adding me, and I'd like to email you sometime.
From cc7o2: You are so right and I agree 100%. Not only did you state the facts but also supported it! Well done!
From Raven: Fra Amnesty Norge: Leyla M, som har en mental alder på åtte, risikerer henrettelse for "umoralske handlinger". Leyla Ms familie tvang henne til å prostituere seg fra hun var åtte år gammel. Som attenåring ble hun dømt til døden. Dommen ventes nå å bli bekreftet i iransk Høyesterett, og Amnesty frykter at hun blir henrettet om kort tid. Les mer om saken og skriv under på appellen her.
Underskriftene vil bli overlevert den iranske ambassadøren i Norge mandag 20. des. kl 10.00 - vi oppfordrer alle som er i Oslo til å møte opp til demonstrasjon foran ambassaden: Mandag 20. des. kl 10.00 Drammensveien 88e. Ta gjerne kontakt dersom dere har spørsmål vedrørende saken eller demonstrasjonen.
Sorry about the Norwegian text. It has to do with a death penalty case. There is a wordwide petition against death penalty in itself here: Make Europe and Central Asia a Death Penalty - Free Zone.
From DJ: 14 characteristics of Fascism...
From Raven: To DJ: That was a really great link.