Monday, April 28, 2003
Watched a very harrowing programme on channel 4 last night - "Dying for drugs". Its quite horrifying what the big pharmaceutical companies get up to. Profit, profit, profit. The webpage has links to lots of info.
Been a bit of a non-blogger over the past few days. I had some time off work, and I usually do my blogging first thing in the morning on the office pc, before I start work. I could do it at home, but I decided to just relax instead. I'd been feeling quite depressed at the state of the world - the more you look for injustices, the more you find, and I was feeling pretty helpless in the face of so much that is wrong. On top of that I've had toothache, so I haven't been a very happy bunny at all. Anyway, normal service should be resumed this week. Now I've just about got time to have a quick look at some of my favourites before I start work.
Tuesday, April 22, 2003
The media here in the UK aren't missing war too much, because there are still pictures of injured Iraqi children to show, while praising the soldiers who are trying to help them. Who was it who dropped those cluster bombs? And there is SARS to worry about. Oooh, panic, panic. I started wondering about the dangers we face, trying to stay alive. Here are a few things I found:
· People newly infected with HIV in 2001: 5 million
· AIDS deaths in 2001: 3 million...that's over 8,000 deaths per day
· Estimated number of people living with HIV/AIDS at the end of 2001: 40 million
· Total of AIDS deaths at the end of 2000: 21.8 million
· Total number of AIDS orphans: 13.2 million
from Worldaidsday.org
In the UK the latest HSE (Health & Safety Executive) figures for 2001/02 (provisional) record:
· 249 workers were killed (43 fewer than 2000/01)* - 204 employees, 45 self-employed, plus 384 members of the public (444 in 2000/01);
· 4,000 killed by asbestos related disease and 6,000 from other occupational illnesses;
· total of 10,633 killed at or by work, or 29 per day or more than one per hour.
Source HSE statistics (10)
To the official figures above should be added:
· about 30 killed at sea on British registered ships and in British waters;
· about 1,000 in work-related road traffic accidents;
· the 1,000 more killed by asbestos (TUC estimates are 5,000 die per year);
· 9,000 more killed by other occupational illnesses like cancers, asthma and cardio-vascular illnesses;
· Giving an unofficial estimated total of 21, 663 or 59 people per day or more than two every hour.
The report goes on:
Worldwide the ILO estimates that each year the toll at work due to unsafe working practices is:
· approximately 2 million workers killed by occupational injuries and illnesses;
· at least 355,000 of these deaths are due to incidents at work;
· an estimated 500-2,000 non-fatal injuries for every fatal injury - many result in lost earnings, lost jobs and permanent disability and poverty;
· equivalent to 5,000 workers dying each and every day across the world;
· equivalent to three people dying every minute across the world;
For comparison:
§ work kills more than twice as many as warfare (650,000 deaths per year),
§ work kills more people than alcohol and drugs together , and
§ the resulting loss in gross domestic product is 20 times greater than all official development assistance to developing countries;
· hazardous substances alone kill 340,000 per year with one substance, asbestos, accounting for 100,000 of the deaths;
The ILO claims that at least half the deaths from incidents could be prevented by safe working practices and all accidents are avoidable and preventable.
Source ILO 2003 (11)
But I've not finished yet. The stuff you breathe isn't too safe either - "conservative investigations have found that annual deaths in the UK directly attributable to atmospheric emissions from coal/oil fired power stations and urban transport could amount to around 200 respiratory disease deaths per year and 1000 cancer deaths per year".
Still, its better than the ongoing effects of the Bhopal chemical disaster. "The most commonly quoted statistic is that around 4,000 people were killed in the hours after the gas leak, and another 200,000 subsequently affected. Even now, however, there are any number of counter-bids in the grisly auction of death and suffering. Some put the initial death toll at 2,000; others at 8,000".
My son has enough to eat, but "underweight is most prevalent among children under five years of age, and WHO estimates that approximately 27% of children in this age group are underweight. This caused an estimated 3.4 million deaths in 2000, including about 1.8 million in Africa and 1.2 million in countries in Asia. It was a contributing factor in 60% of all child deaths in developing countries. In other words, the report says, deaths from underweight every year rob the world's poorest children of an estimated total of 130 million years of healthy life".
As for SARS, unpleasant and dangerous it may be, but "As of today, a cumulative total of 3947 probable cases with 228 deaths have been reported to WHO from 25 countries. The 11 new deaths were reported in China (6) and Hong Kong SAR (5)", and thats WHO figures.
· People newly infected with HIV in 2001: 5 million
· AIDS deaths in 2001: 3 million...that's over 8,000 deaths per day
· Estimated number of people living with HIV/AIDS at the end of 2001: 40 million
· Total of AIDS deaths at the end of 2000: 21.8 million
· Total number of AIDS orphans: 13.2 million
from Worldaidsday.org
In the UK the latest HSE (Health & Safety Executive) figures for 2001/02 (provisional) record:
· 249 workers were killed (43 fewer than 2000/01)* - 204 employees, 45 self-employed, plus 384 members of the public (444 in 2000/01);
· 4,000 killed by asbestos related disease and 6,000 from other occupational illnesses;
· total of 10,633 killed at or by work, or 29 per day or more than one per hour.
Source HSE statistics (10)
To the official figures above should be added:
· about 30 killed at sea on British registered ships and in British waters;
· about 1,000 in work-related road traffic accidents;
· the 1,000 more killed by asbestos (TUC estimates are 5,000 die per year);
· 9,000 more killed by other occupational illnesses like cancers, asthma and cardio-vascular illnesses;
· Giving an unofficial estimated total of 21, 663 or 59 people per day or more than two every hour.
The report goes on:
Worldwide the ILO estimates that each year the toll at work due to unsafe working practices is:
· approximately 2 million workers killed by occupational injuries and illnesses;
· at least 355,000 of these deaths are due to incidents at work;
· an estimated 500-2,000 non-fatal injuries for every fatal injury - many result in lost earnings, lost jobs and permanent disability and poverty;
· equivalent to 5,000 workers dying each and every day across the world;
· equivalent to three people dying every minute across the world;
For comparison:
§ work kills more than twice as many as warfare (650,000 deaths per year),
§ work kills more people than alcohol and drugs together , and
§ the resulting loss in gross domestic product is 20 times greater than all official development assistance to developing countries;
· hazardous substances alone kill 340,000 per year with one substance, asbestos, accounting for 100,000 of the deaths;
The ILO claims that at least half the deaths from incidents could be prevented by safe working practices and all accidents are avoidable and preventable.
Source ILO 2003 (11)
But I've not finished yet. The stuff you breathe isn't too safe either - "conservative investigations have found that annual deaths in the UK directly attributable to atmospheric emissions from coal/oil fired power stations and urban transport could amount to around 200 respiratory disease deaths per year and 1000 cancer deaths per year".
Still, its better than the ongoing effects of the Bhopal chemical disaster. "The most commonly quoted statistic is that around 4,000 people were killed in the hours after the gas leak, and another 200,000 subsequently affected. Even now, however, there are any number of counter-bids in the grisly auction of death and suffering. Some put the initial death toll at 2,000; others at 8,000".
My son has enough to eat, but "underweight is most prevalent among children under five years of age, and WHO estimates that approximately 27% of children in this age group are underweight. This caused an estimated 3.4 million deaths in 2000, including about 1.8 million in Africa and 1.2 million in countries in Asia. It was a contributing factor in 60% of all child deaths in developing countries. In other words, the report says, deaths from underweight every year rob the world's poorest children of an estimated total of 130 million years of healthy life".
As for SARS, unpleasant and dangerous it may be, but "As of today, a cumulative total of 3947 probable cases with 228 deaths have been reported to WHO from 25 countries. The 11 new deaths were reported in China (6) and Hong Kong SAR (5)", and thats WHO figures.
Sunday, April 20, 2003
"Last Thursday Bechtel, an engineering firm with close links to the Bush administration, won the main contract for the reconstruction of Iraq in a deal worth £432 million. The news could be of benefit to Costain, the UK construction giant, which has a good relationship with the US firm.
It is thought that talks are already under way between the two companies that could result in Costain clinching a large proportion of the sub-contracted work". Not at all surprising. From The Guardian.
"US discusses plan to pump fuel to its regional ally and solve energy headache at a stroke", reported in The Observer. A very interesting article. "One former senior CIA official said: 'It has long been a dream of a powerful section of the people now driving this administration [of President George W. Bush] and the war in Iraq to safeguard Israel's energy supply as well as that of the United States". Does anyone really believe that the Palestinians have any future?
"Israeli forces penetrated Rafah from three directions, using more than 35 tanks and armored personnel carriers, bulldozers and jeeps. Five attack helicopters circled above, flashing spotlights above the crowded camp, where approximately 60,000 live".
In The Independent, John Pilger points out that, "As of last July, the United States, backed by the Blair government, was wilfully blocking humanitarian supplies worth $5.4bn, everything from vaccines and plasma bags to simple painkillers, all of which Iraq had paid for and the Security Council had approved".
If you read nothing else today, read Pilger.
It is thought that talks are already under way between the two companies that could result in Costain clinching a large proportion of the sub-contracted work". Not at all surprising. From The Guardian.
"US discusses plan to pump fuel to its regional ally and solve energy headache at a stroke", reported in The Observer. A very interesting article. "One former senior CIA official said: 'It has long been a dream of a powerful section of the people now driving this administration [of President George W. Bush] and the war in Iraq to safeguard Israel's energy supply as well as that of the United States". Does anyone really believe that the Palestinians have any future?
"Israeli forces penetrated Rafah from three directions, using more than 35 tanks and armored personnel carriers, bulldozers and jeeps. Five attack helicopters circled above, flashing spotlights above the crowded camp, where approximately 60,000 live".
In The Independent, John Pilger points out that, "As of last July, the United States, backed by the Blair government, was wilfully blocking humanitarian supplies worth $5.4bn, everything from vaccines and plasma bags to simple painkillers, all of which Iraq had paid for and the Security Council had approved".
If you read nothing else today, read Pilger.
Friday, April 18, 2003
"Western leaders have been reluctant to condemn the looters, perhaps because the clamour for material goods is partly what this war was all about: bringing western-style consumerism to a former Islamic "socialist" republic. With sufficiently aggressive advertising, within a few weeks the rioters will become vaguely dissatisfied with that Sony Playstation they seized and will feel the urge to go out and loot Playstation 2 with integral DVD player".
Deliciously cynical! I just couldn't resist sharing it.
Deliciously cynical! I just couldn't resist sharing it.
Oil. We don't have to join in, you know. There are many options for a more sustainable lifestyle - some are easier to live with than others, but if we want a cleaner, greener, less exploitative world we have to make some sacrifices. Not driving a car is one way of reducing reluance on oil products, but I suppose it depends where you live as to whether it is practical to do without. I live in a big city, with a public transport system that isn't perfect but it does eventually get me where I want to go. And I live within walking distance of work. And buying sustaninably generated electricity is another way. If you are really lucky you might be able to generate your own - a couple of solar panels and a wind turbine or two. But chances are you have to rely on what comes through the electric socket in your house. Here in the UK several power companies now offer green power - generated by wind and wave mostly. There are companies springing up all over the world doing the same - check here for links to your local supplier, wherever you are.
This Australian site gives quite a good explanation about the pros & cons of renewables. And this is a place I'd really like to visit one day. Check the website for lots of ideas for living gently.
This Australian site gives quite a good explanation about the pros & cons of renewables. And this is a place I'd really like to visit one day. Check the website for lots of ideas for living gently.
Thursday, April 17, 2003
I copied this from mom-on-the-net, because for some reason I couldn't post a direct link to the item.
•What do you call someone who explodes a bomb and kills innocent people?
A terrorist!
What do you call someone who drops a bomb from a plane and kills innocent people?
A brave American pilot!
•What do you call it when a Palestinian uses violence against the Jews who have illegally occupied his land?
A terrorist attack!
What do you call it when an Israeli helicopter fires rockets at Palestinian youths armed with stones?
Self-defense!
•What do you call it when someone gives money to a government official in return for favors?
Bribery!
What do you call it when a large corporation gives money to a government official in return for favors?
A campaign contribution!
•What do you call the form of government where a small elite exploits and intimidates the citizens?
A dictatorship!
What do you call the form of government where a small elite exploits and intimidates the citizens, and the citizens can choose every few years which part of the eliteshould
occupy the government buildings?
A democracy!
•What do you call it when a group of people take the law into their own hands and kill people without a fair trial?
A lynching!
What do you call it when the US takes the law into its own hands and kills people without a fair trial?
Operation Enduring Freedom!
•What do you call someone who steals from the rich and gives to the poor?
Robin Hood!
What do you call someone who steals from the poor and gives to the rich?
The US government!
•What do you call a weapon that can kill thousands of people?
A weapon of mass destruction!
What do you call a weapon that has killed 1.5 million Iraqis, including more than 500,000 children?
Sanctions!
•What do you call an army that will fight for whoever pays the most money?
Mercenaries!
What do you call an army in Afghanistan that will fight for whoever pays the most money?
The Northern Alliance (or United Front)!
•What do you call an attack on the Pentagon, a command and control center in the US?
A cowardly attack on American freedom and democracy!
What do you call the destruction of an Afghan village by US bombs?
An attack on a Taliban command and control center!
•What do you call it when just over 3 thousand people were killed in the September 11 attack on the US?
An atrocity!
What do you call it when nearly 5 million people were killed in the Vietnam war?
A mistake!
•What do you call it when very rich people exploit poor people?
Greed and selfishness!
What do you call it when very rich countries exploit poor countries?
Globalization!
•What do you call a foreign oppressor in the last century that controlled the economical and social life of a country?
A colonialist power!
What do you call a foreign oppressor in this century that controls the economical and social life of a country?
The International Monetary Fund!
•What do you call it when people are slaughtered?
A massacre!
What do you call it when 100.000 to 200.000 Iraqi's are slaughtered by the US at a loss to American forces of 148 (46 of which were killed by friendly fire)?
The Gulf War!
•What do you call the extermination of a people?
Genocide!
What do you call the extermination of native Americans in the US?
A glorious episode in American history!
•What do you call someone who stands up in front of a crowd and tells stories?
An entertainer!
What do you call someone who stands up in front of a crowd at the Pentagon and tells stories?
Donald Rumsfeld!
•What do you call a television station that broadcasts only the government's views?
A propaganda station!
What do you call the BBC when the World News consists solely of half an hour of a Pentagon briefing?
Fair and impartial!
•What do you call the 2002 presidential election in Zimbabwe where there are serious irregularities?
A flawed election!
What do you call the 2000 presidential election in the US where there are serious irregularities?
A victory for democracy!
•What do you call it when American Whites advocate an exclusively White state and the expulsion of all non-Whites?
Racism!
What do you call it when Israeli Jews advocate an exclusively Jewish state and the expulsion of all non-Jews?
Zionism!
•What do you call someone who explodes a bomb and kills innocent people?
A terrorist!
What do you call someone who drops a bomb from a plane and kills innocent people?
A brave American pilot!
•What do you call it when a Palestinian uses violence against the Jews who have illegally occupied his land?
A terrorist attack!
What do you call it when an Israeli helicopter fires rockets at Palestinian youths armed with stones?
Self-defense!
•What do you call it when someone gives money to a government official in return for favors?
Bribery!
What do you call it when a large corporation gives money to a government official in return for favors?
A campaign contribution!
•What do you call the form of government where a small elite exploits and intimidates the citizens?
A dictatorship!
What do you call the form of government where a small elite exploits and intimidates the citizens, and the citizens can choose every few years which part of the eliteshould
occupy the government buildings?
A democracy!
•What do you call it when a group of people take the law into their own hands and kill people without a fair trial?
A lynching!
What do you call it when the US takes the law into its own hands and kills people without a fair trial?
Operation Enduring Freedom!
•What do you call someone who steals from the rich and gives to the poor?
Robin Hood!
What do you call someone who steals from the poor and gives to the rich?
The US government!
•What do you call a weapon that can kill thousands of people?
A weapon of mass destruction!
What do you call a weapon that has killed 1.5 million Iraqis, including more than 500,000 children?
Sanctions!
•What do you call an army that will fight for whoever pays the most money?
Mercenaries!
What do you call an army in Afghanistan that will fight for whoever pays the most money?
The Northern Alliance (or United Front)!
•What do you call an attack on the Pentagon, a command and control center in the US?
A cowardly attack on American freedom and democracy!
What do you call the destruction of an Afghan village by US bombs?
An attack on a Taliban command and control center!
•What do you call it when just over 3 thousand people were killed in the September 11 attack on the US?
An atrocity!
What do you call it when nearly 5 million people were killed in the Vietnam war?
A mistake!
•What do you call it when very rich people exploit poor people?
Greed and selfishness!
What do you call it when very rich countries exploit poor countries?
Globalization!
•What do you call a foreign oppressor in the last century that controlled the economical and social life of a country?
A colonialist power!
What do you call a foreign oppressor in this century that controls the economical and social life of a country?
The International Monetary Fund!
•What do you call it when people are slaughtered?
A massacre!
What do you call it when 100.000 to 200.000 Iraqi's are slaughtered by the US at a loss to American forces of 148 (46 of which were killed by friendly fire)?
The Gulf War!
•What do you call the extermination of a people?
Genocide!
What do you call the extermination of native Americans in the US?
A glorious episode in American history!
•What do you call someone who stands up in front of a crowd and tells stories?
An entertainer!
What do you call someone who stands up in front of a crowd at the Pentagon and tells stories?
Donald Rumsfeld!
•What do you call a television station that broadcasts only the government's views?
A propaganda station!
What do you call the BBC when the World News consists solely of half an hour of a Pentagon briefing?
Fair and impartial!
•What do you call the 2002 presidential election in Zimbabwe where there are serious irregularities?
A flawed election!
What do you call the 2000 presidential election in the US where there are serious irregularities?
A victory for democracy!
•What do you call it when American Whites advocate an exclusively White state and the expulsion of all non-Whites?
Racism!
What do you call it when Israeli Jews advocate an exclusively Jewish state and the expulsion of all non-Jews?
Zionism!
Bud really makes sense. What a lovely world it would be if there were more like him.
Iraq isn't the only place where people die for oil.
"[The Baku pipeline] would pass through areas of North East Turkey where the Turkish state has been at war to suppress the 40% Kurdish minority. The Host Government Agreement paves the way for the consortium to demand unlimited protection from Turkish security forces. Under the vague wording of the agreement, paramilitary units could be placed along the pipeline route to pre-empt "civil disturbance" or "terrorist" activities. Since the pipeline cuts repeatedly through villages and bisects established ownership patterns, people could find themselves cut off from their families or land and be forced to trespass regularly on oil company property in their daily lives.
In Columbia a similar situation has led to major human rights atrocities. The Columbian army, in part funded and equipped by BP, has organised assasinations, beatings and disappearances. They have used the strategic importance of the pipeline as justification for repressing peasant and union organisers . In June 1996 two activists who organised a protest against BP and strike on the pipeline were assassinated by the military". Read more at Rising Tide.
Of course, the US are involved. In December, when we were preoccupied with the build up to the invasion of Iraq, The Guardian ran an article explaining that, "The United States, desperate for oil supplies from non-OPEC, non-Arab sources, has pushed remorselessly for years for this route, as opposed to shorter, cheaper paths through Russia or Iran". The US hedging its bets, no doubt, just in case those pesky Arabs prove particularly awkward.
"[The Baku pipeline] would pass through areas of North East Turkey where the Turkish state has been at war to suppress the 40% Kurdish minority. The Host Government Agreement paves the way for the consortium to demand unlimited protection from Turkish security forces. Under the vague wording of the agreement, paramilitary units could be placed along the pipeline route to pre-empt "civil disturbance" or "terrorist" activities. Since the pipeline cuts repeatedly through villages and bisects established ownership patterns, people could find themselves cut off from their families or land and be forced to trespass regularly on oil company property in their daily lives.
In Columbia a similar situation has led to major human rights atrocities. The Columbian army, in part funded and equipped by BP, has organised assasinations, beatings and disappearances. They have used the strategic importance of the pipeline as justification for repressing peasant and union organisers . In June 1996 two activists who organised a protest against BP and strike on the pipeline were assassinated by the military". Read more at Rising Tide.
Of course, the US are involved. In December, when we were preoccupied with the build up to the invasion of Iraq, The Guardian ran an article explaining that, "The United States, desperate for oil supplies from non-OPEC, non-Arab sources, has pushed remorselessly for years for this route, as opposed to shorter, cheaper paths through Russia or Iran". The US hedging its bets, no doubt, just in case those pesky Arabs prove particularly awkward.
Wednesday, April 16, 2003
"Every day, we who enjoy superfluous, inordinate wealth and comforts, while others live in abject poverty, are ransacking the precious and irreplaceable resources of our planet. We hurtle toward burning up all the available fossil fuels that were created over 4 billion years of the planet's history. Our obscene obsession with creating weapons has cost trillions of dollars that should have been spent to meet human needs.
Through decades of warfare and sanctions, powerful elites in Iraq, the US and the UK ignored millions of Iraq's impoverished people. Hundreds of thousands of children bore excruciating punishment and then died. Very few people cared", writes Kathy Kelly in Baghdad.
Through decades of warfare and sanctions, powerful elites in Iraq, the US and the UK ignored millions of Iraq's impoverished people. Hundreds of thousands of children bore excruciating punishment and then died. Very few people cared", writes Kathy Kelly in Baghdad.
Today's Independent asks some important questions about the Iraq invasion.
Tuesday, April 15, 2003
The Bush administration knows it can't talk openly about selling Iraq's oil resources to ExxonMobil and Shell. It leaves that to people like Fadhil Chalabi, a former Iraqi petroleum minister and executive director of the Center for Global Energy Studies. "We need to have a huge amount of money coming into the country. The only way is to partially privatise the industry," Chalabi says", writes Naomi Klein.
"Contracts worth billions of dollars for the reconstruction of Iraq are already being handed out by the US government, offering huge profits to a few, favoured companies, many with high-level contacts in the Bush administration and a history of donations to the Republican party. The contracts are being awarded exclusively to US firms and, instead of the usual tendering process, are by invitation only. Bechtel is one of six construction firms chosen to bid", from today's Guardian.
"Contracts worth billions of dollars for the reconstruction of Iraq are already being handed out by the US government, offering huge profits to a few, favoured companies, many with high-level contacts in the Bush administration and a history of donations to the Republican party. The contracts are being awarded exclusively to US firms and, instead of the usual tendering process, are by invitation only. Bechtel is one of six construction firms chosen to bid", from today's Guardian.
Monday, April 14, 2003
"Americans defend two untouchable ministries from the hordes of looters" By Robert Fisk in Baghdad.
Four years on from the Kosovo conflict, "Soldiers from Norwegian Mechanized Infantry Battalion (NORBAT) have been conducting a search operation in the Obilic area". Does anyone really believe that Iraq will be free of foreign troops in 6 months? It would certainly be preferable to have the UN there, instead of the US, but there is a long, long, way to go before the people of Iraq are safe. They've got all those unexploded cluster bomblets to deal with, and the effects of depleted uranium.
"Eleven Afghan civilians were killed when an American warplane pursuing rebel fighters mistakenly bombed a house near Afghanistan's border with Pakistan, the US military said yesterday", reported in the Guardian a few days ago. Is this what Iraqi people have got to look forward to? What a future!
"Asked by a reporter whether Syria could face military action if it did not turn over Iraqi leaders, Mr Bush said: "They just need to co-operate." Who does he think he is???
"Eleven Afghan civilians were killed when an American warplane pursuing rebel fighters mistakenly bombed a house near Afghanistan's border with Pakistan, the US military said yesterday", reported in the Guardian a few days ago. Is this what Iraqi people have got to look forward to? What a future!
"Asked by a reporter whether Syria could face military action if it did not turn over Iraqi leaders, Mr Bush said: "They just need to co-operate." Who does he think he is???
Friday, April 11, 2003
"Cafod reports hospitals entirely without water and people drinking from contaminated wells. According to the World Health Organisation, 1.5 million people across southern Iraq are without water, and epidemics are inevitable. And what are "our boys" doing to alleviate this, apart from staging childish, theatrical occupations of presidential palaces, having fired shoulder-held missiles into a civilian city and dropped cluster bombs?" Codshit found this John Pilger article. Well worth reading.
"Anti-war protesters are to go ahead with a mass demonstration in London this weekend despite the apparent successes of coalition forces in Iraq".
Yesterday we did something similar here in Leeds. We made a solemn procession around the city centre, culminating in laying flowers and pictures of Iraqi casualties at the war memorial. It was a very moving occasion. The local BBC didn't bother covering it, although they did cover this story about some committed people I know.
Yesterday we did something similar here in Leeds. We made a solemn procession around the city centre, culminating in laying flowers and pictures of Iraqi casualties at the war memorial. It was a very moving occasion. The local BBC didn't bother covering it, although they did cover this story about some committed people I know.
" 2 Children Killed in Iraq Checkpoint Error."
Ambulances seem to be fair game.
"In an interview Sunday, Wolfowitz told NBC, "There's got to be a change in Syria," and said it should eventually "get the message" from what happened to Iraq that it should not acquire weapons of mass destruction and not use terrorism as an instrument of national policy".
"But often they run into our machine guns and we shoot them down like the morons they are." Caring liberators, aren't they?
"But often they run into our machine guns and we shoot them down like the morons they are." Caring liberators, aren't they?
Look at the HUGE crowds of Iraqis celebrating.
"Home-Made Terror
While the “humanitarian war” was taking place in Iraq, liberating an entire nation through massive bombing raids and civilian deaths, the IDEX arms fair was happening in the United Arab Emirates. “The Gulf region remains the ideal market in the world for military hardware,” said Major-General Sultan Al-Suwaidi, head of the committee that organised the five-day event. Every permanent member of the UN Security council had big exhibitions at the fair, hoping to entice countries like Iran, Syrian Algeria, and Libya to step right up and buy their weapons of mass destruction. But Britain held pride of place by being the largest exhibitor at the show, with some 100 UK firms taking part. Organisers of the fair had, after all, announced that despite the war ‘the show must go on.’ Oh well, at least the next time that “our boys” follow the US into battle, they can be proud of being shot by British-made bullets", from this weeks Schnews.
While the “humanitarian war” was taking place in Iraq, liberating an entire nation through massive bombing raids and civilian deaths, the IDEX arms fair was happening in the United Arab Emirates. “The Gulf region remains the ideal market in the world for military hardware,” said Major-General Sultan Al-Suwaidi, head of the committee that organised the five-day event. Every permanent member of the UN Security council had big exhibitions at the fair, hoping to entice countries like Iran, Syrian Algeria, and Libya to step right up and buy their weapons of mass destruction. But Britain held pride of place by being the largest exhibitor at the show, with some 100 UK firms taking part. Organisers of the fair had, after all, announced that despite the war ‘the show must go on.’ Oh well, at least the next time that “our boys” follow the US into battle, they can be proud of being shot by British-made bullets", from this weeks Schnews.
"Home-Made Terror
While the “humanitarian war” was taking place in Iraq, liberating an entire nation through massive bombing raids and civilian deaths, the IDEX arms fair was happening in the United Arab Emirates. “The Gulf region remains the ideal market in the world for military hardware,” said Major-General Sultan Al-Suwaidi, head of the committee that organised the five-day event. Every permanent member of the UN Security council had big exhibitions at the fair, hoping to entice countries like Iran, Syrian Algeria, and Libya to step right up and buy their weapons of mass destruction. But Britain held pride of place by being the largest exhibitor at the show, with some 100 UK firms taking part. Organisers of the fair had, after all, announced that despite the war ‘the show must go on.’ Oh well, at least the next time that “our boys” follow the US into battle, they can be proud of being shot by British-made bullets", from this weeks Schnews.
While the “humanitarian war” was taking place in Iraq, liberating an entire nation through massive bombing raids and civilian deaths, the IDEX arms fair was happening in the United Arab Emirates. “The Gulf region remains the ideal market in the world for military hardware,” said Major-General Sultan Al-Suwaidi, head of the committee that organised the five-day event. Every permanent member of the UN Security council had big exhibitions at the fair, hoping to entice countries like Iran, Syrian Algeria, and Libya to step right up and buy their weapons of mass destruction. But Britain held pride of place by being the largest exhibitor at the show, with some 100 UK firms taking part. Organisers of the fair had, after all, announced that despite the war ‘the show must go on.’ Oh well, at least the next time that “our boys” follow the US into battle, they can be proud of being shot by British-made bullets", from this weeks Schnews.
Thursday, April 10, 2003
The regime is gone, but it is far from over. US & UK forces must ensure that the Iraqi people don't suffer any more. They have been through more than enough already.
"The Iraqi Coalition of National Unity (ICNU), which appeared in the city [of Najaf] last week riding on US special forces vehicles, has taken to looting and terrorising their neighbourhood with impunity, according to most residents.
"They steal and steal," said a man living near the Medresa al Tayif school, calling himself Abu Zeinab. "They threaten us, saying: 'We are with the Americans, you can do nothing to us'."
Sa'ida al Hamed, another resident, said she witnessed looting by the ICNU and other armed gangs in the city, which lost its police force when the government fled last week. One man told a US army translator on Monday that he was taken out of his house and beaten by ICNU forces when he refused to give them his car. They took it anyway". Read the whole story here.
"The Iraqi Coalition of National Unity (ICNU), which appeared in the city [of Najaf] last week riding on US special forces vehicles, has taken to looting and terrorising their neighbourhood with impunity, according to most residents.
"They steal and steal," said a man living near the Medresa al Tayif school, calling himself Abu Zeinab. "They threaten us, saying: 'We are with the Americans, you can do nothing to us'."
Sa'ida al Hamed, another resident, said she witnessed looting by the ICNU and other armed gangs in the city, which lost its police force when the government fled last week. One man told a US army translator on Monday that he was taken out of his house and beaten by ICNU forces when he refused to give them his car. They took it anyway". Read the whole story here.
Wednesday, April 09, 2003
Meanwhile, in a land far, far, away....
in Kashmir, people are dying
in Cuba, human rights are being abused
in Egypt, hundreds are arrested
in Myanmar, political prisoners still suffer
in Congo people are being massacred
in Zimbabwe horror and hunger
I could go on, and on.
And of course, in Iraq the pain goes on.
in Kashmir, people are dying
in Cuba, human rights are being abused
in Egypt, hundreds are arrested
in Myanmar, political prisoners still suffer
in Congo people are being massacred
in Zimbabwe horror and hunger
I could go on, and on.
And of course, in Iraq the pain goes on.
Tuesday, April 08, 2003
Check out SpaceHijackers for some excellent subversion.
Resistance is not futile.
"Police opened fire with rubber bullets yesterday on anti-war demonstrators in Oakland, California, in what was the first such action during the current round of anti-war protests. Organisers said that around 40 protesters were injured, one seriously". Is this the democracy that Bush wants to export around the world? Disgusted.
"As the US weapons research group Sunshine Project has documented, the defence department and the army are experimenting with chemicals which cause pain, fear, convulsions, hallucinations and unconsciousness, and developing the hollow mortar rounds required to deliver them" - more from Monbiot. What can I say? I'm horrified, disgusted.
"When Saddam Hussein so pig-headedly failed to shower US troops with chemical weapons as they entered Iraq, thus depriving them of a retrospective justification for this war, the American generals explained that he would do so as soon as they crossed the "red line" around Baghdad. Beyond that point, the desperate dictator would lash out with every weapon he possessed". George Monbiot in today's Guardian.
Monday, April 07, 2003
"Former CIA Director James Woolsey said Wednesday the United States is engaged in World War IV, and that it could continue for years". Scary stuff :(
Have you read the schnews this week? Good article on the future of Iraq, where the profits are going.
Sunday, April 06, 2003
Seize the Day are an English band, singing excellent political folk songs. You can download some songs at their website - listen to 'United States'. The band members practice what they preach too - they get out and about, trying to make the world a better place.
"These Anglo-American invasions of weak and largely defenceless nations are meant to demonstrate the kind of world the US is planning to dominate by force, with its procession of worthy and unworthy victims and the establishment of American bases at the gateways of all the main sources of fossil fuels." So writes John Pilger in today's Independent.
Colin Powell says "We do not believe it is inconsistent to work with nations who are willing to assist in this effort who, themselves, have some problems with respect to human rights," he said. "We candidly talk to them and encourage them to change."
He was not asked about the United States' own record, but he did say: "America is proud to serve as a force for freedom across the globe." With the emphasis, some might say, being on the word "force".
"These Anglo-American invasions of weak and largely defenceless nations are meant to demonstrate the kind of world the US is planning to dominate by force, with its procession of worthy and unworthy victims and the establishment of American bases at the gateways of all the main sources of fossil fuels." So writes John Pilger in today's Independent.
Colin Powell says "We do not believe it is inconsistent to work with nations who are willing to assist in this effort who, themselves, have some problems with respect to human rights," he said. "We candidly talk to them and encourage them to change."
He was not asked about the United States' own record, but he did say: "America is proud to serve as a force for freedom across the globe." With the emphasis, some might say, being on the word "force".
Friday, April 04, 2003
Been digging about in a friend's archives, and found this piece about Bush's military history. I've tried to put a link to Bud's Misty Mountain blog on my permanent links list, but it won't work properly - although I can link through daily posts. I'm sure there must be some reason for this, but I'm not very proficient on the technical side of things.
My local Stop the War group are keeping up the pressure on Blair with regular protests.
"There are bombings - missiles and airplanes - all day long, and all night," said Walid Hathem, whose home was replaced by a giant crater a few hours before dawn yesterday. "It's continuous." Read the whole story here.
Gunther Grass was interviewed on BBC Radio 4's 'Today' programme this morning. He talks about war, the quest for peace, and how the 'victors' are the last to learn the lessons that war teaches. You can listen to it here. Geoff Hoon, Blair's Defence monkey was interviewed earlier in the same programme. He says, in justifying the use of cluster bombs, that the lives of Iraqi children are worth losing if it means British soldiers can get on with their war unharmed. You can listen to that on the same page.
I don't think the war is funny, but I do believe that irony is a wonderful way of exposing the disgraceful behaviour of Bush & Blair. Check out this, and this, and this, and last but certainly not least this.
I've noticed the UK mainstream media (ie the BBC) have gone back to their 'gung-ho' attitude to the war since the weekend. I suppose showing stories about dead Iraqi civilians was not supportive enough of all those teenagers out there fighting to protect us from Saddam's chemical weapons. Its the 'teenage' thing that I've really noticed. Now, as I've said before, I don't want anyone getting hurt, whether they are career troops, conscripts or civilians. But surely, whatever age a soldier is, s/he is still soldier. I'm talking about the UK and US soldiers who signed up of their own free will. They have been trained, they have big, dangerous weapons. Excuse me Tony, but however much propadanda the media puts out about these poor young things, I'm still NOT GOING TO SUPPORT YOUR ILLEGAL WAR. And anyway, who sent those young people out there? Who recruited them so young?
I've noticed the UK mainstream media (ie the BBC) have gone back to their 'gung-ho' attitude to the war since the weekend. I suppose showing stories about dead Iraqi civilians was not supportive enough of all those teenagers out there fighting to protect us from Saddam's chemical weapons. Its the 'teenage' thing that I've really noticed. Now, as I've said before, I don't want anyone getting hurt, whether they are career troops, conscripts or civilians. But surely, whatever age a soldier is, s/he is still soldier. I'm talking about the UK and US soldiers who signed up of their own free will. They have been trained, they have big, dangerous weapons. Excuse me Tony, but however much propadanda the media puts out about these poor young things, I'm still NOT GOING TO SUPPORT YOUR ILLEGAL WAR. And anyway, who sent those young people out there? Who recruited them so young?
Thursday, April 03, 2003
Cluster bombs kill people.
I'm still reading John Pilger's 'Hidden Agendas', though I've got Terry Pratchett's The Hogfather on the go as well - we all need a bit of light relief!
Pilger writes about the Dunblane massacre which resulted in the UK government banning handguns. But, as Pilger points out, these weapons are still exported all over the world, including to Algeria, Sri Lanka and Colombia where violence and problems with rebels/'terrorists' are well known. Oh such a caring, ethical government.
Pilger writes about the Dunblane massacre which resulted in the UK government banning handguns. But, as Pilger points out, these weapons are still exported all over the world, including to Algeria, Sri Lanka and Colombia where violence and problems with rebels/'terrorists' are well known. Oh such a caring, ethical government.
Tuesday, April 01, 2003
Just to make a change, because I'm feeling really depressed about the awful things that are happening in the Middle East, and because Rumsfeld seems determined to make it all much much worse, I'm going to tell you about something positive.
