Everyone in America with a TV set knows that the Bush administration has just turned the six o'clock news into the world's largest porn site.
Everyone who even reads the comics knows that the Bush administration has taught us Americans how to lie, embezzle, threaten, coerce, cheat at elections, corrupt the Supreme Court and turn our armed forces into perverts.
Forget about the Jessica Lynch media spin. Now we got Lynndie England. Forget about Janet and even Monica. Now we got Abu Ghraib.
Anyone with a dial-up and a modem knows that the Bush administration has turned America to the dark side, demonstrated to our children how NOT to be Christians - and instructed them on how to get away with it too. That's yesterday's news.
Todays news is this: There is still hope for America. We can still stop this downward spiral of destruction and death. Repeat after me, America:
"Death and destruction ALWAYS leads to more destruction and death." If you want to guarantee that you will die a fiery and violent death, just follow the new Golden Rule. "Do it unto others - and they will do it unto to you."
We Americans need to forget about what Bush and Al Qaeda are up to. They've turned to the dark side. Raiders and killers and psychopaths will always be with us. Americans tend to forget that there are more of us than there are of them. Forget about them.
Remember only this: Sometime, some day, every single one of us has to face death alone.
When I die, I do not want to have to face death alone. I want my clean conscience to be standing next to me, holding my hand. I want to hear him or her say to me, "Jane, you tried to be kind, to help children, to do no harm. For this reason and this reason alone, I will stand here with you and when you die you will not be afraid...or die alone."
Americans need to remember that this - not money or war toys or global domination or abundant cheap labor or even free access to S&M -- is the most important thing in the world. And every single day of our lives we need to act accordingly. That is the moral compass America needs to hold on to.
"Imagine a world where EVERY child is wanted, nurtured, protected and loved: World Peace in one generation!"
Jane Stillwater
http://jpstillwater.blogspot.com
Commentary by Tina Staik
Dear friends of peace and democracy,
Once again, what is key in "understanding" the photos of sexual torture of Iraqi prisoners are the questions NOT being asked by the 24/7 coverage.
Who took these pictures, for example, and with whose permission? And why were these perverse, sexually pornographic acts filmed and photographed so extensively, and now, being described and discussed in great detail?Furthermore, what happened to international laws against the dissemination of degrading photos of prisoners of war?
Is it a coincidence that the methods of stripping degradation of prisoners are closely reminiscent of racist policies by U.S. authorities against Blacks, by Nazis against Jews, by Israeli authorities against Palestinians, and so on? Is it a coincidence that all share a common thread, characteristic of supremacist ideologies: an obsession with administering pain and punishment to “disobedient” “non-white”-male persons who refuse to bow to (self-appointed) “masters”?
Does it not appear as if the sponsors of these brutal methods are bragging of new “improved” methods of white male supremacy (fear-based ego sickness)? Does it not seem as if neo-conservatives are giving “clues” of their inhumane and suicidal plans for perpetual-war and corporate-rule of the world everywhere, i.e., popular movies, books, songs, particularly Bush administration “speeches,” much like the mentally deranged person preparing to harm others and self?
What does it say when the military-industrial complex systematically photographs/films nude-sexual interrogation and torture, then widely disseminates these for the world to see through (their own) corporate media?
Since there is always a strategic military aim, what could the goal be for doing such?
One may speculate, considering that pornography is a form of hate propaganda that functions to objectify target populations, that the ultimate aim is to manufacture consent for the ongoing plans for oppression and killing of Iraqis. (This has been the policy, going by the results, in the last decade of “sanctions”.) While one may argue that at present, this has the opposite effect, step by step, into world opinion acceptance of such horrors? One may ask, could ANY individual be so twisted as to want this for the world, or to even think this is possible?
Judging, however, from the power of the media and entertainment industries to radically alter (dehumanize) human behavior in the last century in the United States, one must at least consider the possibility that the entertainment industry has not only learned a lot about the POWER and SCIENCE of desensitizing entire populations into acceptance of anything and everything under the sun, but also that ruling elite agendas and entertainment industries work together, conspiring to maintain control over the masses.
To believe otherwise would be naive.
One also has to ask whether the pictures and films would receive this 24/7 coverage if this were not a planned campaign by the international cabal of neo-conservatives (aka fascists) who think they alone have a say as to what is “news” (since they also passed the laws that made it possible for them to own all major media sources)?
The pictures depict perverse crimes, as does their dissemination, giving warped spokespersons for supremacist ideologies, such as Rush Limbaugh (* see below), more opportunity to attempt to persuade us that “rational” people should see these acts as “emotional releases” of U.S. soldiers who, having been shot at, are then entitled to having a “good time”, thus, brewing an extreme form of “boys will be boys” mindset. Who would benefit if more persons reasoned like Limbaugh? Only a wealthy, wealth-hoarding few.
In sum, it appears the military-industrial complex is now officially filming, producing and disseminating super hard core pornography, replete with degradation, humiliation, torture and murder. This should come as no surprise. It takes the perverse minds of fear-riddled egomaniacs to plan attacks of our young (society's best hope for peace and social justice) to such an extent in past decades (since the 60s revolution) as to increasingly invite them to partake of drugs, prisons and/or fighting perpetual wars.
It's time to zealously seek to understand the methods and means supremacist cabals have used to shape human beliefs, very intentionally, shaping the public mind to their liking. Modern day neo-cons are particularly lethal since they have had the power of science and experimental studies in the last century. While most of us study human behavior for the betterment of humankind, the same cannot be said of those who espouse Aristotle's belief that the world consists of those meant to rule, and others meant to be ruled.
It is no secret among students of human behavior that what human beings think about ultimately forms and shapes their reality. Yet time and time again, since the time of the Roman Empire, rulers have used popular “entertainment” very purposefully to teach citizens to lust for blood and gore, thus, shaping their beliefs into acceptance for war mongering and domination.
Is it a coincidence, or (more likely) a conspiracy, that Americans once hated war and war mongering to the extent that it took events like Pearl Harbor (staged like 911?) to obtain their consent to fight in world wars – yet today are quick to see war as a solution for their “protection”, even associating this, absurdly, with the spread of “democracy” and “freedom” for the entire world! This, my friends, has been propaganda backed by big money at work. Responsibility must be given to those responsible for using their power and means to obtain such inhumane outcomes for their personal gain.
The blame the victim campaigns, which go hand in hand with the propaganda, must also be rejected. All of us, in varying degrees, have been affected. Not just Americans, either, though it appears we have had the bigger doses of THE treatment...
Is it a coincidence that TV screens have crept into every corner of American life, not only in every room of our homes, but also in our schools, offices, restaurants, air planes, waiting rooms - in some cases playing 24/7?
Is it a coincidence that the themes of war-sex-violence and domination and struggles for world domination are the most common, and are cleverly customized to have appeal to all audiences, young and old, male and female, “colored” and “white”, Christian, Muslim or Jew?
Is it a coincidence that books - both fiction and nonfiction - reinforce these themes as naturally occurring in human civilizations?
Likely, not.
It is time to trash the lies...turn off our TVs, face our “addictions” and cold turkey refuse to attend or buy movies with blood-gore-domination plots. It's time to organize nationwide and worldwide campaigns educating the public on the realities of the power entertainment media has had in shaping and harming our families and societies. It's time to understand that this all has been done very intentionally to serve the interests of an international cabal -a clique that meets in secret places - alone.
For too long, a wealthy few have acted as architects of our societies, hidden from public view...inviting us to think, read, talk and watch war, in order that a wealthy few can maintain power by crafting a “truth” that defines “democracy” as perpetual war and world domination.
The truth is found within...written in the heart of every child born. Imagine peace, social justice...and let democracy be.
Best wishes,
Tina Staik
* e-Mails:
Subject: Limbaugh calls Iraq torture "A Good Time"
Date: Sat, 8 May 2004 15:19:54 +0900
RUSH: Exactly. Exactly my point! This is no different than what happens at the Skull and Bones initiation and we're going to ruin people's lives over it and we're going to hamper our military effort, and then we are going to really hammer them because they had a good time.
You know, these people are being fired at every day. I'm talking about people having a good time, these people, you ever heard of emotional release? You've heard of need to blow some steam off?
One shudders at the thought of Limbaugh blowing off steam
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: A question for British Defense Secretary Mr. Jeff Hoon
Date: Mon, 10 May 2004 19:38:17 +0600
The torture patterns of Iraqi POW's by the American & British forces have striking similarities. For example, beatings, electric shocks, sleep deprivation, hooding, and prolonged forced standing and kneeling. The pictures of US forces sexually assaulting Iraqi prisoners & British soldier urinating on an Iraqi prisoner had added to the list of vile & unspeakable list of so-called "Interrogation Techniques". The coalition forces have shown a consistent disregard for the Geneva Conventions and basic principles of law, human rights and decency. This has created a climate in which US & British soldiers feel they can dehumanize and degrade prisoners with impunity. My question, Is this the kind of freedom you are promising to Iraqis?
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Related Articles
Humiliating Photos are Symptomatic of a Greater Problem
"Military experts have been interviewed on different networks, and many have said that while the pictures are appalling, the Fourth Geneva Convention has not been violated. But, Article 13 clearly states, 'prisoners of war must at all times be protected, particularly against acts of violence or intimidation and against insults and public curiosity.'
By Sherri Muzher
http://www.palestinechronicle.com/story.php?sid=20040507135447885
US Soldier Says 'Instructed' To Abuse Iraqi Detainees
http://www.palestinechronicle.com/story.php?sid=20040513111603883
UK forces taught torture methods
http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,1212197,00.html
Rumsfeld testimony reveals: New photos will show “blatantly sadistic, cruel and inhuman” torture of Iraqi prisoners
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2004/may2004/rums-m10.shtml
Soldiers report British torture of Iraqi civilians http://www.wsws.org/articles/2004/may2004/tort-m08.shtml
Behind the demands for Rumsfeld to resign: White House prepares a fallback position to continue Iraq atrocities http://www.wsws.org/articles/2004/may2004/iraq-m07.shtml
Everyone who even reads the comics knows that the Bush administration has taught us Americans how to lie, embezzle, threaten, coerce, cheat at elections, corrupt the Supreme Court and turn our armed forces into perverts.
Forget about the Jessica Lynch media spin. Now we got Lynndie England. Forget about Janet and even Monica. Now we got Abu Ghraib.
Anyone with a dial-up and a modem knows that the Bush administration has turned America to the dark side, demonstrated to our children how NOT to be Christians - and instructed them on how to get away with it too. That's yesterday's news.
Todays news is this: There is still hope for America. We can still stop this downward spiral of destruction and death. Repeat after me, America:
"Death and destruction ALWAYS leads to more destruction and death." If you want to guarantee that you will die a fiery and violent death, just follow the new Golden Rule. "Do it unto others - and they will do it unto to you."
We Americans need to forget about what Bush and Al Qaeda are up to. They've turned to the dark side. Raiders and killers and psychopaths will always be with us. Americans tend to forget that there are more of us than there are of them. Forget about them.
Remember only this: Sometime, some day, every single one of us has to face death alone.
When I die, I do not want to have to face death alone. I want my clean conscience to be standing next to me, holding my hand. I want to hear him or her say to me, "Jane, you tried to be kind, to help children, to do no harm. For this reason and this reason alone, I will stand here with you and when you die you will not be afraid...or die alone."
Americans need to remember that this - not money or war toys or global domination or abundant cheap labor or even free access to S&M -- is the most important thing in the world. And every single day of our lives we need to act accordingly. That is the moral compass America needs to hold on to.
"Imagine a world where EVERY child is wanted, nurtured, protected and loved: World Peace in one generation!"
Jane Stillwater
http://jpstillwater.blogspot.com
Commentary by Tina Staik
Dear friends of peace and democracy,
Once again, what is key in "understanding" the photos of sexual torture of Iraqi prisoners are the questions NOT being asked by the 24/7 coverage.
Who took these pictures, for example, and with whose permission? And why were these perverse, sexually pornographic acts filmed and photographed so extensively, and now, being described and discussed in great detail?Furthermore, what happened to international laws against the dissemination of degrading photos of prisoners of war?
Is it a coincidence that the methods of stripping degradation of prisoners are closely reminiscent of racist policies by U.S. authorities against Blacks, by Nazis against Jews, by Israeli authorities against Palestinians, and so on? Is it a coincidence that all share a common thread, characteristic of supremacist ideologies: an obsession with administering pain and punishment to “disobedient” “non-white”-male persons who refuse to bow to (self-appointed) “masters”?
Does it not appear as if the sponsors of these brutal methods are bragging of new “improved” methods of white male supremacy (fear-based ego sickness)? Does it not seem as if neo-conservatives are giving “clues” of their inhumane and suicidal plans for perpetual-war and corporate-rule of the world everywhere, i.e., popular movies, books, songs, particularly Bush administration “speeches,” much like the mentally deranged person preparing to harm others and self?
What does it say when the military-industrial complex systematically photographs/films nude-sexual interrogation and torture, then widely disseminates these for the world to see through (their own) corporate media?
Since there is always a strategic military aim, what could the goal be for doing such?
One may speculate, considering that pornography is a form of hate propaganda that functions to objectify target populations, that the ultimate aim is to manufacture consent for the ongoing plans for oppression and killing of Iraqis. (This has been the policy, going by the results, in the last decade of “sanctions”.) While one may argue that at present, this has the opposite effect, step by step, into world opinion acceptance of such horrors? One may ask, could ANY individual be so twisted as to want this for the world, or to even think this is possible?
Judging, however, from the power of the media and entertainment industries to radically alter (dehumanize) human behavior in the last century in the United States, one must at least consider the possibility that the entertainment industry has not only learned a lot about the POWER and SCIENCE of desensitizing entire populations into acceptance of anything and everything under the sun, but also that ruling elite agendas and entertainment industries work together, conspiring to maintain control over the masses.
To believe otherwise would be naive.
One also has to ask whether the pictures and films would receive this 24/7 coverage if this were not a planned campaign by the international cabal of neo-conservatives (aka fascists) who think they alone have a say as to what is “news” (since they also passed the laws that made it possible for them to own all major media sources)?
The pictures depict perverse crimes, as does their dissemination, giving warped spokespersons for supremacist ideologies, such as Rush Limbaugh (* see below), more opportunity to attempt to persuade us that “rational” people should see these acts as “emotional releases” of U.S. soldiers who, having been shot at, are then entitled to having a “good time”, thus, brewing an extreme form of “boys will be boys” mindset. Who would benefit if more persons reasoned like Limbaugh? Only a wealthy, wealth-hoarding few.
In sum, it appears the military-industrial complex is now officially filming, producing and disseminating super hard core pornography, replete with degradation, humiliation, torture and murder. This should come as no surprise. It takes the perverse minds of fear-riddled egomaniacs to plan attacks of our young (society's best hope for peace and social justice) to such an extent in past decades (since the 60s revolution) as to increasingly invite them to partake of drugs, prisons and/or fighting perpetual wars.
It's time to zealously seek to understand the methods and means supremacist cabals have used to shape human beliefs, very intentionally, shaping the public mind to their liking. Modern day neo-cons are particularly lethal since they have had the power of science and experimental studies in the last century. While most of us study human behavior for the betterment of humankind, the same cannot be said of those who espouse Aristotle's belief that the world consists of those meant to rule, and others meant to be ruled.
It is no secret among students of human behavior that what human beings think about ultimately forms and shapes their reality. Yet time and time again, since the time of the Roman Empire, rulers have used popular “entertainment” very purposefully to teach citizens to lust for blood and gore, thus, shaping their beliefs into acceptance for war mongering and domination.
Is it a coincidence, or (more likely) a conspiracy, that Americans once hated war and war mongering to the extent that it took events like Pearl Harbor (staged like 911?) to obtain their consent to fight in world wars – yet today are quick to see war as a solution for their “protection”, even associating this, absurdly, with the spread of “democracy” and “freedom” for the entire world! This, my friends, has been propaganda backed by big money at work. Responsibility must be given to those responsible for using their power and means to obtain such inhumane outcomes for their personal gain.
The blame the victim campaigns, which go hand in hand with the propaganda, must also be rejected. All of us, in varying degrees, have been affected. Not just Americans, either, though it appears we have had the bigger doses of THE treatment...
Is it a coincidence that TV screens have crept into every corner of American life, not only in every room of our homes, but also in our schools, offices, restaurants, air planes, waiting rooms - in some cases playing 24/7?
Is it a coincidence that the themes of war-sex-violence and domination and struggles for world domination are the most common, and are cleverly customized to have appeal to all audiences, young and old, male and female, “colored” and “white”, Christian, Muslim or Jew?
Is it a coincidence that books - both fiction and nonfiction - reinforce these themes as naturally occurring in human civilizations?
Likely, not.
It is time to trash the lies...turn off our TVs, face our “addictions” and cold turkey refuse to attend or buy movies with blood-gore-domination plots. It's time to organize nationwide and worldwide campaigns educating the public on the realities of the power entertainment media has had in shaping and harming our families and societies. It's time to understand that this all has been done very intentionally to serve the interests of an international cabal -a clique that meets in secret places - alone.
For too long, a wealthy few have acted as architects of our societies, hidden from public view...inviting us to think, read, talk and watch war, in order that a wealthy few can maintain power by crafting a “truth” that defines “democracy” as perpetual war and world domination.
The truth is found within...written in the heart of every child born. Imagine peace, social justice...and let democracy be.
Best wishes,
Tina Staik
* e-Mails:
Subject: Limbaugh calls Iraq torture "A Good Time"
Date: Sat, 8 May 2004 15:19:54 +0900
RUSH: Exactly. Exactly my point! This is no different than what happens at the Skull and Bones initiation and we're going to ruin people's lives over it and we're going to hamper our military effort, and then we are going to really hammer them because they had a good time.
You know, these people are being fired at every day. I'm talking about people having a good time, these people, you ever heard of emotional release? You've heard of need to blow some steam off?
One shudders at the thought of Limbaugh blowing off steam
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: A question for British Defense Secretary Mr. Jeff Hoon
Date: Mon, 10 May 2004 19:38:17 +0600
The torture patterns of Iraqi POW's by the American & British forces have striking similarities. For example, beatings, electric shocks, sleep deprivation, hooding, and prolonged forced standing and kneeling. The pictures of US forces sexually assaulting Iraqi prisoners & British soldier urinating on an Iraqi prisoner had added to the list of vile & unspeakable list of so-called "Interrogation Techniques". The coalition forces have shown a consistent disregard for the Geneva Conventions and basic principles of law, human rights and decency. This has created a climate in which US & British soldiers feel they can dehumanize and degrade prisoners with impunity. My question, Is this the kind of freedom you are promising to Iraqis?
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Related Articles
Humiliating Photos are Symptomatic of a Greater Problem
"Military experts have been interviewed on different networks, and many have said that while the pictures are appalling, the Fourth Geneva Convention has not been violated. But, Article 13 clearly states, 'prisoners of war must at all times be protected, particularly against acts of violence or intimidation and against insults and public curiosity.'
By Sherri Muzher
http://www.palestinechronicle.com/story.php?sid=20040507135447885
US Soldier Says 'Instructed' To Abuse Iraqi Detainees
http://www.palestinechronicle.com/story.php?sid=20040513111603883
UK forces taught torture methods
http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,1212197,00.html
Rumsfeld testimony reveals: New photos will show “blatantly sadistic, cruel and inhuman” torture of Iraqi prisoners
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2004/may2004/rums-m10.shtml
Soldiers report British torture of Iraqi civilians http://www.wsws.org/articles/2004/may2004/tort-m08.shtml
Behind the demands for Rumsfeld to resign: White House prepares a fallback position to continue Iraq atrocities http://www.wsws.org/articles/2004/may2004/iraq-m07.shtml