Hey strangers

Okay, time for some catch-up.

First, relatively good news from Israel. I say relatively, because overall, the news is pretty awful. It looks like a centre-left coalition has been elected in Israel. Even better, Likud has been reduced to a rump. This is excellent news for the prospect of peace in the Middle East. Yes, the Palestinians elected Hamas. Yes, I wish they hadn't. However, the cycle of violence has to end somewhere, and the pursuit of peace has to begin somewhere. Anyway, Hamas was was elected on a platform of cleaning up Fatah corruption, not pursuit of terrorist objectives.

Second, I went to see former UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Iraq Hans van Sponeck speak tonight. He talked passionately about the need for the United Nations, while maintaining that it needs to be reformed. He gave no specific proposals, but said that it is important to include civil society in the UN milieu. He also talked about the oil-for-food program of which he was a part, and the devestating effect of UN sanctions on Iraq.

An Afghan man who had from Islam to Christianity was let go by Afghan authorities because they declared he was not competent to stand trial. No doubt, this decision was influence by pressure from the West. Pressure, by the way, which I agree with in this case. He would have faced the death penalty. Apparently, some Muslim fundamentalists have protested saying that he should be put to death. Clerics have apparently called for his murder. As I understand it, this man is trying to leave Afghanistan. Good move. Good case for refugee status as well. Italy is considering giving him asylum.

Fuck them. Fuck all of them. I don't give a shit what Afghan law says about who should be put to death, just like I don't give a shit about what US law says about the same. Human rights are universal, and one of those rights is freedom of religion.

This ModernWorld: Can we talk?

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M20 3rd Anniversay anti-war march

more later

Matters of war and peace

There's a third Anniversary anti-war march tomorrow. I will take pictures, and post them. If I don't, call me a liar.

There are a lot of things that need to be posted about, things related to peace and human rights.

The Bush Administration has released a new National Security Strategy. It maintains the right to pre-emption.

The UN General Assembly voted 174-4 to create a new Human Rights Council. Overall, it sounds like an improvement over the Human Rights Commission. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty both support it, and HRW makes suggestions for maximizing its effectiveness.

The Bush Administration continues to make noise about Iran. It sounds like Seymour Hersh was right. Iran might well be next.

For light does the darkness most fear

This is for me as much as anyone.

If I could tell the world just one thing
It would be that we're all OK
And not to worry 'cause worry is wasteful
And useless in times like these
I won't be made useless
I won't be idle with despair
I will gather myself around my faith
For light does the darkness most fear
My hands are small, I know
But they're not yours, they are my own
But they're not yours, they are my own
And I am never broken
Poverty stole your golden shoes
It didn't steal your laughter
And heartache came to visit me
But I knew it wasn't ever after
We'll fight, not out of spite
For someone must stand up for what's right
'Cause where there's a man who has no voice
There ours shall go singing
My hands are small I know
But they're not yours, they are my own
But they're not yours, they are my own
I am never broken
In the end only kindness matters
In the end only kindness matters

From "Hands", by Jewel

This Modern World: The Nitpicking Squad

Open letter to Stephen Harper, Peter McKay, and Michael Wilson

I sent the following letter to the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and newly minted Canadian Ambassador to the US.

Dear Messrs Harper, Mckay, and Wilson

I strongly urge the Canadian government to take urgent action with respect to the plight of Allen Abney of Kingsgate, BC.

In 1968, Mr. Abney deserted the US Army to avoid participation in the Vietnam War, and came to Canada.

On Thursday, March 9, Mr. Abney, travelling with his wife, was detained at the BC-Idaho border. He was subsequently arrested by the US customs officers.

He is now being held at his old base in San Diego, where he faces the prospect of court martial.

As of today, his wife of 35 years has not been allowed to contact him. This is the longest they have ever been apart, and it is very hard on both of them.

To make matters worse, Allen's brother Gerry died on Saturday, and his family is concerned that he will not be able to attend the funeral.

There is no good reason for the US authorities to carry on with this charade. There is no justification for them to hold Mr. Abnie for deserting 38 years ago, and thereby terrify his family. He is not a threat to the US, and by deserting, he avoided participation in a an illegal military action in which war crimes were committed by the US military.

I strongly and respectfully urge Prime Minister Harper, Foreign Minister McKay, and Ambassador Wilson to take action to ensure that Mr. Abney is allowed to return to his home in time for his brother's funeral, and that the matter will be dropped by United States authorities.

Sincerely,
Stephen Karr

Bush "honours" Gandhi

While visiting India today, George W Bush laid a wreath at Mahatma Gandhi's memorial.

He actually had the nerve to refer to Gandhi when talking about a responsibility to "bring light and freedom to the darkest corners of our earth," obviously completely oblivious to the latter's adherence to nonviolence, and with no sense of irony that a warmonger is exploiting the memory of a pacifist. Light and freedom are good things, but they can't be imposed from without. They can be encouraged, but not imposed.

Here are a couple of responses from the Gandhi family:

Arun Gandhi, grandson:

India is seeking business from the U.S.; the U.S. wants markets for its products so this Indo-U.S. relationship is nothing but an attempt to exploit each other. From the western point of view it is economic colonization. India has sold its soul to materialism and will bend over backwards to get some dollars from the U.S. ... The only way Bush can honor Gandhi is by taking a chapter from his life and showing greater compassion for the poor people of the world and not by laying a wreath at his memorial. Bush is a warmonger, he believes in peace through the barrel of a gun and has set the world on a course of violent devastation. Gandhi had hoped for greater compassion, respect, understanding between the peoples and nations of the world.

Ela Gandhi, granddaughter:

Gandhiji's entire philosophy was based on two fundamental principles, among others: one the belief that people can change -- that people, groups and communities can transform, and two that the force of truth and love or Satyagraha driven by the spirit, or soul force, can make a huge difference in the world, in bringing about transformation. So when Bush who is planning to lay a wreath on the Gandhi Memorial in New Delhi, during the year when we celebrate the centenary of Satyagraha, performs this act, I hope and pray that this act may help towards changing his beliefs and attitudes. I can only hope and pray that maybe some truth and some possible transformation in his own philosophy is driving him to this sacred place.

I pray that this contact with the spirit of Gandhiji may inspire him into changing his position on war and violence. I pray that this gesture may help him to see that he must desist from committing the same error he did with Iraq, with Iran or any other country or peoples. I hope he will be inspired by Gandhiji's implicit belief in the fact that wars cannot solve the problems of the world, they only aggravate them. We need peace, we need some sanity in the world. Gandhiji said, 'An eye for an eye will make the whole world blind.' That truth should help caution Bush against war and the use of war and violence for any purpose. I truly and deeply hope that the spirit of Gandhiji will help to transform his views and he will stop using violence and war. If Bush really wants to honor Gandhiji he will lay a wreath at the memorial and in so doing commit himself to renounce his use of violence and war.

The issues of our time

These are what I think are the three most critical global issues that we are faced with right now:

1) Ballistic Missile Defence
2) Climate Change
3) Extreme poverty and disease in Africa

With respect to ballistic missile defence, it is a hoax, a scam perpetuated by the military-industrial complex. It is powerful enough to lead Canadian politicians to lie through their teeth and support it, going against Canadian public opinion. It is an extremely dangerous and stupid plan which is not defensive but in fact offensive in intent. In contrast to what it's supporters say, it does involved the weaponization of space, it hasn't being proven to work, and it will spawn a new global arms race. These are verifyable facts. I am doing a lot of educating myself on this issue, and expect that I'll be writing about it quite a bit in the future.

The vast majority of independent scientists agree that man-made climate change is happening. So do all industrialized countries except for the US. The US signed Kyoto but has refused to ratify it. We will continue to ignore it at our peril. While we pat ourselves on the back for belonging to a country that supports Kyoto, let's remember that Kyoto is just a first step, a small first step. We will have to radically change our consumption and transportation habits if we are really going stop the coming catastrophe.

It is disgraceful, truly disgraceful, that there exists in this world such a profound gap between rich and poor. Even the poor here don't know what poor it when you consider the squalor in which the poor in the majority world, especially in Africa , live. If, as Gandhi said, poverty is the worst form of violence, then Africa is being massacred. People their die for AIDS and starvation by the thousands. Even more appaling is the reality that it is entirely preventable. If Western governments merely gave .7% of their GDP to financially support Africa, it would go a long way toward stifling this terrible scenario.

When I look at these critical issues, one thing that comes to mind is a huge disconnect. Around a trillion dollars will be put toward an insane missile defence scheme that will put us on the brink. Somehow, it seems to make more sense to some to support that expenditure, rather than spend a fraction of that saving lives in Africa. Therefore, I think these issues are not just about the bare-bones facts. They are about the kind of world we want to live in, and what we consider important. They are about what we value as human beings. They are about how we want out public money to be spent. They are about beating our swords into ploughshares.

military-industrial complex

Until the latest of our world conflicts, the United States had no armaments industry. American makers of plowshares could, with time and as required, make swords as well. But now we can no longer risk emergency improvisation of national defense; we have been compelled to create a permanent armaments industry of vast proportions. Added to this, three and a half million men and women are directly engaged in the defense establishment. We annually spend on military security more than the net income of all United States corporations.

This conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry is new in the American experience. The total influence -- economic, political, even spiritual -- is felt in every city, every State house, every office of the Federal government. We recognize the imperative need for this development. Yet we must not fail to comprehend its grave implications. Our toil, resources and livelihood are all involved; so is the very structure of our society.

In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the militaryindustrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.

We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together.

Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1961

The neocon prison blues

Salon has published more photos relating to the Abu Ghraib prison scandal.

The UNCHR has called on the US to either try the prisoners or release them, and to close the Guantanamo camp.

Juan Cole reminds us that the US's own Constitution demands what the UNCHR is calling for:

Amendment V

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Amendment VI

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.

Amendment VIII

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

This Modern World: Cartoon controversies

reader mail

I receive an interesting e-mail regarding my blog (I'm not sure which one) froma reader. I have deleted the name to protect anonymity:

From:
To: wrld_peace21c@yahoo.ca
Subject: Reply to your blogsite
Date: Sat, 11 Feb 2006 02:38:33 -0500
Whatever your perceived misconceptions about the Bush administration, you must first consider two facts.
1. Islam in general and more specifically radical Islam seeks the destruction of everyone who does not fit into their worldview, including you.
2. The UN cannot be trusted as a world governing body considering the oil for food scandal, and their total inability to stop terrorism.

While more rational people around the globe are indeed afraid of a total "fascist" state as you claim, your intent to give total power to the UN invites just such a condition.

Under our current supreme court, that uses international law instead of the constitution, the pillars of true freedom vs. totalitarianism are being slowly eroded.

You must understand that the reason the U.S. was created was to escape totalitarianism. The U.N. and Islamic "fascism" are the true enemies, not the current administration.

Here is my reply:

Date: Sat, 11 Feb 2006 14:16:36 -0500 (EST)
From: "Stephen Karr"
Subject: Re: Reply to your blogsite
To:
With respect, let me correct a couple of your misconceptions.

Islam in general does not seek the destruction of everyone who fits into their worldview. There are Islamic fundamentalists who do. If I had my way, we would do away with all fundamentalism, regardless of which religion it is pretending to adhere to.

The UN, flawed as it is, is the best hope for world peace that we have right now. We live in an increasingly polarized world. We have the militarists and fundamentalists in the US on one side, and the same in the middle east on the other. I am guessing that you would say that the US should be allowed to play world police. Well, they already are, and have already created quite a mess. The problems with this, of course, is that the US is not a disinterested third party, but a highly involved military and economic player in world affairs. They are also are a notabel committer of greivous human rights abuses. As a result, they are hated in many parts of the world right now, not just in the Middle East. The oil for food scandal is troublesome to be sure, but is mainly brought up by dogmatic US neocons who don't want to be reigned in on their power trip. You may want to read this article on it: http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/sanction/iraq1/oilforfood/2006/0209oilforfood.htmThe UN is unquestionably flawed as I said. The five most powerful countries on the security council have vetoes. What we really need is a world parliament without vetoes, with all regions having equal representation according to population. I am not talking about an all -powerful institution that will reach into all corners of peoples lives, but it would govern relations between nations. I would suggest reading "Age of Consent" by George Monbiot. We have a number of state actors in the world right now with nculear weapons, and all it would take is on small mistake to start a chain reaction and blow us all to hell. Missile defense is no answer. In fact, it is an extremely dangerous proposal to all of us. There is no guarantee it would work, and it would put all other countries on edge.

Tom, I think you really do believe that the UN and Islam are the real enemy, and not the US administration, but I strongly disagree. Polarization and ideological rigidity are the enemy. Radical Islam is powerful and frightening, but so is US neoconservatism. There are a group of people in the US, called the Project for the New American Century, and their goal IS global military dominance. This is not conspiracy theory; this is fact. They are a coalition of religious/social conservatives, ideological neocons and military profiteers. I'm going to give you a couple of links so you can learn more about them.

http://www.sundayherald.com/33021
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/iraq/etc/wolf.html
http://www.newamericancentury.org/RebuildingAmericasDefenses.pdf
http://www.whitehouse.gov/nsc/nss.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_for_the_New_American_Century

Make no mistake about it, the rise of fascism in the US is a great concern. Civil liberties are being slowly eroded as well, under the guise of protecting its citizens. Check this out:

http://www.oldamericancentury.org/14pts.htm

Tom, we are living in very dangerous times right now, and what we need right now is the courage to ask questions -- of everyone. No authority must be above questioning.

Respectfully,
Stephen

Imagine peace

Watching the opening ceremony for the Winter Olympics, I was pleased to see Yoko Ono talk about peace, followed by a rendition of John Lennon's "Imagine" by Peter Gabriel. I found myself very moved by that.

The innocent have nothing to hide

Everybody Knows

Canadian icon Leonard Cohen had five songs inducted into the Canadian Songwriter's Hall of Fame, including this one. BTW, Don Henley did a great version of it. Looking at the lyrics again, I see how some of them are very relevant right now. Hell, maybe all of them.

Everybody knows that the dice are loaded
Everybody rolls with their fingers crossed
Everybody knows that the war is over
Everybody knows the good guys lost
Everybody knows the fight was fixed
The poor stay poor, the rich get rich
That's how it goes
Everybody knows

Everybody knows that the boat is leaking
Everybody knows that the captain lied
Everybody got this broken feeling
Like their father or their dog just died

Everybody talking to their pockets
Everybody wants a box of chocolates
And a long stem rose
Everybody knows

Everybody knows that you love me baby
Everybody knows that you really do
Everybody knows that you've been faithful
Ah give or take a night or two
Everybody knows you've been discreet
But there were so many people you just had to meet
Without your clothes
And everybody knows

Everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows

Everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows

And everybody knows that it's now or never
Everybody knows that it's me or you
And everybody knows that you live forever
Ah when you've done a line or two
Everybody knows the deal is rotten
Old Black Joe's still pickin' cotton
For your ribbons and bows
And everybody knows

And everybody knows that the Plague is coming
Everybody knows that it's moving fast
Everybody knows that the naked man and woman
Are just a shining artifact of the past
Everybody knows the scene is dead
But there's gonna be a meter on your bed
That will disclose
What everybody knows

And everybody knows that you're in trouble
Everybody knows what you've been through
From the bloody cross on top of Calvary
To the beach of Malibu
Everybody knows it's coming apart
Take one last look at this Sacred Heart
Before it blows
And everybody knows

Everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows

Oh everybody knows, everybody knows
That's how it goes
Everybody knows

Everybody knows

Harper's Cabinet

"Just mark my words. If they get elected, they are going to begin a massive review of programs and a massive set of cuts to government programs. And people are going to say, 'We didn't ask for this. Mr. Harper didn't say this is what he was going to do.'" -- Liberal candidate for Vancovuer-Kingsway David Emerson, during the 2005-2006 federal election campaign.

"Every man for himeself. The strong survive. The weak die. The rich get richer. The poor get poorer." Emerson, also during the campaign.

"I'm going to be Stephen Harper's worst enemy," he warned. "We're going to stir the pot and you better believe we are going to make a heck of a lot of noise." -- Emerson, election night.

Believe it or not, this man is now in Stephen Harper's cabinet. If I were a resident of Vancouver-Kinsway, I would be extremely pissed off right about now.

Mr. Emerson, will you fight to ensure the doomsday scenario you outlined won't ensue under Harper/

So is Stockwell Day. He's the Minister for Public Safety and National Security. Keep an eye on your civil liberties.

Gary Lunn is the Minister for Natural Resources. Stay on top of offshore oil exploration.

Also stay focussed on the Minister of Justice, Vic Toews, who apparently is a big fan of the notwithstanding clause in the Charter of Rights of Freedoms. Ergo, not a big fan of some of the rights and freedoms embodied in said document.