Saturday, December 27, 2008

Ten Eyes for an Eye



















And so the sickening cycle continues. Happy freaking holidays, world. Violence and more violence, and the Earth does not yet stand still. An Israeli assault on Gaza, operation ten eyes gouged out for every one and no peace in sight.











Conflict from Somalia, which may revert to square one just two years after a U.S.-backed Ethiopian blitzkrieg intended to permanently topple the Islamic Courts; through the Middle East and Afghanistan; through the Khyber Pass to Pakistan and India, where armies as large or larger than that of the US (still, itself, mostly bogged down in the occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan) face off in an exercise of saber rattling or downward-spiraling miscalculation. And so it goes to Sri Lanka, former home of Arthur C. Clark, where Tamil Tigers fight on against government onslaught. And so it goes.









Where are the peacemakers?




















Today's Rune: Initiation.

12 comments:

Charles Gramlich said...

Not much changes from year to year, except the names of the combatatants. And sometimes not even then.

the walking man said...

*sigh*

JR's Thumbprints said...

Is worldwide economic instability a factor? Or is it some trait ingrained in people that makes them feel hatred.

I've been playing that new game "Spore" and my creatures are currently at the tribal level. Hopefully, when my creatures become civilized there will be less violence. I don't know. It's just a computer game, but perhaps there's a lesson to be learned in it somewhere.

Distributorcap said...

has there really ever been a peaceful xmas ---

sad part --- is i fear it will only get worse....as the economic conditions deteriorate

jodi said...

Can't we just play nice? I abhor all war, violence, etc. Nothing ever good can come of it.

Ali Dahmash said...

This is a crazy world. How can Christian Palestinians celebrate xmas in Gaza and the holy land when Irsaeli planes have killed more than 300 civilians and 30 children and 20 women. When will governments realize that people in my region want to live in Peace and co exist. Good hearted Americans like you can end this bloodshed.
call your congress and representive now to put pressure on Israel to end this maddness.

Erik Donald France said...

Thanks, all for the comments.

Ali, I opposed the Iraq War, protested, wrote, etc. -- to no effect. I can lobby for a ceasefire or truce now, but think the Israelis are timing this for maximum effect, at the end of a lame duck term.

Ali Dahmash said...

I'm sure you did Erik, but we cant sit still and watch the killing of civilians on TV, we should all act and help as much as we can

Anonymous said...

Jewish Voice for Peace-Detroit Chapter & American Jews for a Just
Peace-Detroit Chapter urge the broadest possible attendance at a HUMAN CHAIN PROTEST in solidarity and sympathy with the people of Gaza, who are under
massive military attack by Israel.

Tuesday, December 30, 4PM, Human Chain Protest

Gathering at corner of Warren and Chase in Dearborn.

Following the protest a memorial service will be held at Byblos Banquet
Hall, 7258 Chase Road in Dearborn at 5:15 PM. Program will end at 6:30 PM.
Contact: Congress of Arab American Organizations, Osama Siblani /
313.505.4889
(See also the AJJP statement attached)

Jewish Voice for Peace has the following specific suggestions:

1. The US Campaign to End the Occupation has a list of street actions taking place around the US now.

2. Contact the US White House to protest the attack and demand an immediate cease-fire. Call 202-456-1111 or send an email to comments@whitehouse.gov.

3. Contact the State Department at 202-647-6575

4. Contact your Representative and Senators in Congress at 202-224-3121

5. Contact your local media
by phoning into a talk show or writing a letter to the editor.

Ali Dahmash said...

Erik, I posted some links to help put an end to this check this http://alidahmash.blogspot.com/2008/12/how-can-you-end-atrocities-in-gaza.html

Erik Donald France said...

Ali, thanks. We need a ceasefire and fast -- for everyone's sake. Spiralling out of control, reprisals, bombings, etc. -- it's all bad.

Will get to it.

Ali Dahmash said...

Thanks Eric, I know that many good Ameircans like you are very proactive.