America: Your Solidarity with Paris is Embarrassingly Misguided

America: Your Solidarity with Paris is Embarrassingly Misguided

Op-Ed by Claire Bernish

November 14, 2015

(ANTIMEDIA) The World, at Large — We are in mourning. Again. Indeed, Paris is in mourning, again.

For the second time in less than a year, we are all de facto Parisians — with Facebook profiles, casinos, and whole buildings draped in the blue, white, and red of the French flag. Solidarity as sympathy, bien sûr — a most poignant message that humanity stands with Paris — and will act decisively to avenge the “carnage” unexpectedly wrought by those whose motives most will never fall victim to, much less comprehend.

Most?

Evidently, despite the accumulated knowledge of the entire planet at our disposal through the computer screen, solidarity has escaped some of us.

And I am weary.

Without question, I mourn for Paris’ recent victims and their families — and I would never claim knowledgeable firsthand experience of the same. But I refuse — despite my partial French heritage — to cloak myself in nationalism of any stripe or star, particularly not now. Because, besides victims in Paris, an incomprehensibly astronomic number of people have been grieving loss of the highest order for some time — in places whose names roll off our tongues as if it’s accepted that violence simply happens there — and a majority likely couldn’t guess the colors on these victims’ flags.

You see, I also mourn for those killed mere hours before Paris crumbled into chaos, in strikingly similar attacks in Beirut.

I mourn the hundreds of thousands displaced or killed in Syria, no matter their pledged allegiance. No matter their professed religion. No matter.

I mourn for the millions killed in ongoing and renewed, illegal United States’ aggression in Iraq — and those facing a torturous demise from exposure to depleted uranium employed in violation of international and humanitarian law — for reasons far closer to ‘American’ and corporate hegemony than compassionate principle.

I mourn the untold number killed in the United States’ insidious — and seemingly permanent — war in Afghanistan. And the countless children there who know nothing of peace, much less the feeling of safety it brings. And patients and staff recently targeted, bombed, and then shot while fleeing the Médecins Sans Frontières hospital in Kunduz — and the irony of that humanitarian organization’s French roots.

I mourn those forced into human slavery or sex trafficking in Malaysia; and curse the scant hope they escape, now that the massive TPP has garnered U.S. government’s tacit approval of the abhorrence that is human trade.

I mourn for Palestinians, whose land was usurped — and whose lives and infrastructure and families and sense of security and HOMES are under siege and occupation by an illegal and actively terrorist State.

I mourn the patients and staff at the over 100 healthcare facilities in Yemen that have been BOMBED since March. And the apparently soulless who found an acceptable target in hospitals.

I mourn for Yemen.

I mourn for the victims of complicit government violence in Mexico, and 43 students and their families who lack answers.

I mourn for Chinese men, women, and children working, quite literally, as slaves, so the West can be rude at dinner and take endless pictures — of its narcissistically apathetic self.

I mourn rampant genocide — past and present — for the sake of manifest destiny. And empire. And imperialism. And inexplicable and unstated reasons.

In fact, I mourn for all victims of terror, whether State or group sponsored, without conditions attached to my grief — no matter location, nor loyalty, nor arbitrary geopolitical happenstance of location of a victim’s birth. And I’m already grieving those soon to be terror’s next victims; since, as French President François Hollande jarringly warned, avenging Paris’ victims just birthed (yet another) “PITILESS” war.

As if gentle were somehow a method to employ in waging war.

Yes, I mourn for Paris. But I do so while weeping in shame at the deplorable supercilious judgment ensconced in Western reaction to it; for countless pitiable xenophobes and their endless vapid justifications; for arrogant commentary from politicians and their media mouthpieces with their embarrassing post-tragedy clamoring to exploit ignorant heartstrings for the appropriate victims; for the endless War of Terror — and the service members who somehow haven’t yet deduced that this would ALL END if they simply refused to fucking fight.

The fact is, grief on this scale is exhausting. And I’m very nearly out of tears.

So keep these victims around the globe in mind — every, single man, woman and child who has, who is, and who will suffer the maiming, horror, torture, and death that’s as necessary to war as those who take up arms — when you next excuse a politician’s stance on war, because the rest of his or her platform seems really promising.

Or, at least, seems the lesser of two evils.

And shake that flag from your social media profile; and your home; and your thoughts. Because as long as you wear just one flag, your attempt to stand with victims of terror is a most embarrassingly hollow solidarity, indeed.

Pasted from <http://theantimedia.org/america-your-solidarity-with-paris-is-embarrassingly-misguided/>

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Excerpt:”The World, at Large — We are in mourning. Again. Indeed, Paris is in mourning, again.
For the second time in less than a year, we are all de facto Parisians — with Facebook profiles, casinos, and whole buildings draped in the blue, white, and red of the French flag. Solidarity as sympathy, bien sûr — a most poignant message that humanity stands with Paris — and will act decisively to avenge the “carnage” unexpectedly wrought by those whose motives most will never fall victim to, much less comprehend.” Read more, click the link below.

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NB Commentary: KENYA ATTACK THAT LEFT 147 DEAD COMPARED TO PARIS ATTACK NEWS COVERAGE

NB Commentary: 

Any attack that is hosted by MSM is only done when it suits the overall agenda. Anything outside of the agenda and was not orchestrated by the puppet masters and their puppets has little to no importance unless it can be capitalized upon. #BringBackOurGirls Movement. In which, case it became a National and international project to have people holding white boards in front of them saying “Bring Back Our Girls:. In short order it was found to be a bit of a hoax for two reasons, the school mentioned was not the school where Boko Haram had raided. 2. Alternative news outlets exposed the lunacy of this one and it quickly became a non story. However, that did not stop Boko Haram from its terroristic threats and barbarism, but not in the context of the International spotlight.

And remember the bombing of the Mall In Kenya (Westgate shopping mall attack). That too hit the national/international newswire.. It served the agenda of fear and trepidation and shielded the real issues that were going on at the time. More proof that there has to be an agenda.

So… when there is a big hype about something in the news, look around, there is probably something else that is happening or has happened that they need to blow up another story to distract the masses. And sometimes, it’s just social engineering.

KENYA ATTACK THAT LEFT 147 DEAD COMPARED TO PARIS ATTACK NEWS COVERAGE

• WS

•  NOVEMBER 14, 2015

• PAULA MOONEY

• The way Kenya is currently trending on Twitter and Facebook shows that folks have plenty to say about the Kenya attacks in comparison to the news coverage that the Paris attacks have received. As reported by CNN, 147 people were killed at Garissa University College in Kenya back on April 2, but news hounds might only remember the horrific attack at the Kenya college as a blip on the radar in the news cycle in comparison to the equally horrific Paris attacks.

• According to the website popularity tracking list called “What’s Hot” on Alexa.com, an Amazon company, a BBC News article about the 147 people killed in the Kenya attack by an Islamist group is the sixth most popular URL on their list as of this writing.

• So many tweets and posts are coming into Twitter and Facebook about Kenya that some readers are getting confused, wondering why the Kenya tweets are trending. The Kenya attacks not only left 147 people dead, but also injured at least 79 folks in the attack that lasted for hours. It was a sad day for Kenya, which saw the country experience an attack that claimed such a high death toll that it was the largest amount of people killed on Kenyan soil since 1998, when more than 200 people lost their lives in the bombing of the U. S. Embassy in Nairobi.

• The disparity of attention between the Kenyan attacks and the Parisian attacks are being blamed on the fact that Kenya is a third-world country.

• The fact that Facebook has allowed folks to change their profile photos to French flags with Facebook’s new filter to allow them to support Paris, as reported by TIME‎, is being compared to the lack of Kenyan flag filters on Facebook during the time Kenya was attacked.

• Other attacks are being questioned and re-examined in the wake of the tragic Paris attacks, along with queries about the news coverage, or lack thereof, for other tragic events.

• As written by Jeremy Wheeler on Facebook about the Paris and Kenya attacks, some social media users are noting the difference in the tragedies in terms of the outpouring of worldwide sympathy and news coverage.

• “Apologists for the terrorists who murdered in Paris are popping up even before the bodies are cold. Back in April when Islamist terrorists attacked a university in Kenya what was the excuse then? Did you even hear about it?”

• The Kenya attack on Garissa University College in northeastern Kenya is being brought back to life months later as a means for social media users to give attention to other terrorist attacks around the world.

• While social media users recognize that both attacks are tragic, Facebook user Ann VanRyan wrote to Facebook, asking about the option for a Kenya flag overlay as Facebook offers the France flag overlay.

• “Facebook… Where’s my option to have the Kenya flag overlay on my profile pic? This is equally as horrendous and is happening every day in the poorest parts of our world. ‪#‎LookForTheHelpersJess‬“

• Related searches such as Kenya Paris and the #prayforKenya hashtag are also trending in the wake of the controversy over the difference in news coverage. The Kenya attack articles are being retweeted, causing some users to think the Kenya attack just occurred.

• (AP Photo/Sayyid Azim)

• Read more at http://www.inquisitr.com/2565791/kenya-attack-that-left-147-dead-compared-to-paris-attack-news-coverage/#956vGfFo6oqyd24f.99

• http://www.inquisitr.com/2565791/kenya-attack-that-left-147-dead-compared-to-paris-attack-news-coverage/

Has World War III Begun? Yes, and ongoing since 911

Has World War III Begun? Yes, and ongoing since 911

Actually, for all intents and purposes, a War On Terror to be orchestrated by every nation who wants to stamp out the terrorists by any means necessary, and all these countries are situated all over the globe, in essence is a World War, or the World at War!

People have been saber rattling the ole “Get Ready For World War III” as if they are clueless that the World as we know it, has been at War since WWII. And the US has been at war since 1775. They should call this country a colony of Mars!!

There are so many misconceptions about what a World War would look like, based on what the previous World Wars looked like, but technology has changed since the mid 1900’s. If the elite can foment ground war in every part of the globe under the banner of ridding the world of terrorism, then a World War has been declared.

How many nations participated in World War I?

It grew into a war involving 32 countries. The Allies included Britain, France, Russia, Italy and the United States. These countries fought against the Central Powers which included Germany, Austria-Hungary, Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria.

How many nations participated in World War II?

World War 2 was fought between two groups of countries. On one side were the Axis Powers, including Germany, Italy and Japan. On the other side were the Allies. They included Britain, France, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, India, the Soviet Union, China and the United States of America.

THEN CAME SEPT. 11, 2001

“America’s War on Terrorism” was launched at 9.30pm on September 11, 2001″

These Nations and Areas Suffered Losses From the September 11 Attacks

Antigua and Barbuda

Argentina

Australia

Austria

Bangladesh

Barbados

Belarus

Belgium

Belize

Bolivia

Brazil

Canada

Chile

China

Colombia

Czech Republic

Dominica

Dominican Republic 

Ecuador

Egypt

El Salvador

Ethiopia

France

The Gambia

Germany

Ghana

Greece

Grenada

Guatemala

Guyana

Haiti

Honduras

Hong Kong

India

Indonesia

Ireland

Israel

Italy

Jamaica

Japan

Jordan

Kazakhstan

Kenya

Lebanon

Liberia

Lithuania

Malaysia

Mexico

The Netherlands

New Zealand

Nicaragua

Nigeria

Pakistan

Panama

Paraguay

Peru

Philippines

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Russia

South Africa

South Korea

Spain

Sri Lanka

St. Kitts & Nevis 

St. Lucia

St. Vincent & the

Grenadines

Sweden

Switzerland

Taiwan

Thailand

Togo

Trinidad & Tobago

Turkey

Ukraine

United Kingdom

United States of

America

Uruguay

Uzbekistan

Venezuela

Yemen

Yugoslavia

Zimbabwe

“The War on Terror (WoT), also known as the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), refers to theinternational military campaign that started after the September 11 attacks on the United States.[40] The United States led a coalition of other countries in a long but unsuccessful campaign to destroy al-Qaeda and other militant Islamistorganizations.”[41] Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_on_Terror>

The rhetorical war on terror[edit]”Because the actions involved in the “war on terrorism” are diffuse, and the criteria for inclusion are unclear, political theorist Richard Jackson has argued that “the ‘war on terrorism’ therefore, is simultaneously a set of actual practices—wars, covert operations, agencies, and institutions—and an accompanying series of assumptions, beliefs, justifications, and narratives—it is an entire language or discourse.”[65] Jackson cites among many examples a statement by John Ashcroft that “the attacks of September 11 drew a bright line of demarcation between the civil and the savage”.[66] Administration officials also described “terrorists” as hateful, treacherous, barbarous, mad, twisted, perverted, without faith, parasitical, inhuman, and, most commonly, evil.[67] Americans, in contrast, were described as brave, loving, generous, strong, resourceful, heroic, and respectful of human rights.[68]Both the term and the policies it denotes have been a source of ongoing controversy, as critics argue it has been used to justify unilateral preventive war, human rights abuses and other violations of international law.” [69][70]  Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_on_Terror>

58 Participants in Operation Enduring Freedom
Rendition and the “Global War on Terrorism”: 28 Nations Have Supported the US in the Detention and Torture of “Suspects”
“Countries that held prisoners in behalf of the U.S. based on published data are Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bosnia, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia, Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Kosovo, Libya, Lithuania, Mauritania, Morocco, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Syria (ironically), Somalia, South Africa, Thailand, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, Yemen, and Zambia. Some of the above-named countries held suspects in behalf of the Central Intelligence Agency(CIA); others held suspects in behalf the U.S. military, or both.” Source http://www.globalresearch.ca/rendition-and-the-global-war-on-terrorism-28-nations-have-supported-the-us-in-the-detention-and-torture-of-suspects/18419

“The livelihood of millions of people throughout the World is at stake. It is my sincere hope that the truth will prevail and that the understanding provided in this detailed study will serve the cause of World peace. This objective, however, can only be reached by revealing the falsehoods behind America’s “War on Terrorism” and questioning the legitimacy of the main political and military actors responsible for extensive war crimes.” (Michel Chossudovsky, August 2005 )” Source: http://www.globalresearch.ca/9-11-and-america-s-war-on-terrorism/24975

“After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the Bush administration declared a worldwide “war on terror,” involving open and covert military operations, new security legislation, efforts to block the financing of terrorism, and more. Washington called on other states to join in the fight against terrorism asserting that “either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists.” Many governments joined this campaign, often adopting harsh new laws, lifting long-standing legal protections and stepping up domestic policing and intelligence work.
Critics charge that the “war on terrorism” is an ideology of fear and repression that creates enemies and promotes violence rather than mitigating acts of terror and strengthening security. The worldwide campaign has too often become an excuse for governments to repress opposition groups and disregard international law and civil liberties. Governments should address terrorism through international cooperation, using international law and respecting civil liberties and human rights. Governments should also address the root causes of terrorism, notably political alienation due to prejudice, state-sponsored violence and poverty.
This site deals with the idea and practice of the “war on terrorism.” Materials critically analyze the “war” and its consequences. The site looks at terrorism’s history and root causes and how the concept has been used and abused.” Source: https://www.globalpolicy.org/war-on-terrorism.html

The “war on terror” reformulates many aspects of world politics and the international NGO sector. In the US and elsewhere, ultra-conservative thinktanks have recently set up units to monitor and investigate the NGO sector. NGOs operating in “war on terror” conflicts feel pressured to either act as “sub-contractors for the superpower or pull out.” Source:  http://forum.prisonplanet.com/index.php?topic=127727.0;wap

Israel shoots down Syrian warplane
“Complicating matters further is that the news of the US attack was also complemented by news that Israel had shot down a Syrian warplane in what it described as an act of aggression, confirming the first such incident in three decades. Israel’s military said earlier it had shot down a Russian-made Sukhoi jet over the occupied Golan Heights, which in recent weeks has been the scene of fierce clashes between al-Nusra Front and the Syrian army.
The addition of Arab allies within the more than 40 nation coalition in the attacks was seen as crucial for the credibility of the American-led campaign, yet the inclusion of countries like Turkey – which has turned a blind eye to the mobility of ISIS, and other repressive forces, on its territory and borders – and Saudi Arabia – a nation that has provided a large chunk of the ideological foundations and practices that shape ISIS’ belief system – demands pause from observers and commentators examining the volatile events in Iraq and Syria.
The fact that the US is only willing to work with its allies in the region and is unwilling to significantly include states like Iran, which have contemporary experience in warfare against ISIS, suggests that the campaign is not really about comprehensively confronting the militant organization, but more about ensuring and sustaining American interests when the dust settles.”Source: http://www.mintpressnews.com/us-expands-global-war-terror-striking-isis-targets-syria/196871/

13/11 Paris Massacre: Cui Bono?
By Pepe Escobar and Oriental ReviewGlobal Research, November 15, 2015
Oriental Review 14 November 2015
Source: http://www.globalresearch.ca/1311-paris-massacre-cui-bono/5489112

Selective Empathy: Terrorist Attacks Rock Paris, Public Response to Tragedy Is Typically Disproportionate
By Daniel DeLafeGlobal Research, November 15, 2015
sott.nett 15 November 2015
Source: http://www.globalresearch.ca/selective-empathy-terrorist-attacks-rock-paris-public-response-to-tragedy-is-typically-disproportionate/5489179

Reaping the Whirlwind of Western Support for Extremist Violence
By Chris Floyd
November 14, 2015 “Information Clearing House” –

“We, the West, overthrew Saddam by violence. We overthrew Gadafy by violence. We are trying to overthrow Assad by violence. Harsh regimes all — but far less draconian than our Saudi allies, and other tyrannies around the world. What has been the result of these interventions? A hell on earth, one that grows wider and more virulent year after year.
Without the American crime of aggressive war against Iraq — which, by the measurements used by Western governments themselves, left more than a million innocent people dead — there would be no ISIS, no “Al Qaeda in Iraq.” Without the Saudi and Western funding and arming of an amalgam of extremist Sunni groups across the Middle East, used as proxies to strike at Iran and its allies, there would be no ISIS. Let’s go back further. Without the direct, extensive and deliberate creation by the United States and its Saudi ally of a world-wide movement of armed Sunni extremists during the Carter and Reagan administrations (in order to draw the Soviets into a quagmire in Afghanistan), there would have been no “War on Terror” — and no terrorist attacks in Paris tonight.” Read More

Again, when they say World War, they are talking about the “World” they live in and the interests they need to preserve; The War impact on the planet but every nation did not participate in it. However, if we can take a concept, Terrorism, and initiate a call to arms to fight it, the sky is the limit as to how far they can stretch this war based on eradicating a concept and ideology. Not a town, not state, nor country or territory. But individuals who can be targeted in any state or territory or country around the Globe.

Now that, Houston, is a World War!!!

Attack on Paris is an "Attack On Humanity?"

Attack on Paris is an “Attack on Humanity?”

Commentary by NB, 11-14-2015
I was just thinking to myself the other day, it’s been pretty quiet. I felt a shift in my person and said, it’s time for something to happen. And s u r enough. Now Paris is under martial law. 1500 soldiers? ?? Really???

Yeah, the whole line of “its’ an attack on humanity” can somebody give me a break???!!! I couldn’t even watch BHO make that ridiculous announcement. How is it an attack on humanity but when drones strikes hit innocents in the Yemen, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, how is that NOT an attack on humanity. I am insensed at how they can blatantly favor one portion of humanity over another. What about the attacks that are caused by the so called terrorists in Africa!! Why issn’t that called an attack on humanity?And we all know what solidarity means.
Even Russia is using this as part of their Agenda to support their acts against Terroristic threats, especially since Syria was not invited to the talks  about what is going on in Syria, so Iran said, I ain’t going and Russia is like well dang, if the major players ain’t gonna be there what’s the sense of me going. So we will just keep duking it out until we kill all the bastards! And for some strange reason even the US will not be there. HUH???

The US got played when Russia took over the fight against ISIS and its affiliates. Now they have to garner their allies by calling for a human shield against ISIS or whomever they are gonna claim did it. It’s the solidarity they need! The joining of forces against the band. Like two gangs fighting another gang. Russia is smacking Saudi Arabia! Russia is gaining ground with Iran and Syria! Russia is pulling in Iraq who told the US to stop sending troops to their country, they are now working with the Russians. Folks do not want an endless war on Terror! People are tired, dead and homeless!

Unfortunately as the WHATEVER agenda ensues folks are actually gonna die! They know that we smell a rat, so they are gonna kill some folks to get their programs in place. To me that is the real attack on humanity!

Paris, France…. Strictest gun laws in the world and terrorists can come in armed to the teeth and take out some 160 folks in various attacks around the city??

World and regional powers will discuss the Syrian peace process in Vienna on Saturday, as the world struggles to cope with the terrorist attacks in Paris. Islamic State, one of the key players in the Syrian conflict, claims responsibility for the crime.

“Without a doubt, what happened in Paris last night, cannot fail to affect the present atmosphere, and the negotiation process,” Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, said.

https://www.rt.com/news/322023-vienna-talks-peace-syria/

RT: Paris Attacks

https://youtu.be/qfUWyKFgzfo

“….Extraordinary Counter-Terrorism partner……? Mr. Obama?

Syria Not Invited to Talks on Resolving Endless War

Steve Lendman at SteveLendmanBlog – 1 day ago

*Syria Not Invited to Talks on Resolving Endless War* by Stephen Lendman On November 14, around 20 nations will meet in Vienna for more talks on resolving the long-running Syrian conflict – launched by Obama, intending to continue it until Assad is replaced by a US-controlled puppet. Late October talks accomplished nothing………..

US Rejects Russia’s Syrian Peace Proposal

Steve Lendman at SteveLendmanBlog – 1 day ago

*US Rejects Russia’s Syrian Peace Proposal* by Stephen Lendman Throughout four-and-a-half years of conflict, Russia has gone all-out to resolve it diplomatically – in stark contrast to Washington, wanting endless war continued, no matter the devastating human toll. Obama bears full responsibility for horrific carnage and mass displacement, using ISIS and other takfiri terrorists, imported foot soldiers from scores of countries, supplemented since September 2014 by US air attacks on Syrian infrastructure and other government targets, aiming to replace Assad with a Western-controlled..

Hype Following Friday’s Likely Paris False Flag

Steve Lendman at SteveLendmanBlog – 1 hour ago

*Hype Following Friday’s Likely Paris False Flag* by Stephen Lendman Unsurprisingly, Western media ignored what has all the earmarks of a well-planned false flag – Washington perhaps complicit with France. Maybe Israel was involved to justify its reign of terror on Palestine. The usual suspects were blamed (ISIS terrorists, of course) before the dust settled – the clearest indication of a Big Lie. A joint FBI/Department of Homeland Security statement said “(w)e will not hesitate to adjust our security posture, as appropriate, to protect the American people.” Expect harsher police… more »

• Obama claimed day before Paris attacks that he had “contained ISIS”.

• Submitted by IWB, on November 14th, 2015

• Pasted from <http://investmentwatchblog.com/obama-claimed-day-before-paris-attacks-that-he-had-contained-isis/>

• THE STRONG CITIES NETWORK

• “…through the Strong Cities Network that we have unveiled today, we are making the first systematic effort in history to bring together cities around the world to share experiences, to pool resources and to forge partnerships in order to build local cohesion and resilience on a global scale. Today we tell every city, every town and every community that has lost the flower of its youth to a sea of hatred – you are not alone. We stand together and we stand with you.

• “By connecting municipal leaders, facilitating information-sharing and providing training and other assistance where appropriate, the Strong Cities Network will help to fashion a global response to a global issue, without losing sight of its inherently local roots….It will provide a platform for discussing community policing and prevention strategies that safeguard the individual rights of citizens.

• “…the Obama Administration is deeply committed to ensuring that the Strong Cities Network is as strong, vibrant and resilient as the cities it unites…

• “When the representatives of the Strong Cities Network join together for their first Annual Summit in Paris in Spring 2016, they will be making a strong and clear statement to their citizens and to the world: we stand united against violence, united against fear and united in the pursuit of a better and brighter future.” Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch

• Pasted from <http://investmentwatchblog.com/red-alert-nwo-its-on-lynch-announces-to-un-called-the-strong-cities-network-22-world-cities-join-world-police-force/>

• 11:02 GMT

• The Islamic State terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the attacks that killed at least 127 people in Paris. In an official statement the group said its fighters, armed with suicide bomb belts and machine guns, carried out the terror strikes at various locations they had pinpointed in the heart of the French capital.

• https://www.rt.com/news/321883-shooting-paris-dead-masked

• Mon Dieu! A Review of French Gun Laws

• By Dan Zimmerman on January 7, 2015

• By Sebastian O. [Originally published on April 12, 2012]

• So, you’re thinking about moving to France, sitting under the Eiffel Tower, sipping a café au lait and contemplating the meaning of life. Come right across the big pond…but make sure to leave your artillery at home. Owning firearms in France and using them for sport, hunting, and self-defense makes New York City laws look tame in comparison and there is no second amendment to protect the rights of French gun owners. This post is meant as a basic introduction to the nonsensical jungle of French gun laws, sports shooting, and hunting and was inspired by last year’s TTAG break-down of German gun laws . . 

Don't Thank Me for My Service, by Camillo Mac Bica

Nana’s Commentary:

All my life I loved fireworks. I would go to the 4th of July display every year that I could. I would lie down on the ground and just take it all in. Then I read about the impact that they have on some veterans. I stopped going.

I think that veterans should be given every single thing they need to make it back to civilian life and then given anything they ask for. They go off and fight a rich man’s war and come back to very poor treatment and little consideration for their PTSD. High rates of domestic abuse, drugs and alcohol use, homelessness, poverty and suicide should not even be mentioned in the same sentence when speaking of a Veteran.

I am totally against the barbarism of war, but if these folks are going to go out there and cause all kinds of devastation to themselves and others for the benefit of the elite, then the elite should take care of them to the utmost degree!! Any country that does not take care of its veterans is truly degenerate and completely lacking of empathy, gratitude or compassion. And that’s what I have to say about that!!

 Don’t Thank Me for My Service
Sunday, 03 June 2012 08:23By Camillo Mac Bica, Truthout | Op-EdI do not want to appear disrespectful or ungrateful, but should we meet on the street one day, do say “Hello,” or “Fine day” or other such nicety, but please do not thank me for “my service” as a United States Marine. I make this request because my service, as you refer to it, was basically, either to train to become a killer or to actually kill people and blow shit up.Now, that is not something for which a person should be proud nor thanked. In fact, it is regrettable, and for me a source of guilt and shame, something I will have to live with for the rest of my life, as the past cannot ever be undone. So, when you thank me for my service, it disturbs me … a lot. First off, it brings to mind my wasted youth and lost innocence, and the horrible and unnecessary deaths of good friends and comrades. Second, it reminds me of my responsibility and culpability for the pain and suffering I caused innocent people, again something I would rather forget, but cannot. Third, it reinforces my belief that you have absolutely no idea about the nature and reality of the wars in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, because if you did, you would understand that thanks are inappropriate. Fourth, it reminds me that many of those who feel the need to offer thanks were apathetic about – or even supportive of – the war, while they refuse to participate themselves or did little or nothing to end it. And lastly, I have to admit that I doubt the sincerity of these expressions of supposed gratitude, as “Thank you for your service” is just something to say not because you care about what I did or sacrificed, but only to demonstrate your supposed good character, or patriotism and/or “support” for members of the military and veterans.

In making this request not to be thanked for my service, I am, of course, expressing only my opinion, and, perhaps, my idiosyncrasy, and I make no claim to be speaking for other veterans. I would wager, however, that many, perhaps even most, who have experienced the horror of war and have the courage and presence of mind to think about and evaluate what the war they served in was truly about would understand and probably concur with this request. Those veterans, however, who may not agree, who cling to the mythology of heroism, glory, honor and nobility of war, do so in large measure from fear that acknowledging war’s reality would somehow diminish their sacrifice and the sacrifices of those whose lives were lost. Perhaps understandably, they view such sacrifices and loss as difficult enough to live with when they had value and purpose, and as intolerable if they were misguided and unnecessary. To these brothers and sisters, I would offer the following questions and observations for them to ponder.

First, what was accomplished by your sacrifice and by the waste of lives and treasure in Vietnam, in Iraq and in Afghanistan? Where is the honor, glory and nobility in killing and dying for greed, incompetence, and paranoia? Second, the mythology you cling to for comfort is a tool of political leaders to make war palatable, to garner support for their militarism and abandonment of diplomacy. It is what motivates future idealistic, perhaps naive, young people to “heed the call,” to seek honor and glory, by enlisting in the military to fight for a cause they have been deceived into believing is right, just and necessary, but which is, in reality, a string of wars for corporate greed, power and hegemony. All who are touched by war are tainted and require readjustment, perhaps even rehabilitation, but in order to truly come home from war, to make the perilous journey of healing, one must face the realities of one’s own war experience head on, as no healing is possible from fantasy, myth, rationalization and distortion of truth.

So, in the future, if you really insist on thanking me for something, do not thank me for

the eight years I spent as a Marine, but for the 45 or so years following my discharge from the military that I have spent as an activist fighting for human rights and social justice and to end the insanity of war. Frankly, however, I would prefer that you just say hello, or fine day or other such nicety. You see, my activism all these years warrants no praise or merit, as it is not something I choose to do. Rather, I do it because I must, perhaps as penance for my culpability for the sacrilege of war. And if you truly want to demonstrate your good character, patriotism, and support for the troops and veterans, rather than merely mouth meaningless expressions of gratitude for something you don’t truly understand or care much about, do something meaningful and real. Do what is truly in the interest of this nation and of those victimized by war.

Make some demands.

“how can we still have troops in other countries and we celebrate with “bombs”… it would be lovely if we decided not to do them in honor to our troops… That would be a great way to say THANK YOU!”

Demand, for example, an immediate end to the corporate takeover of our “democracy” and to the undue influence of the military-industrial-Congressional complex. Demand sanity in Pentagon spending and a reallocation of finite resources to people-focused programs such as health care, education and jobs rather than to killing and destruction. Demand an immediate end to wars for corporate profit, greed, power and hegemony. Demand that we adhere to the Constitution and to international law. Demand accountability for those who make war easily and care more for wealth, profit and power than for national interest or for the welfare of their fellow human beings. And finally, demand the troops be brought home now, and that they be adequately treated and cared for when they return. So, should we meet on the street one day, do say Hello, or Fine day, and as you talk to me about your efforts to make this country and the world a better and more peaceful place in which to live, I would be happy to thank you for your service.

Source:

CAMILLO MAC BICA, PhD, is a professor of philosophy at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. He is a former Marine Corps officer, Vietnam veteran, longtime activist for peace and social justice, and the coordinator of the Long Island Chapter of Veterans for Peace.

Links: 
The Things They Cannot Say

More Than Human? The Ethics of Biologically Enhancing Soldiers

Fireworks, Triggers, PTSD, and Veterans

Swastikas Are Cross Cultural

7,000-Year-Old Swastika Pottery Discovered

 

A pottery fragment with the image of a swastika, dating to 7,000 years ago, and an ancient female adornment with a phallus are among the artifacts shown for the first time as part of the on-going exhibition “Gods, Symbols and Ancient Signs” in the museum in Vratsa in north-western Bulgaria.

The swastika-decorated clay pottery fragment was found by archaeologists during excavations of a ritual pit around the village of Altimir near the town of Vratsa.

The ancient find dates back to before the Copper Age and was used prominently by  many civilizations for many millennia.  This find adds to the notion that this symbol traverses the globe as well as the centuries and cannot be linked solely to Hitler’s party, archaeologists explained.

If you want to see just how deeply rooted the swastika pattern is in Europe, a good place to start is Kiev where the National Museum of the History of Ukraine has a small ivory figurine of a female bird. Made from the tusk of a mammoth, it was found in 1908 at the Paleolithic settlement of Mezin near the Russian border. On the torso of the bird is engraved an intricate pattern of joined up swastikas. It’s the oldest identified swastika pattern in the world and has been radio carbon-dated to an astonishing 15,000 years ago.

The Aztec and the ancient Mayan civilizations used the powerful symbol on burial mounds, clothing, and jewelry. 

In Europe, such symbols can be found in Roman catacombs, in churches, on plaza stones, and graves. Although it was commonly used all over much of the world without stigma and still occurs widely in religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism, the swastika has become stigmatized in the Western world, because of its iconic usage in Nazi Germany. 

Hiroshi Ōshima, the former Japanese Ambassador to Germany during the NAZI political era, believed that the noble castes in Japan, the Daimyo and the Samurai, were descended from gods of celestial origin, which was similar to Himmler’s own belief that “the Nordic race did not evolve, but came directly down from heaven to settle on the Atlantic continent.”

A swastika (卐) crossed by two arrows, within a shield and surmounted by a royal crown on an orange background was used as the coat of arms of the Samurai Hasekura Tsunenaga in the early 17th century.

The swastika symbol is a very commonly displayed and can also be seen, turning in either direction, on ancient Greek and Roman artifacts, often minted on the world’s oldest known coins.
 

The Anasazi people built dwellings in caves and recesses in canyon walls throughout the southwest United States from 1500 B.C. to 1350 A.D. They left many red-haired Caucasoid mummies with swastika artifacts, and even have a site called “Mummy Cave”, however any further study on their remains is prohibited.

Anasazi is a Navajo word that means “ancient stranger”, “enemy ancestor”, or “ancient enemy.” The Navajo Indians began occupying the area in the early 1700s, and also prominently used the Swastika.
 

In 1940, four tribes of Arizona Indians, the Navajos, Papagos, Apaches, and Hopis, banned the use of their ancient traditional swastika symbol from all designs in their basket weaving and blanket making.

Carved out of volcanic rock in eastern Africa, these are the famous cross-shaped churches of Lalibela, Ethiopia. According to Ethiopian legend, they were built by angels, and are filled with swastika symbols.

In the middle east there are examples such as the Golden Rhyton and a beautiful gold necklace of Swastikas found in Northern Iran, dating back 3,000 years to the first millennium B.C.

The site of Samarra lies about 60 miles north of modern Bhagdad. On the left below is a dish with four (4) women composing a Swastika, Samarra period (fifth millennium B.C.) The Iraqi Museum – Baghdad. On the right below is The Samarra bowl (5000 BC), at the Pergamonmuseum, Berlin.
 

The snake diety of the Maya was Kukulkan (“Plumed Serpent”, “Feathered Serpent”), also known as  Quetzalcoatl to the Aztec.

In Peru this ancient blue eyed bearded sun-god was called Amaru and the territory known as Amaruca.

Amaruca is literally translated “Land of the Serpents”. Some anthropologists have sided with locals and claimed that the name of America was derived from Amaruca, instead of after the explorer Amerigo Vespucci.

This theory may sound controversial or unlikely to some, but what is irrefutable is that their civilization widely used, and held reverence for, the swastika symbol; the same symbol found spread out all over the world since the dawn of time… but by whom?

Pasted from: http://atlanteangardens.blogspot.com/2014/04/7000-year-old-swastika-pottery.html

The Swastika (also known as the gammadion cross, cross cramponnée, or wanzi) (as a character: 卐 or 卍) is a symbol that generally takes the form of an equilateral cross, with its four legs bent at 90 degrees.[1][2] It is considered to be a sacred and auspicious symbol in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

It has been used as a decorative element in various cultures since at least the Neolithic, and is found on a man’s tunic depicted in a Roman mosaic at the Villa Romana del Casale in Sicily. It also appears on a mosaic floor at the Lullingstone Roman Villa in Kent, England. It is known most widely as an important symbol long used in Indian religions, denoting “auspiciousness.” It was adopted as such in pre-World War I-Europe and later, and most notably, by the Nazi Party and Nazi Germany prior to World War II. In many Western countries, the swastika has been highly stigmatized because of its use in and association with Nazism. It continues to be commonly used as a religious symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism.

Western literature’s older term for the symbol, gammadion cross, derives mainly from its appearance, which is identical to four Greek gamma letters affixed to each other.[5] The name swastika comes from the Sanskrit word svastika (Devanagari: स्वस्तिक), meaning “lucky or auspicious object”.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swastika