Ohioans Slam Boehner over Backroom Keystone XL Tar Sands Deal
Activists
bring "Human Oil Spill" to Boehner's front door in response to his
backroom Keystone XL deal and cozy relationship with Big Oil.
The Republican-controlled House passed a bill,12/14/2011, that would extend a Social Security payroll tax cut, but added on a series of unrelated provisions including calls for speeding the construction of the proposed Keystone XL pipeline that would move tar sands oil from Canada to Texas. Jon Boehner's handiwork.
Event was planned and executed by activists from Occupy Cincinnati Energy Action Coalition and 350.org.
350.org is an international grassroots climate campaign. "350" represents 350 parts per million, the safe upper limit of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. We are currently at 398.78ppm and if we don't change that soon there will be no turning back. Read more on YouTube description.
The Republican-controlled House passed a bill,12/14/2011, that would extend a Social Security payroll tax cut, but added on a series of unrelated provisions including calls for speeding the construction of the proposed Keystone XL pipeline that would move tar sands oil from Canada to Texas. Jon Boehner's handiwork.
Event was planned and executed by activists from Occupy Cincinnati Energy Action Coalition and 350.org.
350.org is an international grassroots climate campaign. "350" represents 350 parts per million, the safe upper limit of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. We are currently at 398.78ppm and if we don't change that soon there will be no turning back. Read more on YouTube description.
Large Anti Nuke Demonstration in Japan - Sept 19, 2011
The People's Days of Rage on Wallstreet, over 2000 show their anger.
SOA "White House 15" Trial Victory!
The SOA Watch movement claimed a victory yesterday, September 12, 2011, in its long struggle to close the SOA/WHINSEC and change the culture of militarization.
On April 10, 27 human rights activists lay down on the sidewalk in front of the White House, demanding that President Obama close the SOA/WHINSEC by executive order. The SOA has left a long and bloody trail through the Americas, as graduates of the school have terrorized, massacred, disappeared and tortured thousands of people, as they protect big corporations and failed economic models. Over many years of grassroots education, direct action and lobbying in Congress, the SOA Watch movement has demanded a shift from oppressive US foreign policy to respect for self-determination and dignity.
The SOA Watch movement claimed a victory yesterday, September 12, 2011, in its long struggle to close the SOA/WHINSEC and change the culture of militarization.
On April 10, 27 human rights activists lay down on the sidewalk in front of the White House, demanding that President Obama close the SOA/WHINSEC by executive order. The SOA has left a long and bloody trail through the Americas, as graduates of the school have terrorized, massacred, disappeared and tortured thousands of people, as they protect big corporations and failed economic models. Over many years of grassroots education, direct action and lobbying in Congress, the SOA Watch movement has demanded a shift from oppressive US foreign policy to respect for self-determination and dignity.
A little story-tellin' from my Code Pink sisters in Texas. Rock on women!...9/14/2011
Bush was speaking at this awful Mortgage Lenders' convention yesterday in Texas...all about foreclosures, evictions, how to get around those pesky rent-control issues, etc. Ugh!
We ascertained early on that there was no way to "attend" the breakfast (you even had to show ID to get a stars-and-stripes-laden conference badge), so we decided to drop the banners in the huge atrium above where the conventioneers were coming in. All the heavy security was at the doors to the ballroom, so we were able to display the banners to a constant stream of people for almost ten minutes!
When the hotel security finally arrived and said, "Please take up those banners," we said, "Okay," wrapped them up, and started to leave. We thought she'd just escort us out, but waiting at the end of the corridor was a boatload of uniforms from several different law enforcement entities. The man who appeared to be the head of hotel security had the last name "Hilton" and he was not pleased and declined to shake my hand. :(
They escorted us into an elevator and to an office with a lobby, where they had us sit down, show IDs, and read us the riot act. Then they took us separately into another office and a Secret Service guy "interrogated" us. Yikes! He asked what we were trying to do, so I gave him an earful about why Bush should be held accountable, listed some of his crimes, and said that we were just working for peace. He then said that that was going to be his next question - were we intending any violence? Wow - that really got me! I said, "No! That's why we're here: WE'RE TRYING TO STOP THE VIOLENCE!" Duh!
The whole time, we kept hearing "criminal trespass" and a couple officers were writing what looked like tickets, so I asked what they were doing and they said they were writing "Criminal trespass......warnings." Whew!
So, while the other two were being grilled in the "interrogation room" (somebody's office), I took the opportunity to go on & on to the several police officers who were left to guard us about everything, including the housing and financial crisis.
After finishing the separate intimidation sessions, we were all back in the main room and they said, "Last thing: ladies, are there any others of you in any area of the hotel who are planning to disrupt anything?" We said no. Then the Dallas Police Detective (the nice one, who protected our first amendment rights last week at the Rove thing) said, "Are you sure?" We promised and added that if there was anyone else, we didn't know about it. Then she asked again: "Are you suuure?" "Where's Reverend Diane? Are you sure she's not in the breakfast?"
Roflol. (Diane was home, sick.)
Bush was speaking at this awful Mortgage Lenders' convention yesterday in Texas...all about foreclosures, evictions, how to get around those pesky rent-control issues, etc. Ugh!
We ascertained early on that there was no way to "attend" the breakfast (you even had to show ID to get a stars-and-stripes-laden conference badge), so we decided to drop the banners in the huge atrium above where the conventioneers were coming in. All the heavy security was at the doors to the ballroom, so we were able to display the banners to a constant stream of people for almost ten minutes!
When the hotel security finally arrived and said, "Please take up those banners," we said, "Okay," wrapped them up, and started to leave. We thought she'd just escort us out, but waiting at the end of the corridor was a boatload of uniforms from several different law enforcement entities. The man who appeared to be the head of hotel security had the last name "Hilton" and he was not pleased and declined to shake my hand. :(
They escorted us into an elevator and to an office with a lobby, where they had us sit down, show IDs, and read us the riot act. Then they took us separately into another office and a Secret Service guy "interrogated" us. Yikes! He asked what we were trying to do, so I gave him an earful about why Bush should be held accountable, listed some of his crimes, and said that we were just working for peace. He then said that that was going to be his next question - were we intending any violence? Wow - that really got me! I said, "No! That's why we're here: WE'RE TRYING TO STOP THE VIOLENCE!" Duh!
The whole time, we kept hearing "criminal trespass" and a couple officers were writing what looked like tickets, so I asked what they were doing and they said they were writing "Criminal trespass......warnings." Whew!
So, while the other two were being grilled in the "interrogation room" (somebody's office), I took the opportunity to go on & on to the several police officers who were left to guard us about everything, including the housing and financial crisis.
After finishing the separate intimidation sessions, we were all back in the main room and they said, "Last thing: ladies, are there any others of you in any area of the hotel who are planning to disrupt anything?" We said no. Then the Dallas Police Detective (the nice one, who protected our first amendment rights last week at the Rove thing) said, "Are you sure?" We promised and added that if there was anyone else, we didn't know about it. Then she asked again: "Are you suuure?" "Where's Reverend Diane? Are you sure she's not in the breakfast?"
Roflol. (Diane was home, sick.)
Anyway...they took our pictures we're on probation and can't go back into the hotel for two months. Just before releasing us, the Secret Service guy gave the final reading of the riot act. Then I gave a long soliloquey about why Bush should be arrested and gave them the Arrest Complaint. Can't remember the exact words, 'cause I was a bit flustered, but it went about like this: "I just want to say that I find it so ironic that a man who is guilty of war crimes according to international law and the Geneva Conventions which stipulate aggressive war and torture as illegal is getting paid over a hundred grand to speak to bankers he bailed out, while three grandmothers advocating for peace and standing silently with pink banners are being treated as criminals." Somewhere in there, I threw in a line about the hundreds of thousands killed, including children. As I listened to my own words, I started to choke up at the absolute iniquity and human injustice of it all, and I ended up crying....which turned out not to be so bad, because I had a room full of very attentive people in positions of some influence who were listening to every word without interruption. And we ended on that note.
Anyway, here's the video. Turn up the volume after the Standard Rebellion intro.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPmsZ6uZow4
shown above
My favorite is the woman who flipped us off as the security guy in the blue shirt was calling for back-up. She was walking toward us, yelling "STUPID, STUPID, STUPID" the whole way. Guess she couldn't think of anything substantive.
Oh - just wanted to add that what probably bothered me the most - even more than the workshops about foreclosure, evictions, etc. - was that right before Bush spoke (actually he probably participated), they had a give-away of 5 homes to wounded veterans and their families. The lowest of low...exploiting wounded veterans to paint a veneer of altruism and legitimacy on themselves. And so many people will fall for it. But when I got really mad was when it dawned on me where those homes were coming from. (Some of their training was on how to get the most profit out of flipping foreclosed homes...and how to dispose of the ones that didn't sell.)
Sigh...our work is never done!
Leslie
Anyway, here's the video. Turn up the volume after the Standard Rebellion intro.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPmsZ6uZow4
shown above
My favorite is the woman who flipped us off as the security guy in the blue shirt was calling for back-up. She was walking toward us, yelling "STUPID, STUPID, STUPID" the whole way. Guess she couldn't think of anything substantive.
Oh - just wanted to add that what probably bothered me the most - even more than the workshops about foreclosure, evictions, etc. - was that right before Bush spoke (actually he probably participated), they had a give-away of 5 homes to wounded veterans and their families. The lowest of low...exploiting wounded veterans to paint a veneer of altruism and legitimacy on themselves. And so many people will fall for it. But when I got really mad was when it dawned on me where those homes were coming from. (Some of their training was on how to get the most profit out of flipping foreclosed homes...and how to dispose of the ones that didn't sell.)
Sigh...our work is never done!
Leslie
Thousands of environmental activists from across the continent plan to gather in Washington, D.C., for a two-week protest against the proposed Keystone XL pipeline
Environmentalists plan to hold sit-ins and other acts of civil disobedience outside the White House every day in order to pressure the Obama administration as it decides whether to approve the pipeline’s construction. VIDEO HERE
Has the Arab Spring moved to Israel?
A Sad Day for America
When our leaders respond to nonviolent protest with excessive use of police force and intimidation as was done at Quantico, Va. on 3/20/2011 it is showing a lack of respect for the principles this country was founded on.
As you will see in these videos of this event and the event that took place at the White House the previous day the people taking part are people who care about this country and many of them have served this country, some shedding blood for it.
They did not ask for the roads to be shut down or for anything any citizen of this country doesn't have a right to ask for, justice.
The video to the left gives the fullest detailed accounting of the proceedings at Quantico.
As you will see in these videos of this event and the event that took place at the White House the previous day the people taking part are people who care about this country and many of them have served this country, some shedding blood for it.
They did not ask for the roads to be shut down or for anything any citizen of this country doesn't have a right to ask for, justice.
The video to the left gives the fullest detailed accounting of the proceedings at Quantico.
Daniel Ellsberg, Ann Wright, Other Activists Arrested at Bradley Manning Protest ....By , AFP
Posted on March 20, 2011, Printed on March 22, 2011
http://www.alternet.org/story/150310/
Dozens of activists, including the man who leaked the Pentagon Papers on the Vietnam War, were arrested Sunday at a military base holding the US soldier suspected of leaking secret US cables, supporters said.
"It was a strong showing of a cross section of Americans who support Bradley Manning and oppose his unconstitutional confinement," said Kevin Zeese, an attorney with the Bradley Manning Support Network, in a statement.
http://www.alternet.org/news/150310/daniel_ellsberg%2C_
ann_wright%2C_other_ac...
My observations since I was there:
The show of force by authorities was very disturbing, costly and counterproductive considering that they were facing off with nonviolent citizens and veterans who were only there to voice their concern about the sad state of our country's government and the handling of Bradley Manning's case.
Posted on March 20, 2011, Printed on March 22, 2011
http://www.alternet.org/story/150310/
Dozens of activists, including the man who leaked the Pentagon Papers on the Vietnam War, were arrested Sunday at a military base holding the US soldier suspected of leaking secret US cables, supporters said.
"It was a strong showing of a cross section of Americans who support Bradley Manning and oppose his unconstitutional confinement," said Kevin Zeese, an attorney with the Bradley Manning Support Network, in a statement.
http://www.alternet.org/news/150310/daniel_ellsberg%2C_
ann_wright%2C_other_ac...
My observations since I was there:
The show of force by authorities was very disturbing, costly and counterproductive considering that they were facing off with nonviolent citizens and veterans who were only there to voice their concern about the sad state of our country's government and the handling of Bradley Manning's case.
*One thing to note is that even though it may have looked like Yemen or Bahrain, at least they didn't open fire on us.
Before participating in the demonstration I spoke with some of the young men from one of the swat teams that had arrived in the staging area. I had parked my car there in the morning before their arrival and soon found it surrounded by state police vehicles.
I was wearing my Veterans for Peace shirt and mentioned that I was a retired police officer. I remarked to them that it was too nice a day to have to wear all the body armor they were putting on, and one of them replied that it wasn't that bad, "It is a lot lighter now than when you were an officer".
I looked at his young face, probably the age of my son, and thought how sad it was that in a little while he might see me as an adversary and at heart we weren't.
He was there to do his job to uphold the law as he saw it and I was there to protest about the disregard for the law and human rights because our system is broken.
The whole incident never would have gotten to the level it did if the authorities had just let it run its course, but that would have been too easy.
S.Fryburg, Veterans for Peace
Before participating in the demonstration I spoke with some of the young men from one of the swat teams that had arrived in the staging area. I had parked my car there in the morning before their arrival and soon found it surrounded by state police vehicles.
I was wearing my Veterans for Peace shirt and mentioned that I was a retired police officer. I remarked to them that it was too nice a day to have to wear all the body armor they were putting on, and one of them replied that it wasn't that bad, "It is a lot lighter now than when you were an officer".
I looked at his young face, probably the age of my son, and thought how sad it was that in a little while he might see me as an adversary and at heart we weren't.
He was there to do his job to uphold the law as he saw it and I was there to protest about the disregard for the law and human rights because our system is broken.
The whole incident never would have gotten to the level it did if the authorities had just let it run its course, but that would have been too easy.
S.Fryburg, Veterans for Peace
Ann Wright speaks at Lafayette Square
March 19, 2011 Veterans for Peace & Code Pink coordinate a peace action in front of the White House that ends with a civil disobedience resulting in the arrests of over 100 people.
Code Pink has a message for the President
The money being wasted in wars can better be used to care for people here in the United States. "Bring the War $ Home." Mr President.
People in Ohio show their solidarity with Wisconsin protesters and
their discontent with Governor Kasich and his attack on the
working people of Ohio.
The Revolution is Televised (the People's Revolt in Egypt, Syria...the Arab Spring)
AL-Jazeera News live and commentary
also if you can't get through the above link try their Al Jazeera YouTube English Channel
also if you can't get through the above link try their Al Jazeera YouTube English Channel
Is a Giant Awakening?
There is no stopping the power of people with a just cause once they come together for the common good and share in the sacrifices that will force change to happen.
History has shown this to be true, but it is a truth that bad leaders do not want people to be aware of.
The sleeping giant is awakening.
History has shown this to be true, but it is a truth that bad leaders do not want people to be aware of.
The sleeping giant is awakening.
MUBARAK STEPS DOWN
The War is Making You Poor Act
Congressman Alan Grayson from Florida proposes an act in Congress that would give middle and low income earners tax relief, reduce the debt and cut military spending.
FREEDOM FOR EVERYONE
The tragic life of a street vendor
In a country where officials have little concern for the rights of citizens, there was nothing extraordinary about humiliating a young man trying to sell fruit and vegetables to support his family.
Yet when Mohamed Bouazizi poured inflammable liquid over his body and set himself alight outside the local municipal office, his act of protest cemented a revolt that would ultimately end President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali's 23-year-rule.
Local police officers had been picking on Bouazizi for years, ever since he was a child. For his family, there is some comfort that their personal loss has had such stunning political consequences.
"I don't want Mohamed's death to be wasted," Menobia Bouazizi, his mother, said. "Mohamed was the key to this revolt."
complete article here
Al Jazeera travels to the birthplace of Tunisia's uprising and speaks to Mohamed Bouazizi's family.
Yasmine Ryan, AlJazerra News
Last Modified: 20 Jan 2011 15:00 GMT
Yet when Mohamed Bouazizi poured inflammable liquid over his body and set himself alight outside the local municipal office, his act of protest cemented a revolt that would ultimately end President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali's 23-year-rule.
Local police officers had been picking on Bouazizi for years, ever since he was a child. For his family, there is some comfort that their personal loss has had such stunning political consequences.
"I don't want Mohamed's death to be wasted," Menobia Bouazizi, his mother, said. "Mohamed was the key to this revolt."
complete article here
Al Jazeera travels to the birthplace of Tunisia's uprising and speaks to Mohamed Bouazizi's family.
Yasmine Ryan, AlJazerra News
Last Modified: 20 Jan 2011 15:00 GMT
85-Year-Old-Woman Arrested for Bank Protest
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
-Martin Luther King Jr.
Some of the most undercovered stories of 2010 were actions taken by ordinary people standing up for a more just and equitable society. People are taking to the streets on a regular basis across the country, but unlike the corporate-sponsored Tea Party -- whose spokespeople can't answer basic questions about the deficit they claim to be so worried about -- those who believe in health care, affordable housing, economic justice, education, a living wage, and a better life for all rarely, if ever, get the attention they deserve. Instead, the media, even the alternative media, spent the better part of last year obsessing over the Tea Party and manufactured personalities like Sarah Palin, while ignoring people like 85-year-old Julia Botello.
Last month, Botello was among 22 people arrested for blocking the doors of a Chase Bank branch in downtown Los Angeles. Over 200 people, many of them homeowners facing foreclosure and eviction, took part in the action organized byHome Defenders League and the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment...
original article AlterNet.org
-Martin Luther King Jr.
Some of the most undercovered stories of 2010 were actions taken by ordinary people standing up for a more just and equitable society. People are taking to the streets on a regular basis across the country, but unlike the corporate-sponsored Tea Party -- whose spokespeople can't answer basic questions about the deficit they claim to be so worried about -- those who believe in health care, affordable housing, economic justice, education, a living wage, and a better life for all rarely, if ever, get the attention they deserve. Instead, the media, even the alternative media, spent the better part of last year obsessing over the Tea Party and manufactured personalities like Sarah Palin, while ignoring people like 85-year-old Julia Botello.
Last month, Botello was among 22 people arrested for blocking the doors of a Chase Bank branch in downtown Los Angeles. Over 200 people, many of them homeowners facing foreclosure and eviction, took part in the action organized byHome Defenders League and the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment...
original article AlterNet.org
Interview with Mossi Raz after Demonstration Arrest
Play audio
January 3, 2011 Former Israeli Knesset Member and secretary general of Peace Now was attacked by an Israeli policeman and then arrested Saturday night at a demonstration in Tel Aviv. Mossi and other peace activists were protesting against the IDF's use of excessive force in the West Bank. He spoke with APN about the reason for the demonstration, about the circumstances of his arrest, and about the struggle to protect Israeli democracy.
Touring Settlements with Peace Now
Israel's Channel 2 TV news magazine recently aired a special segment documenting their tour of the West Bank with by Peace Now. See the video (below with English subtitles) that was broadcast throughout Israel. It highlights realities of life in the West Bank and demonstrates Peace Now's ability to make its case against settlements directly to the Israeli public.
January 3, 2011 Former Israeli Knesset Member and secretary general of Peace Now was attacked by an Israeli policeman and then arrested Saturday night at a demonstration in Tel Aviv. Mossi and other peace activists were protesting against the IDF's use of excessive force in the West Bank. He spoke with APN about the reason for the demonstration, about the circumstances of his arrest, and about the struggle to protect Israeli democracy.
Touring Settlements with Peace Now
Israel's Channel 2 TV news magazine recently aired a special segment documenting their tour of the West Bank with by Peace Now. See the video (below with English subtitles) that was broadcast throughout Israel. It highlights realities of life in the West Bank and demonstrates Peace Now's ability to make its case against settlements directly to the Israeli public.
Afghans for Peace (AFP) is an alliance of Afghans from a wide variety of backgrounds, calling for “a democratic, all inclusive, just and peaceful Afghanistan.” AFP demands an end to military operations in Afghanistan, conducted by the United States, NATO, and other foreign forces. AFP calls for the expulsion of Al-Qaeda and the cessation of Taliban atrocities.Afghans for Peace encourages the implementation of “a civilian based peace initiative that is sustainable and inclusive of all the people of Afghanistan.” AFP is working to “spread awareness in the global Afghan community, encourage open dialogue, and discuss peaceful alternatives to war.”
Veterans for Peace Action at the White House results in 131 arrested. 12/16/2010
131 people were arrested at the White House in an action to End The Wars, including the board executive committee of Veterans for Peace. It is estimated that 2/3rds of those arrested were US military veterans. Of those arrested a number of women from Code Pink were also arrested. Approximately 500 folks attended the rally. Speakers including Daniel Ellsberg, Ray McGovern and Chris Hedges who were also arrested.
Veterans for Peace had delivered a request to meet with President Obama earlier this month about concerns of the buildup in Afghanistan, but never received a reply.
Veterans and concerned citizens stood their ground in the restricted area in front of the White House vowing not to leave until they met with the President or arrested. The latter eventually being the case.
Plans for future similar actions are already being made.
Veterans for Peace had delivered a request to meet with President Obama earlier this month about concerns of the buildup in Afghanistan, but never received a reply.
Veterans and concerned citizens stood their ground in the restricted area in front of the White House vowing not to leave until they met with the President or arrested. The latter eventually being the case.
Plans for future similar actions are already being made.
Color their world
Marco Visscher Ode Magazine
September 2010 issue
The favelas, grimy, dismal slums in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, are widely considered hotbeds of violence and crime. But Dre Urhahn (pictured on the right) has a different perspective. He sees the favelas as “a source of inspiration and creativity” and thinks it’s a shame they are maligned by the city’s wealthier set, which, he says, dances to the music created there. During his first visit in 2005, Urhahn was struck that rich and poor “breathe the same air but live in two completely different worlds.” Together with Jeroen Koolhaas—the other half of this Dutch artistic duo—Urhahn has been back several times to create a more positive impression of the favelas. How? By adding a little color to the lives of residents.One project, for which Urhahn and Koolhaas drafted a couple of young locals, involved painting works of art on several adjoining houses. They recently completed a new project in the infamous Santa Marta favela, working with 30 unemployed young people to paint 7,000 square miles (about 18,000 square kilometers) of houses. Completing the colorful artwork—visible from various parts of the city—helped group members gain a work ethic and work experience, which are likely to enable them to find more work.
Marco Visscher Ode Magazine
September 2010 issue
The favelas, grimy, dismal slums in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, are widely considered hotbeds of violence and crime. But Dre Urhahn (pictured on the right) has a different perspective. He sees the favelas as “a source of inspiration and creativity” and thinks it’s a shame they are maligned by the city’s wealthier set, which, he says, dances to the music created there. During his first visit in 2005, Urhahn was struck that rich and poor “breathe the same air but live in two completely different worlds.” Together with Jeroen Koolhaas—the other half of this Dutch artistic duo—Urhahn has been back several times to create a more positive impression of the favelas. How? By adding a little color to the lives of residents.One project, for which Urhahn and Koolhaas drafted a couple of young locals, involved painting works of art on several adjoining houses. They recently completed a new project in the infamous Santa Marta favela, working with 30 unemployed young people to paint 7,000 square miles (about 18,000 square kilometers) of houses. Completing the colorful artwork—visible from various parts of the city—helped group members gain a work ethic and work experience, which are likely to enable them to find more work.
International Peace Day Sept. 21, 2010
Montgomery County Commissioner Debbie Lieberman reads a proclamation from the County Commissioners' office pertaining to the opening of the Urban Youth Peace Academy in Dayton Ohio
International Peace Day Sept. 21, 2010
StreetPeace / Peace Academy Member Robert Austin speaks at our International Peace Day event. Robert expressed what many of us were feeling about the lack of news people at such a positive event. The Dayton Ohio that we live in isn't represented correctly by our news.
Peace Celebration Iraq & Iran Children
Tehran, 27 September 2010
Iranian and Iraqi youth were the stars at a 24 September ceremony to celebrate peace between their countries. On this date thirty years ago began the eight year Iran‐Iraq war that killed and injured hundreds of thousands of both sides. With a whole generation of orphans wishing to prevent future conflicts, the focus on children at the recent celebration of peace was most
appropriate.
The participating youth met at the Shalamcheh
border crossing, where the heaviest battle of the Iran‐Iraq war took place in 1987. They then
boarded the "Friendship Boat" anchored midway on Arvand River. The waterway forms the southern and most contentious segment of the Iran‐Iraq border. Dispute over navigation rights on Arvand was among the primary causes of the 8 years war.
According to well known Iranian novelist and peace advocate Habib Ahmadzadeh, who co-organized the event, Iraqi counterparts plan peace exchanges like this celebration in future years.
Ahmadzadeh, a native of the border area and a war veteran, believes the Persian Gulf remains volatile. He hopes to help reduce the likelihood of more conflict by healing the scars and erasing the hatreds of the past.
The Tehran Peace Museum was also a co-sponsor of the event.
Iranian and Iraqi youth were the stars at a 24 September ceremony to celebrate peace between their countries. On this date thirty years ago began the eight year Iran‐Iraq war that killed and injured hundreds of thousands of both sides. With a whole generation of orphans wishing to prevent future conflicts, the focus on children at the recent celebration of peace was most
appropriate.
The participating youth met at the Shalamcheh
border crossing, where the heaviest battle of the Iran‐Iraq war took place in 1987. They then
boarded the "Friendship Boat" anchored midway on Arvand River. The waterway forms the southern and most contentious segment of the Iran‐Iraq border. Dispute over navigation rights on Arvand was among the primary causes of the 8 years war.
According to well known Iranian novelist and peace advocate Habib Ahmadzadeh, who co-organized the event, Iraqi counterparts plan peace exchanges like this celebration in future years.
Ahmadzadeh, a native of the border area and a war veteran, believes the Persian Gulf remains volatile. He hopes to help reduce the likelihood of more conflict by healing the scars and erasing the hatreds of the past.
The Tehran Peace Museum was also a co-sponsor of the event.
An Afghan message of peace to Obama the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, about our savage Afghan instincts ; and timeless advice from the wall behind him
Please read our article at http://ourjourneytosmile.com/blog, as well as Ghandis and Martin Luther Kings advice to Obama
Transcript of video
The dark, savage Afghan
Have you seen people who are very wild, dangerous & destructive?
Ive seen them, yes
What sort of people are these?
They are very angry people & theyre ruffians.
Some people here say that there are those who have become like animals. What does that mean?
They are like animals because they are unethical & get furious
What does the insult become a human! mean?
The insult is for people who are naughty & dont follow human ways
You mean they are not humans?
They are humansbut they do bad and naughty things.
Who do we call a war-monger?
Those who are constantly angry & can never be happywho frown ( have sour-eyebrows ) a lot.
What do they do when they get angry?
They throw everything everywhere, they kick & slap others.
Dont they fight? Of course, they fight.
How can Afghanistan become peaceful?
We need to act in truth.
We should not lie or cheat. Then, Afg can become peaceful.
The bright, civil Afghan
Transcript of video
The dark, savage Afghan
Have you seen people who are very wild, dangerous & destructive?
Ive seen them, yes
What sort of people are these?
They are very angry people & theyre ruffians.
Some people here say that there are those who have become like animals. What does that mean?
They are like animals because they are unethical & get furious
What does the insult become a human! mean?
The insult is for people who are naughty & dont follow human ways
You mean they are not humans?
They are humansbut they do bad and naughty things.
Who do we call a war-monger?
Those who are constantly angry & can never be happywho frown ( have sour-eyebrows ) a lot.
What do they do when they get angry?
They throw everything everywhere, they kick & slap others.
Dont they fight? Of course, they fight.
How can Afghanistan become peaceful?
We need to act in truth.
We should not lie or cheat. Then, Afg can become peaceful.
The bright, civil Afghan
