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What I am doing and thinking!
David Bisset
Skotlando, United Kingdom
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Sunday, December 18, 2005
Israel still building
I heard a short talk the other night by someone just back from a stay in Palestine under the auspices of the World Council of Churches Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme. He had been staying in a village beside the notorious (and illegal) Wall.
He mentioned that the Wall does not go along the Green Line which was established after the 1967 conflict; it makes deep incursions into what is already rump-Palestine.
He also mentioned that a large Jewish settlement is about to be built on land which lies between the Green Line and the Wall. There is already a large hoarding advertising the luxury homes which will soon be on the market.
This action is not unique; but the report of an eyewitness is unusual. Israel by allowing this new settlement (in fact the land was sold by the State) is acting in contraversion of numerous UN Resolutions. What is happening is also completely contrary to the Road Map.
Who is protesting? Palestine, I suppose. Iran? Perhaps. The United States? Dr. Rice remains silent.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Tookie Williams executed
Today Tookie Williams was executed in California by mean of a lethal injection.
He had spent 24 years on Death Row; and had clearly indicated by word and deed that he had repudiated his violent past.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (well known for his peaceful films) refused clemency.
The most violent country in the world once more indicates that it is an international pariah.
The tragedy is that most Americans do not know this.
He had spent 24 years on Death Row; and had clearly indicated by word and deed that he had repudiated his violent past.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (well known for his peaceful films) refused clemency.
The most violent country in the world once more indicates that it is an international pariah.
The tragedy is that most Americans do not know this.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Condie justifies Covert Flights
So Condie Rice admits that covert CIA flights containing terror suspects are taking place; but she claims that they are legal. When she made this statement in Germany today her lack of fluency was all too apparent; even she showed acute embarrassment.
She said nothing about American detention centres in countries such as Romania; so we can presume that they exist.
Everything is in accordance with international law? Undoubtedly it is as legal as indefinite detention in Guantanamo.
CIA planes have been seen at Scottish airports. Has Blair given approval? We await an answer.
Amnesty International calls for an investigation; but who listens to them?
Sunday, December 04, 2005
George Best: an Exemplar?
I am very sorry concerning what happened to George Best; but the tributes paid have been hysterical.
George ruined his life; and, to his credit, wished what had happened to him to be a warning to others.
The amount of space given to him by the media has been absurdly disproportionate; and the scenes in Belfast were bizarre.
The so-called "beautiful game" is seldom beautiful ; but, together with crazed shopping, it has become a quasi-religion: both skillfully manipulated by the dark forces of capitalism.
George ruined his life; and, to his credit, wished what had happened to him to be a warning to others.
The amount of space given to him by the media has been absurdly disproportionate; and the scenes in Belfast were bizarre.
The so-called "beautiful game" is seldom beautiful ; but, together with crazed shopping, it has become a quasi-religion: both skillfully manipulated by the dark forces of capitalism.
