Tonight I learned from the mainstream news that Iran is attacking Israel. While the MSN did not outright say that is was an unprovoked attack, the US, Canada and probably the UK are all supporting Israel and there was no mention that I saw of Israels attack on the Iranian Embassy in Damascus. Values and principles? They seem non existent in this situation. Also tonight, I watched this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1si1pzTszE. I don't know what to do about the mess our governments have made. Resist. Stand up fight back. Do not be silent. I don't really have faith that any of that will work, but I will keep resisting and try to find some balance. I read lots of news sources mostly sent by people on a discussion list I am on. Consortium News, Mondoweiss, Grayzone, Common Dreams. I am a supporting member of Independent Jewish Voices and I find many of the articles on that discussion list to be very informative. edit: there was a brief mention of the attack on the Iranian Embassy but it said 2 people were killed and I have seen other reports saying that 16 people were killed. Also mentioned in passing that 33,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israelis. Still not much in the line of "values and principles". Israel's genocide not called a genocide. Mostly talk aimed at demonizing Iran while mostly ignoring Israel's murderous streak.
The Iran situation is terrifying, especially the fact that MSM didn't mention Israel's attack on the Iranian Embassy in Damascus. It's so one-sided.
Take care, Susan, These are such scary times. I don't know if what I'm doing will make a difference either, but will keep on doing it.
I read the following on another Substack account, and wish more people were aware of it:
Iran Ambassadors Letter to UNSC Regarding Iran’s Response to Israeli Regimes Aggressions
Excellency,
Upon instructions from my Government and pursuant to our letter dated 1 April 2024 concerning the Israeli regime's armed attacks against the diplomatic premises of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Damascus, the Syrian Arab Republic, which led to the martyrdom of seven Iranian senior military advisories (A/78/838-S/2024/281), I would like to inform you that, in the late hours of 13 April 2024, the Islamic Republic of Iran carried out a series of military strikes on Israeli military objectives.
This action was in the exercise of Iran’s inherent right to self-defense as outlined in Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, and in response to the Israeli recurring military aggressions, particularly its armed attack on 1st April 2024 against Iranian diplomatic premises, in the defiance of Article 2 (4) of the Charter of the United Nations.
Regrettably, the United Nations Security Council has failed in its duty to maintain international peace and security, allowing the Israeli regime to transgress red lines and violate the fundamental principles of international law. Such violations have exacerbated tensions in the region and threatened regional and international peace and security. [emphasis my own]
As a responsible Member of the United Nations, the Islamic Republic of Iran is committed to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, and international law, and reiterates its consistent position that it does not seek escalation or conflict in the region.
While warning about any further military provocations by the Israeli regime, the Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms its unwavering determination to defend its people, national security and interests, sovereignty, and territorial integrity against any threat or acts of aggression and to respond to any such threat or aggressions vigorously and in accordance with international law.
The Islamic Republic of Iran will not hesitate to exercise its inherent right of self-defense when required. Should the Israeli regime commit any military aggression again, Iran’s response will assuredly and decisively be stronger, and more resolute.
I should be grateful if you would circulate the present letter as a document of the Security Council.
Thanks for sending that letter. I hope that somehow the work that all of us together are doing will help. At least the people are out there. I went to a demo today and it was raining and cold. Still there were a lot of people who came out. That gives me a little hope. I go to demos almost every week and so far, here in Montreal, there has been no violence from protesters or police. I hope that doesn't change.
Former Montrealer now living in Toronto; glad to see Montreal remains the place where people take issues seriously and protest peacefully. My heart still remains in Montreal. Take care
You've summarised my own analysis of government and my personal action program. Only caring actions and meaningful work helps me to cope with the horror of what we're living through. .
Very well put; keeping ourselves clean, building community, communing with Nature to get your true bearings and increase your humanity. Also, get off the consumption carousel. Buy less; build relationships with human and non-human animals.
One of your very best, Diana. Thank you for taking the TIME to put all of these many issues into a coherent whole, while still addressing the details, and possible resolutions of each. I think it's safe to say that you didn't put all of this together over this morning's cup of coffee, and it is very much appreciated!
Besides you I keep an eye out for the following: all of whom provide verifiable links to support their discussions: Dan Rather, Jim Hightower, Judd Legum, Lyz Lenz, Leigh McGowan (Politics Girl), Robert Reich, and George Takei.
All good points, Diana. I would add support organized labor. There need to be general strikes and targeted boycotts. Without the sweat of workers and the business of consumers the corporations that run our countries are powerless. They are fragile and we need to grasp that ultimately we have the power. As for the politicians? Forget it, they are the toadies of the corporations that own them and the Zionists who pay them.
Very good point about supporting organized labour, Mark. I will edit my post and add that.
Are you aware of Avi Lewis in Canada? He ran for the federal NDP in the last election. Although he tripled the NDP vote in his riding, he didn't win.
He's in a very interesting position: he's an ardent activist (also Naomi Klein's husband) and he's the son of Stephen Lewis and grandson of David Lewis, who were both leaders of the NDP, so he's sort of NDP royalty. I keep noticing the federal NDP moving to the left, and have to wonder if he's been using his influence.
That gives me a bit of hope. If you don't know of him, you should check him out.
Thank you for this article. It is so hard to hold hope amidst the abject chaos and disgustingness of (some of) humanity. This article reminds us to be vigilant and critical consumers of news and that we can make change. And the more of us willing to keep our relationships clean and lovingly tend to our patches on the planet, the less power we surrender to the greed mongers.
You paint an accurate picture, and suggest that we can step back to see the broader principles, instead of getting lost in the terrible details. True, our heavy emotional responses have not proven any effectiveness in confronting aggression. It used to be covert, and now more overt, but we can assume the visible part is just the 10% tip of the iceberg. The 90% submerged is on a more destructive path than ever.
WHY? Because it is now known that "western civilization" is powerless. I will hazard to say that it is a facade, and it doesn't even, or never really existed. If it has any substance please tell how it can be turned on and off at the flick of a switch? How is it that our form of "democracy" cuts us out of any serious deliberations?
Your first solution is to get up and run, deny the supply chains, buy locally, and get off the grid. Is running the solution, or is running the problem?? Then you paint some ideals about "a governance that functions". Who is going to do it, when you are all running and hiding? It must be - THEY - that have to bequeath a good government upon us. (Don't die waiting.) I am not offering any solutions. It can't be simplified.
"To be strong, we need to build community. Keep our relationships clean." What relationships? I know nobody who will not avert their gaze, and look down only toward to what they refuse to talk about. (Their No-Go-zones.)
The greatest enemy of the West is the CULTURE OF SILENCE.
Are you prepared that the Gaza killing will never resolve anywhere close to your wishes?
Are you prepared that all Ukrainian men between 20 and 40 will be dead? Many Russians too.
Can you admit that your rage means absolutely nothing in the world?
Can you investigate your role in your society that perpetuation the Us vs. Them paradigm?
Can you engage with whoever is willing to express a point of view, and see what comes of it?
WHAT ARE WE LEARNING?
That the Islamic idea of a martyr is a potent weapon, if it wasn't, we wouldn't be talking.
That human blood is a commodity, like a 1000 tons of gunpowder or a million gallons of diesel fuel.
In ancient conflicts lasting generations, the most potent weapons were women who bore the warriors.
All future combatants, all children must be killed, including any fetus that can be destroyed.
That something of our western prosperity is based on chaos and ungovernability in the 3rd world.
That we will do {anything} except step down from our "entitled" standard of living.
Some people are convinced that their force will subdue others, outnumbered 100 to one.
Is this because they know the powerlessness in the western Culture of Silence?
The only way the west can prosper is that billionaires must earn 1,000 times more than I do.
The only two solutions are: to break the Culture of Silence.
Tonight I learned from the mainstream news that Iran is attacking Israel. While the MSN did not outright say that is was an unprovoked attack, the US, Canada and probably the UK are all supporting Israel and there was no mention that I saw of Israels attack on the Iranian Embassy in Damascus. Values and principles? They seem non existent in this situation. Also tonight, I watched this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1si1pzTszE. I don't know what to do about the mess our governments have made. Resist. Stand up fight back. Do not be silent. I don't really have faith that any of that will work, but I will keep resisting and try to find some balance. I read lots of news sources mostly sent by people on a discussion list I am on. Consortium News, Mondoweiss, Grayzone, Common Dreams. I am a supporting member of Independent Jewish Voices and I find many of the articles on that discussion list to be very informative. edit: there was a brief mention of the attack on the Iranian Embassy but it said 2 people were killed and I have seen other reports saying that 16 people were killed. Also mentioned in passing that 33,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israelis. Still not much in the line of "values and principles". Israel's genocide not called a genocide. Mostly talk aimed at demonizing Iran while mostly ignoring Israel's murderous streak.
The Iran situation is terrifying, especially the fact that MSM didn't mention Israel's attack on the Iranian Embassy in Damascus. It's so one-sided.
Take care, Susan, These are such scary times. I don't know if what I'm doing will make a difference either, but will keep on doing it.
I read the following on another Substack account, and wish more people were aware of it:
Iran Ambassadors Letter to UNSC Regarding Iran’s Response to Israeli Regimes Aggressions
Excellency,
Upon instructions from my Government and pursuant to our letter dated 1 April 2024 concerning the Israeli regime's armed attacks against the diplomatic premises of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Damascus, the Syrian Arab Republic, which led to the martyrdom of seven Iranian senior military advisories (A/78/838-S/2024/281), I would like to inform you that, in the late hours of 13 April 2024, the Islamic Republic of Iran carried out a series of military strikes on Israeli military objectives.
This action was in the exercise of Iran’s inherent right to self-defense as outlined in Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, and in response to the Israeli recurring military aggressions, particularly its armed attack on 1st April 2024 against Iranian diplomatic premises, in the defiance of Article 2 (4) of the Charter of the United Nations.
Regrettably, the United Nations Security Council has failed in its duty to maintain international peace and security, allowing the Israeli regime to transgress red lines and violate the fundamental principles of international law. Such violations have exacerbated tensions in the region and threatened regional and international peace and security. [emphasis my own]
As a responsible Member of the United Nations, the Islamic Republic of Iran is committed to the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, and international law, and reiterates its consistent position that it does not seek escalation or conflict in the region.
While warning about any further military provocations by the Israeli regime, the Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms its unwavering determination to defend its people, national security and interests, sovereignty, and territorial integrity against any threat or acts of aggression and to respond to any such threat or aggressions vigorously and in accordance with international law.
The Islamic Republic of Iran will not hesitate to exercise its inherent right of self-defense when required. Should the Israeli regime commit any military aggression again, Iran’s response will assuredly and decisively be stronger, and more resolute.
I should be grateful if you would circulate the present letter as a document of the Security Council.
برچسبها:
Thanks for sending that letter. I hope that somehow the work that all of us together are doing will help. At least the people are out there. I went to a demo today and it was raining and cold. Still there were a lot of people who came out. That gives me a little hope. I go to demos almost every week and so far, here in Montreal, there has been no violence from protesters or police. I hope that doesn't change.
Former Montrealer now living in Toronto; glad to see Montreal remains the place where people take issues seriously and protest peacefully. My heart still remains in Montreal. Take care
We take them pretty seriously in BC too, Perry. I have a lot of respect for Montreal activism.
Of course. It was more of a comment of how I still miss Montreal, :).
I hope that doesn't change too, Susan.
Thank you, Diana. I especially appreciate the comment about keeping our relationships clean.
You've summarised my own analysis of government and my personal action program. Only caring actions and meaningful work helps me to cope with the horror of what we're living through. .
These are terrifying times. I'm glad you have meaningful work and caring actions, Pauline, and I hope we all have lots of support right now.
Very well put; keeping ourselves clean, building community, communing with Nature to get your true bearings and increase your humanity. Also, get off the consumption carousel. Buy less; build relationships with human and non-human animals.
Al Jazeera English is my news source.
I like Al Jazeera English too.
Sounds like we are on the same page!
Ian Welsh teaches us that, in the end, the only thing that the rulers care about is the loyalty of the enforcer class - soldiers and cops.
So how do we win them over?
When the rulers can no longer pay them, or their pay will no longer buy the enforcers what they want.
https://www.ianwelsh.net/how-to-know-when-the-us-deficit-is-actually-a-problem/
One of your very best, Diana. Thank you for taking the TIME to put all of these many issues into a coherent whole, while still addressing the details, and possible resolutions of each. I think it's safe to say that you didn't put all of this together over this morning's cup of coffee, and it is very much appreciated!
Besides you I keep an eye out for the following: all of whom provide verifiable links to support their discussions: Dan Rather, Jim Hightower, Judd Legum, Lyz Lenz, Leigh McGowan (Politics Girl), Robert Reich, and George Takei.
Thanks, Peter. I'll check out your recommendations when I get a chance.
All good points, Diana. I would add support organized labor. There need to be general strikes and targeted boycotts. Without the sweat of workers and the business of consumers the corporations that run our countries are powerless. They are fragile and we need to grasp that ultimately we have the power. As for the politicians? Forget it, they are the toadies of the corporations that own them and the Zionists who pay them.
Very good point about supporting organized labour, Mark. I will edit my post and add that.
Are you aware of Avi Lewis in Canada? He ran for the federal NDP in the last election. Although he tripled the NDP vote in his riding, he didn't win.
He's in a very interesting position: he's an ardent activist (also Naomi Klein's husband) and he's the son of Stephen Lewis and grandson of David Lewis, who were both leaders of the NDP, so he's sort of NDP royalty. I keep noticing the federal NDP moving to the left, and have to wonder if he's been using his influence.
That gives me a bit of hope. If you don't know of him, you should check him out.
Thanks for the info.
My pleasure, Mark. I'm glad you enjoyed the post and got something out of it.
Thank you for this article. It is so hard to hold hope amidst the abject chaos and disgustingness of (some of) humanity. This article reminds us to be vigilant and critical consumers of news and that we can make change. And the more of us willing to keep our relationships clean and lovingly tend to our patches on the planet, the less power we surrender to the greed mongers.
We must work for justice and peace on all fronts.
Hello Diana Van Eyk:
You paint an accurate picture, and suggest that we can step back to see the broader principles, instead of getting lost in the terrible details. True, our heavy emotional responses have not proven any effectiveness in confronting aggression. It used to be covert, and now more overt, but we can assume the visible part is just the 10% tip of the iceberg. The 90% submerged is on a more destructive path than ever.
WHY? Because it is now known that "western civilization" is powerless. I will hazard to say that it is a facade, and it doesn't even, or never really existed. If it has any substance please tell how it can be turned on and off at the flick of a switch? How is it that our form of "democracy" cuts us out of any serious deliberations?
Your first solution is to get up and run, deny the supply chains, buy locally, and get off the grid. Is running the solution, or is running the problem?? Then you paint some ideals about "a governance that functions". Who is going to do it, when you are all running and hiding? It must be - THEY - that have to bequeath a good government upon us. (Don't die waiting.) I am not offering any solutions. It can't be simplified.
"To be strong, we need to build community. Keep our relationships clean." What relationships? I know nobody who will not avert their gaze, and look down only toward to what they refuse to talk about. (Their No-Go-zones.)
The greatest enemy of the West is the CULTURE OF SILENCE.
Are you prepared that the Gaza killing will never resolve anywhere close to your wishes?
Are you prepared that all Ukrainian men between 20 and 40 will be dead? Many Russians too.
Can you admit that your rage means absolutely nothing in the world?
Can you investigate your role in your society that perpetuation the Us vs. Them paradigm?
Can you engage with whoever is willing to express a point of view, and see what comes of it?
WHAT ARE WE LEARNING?
That the Islamic idea of a martyr is a potent weapon, if it wasn't, we wouldn't be talking.
That human blood is a commodity, like a 1000 tons of gunpowder or a million gallons of diesel fuel.
In ancient conflicts lasting generations, the most potent weapons were women who bore the warriors.
All future combatants, all children must be killed, including any fetus that can be destroyed.
That something of our western prosperity is based on chaos and ungovernability in the 3rd world.
That we will do {anything} except step down from our "entitled" standard of living.
Some people are convinced that their force will subdue others, outnumbered 100 to one.
Is this because they know the powerlessness in the western Culture of Silence?
The only way the west can prosper is that billionaires must earn 1,000 times more than I do.
The only two solutions are: to break the Culture of Silence.
And then; let's talk about it.
.