January 2013 News

JANUARY 2013

WELCOME TO 2013, THE YEAR OF THE DRONE AND UNENDING WAR!

It’s a new year, a new month, and a new war!  Mali is the lucky ducky this month, although it does look like this war will spread throughout northern Africa. And our President (at his inauguration) said that “a decade of war is now ending” and he totally forgot to mention that another decade of war is now beginning (and he was bombing Yemen at the same day).

At the end of the month, France says that “combat operations are over” on NPR – no wait, I got that wrong – they said “fighting is over”. I guess it is no longer okay to call these “humanitarian” operations “combat”. See below for how that is turning out. The month ends with Israel’s attack on Syria and the US installing Patriot missiles in Turkey (and the locals are protesting) and installing drones in Niger. Here is some of the news from the past month.

NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE:  CIA agent (who blew the whistle on torture) sent to jail for 30 months for leaking a covert officer’s name to the media. No punishment for those who actually tortured. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-21203233

Wikileaks – The best of 2012. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWW2wcl6w9I&feature=youtu.be

Pakistan – Seven charity workers shot dead in northwest Pakistan. January 1, 2013. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20880948

Pakistan – Drone strike kills 15, including a Taliban leader. [Other sources say that some of the people killed were rescuers, and that the Taliban leader was part of the “good” Taliban, per Pakistan officials. January 3, 2013]  http://edition.cnn.com/2013/01/03/world/asia/pakistan-drone-strikes/index.html

Pakistan – US drone attack kills eight suspected militants. [Other reports put the number at 12. January 6, 2013] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20925193

Pakistan – A suspected U.S. drone strike killed 17 people and wounded three Sunday in Pakistan's volatile tribal region, Pakistani intelligence officials said. [January 6, 2013] http://edition.cnn.com/2013/01/06/world/asia/pakistan-drone-strike/index.html

Pakistan – Another drone strike kills eight. [January 7, 2013] http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/08/us-pakistan-drone-idUSBRE90705320130108

Pakistan – Six drone strikes in 8 days and 35 dead.  The US drone war on Pakistan is back. [I think the estimate of the number of dead is way too low. January 9, 2013] http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2013/01/09/news/foreign/6-strikes-in-8-days-35-dead-the-us-drone-war-on-pakistan-is-back/

Pakistan – Three bombings results in scores of dead and hundreds of wounded.  Shia Muslims were targeted. [January 11, 2013] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20982061

Pakistan – Death toll from bombing rises to 120. Pakistani Shiites protest after bombings kill 120. [Large protests in Lahore, Islamabad,  and across Pakistan on January 13, 2013.] http://www.centredaily.com/2013/01/10/3460303/bomb-drone-attack-kill-17-people.html

Pakistan – Pakistani protesters rallied for a third day on Wednesday in the largest political demonstration seen for years in the capital, calling on the government to quit after the Supreme Court ordered the arrest of the prime minister. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Pakistan-cleric-propels-protest-into-third-day/articleshow/18043713.cms

Afghanistan – Pakistan fires missiles into Afghanistan and kills or injures four civilians. http://www.khaama.com/pakistan-fire-12-missiles-in-kunar-4-killed-or-injured-1187

Afghanistan – How Afghan soldier turns into an enemy of the US military [Surprise! People don’t like being occupied! Who could have guessed?] http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/04/world/asia/afghan-soldiers-journey-from-friend-to-killer-of-americans.html

Afghanistan – About 73% of people in Afghanistan do not have access to clean drinking water.  As a result, diarrheal diseases are responsible for the death of 48,545 children every year in the country.  http://www.khaama.com/133-children-die-a-day-in-afghanistan

Afghanistan – Pictures of the people of Afghanistan. http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/life-and-war-in-afghanistan-jan-2013/2013/01/04/46a447ce-56ba-11e2-a613-ec8d394535c6_gallery.html

Afghanistan – Blast kills seven civilians after raid. An explosion Sunday killed seven Afghan villagers as they tried to pull bodies from the rubble of a village mosque after a night raid by NATO and Afghan troops, officials said. Four insurgents and an Afghan soldier were also reported killed in the operation.

http://seattletimes.com/html/nationworld/2020121782_apasafghanistan.html

Afghanistan – At least three Afghan civilians working for NATO troops died following the collapse of the roof of a building they were working in at Bagram. http://www.khaama.com/afghans-contracted-by-nato-die-in-bagram-airfield-2233

Afghanistan – UN report says almost a third of all detainees transferred to Afghan control are tortured and some are kept at secret sites. http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/20/us-afghanistan-un-torture-idUSBRE90J0FP20130120 

Afghanistan – US drone strike reportedly kills two Taliban. http://www.bakhtarnews.com.af/eng/security/item/5967-2-taliban-commanders-killed-in-drone-attack-in-kunar.html

Afghanistan – ISAF planes kill 15 people at a mosque in Wardak province. [January 13, 2013] http://english.ruvr.ru/2013_01_13/Air-attacks-kill-15-in-Afghanistan/

Afghanistan – The US government seeking a non-violent solution in Afghanistan, by offering office space in Qatar to the Taliban for talks. http://world.time.com/2013/01/22/the-lure-of-office-space-and-other-ways-to-talk-to-the-taliban/

Afghanistan – Mutilated body of an Afghan man found in south Waziristan tribal district, which borders Afghanistan. He was left with a note that accused him of spying and collaborating with US drone strikes that killed a prominent warload in Pakistan. http://gulftoday.ae/portal/855654a1-685b-4678-8d8b-1c8ec3778667.aspx

Afghanistan – Women killed and two kids hurt in ISAF raid. http://paktribune.com/news/Woman-killed-2-kids-hurt-in-raid-256840.html

USA – White House wins fight to keep drone killings secret. http://rt.com/usa/news/drone-kill-mcmahon-obama-245/

USA – Compare US health statistics to other developed countries.  We are #1 in violent deaths, war deaths, and car accident deaths. http://sites.nationalacademies.org/DBASSE/CPOP/DBASSE_080393#deaths-from-all-causes

USA – The NYT erases the occupation of Palestine. http://mondoweiss.net/2013/01/literally-occupation-coverage.html

USA – The President promotes two drone bombing enthusiasts to cabinet positions.  Watch Obama nodding at his choices at this sickening press conference.  http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/video/2013/jan/08/chuck-hagel-john-brennan-video

USA – Terrorism suspects from Europe were secretly held in NYC under false names for over five weeks! http://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/2013/01/11/european-terrorism-suspects-secretly-held-in-new-york-under-false-names/

USA – How HSBC bank got away with money laundering for drug cartels. [This is a travesty.] http://www.alternet.org/how-hsbc-bank-got-away-money-laundering-drug-cartels

USA- Aside from the initial bombing of Afghanistan in 2001 and the "shock and awe" bombing of Iraq in March and April 2003, the Obama administration has conducted more air strikes day-in day-out than the Bush administration. Bush's roughly 24,000 air strikes in seven years from 2002 to 2008 amounted to an air strike about every 3 hours, while Obama's 20,130 in four years add up to one every 1-3/4 hours. [Bombs have been dropped in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia and Libya by Obama. And likely also the Philippines.] http://www.alternet.org/world/bomber-chief-20000-airstrikes-presidents-first-term-cause-death-and-destruction-iraq-somalia

USA – Obama says in inauguration speech that a “decade of war is now ending” and then bombs Yemen several times. 

USA – Antiwar rapper was thrown off stage at pre-inauguration event. He was criticizing Obama, of course.

USA – The myth of America’s shadow wars.

http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2013/01/the-myths-of-americas-shadow-war/272712/

Syria – Unrest in Syria has resulted in 60,000 deaths. [Rather interesting that a few short years ago, the corporate media could not tell us how many Iraqis were killed – and they still cannot! Yet there was a US presence inside Iraq (not so in Syria) and eight times as many Iraqi refugees in foreign countries as there are currently from Syria. The estimate of Iraqi deaths is 120,000 – which is nonsense. That conflict was MUCH worse and went on for nine years – Syrian conflict is not yet two years old. I do not know if 60,000 dead is a good estimate in Syria or not, but I am finding that the coverage of Syrian refugees and deaths is way more extensive than the coverage of Iraqi refugees and deaths.] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20893697

Syria – A jihadist group with links to al Qaeda has become the most effective of the different factions fighting the Syrian regime, according to a new analysis, and now has some 5,000 fighters. http://www.iowastatedaily.com/news/world/article_33bdff22-5923-11e2-af78-001a4bcf887a.html

Syria – The FSA fighters, lead by jihadist groups al-Nusra Front, Ahrar al-Sham and the Islamic Vanguard, have overrun a key Syrian airbase that had been used to attack rebel-held areas. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20984142

Syria – Bombing at Aleppo University kills 87 and wounds over 100 more. Current government and rebels blame each other. http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/world/39528-campus-blasts-kill-87-in-syria-s-aleppo

Syria – Over 100 people killed in massacre in Haswiya, near Homs. Some were shot, some were stabbed, some were burned. Rebels blame the Assad government forces; they say the rebels did it. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21073447

Syria – Fierce clashes raged late on Thursday in the majority Kurdish northern Syrian city of Ras al-Ain, on the Turkish border, pitting jihadists against Kurdish fighters, residents and an activist said. The fighting comes six months after troops loyal to President Bashar Assad withdrew from majority Kurdish areas, leaving residents to fend for themselves. Jihadists have since staged several assaults on the strategic city, and most of its residents have fled. http://www.news24.com/World/News/Syria-Clashes-pit-Kurds-against-jihadists-20130118

Syria – Rebels unable to form a transitional government. http://news.yahoo.com/syrian-opposition-leaders-fail-form-government-162632697.html 

Syria – Suicide bomber in a car targets pro-government forces and has killed dozens in Hama province. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21122618

Syria – Syrian Kurds urged the opposition to halt a siege against them by Islamist rebels, as the UN condemned the killing of dozens of children across the country over the past week. The Kurdish National Council, a pro-opposition umbrella group of Syrian Kurdish parties, condemned what it said was an ongoing assault "against unarmed civilians" by jihadist insurgents on the northern town of Ras al-Ain. [January 19, 2013] http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jlFOYpvN4e5AYB0HpWBEWl9auf1A

Syria – More young Syrians disillusioned by the revolution. http://articles.latimes.com/2013/jan/20/world/la-fg-syria-mood-20130121

Syria – A week of interviews with rebel groups in north Syria has revealed a schism developing between the jihadists and residents. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jan/17/syria-crisis-alqaida-fighters-true-colours

Syria – A senior member of Saudi Arabia's monarchy called on Friday for Syrian rebels to be given anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons to "level the playing field" in their battle against President Bashar al-Assad. [He obviously does not care who lives or dies.] http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/25/syria-crisis-saudi-idUSL6N0AUAL720130125

Syria – At least 71 bodies, with hands tied and gunshot to the head, pulled from a river. Rebels blame the government, and the government blames rebels. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21255536 

Syria – Syria confirms Israeli airstrikes against military targets. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/01/2013130165625330449.html

Syria – US effort to undercut Islamist rebels appears to have failed. [January 28, 2013] www.mcclatchydc.com/2013/01/28/181279/us-effort-to-undercut-islamist.html

Syria – Battle scenes. http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2013/01/intense-battle-scenes-from-damascus/100450/

Turkey – Turkish police arrest dozens of anti-Patriot NATO missiles protestors. [Patriot missiles now in Turkey are located at the border with Syria.] http://www.almanar.com.lb/english/adetails.php?eid=80506&frid=22&seccatid=55&cid=22&fromval=1 

Yemen – US drone bombing kills three al Qaeda suspects. http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Jan-03/200787-drone-kills-3-al-qaeda-suspects-in-yemen.ashx

Yemen – US drone bombing kills four al Qaeda suspects. This is the third such bombing in three days, with six suspects reported killed in the other two bombings. Armed tribesman, angry at what they said was a drone attack on an area inhabited by civilians, blocked the main road linking Maarib with Sanaa. [January 21, 2013] http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/21/us-yemen-violence-usa-idUSBRE90K0AB20130121

Yemen – US drone bombing kills four al Qaeda suspects. This is the fourth such bombing in recent days. [January 22, 2013] http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/22/us-yemen-qaeda-idUSBRE90L0VJ20130122

Yemen – US drone bombing kills seven al Qaeda suspects. [January 23, 2013] http://www.timesofisrael.com/us-drone-strike-in-yemen-reportedly-kills-seven/

Yemen - Yemen’s army launched an offensive against al Qaida-linked militants in central Bayda province on Monday after negotiations failed to win the militants’ peaceful surrender and the release of three Western hostages. Sources in the province claim public anger over the [drone] strikes has led many local tribesmen to refuse to cooperate with the military’s offensive. [January 28, 2013] www.mcclatchydc.com/2013/01/28/181284/yemen-moves-against-al-qaida-linked.html

Iraq – Car bomb kills 27 Shia Muslim pilgrims. [January 4, 2013] http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/01/201313151824519508.html

Iraq – At least 23 people killed and 87 wounded in attacks across Iraq. [January 14, 2013] http://uk.news.yahoo.com/explosions-across-iraq-kill-least-10-wound-46-083522352.html

Iraq – Wave of attacks kills 42 people as hundreds attended the funeral of a Sunni MP who died in a suicide attack a day earlier.  The attacks also wounded another 245 people. [January 16, 2013] http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/world/15853682/wave-of-iraq-attacks-leave-33-dead/

Iraq – Protests in Iraq continue. Thousands of Sunnis take to the streets of Baghdad and other parts of the country to decry alleged targeting of minorities and government corruption. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/01/201311204814911200.html

Iraq – Turkish jets bomb over 50 Kurdish rebel targets in Iraq. [January 16, 2013] http://www.brecorder.com/world/middle-east/101377.html 

Iraq – Bombings in Iraq kill another 22 people. [Other reports say the toll was 29 dead. January 17, 2013] http://uk.news.yahoo.com/iraq-car-bombs-kill-12-people-wound-64-090913134.html

Iraq – Attacks in and around Baghdad kill 26. [January 22, 2013] http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/breaking-news/spate-of-iraq-attacks-kill-26/story-e6freoo6-1226559671939

Iraq – Suicide bomb at Shia mosque kills 42 and wounds another 75 people. [January 23, 2013] http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/iraq-suicide-bomb-at-shia-mosque-kills-42/article7654173/

Iraq – Iraqi army kills six anti-government protestors. [Other reports say eight killed. January 25, 2012] http://au.news.yahoo.com/world/a/-/world/15957440/iraqi-troops-kill-four-protesters-in-fallujah/

Egypt – Egyptian security sources said Friday that U.S.-made missiles were among weaponry found in the Sinai Peninsula and thought to be en route to militants in Gaza. http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2013/01/04/US-made-weapons-found-in-Sinai-Peninsula/UPI-90461357314918/#ixzz2H4Wdnxb3

Egypt – At least 30 people were killed in the Egyptian city of Port Said in clashes that erupted over the sentencing of 21 people to death regarding last year's deadly soccer stadium riot. The 21 convicted men were sentenced for their alleged involvement in the deaths of 74 people in the chaos that erupted after a local soccer match on February 1, 2012. http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2013/01/26

Turkey – Patriot missiles on the way to Turkey. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20911919

Turkey – Protestors carry signs saying “Yankee Go Home” and attack German NATO troops after the Patriot missiles arrive. http://www.dw.de/why-were-german-soldiers-attacked-in-turkey/a-16547390

Libya – Crackdown makes Benghazi a ghost town as police fight gunman. [January 6, 2013] http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-01-06/libya-crackdown-makes-benghazi-ghost-town-as-police-fight-gunmen.html

Libya – Fears grow that Libya is incubator of turmoil. [I told you so. Wish the hell you would listen, US politicians.] http://www.mercurynews.com/nation-world/ci_22457171/fears-grow-that-libya-is-incubator-turmoil  

Bahrain – The decision ends all appeals for the dissidents, who were sentenced to between five years and life in prison for their leadership roles in the revolt that began in February 2011, according to a colleague of one of the jailed opposition members. [Jailed for being peaceful protesters for democracy. Amazing how the US government does not care about the freedom of the people of Bahrain.] http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/08/world/middleeast/court-in-bahrain-confirms-jail-terms-for-13-dissidents.html

The Gaza Report.

http://www.ihh.org.tr/uploads/2012/gazze-raporu-kasim-2012_en.pdf

Everything we know so far about drone strikes.

http://www.propublica.org/article/everything-we-know-so-far-about-drone-strikes

Mali – AND THE WAR IS ON!!! War on Mali well underway. France claimed new successes in its campaign to oust Islamist extremists from northern Mali on Sunday [January 13, 2013], bombarding the major city of Gao with airstrikes targeting the airport and training camps used by the al-Qaida-linked rebel group controlling the city. France’s foreign minister also said the 3-day-old intervention is gaining international support, with communications and transport help from the United States and backing from Britain, Denmark and other European countries. [They will never count the dead from this war, just like they did not from the war on Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine or Libya. Yet they will claim that they CAN count the dead in Syria. They will never acknowledge that the war on Libya is what spawned this war!] http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/hundreds-of-french-troops-drive-back-al-qaida-linked-rebels-in-battle-to-retake-malis-north/2013/01/13/34b2a080-5d52-11e2-b8b2-0d18a64c8dfa_story.html

Mali – The bombing of the west African nation becomes the eighth country in the last four years alone where Muslims are killed by the west.  [This does not include Syria – where the west has been promoting violence and unrest, but has not directly bombed the country, as far as I know.] The other seven countries bombed by the west are: Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Libya, Somalia, Yemen, and the Philippines.
Mali - For years, the United States tried to stem the spread of Islamic militancy in the region by conducting its most ambitious counterterrorism program ever across these vast, turbulent stretches of the Sahara. But as insurgents swept through the desert last year, commanders of this nation’s elite army units, the fruit of years of careful American training, defected when they were needed most — taking troops, guns, trucks and their newfound skills to the enemy in the heat of battle, according to senior Malian military officials. Then an American-trained officer overthrew Mali’s elected government, setting the stage for more than half of the country to fall into the hands of Islamic extremists.  [It was US actions in Libya that set the stage for the Islamists in Mali. As you sow, so shall you reap.]  http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/14/world/africa/french-jets-strike-deep-inside-islamist-held-mali.html

Mali – Making sense of Mali’s armed groups. http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2013/01/20131139522812326.html

Mali - The French defense minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, announced on Thursday [January 17, 2013] that French forces in Mali now numbered 1,400 — 600 more than the figure given on Wednesday. “This morning there are 1,400 French soldiers on Malian soil,” he said. “There was combat yesterday, on the ground and from the air. There was more overnight and it is continuing at this moment.” He gave no details or locations for the exchanges and did not say who was involved in the fighting. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/18/world/africa/france-mali-intervention.html

Mali – Mali’s army suspected of abuses and civilian killings as war rages on. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jan/19/mali-army-suspected-abuses-killings

Mali – The US military “helps” out by airlifting French troops. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21153272

Mali – Ethnic tension erupt in the form of looting and attacks. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jan/29/ethnic-tensions-mali-troops-islamists

Mali – Islamist fighters hid as French troops go past, and then return. [January 30, 2012] http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jan/30/mali-rebels-hide-french-troops

Algeria – Algeria’s military launched a bloody, brazen “final assault” Saturday on kidnappers holding scores of foreigners and Algerians at a natural gas complex in the country’s east, bringing to an end four days of mayhem that left 23 hostages and 32 kidnappers dead. [This kidnapping was retaliation for the attack on Mali. Final death toll was more than 81 killed.] http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2013/01/19/180433/final-toll-of-algeria-gas-plant.html

Algeria - Many of the Islamist terrorists shot their way into the In Amenas compound on Thursday using the AK104 model of Kalashnikov, which was typically used by Libyan rebels in the war against Muammar Gaddafi. They brought F5 rockets that also surfaced in the Libyan war, said the security source. The Islamists wore the same type of outfits that Qatar provided to Libyan National Transitional Council rebels by Qatar – yellow flak jackets with brown patches, known as "chocolate chip" camouflage. The garments are copies of ones worn by Americans in the Gulf war. The terrorists also employed 60mm gun-mortars used by France and Libyan rebels. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/algeria/9814510/Algeria-hostage-crisis-Most-weapons-used-in-attack-came-from-Libya.html

North Africa – New intelligence on al-Qaeda’s affiliate in North Africa indicates that the militant group is seeking to carry out attacks on other Western targets in the region after its deadly assault on a natural gas complex in Algeria, senior U.S. intelligence officials said. [January 31, 2013] http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/al-qaeda-affiliate-sets-sights-on-additional-attacks-in-north-africa-intelligence-officials-say/2013/01/31/406c8638-6bd1-11e2-bd36-c0fe61a205f6_story.html

Niger – Niger has given permission for U.S. surveillance drones to be stationed on its territory to improve intelligence on al Qaeda-linked Islamist fighters in northern Mali and the wider Sahara, a senior government source said. [Pictures of protests against drones at the bottom of this article] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/29/us-drone-base-africa-niger-approved_n_2572432.html

Somalia – French soldiers failed early Saturday in a hostage rescue mission in southern Somalia. The hostage was killed by the Islamist captors, and two French soldiers were killed. [Other reports say that the French soldiers killed eight civilians.] http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/13/world/africa/france-somalia-hostage-raid.html

Iran – Iran is unable to get life-saving medication due to international sanctions. [This is evil in my opinion.] http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jan/13/iran-lifesaving-drugs-international-sanctions

DR Congo- UN plans to fight rebels by setting up an intervention force. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21208401

Indonesia – Jakarta, a megacity of 10 million, is under water. http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2013/0118/Jakarta-Indonesia-s-megacity-of-10-million-is-under-water-video

WEATHER – Extreme weather becoming the norm around the planet.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/11/science/earth/extreme-weather-grows-in-frequency-and-intensity-around-world.html

A Veteran Asks: Was I wrong to kill?

NYT Opinion Piece - Link here

He starts off with: 

“When I joined the Marine Corps, I knew I would kill people. I was trained to do it in a number of ways, from pulling a trigger to ordering a bomb strike to beating someone to death with a rock.”

And moves on to:

“But one day in Afghanistan in 2010, my patrol got into a firefight and ended up killing two people on a motorcycle who we thought were about to attack us. They ignored or didn’t understand our warnings to stop, and according to the military’s “escalation of force” guidelines, we were authorized to shoot them in self-defense. Although we thought they were armed, they turned out to be civilians. One looked no older than 16. It’s been more than two years since we killed those people on the motorcycle, and I think about them every day.”

Here is my response:

The innocent people on the motorcycle that you killed are thought of every SECOND THEY ARE AWAKE by the people who loved them. And there are many times EVERY DAY when they cry over their losses. Your “suffering” is incredible tiny in comparison to theirs.

As to your question “Was I right or wrong?” my answer is: IT WAS WRONG.

As to the statement “the only people who can forgive me are dead” that is nonsense. There are still plenty of people who are alive in Afghanistan that you can seek forgiveness from. Maybe one day, someone will shoot two people you love in the streets for no discernable reason, and then you will have the opportunity to forgive them.

And there is no justifiable reason for America to participate in other wars. Wars are immoral, hideous, and unnecessary. To believe otherwise is to be brainwashed in my eyes. Our citizens do not need a better understanding of what happened to our troops, what they need is a better understanding of the consequences of war on the people who are the victims of our wars. They are the people who live there in the warzones. They are the ones who get the bombs and the poisonous aftermath dropped on them. They are the ones who bury the dead in the place where the shooting, killing and bombing happened. And it is likely that half of them are children.

Finally, asking a person (who is paid by US taxpayers) what they did on their job is not asking about an intensely private matter. Taxpayers have the right to know what you have done while they were paying you. I would like to suggest that you write it all down, include photos if available, and then had it out to taxpayers who ask. Maybe write a book and give any profits to the Afghan people.

You are correct in that you do have a duty to respond. We all do. Not all of us are guilty, but we are all responsible. And your actions will not be in vain. One day, this nation will stop such useless violence on others and ourselves, or we will perish from the earth.

Who is profiting from America's gun culture?

The names of the children killed by drones

PAKISTAN

Name | Age | Gender

Noor Aziz | 8 | male
Abdul Wasit | 17 | male
Noor Syed | 8 | male
Wajid Noor | 9 | male
Syed Wali Shah | 7 | male
Ayeesha | 3 | female
Qari Alamzeb | 14| male
Shoaib | 8 | male
Hayatullah KhaMohammad | 16 | male
Tariq Aziz | 16 | male
Sanaullah Jan | 17 | male
Maezol Khan | 8 | female
Nasir Khan | male
Naeem Khan | male
Naeemullah | male
Mohammad Tahir | 16 | male
Azizul Wahab | 15 | male
Fazal Wahab | 16 | male
Ziauddin | 16 | male
Mohammad Yunus | 16 | male
Fazal Hakim | 19 | male
Ilyas | 13 | male
Sohail | 7 | male
Asadullah | 9 | male
khalilullah | 9 | male
Noor Mohammad | 8 | male
Khalid | 12 | male
Saifullah | 9 | male
Mashooq Jan | 15 | male
Nawab | 17 | male
Sultanat Khan | 16 | male
Ziaur Rahman | 13 | male
Noor Mohammad | 15 | male
Mohammad Yaas Khan | 16 | male
Qari Alamzeb | 14 | male
Ziaur Rahman | 17 | male
Abdullah | 18 | male
Ikramullah Zada | 17 | male
Inayatur Rehman | 16 | male
Shahbuddin | 15 | male
Yahya Khan | 16 |male
Rahatullah |17 | male
Mohammad Salim | 11 | male
Shahjehan | 15 | male
Gul Sher Khan | 15 | male
Bakht Muneer | 14 | male
Numair | 14 | male
Mashooq Khan | 16 | male
Ihsanullah | 16 | male
Luqman | 12 | male
Jannatullah | 13 | male
Ismail | 12 | male
Taseel Khan | 18 | male
Zaheeruddin | 16 | male
Qari Ishaq | 19 | male
Jamshed Khan | 14 | male
Alam Nabi | 11 | male
Qari Abdul Karim | 19 | male
Rahmatullah | 14 | male
Abdus Samad | 17 | male
Siraj | 16 | male
Saeedullah | 17 | male
Abdul Waris | 16 | male
Darvesh | 13 | male
Ameer Said | 15 | male
Shaukat | 14 | male
Inayatur Rahman | 17 | male
Salman | 12 | male
Fazal Wahab | 18 | male
Baacha Rahman | 13 | male
Wali-ur-Rahman | 17 | male
Iftikhar | 17 | male
Inayatullah | 15 | male
Mashooq Khan | 16 | male
Ihsanullah | 16 | male
Luqman | 12 | male
Jannatullah | 13 | male
Ismail | 12 | male
Abdul Waris | 16 | male
Darvesh | 13 | male
Ameer Said | 15 | male
Shaukat | 14 | male
Inayatur Rahman | 17 | male
Adnan | 16 | male
Najibullah | 13 | male
Naeemullah | 17 | male
Hizbullah | 10 | male
Kitab Gul | 12 | male
Wilayat Khan | 11 | male
Zabihullah | 16 | male
Shehzad Gul | 11 | male
Shabir | 15 | male
Qari Sharifullah | 17 | male
Shafiullah | 16 | male
Nimatullah | 14 | male
Shakirullah | 16 | male
Talha | 8 | male

YEMEN

Afrah Ali Mohammed Nasser | 9 | female
Zayda Ali Mohammed Nasser | 7 | female
Hoda Ali Mohammed Nasser | 5 | female
Sheikha Ali Mohammed Nasser | 4 | female
Ibrahim Abdullah Mokbel Salem Louqye | 13 | male
Asmaa Abdullah Mokbel Salem Louqye | 9 | male
Salma Abdullah Mokbel Salem Louqye | 4 | female
Fatima Abdullah Mokbel Salem Louqye | 3 | female
Khadije Ali Mokbel Louqye | 1 | female
Hanaa Ali Mokbel Louqye | 6 | female
Mohammed Ali Mokbel Salem Louqye | 4 | male
Jawass Mokbel Salem Louqye | 15 | female
Maryam Hussein Abdullah Awad | 2 | female
Shafiq Hussein Abdullah Awad | 1 | female
Sheikha Nasser Mahdi Ahmad Bouh | 3 | female
Maha Mohammed Saleh Mohammed | 12 | male
Soumaya Mohammed Saleh Mohammed | 9 | female
Shafika Mohammed Saleh Mohammed | 4 | female
Shafiq Mohammed Saleh Mohammed | 2 | male
Mabrook Mouqbal Al Qadari | 13 | male
Daolah Nasser 10 years | 10 | female
AbedalGhani Mohammed Mabkhout | 12 | male
Abdel- Rahman Anwar al Awlaki | 16 | male
Abdel-Rahman al-Awlaki | 17 | male
Nasser Salim | 19 | male

"Times Are Changing" by Eddie Vedder

Upcoming events for the week of January 27, 2013

UPCOMING EVENTS

01/28/13 to 03/15/13 BUILDING BRIDGES SEMINAR SERIES
The Mission of Building Bridges is to enable our community to confront and overcome racism through a continuing process of changing attitudes and hearts through education, consciousness-raising, nurturing, and ongoing support. Our goal is to be intentional in respecting diversity within our community. This seminar is an introduction to the dynamics of racism and is an opportunity to explore how race has impacted our relationships, communities and institutions. Past participants are welcome. Time is 7 PM to 9 PM on Monday evenings, and location is MAHEC at 121 Hendersonville Road in Asheville.  Cost is $30.  Registration is limited, please call 828-777-4585 for an application form.

01/28/13 PUBLIC SAFETY MEETING
Public Safety meeting regarding Asheville City Council member Cecil Bothwell’s civil liberties resolution Monday Jan 28th at 3PM.  This is at Asheville Fire Station, downtown, on the 2nd floor.  This resolution states that Asheville police will not comply with federal statutes regarding targeting and arrest of undocumented workers.

01/28/13 ASHEVILLE EARTH SABBATH
A monthly interfaith celebration of the Earth with words and music to nourish your soul coordinated by NC Interfaith Power & Light. This month lead by Maureen Linneman and Chas Jansen. St. Mary's Episcopal Church on Charlotte Street from 7 to 8 pm. All welcome. For more information, contact Jean at larson_jean@hotmail.com.

01/28/13 IDLE NO MORE RALLY
There will be a local Idle No More rally at Vance Monument at Pack Square at 4 PM.  Contact Andy at 258-2642  or email grace@heartofmothearth.org for more information.  See the end of this email for more information also.

01/28/13 UPDATE ON THE STRUGGLE ON LA ZAD
Time is 6:30 to 9 PM, and location is Firestorm Café and Books. La Zad (Zone a Defendre) is a 4,000 acre piece of occupied land in Nantes, France.  For the past 40 years, the State and multinational building company Vinci has been planning development of an airport, but all this time locals have been fighting the project, joined by squatters in the last 5 years! Cue countless actions and demos and constructions, building a place where people strove to be autonomous, with libraries, treehouse villages, a bakery, a farm, collective gardens, a goat dairy etc, all horizontally organized. Then in October the military and riot police came and knocked it all down. But they didn't expect the resistance they got and had to extend their initial planned operation by 3 weeks. It's been almost 3 months now that there is a daily military presence, and 2 people have gone to prison so far, with hundreds wounded. So there was a big demo and 40,000 people came to re-squat some new land. Over 200 "collectives of support" were created and the government proposed negotiations (which were refused by the people involved). Evictions were supposed to be the end and now instead of 100 living there we are 500 and it's on the national news!

01/29/13 CONCEALED CARRY IN SCHOOLS DEBATE
WZGM Presents: "Take a Stand!" Speaker Series – Debate. Time is 6 to 8 PM and location is the Double Tree Hilton in Biltmore Village. "Conceal Carry for Teachers in Schools" a debate addressing guns and safety in today's culture. Debaters are Ned Ryan Doyle and Dr William Forstchen. Tickets are $5, with all proceeds going to Green Opportunities and Asheville Humane Society. Tickets may be purchased online at www.1350wzgm.com or at www.mattandagnes.com. Call 828-505-8439 for more information.

01/31/13 350.ORG ASHEVILLE MEETING
Big Money is about to buy bad policy at Duke/Progress Energy and it’s time to get the word out to the community before that happens. 350.org Asheville will meet at 5 PM at the Grove Arcade Book Exchange. Find out how you can get involved.

02/01/13 ASHEVILLE-BUNCOMBE FOOD POLICY COMMUNITY MEETING
The Asheville-Buncombe Food Policy Council (A/B FPC) collaborated with the Sustainability Advisory Committee on Energy and the Environment (SACEE) to create the first City of Asheville Food Action Plan. To find out more about this, or to help them with their goal of improving the city’s food security, please come to the meeting at the Mountain View Room at the UNCA Sherrill Center.  Meeting is from 4 to 6 PM. (3:30 for new folks orientation)

02/02/13 OCCUPY ASHEVILLE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Occupy Asheville will hold their monthly General Assembly at 2 PM at Pritchard Park. All are welcome to attend. Free. Please note the new time.

02/02/13 “ASK A LAWYER” FREE EVENTS
What: A panel of local attorneys will be available to answer legal questions to individuals for free. There will be attorneys representing a variety of practice areas available to talk to participants on a one-on-one basis. All members of the general public are invited and encouraged to come with legal questions. This is from 10 – 1 PM at The Grove Arcade, One Page Avenue in Downtown Asheville, NC and from 2 – 4:30 PM at the Henderson County Public Library (Kaplan Auditorium), 301 North Washington Street Downtown in Hendersonville, NC Sponsored by: The Young Lawyers Division of the North Carolina Bar Association

02/02/13 WESTERN CAROLINIANS FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE IN THE MIDDLE EAST VIGIL
Western Carolinians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East will have a vigil at Vance Monument on Saturday February 2 from 2-4 PM to protest illegal Israeli settlements and the product Sodastream which is produced in one of those settlements. Contact Susan at suchi1025@bellsouth.net for more information.

02/04/13 GREEN PARTY MEETING
The Buncombe County GREEN Party's business meeting is open to the public. It is held on the first Monday of the Month. It will be held at 6 PM in the Fortune Building (upstairs), at 729 Haywood Rd., West Asheville. Parking in back and on the street. Contact Ronald @ 828-LUCK-180 or Larry @ 828-225-4347 for more information.

02/06/13 SIERRA CLUB MEETING
“Beyond Coal,” transitioning from coal to clean energy, will be presented by Kelly Martin of the NC Beyond Coal Campaign.  Kris Cunningham of Sierra Club will answer questions on why nuclear power is not suitable for replacing coal. Time is 7 PM by Sierra Club & Green Drinks at the Unitarian Church, Asheville (corner of Charlotte & Edwin). Contact: judymattox@sbcglobal.net, or 828-683-2176 for more information.

02/07/13 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEETING
Time is 6:30 PM and location is VFP HQ at the Phil Mechanic Studios: 109 Roberts Street in Asheville. VFP Chapter 099: http://vfpchapter099wnc.blogspot.com/

02/07/13 “40 YEARS LATER – NOW CAN WE TALK?”
This film will be shown at AB Tech in Ferguson Auditorium from 11AM to 12:30 PM.  This documentary film explores the impact of racial integration in the Mississippi Delta through powerful and moving intergroup dialogue. Black and white alumni from the class of 1969 recall and comment on memories of that time, from their very different racial positions and experiences. The documentary tells a multi-layered story intercutting archival historical footage, vignettes from the high school today, personal profiles of participants, and the inter-group dialogue. “40 Years Later” provides a contemporary way to examine the impact of desegregation on those who participated in the first integration projects and to reflect on our progress as a society and the challenges that remain for reaching the goals put forth in the 1955 Brown v. Board of Education decision. Free. Sponsored by AB Tech Diversity Committee and Film/Media Studies.

02/08/13 “40 YEARS LATER – NOW CAN WE TALK?”
This film will be shown at UNCA in Highsmith Union at 7 PM.  See description just above about this film. Free. Sponsored by UNCA Africana Studies Program.

02/08/13 WALKING BACKWARD INTO THE FUTURE W/PUEBLO ELDER
“A Tribal American Spoken Word Legacy” with Pueblo Indian Elder, Larry Littlebird. Suggested Donation: $15. Doors open at 6:30 PM, starts at 7 PM.  Walking backward into the future is about slowing down and learning to listen. This spoken word legacy connects past, present and future for living in concert with the land, to one another and all of our relations at this critical hour on earth. For more information contact Debra at 828-712-0880. This event is sponsored by the Living Room Series - Lenior-Rhyne University Center for Graduate Studies of Asheville, which is located at 36 Montford Avenue in Asheville.

02/12/13 JUSTICE FRIENDS NIGHT
An inclusive monthly gathering to explore social and environmental justice through presentations, films and performance art. A discussion group and social event for locals with an activist mindset. Bring your causes and local issues to the roundtable! Share, listen, learn, network. Location is Firestorm Café and Books and time is 7 PM.

02/14/13 ONE BILLION RISING IN ASHEVILLE
On V-Day’s 15th Anniversary, we are inviting ONE BILLION women and those who love them to WALK OUT, DANCE, RISE UP, and DEMAND an end to violence against women.. ONE BILLION RISING will move the earth, activating women and men across every country. V-Day wants the world to see our collective strength, our numbers, our solidarity across borders. This event will take place from 7 to 10 PM and location will be the YWCA on South French Broad Avenue in Asheville.

02/14/13 SYMPOSIUM ON REDISTRICTING REFORM
This is sponsored by Common Cause NC, League of Women Voters of Buncombe County, and Alliance for Retired Americans. No matter where you live in the US, Redistricting can affect the relevance of your vote. Learn how this subverts the will of the people, how that can be avoided and what citizens can do to help. It will by a panel discussion with audience Participation and lunch is included. Time is 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. This will be held at the Mountain View Room at UNCA’s Sherrill Center. Free. SIGN UP TO ATTEND: We want to make sure we have enough food; RSVP to tomcoulson@aol.com or call 828-674-3046.

02/17/13 CLIMATE RALLY IN DC
Possible bus for local activists to go to this. More details later.
http://action.sierraclub.org/site/PageServer?pagename=nat_signup_feb17

02/19/13 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE PERMACULTURE POTLUCK SERIES
Each month in 2013 a different local teacher will present a new permaculture principle explaining how that principle can be applied to the redesign of our lives, homes, and communities to create a more resilient and sustainable human culture. We invite you to join us for these “Potlucks with a Purpose” on the third Tuesday of each month at Community Action Opportunities (25 Gaston Street) to share ideas, connection, and great food! Time is 5:30 PM.

02/23/13 BRADLEY MANNING   
He spent 1,000 days in jail as of today with no conviction yet.

*******************************************
ONGOING EVENTS
*******************************************
MONDAY
Occupy Asheville Weekly Meeting at 6:30 PM at First Congregational Church of Christ.

TUESDAY
Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 4:30 PM at Pack Square, Vance Monument

WEDNESDAY
Haywood Peace Vigilers have a weekly vigil at 4 PM at Haywood Country Courthouse in Waynesville.

THURSDAY
Asheville Homeless Network meeting at 2 PM at Firestorm Cafe.
Anti-racism Group Discussion at 5:30 PM on the third Thursday of the month at Firestorm Cafe.
Veterans for Peace Group Discussion at 6:30 PM on the third Thursday of the month at the Phil Mechanic Studio on Roberts Street, Asheville.

FRIDAY
Women in Black have a vigil at 5 PM at Pack Square (Asheville) on the first Friday of the month.
Women in Black have a weekly vigil at noon at the City Hall in Hendersonville
Homeless Network Parade on the last Friday of the month at 2 PM at Pritchard Park.

SATURDAY
Transylvanians for Peace and WNC Physicians for Social Responsibility have a weekly vigil at noon in front of the courthouse in Brevard.
Occupy Asheville General Assembly on the first Saturday of the month. 2 PM at Pritchard Park.

*******************************************
ACTIONS AND READINGS
*******************************************

Eight ideas on how to participate in Idle No More
(from a Canadian publication)

So the question is -- how can you, an average non-indigenous, non-activist, yet conscientious citizen of Canada, support us? Here are a few ideas:

Go to the rallies. You might think that doesn't accomplish anything, but it is a visible show of solidarity, and that matters. Participating in (and bearing witness to) ceremony in a respectful way is an important gesture. Make signs, participate in the days of action, and share photos through your social media networks. Be brave; join a round dance. We are gathering our strength in a visible way, and it all keeps up the momentum.

Get educated. People know less than they think they do, even the smart ones. Canada's indigenous question is a big, abstract issue, and the mainstream media is clouding it horribly, with some notable exceptions. There are good resources at idlenomore.ca and elsewhere, if you only look for them.

Challenge stereotypes. The most garish stereotypes are symptoms of poverty, not ethnicity -- let's look at why that poverty exists. Many stereotypes are simply false. Some of them are symptoms of deeper systemic issues that need to be addressed by Canada as a whole, for the good of Canada as a whole. Not one of them arises from some genetic quirk unique to indigenous DNA.

Confront racism. This is deeply tied to getting educated and challenging stereotypes. Many of my non-indigenous friends told me they spent their holidays listening to their relatives undermine INM over Christmas dinner and didn't speak up because they didn't know what to say. I told them all the same thing: keeping quiet is perpetuating the problem.

Participate in democracy. Write your MP and MLA. Vote. We elect these people to office. They work for us and we need to hold them accountable, starting with your MLA and MP and working right up to the prime minister. They can only represent us if we give them a clear mandate and hold them accountable.

Write letters to the editor. Idle No More has exposed astonishing hidden recesses of bigotry in otherwise respectable journalists, and not enough people are calling them on it. Don't just add a snarky post to the online comments section. Don't assume that INM campaigners are on it; most people deeply involved in the movement are so busy putting out fires elsewhere that much is being left undone and unsaid. Champion truth and fairness at every level you can as an individual.

Remember that this isn't about blame. There will always be individuals who lash out. But the spirit of this movement as a whole is about standing together and making change for a better future for all of Canada. Allies need to work at remembering that this isn't about colonial guilt -- this sort of defensive instinct is one of the biggest barriers to new allies getting involved.

Be a leader in your own sphere of influence, whatever that looks like. Model the respect and commitment you think other allies should show. Don't get hung up on big, abstract concepts like "decolonization" and "self-determination." Start by committing to them at your own level -- for myself, I'm committed to decolonizing my relationships, and practicing personal self-determination in a way that strengthens me as an individual. You can support that process in others whatever your background is.

Not all of these actions are concrete or measurable, but all of them truly do matter. If, after reading this, you're still uncertain how to show support, you can always reach out and ask. People within INM who are committed to its core ideals show 100 per cent support for non-indigenous allies getting involved in a respectful and meaningful way -- indeed, that involvement is critical to the success of the movement.

http://thetyee.ca/Life/2013/01/19/Idle-No-More-List/

******************
RALLY IN SUPPORT OF IDLE NO MORE

Please join us at the Vance Monument in downtown Asheville on January 28th as a call to action to protect Mother Earth and Her peoples. We will pray and move to the heartbeat of Mother Earth in honor of IDLE NO MORE.

We will gather together in a circle to create a sacred space of reflection and prayer in a ceremonial way. In honor of the indigenous women who are leading Idle No More, women will drum and rattle the heartbeat of our Mother Earth while men hold signs, banners and flags. Everyone is free to round dance in a sunwise direction if so moved. We shall envision a world where our Mother Earth and all beings shall once again be respected and honored, in mind, heart and action.

***ALL first nations people are invited and welcome to drum, rattle, sing, speak or offer their hearts in what way they feel called.

EVERYONE IS INVITED TO BRING:

**Hoop style drums (only) and rattles of all kinds. The hoop drum represents the sacred hoop of life and respect for the First Nations people indigenous to Turtle Island aka North America. If you would like to bring hoop drums and rattles to share that is also much appreciated. Please honor that the women will be the ones drumming and rattling during this event.

**Sage, sweetgrass, copal, cedar and other sacred plant incense native to North America, shells or other smudging containers, feathers & fans (no songbird feathers, and no raptor feathers unless you have legality papers please), and lighters & matches.

**Signs, banners and flags in honor of Idle No More, Mother Earth and all Her beings, esp. First Nations peoples everywhere

**An open, humble, powerful and prayerful heart

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS:

We do need a few more reverent volunteers still. If you are interested please send us a message. Thank you!

--- If a crowd too large for the Vance Monument attends, we will move down to the Roger McGuire Green ---

PLEASE READ: We are not Idle No More and do not claim to represent Idle No More. We are simply a group of local human beings coming together in support and solidarity, recognizing and honoring Idle No More’s call to action. We are deeply grateful to all of our indigenous first nations elders, sisters and brothers who are rising up to protect their indigenous sovereignty, cultures, lands and reclaim treaty rights, and who are pressuring governments and industry to clean up and protect the environment. We are their allies. May this grassroots movement founded by four women with no designated hierarchal leadership inspire us all to heed their call to action. We are all children of the Earth, completely dependent upon Her for survival.

For more information about Idle No More:

http://idlenomore.ca/

Worldwide rallies are being organized uniting all of our peoples to protect Mother Earth. Friends of and Indigenous peoples everywhere are being called to action. The time is ripe, the time is now, here is the peaceful revolution that shows us how.

For more info about this event you can send an email grace@heartofmothearth.org.

Hope to see you there! Mitakuye Oyasin!

The Official Idle No More Website - Idle No More
www.idlenomore.ca

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PETITION TO SIGN

Subject: CTS Site Asheville, Fullscale Cleanup

CTS Corp left a TCE (trichloroethylene) leaking mess in the Mills Gap community of South Asheville. The plant closed in 1987 initial investigation in began 1991. Since that time, TCE and other carcinogens have been found in the communities' well water. We the undersigned ask for CTS corporation for a full scale cleanup of the toxic chemicals leaching into the soil, water, and air.

INFO:  www.facebook.com/CTSasheville

INFO:  http://www.mountainx.com/xpressfiles/040908ctssite#.UKUPHrJlTAP

That's why I signed a petition to James L. Cummins, Senior Vice President, Vinod Khilnani, Former CEO; Current Board of Directors, and 3 others.

Will you sign this petition? Click here:

http://signon.org/sign/cts-site-fullscale-cleanup?source=s.icn.em.cp&r_by=181732

Thanks!
******************

Lupe Fiasco taken off stage at Inauguration event

This is what he had to say:

"I really think the war on terror is a bunch of bullshit
Just a poor excuse for you to use up all your bullets
How much money does it take to really make a full clip
9/11 building 7 did they really pull it
Uhh, And a bunch of other cover ups
Your childs future was the first to go with budget cuts
If you think that hurts then, wait here comes the uppercut
The school was garbage in the first place, that's on the up and up
Keep you at the bottom but tease you with the uppercrust
You get it then they move it so you never keeping up enough
If you turn on TV all you see’s a bunch of “what the fucks”
Dude is dating so and so blabbering bout such and such
And that ain't Jersey Shore, homie that's the news
And these the same people that supposed to be telling us the truth
Limbaugh is a racist, Glenn Beck is a racist
Gaza strip was getting bombed, Obama didn’t say shit
That's why I ain't vote for him, next one either
I’m a part of the problem, my problem is I’m peaceful
And I believe in the people."

~Lupe Fiasco~

Short videos from Afghan Peace Volunteers

I would like to go to Finland and see the northern lights too.

Protests in DC

Arc of Justice March in DC on Martin Luther King Day.  I was with them in spirit.

January 21, 2013

Guns

Having a gun is of no more importance to my safety and well-being than the US military’s violent actions are important to the safety and well-being of our nation.

Protest in Pakistan

Protest in Pakistan

This is a demonstration in Pakistan in January 2013 against drone attacks. Photograph: S.S MIRZA/AFP/Getty Images

I have heard that 75% of the people of Pakistan now consider the US to be an enemy.  I would also think any country bombing the USA was an enemy country. These drone bombings are evil and are inflicting vast misery and suffering on innocent people. The only think they are achieving is creating many more people who hate the USA, consider the USA to be an enemy, and who wish to extract revenge.

STOP DRONE BOMBINGS IN PAKISTAN AND ELSEWHERE NOW.

Collateral Damage

The shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School are collateral damage from our culture of violence. As long as the US government is killing innocents around the world, there will be crazy Americans who will kill innocents at home. As long as our government thinks spending on weapons is the first priority, our country will be awash with guns.
Our “crazy” people who are also violent are only a reflection of our culture and morals.

Photos from MLK Rally in Asheville today

 The beginning of the event - after the march from the Church on Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. (St. James, I believe). The rather ugly stage we have in City-County Plaza does look more at home with City Hall in scaffolds. The people were beautiful!!

 Part of the crowd.

 Paul, Chris and Ymani at the rally.

 A speaker on stage.

 Veterans for Peace flag.

A great sign, held by Tom C.

In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.

“I knew that I could never raise my voice against the violence of the oppressed in the ghettos without having first spoken clearly to the greatest purveyor of violence in the world today -- my own government.”  -- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Upcoming events for the week of January 20, 2013

UPCOMING EVENTS

01/21/13 PEACE MARCH AND RALLY FOR JUSTICE IN HONOR OF MLK
The Peace March and Rally begin at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 21 – the official King holiday – with a brief service at St. James AME Church on Hildebrand Street at Martin Luther King Boulevard downtown. Participants march to City-County Plaza at noon, where speakers and musicians join in a Rally for Justice. Occupy Asheville will participate and will meet at St. James AME Church (Martin Luther King and Hildebrand Streets) at 11:15 AM.

01/21/13 SUPPORT THE ARC OF JUSTICE RALLY AND PARADE IN DC
http://www.stopthesewars.org/support-the-arc-of-justice-rally-and-parade/

01/21/13 to 01/25/13 MLK WEEK AT UNCA
Check http://msp.unca.edu/mlk2013 in January for a full list of activities.

01/22/13 THE PARCHMAN HOUR
Remembering the Past: Freedom Writer Vignettes. In the fiery first months of America's Civil Rights movement, waves of college students rode buses into the heart of the Deep South. Many were brutally attacked, arrested and imprisoned in Mississippi's notorious Parchman Farm Penitentiary. To help them endure, they invented "The Parchman Hour," a live variety show inspired by radio and TV programs. The Parchman Hour, a Mike Wiley production, brings to the stage powerful oral histories and conversations from the Freedom Riders including Stokely Carmichael, Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy. Time is 8 PM and the location is Lipinsky Auditorium at UNCA. Free.

01/22/13 PUBLIC LECTURE AT UNCA
“How the World’s Poor Live on $2 a Day” with Jonathan Morduch, professor of public policy and economics at the NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. Held in the Sherill Center Mountain View Room.  Time is 12:30 PM.

01/23/13 MLK WEEK KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT UNCA
“Looking to the Future” by Gwendolyn Boyd. Time is 7 PM and location is Lipinsky Auditorium. Free. Gwendolyn Boyd illustrates the relevance of Dr. King’s work today by combining science, education and service to create concrete change in her community and the world. She became the first African-American woman to earn an M.S. in mechanical engineering at Yale University. In the spirit of Dr. King, Boyd inspires change appropriate to our times. She is a prominent advocate for women’s equality and the recruitment of African Americans into science and engineering. Boyd has been recognized as one of the 100 Most Important Blacks in Technology by the Black Engineer of the Year Awards.

01/24/13 WNC ALLIANCE GLOBAL WARMING CHANGING COURSE CLASS
Register for WNCA’s new course! Global Warming: Changing Course is a six-session discussion course book exploring the history and science of global warming, personal values and habits as they relate to climate change, and personal actions to curb the effects of global warming. Introductory class on 1/24/13 followed by five more classes.  Cost I $35 for members, $40 for non-members. This will happen at the Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar. To register please call course leader, Rachel Moore, at 828-258-8737 or email rachel@wnca.org by Jan. 18.

01/25/12 HOMELESS NETWORK PARADE IN ASHEVILLE
This event is in defense of the rights of our homeless brothers and sisters here in Asheville and a rejection of the criminalization of homelessness the City has overseen throughout the past three-four years. The Parade will begin at Pritchard Park at 2 PM and march to Vance Memorial where speakers from the homeless community will speak.

01/26/13 NC STATEWIDE DAY OF ACTION: OUR ENERGY FUTURE
There will be rallies held in Asheville, Raleigh, Charlotte, Greensboro, and Wilmington. In Asheville, meet at Pritchard Park at 1 PM. This rally is a response to the Progress/Duke Energy monopoly and their 20 year business plan. It's time to move beyond coal, away from risky nuclear power and time to block expansion of fracking in NC.  We want more efficiency programs and more solar and wind. This rally will be family-friendly and have music, speakers and fun! Contact Laura at lsredoak@gmail.com for more information.

01/28/13 to 03/15/13 BUILDING BRIDGES SEMINAR SERIES
The Mission of Building Bridges is to enable our community to confront and overcome racism through a continuing process of changing attitudes and hearts through education, consciousness-raising, nurturing, and ongoing support. Our goal is to be intentional in respecting diversity within our community. This seminar is an introduction to the dynamics of racism and is an opportunity to explore how race has impacted our relationships, communities and institutions. Past participants are welcome. Time is 7 PM to 9 PM on Monday evenings, and location is MAHEC at 121 Hendersonville Road in Asheville.  Cost is $30.  Registration is limited, please call 828-777-4585 for an application form.

01/28/13 PUBLIC SAFETY MEETING
Public Safety meeting regarding Asheville City Council member Cecil Bothwell’s civil liberties resolution Monday Jan 28th at 3PM.  This is at Asheville Fire Station (downtown) on the 2nd floor. This resolution states that Asheville police will not comply with federal statutes regarding targeting and arrest of undocumented workers.

01/28/13 ASHEVILLE EARTH SABBATH
A monthly interfaith celebration of the Earth with words and music to nourish your soul coordinated by NC Interfaith Power & Light. This month lead by Maureen Linneman and Chas Jansen. This is at St. Mary's Episcopal Church on Charlotte Street from 7 to 8 pm. All welcome. For more information, contact Jean at larson_jean@hotmail.com.

02/01/13 ASHEVILLE-BUNCOMBE FOOD POLICY COUNCIL MEETING
The Asheville-Buncombe Food Policy Council (A/B FPC) collaborated with the Sustainability Advisory Committee on Energy and the Environment (SACEE) to create the first City of Asheville Food Action Plan. To find out more about this, or to help them with their goal of improving the city’s food security, please come to the meeting at the Mountain View Room at the UNCA Sherrill Center.  Meeting is from 4 to 6 PM.

02/04/13 GREEN PARTY MEETING
The Buncombe County GREEN Party's business meeting is open to the public. It is held on the first Monday of the Month. It will be held at 6 PM in the Fortune Building (upstairs), at 729 Haywood Rd., West Asheville. Parking in back and on the street. Contact Ronald @ 828-LUCK-180 or Larry @ 828-225-4347 for more information.

02/06/13 SIERRA CLUB MEETING
“Beyond Coal,” transitioning from coal to clean energy, will be presented by Kelly Martin of the NC Beyond Coal Campaign.  Kris Cunningham of Sierra Club will answer questions on why nuclear power is not suitable for replacing coal. Time is 7 pm by Sierra Club and location is the Unitarian Church, 1 Edwin Pl, Asheville (corner of Charlotte & Edwin). Contact: judymattox@sbcglobal.net or 828-683-2176 for more information.

02/07/13 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEETING
Time is 6:30 PM and location is VFP HQ at the Phil Mechanic Studios: 109 Roberts Street in Asheville. VFP Chapter 099: http://vfpchapter099wnc.blogspot.com/

02/12/13 JUSTICE FRIENDS NIGHT
An inclusive monthly gathering to explore social and environmental justice through presentations, films and performance art. A discussion group and social event for locals with an activist mindset. Bring your causes and local issues to the roundtable! Share, listen, learn, network. Location is Firestorm Café and Books and time is 7 PM.

02/14/13 ONE BILLION RISING IN ASHEVILLE
On V-Day’s 15th Anniversary, 2/14/13, we are inviting ONE BILLION women and those who love them to WALK OUT, DANCE, RISE UP, and DEMAND an end to violence against women. ONE BILLION RISING will move the earth, activating women and men across every country. V-Day wants the world to see our collective strength, our numbers, our solidarity across borders. This event will take place from 7 to 10 PM and location will be the YWCA on South French Broad Avenue in Asheville.

02/17/13 CLIMATE RALLY IN DC
http://action.sierraclub.org/site/PageServer?pagename=nat_signup_feb17

02/19/13 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE PERMACULTURE POTLUCK SERIES
Each month in 2013 a different local teacher will present a new permaculture principle explaining how that principle can be applied to the redesign of our lives, homes, and communities to create a more resilient and sustainable human culture. We invite you to join us for these “Potlucks with a Purpose” on the third Tuesday of each month at Community Action Opportunities (25 Gaston Street) to share ideas, connection, and great food! Time is 5:30 PM.

03/05/13 PUBLIC HEARING ON DUKE RATE HIKES
The Asheville Public Hearing by the NC Utilities Commission will be held at the Buncombe County Court House in the basement in District Courtroom 1. The time is 7 PM.  Progress Energy/Duke is proposing a 14% rate hike. And their business plan does not include wind, solar or expansion of energy efficiency.

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ONGOING EVENTS
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MONDAY
Occupy Asheville Weekly Meeting at 6:30 PM at First Congregational Church of Christ.

TUESDAY
Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 4:30 PM at Pack Square, Vance Monument

WEDNESDAY
Haywood Peace Vigilers have a weekly vigil at 4 PM at Haywood Country Courthouse in Waynesville.

THURSDAY
Asheville Homeless Network meeting at 2 PM at Firestorm Cafe.
Anti-racism Group Discussion at 5:30 PM on the third Thursday of the month at Firestorm Cafe.
Veterans for Peace Discussion group on the third Thursday of the month at the Phil Mechanic Studio on Roberts Street, Asheville. Time is 6:30 PM.

FRIDAY
Women in Black have a vigil at 5 PM at Pack Square (Asheville) on the first Friday of the month.
Women in Black have a weekly vigil at noon at the City Hall in Hendersonville
Homeless Network Parade on the last Friday of the month at 2 PM at Pritchard Park.

SATURDAY
Transylvanians for Peace and WNC Physicians for Social Responsibility have a weekly vigil at noon in front of the courthouse in Brevard.
Occupy Asheville General Assembly on the first Saturday of the month. 3 PM at Pritchard Park.
Really, Really Free Market on the last Saturday of the month from 11 to 3 PM at Aston Park.

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ACTIONS AND READINGS
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Protect Children, Not Guns
Please consider signing a petition that asks our politicians to protect children, not guns.  Every name that is added builds momentum around the campaign and makes it more likely for us to get the change we want to see.
Will you join me by taking action on this campaign?

http://action.groundswell-movement.org/petitions/marian-wright-edelman-s-letter-to-the-president-and-congress-on-gun-violence

After you've signed the petition please also take a moment to share it with others. Thank you!

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FROM DEMAND PROGRESS:

You've surely heard of Aaron Swartz's tragic passing. Demand Progress sent out this statement today, and is encouraging those who'd like to help forward Aaron's fight against injustice to sign up here:

http://act.demandprogress.org/sign/updates?referring_akid=1966.610434.65fdeU&source=mailto

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Demand Progress’s Aaron Swartz. Friends and family have issued a statement and created a memorial page, here.

http://rememberaaronsw.tumblr.com/

Aaron was a dear friend, and an ideological brother in arms. As others have spoken to at great length, he was indeed a passionate advocate for access to information and for a free and open Internet. He believed in these things for their own sakes, but moreover as means towards the even deeper end of building a world defined by social and economic justice.

He resisted the impulse to presume that he alone was responsible for his brilliance or should benefit therefrom, and he wasn’t a techno-utopian: He was a communitarian, somebody who was deeply aware of our world’s injustices and who understood the constant struggle that is necessary to even begin to remedy them. That’s why this organization exists.

We’ve worked closely with Aaron over the last two or three years, but have not known him for as long as have some others who’ve written profoundly moving tributes to him and his life’s work. We met him as a genius, but not as the boy-genius that Larry and Cory and many others knew, and we would suggest reading their pieces for deeper insight into his personal and professional evolution.
We first encountered Aaron through our executive director’s unsuccessful run for Congress in 2010. Aaron became a fixture in the campaign office, rigging up cheap ways to do polling and robo-calls and helping give the uphill effort a fighting chance. But it was never about just one campaign: He was honing skills and tools he wanted to use to build capacity for much broader social movements that would create fundamental, structural change. He’d taken to calling himself an “applied sociologist.” He was trying to hack the world, and we were happy to help in what small ways we could.

That campaign work quickly transitioned into Demand Progress and Aaron’s conception of the initial petition in opposition to the Combating Online Infringements and Counterfeits Act, and then the ensuing 18 months of activism that helped bring down SOPA and PIPA. There are so many stories to tell about that effort: trudging around the halls of the Capitol, getting under the skin of intransigent senators, generally scrapping away as we struggled to build a movement against all odds. Many of them are best told by Aaron himself, here. But Aaron’s legal troubles began approximately commensurate with the launch of that anti-COICA petition, and it was clear that his persecution by an institutionally corrupted criminal justice system weighed heavily on him throughout the last two years, and certainly more so of late.

We are working with Aaron’s friends, family, and colleagues to determine how best to pay tribute to him — it will surely entail engaging in political activism in service of making this world a more just one. We will be in touch with our members and the general public in the near future to offer suggestions about ways to move forward. Tragically, we’ll have to continue to stifle the visceral impulse to run our half-formed ideas by Aaron, to help us make them better ones.

Click here if you’d like to receive updates from us.
http://act.demandprogress.org/sign/updates?referring_akid=a7532812.610434.Yg9ujL&source=auto-taf

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France has undertaken a major military campaign in Mali. U.S. officials are talking about the possibility of supporting the French military campaign with US drone strikes.

Congress hasn't authorized U.S. military intervention in Mali. In particular, Congress hasn't authorized US drone strikes in Mali.

Join me in urging your Representative and Senators to publicly insist that the Administration obtain explicit Congressional authorization before conducting drone strikes in Mali by following this link:
http://www.justforeignpolicy.org/act/mali-drones

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John Brennan and drone bombings

Drone bombings are evil and kill and injure civilians.  Letting John Brennan head up the CIA will only spread this evil even further around the planet and here at home. Brennan lied massively when he said there were no civilian deaths from CIA drone bombings. I do not trust liars at all. I do not want Brennan even working at the CIA and I want the “KILL LISTS” and drone bombings to END NOW. I want the torture and kidnappings by US officials and the CIA to END NOW. I want the secret prisons and Guantanamo CLOSED NOW. I want the perpetrators of these crimes PROSECUTED. I want a return to the rule of law.

Drones

From The Guardian (UK):
In his study, Michael Boyle (former Obama advisor) said Obama pledged to end the "war on terror" and to restore respect for the rule of law in US counter-terrorism policies. “Instead, he has been just as ruthless and indifferent to the rule of law as his predecessor ... while President Bush issued a call to arms to defend 'civilisation' against the threat of terrorism, President Obama has waged his war on terror in the shadows, using drone strikes, special operations and sophisticated surveillance to fight a brutal covert war against al-Qaida and other Islamist networks.” Boyle, who teaches at La Salle University, Philadelphia, said the government claim that drones were an effective tool that minimised civilian casualties was based on a highly selective and partial reading of the evidence. “The consequences can be seen in the targeting of mosques or funeral processions that kill non-combatants and tear at the social fabric of the regions where they occur. No one really knows the number of deaths caused by drones in these distant, sometimes ungoverned, lands.” And he also said the strikes had a debilitating effect on local populations and their governments. “Despite the fact that drone strikes are often employed against local enemies of the governments in Pakistan and Yemen, they serve as powerful signals of the regimes' helplessness and subservience to the United States and undermine the claim that these governments can be credible competitors for the loyalties of the population,” he writes. “The vast increase in the number of deaths of low-ranking operatives has deepened political resistance to the US programme in Pakistan, Yemen and other countries.”

I WANT A RETURN TO RULE OF LAW AND A RETURN TO MORALITY. KILLING PEOPLE IS WRONG. DRONES WILL NEVER END TERRORISM, THEY ARE TERRORISM AND THEY INCREASE TERRORISM. DRONES WILL INCREASE WORLD WIDE AND THE US WILL SEE BLOWBACK FROM THESE EVIL POLICIES.