Never for a moment in my life have I been "in love." I do not believe in the notion. Fireworks have not filled my heart. Flames of a fiery passion do not burn within me. Indeed, my soul has not been ablaze. Thoughts of a hot-blooded devotion seem illogical to me. Such sentiments always have. Fondness too fertile is but torture for me. I admire many, and adore none. For me, the affection I feel for another is born out of sincere and profound appreciation. To like another means more to me than to love or be loved. Excitement, an emotional reaction to another, rises up within me when I experience an empathetic exchange with someone who has glorious gray matter.
Today, it happened. I felt an a twinge that startled me. I stood still as he entered the room. I expected nothing out of the ordinary, or at least nothing other than what has become his recently adopted, more avoidant, routine. Although long ago, I had become accustomed to his face, his voice, and his demeanor, for I have known the man for more than a few years. In the last few weeks, while essentially he is who he always was, some of his stances have changed. Possibly, Barry has felt a need to compromise his positions, but I wonder; what of his principles.
It was 11:22 Ante Meridian, on January 21, 2009. I did as I rarely do. I stood silently and watched television. As one who listens to what is aired, and does so from another room, this was an unusual occurrence. However, the Cherokee wisdom of wolves, an illustration that represents the internal strife within every human being beckoned me.
Then, at the very same hour on the very next day, again I was compelled to do what is odd for me. I did not say a word as I glared at humanitarian actions took place on the screen. President Barack Obama proclaimed, by Executive Order, the United States would not torture. Nor would we, as a nation, detain presumed "combatants" without a just trial. On each occasion, I was in awe as I gazed upon what I had not imagined would come to pass. Upon reflection, the two events seem to be related.
A new toon, a new outlet and a limited-edition portfolio Three bits of business to take care of this week:
1. This week's new toon, "American Values," brings attention to our national shame at Guantánamo Bay. It's back in the news this week, and I still find it shocking and sad that Americans have largely turned a blind eye to this human-rights blemish, year after year.
2. I've started posting my work on toonpool.com, a European-based social-networking site for cartoonists. One of my toons, "Checking the Gauge," was selected as their "Cartoon of the Day" earlier this week. There's some pretty cool stuff over there, so check it out.
3. My second semester of grad school is just around the corner and I've decided to put out a limited-edition portfolio to help raise money for my books. The portfolio features reproductions of five of my recent favorites - Archives Nos. 0530, 0536, 0617, 0718 and 0725 - professionally printed on 8×10 photo stock with a lustre finish, suitable for framing. In addition, each portfolio will include an ORIGINAL pen sketch of one of my favorite foils, George W. Bush, drawn on 60 lb. card stock. This portfolio will be strictly limited to 20 sets. If interested, you can pick one up now on eBay, or save $2 in shipping by buying directly from the OtWP Store.
In the first 90 days of 2008 the United States reports 103 troop deaths in Iraq. Since the invasion we have commemorated the 5th anniversary we have commemorated 5 years and more than 4000 soldiers lost. Today we hear of costs near $12 billion per month and estimates of $3 trillion overall before all is said and done.
Meanwhile our mainstream media continues to play down the ongoing failure with barely a mention any more of the deaths let alone stories of the families and friends left behind. The death count also fails to reflect the numbers of US contractors killed in country. No mention is made of the many thousands of life altering injuries such as limbs or eyes lost. Nor do we hear much of the many minds broken beyond repair. Suicides related to service time are also not counted and often not mentioned. Coalition losses are not counted in the total. The Iraqi losses count many thousands more, yet those are dismissed often without a thought. Every death rends the fabric of humanity a bit more.
It has been tried before. Efforts failed. Nonetheless, I remain hopeful. I have always believed, "Never, never give up!" Thankfully, several Human Rights organizations in the United States and Europe trust in the same principle. They persevere. On Thursday, October 25, 2007, the International Federation for Human Rights, the French League for Human Rights, and the Center for Constitutional Rights in New York, filed a formal grievance in a Paris court. The complaint stated former Secretary of Defense, Donald H. Rumsfeld authorized torture at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, and at the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq, The writ states, Rumsfeld violated the 1987 Convention Against Torture Act.
While Rumsfeld wrestled with his past, on the floor of United States Senate Judge Michael B. Mukasey pondered his future. This Bush appointee was asked if "enemy combatants" were tormented, would he, as the Attorney General deem himself accountable. Senators questioned Michael B. Mukasey extensively, albeit civilly. They inquired, if he were approved for the Attorney General position would he accept responsibility for reprehensible actions, or did he not think torture wrong. The nominee hedged and hummed just as Rumsfeld had in the past.
On Tuesday, June 14, 2005, Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld and Representative Duncan Hunter, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, spoke to the press. The two were addressing the issue of Guantanamo Bay Prison. In recent days, many have insisted this camp must be closed.
Representative Hunter [Republican, California] raised a plate of food. He asked reporters to assess the quality of these provisions for themselves. Hunter stated this serving is characteristic of the food detainees at Guantanamo receive. The entree of lemon-baked fish and oven-fried chicken with rice was beautiful. Fruit and vegetables were also included.
Duncan offered these delicacies as evidence. Life for the interned is delightful; prisoners are being well cared for. Circumstances are good. Chairman Hunter declared, these items were "purchased for them [the prisoners] by American taxpayers." He added claims of mistreatment are in error.
Representative Hunter continued, "They've [detainees have] never eaten better. They've never been treated better. We don't beat them. We don't touch them." The latter portion of this statement contradicts numerous first-hand reports.
Rumsfeld inserted, "the military spends more per meal for detainees to meet their religious dietary requirements than it spends per rations for U.S. troops."
Please share your thoughts.
My own comment, "How wonderful we Americans are." Oh, really?
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