He was a Nigerian man, a foreign-born nationalist, a terrorist, or one who at least attempted to threatened the tranquility of a plane. Most people see this individual as someone unlike "me." The word is we must do all we can to protect ourselves. Surely, this incident reminds us that we must require stronger security measures. Today, with the news of another "menace" in our midst people, once again, presume society as we know it is not a safe place.
Americans, Afghanis, Anglos, African Americans, Armenians, Asians, [name the archetype of your choice] proclaim the other is an opponent. Millions muse; is us against them. Enemies are everywhere. Forever humans find reason to call our brethren brutal, a bully, and, or a bad person. In a world where we typically think of the alien, those different than us, as a potential antagonist, it is important to realize that aggression is not instinctual. Hatred and hostility are born out of fear.
Mankind kills in order not to be killed. He, or she, massacres the masses in hope that one person, a foe will be found. Rarely do humans reflect on the kitten and the deer. Nor do we dare take the time to learn of the authentic you and me. We race 'round. Few stop to smell the essence of friendship. Less let themselves feel what their fellowman feels. Empathy is barely evident in our culture. Compassion is not as common as cruelty.
Perchance, people might ponder; a bit of curiosity did not kill the kitty who sniffed the deer. A fawn becomes a friend, a cat a compassionate companion. Oh, what a wonderful world it would be if you, and me, were as those beings, that humans are quick to define as beasts.
Please ponder possibilities. If you wish to, you might see the world beyond conventional wisdoms or the apprehensions we share.
March 19, 2009, is a day that lives in infamy. There were others in the past. However, on this date six years ago, the United States launched what has come to be accepted as unwarranted attacks on Iraq. Although, from the first, there were protests even in high places such as the Senate floor, unilaterally, Americans bombed an innocent people. This time, for near two years prior, pretense was presented as truth.
It was a cool Fall evening in South Florida. The breeze was gentle; the sunset glorious. As I approached the intersection where, each weekend I stand in support of peace and tranquility, I did as I do when at this crossroad. I placed my arm out the window. My digits were extended and formed the symbol associated with serenity. When I am in a vehicle, at the locale commonly considered the Peace Corner I work to preserve the intent of my Saturday mission. I strive to advance awareness for the notion, this nation remains at war. Soldiers are slaughtered far from the shores of home sweet home. Civilians, in their native country continue to lose their lives for a want of war. I crave global harmony and will work to restore some sense of civility worldwide. However, as I sat silently in contemplation cries of "Country First" startled me.
It's not the actual destruction that makes us fear terrorists, it's the chaos they introduce into the system. So imagine what the rest of the world thinks of the "First-World Terrorist," (Archive 0832) who, driven by a radical faith in greed, lays waste to financial markets and threatens prosperity everywhere. Too bad Bush and his cronies didn't launch a preemptive strike against those bastards.
In August 2007, Artist and Essayist Andrew Wahl asked us to look at our life. Today, as he endeavors to better his circumstance and being, the rest of us might reflect on our state of being.
No New Toon Till Next Week
I had every intention of cartooning this week - especially given last night's political drama. But it's finals week for my first quarter of grad school and compromises had to be made. Back in seven, I promise.
Millions of Americans awoke to the news; Benazir Bhutto was killed in an attack. The daughter of a former Prime Minister, and twice Prime Minister herself, Bhutto, months ago returned to her homeland, after a self-imposed eight year exile.
Today, President Bush spoke to the nation. He declared terrorists are intent on building ??a "totalitarian empire" of global reach.' I muse, whose intention is this? Actions demonstrate this is the goal of George W. Bush and his administration.
Baby Bush and his battalion have stated this philosophy for years. Nevertheless, Bush Junior wants us to believe otherwise. However, we know. The Bush base, neoconservatives revealed a desire to spread democracy, globally, long ago.
Today terrorists attacked London. Four bombs blasted in parts of the city proper, simultaneously. The people were devastated and Prime Minister Tony Blair was not there. The Premier was meeting with Group of Eight leaders, and five heads of state in Gleneagles, Scotland. They were together for what is known as the G8 Summit. The talk was to be of global warming, aid to Africa, and other issues that unite us all. However, the discussion changed and Blair's, participation would be delayed. He needed to return to London quickly.
Before his departure the host of the conference, Prime Minister of England, spoke. He addressed the press on behalf of the G8 leaders. Blair stated, "We will not allow violence to change our societies or our values; nor will we allow it to stop the work of this summit. We will continue our deliberations in the interest of a better world." Later, from his residence at 10 Downing Street, Blair offered, "They are trying to use the slaughter of innocent people to cow us, but they should know they will not succeed."
Might those living in Iraq say the same; have they? They have. Iraqi citizens were and are trying to live a "normal" life. They too are not allowing violence to change their civilization or ethics. They continually work not to be frightened by the forces that besiege them. The people of Iraq believe that, in March 2003, they were going about their daily business when America, Britain, and the allies attacked.
Now, and for three long years, they feel that Americans and the alliance are "trying to use slaughter" and intimidation of innocents, to change their social order. Iraqi citizens huddle in their homes. They know not what the day will bring; however they can say, without hesitation, devastation and killing will occur. Iraqi's are certain that on any given day, in any given moment, the allied armies may break down doors, enter homes, kill families, and do so in the name of justice and freedom. Innocent Iraqi's will be maimed and murdered, just as those in London were today.
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Today terrorists attacked 
