Caring about other people’s suffering is not radical; it’s being a fully functioning human being. Not caring isn’t radical; it’s being spiritually, psychologically and emotionally dead! These people haven’t been radicalized; they’ve been anaesthetized!
Agreed, except for the fact these sociopaths do a lot of moving about doing uncaring things and speaking ugly words to be thought of as being completely anesthetized. Maybe it's their souls that are anesthetized?
That is brilliant of you to put forth that it is you (and your ilk) who are the norm in being humane and that this is not radical. Although I have been an advocate for a free Palestine for many years, it is only within the last two years that I have become more knowledgeable about its intricate history. The most recent book by Ilan Pappe was an eye opener about the history of Zionism, AIPAC and its predecessor organizations. The settlements in Palestine by Zionists began as early as the late 1800s! And Christians were the catalysts for early Zionism! I highly recommend “Lobbying for Zionism on Both Sides of the Atlantic” by Ilan Pappe.
Thanks for the title suggestion. I've watched several podcasts with Ilan Pappe and he strikes me as very knowledgeable. Another book for the TBR pile!
And I think we all start out as decent human beings--until someone or something changes us into sociopaths. In the case of the Zionists, it is their apartheid ideology that they teach to their children that turns them into genocidaires. We need to shut down both the terrorist state of Israel and destroy its sociopathic ideology, IMO.
A ceasefire is a step in the right direction yet more akin to a minor adjustment used to political advantage. Israel has never abided by any agreement without quickly sabotaging it. Israel will never agree to anything not fully in compliance with their demands. What is needed is a permanent Palestinian state with security guarantees, all human rights, freedoms and economic help. The US government has sabotaged every attempted negotiation keeping occupation and Israel's brutal regime in control, defying International Law and the US Constitution. Israel began with the brutal Nakba and has grown increasingly radicalized, inhumane and criminal by any standard of law. Only pressuring the US government's insane support of Israel can stop the genocide and thoroughly criminal behavior of Israel. Only the American people have the power to change their own government from a tyrannical empire to the democratic, representative government we are told constantly we must protect, without being provided a single proof of representation of the American people. You have no representation now. Make it happen.
Well said! It's amazing how well most Americans believe that the US is a "democracy" or even a "representative democracy" and not an outright oligarchy as the 2014 Princeton study said. The Israelis' genocidal actions are helping to open a lot of eyes to the truth of the US government as well as to their mythical beginnings as the "only democracy in the Middle East." It's up to us to dismantle this corrupt system.
The most basic problem I see to overcome (in the limited number of people I talk to) is belief in factions of the system. How does any rational person believe in a system where your representation is stolen by legalized bribery in order to fund a politician's 1st campaign until their last. Basic logic determines corruption can only create more layers of corruption. Ask others- what is the last substantial legislation passed by the federal government that proves representative government.
I guess being born in the United States of America is what radicalized me. And learning of what Israel is doing to Palestine/the Palestinians also radicalized me as well. And I guess I became more aware of the cruelty of capitalism when I got my first job during the COVID-19 pandemic..
But anyway, your post is excellent! I will continue to speak up and speak out about what's going on. Once my eyes opened to the corruption within our system, I realized the truth.
That's the spirit, Poonam! Keep sharing the truth, keep speaking out. We are the witnesses to this genocide that the Palestinian people will need when at last this corrupt system falls and the genocidaires at last meet justice. The truth will set us all free.
I know from an early age I had a feeling that things in the US weren't "right" and definitely things weren't as rosy as the history books led us to believe. As I grew and watched our government in action, I became more and more skeptical about the official narrative. Finally I couldn't even stomach it anymore. More and more Americans feel the same way--as well we should!
Maybe the only good thing to come from this horrible situation is that once your eyes are fully open they can never be closed again. There's no going back, no simply following along with the status quo. Unless you become a sociopath yourself, you see the corruption of the system and you realize it can't continue for life on Earth to continue.
It can't continue. The sociopaths are literally killing us all--through war, genocide, environmental degradation, discrimination, and denial of basic human rights such as the rights to health care, shelter, food and education. We can't allow another generation of sociopaths to take control of any country or else that will be the end of us all.
You wrote a great post. It gave me perspective. I'm with you 💯% and took action months ago although some warned me that I could suffer.
We are punching holes in the Narrative and the truth is coming out. Long before October 7, 2023 was I against the zionists because of their abuse. I saw videos from citizen journalists showing the brutality against the Palestinians🇵🇸 and anti-zionists Jews🇮🇱.
I shall never use this flag🇮🇱 to denote the zionist state henceforth. It's the flag that represents the descendants of the Jews who lived in peace for thousands of years with Christians and Muslims in Palestine🇵🇸. The 1946 European colonization was an invasion!
Thanks for your kind words, Longtrail. I like your visual of "punching holes in the narrative." We all need to put on our boxing gloves and keep punching at the official narrative until it's nothing but disjointed words on shredded paper!
So true about the "blind spots." I know prior to 2023 I wasn't too sure what exactly was happening in Gaza. I knew it wasn't "good," but I never thought the Israelis would pull off a live-streamed genocide in front of the world. But they did and it definitely blew the veil off of any good will that I might have had for them. Once awakened to the truth it's nigh on impossible to return to lying to yourself.
I've been learning so much about geopolitical issues the past few years and, on the one hand, I'm so impressed with how much progress is being made in some ways.
But, ya, the genocide in Gaza is just horrendous. I knew it was bad, since a good friend became very involved with the Israel/Palestine issue about thirty years ago, but this is beyond the pale.
And I think it will forever change the world.
People are waking up to what's been going on and, as you said, you can't continue to lie to yourself once you've learned the truth.
I'm hearing noises about mainstream media suddenly condemning Israel over what it's doing, and can't help but take this as a sign as things are going to change. I just hope the killing stops and they get some damned food and aid in very soon.
I think the mainstream media is making some "noise" about this genocide needing to be ended because they're seeing the writing on the wall. Those media pundits/outlets who supported this horrific event (or simply ignored it) are going to find themselves punished or condemned. They're like rats trying to get off a sinking ship... and those of us already in the life boats don't have to let them in.
I'm hoping these "rats" will pressure the Israelis and a ceasefire will start soon and food and aid gets into the Gaza strip. The Freedom Flotilla needs to get in there asap!
You're welcome. Please make sure that if you watch it, you're with a friend. It's a very difficult film to watch. I've only been able to watch it once.
Great Poem and article, this is the question of our times.
I have noticed a lot of people and dare say it some younger people don’t want to hear about Gaza, it’s not that they don’t care. It’s to protect their sensitive nervous system ADHD, neuro divergence etc. I can understand this need for protection as I often have disturbed nights of grieve and horror about Gaza.
But I know what is happening in Gaza is a rehearsal for the means of suppression and occupation to happen in other places , probably where we are , pretty soon.
Thanks, Susan. I have no doubt that the genocide in Gaza is but a rehearsal for similar actions to be taken against many other peoples. If they get away with it--if we ordinary people don't shut them down and punish all involved--they will do it again and again.
I know how hard this is for folks who are very sensitive. I can't watch some of the videos online because of the nightmares I have had. But I can read the titles of the videos and the related articles and fill in the blanks... It's the best way, perhaps, to keep one's morale up while staying informed.
Agree with all you have put so well. The tides are turning I am sure big changes are underway, because us the people , but mostly because of the suffering of the Palestinians .
That is my strategy to avoid burnout , to read some stuff, but never the details of the horror I have done enough of that in the past . ❤️🩹
Well said. Every form of evil is distilled into zionism. Humanity is better than this.
Humanity should be better--which is why we must rid ourselves of this evil as quickly as possible.
Caring about other people’s suffering is not radical; it’s being a fully functioning human being. Not caring isn’t radical; it’s being spiritually, psychologically and emotionally dead! These people haven’t been radicalized; they’ve been anaesthetized!
Agreed, except for the fact these sociopaths do a lot of moving about doing uncaring things and speaking ugly words to be thought of as being completely anesthetized. Maybe it's their souls that are anesthetized?
That is brilliant of you to put forth that it is you (and your ilk) who are the norm in being humane and that this is not radical. Although I have been an advocate for a free Palestine for many years, it is only within the last two years that I have become more knowledgeable about its intricate history. The most recent book by Ilan Pappe was an eye opener about the history of Zionism, AIPAC and its predecessor organizations. The settlements in Palestine by Zionists began as early as the late 1800s! And Christians were the catalysts for early Zionism! I highly recommend “Lobbying for Zionism on Both Sides of the Atlantic” by Ilan Pappe.
Thanks for the title suggestion. I've watched several podcasts with Ilan Pappe and he strikes me as very knowledgeable. Another book for the TBR pile!
And I think we all start out as decent human beings--until someone or something changes us into sociopaths. In the case of the Zionists, it is their apartheid ideology that they teach to their children that turns them into genocidaires. We need to shut down both the terrorist state of Israel and destroy its sociopathic ideology, IMO.
A ceasefire is a step in the right direction yet more akin to a minor adjustment used to political advantage. Israel has never abided by any agreement without quickly sabotaging it. Israel will never agree to anything not fully in compliance with their demands. What is needed is a permanent Palestinian state with security guarantees, all human rights, freedoms and economic help. The US government has sabotaged every attempted negotiation keeping occupation and Israel's brutal regime in control, defying International Law and the US Constitution. Israel began with the brutal Nakba and has grown increasingly radicalized, inhumane and criminal by any standard of law. Only pressuring the US government's insane support of Israel can stop the genocide and thoroughly criminal behavior of Israel. Only the American people have the power to change their own government from a tyrannical empire to the democratic, representative government we are told constantly we must protect, without being provided a single proof of representation of the American people. You have no representation now. Make it happen.
Well said! It's amazing how well most Americans believe that the US is a "democracy" or even a "representative democracy" and not an outright oligarchy as the 2014 Princeton study said. The Israelis' genocidal actions are helping to open a lot of eyes to the truth of the US government as well as to their mythical beginnings as the "only democracy in the Middle East." It's up to us to dismantle this corrupt system.
The most basic problem I see to overcome (in the limited number of people I talk to) is belief in factions of the system. How does any rational person believe in a system where your representation is stolen by legalized bribery in order to fund a politician's 1st campaign until their last. Basic logic determines corruption can only create more layers of corruption. Ask others- what is the last substantial legislation passed by the federal government that proves representative government.
I guess being born in the United States of America is what radicalized me. And learning of what Israel is doing to Palestine/the Palestinians also radicalized me as well. And I guess I became more aware of the cruelty of capitalism when I got my first job during the COVID-19 pandemic..
But anyway, your post is excellent! I will continue to speak up and speak out about what's going on. Once my eyes opened to the corruption within our system, I realized the truth.
That's the spirit, Poonam! Keep sharing the truth, keep speaking out. We are the witnesses to this genocide that the Palestinian people will need when at last this corrupt system falls and the genocidaires at last meet justice. The truth will set us all free.
Thanks especially for the link to the tree & solar eclipse findings. https://www.space.com/stargazing/solar-eclipses/hours-before-a-solar-eclipse-spruce-trees-talk-to-each-other
Diana, this is the latest research from the scientist I mentioned over on another post. 🌿🌲🌳
Being born in the United States of America is what radicalized me.
I know from an early age I had a feeling that things in the US weren't "right" and definitely things weren't as rosy as the history books led us to believe. As I grew and watched our government in action, I became more and more skeptical about the official narrative. Finally I couldn't even stomach it anymore. More and more Americans feel the same way--as well we should!
Felt that way since 1968 and the DNC election stealing of 2016 cemented the process.
Maybe the only good thing to come from this horrible situation is that once your eyes are fully open they can never be closed again. There's no going back, no simply following along with the status quo. Unless you become a sociopath yourself, you see the corruption of the system and you realize it can't continue for life on Earth to continue.
It can't continue. The sociopaths are literally killing us all--through war, genocide, environmental degradation, discrimination, and denial of basic human rights such as the rights to health care, shelter, food and education. We can't allow another generation of sociopaths to take control of any country or else that will be the end of us all.
You wrote a great post. It gave me perspective. I'm with you 💯% and took action months ago although some warned me that I could suffer.
We are punching holes in the Narrative and the truth is coming out. Long before October 7, 2023 was I against the zionists because of their abuse. I saw videos from citizen journalists showing the brutality against the Palestinians🇵🇸 and anti-zionists Jews🇮🇱.
I shall never use this flag🇮🇱 to denote the zionist state henceforth. It's the flag that represents the descendants of the Jews who lived in peace for thousands of years with Christians and Muslims in Palestine🇵🇸. The 1946 European colonization was an invasion!
Thanks for your kind words, Longtrail. I like your visual of "punching holes in the narrative." We all need to put on our boxing gloves and keep punching at the official narrative until it's nothing but disjointed words on shredded paper!
Thanks for this wonderful post! I agree that shutting down our natural empathy is radical in a really crappy way.
But there are also things that helped to lift the veil for many of us.
Here are some things that radicalized me:
The book 'Silent Spring' by Rachel Carson awakened my environmental awareness.
'The Animals Film' turned me and some friends forty years ago, and we're all still vegan.
Reading about what happened to Leonard Peltier showed me how far the rot in our system goes.
Learning about what Israel is doing to Palestine continues to lift the veil.
Even when we're naturally empathetic, some things remove some of our blind spots.
So true about the "blind spots." I know prior to 2023 I wasn't too sure what exactly was happening in Gaza. I knew it wasn't "good," but I never thought the Israelis would pull off a live-streamed genocide in front of the world. But they did and it definitely blew the veil off of any good will that I might have had for them. Once awakened to the truth it's nigh on impossible to return to lying to yourself.
I've been learning so much about geopolitical issues the past few years and, on the one hand, I'm so impressed with how much progress is being made in some ways.
But, ya, the genocide in Gaza is just horrendous. I knew it was bad, since a good friend became very involved with the Israel/Palestine issue about thirty years ago, but this is beyond the pale.
And I think it will forever change the world.
People are waking up to what's been going on and, as you said, you can't continue to lie to yourself once you've learned the truth.
I'm hearing noises about mainstream media suddenly condemning Israel over what it's doing, and can't help but take this as a sign as things are going to change. I just hope the killing stops and they get some damned food and aid in very soon.
I think the mainstream media is making some "noise" about this genocide needing to be ended because they're seeing the writing on the wall. Those media pundits/outlets who supported this horrific event (or simply ignored it) are going to find themselves punished or condemned. They're like rats trying to get off a sinking ship... and those of us already in the life boats don't have to let them in.
I'm hoping these "rats" will pressure the Israelis and a ceasefire will start soon and food and aid gets into the Gaza strip. The Freedom Flotilla needs to get in there asap!
That's my read too. And why people read the writing of those soulless liars is beyond me.
Do you know of a way to access The Animals Film?
I don't. We saw it in a theatre. Here's the link to its website. It looks like it's available on DVD. http://www.theanimalsfilm.com/
Thank you!
You're welcome. Please make sure that if you watch it, you're with a friend. It's a very difficult film to watch. I've only been able to watch it once.
Great Poem and article, this is the question of our times.
I have noticed a lot of people and dare say it some younger people don’t want to hear about Gaza, it’s not that they don’t care. It’s to protect their sensitive nervous system ADHD, neuro divergence etc. I can understand this need for protection as I often have disturbed nights of grieve and horror about Gaza.
But I know what is happening in Gaza is a rehearsal for the means of suppression and occupation to happen in other places , probably where we are , pretty soon.
Thanks, Susan. I have no doubt that the genocide in Gaza is but a rehearsal for similar actions to be taken against many other peoples. If they get away with it--if we ordinary people don't shut them down and punish all involved--they will do it again and again.
I know how hard this is for folks who are very sensitive. I can't watch some of the videos online because of the nightmares I have had. But I can read the titles of the videos and the related articles and fill in the blanks... It's the best way, perhaps, to keep one's morale up while staying informed.
Agree with all you have put so well. The tides are turning I am sure big changes are underway, because us the people , but mostly because of the suffering of the Palestinians .
That is my strategy to avoid burnout , to read some stuff, but never the details of the horror I have done enough of that in the past . ❤️🩹