Mickey Z
Cool Observer
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Strike for Peace, Prison for Bushies, Amnesty for Tookie, CXB for Mayor, & more
Off topic....Robert Fisk just gave a long presentation on Democracy Now. At the end, Amy Goodman asked him what gives him hope. In one of the most moving few seconds I have ever seen on TV, Fisk, with tears welling up in his eyes, answered, “Nothing, nothing gives me hope....”.
Posted by RMJ on from Churchill 4 Prez Hdqts 10/20 at 08:04 AMJaysus...now I’m welling up.
All right, CXB! Imagine if someone like him was actually elected...people have no fricking idea who they vote for or why they vote for them. They just follow the parade, marching along.
Captcha: Party!
Posted by JOS on from wdthu.blogspot.com 10/20 at 08:13 AMfisk was doing a talk here that i went to last week. this link will have avideo of it attched soon. http://scotland.indymedia.org/newswire/display/2147/index.php
he was amazing. chomsky emailed the organisers beforehand to tell them to look after him because he is ‘a treasure’
Posted by michael on from scotland 10/20 at 08:18 AMMorning, RMJ, JOS, and Michael. You know, I don’t think it always requires hope to keep struggling. Sometimes outrage or anger will suffice. Sometimes it’s just indignation in the face of injustice. These emotions can ultimately cultivate hope but even if they don’t, more importantly, they can cultivate social change.
Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 10/20 at 08:21 AMRIght on, Mick. Thinking about Fisk and his photos and all of the things he has seen “over there,” no fucking wonder he has no hope.
Posted by JOS on from wdthu.blogspot.com 10/20 at 08:31 AMGood morning again Jos, Michael and Mickey. There is not one spark of optimism in me today. Seeing Fisk is only part of it. The night before last, Frontline did a program about the torture used by the US. Last night I happened to come across something else. It was some TV program showing parents teaching their children how to shoot other people. True, they were only using paintball guns, but the joy and enthusiasm that the parents, both mothers and fathers, had with every “strike” was sickening. Our culture is rapidly going in the wrong direction. We are shoveling against the tide.
Posted by RMJ on from Churchill 4 Prez Hdqts 10/20 at 08:38 AMI just received this in an e-mail. It is about Jimmy Massey’s book......
In his book, “ Kill! Kill! Kill!”, he says he and other Marines in his
unit killed dozens of unarmed Iraqi civilians because of an exaggerated
sense of threat, and that they often experienced sexual-type thrills
doing so.The book was being released first in France—and in French—because,
he said, “I didn’t find an American publisher.”Posted by RMJ on from Churchill 4 Prez Hdqts 10/20 at 08:48 AMquel surprise!
anyone who looks at my postings (or my new blog - shameless self promotions r us! http://thumpingthetub.blogspot.com ) will know i am a bit of an orwell nut. one of my favourite stories about him was that animal farm was rejected at first by a US publisher because the publisher felt that “there is not much of a market for animal stories in the US at the moment.”
i don’t think i know a better example of someone missing the point.
Posted by michael on from scotland 10/20 at 08:58 AMby the way, this is the best line I’ve heard in a long time:
“Government will always break the law, but it’s the media who drives the getaway car.”
I’m stealing that one…
Posted by JOS on from wdthu.blogspot.com 10/20 at 10:01 AMI love that line, too, JOS. I’m gonna make it my e-mail signature.
Michael: Imagine if Orwell was 25 today, an unpublished author, and he submitted any of his books to a publisher for consideration.
RMJ: If anyone feels optimistic every day, I’d say they were asleep. Out of despair can grow passion an new ideas.
Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 10/20 at 10:12 AMHello, my friends -
This is surely one of the most powerful and profound conversations I’ve encountered anywhere on the web -I’m proud to be a part of this wonderful gaggle…
I’d far rather be among such men and women, even entirely without hope - on this side of the fence,
than laying about in luxury and lethargy, in the company of murderers and torturers and gangsters -
on the other.
Thanks, you guyz.Posted by joe on from Oregon 10/20 at 12:15 PMHere is another one just received in my e-mail.
http://www.nybooks.com/articles/18414
What are we to do about the sadists who are increasing in numbers? We continue to blame Bush and Company but there would be no war if there were no troops. Have we been out-numbered, out-moneyed, and out-smarted? Bush is laughing all the way to the bank. Halliburton won.Posted by RMJ on from Churchill 4 Prez Hdqts 10/20 at 12:45 PMinterview with chavez on bbc radio 4s world tonight programme in 2 minutes http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/index.shtml?logo - click ‘listen live’ on the right of the screen
new post at http://thumpingthetub.blogspot.com too… (i just started it and am enthusiastic. i will stop pestering people 2moro!)
Posted by michael on from scotland 10/20 at 03:59 PMI have no problem with you reminding us about your blog, Michael.
Joe: How do you know Rosemarie is not a gangster?
Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 10/20 at 04:09 PMcheers mickey.
the interview is on sometime between 10 and 10.45 pm my time. New York is 5 hours behind i think.
Posted by michael on from scotland 10/20 at 04:13 PMHummmm, a Gangster… usually when I speak to a group, I introduce myself by saying that I am a Convict.
Posted by RMJ on from Churchill 4 Prez Hdqts 10/20 at 04:19 PMSpeaking of OG’s, here’s some lyrics from a song I listened to over and over in High School, I heard it again the other day and it just seems so appropriate for the times and Mickey’s post today:
I got a letter from the government
The other day
I opened and read it
It said they were suckers
They wanted me for their army or whatever
Picture me given’ a damn - I said never
Here is a land that never gave a damn
About a brother like me and myself
Because they never did
I wasn’t wit’ it, but just that very minute…
It occured to me
The suckers had authority
Cold sweatin’ as I dwell in my cell
How long has it been?
They got me sittin’ in the state pen
I gotta get out - but that thought was thought before
I contemplated a plan on the cell floor
I’m not a fugitive on the run
But a brother like me begun - to be another one
Public enemy servin’ time - they drew the line y’all
To criticize me some crime - never the less
They could not understand that I’m a Black man
And I could never be a veteran
On the strength, the situation’s unreal
I got a raw deal, so I’m goin’ for the steelChuck D, Public Enemy, Lyrics from Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos
Posted by JOS on from wdthu.blogspot.com 10/20 at 04:23 PMThanks, JOS. May I remind the room that 50AR has a chapter on Public Enemy and “Fight the Power”?
Rosemarie “The Convict” Jackowski. I like it.
Michael, don’t think I can tune in to Chavez now. Will be counting on you for an update.
Uh-oh, my captcha word is “earth.”
Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 10/20 at 04:27 PMhe says he thinks the US is planning to invade venezuela. anyone can get it another time at
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/atoz/index.shtml#wthen scroll down and find ‘the world tonight’ programme. it will probably be available tomorrow
Posted by michael on from scotland 10/20 at 04:31 PMchavez was asked what he thought of bush. he said (or the translator did) “he is somewhat confused mentally”
Posted by michael on from scotland 10/20 at 04:36 PMOn Rimbaud’s birthday, a sample in honor of RMJ’s mood today:
Once, if my memory serves me well, my life was a banquet where every heart revealed itself, where every wine flowed.
One evening I took Beauty in my arms-- and I thought her bitter-- and I insulted her.
I steeled myself against justice.
I fled. O witches, O misery, O hate, my treasure was left in your care…
I have withered within me all human hope. With the silent leap of a sullen beast, I have downed and strangled every joy.
I have called for executioners; I want to perish chewing on their gun butts. I have called for plagues, to suffocate in sand and blood. Unhappiness has been my god. I have lain down in the mud, and dried myself off in the crime-infested air. I have played the fool to the point of madness.
Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 10/20 at 05:00 PMbumblebee tuna (oxymoron) has a contract to make sandwiches for the pentagon? snapple is the offical drink of nyc public schools? http://www.snappleandnyc.com/
war, it wouldn’t be the same without chocolate:
http://tinyurl.com/dupfe
http://tinyurl.com/chrmjred cross: http://tinyurl.com/7g6oc
this may be the only time you’ll read about this: http://tinyurl.com/9boqr
bush and bono do lunch: http://tinyurl.com/7kgg6
someone mentioned gangsters?
Be Thankful for What You Got by William DeVaughn
Though you may not drive a great big Cadillac
Gangsta whitewalls
TV antennas in the back
You may not have a car at all
But remember brothers and sisters
You can still stand tallJust be thankful for what you’ve got
Though you may not drive a great big Cadillac
Diamond in the back, sunroof top
Diggin’ the scene
With a gangsta lean
Gangsta whitewalls
TV antennas in the backYou may not have a car at all
But remember brothers and sisters
You can still stand tall
Just be thankful for what you’ve gotDiamond in the back, sunroof top
Diggin the scene
With a gangsta lean, wooh-ooh-ooh
Diamond in the back, sunroof top
Diggin the scene
With a gangsta lean, wooh-ooh-ooh
Diamond in the back, sunroof top
Diggin’ the scene
With a gangsta lean, wooh-ooh-oohThough you may not drive a great big Cadillac
Gangsta whitewalls
TV antennas in the back
You may not have a car at all
But remember brothers and sisters
You can still stand tallDiamond in the back, sunroof top
Diggin’ the scene
With a gangsta lean, wooh-ooh-ooh
Diamond in the back, sunroof top
Diggin’ the scene
With a gangsta lean, wooh-ooh-ooh---- Instrumental Interlude ----
Diamond in the back, sunroof top
Diggin’ the scene
With a gangsta lean, wooh-ooh-ooh
Diamond in the back, sunroof top
Diggin’ the scene
With a gangsta lean, wooh-ooh-ooh
Diamond in the back, sunroof top
Diggin’ the scene
With a gangsta lean, wooh-ooh-ooh
Diamond in the back, sunroof top
Diggin’ the scene
With a gangsta lean, wooh-ooh-ooh
Diamond in the back, sunroof top
Diggin’ the scene
With a gangsta lean, wooh-ooh-ooh
Diamond in the back, sunroof top
Diggin’ the scene
With a gangsta lean, wooh-ooh-oohPosted by tm on from terre 10/20 at 05:16 PMbono is a fucking waste of ozone
“I’m representing the poorest and the most vulnerable people. On a spiritual level, I have that with me. I’m throwing a punch, and the fist belongs to people who can’t be in the room, whose rage, whose anger, whose hurt I represent.”
do you now? is that representing them from your enormous house in the US or is the one in Ireland. did they vote for you?
Posted by michael on from scotland 10/20 at 05:22 PMIt is helping. I am starting to feel a little better. Things are so poetic here today....”...I want to perish chewing on their gun butts...” Mickey, you have described my mood perfectly. Is anyone else out there suffering from a terminal case of repressed rage??????
Posted by RMJ on from Churchill 4 Prez Hdqts 10/20 at 05:28 PMJust wanna make sure you know those are Rimbaud’s words, not mine, RMJ. My poetry is more Rambo than Rimbaud.
Speaking of poetry, JOS has something up here: http://www.poetstea.com/Wild.html.
Michael: Through a client of mine at the gym, I learned that Bono’s NY apartment is on sale for $30 million. Not his main residence, mind you.
Time to check out TM’s links…
Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 10/20 at 05:44 PM“My poetry is more Rambo than Rimbaud.”
Awesome line...thanks for the poem link.Posted by JOS on from Puerto Rico 10/20 at 06:04 PMThanks for another great post Mickey! Not much needs to be said really seeing how eloquent all my fellow commenters are - they say it all before yours truly. And the media providing the ‘getaway cars’ for governments - priceless quote!
And hi to JOS, Michael, RMJ and the rest of the highly intelligent people who comment here. Oh, and one last thing: Robert Fisk is indeed a TREASURE - one of the last real journalists around.
Posted by Helga Fremlin on from Daylesford, Australia 10/20 at 06:20 PMAnd I think I’m going to steal your Rimbaud quotes Mickey!
Posted by Helga Fremlin on from Daylesford, Australia 10/20 at 06:24 PM>>>You know, I don’t think it always requires hope to keep struggling. Sometimes outrage or anger will suffice. Sometimes it’s just indignation in the face of injustice. These emotions can ultimately cultivate hope but even if they don’t, more importantly, they can cultivate social change.<<<
How I wish I felt that way. I just don’t have much fight left in me.
BTW, hi all, back online at last. My computer crash ate all my files and fried my modem software, also all my stored books, including the one that, had my agent responded to my sample pages sooner, she would even now be shopping amongst the philistines. AAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRGH!
I have to look at it as a jint from te Universe that I needed to revise the gorram thing one last time.
Posted by Mudge on from The Funk (not the good kind) 10/20 at 07:33 PMMudge is in the motherfuckin’ house.
Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 10/20 at 07:41 PMHouses can DO that?! What kind of a boring neighborhood do I live in?!
Posted by Mudge on from Wherever 10/20 at 08:20 PMAhhh yeahh....hey Mudge. Mick, I just cracked up big time. Good night, all.
captcha: George (I’m not kidding)
Posted by JOS on from Puerto Rico 10/20 at 11:06 PMThat Robert Fisk finds nothing to give him hope doesn´t bother me, in Spanish you say Espero for I hope which also means I wait. Henry Miller said something like “Hope means you are not all you want to be, it is a kind of spiritual clap, I should say.” I got no hope and feel quite good about it, who wants to just hang around anyway?
This Bono quote, holyshit:
“If me not shooting my mouth off about the war in Iraq is the price I pay, then I’m prepared to pay it.”
and the article: “but he doesn’t campaign against (the Iraqi war) because his main priority is helping the poor and disadvantaged.” I would say living in a country strewn with clusterbombs is a disadvantage. yuck yuck yuck governmentapproved rock n´roll if I still identified myself with Ireland I´d turn myself insideout puking or if I owned a single one of their records I´d fling it into the street. Would the Pixies do? they rip off the Pixies a lot. I´m in a striking/boycotting mood.Posted by Owen on from Barcelona 10/21 at 05:18 AMNice interview with Brian Bogart? Strike for Peace, Mickey.
It’s great isn’t it?! America has mothballed industries that supplied the nation with it’s goods so that the workforce would be available for the army and to manufacture armaments that get delivered to overseas countries for free and then pay other overseas countries to supply the goods that were formally made at home. Nobody can keep doing that forever.Could you (maybe in a follow up interview) ask him about who DOESN’T supply the war machine so people know which company to support and reward for not “trading with the enemy”!
Thanks, Mickey. See, I told you you were a champion.
Cheers to all, Jim
p.s. my “capcha” word is “nuclear”. Is there something you should fess up about?
Posted by Jim on from 10/22 at 06:50 AMGreat idea, Jim: who DOESN’T supply the war machine. I’m on it.
Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 10/22 at 07:30 AM
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