Mickey Z
Cool Observer
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Summer re-runs, Part II
I don’t know if Ward Churchill spoke about this directly? Unfortunately, this is the first thing I read this morning while peacefully looking for medicinal herbs. My first feeling was rage immediately followed by the thought, ‘let’s get smarter than we are angry’...while my anger runs parallel to wanting to become wiser.
“More than 22 years after the Union Carbide gas disaster in Bhopal, upwards of 100,000 people in the city are still seriously ill. The drinking water of a further 20,000 has been poisoned by chemicals leaking from the abandoned plant. Ignoring “polluter pays” laws, Union Carbide and its owner Dow Chemical have REFUSED to pay for a clean-up”Posted by joe of maine on from 07/11 at 06:57 AMOkay I know we’re not supposed to like Michael Moore, and his statements on animal rights are reprehensible, and actually I’ve never seen any of his movies, but you don’t see stuff like this every day, him on CNN:
Posted by James on from work 07/11 at 09:41 AMJames...thanks for that link. I missed the Blitzer interview but did see Moore discussing it with Gupta on Larry King last night. I think that the discussion will continue. I actually succeeded in getting an article in the local paper (a miracle) encouraging people to see SiCKO. Here’s my article.
http://mwcnews.net/content/view/15280/42/Mickey...thanks for today’s topic. The misconceptions about Churchill are amazing. I have always thought of him as a gentle, peaceful poet.
Speaking of poets, joe, did you know that your description of your natural surroundings last night were very similar to the dialog in “The Perfect Storm”. George Clooney is pulling out of the bay and passes the lighthouse. His dialog could have been written by you.......The Bhopal disaster, Agent Orange, Diego Garcia, the list is a long one. And we wonder why they hate us.
Posted by RMJ on from Churchill 4 Prez Hdqts 07/11 at 09:57 AMMickey,
That was an excellent article in defense of Ward Churchill. Great stuff, man.Cheers.
Posted by Ehtesham on from Canada 07/11 at 11:22 AMHi Ehtesham…
Off topic but...I want to recommend the book “Making a Killing” which documents a lot of information. Most people don’t know that if their HMO kills them, their family cannot even sue for damages. The lobbying of the HMO industry has really paid off for them and given them protections beyond any one’s wildest dreams. They should be prosecuted under the anti-racketeering laws, but then again who would do the prosecuting - the government is complicit.Posted by RMJ on from Churchill 4 Prez Hdqts 07/11 at 01:05 PMHello Expendables. Another hot, humid NYC day but no where near as bad as yesterday.
I thought Ward’s presence would make a for a much more likely discussion today but...there’s still time.
Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 07/11 at 02:37 PMMickey...maybe there is silence because all of us here agree with Churchill. I still think that we should back him for President! There is a “new” movement being backed by Sam Waterson - Unity 2008. Maybe we should nominate Churchill there. Who do you want for VP - - Angela Davis, Bill Blum, Mickey Z, Nader, Martin Sheen, Cindy? I think it’s time to stir the pot!
Posted by RMJ on from Churchill 4 Prez Hdqts 07/11 at 03:23 PMRMJ: It seems Ward is already running ...in France.
Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 07/11 at 04:01 PMThe French are smart enough to have set up one of the best health care systems in the industrialized world so therefore they are probably smart enough to support a presidency for Churchill.
Posted by RMJ on from Churchill 4 Prez Hdqts 07/11 at 04:28 PMJeremy has one up.
http://tinyurl.com/2awqkxPosted by RMJ on from Churchill 4 Prez Hdqts 07/11 at 04:34 PMThere were several children playing near a wooded lot..a little boy said, “let’s play follow the leader”...a little girl said, “no...I don’t want to play that game, but I will walk with you side by side”.
The little boy’s reaction was one of slight discontent, perhaps rejection, but the little girl approached him, held his hand and started walking with him. The other children delighted with what they saw, and with what they felt from their observations and they too joined hands and walked side by side.
Posted by joe of maine on from 07/11 at 04:49 PMjoe #11...that is very nice. It made me think about the games we played when I was young. Most of them now in hindsight seem to be somewhat negative. Cops and robbers, cowboys and Indians, movies that taught hatred for the Japanese, ball games that teach one-ups-manship, even paper dolls which taught consumerism. It would have been so much better if we had just been taught to walk side by side, holding hands. (No offense intended toward all of the sports fans out there.)
Posted by RMJ on from Churchill 4 Prez Hdqts 07/11 at 05:36 PMFELLOWS AND SISTERS == WARD CHURCHILL == CHILLING == SORRY TO DISAGREE ALL == WARD’S A QUASI-INTELLECTUAL BLOW-HARD == WHO WON’T DEBATE about HIS OUTRAGEOUS CLAIMS ABOUT OUR NATIVE BROS AND SISTERS == I recently experienced WADE’S words… in Marshal = MN == during one of his outrageous rambles == making up tales as he finds it convenient == I know the Bellecourt Bros from S Mpls—original founders of AIM—They’ve invited Wade-o into the inter sanctum of Urban American Indian Land—and also up to White Earth and Leech Lake == the birthplace of the Bellecourts == to spin his tales of trooperdom (Viet Nahm)—his lurking presence in and around Pine Ridge - Spearfish - and Rapid City SD during the 70’s == post-Aim daze stand-offs with the FBI—etc.. My given Indian Name is Zomodoon—u can look it up—also under Lahota spelling Zhamadoon—Wade-o is a no-show in the heart of Ojibwa country—The American Indian Resource Center—at Bemidji State U—UND in Grand Forks, ND—etc—cause he—Wade—represents no one but himself… Wade - 0 was a projectionist-clerk in VN—not with the 1st Airborne—as he sometimes claims—His works—are either self-published or done out of Anarchist Presses/Vanity Presses located in SF or his adopted homeground of Boulder, CO—When he frequently quotes sources—they are often non-existent persons—he created as alias/ghost writers with no known addresses.. Good work if you can create it - unsubstantiate—and then yell “victim” all the way to the bank ** when someone catches ya’ fabricating for personal gain.. .. It will be interesting to see if he shows up as a court spectator in Rapid City for the upcoming trial of Canadian Extradite Johnny Graham ** accused as a co-conspirator in a 1976 murder out on the Res in Western SD. Though Wade’s works can be provocative—I find intrique in reading his mythical re-writes of history—including his own ** = Wade and his alt-cause attorney == make little sense in the long-run… What good has he done for Native people -?- That’s the true test—and this native Michigoonian—fails miserably—much the same as Sicko’s creator (not from Flint by the by) Mikey Moore.. Anarchy/Anarchists—Counter Culture Kats and Kittens are are better off ignoring these 2 bozo-holics all together.. (sorry Rosemarie—Wade-O taint’ no hero to me) == http://tinyurl.com/2w47mn == http://tinyurl.com/36xo4l http://tinyurl.com 2v5pj8 == 1)Wade-0’s biographical sketch == 2) A Look at Johnny Graham’s extradition—3) Wade takes on a few non-believers out in Hawaii == 4) a lil’ bit about AIM leader Vernon Bellecourt http://tinyurl.com/35ok7x == http://34ywoq == and one more about the other Bellecourt Brother C L Y D E—Love em’—disagree—dispise—but these 2 hombres are real—and they did their time along the way == http://tinyurl.com/2mj6jm == captcha says tring—and Wade gets my motor runnin’
Posted by Richie on from st cloud / n ft myers 07/11 at 07:06 PMONE MORE TIME WITH URL CORRECTS—VIDEO == tinyurl.com/2v5pj8 == http://tinyurl.com/35ok7v article on Vernon from CityPages - TWIN CITIES == http://tinyurl.com/34ywoq .. good reading .. (and to think my wife spent 20+ years in a monastic library—didn’t rub off on me—barby worked inter-library loan in reference yikes!) richie dunderhead ==
Posted by Richie on from st cloud / n ft myers 07/11 at 07:17 PMSTUPID IS AS STUPID DOES AND I WASN’T EVEN DIPPIN’ IN THE BOX OF CHOCOLATES ... WARD’S AVOID-A-DEBATE FOOTAGE ONE MORE TIME == http://tinyurl.com/2v5pj8 sorry again—3 strikes and you r’ out—The American league did in the Nationals last nite in SF .. GO TWINS == REDSOX == AND MOST OF ALL == Y A N K E E S .... yea Mickey!
Posted by richie on from st cloud / n ft myers 07/11 at 07:24 PMRMJ...12...Thank you RMJ...you said, “It made me think about the games we played when I was young. Most of them now in hindsight seem to be somewhat negative. Cops and robbers, cowboys and Indians, movies that taught hatred for the Japanese, ball games that teach one-ups-manship”
What it is referring to is one of the last games...politics v.s. people. Leaders and people who think they want a leaders...We do not need the baggage of politicians, especially how we have known them for hundreds of years. It’s in the group, keep it small, keep it simple, rational, functional. It is obtainable...i.e., We need trees, trees don’t need us and on and on.
Posted by joe of maine on from 07/11 at 09:23 PMRichie, you embarrass yourself with #13’s tirade.
For starters, AK Press, Routledge, South End, and City Lights aren’t vanity presses.
Next, the litany of claims you make against Churchill are the product of an effort fronted by the Denver Post to aid in the process of removing him from UC Boulder. These lies made it into the echo chamber of hate radio and required extensive effort to discredit, which was their aim in the first place.
Finally, name-calling (Wade-O?) as if it aids your argument is the sign of a weak mind. I’m all for razor-sharp accusations, adjectives, and condescension, but attempts to bully come across as just that.
I won’t say a word about Michael Moore, as he’s got enough visibility and money to defend himself. But pissing on Ward Churchill under the assumption that he lacks courage, intellect, and most of all veracity, is cheap and ignorant. By all means let’s disagree, but only after you sober up and wipe the puke off your shoes.
More tomorrow about Sicko…
Posted by Zen Prole on from Urth 07/11 at 10:14 PM-
Posted by JOS on from Oak Park 07/12 at 12:17 AM
Zen—Criticism accepted and appreciated.. I read and contribute to Mickey Z’s blog because the author/originator is the blog-master for all to read - challenge - and learn from. In my 2 year awareness of Professor Churchill, I have yet to find a blog Ward originates and contributes to. Folks defend the Professor because he won’t enter a public-scrutinized forum on his own merit. His writing style is provocative and needs to be scrutinized due to the claims he makes in writings, paid lectures and through the age-honored alias/ghost writer status he often refers to in his “scholary” writings. I believe Mark Twain - Samuel Clemens was a great storyteller. Professor Churhill also tells stories. The difference - Mark Twain was a novelist and great American Writer - Ward Churchill claims scholarly cred as a Historian and Commentator of Fact in his own name and through various pseudonyms and writing alias’ . His position as Ethnic Studies Professor and “Historical” writer are open to criticism as well. The “Wade-O” reference points to a downfall of many public figures—Ward “waded” to deep into the abyss of his own bs—began believing it—and commenced “the drowning” experience. If and when he decides to come up for “air” - which he is publically capable of doing—Professor Churchill may salvage a portion of his recently acclaimed “world-wide” history maker - commentator and provocative story-teller/lectureor status/claim-to-fame. Zen - if you know of a blog-site that Wade himself maintains and regularly contributes to - please share it with Mickey’s presentors. I regularly disagree with pundit David Horoitz - but he stands by his claims by his own hand. I actually believed for awhile that Ward would do the same after his famed debates with Horoitz in 05’ and 06’ .. No such luck! I think we will all wait for the Master’s words on his own site in his own style for many years to come.. Thanks again, Zen for keeping us up at night..(smile)
Posted by richie on from st cloud / n ft myers 07/12 at 04:09 AMHello Expendables. After a mini-heat wave of sorts, the weather here is perfect.
Okay, as “blog master” of sorts, I guess I have to weigh in on the last few comments. Firstly, I’m glad Richie felt comfortable bucking the prevailing winds here by taking an antagonistic view of Ward Churchill...although I didn’t find much in that video (or Richie’s comments) to make me believe Ward is evading any type of debate. Secondly, I appreciate Zen stepping up with a strong counterpoint. However, while I agree with his argument, I do think he was more than a little harsh in his personal attacks on Richie.
Speaking for myself, I like much of what Churchill has said and written over the years and I’ve publicly defended his right to do so (for which he has publicly thanked me). That doesn’t equal blind worship...just general agreement.
I also like when Expendables can debate and disagree...but name calling (whether it’s “Wade-O” or “weak mind") rarely adds anything to the discussion except rancor.
Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 07/12 at 10:42 AMBeing curious, I poked my head up and saw the smoke has cleared...hey, how about the Ferrari Formula 1 team...?
I guess with any group, there will be disagreements? I hope it’s okay that I mention this?
Posted by joe of maine on from 07/12 at 11:34 AMHi all...I just got inside from having to do a minor repair on my chimney and it looks like I missed the little debate going on here. I think it’s a healthy sign that we all feel so free to disagree. I also think that respect for each other during debate helps. About Churchill - I have seen him on Fox. You can’t get a much more hostile territory than that. I judge him by his body, of work (that is). In my view he is one of the most brilliant and gifted writers of our time. He is one of the few who has the guts to give the criticism where it is most needed. Too many of us, me included, just nibble around the edges and lack the real courage to do and say what is needed. I wish that I had the strength of character and high moral standing that Churchill has.
Now about Michael Moore… I was disappointed with his 9/11. I recognize the fact that he has not quite caught up with many of our enlightened world views BUT, I believe that my review of SiCKO is right on. I held his feet to the fire for his 2 errors and gave credit where it was due. The simple fact is that most in the usa sit back in silence while 18,000 human beings die needlessly every year. Mike is one of the very few to bring the debate to the mainstream.
Posted by RMJ on from Churchill 4 Prez Hdqts 07/12 at 01:08 PMRMJ..22..Thank you RMJ...I know that you understand...this system, this complete disregard for life, can only kill, slowly but surely. If the medical profession is more competent, people still can not live this life that separates them from natural law and separates people from having nurturing healthy relations...separating people from living within more natural rthyms of life.
We cannot be healthy individuals if we spend 8 hours a day in a work force that is essentially brutal and a waste of time...our time. We must work entirely too damn many hours. INEXCUSABLE
We are too regimented and it’s difficult to create an alternative and it’s worth trying.
If I loved what I’m doing, I still don’t want to do it everyday! I’m not a machine!
Living with and by a system created by the wealthy for the benefit of the wealthy, ignoring health support systems, food, soil, air, water, etc. We really are not removed from the Plantation mentality. By the way I recommend Thomas Naylor’s brief story, titled, ‘The Myths of Abe Lincoln’
We can ONLY be sick and we are.
Posted by joe of maine on from 07/12 at 01:58 PMHello RMJ and Joe. I’m with you on the “work” situation. I’m currently in the process of conjuring up new and different ways to earn money and one of my goals is to not be doing the same thing every day.
Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 07/12 at 02:02 PMMickey, I’m in agreement. In fact, if I was 30 years younger, I would become a male prostitute part time.
Posted by joe of maine on from 07/12 at 02:06 PMIf you were 30 years younger, I might hire you.
Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 07/12 at 02:08 PMWhy Mickey...you silly goose you...(<:
Posted by joe of maine on from 07/12 at 02:09 PMjoe and Mickey...I share your frustration with the work situation. I have done everything from working in a cigar factory to working for a boss who would not let me leave work when my house was being flooded. At one point, when my daughter was small, I tried to sell a kidney. I often think about how much more I could have accomplished with my life if only I didn’t HAVE to work for money. Joe, if I was 30 years younger, I would get out of the usa and hope to find a place that was not so hostile to workers. I don’t believe that in the rest of the world it is quite as hard to survive as it is here, unless you have a trust fund.
Posted by RMJ on from Churchill 4 Prez Hdqts 07/12 at 02:56 PMRMJ...yeah, I tried to leave the country in 1980. British Columbia, I believe that’s where Frances lives????
A very nice man in White Rock, BC offered to be a job sponsor. We really connected. He was originally from Ireland, Lived in Australia where he met his wife, went to B.C.
The timing was bad, I had some problems...I always have some problems...well, I don’t know what would have happened if I had accepted. But that’s history and I don’t care about history.
What we need is to develop community, family, supportive caring relationships, sharing, pooling, living...by the way, I’m up for adoption.(<:
Posted by joe of maine on from 07/12 at 03:11 PMjoe...let me be first in line to adopt you.
Posted by RMJ on from Churchill 4 Prez Hdqts 07/12 at 03:21 PMOff topic...Mickey have you ever seen/heard Les Paul at the Village Vangard? Is it still open?
Posted by RMJ on from Churchill 4 Prez Hdqts 07/12 at 03:34 PMRMJ...I’m flattered, however you might have to challenge Mickey to a duel to see who gets me.
Posted by joe of maine on from 07/12 at 03:37 PMjoe #32...Darn, Mickey is cuter than I am. He always wins.
I’ll just have to drown my sorrows and try to relax with this......
http://www.amazon.com:80/gp/music/wma-pop-up/B00000AFF0001015/104-3273288-9035952Posted by RMJ on from Churchill 4 Prez Hdqts 07/12 at 03:42 PMHi RMJ,
Thanks a lot for recommending to read ‘making a killing’. I’ve also read your article you wrote on Sicko, which I watched a few days ago in Toronto. I think Moore did a very good job in raising some questions. His trashing of Wolf the other day was extremely enjoyable!Here’s a piece by Joshua Frank that appeared in Dissident Voice defending Churchill:
Later.
Posted by Ehtesham on from Canada 07/12 at 06:19 PMRMJ: http://www.villagevanguard.com
Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 07/12 at 08:25 PMMr. Churchill needs to start walking the walk and not just talking the talk.
Posted by Really fatigued by the left on from beyond you 07/14 at 01:08 PM
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