thoughts on technology and culture, politics, and information design
Sunday, March 20, 2005
Protest
Received the following e-mail from my friend Kurt...displayed with permission. I hadn't been thinking about the two-year anniversary of Iraq. Maybe because it wasn't discussed by the mainstream media?
Hola comrades,
Just got back from a large Hollywood protest on the two-year anniversary of Iraq. Wasn't as big as 2003, but still, the city had to shut down about a dozen blocks in downtown Hollywood - more than they did for the Oscars.
The organizers estimated 20,000 in L.A. today, at least as many in NY. Apparently there's a human blockade in front of the prime NYC military recruitment center as I write this. And a large number of soliders' mothers are in North Carolina protesting at a military base.
It's not just a U.S. thing, either. The Guardian UK's top headline is:
Protesters mark Iraq invasion
Tens of thousands of anti-war protesters mark the second anniversary of the invasion of Iraq with demonstrations across Europe.
So you'd expect at least a mention of these events in the U.S. press, right? Well, here are the top AP stories right now:That's right, unlocking corn's genetic code is more important than a worldwide peace rally attended by tens, if not hundreds, of thousands.
- Congress reaches deal on Terri Schiavo case
- Bomb at Qatar theater injures more than 50
- Pope may be in the audience Palm Sunday
- Policy OKs preemptive strike to protect U.S.
- World Bank hails rapid growth in Russia
- Researchers unlocking corns genetic code
- Univ. of Michigan to build Arthur Miller theater
- NCAA Tournament - Scoreboard - Bracket
CNN has a protest-related news story, but it's about the 30 people (actual number) outside Terri Schiavo's hospital in FL (she's that comatose woman who has been on and off life support). Even the NY Times, that so-called bastion of liberalism, doesn't have a drop.
There's not even a mention of the two-year anniversary in any of the major outlets. It's a sad reminder of the disproportionately scant coverage of the Feb. 2003 protests - the largest in human history.
It's difficult to see how there can be change in this country without media coverage. If most of the U.S. isn't reminded of how many people (57%, according to the latest CNN numbers) disapprove of this thing, how can there be momentum?
Would Vietnam have ended if the mainstream press hadn't covered the protests? And would we have any recollection of them if we didn't have camera footage and other documentation by mainstream outlets?
In the meantime, stay tuned for the latest on steriods in baseball, celebrity trials and - lest we forget - corn.
Con fuerza,
Kurt
Thursday, March 17, 2005
A few questions
Why are lawmakers approving drilling into the Alaska wildlife refuge instead of examining incentives to reduce dependence on foreign AND domestic oil?
Why is the bankrupcy bill on the verge on being passed? A recent study from Harvard suggests that 1/2 of personal bankruptcies are the result of unexpected medical expenses. The bill just passed by the senate will have an adverse effect on low income and middle class families. Why is this a priority right now? Why is economic opporutnity for the poor and stability for the middle class a threat? Why do people adversely affected by the policies of the Bush administration give him the benefit of the vote?
Why are we spending so much money on military activities, instead of confronting the core disparities that result in hate and terrorism? If the amount of money spend on the war in Iraq was allocated towards combating global poverty, what outcomes might result? What are the root causes of terrorism and hate and what actions are being taken by the United States to address these causes?
I hope that politicians can begin to suggest long-term solutions to the emerging problems facing the United States and the world. Some of these solutions may involve confronting the pharmaceutical and credit card industry, investing in non-military foreign policy activities, and pursuing economic justice for poor people domestically and abroad. Are these such horrible things? I would suggest they are essential for the long term sustainability of this world.
Where are our priorities?
Sunday, March 13, 2005
green meteorite sighting
I saw a green meteor streak across the sky last night on the way to the Bob Dylan show at the University of Portland. I only caught a glimpse, but was certain I had seen a distinct green flash. I switched the radio to the news but it didn't seem like anyone else was alarmed. Today on the news I find I am not the only one to see this. This is now the second time I've seen a green meteorite...the first was in Gooseberry State Park in Minnesota overlooking the shores of Lake Superior when I was a kid. I wish I had gotten a better glimpse at this one but it was behind a building and I only saw a very quick flash.
Here is another article about the meteorite.
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
viking
It is warm again in Portland, but Viking is not quite so small.