Conquerors always call themselves liberators.
– Sami Abdul-Rahman – Kurdish leaders enraged by ‘undemocratic’ American plan to occupy Iraq, Independent, 2/18/03
=
When governments state that certain events have not happened, and yet we have the victims before us to testify that they did, government loses its credibility, and it loses its authority. We see before us today governments that lack natural authority and have to make up for that by the use of force. They do not have the support of the people because they are not trusted by the people. We hear many fine words seeking national unity, cooperation and harmony, yet, almost in the same breath orders are given to military units to shoot civilians, protesters are rounded up, many disappear, many are tortured. No government which governs by the use of force can survive except by force. There is no going back because force begets force and the perpetrators of crimes live in fear that they might become victims in their turn.
– Bishop Carlos Felipe Ximenes Belo – Reconciliation Speech of 24/2/99 at St Mary’s Cathedral Hall, Sydney, NSW
=
We used to have a War Office, but now we have a Ministry of Defence, nuclear bombs are now described as deterrents, innocent civilians killed in war are now described as collateral damage and military incompetence leading to US bombers killing British soldiers is cosily described as friendly fire. Those who are in favour of peace are described as mavericks and troublemakers, whereas the real militants are those who want the war.
– Tony Benn
=
Herein lies a riddle: How can a people so gifted by God become so seduced by naked power, so greedy for money, so addicted to violence, so slavish before mediocre and treacherous leadership, so paranoid, deluded, lunatic?
– Philip Berrigan – Source: Hell, Healing and Resistance Veterans Speak
===
15 Things You Probably Never Knew or Thought About
1. At least 5 people in this world love you so much they would die for you.
2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.
4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don’t like you.
5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
6. You mean the world to someone.
7. If not for you, someone may not be living.
8. You are special and unique.
9. Someone that you don’t even know exists loves you.
10. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.
11. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look: you most likely turned your back on the world.
12. When you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you probably won’t get it, but if you believe in yourself, probably, sooner or later, you will get it.
13. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.
14. Always tell someone how you feel about them; you will feel much better when they know.
15. If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they are great.
A Minute: They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hou r to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them. Take the time… to live and love.
===
The Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance first appeared in 1892, to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Columbus landing in the new world. The original stated: “I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands; one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
In 1924 it was modified to say: “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and the Republic for which it stands; one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
Then once again in 1954 the pledge was changed again to: “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and the Republic for which it stands; one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
Folks, the original never used God. Why is that? Its because the nation was not built on God. It was built on the work of many. Fellow Witches and Pagans when you pledge allegiance use the 1924 version. America is a melting pot of people, cultures and RELIGIONS. The 1924 version is the most correct for the nation. America was built on land and hard work; even non-Christians did the work.