This is probably the umpteenth time I have written about or linked an article on Taiaiake Alfred’s latest book,Wasase.But it’s one of those rare book’s that speaks to you in a way,that is not only intellectual stimulating but truly inspiring.
Macho,armchair,wannabe Che revolutionaries need not apply.No disrespect to Che the man,implied or intended.
But times have changed,and this is Canada.
I recommend it,I recommend it I recommend it…here borrow my copy.
Taiaiake Alfred’s Wasáse: Indigenous Pathways of Action and Freedom is a powerful tool in the struggle for Indigenous autonomy. Wasáse reflects on the struggles faced by Onkwehonwe (indigenous) peoples and charts a path for transcending colonialism. It offers, ultimately, a vision for a new, post-colonial society. Though written within the Canadian context, Wasáse is relevant to Indigenous peoples around the world who are looking for creative, non-violent ways to confront Western imperialism and strengthen traditional cultures.
Call me “naive” but one would expect that a gathering of hundreds of U.S veterans of the Iraq and Afghan war ,to talking about their experiances,would elicit some interest from media outlets other than just that of the ‘alternative’ persuasion.
But one would be wrong…and besides what would the common soldier ‘know’ ?
Google ‘Winter Soldiers‘ …..
For more on the gathering go here.
That’s it the gloves are coming off….
Usually I prefer my humble blog to be a place where folks can read and comment on current affairs in an atmosphere that is the anti-thesis,of what passes for much of the blog sphere.
One that is dominated by name calling,and personality attacks.Indeed churlish & puerile behavior of a bewilder variety that never ceases to set me back on my heels.
Like when someone is toe to toe with ya shouting their fool head off ,and they have bad breath to boot.
Anyway back to the matter at hand….
After reading this and this…..
to hell with being polite,to hell with trying to engage with self righteous,sanctimonious twits .
After all language like, “troops out is pro-war” is in itself not about engaging or putting fourth arguments based on logic or facts,nor is it an attempt at changing minds or appealing to people’s sensibilities.
It definitly is not, about building a case for ones position(s).
Its about disparaging and dismissing those that are critical of the Afghan war or believe,based on valid and sensible arguments,that a new course of action is desperately needed.
Needed because the current 6+year cluster fuck that is NATO’s Afghan policy is just not working.
Because when NATO inevitably pulls out,the deaths,(of Canadian soldiers and Afghan civilians) and the billions of dollars spent will have been in vain.
And further more,why do self righteous twits insist on repeating untruths and half truths in their attempt to smear critics,for example the NDP.Is this ,suppose to somehow back up their argument or make it appear more convincing ?
Lauryn Oates state….
Bullshit….
The NDP’s position is as clear as the nose on ones face,i.e more resources must be devoted to finding a political solution.As opposed to the current policy which sees nearly all the resources being sucked up by the military aspects of the mission.
So rather than presuming and second guessing the NDP and like minded critics.Perhaps a more reasonable approach would be to address their respective position based on what is actually being said,rather than what one thinks is being said.
But since we are talking about matters that are impacting the Afghan people,why not let an Afghani outline his position. A position that touches on many of the same factors and historical realities, that the NDP and many critics have been emphasizing since day one.
Lauryn Oates then finishes off by stating….
But I though it was all about the Afghan peoples,and what does Canada’s reputation or ego have to do with anything ?
Filed under: Activism, Afghanistan, Iraq, Support the Troops, U.S, War Sucks
Because governments and politician just do not learn from past mistakes….
Back in the days of the Vietnam war a handful of veterans came together,in a hotel in Detroit Michigan (1971),to speak out and organize against the war,calling themselves ‘winter soldier‘.
And we all know how that ended.
So the veterans of the United State’s latest wars,in Iraq & Afghanistan,have come together for the same reasons.
Peace brother
Read,’A Soldier’s Winter‘
Because the 2010 Olympics is not a boon for First Nations communities despite what AFN and a few “Indian Act Chiefs” might have people believe.
Just another tale of,show me the money…
h/t Liberated Yet
