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Zebra 3 Report by Joe Anybody
Sunday, 20 September 2009
Why I threw the shoe (at Bush)
Mood:
 amorous
Now Playing: My country is still a prisoner of war
Topic: WAR
Why I Threw the Shoe
I am no hero. I just acted as an Iraqi who witnessed the pain and bloodshed of too many innocents
By Muntazer al-Zaidi
September 19, 2009 "The Guardian" -- I am free. But my country is still a prisoner of war. There has been a lot of talk about the action and about the person who took it, and about the hero and the heroic act, and the symbol and the symbolic act. But, simply, I answer: what compelled me to act is the injustice that befell my people, and how the occupation wanted to humiliate my homeland by putting it under its boot. Over recent years, more than a million martyrs have fallen by the bullets of the occupation and Iraq is now filled with more than five million orphans, a million widows and hundreds of thousands of maimed. Many millions are homeless inside and outside the country. We used to be a nation in which the Arab would share with the Turkman and the Kurd and the Assyrian and the Sabean and the Yazid his daily bread. And the Shia would pray with the Sunni in one line. And the Muslim would celebrate with the Christian the birthday of Christ. This despite the fact that we shared hunger under sanctions for more than a decade. Our patience and our solidarity did not make us forget the oppression. But the invasion divided brother from brother, neighbour from neighbour. It turned our homes into funeral tents. I am not a hero. But I have a point of view. I have a stance. It humiliated me to see my country humiliated; and to see my Baghdad burned, my people killed. Thousands of tragic pictures remained in my head, pushing me towards the path of confrontation. The scandal of Abu Ghraib. The massacre of Falluja, Najaf, Haditha, Sadr City, Basra, Diyala, Mosul, Tal Afar, and every inch of our wounded land. I travelled through my burning land and saw with my own eyes the pain of the victims, and heard with my own ears the screams of the orphans and the bereaved. And a feeling of shame haunted me like an ugly name because I was powerless. As soon as I finished my professional duties in reporting the daily tragedies, while I washed away the remains of the debris of the ruined Iraqi houses, or the blood that stained my clothes, I would clench my teeth and make a pledge to our victims, a pledge of vengeance. The opportunity came, and I took it. I took it out of loyalty to every drop of innocent blood that has been shed through the occupation or because of it, every scream of a bereaved mother, every moan of an orphan, the sorrow of a rape victim, the teardrop of an orphan. I say to those who reproach me: do you know how many broken homes that shoe which I threw had entered? How many times it had trodden over the blood of innocent victims? Maybe that shoe was the appropriate response when all values were violated. When I threw the shoe in the face of the criminal, George Bush, I wanted to express my rejection of his lies, his occupation of my country, my rejection of his killing my people. My rejection of his plundering the wealth of my country, and destroying its infrastructure. And casting out its sons into a diaspora. If I have wronged journalism without intention, because of the professional embarrassment I caused the establishment, I apologise. All that I meant to do was express with a living conscience the feelings of a citizen who sees his homeland desecrated every day. The professionalism mourned by some under the auspices of the occupation should not have a voice louder than the voice of patriotism. And if patriotism needs to speak out, then professionalism should be allied with it. I didn't do this so my name would enter history or for material gains. All I wanted was to defend my country.
Posted by Joe Anybody
at 8:58 PM PDT
Charlie and a bus ride videos from Caracas Venezuela
Mood:
 celebratory
Now Playing: 3 videos from Caracas Venezuela
Topic: Venezuela Trip
3 videos from our Venezuela Trip Paint My Masterpiece Caracas Venezuela Bus Ride
Carlie Hardy and the US Media Charlie Hardy 1989 in Caracas
Posted by Joe Anybody
at 1:21 PM PDT
Saturday, 19 September 2009
Fox in the Henhouse - Media (broadcasters) take it in the shorts
Mood:
 d'oh
Now Playing: gordon smith heading the broadcasters organization spells trouble
Topic: MEDIA
by The Associated Press Friday September 18, 2009, 9:47 AM  The Associated PressGordon SmithFormer U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith has been named the new president and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters. The broadcast trade organization announced Friday that Smith will start November 1. The group, which was founded in 1922, represents more than 8,300 radio and television stations nationwide. (continues)The 57-year-old Republican represented Oregon for two terms in the Senate. He lost a bid for a third term to Democrat Jeff Merkley in November. Smith returned to Washington after his defeat to work for Covington & Burling, a leading law firm. Although Smith has no broadcasting experience, the trade group said his experience as "a lawyer, a statesman, and as an entrepreneur -- coupled with his extensive knowledge of broadcast issues from having served many years on the Commerce Committee" made him the perfect fit for the job. Since May, Janet McGregor has been acting CEO of the organization, taking over for David Rehr, who served about three years.
-- Staff and wire reports
Posted by Joe Anybody
at 12:01 AM PDT
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
IvySea Tips: outburst and dignified responses
Mood:
 bright
Now Playing: Outburst and Your Inner Self
Topic: ANYBODY * ANYDAY
(This was copied from an email) First, the crazy outbursts.
I imagine most of us are aware of the story about a U.S. Congressman whose outburst during the President's speech caused quite a stir, for better or worse depending on which 'side' one is on.
Congressman Wilson's outburst (and perhaps various reactions to it) is a great example of a couple of things, not the least of which is this:
1. Nothing gets done when people are screaming at each other.
2. Freak-outs and outbursts are not the most, um, skillful or effective choice for any of us, and it doesn't feel all that great to be in that state, either.
3. Losing our cool, freaking out, etc. is really expensive, in a whole lot of different ways.
4. There is definitely a better way. Probably more than a few of them.
Similarly, I once heard (directly, from someone who was there) about the shocking temper-tantrums and screaming-episodes of the leader of a large, well-known insurance corporation -- one that has since been in the news headlines.
This leader would apparently go red-faced, screaming, name-calling, and humiliating whomever it was who'd drawn his ire at any particular executive meeting.
Ya know, , I have to say, I don't even find any of these examples even remotely funny. It all seems kind of pathetic and very, very sad.
And yet all of us, me included, can no doubt remember times when we 'lost our cool', didn't stay centered, and let our reactions fly out of our mouths in ways that, in hindsight, we regretted.
In my many years providing strategic communication counsel, I was too-often called in to 'help straighten a mess out'. In the majority of situations, there was a lot of incivility, outbursts, unproductive interactions, murky vision, and confused leadership at the core.
For most of these groups -- large companies or small businesses -- that general culture of incivility, and lack of clarity and collaborative-spirit was costing a lot of money, time, wellbeing, and creativity.
So I also know -- as you may as well -- that there is a high value to being dignified, gracious, and civil, in whatever style is uniquely ours. And I know from my work in both professional communication *and* energy and mindset-management, that it takes certain practices to come from that more productive, calm, inspired place.
It's really a choice we make, a commitment or vow we make to ourselves, and perhaps to the Divine is we're so inclined. It's a way of holding ourselves and moving through the day in a dignified way, endeavoring to have a certain grace that ripples through us into all of our interactions.
Dignity and grace didn't seem exemplified in Congressman Wilson's recent episode, and perhaps he regrets it. Who can really say but him? I don't know if the insurance executive regrets exercising his addiction to the adrenalin boost that came from humiliating other people.
But these are all just mirrors for us, because it reflects something that lives within us, and having it reflected, we get to ask ourselves, "Hmmmm, is this something I want to choose to be, to model? Is this how I'd want others to feel? Is this what I want to be known for?"
And as earnest as it all sounds, there's a certain joy to taking that responsibility back for ourselves -- rather than pointing fingers, we see reflections in the mirror.
Rather than blaming or finger-pointing (or name-calling), we choose a more dignified, kind response, and we see the outbursts of others as simply their not being in their own center; they're not coming from the Higher Angels of their nature, as Abraham Lincoln might have said.
This is cultivating a whole new response-ability, rather than habitual (and not very helpful, to anyone, including ourselves) reactivity -- re-acting old stories, in ways that don't get much done that's worthwhile.
So thanks to both -- the Congressman, the insurance executive -- and any others who are very visible reminders of the healing that needs to be done, and of the more gracious, dignified choice that we can all make.
We can invite something else out to play -- another part of ourselves, and other aspects of people around us.
It starts with us, and as always, it starts within and expresses outward from there. This was an excerpt from Ivy Sea online “Crazy Outbursts, Priestesses in Bluejeans, and a few other things" www.IvySea.com
Posted by Joe Anybody
at 12:01 AM PDT
Updated: Thursday, 17 September 2009 12:04 PM PDT
Tuesday, 15 September 2009
Charlie and the US Media
Mood:
 cool
Now Playing: Charlie Hardy tells US deegation abou his reasearch on US media
Topic: Venezuela Trip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6UVIlEAAdA
Posted by Joe Anybody
at 5:33 PM PDT
Updated: Thursday, 17 September 2009 12:02 PM PDT
Monday, 14 September 2009
home on the range
Mood:
 rushed
Now Playing: the return to the states
Topic: Venezuela Trip
well Im back in my home sweet home what a great time I have over 40 hours of video footage to edit through My 10 hours on plane flights has got me feeling spaced out and tired We were up till midnight...and then got up at 4am to catch our plane I alsmost missed my transfer in Houston I went to go get a beer ..then had a second one (which was a mistake) ...and then relaized after Josh called me to tell me everyone was on the plane...and waiting!!! Well they were ALL ON THE PLANE crap the ticket lady didnt even check my ticket ...she just said Hurry they are leaving...go ...go...! wow...getting stuck at George Bush Airport would of been a downer! I will be posting more latter ..and will be providing video's asap Its good to be back.... Now Im ready to see some "changes around here!" 
Posted by Joe Anybody
at 6:36 PM PDT
Updated: Monday, 14 September 2009 6:50 PM PDT
Saturday, 12 September 2009
Fuck The (US) Corporate Media
Mood:
 sharp
Now Playing: Peace Camps and Solidarity for No USA Military in Columbis
Topic: Venezuela Trip
Our delegation is going to a noon demonstration (today Sat) in solidarity with the "peace camps" that are cropping up in opposition to the military bases that are in Columbia. The demonstration is in downtown Caracas Chavez returned from out of the country yesterday... but we didn’t make it to the plaza where he spoke ..but watch it on TV at our place where we are staying...as our interpreter explained the translation of the 45 min speech by Chavez He spoke to the massive super ecstatic crowds about the recent new discovery of twice the amount of oil in Venezuela’s reserves...making Venezuela one of the top leaders in oil potential in the world He spoke of his recent agenda of putting computers in all the school to give all the student internet access He spoke of meeting with leaders of Russia, Spain, Syria, and Iran ...that are all in support of Venezuela´s Bolivarian Revolution He spoke of the new military rocket he is acquiring that is precision guided and super accurate as a major advancement to have for protection of his country, which is constantly under verbal attack by the empire USA He spent a lot of time thanking all the students, mother, grandparents, etc ...and everyone under the sun, who contribute and hold the values & respect of the Bolivarian Revolution The people in Venezuela "love their president" .... he tells them it isn’t "him" it is ...."all of them" that this revolution is all about... he is their "tool" to achieve socialism and peace and it is "not about him... its all about them" The media/propaganda spin of Chavez is sickening in the US press... I have seen nothing but great stuff going on here, I would be proud to have leadership like what I am seeing here... HE IS NOT A DICTACTOR as portrayed in the US media... far from it ....it is a "peoples democracy" ...dictators don’t allow democracy! The motivation by the US on this country to implant US imperialism and corporate interests are felt by all the Venezuelans’.... when I see "Yankee Go Home" (in many places around Caracas) spray painted on walls, it was put their for a reason... they don’t want the US (corporations/capitalist) meddling with their lives, markets, and land... the people here are wise to the US corruption and meddling in their country. (very unlike US citizens) There is a BIG concern here that the US military and its presence in Columbia's 7 military bases is a ramping up of USA Imperialism and the potential attack on the Venezuelan people ...all based on some stupid War on Drugs ideology that is droned on and on in the US press (wink) The media that is being closed down here is due to them being rouge, illegal in programming policies (Sex/Violence on airways), insulting and threatening to the government and "special interests of capitalism" and that (many stations) are in violations of required laws, fees, paper work and licenses. They have flipped their fingers at Chavez and have challenged the rulings with a poker face arrogant blatant "just try to stop us" attitude.... well it ain’t working... That doesn’t mean they are being silenced ... for there is so much free community access and community radio and newspapers everywhere... the "actual people" <now> get to report the news .... this isn’t silencing the media ..it is a silence of the corrupt wealthy capitalist Imperialist corporate (white) (rich) and US backed Right Wing shit talkers... That’s what’s going on. It is a shell game of the typical "corporate media bullshit" saying that Chavez is stopping those that speak against his policies. Yet they have been violating the very laws and are spin machines for Americas Capitalism abusive agendas. They are not using these 4 words below ...but it is exactly what is happening here in the media here now in Venezuela ...... "FUCK THE CORPORATE MEDIA" It is very sad to see that as I am treated with respect & love and welcomed here, all then while my government continues to threaten and shit talk this country. The whole country is hip to what is going on.... when through the "peoples eyes" here, they see America in the news attacking countries, invading foreign lands, and pushing the corporate terror on and in the countries they invade. The irony is that in America many are being duped in these military US operation of Stopping (sic) Terrorism...but here in Venezuela it is OBVIOUS as hell to everyone that the US is a monster that has its tentacles all over the planet.... ....it is OBVIOUS that we are the world leading terrorists ...and it saddens my heart to think my country can be seen and viewed (justly) as bullies and terrorist promoters ...it is sickening.... the ones fooled are my fellow Americans...nobody is being fooled around here.... It is so obvious it is almost a joke to the people of Venezuela, that the US is fooling no one but their own people The dirty hands of the CIA, and corporate interest (that require Military protection) is OBVIOUS to every single person here ...yet they treat us (me) USA citizens with understanding... they know it is not the people ...but our corrupt government...and for that I am thankful I am off to the Peace Camps (in downtown Venezuela) to document the oppositions to US Military Intervention in Columbia ...on our phony "war on drugs" (wink) to read more on peace bases check this link that is on the delegations blog http://pdxvenezuela.wordpress.com/2009/09/02/some-food-for-thought-on-finding-bases-for-peace/ LOVE = Solidarity
Fuck The (US) Corporate Media
Posted by Joe Anybody
at 7:37 AM PDT
Updated: Tuesday, 15 September 2009 5:15 PM PDT
Friday, 11 September 2009
sept 11
Mood:
 chatty
Now Playing: just had a great vegie lunch
Topic: Venezuela Trip
we were going to be doing a winter soldier event today but Chaves is returning so no one would of gone to it we were still thinking of doing it but their onsite organizer had passed away yesterday so that led to a cancellation we are all having a great time we visited the ministry of education today ...i filmed him speak to our group in a very fancy office... and now we just got back from a vegan lunch Chavez arrives today and we are joining the crowds who are going to watch him drive by I love their politics here I am inspired by their social values and the importance they put on Humans before capital it is super cool it is smoggy ...and humid.... they drink most their liquids warm TP is rare in many bathrooms ...better bring your own no one puts tp in the toilet ...due to bad plumbing no one from our group has gotten sick...just a little burned out they have shoddy electricity ...wires exposed etc...and I do see some compact fluorescent bulbs in many places but it has much room for improvement many people are selling stuff on the streets all over they have phone call cell phones all over too its a person sitting with a stack of phones ..that you just pay for your call last night a lady let me and the lady organizer go into her own apartment to use her phone to call the states ...for free..wow .. nobody has any video cameras unless we are near or at a TV station...they are rare I am having a great time...if it wasn’t for the interpreters i would be lost we are staying in a barrio which is a poor part of town ... hope all is going well in the states I return on a 8.20 am flight on Monday LOVE - SOLIDARITY joe anybody September 11 2009
Posted by Joe Anybody
at 12:45 PM PDT
Updated: Tuesday, 15 September 2009 5:18 PM PDT
Thursday, 10 September 2009
We visted a homless encampmnet today
Mood:
 happy
Now Playing: we are seeing great ideas in action for people power and respect
Topic: Venezuela Trip
we went to a homeless occupation it is called no roofs we met the organizers walked around and seen buildings that have been abandoned ...and thus were take over by the homeless community in organized ways they have the permission from the government to use these places for the social benefit of the community one building had 24 families another had 47 people in it a old lady who lived in one of the rooms invited us in to see her place ...she was so sweet...i have it al on film I have over 25 hours of footage collected...plus other in our delegation are filming too. I am getting by with not much Spanish ...but our interpreter is soooo good... sorry for the bad spelling here ..I’m typing fast and they close in about 10 minutes i have been drinking lots of good juices ...coffee is like shots of espresso..... milk is usually warm ...at least when we have cereal at breakfast its never cold ...¿ I was very inspired by the homeless NO ROOFS project...lots of neat stuff .... for example ...they also have local created business right in the near vicinity of these encampments... providing work...textiles ...food ... shops...juices ... it’s hot here humidity is high , and its stuff ...no rain not much wind I’m learning and having fun as well ...WOW I return with everyone on Monday morning peace out Mike )joe anybody(
Posted by Joe Anybody
at 4:31 PM PDT
Updated: Tuesday, 15 September 2009 5:21 PM PDT
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