Tag Archives: peace

Why Good People Kill….

….Iraq murders reveal the warping power of conformity and dehumanization.
by Rosa Brooks, who is a professor at the University of Virginia School of Law, is an interesting look into the issue of Americans being “good people”.

She begins
Are Americans good people?
After Vietnam — after My Lai, after the free-fire zones — many Americans were no longer sure.
After Haditha, the same question is again beginning to haunt us. We’re supposed to be a virtuous nation; our troops are supposed to be the good guys. If it turns out that Marines murdered 24 civilians, including children and infants, how could that have happened?

She addresses the “bad apple theory” and provides a look at these “key factors” leading to good people doing terrible things, substantiated by examples in far past and recent history:

  • authority
  • conformity
  • dehumanization of the victims
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  • Religious leaders renew call for Guantanamo shutdown

    Dan Webster, Communications Director for the National Council of Churches, former Episcopal Public Relations Director here in Salt Lake, and good activist friend of mine, sent this today:

    Suicides at Guantanamo Bay prison lead to renewed calls to close the facility

    New York, June 11, 2006 — The suicides of three prisoners at the Guantanamo Bay detention center in Cuba have prompted a renewed call by the National Council of Churches USA that the facility be closed.

    The suicides are “another milestone in a sordid history of human rights denial and crimes against humanity,” said the Rev. Dr. Bob Edgar, NCC General Secretary.

    “Americans who love their country and its historic ideals are mortified by this continuing blot on our honor, on our steadfast defense of freedom, and on our commitment to democracy and the rule of law,” Edgar said.
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    Susan Sarandon and Cindy Sheehan come together on Mother’s Day

    Sarandon Joins Vigil Against Iraq War

    Susan Sarandon and Cindy Sheehan joined in a vigil at the White House over this Mother’s Day weekend, with letters to deliver to Laura Bush, uring her to pursuade her husband to personally notify mothers whose children have died while serving in Iraq.

    The protest was organized by CodePink Women for Peace.

    Mother’s Day 2006: A Call for Peace!

    Mother’s Day was originally started after the Civil War, as a protest to the carnage of that war, by women who had lost their sons. Women around the country this Mothers Day weekend will hold activities to promote peace. Also, outside the White House, May 13-14, 3PM-3PM, will be a special all-night vigil. Come for the whole vigil or for a few hours! Sing, dance, drum, bond, laugh, cry, and hug. Write letters to Laura Bush to appeal to her own mother’s heart, and read them aloud. Discuss new ideas for ending the war and building peace. In the final two hours on Sunday, the vigil will be joined by some amazing celebrity actresses, singers, writers — and moms.

    Read all about Mother’s Day Actions and Resources at: CodePink Women for Peace.

    Cost of the War in Iraq – entire U.S.
    Cost of the War in Iraq – See the cost in your community (drop down menu)
    Iraq Body Count

    Who REally Spoiled the 2000 Election?

    This is a longer response to “El Critical One” in my post on Why Vote Green

    Greens did not cost Al Gore the 2000 election, a whole lot of other folks did.

    Consider these things:

    The Supreme Court Spoiled:
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    Tribute to Pete Seeger

    Legendary Folk Musician and Storyteller Pete Seeger turns 87 today. Seeger has for decades entertained and educated audiencs of all ages with his messages of social justice.

    Bruce Springsteen has assembled a group of 18 diverse musicians to record “We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions”.

    Links to information on Pete Seeger

  • Pete Seeger Appreciation Page – website with biography, discography, photo galleries and more
  • Brief Bio
  • PETE SEEGER: FOLK SINGER AND SONGWRITER” – Harvard Square Library article on notable Unitarians
  • Albums – page of links to Pete Seeger’s albums
  • Mudcat Bio
  • Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
  • Cybergrass article
  • Pete Seeger: A Teaspoon at a Time – Rutherford Institute commentary
  • When Will They Ever Learn? – An Interview with Pete Seeger
  • Springsteen Speaks: The Music of Pete Seeger – from NPR’s “All Things Considered”


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  • Songs of Protest

    Protest Songs are making a resurgence, according to The Nation

    Listen to Neil Young’s Living With War

    Neil Young’s Songs of Impeachment (alternet article)

    Listen to Tuberaider’s Pink “Dear Mr. President”

    Big Brother is Watching

    Sgt. Gehlen from the U.S. Central Command public Affairs has posted a reply to the post I made this morning about the 3rd anniversary of George W. Bush declaring the Iraq conflict as “Mission Accomplished”. He has graciously pointed me and my readers to CENTCOM for the most accurate and up to date figures on the war on terrorism.

    Among the links on the CENTCOM site are:
    What Extremists Are Saying
    Heroes in Action
    Afghanistan
    Iraq

    Thank you for this additional source of information to further my education and understanding on this issue.

    Save Darfur

    Here are some links to news articles about the campaign to save Darfur:

    Deseret News: Darfur rebels reject draft peace accord
    (interesting note: I could find no article about the Utah Darfur rallies in SLC and in Provo)
    Salt Lake Tribune: Humanitarian disaster: Protesting the atrocities
    KSL Channel 5: Crowds Gather to Urge End to Sudan Genocide
    KUTV Channel 2: Darfur Peace Deal Rejected By Rebels: African Union Extends Deadline By 48 Hours
    ABC Channel 4: Former NBA Star Manute Bol in Utah to Help Stop Genocide in His Homeland

    Coverage on Blogs
    Jen’s Green Journal
    One Uath