Photographer
Photographer's JournalI can't remember the last time I was so proud of my President
as when he teared up today.
Mr. President, I love you and yours.
White Privilege and the Bundy Brigand Militia "Standoff" in Oregon
The human products of public moocher and rogue Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy's seed are causing a ruckus in Oregon. Bundy's sons, Ammon and Ryan, are leading a group of approximately 150 insurrectionist terrorists who have taken over a federal wildlife preserve near the remote town of Burns, Oregon.
As I suggested in a piece at Salon, if these people were Muslim or black they would be dead. The State would have called down merciless violence to immolate the "terrorists" or "radicals". The corporate news media would have supported this narrative. Fox News would be insane with rage and fear about "black thugs and militants" as well as "Muslim terrorists" who are Americans that were somehow "radicalized" by "extremists".
[The mainstream corporate news media is continuing to coddle and "whitewash" the cosplay cowboy terrorists in Oregon with headlines such as: "Armed anti-government protesters"; "Armed Occupiers"; and "Oregon Group". The race of Bundy's insurrectionists has not been mentioned because they are "white", i.e. "real Americans". Whiteness and white privilege enable racial erasure for white people. In contrast, they mark people of color as less than, the Other, and non-white.]
White privilege is a universal tool, a Swiss Army knife of sorts in American life. The behavior of Bundy's Brigands--and the State's deescalation and non-response--is just one more sign of what most reasonable and intelligent people already know.
more: http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/1/4/1466094/-White-Privilege-and-the-Bundy-Brigand-Militia-Standoff-in-Oregon
Alex Jones rants: Obama could use Oregon militant takeover to justify federal ‘gun-grab’
Conservative radio host Alex Jones fretted on Monday that the seizure of a federal building in Oregon was in danger of being co-opted by President Barack Obama’s administration, Right Wing Watch reported.
“The timing of this now allows the whole debate to not be about the gun-grab, to not be about all the gun control, to not be about the victim disarmament, but to be about citizens with guns taking over buildings,” Jones said in a video filmed in Arizona.
Jones begins the video standing outside, before moving into a house to show viewers what he calls articles — all posted on his website — showing how the White House is utilizing the seizure of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in rural Oregon to further the United Nations’ alleged “Agenda 21” plan to foist international control upon US communities.
The video was released before Dwight and Steven Hammond, the two ranchers whose federal conviction prompted the armed takeover, turned themselves in to authorities.
Jones accused “weaponized media” of spreading talking points about “white terrorists,” but did not mention that at least one member of Ammon Bundy’s group has said he went there “to die”
More hilarity at http://www.rawstory.com/2016/01/alex-jones-rants-obama-could-use-oregon-militant-takeover-to-justify-federal-gun-grab/
You will need proper cleaning supplies to watch this video.
BBC host stumps open carry gun advocate whose response to mass shootings is to arm ‘good guys’
n an interview with a BBC Five Live host, the president of gun advocacy group Open Carry Texas defended his state’s newly liberalized gun laws and said the only way to stop mass shootings is to put more guns on the street.
According to C.J. Grisham, the U.S. has plenty of gun laws on the books, but added, “You can pass all the background checks you want, but a criminal gang member in Chicago isn’t going to run a background check on another gang member.”
Grisham was then interrupted by the host who asked, “Sorry. How many of the mass college shootings were carried out by criminal gang members?”
“Well they were all carried out by criminals, not licensed carriers,” Grisham replied, before being pressed if they were gang members.
“So how did those people manage to access the weaponry that led to all of those deaths then?” he was asked.
“Illegally,. That’s what I’m saying,” Grisham replied, before being asked, “How do you tighten that up then?”
“Well, you can’t stop all crime,’ he replied. “You tighten it up by getting rid of gun-free zones and allowing people to defend themselves no matter where they walk, no matter where they go, no matter where they study.”
“So, just to be clear, C.J.” he was asked, “The solution is actually having more guns in circulation in America. Therefore, when a Columbine happens, a teacher can open fire in a classroom against the assailant. So, guns in classrooms? You advocate that?”
More at http://www.rawstory.com/2016/01/bbc-host-stumps-open-carry-gun-advocate-whose-response-to-mass-shootings-is-to-arm-good-guys/
Sharing because it touched me: Thank You, General Leia
Dear Ms. Fisher,
You don’t know me. I don’t expect you to know me. In fact, honestly, this thank you note being so public makes me a little nervous.
But I need to thank you. Publicly.
I love the idea of my body being my brain bag. I never would have thought of that. The fact that you did is amazing. I am proud of my brain. I am proud of how I think. I am proud of being an analytical woman.
But all people see is my body. Even doctors.
But you know what? You’re right. They can blow us.
Because the brain that hides inside our bodies is more important than the fat that protects it.
Because if my pants size being larger than average is more important to people than my IQ being larger than average, they have their priorities screwed up.
Because when I look at General Leia in that beautiful purple dress at the end of The Force Awakens, I see the woman I imagine myself to be.
Because, here’s the thing: I came late to the Star Wars party. Leia was the woman that I thought to myself, “YEAH, I want to BE that.” When Jabba tried to objectify her? She kicked his big, slimy backworm end.
I ever after imagined myself as that metal swinging, worm tail kicking, woman.
Then, in my early 30’s, I had a child. Lo and behold, about five years later at 35, my body just decided to say, “Welcome to your mid-30’s growth spurt. Sorry that your spine means you’re going to stay 5 feet tall. But hey! You can gain width!”
I felt removed from the princesses.
Then I watched The Force Awakens.
You are no princess. You are a general. You are OUR general. You are the general for the generation of women whose bodies change, whose age impacts their look, whose mouths say the thing others don’t want to hear. Thank you.
You are my General. I will follow you into battle. Because there is a war. It is not a fictional war. It is not just a war against women. It is a war against impractical ideals. It is a war that takes prisoners who are all ages from child to elderly. It is a war that tells men they should have six packs and women they should be a size 2.
I will tell others who speak of my aged, child-bearing body, to blow us. Because my brain needs an RV, even though I am more proud of my brain than my body. If my body is the RV for my brain, so be it. You reminded everyone that our brains are more important than our bodies. Thank you.
Also, if I may be shallow? That purple dress. That purple dress is what I want to wear to my next major life moment.
I am disappointed at the lack of internet pictures of you in that dress when I do searches. I bought the entire set of Disney figures to have a General Leia in that purple dress. That dress was everything I imagine myself to be in terms of being a mature woman. It was beautiful. You were beautiful. The moments you portrayed in it were beautiful.
I hope that despite the haters hating, you can find some comfort or solace or whatever people living under a microscope need when I say this:
You are not my Princess. You are my General. You spoke the words I want to say. You portrayed the adult, matured woman I want to be. I will follow you into whatever battle you ask. I will fight whatever haters bring their sabers of stupid.
Thank you, Ms. Fisher for being the one to publicly say:
Blow us.
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General Leia in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, image via Disney Entertainment.
Because that is what people can do.
Or, we can just keep blowing them away.
Respectfully,
A Private in Your Army.
This was not my writing: http://geekmom.com/2015/12/thank-you-general-leia/
Meet 5 Republican Presidential Hopefuls Who Support The Armed Bundy “Militia” And Domestic Terrorism
As right-wing Christian terrorists continue their armed standoff against the federal government and hole up in a federal building, it’s very important for us to remember that some of our most prominent politicians endorse and encourage this kind of anti-government sedition. The rancher standoff in April 2014 nearly led to mass bloodshed between federal agents and traitor militias defending the Bundy Ranch when the agents attempted to confiscate his cattle in order to pay $1 million in unpaid grazing fees over the past few decades. Three of Bundy’s sons are currently with the armed insurgents in Oregon.
Right-wing politicians flocked to support the insurgents, including several men who are not only elected officials but are actively seeking the Presidency. It just goes to show that the hypocrisy of the right-wing truly knows no bounds – advocating resistance to the power of the office that they themselves are seeking. Right-wing conservative media flocked to paint them as noble patriots resisting the advances of an overreaching government, when in fact they were petty, racist criminals refusing to obey the law.
The Koch Brothers’ organization, Americans For Prosperity, was extremely vocal in their support for him; FOX News gave him a soapbox for him to incite rebellion against the United States government; within four days of his appearance on Glenn Beck’s program, hundreds of anti-government zealots had flocked to Nevada like so many jihadis travelling to Syria. The Kochs and the Republican Party are interested in the land-use issue because they want to privatize the federally protected wildlife refuges and auction off the land for development to the highest bidder; indeed, as Truthout noted:
“That’s the ironic thing about the militia movement. Despite all its rage against corrupt government, American decline, and the elites, in the end, the only people who benefit from its fight against “big government” are the same people who are already destroying our country – the billionaires and the oligarchs. To put it bluntly, the militias are the useful idiots of the one percent.”
More at http://www.occupydemocrats.com/meet-the-5-republican-presidential-hopefuls-who-support-the-armed-bundy-militia-and-domestic-terrorism/
We need a total and complete shutdown of white people entering the United States
until Congress can figure out what the hell is going on in Oregon.
What Donald Trump didn't say today.
ABC killed journalism Saturday night using this one weird tweet
aturday night, while good Americans were enjoying the blessings of liberty on the fruited plains of the best country God ever created that isn’t named France or Spain or even Canada, this happened:
Militia members protesting a federal prison sentence for two Oregon ranchers convicted on charges of setting fire to federal land have occupied the headquarters of a national park.
The protesters include Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy’s son, Ammon, and two of his brothers. Also among them is Ryan Payne, who organized snipers to aim weapons at federal officers during the Bundy Ranch standoff last year.
They told OregonLive that they are accompanied by about 150 others and are hunkered down at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge headquarters. The group is described by reporter Les Zaitz as “hard core militia” who adopted the ranchers’ cause as their own.
“The facility has been the tool to do all the tyranny that has been placed upon the Hammonds,” Ammon Bundy told Zaitz in a phone interview from inside the headquarters. “We’re planning on staying here for years, absolutely. This is not a decision we’ve made at the last minute.”
He would not rule out the possibility of violence.
If that seems confusing, a shorter description would be: heavily armed militants took over a federal building and they are threatening to fight to the death because they don’t recognize U.S. laws.
Wait, that still seems unduly harsh.
Here, let ABC explain it to you via Twitter:
http://www.rawstory.com/2016/01/abc-killed-journalism-saturday-night-by-using-this-one-weird-tweet/
Oregon Lunatics Send Desperate Plea For Snacks And Socks — See The Internet’s Hilarious Reaction
Oregon lunatics don’t seem very prepared to take on government…
Saturday, domestic terrorists from various militia groups entered federal land and took control of a federal building…on a bird sanctuary…because reasons.
The leader of the pack, Ammon Bundy, son of Cliven Bundy from the Nevada BLM standoff told the media the group was willing to die trying to achieve their objective — stealing land from the government — and planned on being on the property for YEARS if it came to that. Ammon is also joined by his brothers Mel and Ryan.
Also, on the property is Jon Ritzheimer, the infamous shithead known for his armed protests outside of mosques. He sent a tearful “goodbye” video to his wife and kids ahead of the occupation on federal land — which is hilarious — but he also recently sent out a plea for things the men should have brought ahead of usurping a government building in freezing temperatures.
Blaine Cooper has been relaying the group’s messages to social media:
The Oregon lunatics need snacks. pic.twitter.com/YnAOM3hPQk
— Imraan Siddiqi (@imraansiddiqi) January 3, 2016
Also in a separate post, Ritzheimer asked for:
Things we could use:
cold weather socks
snacks
energy drinks
equipment for cold weather
snow camo
gear
anything you think will help.
Thank you all for the support
So let’s get this straight. These guys, who plan to stay on the refuge for years if need be, traveled to a remote location in the dead of winter and are in short supply of warm clothes, Redbulls, and snacks? Oh, this is too great.
Obviously, the internet was also equally pleased.
"We don't want your money." *Translation: "Please send money." pic.twitter.com/mhpqcYdtqh
— Imraan Siddiqi (@imraansiddiqi) January 3, 2016
.@imraansiddiqi Well,this should teach them 2 pack more cheezy poofs next time they break into a wildlife refuge and threaten to kill people
— twoOneSix (@TwoOneSix216) January 4, 2016
@imraansiddiqi my mom cooked hella pallau and chalau last night. Think they'd be ok w/ afghan food?
— Wagma Mommandi (@wagmamommandi) January 3, 2016
@imraansiddiqi @EllenDatlow They want snacks? Send them Cocoa Puffs. They're obviously cuckoo!
— Aaron Smith (@AaronSmith377) January 3, 2016
The response on Facebook was also hilarious:
“Energy drinks. Of course.”
“It takes a really special kind of idiot to try to protest the federal government while asking people to send you stuff through the USPS.”
“Wow, for Militia, you sure went in totally unprepared. OathKeepers have made a public statement regarding your situation.”
“You clowns are like a child who ran away with only a jar of peanut butter and a sleeve of Ritz. Grow up, kids.”
“Lolol anti-government militia using a government service (US Mail) to beg for supplies.. Which they didn’t bring to begin with because they’re idiots with no common sense”
“Waitaminit. You yahoos decide to take over a federal building in the hopes of fomenting governmental overthrow…but you forgot to bring snacks and toilet paper? Okay, then.”
Thank you, internet!
http://reverbpress.com/news/us/oregons-domestic-terrorists-send-desperate-plea-for-snacks-response-from-muslims-hilarious/
Bundy Supporters Drove ATVs Through Native American Ruins
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10027498431If there's one thing that will get your point across and persuade the general public to support your cause, it's driving a bunch of ATVs through Native American ruins and burials.
That seems to be the logic used by anti-Bureau of Land Management, pro-Cliven Bundy protestors who drove ATVs through a Utah canyon trail where motorized vehicles are banned. The rally was organized by Phil Lyman who, believe it or not, is actually a commissioner of San Juan county, home of Recapture Canyon. Hundreds of years ago, it was also home to the Puebloans, as evidenced by the ruins of their homes dug into the canyon rock. It is currently on federal land.
In 2007, an illegal ATV trail was discovered, sections of which ran right through some of these archaeological sites. The BLM then ruled that motorized vehicles were illegal in the canyon, and ATV and anti-federal enthusiasts have protested ever since -- well before the Bundy Ranch debacle.
"For 130 years people have been using that canyon as a highway," Lyman told the Salt Lake Tribune, apparently not realizing that 130 years ago, motorized vehicles were only just being invented and were certainly not in mainstream use.
Ryan Bundy addresses the crowd (Reuters)
Bundy Ranch put squabbles with the BLM in the national spotlight, and so Lyman's rally for the right to potentially destroy Native American artifacts brought several Bundy supporters -- including Bundy's son, Ryan. Also people wearing camouflage and a guy with an assault rifle, according to the Tribune. There were also American flags, which makes no sense.
more at http://www.thewire.com/national/2014/05/bundy-supporters-drove-atvs-through-native-american-ruins/362053/
cross posted per suggestion.
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