Picture of the Day

Basim Elkarra at DNC 2012

“This picture was taken during Representative Wexler’s (pro) Israel, anti-Iran speech, I stood up & waived a peace sign & yelled we want peace now. Received lots of love from fellow Democrats” -My friend and community member, Basim Elkarra

Day of Unspoken Heroes

Today is my day of unspoken heroes.

From the likes of Martin Luther King, the Arab Spring revolutionaries and the Occupy Movement protesters to those only known to a few of us. Yes we think and pray for them everyday, but today I ask you to repeat their simple acts of kindness, their inspiration, their generosity, their continued struggle and their love for others! Today is a day of service and I ask that you do so in their honor, in their name.

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In many ways these unspoken heroes had a part in who we are today and the least we can do is make today our day of unspoken heroes.

Thank you, Ms. Hala

OBL Dead… Justice Served?

Last night it was announced by President Obama that Osama bin Laden (OBL) was killed via a secret CIA mission. He got a bullet to the head, washed up and buried at sea. As I watched the people gather at the White House to rejoice over the news, I was a bit disturb.

Was justice served?

The president in his statement reminded us of the 3,000 plus lives lost on September 11, 2001 which was supposedly masterminded by OBL. He forgot to mention that many of them were not just Americans but individuals from around the world. I remind you that the majority of casualties died at the World Trade Center where several organizations from around the world were located.

He also reminded us that in response to this attack, we’ve lost many young men and women in uniform while many more are now learning to live with their injuries. May I remind you that many in the military now, including those who’ve lost their lives in the battle, may have been too young to remember this attack.

While our president mentioned that OBL was a mass murder who killed many citizens including Muslims. He forgot to mention that in response to this mass murderer, without the support of many in the world, the US went has been in longest running double war in Afghanistan and Iraq. This response murdered more citizens then OBL did in his lifetime. Theses wars has made several million people refugees who may or may not be able to one day return to their homes.

And since a person’s life may not be as valuable to all of us, the US has spent over $1.5 trillion dollars in this nine year long game of hide and seek.

May I remind you that the only beneficiary of these wars continue to be the oil companies that keep raising prices and companies with US military contracts such as Halliburton? You know, that one fat company owned by our previous fat VP?! Yea, that one!

Personally, I would have rather OBL be caught alive and tried for crimes against humanity… at least then, maybe this whole thing would be a bit more believable. I know many of us welcome the news but also wonder it came at a time when the people of the Middle East have risen loud and proud against their oppressors… Just saying!

Violence always begets violence, so let’s pray this news does not bring forth any OBL wanna-be’s. Let’s also pray this doesn’t bring forth any violent or hate responses as we’ve already got word of such thing happening against a mosque in Portland, Maine.

In the meantime, I’ll believe that justice was served when the president’s next statement is that we are FINALLY going to get out of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq… I’m pushing it, right?

URGENT! Donating to Libyan Revolutionaries

UPDATE: Please follow @HodaEmneina on Twitter as she is organizing several fundraising causes for Libya online!

As you all know, Libya’s uprising has turned extremely violent! Qadaffi’s government has been ruthless as it uses paid criminals and outside mercenaries to attack protesters across the country! No media is allowed in, coverage and pleas for support has been coming in from the people themselves!

It’s through them that we’ve learned that hospitals there (especially in Benghazi) are running out of blood and medical supplies to care for the injured. With the border of Libya and Egypt now being controlled by protesters, medical relief aid is being organized by doctors and hospitals there in an effort to help.

If you can donate to this medical relief aid please email Libyanaid@gmail.com & call +20227940518. If you’ve other sources, please pass them on!!

Thanks to all who are helping and spreading the word, your efforts are greatly appreciated by our Libyan revolutionaries!

FREE AL-MOLOUHY NOW!!

In 2009, Syrian government arrested 17 year old Tal Al-Molouhy for posting “anti-government” sentiments on her blog. Later she was charged for spying for the USA for a post where she asks US President Barack Obama to do more in support of the Palestinean cause.

Today, now 19 years old, Al-Molouhy was taken to court in blindfolded and in chains to receive a 5 year sentence.

This is NOT acceptable!! Please sign this online petition to help voice your solidarity with Al-Molouhy and demand her release!

More information on Al-Molouhy’s case will be posted here as well as via Twitter.

Sources: Reuters Africa