Sunday, October 31, 2004
What's the opposite to writer's block?
Damn, so many ideas, thoughts, lines, themes, characters and a whole lot of writing waiting to burst out of my head. This feeling is what brings out great writing in me, and I haven't felt like this in a bit. If you think this is a good thing, I'm afraid your wrong because the timing really stinks. I have three exams this week and another the week after. Damn, my luck is really bad, just hope it stays with me till after my last exam.
Media get a blogging from internet pundits - US Elections - www.smh.com.au
Media get a blogging from internet pundits - www.smh.com.au
Yes we have a voice, this article in the Sydney Morning Herald today said that bloggers (like me) are keeping check on the bias news coverage of the mainstream press. I agree bloggers have a voice, but really we are biased, there are so many pro-Bush blogs out there backing Bush up, but even bloggers on the civil rights/anti-bush side, we seem to be inherantly biased. Though I think the difference is, although we are biased, I speak the truth. My biased opinion is not wrong because it is biased, I have gained my opinion from the truth. Bush bloggers have an opinion, however racist, but it is based on lies. Bush lied to the world when he said Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. He lied when he said he would do anything to capture Saddam Hussein. Bush bloggers are just puppets to the Fox new channel
Yes we have a voice, this article in the Sydney Morning Herald today said that bloggers (like me) are keeping check on the bias news coverage of the mainstream press. I agree bloggers have a voice, but really we are biased, there are so many pro-Bush blogs out there backing Bush up, but even bloggers on the civil rights/anti-bush side, we seem to be inherantly biased. Though I think the difference is, although we are biased, I speak the truth. My biased opinion is not wrong because it is biased, I have gained my opinion from the truth. Bush bloggers have an opinion, however racist, but it is based on lies. Bush lied to the world when he said Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. He lied when he said he would do anything to capture Saddam Hussein. Bush bloggers are just puppets to the Fox new channel
Saturday, October 30, 2004
'Florida 2004'
This is evidence of yet more 2004 'Floridas' and this is obviously aimed at removing potential democrat voters. This is because the majority of the African-American population vote Democrat. Other members of the Progressive Blogger Alliance have blogged this. Including, Progressive Blog Alliance HQ and In Search of Utopia.
Bin Laden taunts US with new attacks - www.smh.com.au
Bin Laden taunts US with new attacks - www.smh.com.au
Bin Laden has gone on television telling the people of America that in four years since September 11, he has failed to capture him. He was mocking the president and his diversion from the war on terror to Iraq.
He then told of his inspiration for the September 11 attacks saying "As I watched the destroyed towers in Lebanon, it occurred to me to punish the unjust the same way ... to destroy towers in America so that it can taste some of what we are tasting and to stop killing our children and women," He was referring to an Israeli attack on towers in Lebanon that the US was accused of supporting. Maybe people will realise terrorism is running both ways.
Excerpts from Bin Laden's message
Bin Laden has gone on television telling the people of America that in four years since September 11, he has failed to capture him. He was mocking the president and his diversion from the war on terror to Iraq.
He then told of his inspiration for the September 11 attacks saying "As I watched the destroyed towers in Lebanon, it occurred to me to punish the unjust the same way ... to destroy towers in America so that it can taste some of what we are tasting and to stop killing our children and women," He was referring to an Israeli attack on towers in Lebanon that the US was accused of supporting. Maybe people will realise terrorism is running both ways.
Excerpts from Bin Laden's message
What about the real target Mr. Bush
L.A. Daily News - News
An article in the L.A. daily news says that the pentagon know where Osama is but arn't going to get him because "There is an American presence in the area, but we can't just send in troops. If we did, we could have another Vietnam, and the United States cannot afford that right now."
Another Vietnam? Can't just send in troops? Excuse me Mr. 'I don't give a damn about a country's sovreignty' Bush, isn't that what you've done in Iraq.
An article in the L.A. daily news says that the pentagon know where Osama is but arn't going to get him because "There is an American presence in the area, but we can't just send in troops. If we did, we could have another Vietnam, and the United States cannot afford that right now."
Another Vietnam? Can't just send in troops? Excuse me Mr. 'I don't give a damn about a country's sovreignty' Bush, isn't that what you've done in Iraq.
Thursday, October 28, 2004
Ferguson sounds harsh note on refugees - www.theage.com.au
Ferguson sounds harsh note on refugees - www.theage.com.au
Like other refugee advocates I am appalled at the comments by Labors new shadow immigration minister, she claimed "they would have a more realistic view if they lived in areas where most refugees resided."
Ok I wont lecture people on the issue because I do it freqently on this blog, but he also said "a sizeable proportion" of asylum seekers had fraudulent cases and manipulated the legal system to stay in Australia.
Ok, these people are unable to obtain the correct papers, do you think countries such as Iran and China want to allow people to obtain refugee status. The fact is 93% of those detained for lengthy amounts of time are found to be refugees. The other 7% surely includes those that have given up on rejected claims, and gone back to their country to live the rest of their lives with a burden percecution, rather then the Australian government accepting their applications.
Like other refugee advocates I am appalled at the comments by Labors new shadow immigration minister, she claimed "they would have a more realistic view if they lived in areas where most refugees resided."
Ok I wont lecture people on the issue because I do it freqently on this blog, but he also said "a sizeable proportion" of asylum seekers had fraudulent cases and manipulated the legal system to stay in Australia.
Ok, these people are unable to obtain the correct papers, do you think countries such as Iran and China want to allow people to obtain refugee status. The fact is 93% of those detained for lengthy amounts of time are found to be refugees. The other 7% surely includes those that have given up on rejected claims, and gone back to their country to live the rest of their lives with a burden percecution, rather then the Australian government accepting their applications.
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
New post to 'In Search of Utopia'
I have posted to the blog 'In Search of Utopia' about the refugee issue, in order to express my view to the world that is relitively unaware of what is going on.
Guest blogger
I am now a guest blogger from In Search of Utopia, a political blogger that is also a member or the Progressive Blogging Alliance. This a majorly American blog, but it might give me a chance to spread the issue of Australian detention centres. Stay tuned I'll notify everyone through this blog of my post's, but they won't be frequent. Maybe once a week.
To End Detention of Children and Separation of Families in Australia Petition
To End Detention of Children and Separation of Families in Australia Petition
Please click the above link to sign the for the end of mandatory detention of Asylum seekers, including the detention of children, some who have been born there.
Please click the above link to sign the for the end of mandatory detention of Asylum seekers, including the detention of children, some who have been born there.
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
Shortlisted!
Today I received a letter from the University of Wollongong, notifying me that I have been short listed for selection in the Bachalor of Creative Arts (Creative Writing). This is great news and I think it has really boosted my attitude, as all the stress of the HSC is taking it's toll. I now have to go to an interview on November 24 where they will ask me about my writing and stuff like what makes me tick. I'll be on a high for the rest of day, hopefully my family won't ruin it.
Unethical scare tactics will lead to a viciously ill-made choice
Be afraid of the big bad wolf, voters warned - US Elections - www.smh.com.au
George Bush's latest ad and campaign angle is quite frightening, not that it reminds you of the real terror threat, but it plays with people's fears. People who don't really know, are sucked into the republican propaganda rather than an informed choice between the two parties policies. To say you would be better to throw your family to the wolves rather than vote for Kerry is absurd and unethical. George Bush did nothing before 9/11, and when 9/11 came he wasn't thinking of the tragedy of all the innocent Americans that got killed, he wasn't thinking of stopping Osama Bin Ladin. All George W. Bush cared about was taking out Saddam Hussein because he has lots of oil and George wasn't happy he beat his daddy a decade ago. Bush thinks about money, and that's it, not about freedom or doing things the humane. If he wanted to stop terrorism wouldn't the troops be better off looking for Bin Ladin in Afghanistan rather than killing people needlessly in Iraq.
George Bush's latest ad and campaign angle is quite frightening, not that it reminds you of the real terror threat, but it plays with people's fears. People who don't really know, are sucked into the republican propaganda rather than an informed choice between the two parties policies. To say you would be better to throw your family to the wolves rather than vote for Kerry is absurd and unethical. George Bush did nothing before 9/11, and when 9/11 came he wasn't thinking of the tragedy of all the innocent Americans that got killed, he wasn't thinking of stopping Osama Bin Ladin. All George W. Bush cared about was taking out Saddam Hussein because he has lots of oil and George wasn't happy he beat his daddy a decade ago. Bush thinks about money, and that's it, not about freedom or doing things the humane. If he wanted to stop terrorism wouldn't the troops be better off looking for Bin Ladin in Afghanistan rather than killing people needlessly in Iraq.
Monday, October 25, 2004
An account of forced deportation
An account of forced deportation
This is a man’s account of Australasian Correctional Management (ACM) and immigration department (DIMA) staff’s attempt to forcibly deport him from Villawood detention centre.
I’d been informed by the DIMA for the first time on 11 October 1999 I am denied a visa. So I expressed my denial by hitting the desk before the DIMA officer ... To prison for one week [for] frightening the immigration agent ... And from there I’ve been taken to the airport without any previous informing on the 17th October 1999 [and] handcuffed again.
Two policemen took me [and] treated me exactly like an animal. The first policeman drew me by my throat which caused me congestion and difficulties in swallowing and eating for the consequent week. The other drew me by my hand fiercely ... by the handcuff chain, [which] has left [an] obvious scar till now. They’d put me on the airplane which the captain had refused to carry me on after I discussed the matter with him, so they got me back to the prison.
One week later on 24th October 1999 and in the same unexplained procedure another correction officer attended my cell, handcuffed me and asked me to come ... to the reception where [I was] received by ACM officials, including a doctor and a nurse.
Soon the doctor entered the cell carrying an injection with four tablets asking me to choose either the injection or the tablets. I refused them both ... the doctor ordered the security officers to do their job and he and the officers laid me down on the floor and [both sat] on my back, took my pants down [so that the doctor could] inject me. So then I accepted to receive the tablets since I got an old medical problem with injections.
The doctor told me how those tablets are only tranquillisers. But they didn’t work. So they forced me to take a fifth tablet at the airport when they got me on the airplane with a wheelchair accompanied by a nurse, two companions and three other ACM officers. All that continued for about five to six hours with three types of handcuffs and ties of leather, plastic and steel around my hands and belly that gathered my arms to my trunk!
I stood screaming and asking for help from the passengers there. I immediately regretted that [because] those companion escort officers started to hit me and beat me fiercely and cruelly with kicks all over my body, especially my genitalia with their knees and feet which subsequently caused left testis congested lesions and pain. The testis swelling is still evident ...
The nurse on trying to inject in my leg missed my body [and] hit the plane seat where the needle got bent. but he didn’t change the needle and injected me again with the contaminated, bent needle in a completely odd side on my leg, immediately above my left knee where the scar and pigmentation still [can be] clearly seen.
I continued to scream and ask for help until a few passengers cried and [came] to relieve my oppression. But they [were] rejected ... So the officers got me to [Silverwater prison] for the third time where they put me in a special quarantine room for the addicts for five days because I became physically and medically sick.
On the 2nd December 1999 I’ve been moved from the prison to the detention centre again where I am now. Since then I haven’t consulted any medical personnel in detention since losing the trust in any of them who works for this ACM to deal with psychological trauma.
[Five years later, this man remains in Villawood detention centre. He resists any offers of help with his immigration case, which remains static to this day.]
From Green Left Weekly, October 20, 2004. Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.
This is a man’s account of Australasian Correctional Management (ACM) and immigration department (DIMA) staff’s attempt to forcibly deport him from Villawood detention centre.
I’d been informed by the DIMA for the first time on 11 October 1999 I am denied a visa. So I expressed my denial by hitting the desk before the DIMA officer ... To prison for one week [for] frightening the immigration agent ... And from there I’ve been taken to the airport without any previous informing on the 17th October 1999 [and] handcuffed again.
Two policemen took me [and] treated me exactly like an animal. The first policeman drew me by my throat which caused me congestion and difficulties in swallowing and eating for the consequent week. The other drew me by my hand fiercely ... by the handcuff chain, [which] has left [an] obvious scar till now. They’d put me on the airplane which the captain had refused to carry me on after I discussed the matter with him, so they got me back to the prison.
One week later on 24th October 1999 and in the same unexplained procedure another correction officer attended my cell, handcuffed me and asked me to come ... to the reception where [I was] received by ACM officials, including a doctor and a nurse.
Soon the doctor entered the cell carrying an injection with four tablets asking me to choose either the injection or the tablets. I refused them both ... the doctor ordered the security officers to do their job and he and the officers laid me down on the floor and [both sat] on my back, took my pants down [so that the doctor could] inject me. So then I accepted to receive the tablets since I got an old medical problem with injections.
The doctor told me how those tablets are only tranquillisers. But they didn’t work. So they forced me to take a fifth tablet at the airport when they got me on the airplane with a wheelchair accompanied by a nurse, two companions and three other ACM officers. All that continued for about five to six hours with three types of handcuffs and ties of leather, plastic and steel around my hands and belly that gathered my arms to my trunk!
I stood screaming and asking for help from the passengers there. I immediately regretted that [because] those companion escort officers started to hit me and beat me fiercely and cruelly with kicks all over my body, especially my genitalia with their knees and feet which subsequently caused left testis congested lesions and pain. The testis swelling is still evident ...
The nurse on trying to inject in my leg missed my body [and] hit the plane seat where the needle got bent. but he didn’t change the needle and injected me again with the contaminated, bent needle in a completely odd side on my leg, immediately above my left knee where the scar and pigmentation still [can be] clearly seen.
I continued to scream and ask for help until a few passengers cried and [came] to relieve my oppression. But they [were] rejected ... So the officers got me to [Silverwater prison] for the third time where they put me in a special quarantine room for the addicts for five days because I became physically and medically sick.
On the 2nd December 1999 I’ve been moved from the prison to the detention centre again where I am now. Since then I haven’t consulted any medical personnel in detention since losing the trust in any of them who works for this ACM to deal with psychological trauma.
[Five years later, this man remains in Villawood detention centre. He resists any offers of help with his immigration case, which remains static to this day.]
From Green Left Weekly, October 20, 2004. Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.
Out of Africa
Out of Africa
I was watching 60 minutes tonight and I watched a touching story about a couple from Canberra who adopted two children from Ethiopia. It was a very moving story to see the conditions they were in and then to see the impact the adoption had on the children and the new parents, how this drastic move acheived so much. It gives you hope in humanity
I was watching 60 minutes tonight and I watched a touching story about a couple from Canberra who adopted two children from Ethiopia. It was a very moving story to see the conditions they were in and then to see the impact the adoption had on the children and the new parents, how this drastic move acheived so much. It gives you hope in humanity
Sunday, October 24, 2004
National Novel Writing Month
National Novel Writing Month
Ok, people such as shutuped and The Scribe have expressed there interest in this event and so I signed up. Basically everyone attempts to write 50,000 words in November, should be good, and it'll get me started writing my novel. Can't wait for November 1 now, when I start. Except for the fact that I have a drama exam in the afternoon, and a Modern History exam the next day.
Ok, people such as shutuped and The Scribe have expressed there interest in this event and so I signed up. Basically everyone attempts to write 50,000 words in November, should be good, and it'll get me started writing my novel. Can't wait for November 1 now, when I start. Except for the fact that I have a drama exam in the afternoon, and a Modern History exam the next day.
Saturday, October 23, 2004
I'm no.1
Ok, this is a special time, I'm am no.1 on Blogrank.net. So I took a screenshot so I can gloat.
Keep me there by clicking http://www.blogrank.net/cgi-bin/blogs/rankem.cgi?id=bsolah
Refugee link
Refugeeguarantee.com.au
I found this site via all my refugee activist friends, where you can sign a major online petition, so go and sign it if you live in Australia
also I'm going to the swearing in of our Federal Parliament, with ChilOut we're are picketing outside for a just refugee policy, so stay tuned I might be on the news.
I found this site via all my refugee activist friends, where you can sign a major online petition, so go and sign it if you live in Australia
also I'm going to the swearing in of our Federal Parliament, with ChilOut we're are picketing outside for a just refugee policy, so stay tuned I might be on the news.
Friday, October 22, 2004
Why hasn't Australia got a bill of rights?
Bill of rights needed now, says QC - www.theage.com.au
A feature article in the Age today argued that the treatment of refugees in Australia was among the best arguments for a bill of rights in Australia. AndI agree. Howard said a bill of rights would "get in the way of how the Government does business"
A feature article in the Age today argued that the treatment of refugees in Australia was among the best arguments for a bill of rights in Australia. AndI agree. Howard said a bill of rights would "get in the way of how the Government does business"
Refugee Article
Woomera detainee provoked into escaping, court told - www.smh.com.au
Ok I wont say much but here's an article about the trauma a detainee suffered whilst in Woomera detention centre, this trauma prompted him to escape detention. Mercy please, a criminal record will do only harm.
Ok I wont say much but here's an article about the trauma a detainee suffered whilst in Woomera detention centre, this trauma prompted him to escape detention. Mercy please, a criminal record will do only harm.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)