Re: For Rachel

I might catch some flak for this one, but here I am advocating interruption as opposed to the typical discourse that I continually push for. In general, I still push for discussions that employ mutual respect, agreement and benefit however, Ive come to see a world where some of the largest players (the United States and Israel for example within this specific case, though there are a great many more players who enjoy the imposition of silence) claim to be discussing an issue under purview of the freedom of speech, but fail to award that very principle to those with deviant and/or opposing viewpoints. When the voice has been all but lost, save the chance thats been invited via a confrontation with an opposing view, a non-approved confrontation, one must take the shot. UC-Irvine students did, Rachel Corrie did, so many people have and there may come a moment where we have to too. As most people know, I refuse to literally take a shot (commit to violence), but my words, our words, may sometimes be explosive. In terms of finding it within myself, the ability to interrupt an individual or party with my particular and/or opposing view, I must rely on what skills I have readily available at the moment, I will speak up, I will promote a platform of peace, and if I have to, Ill do it when someone else expects and/or demands my silence. Perhaps someday, the discourse that I ultimately aim for will become the norm (talks built around mutually assured agreement and respect), but until that day, we must use the tools that we have, remain true to our own senses of integrity and stand up for what we believe in..

Peace my dear friends.

Related Videos:

For Rachel PLEASE WATCH! (and sub)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2si0g1...

Protest Against Israeli Ambassador

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMEPa3...

Related Links

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow...

http://www.examiner.com/x-4814-LA-Mid...

A little more info on how to support the students (thank you Rageunderground)

Israel's Ambassador to the United States, Michael Oren, at UC Irvine , February 8, 2010.

The UCI students might face suspension or expulsion.
You can help by voicing your support.

Contact UCI Chancellor Michael Drake NOW to declare that it is unjust to arrest these students.

Ask to speak with Chancellor Drake or leave a message at: (949) 824 5011 and email him at: chancellor@uci.edu

Ask to speak to the Dean of Students office, who are handling the case at: (949) 824-5181 and email them at: deanstu@uci.edu

Here are some important points to bring up:

• It was unjust to arrest students for simply having the courage to stand up and speak out against a man responsible for propagating the deaths of thousands of innocent people.

• Civil disobedience has historically played an instrumental role in the civil rights movement in America that eventually ensured equality and human rights for all minorities.

• Michael Oren is a representative of a state that is condemned by more UN Human Rights Council resolutions than all other countries in the world and he should not be honored at UC Irvine.

• As concerned community members, we will not support an educational institution that threatens to punish its students with suspension and expulsion for standing up for their principles

Peace again.