I recently moved into an apartment with two lovely boys; one from Connecticut and one from London. The other evening we were watching Ross Kemp in Afganhistan, which got us talking about war, which led to 9/11. It was interesting talking to someone who was living within 100 miles of New York when the Twin Towers were hit by terrorists.We discussed a few conspiracy theories; that it was an alleged controlled demolition, that there were no planes involved at all, new world order etc. etc. We concluded that no one can ever really know for sure why these events took place - other than the people who actually organised them.
We talked about the type of people who are so certain on a theory that they will spend their whole lives defending and projecting it. In Jon Ronson's book, The Psychopath Test, he spends time getting into the mind of conspiracy theorist David Shayler, to figure out whether he fits the criteria of a psychopath or is just a saddo. This former MI5 officer joined the 9/11 Truth Movement, which claimed that there were no planes involved in the attack, the apparent"planes" were missiles camouflaged by holograms. Later, Shayler claimed that he was the son of God stating, "I am the messiah and hold the secrets of eternal life", then if that wasn't bonkers enough, he later told newspapers that he was living as a woman in a squat in Surrey - "I don't give a fuck what other people think of me. A bloke in a frock is whole lot less offensive than blowing up innocent people in Iraq and Afghanistan". Fair enough. I reckon he should have just moved into his squat as a bird before even joining the Security Service. It seems to me that David Shayler turned himself crazy from being so obsessed with all these conspiracies and political movements.
On the other end of the scale, we have the late Brian Haw, a peace protestor and campaigner who spent the last decade of his life camping opposite Parliament in London leaving only for court hearings and surviving by food from supporters. He left his wife and children in 2001 to start the parliament square peace campaign, over the 10 years he was beaten up, arrested, joined by other protestors, he was nominated for many different awards and even one of three shortlisted for the Human Rights Award 2005 'For outstanding commitment to justice by maintaining constant vigil outside parliament demanding respect for the human rights of those in other countries. For tireless and passionate defence of freedom of speech.' - this man has left a great legacy and has influenced many people and perhaps parliamentary decisions. I just have to step back and think about this amazing world, not considering all the hell on earth for a second, I just think seeing as we only have one life - to spend it protesting just seems crazy to me. What about his family that he couldn't take care of. There is no doubt that this man was courageous and inspirational, a firm pacifist, it makes me consider my morality - it goes back to the question - is ignorance really bliss?
Pacifism dates back to the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama and Jesus. I don't believe it is necessarily a religious concept, it is the opposition to war and violence.
In in ideal world Pacifism would be promoted and encouraged by everyone on earth. Pacifism would need to be in line with less greed and need for power, more compassion and understanding.
There would be no more of this -
It's humbling that people exist to promote global peace.
But it's demoralising that even when people dedicate their lives to avoid war, it still happens.
"Perhaps the most common criticism of pacifism is that it is naïve. The idea that humanity could move beyond war strikes many people as hopelessly unrealistic, a childish dream.
But consider for a moment an alternative to pacifism, just war theory. According to this approach, some wars may be justified, provided a number of criteria are met. A pacifist might point out that every war is a just war according to the leaders who are promoting or prosecuting the war. This insight is labeled as cynical. Instead, we are to trust our leaders and the marketing machines that disseminate their vision."
I know too many people that are filled with rage at society and at our leaders and the decisions that are made, that we as nations support. I feel that so much energy is wasted then.I don't vote; I think every political party has good and bad ideas and they all twist their motifs to get votes anyway and once they're in power they can do whatever they want.
All I know is that looking at photos like this disturbs me and no matter how much X Factor or other meaningless distraction goes on, this isn't right:
We talked about the type of people who are so certain on a theory that they will spend their whole lives defending and projecting it. In Jon Ronson's book, The Psychopath Test, he spends time getting into the mind of conspiracy theorist David Shayler, to figure out whether he fits the criteria of a psychopath or is just a saddo. This former MI5 officer joined the 9/11 Truth Movement, which claimed that there were no planes involved in the attack, the apparent"planes" were missiles camouflaged by holograms. Later, Shayler claimed that he was the son of God stating, "I am the messiah and hold the secrets of eternal life", then if that wasn't bonkers enough, he later told newspapers that he was living as a woman in a squat in Surrey - "I don't give a fuck what other people think of me. A bloke in a frock is whole lot less offensive than blowing up innocent people in Iraq and Afghanistan". Fair enough. I reckon he should have just moved into his squat as a bird before even joining the Security Service. It seems to me that David Shayler turned himself crazy from being so obsessed with all these conspiracies and political movements.
On the other end of the scale, we have the late Brian Haw, a peace protestor and campaigner who spent the last decade of his life camping opposite Parliament in London leaving only for court hearings and surviving by food from supporters. He left his wife and children in 2001 to start the parliament square peace campaign, over the 10 years he was beaten up, arrested, joined by other protestors, he was nominated for many different awards and even one of three shortlisted for the Human Rights Award 2005 'For outstanding commitment to justice by maintaining constant vigil outside parliament demanding respect for the human rights of those in other countries. For tireless and passionate defence of freedom of speech.' - this man has left a great legacy and has influenced many people and perhaps parliamentary decisions. I just have to step back and think about this amazing world, not considering all the hell on earth for a second, I just think seeing as we only have one life - to spend it protesting just seems crazy to me. What about his family that he couldn't take care of. There is no doubt that this man was courageous and inspirational, a firm pacifist, it makes me consider my morality - it goes back to the question - is ignorance really bliss?
Pacifism dates back to the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama and Jesus. I don't believe it is necessarily a religious concept, it is the opposition to war and violence.
In in ideal world Pacifism would be promoted and encouraged by everyone on earth. Pacifism would need to be in line with less greed and need for power, more compassion and understanding.
There would be no more of this -
It's humbling that people exist to promote global peace.
But it's demoralising that even when people dedicate their lives to avoid war, it still happens.
"Perhaps the most common criticism of pacifism is that it is naïve. The idea that humanity could move beyond war strikes many people as hopelessly unrealistic, a childish dream.
But consider for a moment an alternative to pacifism, just war theory. According to this approach, some wars may be justified, provided a number of criteria are met. A pacifist might point out that every war is a just war according to the leaders who are promoting or prosecuting the war. This insight is labeled as cynical. Instead, we are to trust our leaders and the marketing machines that disseminate their vision."
I know too many people that are filled with rage at society and at our leaders and the decisions that are made, that we as nations support. I feel that so much energy is wasted then.I don't vote; I think every political party has good and bad ideas and they all twist their motifs to get votes anyway and once they're in power they can do whatever they want.
All I know is that looking at photos like this disturbs me and no matter how much X Factor or other meaningless distraction goes on, this isn't right:
Being unaware of some of the hatred, violence, upset, feud, economy problems etc seems to make life a lot easier. I will continue trying to make people around me happy, and any other people I come into contact with throughout my life, taking up any opportunities to help people. As for these global issues - I have no answers. There is no way this world will ever be in complete peace - there will always be greed and miscommunication resulting in violence.
Stay positive kids!
