I was in London as a guest of Julian Assange and Stella Moris for their wedding, but even on that day the authorities continued their relentless campaign of cruelty against Julian.
After reading this piece I sit alone attempting to distill my feelings of rage, hate, and contempt for my governments psychopathic behavior in its pursuit of Julian in my name. It has become clear to me that in my lifetime (I’m 67) any individual attempting to expose the inner workings of power, have been assassinated, tortured and or disappeared through an inhumane carceral archipelago.
When I was a young man, (late teens, early twenties) I was aware there were terrible things about in the land. At the same time feeling that things can get better. No longer do I feel this way. The vapid miasma of anomie has enveloped me. Our civilization is in its death throes. I have accepted this and would not care about what happens next, but I have children who want children and this terrifies me.
Thank you Chris Hedges. I know you don’t fight fascism because you will win, you fight fascist because they are fascists. Pax Voscum
So beautiful and tender even with the stark reality of Julian's and Stella's situation. Thank you for helping us to feel part of the celebration and always part of the fight.
Though I don't pray, indeed I do : For Julien Assange, a man I've never met but in my heart I know is a profoundly principaled and courageous human being. And Stella Moris, their children, John Shipton, who eminates a gentle strength, their family, and humanity. This is a pivotal time when the forces of darkness in us all may collectively lurch toward self-annihilation - though the power of grace is with all who recognize the darkness and, like Julien Assange, have the courage to expose it to the light.
It’s infuriating to witness the ultimate power over us which “The State” holds, totally unaccountably. I applaud your ongoing support for Julian, along with many others of course, and for keeping his story alive. The whole fucking system needs tearing down & by that I mean the so-called “Democratic Institutions” of the “Western Powers”. Mass civil disobedience and protest along with direct action is the only thing that could change things. By either succeeding to get rid of them or scaring them so much they finally take notice. Unfortunately I don’t see it happening any time soon, which is why it’s so important for individuals like yourself to continue providing the services you do. Information is the key. That’s why they are so consumed with controlling it.
I served in the British Army in Iraq & Afghan. It opened my eyes to the evils of imperialism and the sickness, greed and exceptionalism of the Western (US) hegemony. Now I’m ready and willing to fight AGAINST it.
Your writing always affects me deeply, but I believe this is the first time it brought me to tears. Thank you, Chris, and thank you also for your powerful speech at the wedding vigil.
So much for rule of law. Western Civilization is all over. And the fact that the media does not care is proof they are bought. The corruption in the US is pretty much complete. Thank you Chris for your reporting. We need more people like you!
Julian Assange, holds to his principles, chooses hope over despair. The homicidal maniacs who torture him embrace despair and therefore are without hope.
Chris, have you thought about writing a play about Julian’s case? I would be very interested in involving myself with such an undertaking. It should be done before his US trial, if there is one
After reading this piece I sit alone attempting to distill my feelings of rage, hate, and contempt for my governments psychopathic behavior in its pursuit of Julian in my name. It has become clear to me that in my lifetime (I’m 67) any individual attempting to expose the inner workings of power, have been assassinated, tortured and or disappeared through an inhumane carceral archipelago.
When I was a young man, (late teens, early twenties) I was aware there were terrible things about in the land. At the same time feeling that things can get better. No longer do I feel this way. The vapid miasma of anomie has enveloped me. Our civilization is in its death throes. I have accepted this and would not care about what happens next, but I have children who want children and this terrifies me.
Thank you Chris Hedges. I know you don’t fight fascism because you will win, you fight fascist because they are fascists. Pax Voscum
What they have done to Julian Assange doesn't have a name. My heart aches reading this.
So beautiful and tender even with the stark reality of Julian's and Stella's situation. Thank you for helping us to feel part of the celebration and always part of the fight.
Though I don't pray, indeed I do : For Julien Assange, a man I've never met but in my heart I know is a profoundly principaled and courageous human being. And Stella Moris, their children, John Shipton, who eminates a gentle strength, their family, and humanity. This is a pivotal time when the forces of darkness in us all may collectively lurch toward self-annihilation - though the power of grace is with all who recognize the darkness and, like Julien Assange, have the courage to expose it to the light.
Yes. Yes! I want to read your letter aloud to any politician who will listen!
It’s infuriating to witness the ultimate power over us which “The State” holds, totally unaccountably. I applaud your ongoing support for Julian, along with many others of course, and for keeping his story alive. The whole fucking system needs tearing down & by that I mean the so-called “Democratic Institutions” of the “Western Powers”. Mass civil disobedience and protest along with direct action is the only thing that could change things. By either succeeding to get rid of them or scaring them so much they finally take notice. Unfortunately I don’t see it happening any time soon, which is why it’s so important for individuals like yourself to continue providing the services you do. Information is the key. That’s why they are so consumed with controlling it.
I served in the British Army in Iraq & Afghan. It opened my eyes to the evils of imperialism and the sickness, greed and exceptionalism of the Western (US) hegemony. Now I’m ready and willing to fight AGAINST it.
Solidarity with Julian.
Great reporting Chris, thanks.
Pray for Julian. Pray for Stella. Pray for their children. Pray for us all.
Indeed.
Thank you Chris.
Your writing always affects me deeply, but I believe this is the first time it brought me to tears. Thank you, Chris, and thank you also for your powerful speech at the wedding vigil.
So much for rule of law. Western Civilization is all over. And the fact that the media does not care is proof they are bought. The corruption in the US is pretty much complete. Thank you Chris for your reporting. We need more people like you!
Congratulations to Julian and Stella on their wedding day, their fight is our fight , this is probably the most important fight for a generation.
Thank you for being there Chris.
Julian Assange, holds to his principles, chooses hope over despair. The homicidal maniacs who torture him embrace despair and therefore are without hope.
Chris, have you thought about writing a play about Julian’s case? I would be very interested in involving myself with such an undertaking. It should be done before his US trial, if there is one
Poignantly beautiful ❤
Excellent article, Mr. Hedges. Thank you.