Thank you for this and everything else Mr. Hedges; but especially this. I resonate strongly with the murderer trying to become human again. I did one tour in Iraq as a Bradley gunner. I can recall spraying the slum houses of Sadr City with 7.62, thrilled with the power. Everyday I see the limp body of a boy being carried out from behind a concrete wall. The same wall I was targeting, destroying, and killing everything that stood behind it. True, we were being ambushed. True, we taking fire 360 degrees around us. True, I was literally obeying orders. True, I didn't want to fire. True, I hesitated. True, my soul evaporated when I was what I did. Still, those fragmented memories illuminate a dark glee/bliss of power. Still, I am trying to recover my humanity. Thank you so much for putting into words what I couldn't.
Oh, brother Georges . . . I feel for you. Find the silver lining here, the lesson, the nugget of truth. Share it with those soldiers who are trained to kill, so they may not be wounded by the action of taking a life, for the remainder of their lives. Thank you, brother.
there's no need to send such a response Alan - especially from one who I've watched over the years that chooses to respond to his own comments - no need to be so mean-spirited Alan - my response was NOT to you and not intended to offend Judith.
The best thing Pope Francis could ever do is to go to Gaza, or now, to the West Bank. Make his stand in Bethlehem. He has an opportunity that is unequalled, to say "no" to genocide. Not in our name, not on our watch.
Let us make our donations to honor Aaron Bushnell, in memory of Hind Rajab, or Dr Jumann Afra, the mother of newborn twins killed by Israel using US bombs. Now, sorrowfully, we must also add Aysenur Ezgi Egyi and Matt Nelson’s name to our honor roll.
He could have his bullet proof bubble but, the Mossad and the IDF have many ways to get rid of supporters for that vermin in Palestine....Oh, whoops, it's now Israel.
Israel serves as a "province" of Germany.... Germany's continuation of it's Nazi character......a proxy for their love of genocide.
I'm not sure those Israeli sharpshooters have a conscience. They think they are being patriotic, following God's promise to Jews, his chosen ones. Ridding the country from the river to the sea of those filthy rats he has been told about since they were 3 years old.
kristofarian, of course the determinant of their behavior does not pass through their genes. There is not one scintilla of evidence to support the idea that a particular, identifiable human act is determined by our biological make-up. If that were the case, then all human beings would demonstrate that act. Which we do not see. In fact, most humans do not commit such acts.
We humans are characterized by what we call free will. What Psychologists like to call "agency." Those brutal murderers are choosing to commit murder. Their act is not determined by something inherited in their biological makeup. They choose to do the act of killing because they believe that to be the thing to do. They kill out of hatred and anger: learned behavior. They are aware that there is an alternative; which is to refuse to kill.
They choose to kill. They are responsible and should be held responsible. This is the very basis of the Judeo-Christian religious heritage in which those killers were reared. Their god has informed them, through their prophets and their holy books; that they can choose to behave the way their god commands (the 6th commandment from their god: do not kill), or they can do the opposite; they can kill. And their god will judge them on this basis.
They choose to kill. Jews and Christians who choose kill are both hypocritical and evil. They know this. Why do you suppose so many soldiers commit suicide? I do not ask this as a rhetorical question. As a start you might want to read SUICIDE, 1897; by Emile Durkheim. One of the three most important social theorists in the latter part of the 19th and early part of the 20th centuries. His book still stands as the most important, most original thinking on the subject. You can read Harvey Brenner for empirical evidence to back up Durkheim's theory.
Read SUICIDE, 1897; by Emile Durkheim about 60 years ago. (I'm 85) Now I have to find it again. I hope many IDF soldiers, esp. those sharpshooters, commit suicide.
Not to sound antisemitic or anything but I have always wondered what's with the Jews? Why have they had so much trouble over the ages? I'm beginning to get some answers and it's not good.
One little clue came from a book that explains that Christianity was not so peaceful, working to wipe out "pagan" religions which are all except the Jesus cult. One religion that couldn't wipe out was Judaism. I suspect it had a strong oral tradition with some pretty compelling stories: The Old Testament: a classic piece of literature.
I'm waiting for the book to come to me here in Mexico.
The Darkening Age: The Christian Destruction of the Classical World Paperback – April 16, 2019
I didn't expect to be able to read that piece all the way through Chris but your powerful writing drew me in, your authentic understanding of this terrible human capacity came through yet somehow with your own humanity remaining intact. Thank you.
After Israel has purged their country of all Palestinians, how will they be seen in the world? As powerful conquerers to be admired and copied? Follow the money; their representatives in the USA will make sure they are in the world economy, bolstered by billions of USD. We will help them clean up Gaza so they can build condos for the war criminals and all the fearful and cowardly bystanders. ...................Where will they bury 6 million skeletal corpses?.
The USA, no, actually, the human race, deserves to eliminated. I'm rooting for the bats and the bees.
And, the Dragonflies, who have been sweeping down to my pool for a drink...which is not good for them. It's possible that the clean water sources have either dried up or been covered over.
Chris, i can only hope you are right about that bastard, because we know damn well nobody else is going to punish him. As for anyone thinking of suicide. This country needs you NOT to go out alone, death by SS would be a much higher calling. There are roughly 537 locations to serve you, if you get my drift. And if you can find them. They hide like the rats they are. You can go out a hero. At least to me.
Thank you for this and everything else Mr. Hedges; but especially this. I resonate strongly with the murderer trying to become human again. I did one tour in Iraq as a Bradley gunner. I can recall spraying the slum houses of Sadr City with 7.62, thrilled with the power. Everyday I see the limp body of a boy being carried out from behind a concrete wall. The same wall I was targeting, destroying, and killing everything that stood behind it. True, we were being ambushed. True, we taking fire 360 degrees around us. True, I was literally obeying orders. True, I didn't want to fire. True, I hesitated. True, my soul evaporated when I was what I did. Still, those fragmented memories illuminate a dark glee/bliss of power. Still, I am trying to recover my humanity. Thank you so much for putting into words what I couldn't.
Oh, brother Georges . . . I feel for you. Find the silver lining here, the lesson, the nugget of truth. Share it with those soldiers who are trained to kill, so they may not be wounded by the action of taking a life, for the remainder of their lives. Thank you, brother.
He could submit some of his material to someone who gets clicks.....a pop-star. the right one.
We already are the right ones - click - click - click.
CLICK THIS YOU PRICK
YOU'RE AN IDtenT
there's no need to send such a response Alan - especially from one who I've watched over the years that chooses to respond to his own comments - no need to be so mean-spirited Alan - my response was NOT to you and not intended to offend Judith.
So sorry for the terrible cost of your "service".
Very well written piece....damn near poetry.
Heartbreaking.
Who are the next terrorists?
Can anyone imagine being in Palestine and NOT wanting revenge?
These poor people are psychologically DAMAGED.
IF anyone survives in Palestine how are they going to react in the future?
ALL have PTSD! The Israelis know this.
They also know the hostages do NOT matter (never have) except as an excuse to kill, starve, torture.
The best thing Pope Francis could ever do is to go to Gaza, or now, to the West Bank. Make his stand in Bethlehem. He has an opportunity that is unequalled, to say "no" to genocide. Not in our name, not on our watch.
Please sign the petition and share widely.
https://chng.it/CRQ7qw4Gzn
Let us also support UNRWA. If our governments won’t act in accordance with humanity, then we will. https://www.unrwausa.org/donate
Also we can all support the brave doctors who have gone to Gaza: https://palestinian-ama.networkforgood.com/projects/206145-gaza-medical-supplies-oct-2023
Or
Surgeons to Gaza
https://fajr.org/donate/
Let us make our donations to honor Aaron Bushnell, in memory of Hind Rajab, or Dr Jumann Afra, the mother of newborn twins killed by Israel using US bombs. Now, sorrowfully, we must also add Aysenur Ezgi Egyi and Matt Nelson’s name to our honor roll.
Here’s a petition to excommunicate Joe Biden: https://www.change.org/p/excommunicate-president-joe-biden-bf979783-ac08-4576-a53f-c786ea23dc9c
These are a few small things we can do. If we can do more, let us do more.
The IDF would accidentally kill Pope Francis.
He could have his bullet proof bubble but, the Mossad and the IDF have many ways to get rid of supporters for that vermin in Palestine....Oh, whoops, it's now Israel.
Israel serves as a "province" of Germany.... Germany's continuation of it's Nazi character......a proxy for their love of genocide.
Join bereaved Israeli and Palestinian peacemakers in NYC and Boston, September 15-26!
www.parentscirclefriends.org/september2024
This tour will be the launch of our new peace education program, Listening from the Heart:
www.parentscirclefriends.org/listening
Heavy one today Chris. I've never come close to the horrors you've seen. But think my luck will run out soon
We're so close to Armageddon
I have seen these horrors in a different county and believe me it is endless.
Think of the psychological impact this is having on the Palestinians! It will never stop.
seems
this'll Damage
Palestinian childrens'
genes ~ the ptsd'll be Ginormous
& likely Generational. And for how LONG?
.
assuming
they'll 'Survive.'
20 or 30K rocketing off to Heaven
leaving behind 7 or 8 BILLION
to do What, exactly? shut
tf Up and Perish?
I'm not sure those Israeli sharpshooters have a conscience. They think they are being patriotic, following God's promise to Jews, his chosen ones. Ridding the country from the river to the sea of those filthy rats he has been told about since they were 3 years old.
NO. The brutality is born within them. Hearing tales from there own parents.
I gotta wonder
after Generations
how much Is passed
thru one's genes? does
hate move intergenerationally?
kristofarian, of course the determinant of their behavior does not pass through their genes. There is not one scintilla of evidence to support the idea that a particular, identifiable human act is determined by our biological make-up. If that were the case, then all human beings would demonstrate that act. Which we do not see. In fact, most humans do not commit such acts.
We humans are characterized by what we call free will. What Psychologists like to call "agency." Those brutal murderers are choosing to commit murder. Their act is not determined by something inherited in their biological makeup. They choose to do the act of killing because they believe that to be the thing to do. They kill out of hatred and anger: learned behavior. They are aware that there is an alternative; which is to refuse to kill.
They choose to kill. They are responsible and should be held responsible. This is the very basis of the Judeo-Christian religious heritage in which those killers were reared. Their god has informed them, through their prophets and their holy books; that they can choose to behave the way their god commands (the 6th commandment from their god: do not kill), or they can do the opposite; they can kill. And their god will judge them on this basis.
They choose to kill. Jews and Christians who choose kill are both hypocritical and evil. They know this. Why do you suppose so many soldiers commit suicide? I do not ask this as a rhetorical question. As a start you might want to read SUICIDE, 1897; by Emile Durkheim. One of the three most important social theorists in the latter part of the 19th and early part of the 20th centuries. His book still stands as the most important, most original thinking on the subject. You can read Harvey Brenner for empirical evidence to back up Durkheim's theory.
Read SUICIDE, 1897; by Emile Durkheim about 60 years ago. (I'm 85) Now I have to find it again. I hope many IDF soldiers, esp. those sharpshooters, commit suicide.
“There is not one scintilla of evidence to support the idea that a particular, identifiable human act is determined by our biological make-up.”
.
and yet
& I know that this
doesn’t ‘prove’ anything I’ve
seen dopplegangers with remark-
ably similar styles, similar mannerisms
& in completely dissimilar surroundings
seemingly Identical, never crossing paths
.
and the people around them
react to them remark-
ably similarly.*
.
I seem to have gotten us
into the weeds
.
*as Not seen in
the Twilight Zone
Not to sound antisemitic or anything but I have always wondered what's with the Jews? Why have they had so much trouble over the ages? I'm beginning to get some answers and it's not good.
One little clue came from a book that explains that Christianity was not so peaceful, working to wipe out "pagan" religions which are all except the Jesus cult. One religion that couldn't wipe out was Judaism. I suspect it had a strong oral tradition with some pretty compelling stories: The Old Testament: a classic piece of literature.
I'm waiting for the book to come to me here in Mexico.
The Darkening Age: The Christian Destruction of the Classical World Paperback – April 16, 2019
by Catherine Nixey (Author)
Check the reviews on Amazon.....
Wow
This is
TRUTH
.
terrifying
& Uncomfortable
.
and those at The Top
does their accountability
ever come back to haunt Them
.
being light-years Away
from the Carnage
do They sleep
on silk sheets
7 hrs each &
every Night
.
knowing the
Starvation disease-
ridden no water anywhere
no Doctors or nurses or HOMES
nothing but Craters & bodies buried
under the rubble children EXPLODED by
.
Our bombs.
.
how can That
Not take its Toll?
Alan MacDonald
Alan’s Newsletter
just now
Dear Chris,
If Kamala continues to not shout-out against Israel, Zionism, Genocide, NUTANYAHU, and TRUMP — the only message on her ledger in history will say:
“Here lies Kamala, the potential first female President of America — who now has only accomplished absolutely nothing in 2024”
My newest double-sided, ad-hoc, focus-group tested, and highly favorable Protest/Demonstration signs, which simply says:
FUCK ZIONISM
NUTANYAHU
TRUMP AND
END AIPAC
(Other side)
CRONY
CORPORATE
CAPITALISM
IS CANCER
(All sign CAPS text is in RED)
My last sign:
ZIONIST PLOT
TO TAKE OVER
AMERICA AND
OUR WORLD
(and on the other side)
KAMALA
PLEASE
WAKE-UP
BY 11/05/24
I didn't expect to be able to read that piece all the way through Chris but your powerful writing drew me in, your authentic understanding of this terrible human capacity came through yet somehow with your own humanity remaining intact. Thank you.
I have listened to this over and over. Powerfully expressed and captures my heart
After Israel has purged their country of all Palestinians, how will they be seen in the world? As powerful conquerers to be admired and copied? Follow the money; their representatives in the USA will make sure they are in the world economy, bolstered by billions of USD. We will help them clean up Gaza so they can build condos for the war criminals and all the fearful and cowardly bystanders. ...................Where will they bury 6 million skeletal corpses?.
One of the things that annoys me the most.............is NO-ONE is taking BRICS seriously.
Already the Chinese are using their own currency.
When all other BRICS nations do the same after the Summit in October...the American dollar will be dead and you have enormous debt.
The USA, no, actually, the human race, deserves to eliminated. I'm rooting for the bats and the bees.
And, the Dragonflies, who have been sweeping down to my pool for a drink...which is not good for them. It's possible that the clean water sources have either dried up or been covered over.
Brilliant writing, Mr Hedges.
A tremendous, powerful peace. We can never stop talking about this.
Chris, i can only hope you are right about that bastard, because we know damn well nobody else is going to punish him. As for anyone thinking of suicide. This country needs you NOT to go out alone, death by SS would be a much higher calling. There are roughly 537 locations to serve you, if you get my drift. And if you can find them. They hide like the rats they are. You can go out a hero. At least to me.
Wow! I’m speechless. Well said. I hope letter reaches the hands of the soldier and his family and friends.