David Swanson's Blog, page 172
August 1, 2012
Children's Book Illustrator Needed
I'm searching for a good children's book illustrator to illustrate my first children's book. If you are one or know one, please write to david at david swanson dot org
July 31, 2012
Harry Truman and Memory of Mass Murder
Harry Truman spoke in the U.S. Senate on June 23, 1941: "If we see that Germany is winning," he said, "we ought to help Russia, and if Russia is winning we ought to help Germany, and that way let them kill as many as possible."
Did Truman value Japanese lives above Russian and German? There is nothing anywhere to suggest that he did. Yet we debate, every August 6th or so, whether Truman was willing to unnecessarily sacrifice Japanese lives in order to scare Russians with his nuclear bombs. He was willing; he was not willing; he was willing. Left out of this debate is the obvious possibility that killing as many Japanese as possible was among Truman's goals.
Audio: Public Radio Debate on NBC's New War Entertainment Show
Talk Nation Radio: Leah Bolger on the Upcoming National Convention of Veterans For Peace
Leah Bolger is the current, and the first female, president of Veterans For Peace, which is holding a national convention in Miami, Fla., August 8-12, 2012. The event is open to the public and speakers include Alice Walker, Phil Donahue, Roy Bourgeois, Marleine Bastien, and many others. Bolger explains the work of Veterans For Peace and its dedication to eliminating war. See http://veteransforpeace.org
Total run time: 29:00
Host: David Swanson.
Producer: David Swanson.
Engineer: Christiane Brown.
Music by Duke Ellington.
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Help an Actvist in Need
Rain has been one of our most determined, dedicated, and reliable peace and justice activists in Virginia. Now she needs our help. Helping her will help us all. Please chip in! --David Swanson
Gloria Steinem says:
Help a Feminist in Need!
The Gloria Steinem office came across this story of Rain Burroughs, a feminist who lives with her daughter in Richmond, VA, who are at risk of losing their home! Please watch the video below and go here to make a donation. Every little bit helps!
David Swanson: Man of Peace
This is the second in a series of profiles and interviews Antiwar.com is conducting this summer with activists who have made it their life’s work to challenge the mighty bulwarks of the U.S. national security state.
David Swanson
If you haven’t seen David Swanson, chances are you’ve read his blogs and articles — invariably with headlines like “Pepper Sprayed for Peace” and declaring things like “Freedom Plaza is now ours — and we’re never giving it back.” You’ve listened to his radio show, and see his comments in various antiwar forums and in your mind, willingly or not, picture a stereotype: a wild-eyed hippie, long hair, tattoos. Maybe an earring or two. A beard.
July 30, 2012
City on the Ledge
I just read a terrific novel set in contemporary Quito, Ecuador, with the main characters employees of the U.S. State Department and the CIA.
This is not an easy one to write about without spoiling the plot. Let me just say that it's politically and psychologically insightful. It doesn't simplify or glorify. It doesn't beautify or brutalize human behavior. And you will find yourself trusting that it's going somewhere good, but you will not be able to say exactly where.
If Bradley Manning didn't exist we would have to invent him. Kraske has invented a narrative that takes us inside the workings of our government in a way that no collection of State Department cables ever could. For better or worse, I suspect he's taken us to a place very closely resembling the real thing.
Audio: David Swanson and Coy Barefoot Discuss NBC's New War Reality Show
Charlottesville Right Now: 7-30-12 David Swanson
David Swanson from davidswanson.org joins the show to discuss a new NBC show called Stars Earn Stripes that turns war into a reality show. LISTEN.
And then ...
July 29, 2012
NBC Invents War-o-tainment
If you've watched the Olympics on NBC you've probably seen ads promoting a war-o-tainment reality show cohosted by retired U.S. General Wesley Clark, co-starring Todd Palin, and with no apparent role for reality.
