New Torture Photos

As Sy Hersh original explained over a year ago, there are many more photos regarding the use of torture by the United States military. These have recently been published by an Australian newspaper and, as many have feared, they represent a systematic problem rather than "a few bad apples" as the the Bush Administration would like you to believe.

They are unapologetically tearing down the very functions of our society that pertain to the rule of law and basic human rights, not only throughout the world with the use of questionable methods (torture, rendition, secret prisons) but within the United States as well (warantless wiretaps, undermining civil liberties). They are in the process of developing a new system that will weaken the foundation of human rights, the United States Constitution and anything that functions in the name of equality. This is the agenda of those who are currently in power here in this country.

"the term 'penal torture'...is a differentiated production of pain, an organized ritual for the marking of victims and the expression of power that punishes; not the expression of a legal system driven to exasperation and, forgetting its principles, losing all restraint. The the 'excesses' of torture, a whole economy of power is invested."
--Michel Foucault from "Punishment and Discipline: The Birth of the Prison"

Movie Round-up for 2005

These are the best movies I saw last year.

10. Maria Full of Grace: A look into the life of those we rely on but don't want to be reminded about.
9. Life and Debt: A devestatingly sad awareness regarding the policies of the World Bank and the IMF and how they affect the rest of the world (and of course how the U.S. benefits greatly from it).
8. Stage Beauty: A surprising find that was so complete that I found myself appreciating so many elements; a comedic costume drama based on real historic events, what more could you ask for?
7. Walk on Water: A humbling narration about the personal effects of violence and how it affects not only our our own lives but those generations that will follow.
6. El Bola: The portrayel of how the innocence of youth is constantly threatened by so many things.
5. Calle 54: What a cool little documentary that is all about music and where it comes from.
4. Rivers and Tides: Man do I want that his job! Nature transformed into beauty, now that's art!
3. Harold & Maude: I can't believe that I've never seen this movie before! The perfect allegory for the mess our leaders have made of the world; we must all live our life to the fullest, right now! Maude bless us.
2. Kung Fu Hustle: Pure, hilarious genius.
1. Hustle and Flow: I've never cared so much for people I could care less about ninety minutes ago.