The Press of Death

Yesterday in Libya, two western photojournalists were killed and two others were wounded in the city of Misrata, which was being hailed on by government forces, and has been for weeks now.

It is unclear what actually happened, but it is claimed that a rocket propelled grenade killed Chris Hondros (of NY) Winner of the Robert Capa Gold Medal, and (British born) oscar nominated, (best documentary 2010 "Restrepo"he co-directed) Tim Hetherington, and wounded two assistance of theirs. It is said that they were following Rebel troops from Tripoli street in Misrata where there the fighting was the heaviest. Both died from brain injuries and loss of blood.

I don't want you, my readers, to think that I don't care about the troops, or the civilians or others that have died in Libya or anywhere else in the recent past, and the present. It is just that as a writer, blogger, and hopeful Journalist after school, I hold a special place in my heart for these men and women that risk their lives so keep us informed. I can't speak for others, but I want to be in this line of work to help others stay informed and to be there to witness revolutions, to be at the forefront of the news. It is exciting for me to think that these people are able to see this happen first hand. Also though, they are helping out the peoples in these places by telling their story. I have not yet seen Restrepo, but I do plan on checking it out (for any who are interested it can be found on Netflix Instant Watch).

The stories that these people tell, are not for personal glory, they tell these stories so that we can understand what is going on, what is happening. Most of their work seems to go under the radar, most of us have not heard of these nameless journalists that are being beaten in Libya, China, Afghanistan, Iran, etc etc, just so that we can sit behind our computers and have information. I commend their efforts and support their mission. These peoples are the real agents of truth, risking and giving their lives to hand us that truth. I may not yet be among their ranks, but soon I will be, and I too will spread truth to the masses.

... this has gotten a bit too melodramatic, my apologies readers.

The Civil War in Libya is far from over. Muammar Gaddafi cannot win, that is clear, but he also may not loose. There is speculation over whether or not there will be two Libyas after this. East and West Libya perhpas. I honestly don't think Gaddafi will go for this however. He is a man that has dreamed of uniting Africa under his rule and being the first Emperor of Africa, if he looses Libya that is like a kick in the shins. Needless to say, he will not give up until he feels he has won something.  So we will have to wait and see what happens there, keep searching the Net for news and info.

Here are some links to the works (or where you can find the works) of:
Chris Hondros
Tim Hetherington

 Like it or hate it, read it and share it. Remember Always Demand Truth

Here we go again...

And it looks like there is a new international war brewing in Libya. France, Britain, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates are starting to enforcing a No-Fly Zone over the country, and this is a very odd combination of allies. The U.S. is stating that if things don't change, they will get involved. However President Obama has stated that he is only interested in saving civilian lives, and will not deploy ground troops in Libya. However, Anne-Marie Slaughter, a former adviser to Secretary of State Clinton, is saying that the President has to back up strong demands for a cease-fire, as he did on Thursday, with swift action. It seems that she means war, no pun intended, (PRI's The World). She is saying that for Political Credibility the U.S. needs act quickly. Col. Moammar Gadhafi, will take advantage of empty threats and not stop his attack on his own people, if he thinks that the U.S. is bluffing.
On the other hand, we have Barry Posen, director of the Security Studies at MIT, says that U.S. Military involvement is a mistake. He feels that the U.S. has been far to present in the Arab nations, and that if any country takes the reins in a militaristic way that they are taking away from the victory of this revolution. The people who want this revolution need to own the revolution. This means that they need to not only lead it themselves but they also need to pay the price for it. This will of course make them more joyous and more appreciative of their victory when it comes.
Many protesters in Libya Yemen and Saudi Arabia have stated that they don't want any countries involvement in their revolution. They are willing to own their freedom and take the costs to heart.
And some of the costs are hitting very close to the chest.
Yemeni peoples have been taking the brunt of a very bloody revolution as of late. On Friday in Yemen, 46 people (including children) were methodically shot by snipers medical officials and witnesses say Hundreds were left wounded. In other words, the shooters were aiming for their targets, they were not firing at random hoping they would hit someone. The killed victims were all shot in the head and/or neck. These snipers were shooting to kill. The worst part is, this Yemen protest start off peacefully, as most of them seem to. President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who's government is supported by the United States, is coming under political fire from President Obama. The U.S. President has stated that those responsible for the shootings must be held accountable for their actions. President Saleh instead has issued a 30 day  nation wide state of emergency, which makes it easier for Yemeni troops to confront protesters, while making it illegal for ordinary citizens to carry firearms. The Yemeni Government is using live ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas, sticks, knives and rocks against protesters, in the hopes of scaring them, or causing them to be violent and nullify their revolution. The majority of Protesters refuse to bear arms and attack back in Yemen. The more that they are brutalized, the more people join the cause for revolution.
Where does all of this lead? Where does all this end? Stay tuned to find out. Like it, hate it, read it, share it, and always Demand Truth.




http://www.theworld.org/2011/03/libya-gaddafi-cease-fire/
http://www.npr.org/2011/03/18/134657570/yemeni-forces-fire-on-demonstrators-dozens-killed