There is hell going on in Istanbul, Turkey and if you're like me you've only heard grumblings of it. Please read first person accounts of what's going on there.
To my friends who live outside of Turkey:
I am writing to let you know what is going on in Istanbul for the last five days. I personally have to write this because most of the media sources are shut down by the government and the word of mouth and the internet are the only ways left for us to explain ourselves and call for help and support.
Four days ago a group of people who did not belong to any specific organization or ideology got together in Istanbul’s Gezi Park. Among them there were many of my friends and students. Their reason was simple: To prevent and protest the upcoming demolishing of the park for the sake of building yet another shopping mall at very center of the city. There are numerous shopping malls in Istanbul, at least one in every neighborhood! The tearing down of the trees was supposed to begin early Thursday morning. People went to the park with their blankets, books and children. They put their tents down and spent the night under the trees. Early in the morning when the bulldozers started to pull the hundred-year-old trees out of the ground, they stood up against them to stop the operation.
They did nothing other than standing in front of the machines.
No newspaper, no television channel was there to report the protest. It was a complete media black out.
But the police arrived with water cannon vehicles and pepper spray. They chased the crowds out of the park.
In the evening the number of protesters multiplied. So did the number of police forces around the park. Meanwhile local government of Istanbul shut down all the ways leading up to Taksim square where the Gezi Park is located. The metro was shut down, ferries were cancelled, roads were blocked.
Yet more and more people made their way up to the center of the city by walking.
They came from all around Istanbul. They came from all different backgrounds, different ideologies, different religions. They all gathered to prevent the demolition of something bigger than the park:
The right to live as honorable citizens of this country.
They gathered and marched. Police chased them with pepper spray and tear gas and drove their tanks over people who offered the police food in return. Two young people were run over by the tanks and were killed. Another young woman, a friend of mine, was hit in the head by one of the incoming tear gas canisters. The police were shooting them straight into the crowd. After a three hour operation she is still in Intensive Care Unit and in very critical condition. As I write this we don’t know if she is going to make it. This blog is dedicated to her.
These people are my friends. They are my students, my relatives. They have no «hidden agenda» as the state likes to say. Their agenda is out there. It is very clear. The whole country is being sold to corporations by the government, for the construction of malls, luxury condominiums, freeways, dams and nuclear plants. The government is looking for (and creating when necessary) any excuse to attack Syria against its people’s will.
On top of all that, the government control over its people’s personal lives has become unbearable as of late. The state, under its conservative agenda passed many laws and regulations concerning abortion, cesarean birth, sale and use of alcohol and even the color of lipstick worn by the airline stewardesses.
People who are marching to the center of Istanbul are demanding their right to live freely and receive justice, protection and respect from the State. They demand to be involved in the decision-making processes about the city they live in.
What they have received instead is excessive force and enormous amounts of tear gas shot straight into their faces. Three people lost their eyes.
Yet they still march. Hundred of thousands join them. Couple of more thousand passed the Bosporus Bridge on foot to support the people of Taksim.
No newspaper or TV channel was there to report the events. They were busy with broadcasting news about Miss Turkey and “the strangest cat of the world”.
Police kept chasing people and spraying them with pepper spray to an extent that stray dogs and cats were poisoned and died by it.
Schools, hospitals and even 5 star hotels around Taksim Square opened their doors to the injured. Doctors filled the classrooms and hotel rooms to provide first aid. Some police officers refused to spray innocent people with tear gas and quit their jobs. Around the square they placed jammers to prevent internet connection and 3g networks were blocked. Residents and businesses in the area provided free wireless network for the people on the streets. Restaurants offered food and water for free.
People in Ankara and İzmir gathered on the streets to support the resistance in Istanbul.
Mainstream media kept showing Miss Turkey and “the strangest cat of the world”.
***
I am writing this letter so that you know what is going on in Istanbul. Mass media will not tell you any of this. Not in my country at least. Please post as many as articles as you see on the Internet and spread the word.
As I was posting articles that explained what is happening in Istanbul on my Facebook page last night someone asked me the following question:
«What are you hoping to gain by complaining about our country to foreigners?»
This blog is my answer to her.
By so called «complaining» about my country I am hoping to gain:
Freedom of expression and speech,
Respect for human rights,
Control over the decisions I make concerning my on my body,
The right to legally congregate in any part of the city without being considered a terrorist.
But most of all by spreading the word to you, my friends who live in other parts of the world, I am hoping to get your awareness, support and help!
Please spread the word and share this blog.
Thank you!
For futher info and things you can do for help please see Amnesty International’s Call for Urgent Help
Monday, June 03, 2013
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Douche Bag du Jour
The Lincoln Journal Star features state politicians in the series “In Their Own Words.” Nebraska State Senator Bill Kintner recently answered some personal questions.
The standout reply was about women and his opinion of them:
“Biggest mystery? Women. No one understands them. They don’t even understand themselves.
Books and books and books have been written about it, and no one understands it.”
WOMEN! There you have it! This anti-choice, Christian man has told YOU that you don’t understand yourself – because HE KNOWS.
It gets EVEN BETTER:
“In our household, we have a separation of powers. The legislative is downstairs and the executive is upstairs. We don’t talk about what she does on her side and what I do on my side. There’s no sharing of inside information.”
I find this reply to be disturbing and I am unsure what he means. Maybe he is the Executor or the Executive in the bedroom? Does this mean his wife has no say when it pertains to their sex life? When he says the “legislative is downstairs,” does this mean household chores? Does it include their finances? So many questions. So many possible nightmare scenarios.
The Tea Party made its way into Congress in 2010 because people didn’t vote. Let’s change this in 2014 and vote these people out. They are trying to take away the" basic rights of women (anti abortion legislation, Planned Parenthood)
Information above was obtained at this website.
The author is Kimberley A. Johnson (BIO) – A.K.A. The Anti Coulter and the author of The Virgin Diaries and an activist for women’s rights.
 |
| Douchebag Extrodinaire from Nebraska |
The standout reply was about women and his opinion of them:
“Biggest mystery? Women. No one understands them. They don’t even understand themselves.
Books and books and books have been written about it, and no one understands it.”
WOMEN! There you have it! This anti-choice, Christian man has told YOU that you don’t understand yourself – because HE KNOWS.
It gets EVEN BETTER:
“In our household, we have a separation of powers. The legislative is downstairs and the executive is upstairs. We don’t talk about what she does on her side and what I do on my side. There’s no sharing of inside information.”
I find this reply to be disturbing and I am unsure what he means. Maybe he is the Executor or the Executive in the bedroom? Does this mean his wife has no say when it pertains to their sex life? When he says the “legislative is downstairs,” does this mean household chores? Does it include their finances? So many questions. So many possible nightmare scenarios.
The Tea Party made its way into Congress in 2010 because people didn’t vote. Let’s change this in 2014 and vote these people out. They are trying to take away the" basic rights of women (anti abortion legislation, Planned Parenthood)
Information above was obtained at this website.
The author is Kimberley A. Johnson (BIO) – A.K.A. The Anti Coulter and the author of The Virgin Diaries and an activist for women’s rights.
Monday, May 27, 2013
To Parents of Young Children
Neil DeGrasse Tyson gives great advice to parents of young children
It ain't all about soccer, T-ball, football and dance classes, parents. By doing less and providing the right tools you are helping your children discover the universe around them.
Great article that accompanied this article is here. Please read and enjoy
Memorial Day
Nothing is ever free,
though to you it be.
Somewhere, somehow,
someone paid.
©2002 Roger W Hancock (www.PoetPatriot.com)
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Scuzzbucket of the Week
The above poster says it all. These two just make me ill.
Here is Sammy the Cocker Spaniel, who suffered abuse from two more scuzzbuckets from Brick, NJ
You can read about Sammy's former owners' sickening treatment of him at this page.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Frank Davis
I was raised as a Catholic. that means I was raised feeling guilty about things. LOL.
I left the church, but I remained a praying person, as I have witnessed the power of prayer.
Local TV personality Frank Davis needs ALL of our prayers. Check this out:
Frank has CIPD One in 4 million people are affected by it. It is curable in that he could be back to 50-75% of his former self.
If you watched the video, you can see how fast this disease affected him.
My only wish is that you say a little prayer and - if you're from Southeast Lousisiana, please share and ask for more prayers.
I left the church, but I remained a praying person, as I have witnessed the power of prayer.
Local TV personality Frank Davis needs ALL of our prayers. Check this out:
Frank has CIPD One in 4 million people are affected by it. It is curable in that he could be back to 50-75% of his former self.
If you watched the video, you can see how fast this disease affected him.
My only wish is that you say a little prayer and - if you're from Southeast Lousisiana, please share and ask for more prayers.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
It's that time of year again
Buy your hurricane supplies this weekend and pay no state sales tax! From the Louisiana Department of Revenue:
2013 Louisiana Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday
Saturday, May 25 & Sunday, May 26
Louisiana Revised Statute 47:305.58 provides for an annual state sales tax holiday on sales of hurricane-preparedness items or supplies made on the last Saturday and Sunday of each May. During the two-day annual holiday, tax-free purchases are authorized on the first $1,500 of the sales price of each of the following items:
portable self-powered light source;
portable self-powered radio, two-way radio, or weather band radio;
tarpaulin or other flexible waterproof sheeting;
any ground anchor system or tie-down kit;
any gas or diesel fuel tank;
any package of AAA-cell, AA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt, or 9-volt batteries, excluding automobile and boat batteries;
any cellular phone battery and any cellular phone charger;
any non-electric food storage cooler;
any portable generator used to provide light or communications or preserve food in the event of a power outage;
any “storm shutter device,” as defined in the Act;
any carbon monoxide detector; and
any blue ice product.
La. R.S. 47:301(10)(ee), and 301(18)(o), as enacted by Act 462 of the 2007 Regular Session, provide a permanent state sales and use tax exclusion for storm shutter devices. La. R.S. 47:337.10(m) authorizes, but does not require, political subdivisions of the state to provide a similar exclusion from their sales and use taxes. Accordingly, the state sales tax exemption on storm shutter devices is not limited to the two days of the sales tax holiday. The term “storm shutter device” is defined for purposes of both the holiday and the permanent exclusion as materials and products manufactured, rated, and marketed specifically for the purposes of preventing window damage from storms.
Conditions for Exemption
The following activities will be eligible during the two days of each annual holiday for the sales tax exemption:
buying and accepting delivery of eligible hurricane-preparedness items or supplies;
placing eligible items or supplies on layaway;
making final payment on and withdrawing eligible items or supplies previously placed on layaway; or
ordering an eligible item for immediate delivery, even if delivery must be delayed, provided that the customer has not requested delayed shipment.
Special Provisions
The Act provides that:
The exemption is allowed on both inputs to and withdrawals from layaway.
Purchases of eligible items or supplies during the holiday with “rain checks” issued before the holiday are eligible for exemption, but purchases after the holiday with “rain checks” issued during the holiday are not eligible for exemption;
Orders for immediate shipment are eligible for exemption even if the shipment is after the holiday, provided that the customer does not request delayed shipment;
The post-holiday exchange of merchandise to effectuate changes in size, color, or correction of defects does not create a tax liability, but exchanges after the holiday for dissimilar items will be considered the purchase of new property on which the sales tax will be payable;
For a 60-day period after the holiday, dealers who issue refund or credit for the return of merchandise that was eligible for sales tax exemption during the holiday can issue refund or credit for the state sales tax on that returned merchandise only if the customers returning the property have receipts showing that the tax was actually paid on the original purchases, or the dealers are otherwise able to document that the state sales tax was paid on the original purchases.
The sales tax holiday does not extend to hurricane-preparedness items or supplies purchased at any airport, public lodging establishment or hotel, convenience store, or entertainment complex. Since these terms are not defined by La. R.S. 47:305.58 the department has published a rule, LAC 61:I.4423, to define the terms.
The 2013 sales tax holiday will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, May 25 and conclude at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, May 26.
Return Filing Procedures
Retailers should report exempt sales on Line 24 of the Sales Tax Return (R-1029).
2013 Louisiana Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday
Saturday, May 25 & Sunday, May 26
Louisiana Revised Statute 47:305.58 provides for an annual state sales tax holiday on sales of hurricane-preparedness items or supplies made on the last Saturday and Sunday of each May. During the two-day annual holiday, tax-free purchases are authorized on the first $1,500 of the sales price of each of the following items:
portable self-powered light source;
portable self-powered radio, two-way radio, or weather band radio;
tarpaulin or other flexible waterproof sheeting;
any ground anchor system or tie-down kit;
any gas or diesel fuel tank;
any package of AAA-cell, AA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt, or 9-volt batteries, excluding automobile and boat batteries;
any cellular phone battery and any cellular phone charger;
any non-electric food storage cooler;
any portable generator used to provide light or communications or preserve food in the event of a power outage;
any “storm shutter device,” as defined in the Act;
any carbon monoxide detector; and
any blue ice product.
La. R.S. 47:301(10)(ee), and 301(18)(o), as enacted by Act 462 of the 2007 Regular Session, provide a permanent state sales and use tax exclusion for storm shutter devices. La. R.S. 47:337.10(m) authorizes, but does not require, political subdivisions of the state to provide a similar exclusion from their sales and use taxes. Accordingly, the state sales tax exemption on storm shutter devices is not limited to the two days of the sales tax holiday. The term “storm shutter device” is defined for purposes of both the holiday and the permanent exclusion as materials and products manufactured, rated, and marketed specifically for the purposes of preventing window damage from storms.
Conditions for Exemption
The following activities will be eligible during the two days of each annual holiday for the sales tax exemption:
buying and accepting delivery of eligible hurricane-preparedness items or supplies;
placing eligible items or supplies on layaway;
making final payment on and withdrawing eligible items or supplies previously placed on layaway; or
ordering an eligible item for immediate delivery, even if delivery must be delayed, provided that the customer has not requested delayed shipment.
Special Provisions
The Act provides that:
The exemption is allowed on both inputs to and withdrawals from layaway.
Purchases of eligible items or supplies during the holiday with “rain checks” issued before the holiday are eligible for exemption, but purchases after the holiday with “rain checks” issued during the holiday are not eligible for exemption;
Orders for immediate shipment are eligible for exemption even if the shipment is after the holiday, provided that the customer does not request delayed shipment;
The post-holiday exchange of merchandise to effectuate changes in size, color, or correction of defects does not create a tax liability, but exchanges after the holiday for dissimilar items will be considered the purchase of new property on which the sales tax will be payable;
For a 60-day period after the holiday, dealers who issue refund or credit for the return of merchandise that was eligible for sales tax exemption during the holiday can issue refund or credit for the state sales tax on that returned merchandise only if the customers returning the property have receipts showing that the tax was actually paid on the original purchases, or the dealers are otherwise able to document that the state sales tax was paid on the original purchases.
The sales tax holiday does not extend to hurricane-preparedness items or supplies purchased at any airport, public lodging establishment or hotel, convenience store, or entertainment complex. Since these terms are not defined by La. R.S. 47:305.58 the department has published a rule, LAC 61:I.4423, to define the terms.
The 2013 sales tax holiday will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, May 25 and conclude at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, May 26.
Return Filing Procedures
Retailers should report exempt sales on Line 24 of the Sales Tax Return (R-1029).
Windows Wednesday
Taken at the Morocco Pavilion in EPCOT (my favorite place of Walt Disney World). There are so many hidden gems at this park, this window was off to the side.
It's been three years, I want to go back!
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
A Prayer for Oklahoma
God of our hearts,
we search our shared sky
for the rainbow
of your unwavering love
to arch over our hearts
when the pain of unimagiable loss
swirls and thrashes us to dust.
Oh please Abba,
shelter those whose lives
have been blown into the abyss
that they may know your peace
after the storm
in the storm
on the horizon of their hearts.
Oh Mother,
thou who were, are and will be
the creator and animator
of love in our frames,
may we be that which will
make palpable your grace
in the graceless days before us.
Brother Christ,
grant us the will
to rise and go
to those whose pain
surpasses our comprehension
but not our compassion.
Endless Spirit,
in the days ahead
when there is no calm
after the storm
we pray
that we may be still
and know.
Amen
By Kimberly Knight
we search our shared sky
for the rainbow
of your unwavering love
to arch over our hearts
when the pain of unimagiable loss
swirls and thrashes us to dust.
Oh please Abba,
shelter those whose lives
have been blown into the abyss
that they may know your peace
after the storm
in the storm
on the horizon of their hearts.
Oh Mother,
thou who were, are and will be
the creator and animator
of love in our frames,
may we be that which will
make palpable your grace
in the graceless days before us.
Brother Christ,
grant us the will
to rise and go
to those whose pain
surpasses our comprehension
but not our compassion.
Endless Spirit,
in the days ahead
when there is no calm
after the storm
we pray
that we may be still
and know.
Amen
By Kimberly Knight
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