Ponderings on a small planet: December 2004

damn this stupid stupid war

Eyewitness: Taking detainee testimony in Iraq

US-led international forces in Iraq are currently holding thousands of Iraqi people suspected of involvement in the violent campaign against the Iraqi government and the occupying forces.

But some detainees complain of arbitrary detention and abusive treatment.

Peggy Gish, 62, is an American woman who has spent 13 months over the past two years logging the cases of Iraqi detainees with the ecumenical humanitarian group Christian Peacemaker Teams.

She told the BBC News website about her experiences.... more on the BBC

more bombs in iraq today.... so much for peace on earth.... but there's always hope. even in times of utmost despair, there's always hope.

quote of the day

From the Mother Jones website: "It seems to me that the real problem with the Democratic Party is that it has been taken over by a bunch of political hacks who would rather preserve their positions than work for the American people."
Paul Paine

For a vision of an alternative political future, visit http://www.gp.org

And for all your holiday shopping needs....read Down and Out in Discount America: http://www.alternet.org/story/20808/ --if you can catch the Frontline done a few weeks ago about wal-mart I highly recommend it. Hold on folks....here comes China.

travels in a white wyoming

My Dad and I just returned from a trip down to Colorado to visit friends and family. If you've never driven I-25 down through Wyoming, I highly recommend it. Compared to highways back east, there's just a few less cars (well, a few less thousands)...and the scenary is spectacular- mountains, bluffs, and prairies. Wyoming at its finest. On the drive down we saw bald eagles, hawks, a couple hundred pronghorn, and tons of prairie dogs. Cute little things. On the way back, we hit a small snowstorm and it reminded me how powerful weather can be out here in the Rocky Mountain west. Today it's 10 below 0 and I'm staying inside. But the sun is shining- glistening on the snow-covered hills. My mom lives next to Kenderick Park and you can see Buffalo and Elk from her window. They look a little cold, too.

Merry Christmas!

Hi!!

Hello and welcome to my blog. I'm new to this tech-savvy world so forgive me while I learn how to make the most of it.

About me-- I'm a third-year law student in Portland, OR. I am focusing in international environmental/ human rights law. Hopefully I will be able to find a job in that field-- if not any job working for social justice will suit me fine.

I love Portland-- the greenness and the woods. I also enjoy travelling and have a love affair with Africa. My random passion is ER-- yes, the TV show so I'm sure some of my upcoming postings will speak of that.

Allrighty - enjoy the read and please send comments.
Cheers,
Shannon

This is one of my life slogans. I'm a social activist and strongly believe that corporations have too much power in our global society. People need to take back that power.