Related Posts

Torture: America v. America

Mona tells an Egyptian view of American torture: I think of that hooded demonstrator in the orange jumpsuit often. The occupant of the White House might have changed but America still hasn’t had the necessary conversation about torture that he insisted on starting. Instead, it avoids engaging and prefers to walk away like the girl’s chaperone. The continuing love affair with President Barack Obama must not blindfold America to the reckoning it must have. Which is why I hope that hooded demonstrator is still there outside the White House with his board saying “End Torture Now.” Only now, with a…

Tell #NYC Mayor Bloomberg he Rocks

Mayor Bloomberg has strongly supported the the Islamic Center being planned near Ground Zero and has also strongly criticized those who have used anti-Islamic rhetoric and justifications for opposing the proposed center. See here for an article re his support: http://www.salon.com/news/politics/war_room/2010/08/03/mayor_bloomberg_on_mosque. I think that this is an important step from the Mayor, who has not always taken sympathetic positions vis a vis his Muslim constituents. He is certainly receiving a lot of criticism and negative feedback for taking this step. As a result, it is important that his office also receive positive feedback from each and every person who agreed…

Iraqi Voices

Maybe instead of talking about them, we should be listening to them. This is a great project by a great group, and some really wonderful people whom I am privileged to know. Part of what happens when you bring a group of artists to speak to refugees (or really to speak to anyone), is that the subject of art comes up. When people hear that we are artists, they tend to start telling us about the art that they know and love. There stories begin to be told on the level of music and dance, picture and sound.