A message from Mohammed Al-Bukhaiti (Ansar Allah a.k.a. The Houthis) honoring Aaron’s sacrifice:
"Today, the world lost Aaron Bushnell, a brave, noble, and conscientious human being, but his message reached and resonated around the world. Aaron proved that his conscience's ability to bear the scenes of dead and wounded Palestinian children was weaker than his ability to bear the pain of fire burning his body, so he continued to chant freedom for Palestine until the last moment of his life. Thank you Aaron, your message has awakened the global conscience, but we will continue to cry for you as we cry for the children of Palestine."
I wonder about who Aaron was, what his life was like growing up as a child, and wonder if he was an abused child not cared for, and did people ignore that abuse allowing it to continue in silence.
gypsy 33 this thing whatever it is , is probably a Ziofascist trollbot. they always sound so reasonable, and even a tad empathic but all the while hiding behind their backs, the stiletto that’s in their words. These goons are the most specious clever of the flying monkey minions of the Zio fascists. I’ve been dealing with them for quite a while, and have learned to recognize them. Best thing -don’t feed the trolls.
I think you may have strolled onto a site where you will be regarded as a troll.
Can you please answer one question: What is a ZIOfacist trollbot? Unless you use words that all of us can understand I suggest you keep your mouth shut!
Jenny: it’s a made-up word. Sorry if you got confused, I thought it was kind of self-explanatory. It means a combination of a Zionist, a fascist, a troll, and perhaps a robot. 😁
Oh, please stop it. We are all very well-versed in your propaganda tactics. This "honest question, please explain" is one of the most tiring of them all.
Jenny she has been incredibly abusive, and her last comment really reflects that abusiveness and I wondered whether she was a troll trying to draw attention to herself and her "new Posts.," People who are that abusive can really undermine a website which allows you to express your feelings and thoughts, right or wrong without being attacked on that level.
"Hahahaha. Try to imagine how little what you say matters to me-I’m just calling all your bullshit -you’re talking out of both sides of your mouth and I recognize it because I read all of your posts. I don’t give a fuck who knows you I don’t give a fuck anything about you -this is the last thing that you’re ever gonna get from me and I have no anonymity. My name is my real name and you can look me up. I’m all over fucking Google."
Well perhaps I should apologize for harshin’ on you Fran. No excuses. But the whole “abused as a child/ mental illness” thing made my blood boil.
I’ve been pretty open here concerning my struggles with mental health. And I experienced what could be construed as an idyllic childhood. Best neighborhood in town. Solidly middle class. Riding and tennis lessons. New bikes. Clothes…lots of them. Parochial school. More friends than I could count. A new car for high school graduation.
The only dark cloud was some instances of sexual abuse by a non-family member, but I have long since put it behind me.
And yet I turned out the way I am; I struggled with anorexia and debilitating anxiety and depression until I found the right psychiatrist.
As you can see, Fran, I wasn’t born a redneck tough girl. I had to learn it.
Lets just say gypsy I can really identify with this., a father no different from Israel in their godless hate for the Palestinians. They want them dead, and resent them even having food that allows them to live another day.
Israel War on Gaza
‘Massacre’: Dozens killed by Israeli fire in Gaza while collecting food aid
More than 100 killed and about 750 wounded after Israeli forces fired at Palestinians trying to get flour for their families as famine stalks the Strip.
More than 100 Palestinians have been killed and some 700 others wounded after Israeli troops opened fire on hundreds waiting for food aid southwest of Gaza City, health officials say, as the besieged enclave faces an unprecedented hunger crisis.
The Gaza Ministry of Health said on Thursday said at least 104 people were killed and more than 750 wounded, with the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemning what it said was a cold-blooded “massacre”.
Now TV is doing nothing but cover their heinous crimes, spewing their lies, my father had a sister like that. If only there was a hell.
I understand people disagree, acceptable, but like you she was abusive. You stand by Palestine as I do. and the many abuses inflicted on it through the years. However, you address people in an abusive, disgusting manner and think you are entitled to so, much like Israel feels she entitled to inflict abuse on Palestinians. One can disagree. but one does not have to implement abuse to do so. You and her and people like you are hypocrites.
From what I have read - there was no diagnosed psychosis at all, or neurotic schizophrenia. He appeared instead to be under great internal stress - that we all can face at times. But there was no brain imbalance - from all that has been reported so far.
It was indeed an extreme act, as most suicides are extreme acts of violence. My guess underlying Aaron's act - was a sense of deep betrayal over something he strongly believed in. This is often the underlying motivation behind acts of violence - whether suicide or murder. The murderer feels betrayed - is feeling powerless because of that betrayal - and the pathological anger that arises from that sense of betrayal often finds a conduit through either the outward act of murder or the inward act of suicide. It is often why murder/suicide more frequently can occur when a breakup in a close relationship or even marriage is pending or takes place - because of the sense of betrayal and powerlessness (whether based on reality or not) that can be felt by the person who decides to act in such an extreme fashion.
In this case, it seems apparent that Aaron felt betrayed not only by the US military, but by humanity itself. His final twitter statement implicitly accuses everyone else of mostly doing nothing while a genocide is taking place.
C’mon - not if you’re one of the ones that are paying attention to what’s going on. Being abnormal is fine with me. Normal just means what most everybody else does. I’m happy being a freak -I’m happy being abnormal. I’m happy being not the people who ignore this dystopia and support genocide Joe butcher Biden.
Character assassination is the sickest trick in the Empires bag. Not only does it use it on its enemies but also its very own…and by very I mean those who wear its uniforms but their conscience wins over their service to its brutalities.
The NY post was more honest. He came from a religious home, and I don't particularly see anything wrong with being an anarchist when someone is doing something really wrong, like implementing this genocide. However some papers, not the Post when I read it last, makes it seem like he was a radical nut job. I don't listen to what the papers have to say since many years ago. I agree with what you say. If anyone is sick it's Israel, and the US.
Personally, I find it more disturbing that US citizens at a young age - much like Israeli citizens (who are forced) - join the military and kill who they are told to kill just because someone told them to do it. No questions as to why etc - just shoot 'em up, kill 'em. And putting their lives on the line by doing so, knowing they may get killed by the people they are ordered to kill without reason. Is this not disturbing?
But a man choosing to take a stand and protest to stop all this mindless killing, and putting his own life on the line in a thoughtful and intentional way - means there is something wrong with him? And let's be honest - his intention has been fulfilled - you are writing about him right now. The world is ablaze with his message and sacrifice.
Putting his life on the line to stop the killing of innocents is seen as mental illness in the Western/white Empire. But putting a life on the line to kill masses off innocents for no reason at all is seen as healthy and a viable career choice.
Do you see how sick the Empire is? Do you see why it's falling?
The sickness is the system. It strips away your humanity first and icaptures your soul. Your soul is your humanity. Once you’ve lost control of your soul, you will march to any orders from that which controls it. Zionism is the system…and not just in Israel.
The Indoctrination begins at birth, is reinforced continuously and lasts a lifetime unless we free our own minds. It took me 40 years to see the light. Some never dare look for it.
Many who join the military since their is no draft do so for many reasons, sometimes it's based on the few choices they have, and they say fewer and fewer are enlisting which is a good thing.
I read quotes from those papers online in regard to him, and didn't buy the papers, oh abusive one who hides behind a veil of anonymity to express that abuse. Don't you ever address me in that tone.
Bernadine. I said that I read WAPO for the comments because I can TRY to make a difference. I have known Fran for a long time and she does not bullshit!
I didn't say he wasn't it just, the papers called him an anarchist, I didn't. I am sure he was The papers were calling him, at least three or four I read were demeaning him as sick and extreme not me.
Fran, the words "anarchist" and "anarchism" have been abused and villified and twisted in Orwellian ways.
MSM (and the power elite) use the term to disparage anyone that goes against their interests. They call every resistance figher an "anarchist". They call every fight against colonization and imperialism "anarchism". They call all who oppose the empire "anarchists".
Being an anarchist is NOT a bad thing. Some of the greatest freedom fighters in history have been anarchists. Without anarchists, I believe that our world would be worse off and our fights for freedom and human rights more subdued.
Slavery was de-institutionalized due to "anarchist" strategies.
Women won the right to vote due to anarchists.
The Civil Rights movement made significant gains due to anarchists.
The first step to being de-programmed from the empire's propaganda is to realize and scrutinize language patterns. Being an "anarchist" can be (and very often is) a good thing.
I know the term is used to define someone who is extreme, and in his extremism is crazy. I don't disapprove of anarchists and they evolve when everything else done becomes a meaningless endeavor that has no impact, or can bring change. I don't know if you are from the US but look how long it took this country to address the abuse of children, and women. There was a silence around both, until people made their voices heard, and to bring change those voices have to be loud and clear, for a long time.
Yes you did. You wondered if he came from an abused home -remember your earlier post. My eyes are squinting. Looking at you now that you are backtracking on your “first impression“ post. I call bullshit. I call Zio fascist troll bot.
Etymologically, anarchy is derived from the Greek: αναρχία, romanized: anarkhia; where "αν" ("an") means "without" and "αρχία" ("arkhia") means "ruler".[2] Therefore, anarchy is fundamentally defined by the absence of rulers.
guess who tries to change this meaning to something negative.
Your comment is senseless and rude and I'm sick of people who think they have the freedom to be abusive when someone takes a different slant on things.
I don’t want Aaron’s sacrifice to be dismissed as mental illness. It occurred to me that when the first responder shouted that he he didn’t want guns he wanted fire extinguishers says it all about the destruction of Gaza. Plenty of people with “guns”, where are our leaders with the “fire extinguishers”.
Sorry but they are the ones with the guns. We don't need leaders anyway we need normal people who work together. When someone says they want to be a leader or politician they should immediately be locked up away from the public.
Just a reminder, that lawyers are bringing cases in the US to protect civil liberties, and against the Biden administration for Genocide. If it wasn't for lawsuits, or the threat thereof, you wouldn't have increased auto safety, food safety, and far worse environmental conditions. The Center for Constitutional Rights does outstanding work, as do many other civil rights law firms and attorneys.
This is directed to the remark above about "where are our leaders with fire extinguishers. In reference to leaders. Our leaders are the ones with the guns.
The mob never accomplishes anything except destruction. Only a great man, a single Great Man with a vision, can bend history towards greatness, like Caesar or Napoleon. When “normal people work together” to topple the system you get Zimbabwe or Bolshevism
Right like a dictator has ever been a good thing. Why do you think there are communities of people who are like minded and town councils who even now are making mandates to stop this Zionist Nazi filth from continuing their genocide. These are the results of normal people working together not a psycho fuck who is nothing more than a Zionist Nazi Mass Murdering Sociopath.
I would say that any objective view of history has shown that it’s democracy that has never been a good thing. Humanity was ruled by “dictators” 100% of the time before 1650. When democracy gets adopted it produces Hitler, Stalin, and the French Revolution. Nothing but mega-death. Queen Elizabeth I and Friedrich the Greats happen under “dictatorships”, Stalins and Hitlers happen under “democracy”
Athenian democracy had such a bad reputation that it made “democracy” a bad word for 2000 years. Not that it didn’t work ok, but rather that it made them into aggressive expansionist warmongers
And they didn’t vote for politicians, they voted for laws. (And army generals, another flaw) The “politicians” who actually ran the government were picked by lot, like a jury.
And then of course there’s the fact that it rapidly descended into an empire based on extortion.
But yeah it did pretty much work, but that’s because you have a small homogenous population where only stakeholders could vote. Which is why it also kind of works in Scandinavia (until recently).
What never works is a multi-ethnic democracy, that always leads to war. The largest ethnic group siezes power and beats up on everyone else. Singapore, for instance, would instantly disintegrate if it became a democracy.
And unless you restrict the franchise to landowners or the like it always disintegrates, if you allow the lower classes a vote they will eventually all get together and vote themselves the public treasury. The franchise has to be based on having assets or serving in the military to avoid this.
I think there need to be more people looking to end the whole disaster. I find it hard to believe in the face of such suffering that even a ceasefire can be vetoed.
Israel had some big uproars wanting Netanyahu gone, and I thought stupidly because he was carrying out a genocide, no just want him gone, nothing to do with the genocide.
“Hi, my name is Aaron Bushnell, I am an active-duty member of the United States Air Force, and I will no longer be complicit in genocide,’’ the young man says matter-of-factly in the footage as he walks toward his final destination outside the embassy Sunday afternoon.
“I am about to engage in an extreme act of protest, but compared to what people have been experiencing in Palestine at the hands of their colonizers, it’s not extreme at all.
“This is what our ruling class has decided will be normal.’’
No, it seems he came from a nice home, very religious, but the NY Post didn't portray it as an abusive home the way some papers did. I tried to convey that many abused children especially in the past endured their abuse with no voice to speak for them.
Caitlin Johnstone has written an impeccable tribute to a young man who was displaying the purest clarity of mind, compassion, and courage a human being can ever embody. Thank you, Caitlin!
News papers in US are saying, "Airman who set self on fire grew up on religious compound, had anarchist past." I knew America would try and discredit him as just sick, ignoring the perversity and sickness of the US and Israel that can implement a genocide. Screw them.
If Aron was "distirbed" to the point of self harm as protest to a profoundly sick society what does this say about society? Who or what disturbed him? Watching a genocide ? Watching a country he gave over his life to support it?
I was thinking that some or all are trying to portrait him as someone who simply used this as an opportunity to kill himself, provide reason, while they ignore the reality the US is committing a genocide. Not assisting it, but is involved in committing it. I wish he would not have done it, but it gives voice to the horror.
The NY Post today has an exclusive on how an (unnamed and uncleared) military colleague was told by Bushnell of the US military currently in Gaza tunnels. Enjoy.
Self-Immolation has a history of several millennia (especially in the East). Societies in which this martyrdom pursuit catches on... rarely last. For the Empire of Lies, this is basically a sign that its underlying rotten foundations are about to Rapidly Buckle & Implode, per the historical norm.
The timing and manner of one's own death is the ultimate freedom we have. One of the very few things that can't be taken from us. All honour and credit to Aaron who achieves more with this act, than a long life might ever have. My absolute love and respect to you, young man, your courage and your name will be remembered.
It is as you have said, seriously disturbing that someone has had to resort to such a dramatic event to make a point.
I felt almost sick when I heard of it. Why does one have to go to such lengths to make people listen to the truth. But even with an optimistic hope that this will be read by thousands and acted upon, I know that sooner to later some CIA to FBI puppet will come up with a story that indicates that Aaron had some ulterior motive. After all, this is America in 2024.
Nothing is real any more.
The decent world won't ever forget your true motives, Aaron , referring to all the countries that are populated with like-minded human beings.
I break my solemn, reverent, humble silence, the same feeling I had in the Memorial Hall of the Gold Star Warriors, to say to AARON BUSHNELL, “Your sacrifice is not in vain. I am resolved to do everything in my power to force everyone I can to witness this Crime Against Humanity and cry out, STOP! ! Thank you for your service, for giving your last full measure of devotion, and to declaring with your last breath, FREE PALESTINE!”
I made a vow when this genocide began that I would not look away from the gruesome cruelty, from the grief stricken mothers, fathers, children, grandparents, from the brazen soullessness of warmongers. I will not look away, I will grieve as best as someone can who has no experience with this level of atrocity, and do my pathetic part to help by being a witness, by sending $ for food and medicine, by supporting Palestinian businesses that are being crippled, and by supporting Caitlin’s incredibly fearless journalism observing the insanity of our global “leaders.”
I ordered this Beautiful soap made in the West Bank the same way for over a thousand years!
And yes, Aaron Bushnell is a great hero. I can think of several other people who deserve to be set on fire, not this angel who worked with the unhoused. We lost an angel and are left with devils. 😭
Can you tell me what other organizations you trust to donate to? There are so many charities that are fronts for money laundering I want to know which organization I should choose.
Without UNRWA, the Palestinians will not survive. Israel has publically said they want UNRWA destroyed. Make a donation in Aaron Bushnell's honor. Let us also support UNRWA. If our governments won’t act in accordance with human decency, then we will. https://www.unrwausa.org/donate
Please realize that without UNRWA to coordinate it all, the other agencies have said they cannot take up the slack. "Anera and other organizations delivering relief in Gaza will continue to work, but UNRWA’s role is too significant to replace. Such a serious reduction in funds may lead to a total breakdown of already limited humanitarian assistance – not just in Gaza, but also in the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria."https://www.anera.org/blog/statement-on-unrwa-funding-suspension/
It didn't take long for mainstream news to attempt to portray Aaron Bushnell as mentally disturbed, that is, that he was a young man with mental illness, that he had a troubled past and was therefore unstable.
Brings to mind Krishnamurti's observation that "it is no measure of [mental] health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society." We should all be disturbed and agitated by a genocide occurring at a deliberate pace in front of our eyes, and if anyone is not disturbed perhaps it is because he or she is "well adjusted" to the point where they have a big hole within them where their humanity used to be.
We can never know the anguish and the mental processes that caused Aaron to take his own life in the way that he did, but "mental illness" doesn't cut it as a way to dismiss his sacrifice. Perhaps it is Israel's defenders and those who just don't give a damn who are the delusional ones. Perhaps they are the ones Erich Fromm was referring to when he described what he called "the pathology of normalcy." For surely what we accept as normal in our troubled world has all the characteristics of actual mental pathology.
I believe Aaron knew this, and his death was his statement. I further believe that it was a holy act that puts to shame the weaselly, dissembling, profoundly shameful and manifestly psychopathic behavior of America's political and ruling class. I will never forget this young man, and nor should any of us with a heart and a moral compass.
I am left wondering if he learned of things in the air force that influenced his martyrdom. Like so many others before him once inside the belly of the whale you can come to know too much.
I just learned in intensely-pro-Israel MSM (!) that Bushnell had told a clearance-free military(!) colleague of the US military operating in Gaza foxholes.
"The narrative" of late is getting interesting. (Just as with the recent NYT "revelations" on the depth of US complicity in Ukraine since at least 2014.)
Well said..as I also pointed out his mental "disturbance" came from living in the western profoundly sick society.
That krishnamurti quote is one of my favorites and I too use it often ..we are indeed in a proufounly sick society and I refuse to be normalised into it.
Indeed, the only way one can be "sane" is to find a different way of seeing, responding and acting. If this becomes conspicuous, so much the better. It is necessary that society first sees itself as sick before a cure can begin. Loving the "other," far away, begins with loving the irascible next door MAGA neighbor, recognizing our common human experience with all its contradictions, weakness and fears. It is the most difficult thing some of us will ever do. Courage fails us at crucial moments. Each of us has a dark side, and we must struggle together to open the door to the light, for each other and for a troubled world.
Indeed. after years of activism, and not being military, a billionair or having any other kind of power, I’ve only come to one conclusion: the only real power I have is to be kind to the person in front of me.❤️
No we can't forget, we must remember the reason for this act. This was not an insane man. This was a man that wanted to send the strongest, clearest message he could. He needed to give it everything he had and he only had one thing to give-his life. The act was as much a statement as his last words. Yet his last words explained the act. Ultimately, we learn that we must give ourselves completely to our cause. His was "free Palestine."
What a profound humanitarian act that reveals the depth of American airman Aaron Bushnell’s conviction against Gazan-Palestinian genocide by Netanyahu-Zionists, and its funding by the US government.
A profound act of sincerity indeed. A world built on lies, manipulation and gaslighting meets that pure and unadulterated sincerity of love of others so much that he'd lay down his life for them, and it pauses, astonished and chastised. Could we learn to put hatred and racism aside and embrace compassion? That remains to be seen, but the conversation has begun. Aaron Bushnell was a saint and genius. RIP Aaron.
🙏🖖🏿Caitlin, the truth of your every word is irrefutable. The monstrous depravity of the IDF and the Israeli state has been par for the course for decades, as has the brutal collusion of the U.S. in their criminality. They are partners in crime, but remember - American and European butchers have led the way in such heinous atrocities for centuries.
It's all about Western Colonialism, isn't it? -- and here in the 21st Century we are afflicted by the worst of the worst specter of militant-political Genocidal Colonial systems: Zionism. Viva Palestine, at Ground Zero!
When someone commits suicide, they take a part of our humanity with them. May you find peace Aaron Bushnell, if there is peace in the hereafter - now that you have departed this, oh so very sad world of ours. :(
Aaron Bushnell was too good for this world. I hope he’s in a much better place and is at peace. The media degrading him are scumbags just like the politicians who send people in uniform to fight in these senseless wars only to have them come back maimed or with PTSD. Let us honor him for his courage and compassion.😢
A message from Mohammed Al-Bukhaiti (Ansar Allah a.k.a. The Houthis) honoring Aaron’s sacrifice:
"Today, the world lost Aaron Bushnell, a brave, noble, and conscientious human being, but his message reached and resonated around the world. Aaron proved that his conscience's ability to bear the scenes of dead and wounded Palestinian children was weaker than his ability to bear the pain of fire burning his body, so he continued to chant freedom for Palestine until the last moment of his life. Thank you Aaron, your message has awakened the global conscience, but we will continue to cry for you as we cry for the children of Palestine."
https://x.com/m_n_albukhaiti/status/1762198093628375103?s=46&t=y6oNMuRlA05SmDXZA1sw4Q
I wonder about who Aaron was, what his life was like growing up as a child, and wonder if he was an abused child not cared for, and did people ignore that abuse allowing it to continue in silence.
What the FUCK are you talking about?
It doesn’t take an “abused child“ to make this intense sacrifice. It takes guts, conviction and empathy.
WTF is wrong with you?
gypsy 33 this thing whatever it is , is probably a Ziofascist trollbot. they always sound so reasonable, and even a tad empathic but all the while hiding behind their backs, the stiletto that’s in their words. These goons are the most specious clever of the flying monkey minions of the Zio fascists. I’ve been dealing with them for quite a while, and have learned to recognize them. Best thing -don’t feed the trolls.
BernadeneZennie.
I think you may have strolled onto a site where you will be regarded as a troll.
Can you please answer one question: What is a ZIOfacist trollbot? Unless you use words that all of us can understand I suggest you keep your mouth shut!
Jenny: it’s a made-up word. Sorry if you got confused, I thought it was kind of self-explanatory. It means a combination of a Zionist, a fascist, a troll, and perhaps a robot. 😁
Oh, please stop it. We are all very well-versed in your propaganda tactics. This "honest question, please explain" is one of the most tiring of them all.
What?
No worries Jenny, she’s cool.
Jenny she has been incredibly abusive, and her last comment really reflects that abusiveness and I wondered whether she was a troll trying to draw attention to herself and her "new Posts.," People who are that abusive can really undermine a website which allows you to express your feelings and thoughts, right or wrong without being attacked on that level.
"Hahahaha. Try to imagine how little what you say matters to me-I’m just calling all your bullshit -you’re talking out of both sides of your mouth and I recognize it because I read all of your posts. I don’t give a fuck who knows you I don’t give a fuck anything about you -this is the last thing that you’re ever gonna get from me and I have no anonymity. My name is my real name and you can look me up. I’m all over fucking Google."
BAS
NO...it takes a COWARD to give up...which is EXACTLY what that moron bushnell did. You have to have COURAGE to live this life so fuck him
Now I know why you on board with Fish.No answer.
I did see this post before gypsy. Says a lot. Empathy can be skin deep.
When will you show equal guts, conviction and empathy?
No need for the FUCK, I have never been abusive or unkind to you or addressed you in that manner.
Well perhaps I should apologize for harshin’ on you Fran. No excuses. But the whole “abused as a child/ mental illness” thing made my blood boil.
I’ve been pretty open here concerning my struggles with mental health. And I experienced what could be construed as an idyllic childhood. Best neighborhood in town. Solidly middle class. Riding and tennis lessons. New bikes. Clothes…lots of them. Parochial school. More friends than I could count. A new car for high school graduation.
The only dark cloud was some instances of sexual abuse by a non-family member, but I have long since put it behind me.
And yet I turned out the way I am; I struggled with anorexia and debilitating anxiety and depression until I found the right psychiatrist.
As you can see, Fran, I wasn’t born a redneck tough girl. I had to learn it.
Lets just say gypsy I can really identify with this., a father no different from Israel in their godless hate for the Palestinians. They want them dead, and resent them even having food that allows them to live another day.
Israel War on Gaza
‘Massacre’: Dozens killed by Israeli fire in Gaza while collecting food aid
More than 100 killed and about 750 wounded after Israeli forces fired at Palestinians trying to get flour for their families as famine stalks the Strip.
More than 100 Palestinians have been killed and some 700 others wounded after Israeli troops opened fire on hundreds waiting for food aid southwest of Gaza City, health officials say, as the besieged enclave faces an unprecedented hunger crisis.
The Gaza Ministry of Health said on Thursday said at least 104 people were killed and more than 750 wounded, with the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemning what it said was a cold-blooded “massacre”.
Now TV is doing nothing but cover their heinous crimes, spewing their lies, my father had a sister like that. If only there was a hell.
I understand people disagree, acceptable, but like you she was abusive. You stand by Palestine as I do. and the many abuses inflicted on it through the years. However, you address people in an abusive, disgusting manner and think you are entitled to so, much like Israel feels she entitled to inflict abuse on Palestinians. One can disagree. but one does not have to implement abuse to do so. You and her and people like you are hypocrites.
Thanks, PITA, I’m here to help 😉
From what I have read - there was no diagnosed psychosis at all, or neurotic schizophrenia. He appeared instead to be under great internal stress - that we all can face at times. But there was no brain imbalance - from all that has been reported so far.
It was indeed an extreme act, as most suicides are extreme acts of violence. My guess underlying Aaron's act - was a sense of deep betrayal over something he strongly believed in. This is often the underlying motivation behind acts of violence - whether suicide or murder. The murderer feels betrayed - is feeling powerless because of that betrayal - and the pathological anger that arises from that sense of betrayal often finds a conduit through either the outward act of murder or the inward act of suicide. It is often why murder/suicide more frequently can occur when a breakup in a close relationship or even marriage is pending or takes place - because of the sense of betrayal and powerlessness (whether based on reality or not) that can be felt by the person who decides to act in such an extreme fashion.
In this case, it seems apparent that Aaron felt betrayed not only by the US military, but by humanity itself. His final twitter statement implicitly accuses everyone else of mostly doing nothing while a genocide is taking place.
and he was right. he was normal, we are the freaks.
C’mon - not if you’re one of the ones that are paying attention to what’s going on. Being abnormal is fine with me. Normal just means what most everybody else does. I’m happy being a freak -I’m happy being abnormal. I’m happy being not the people who ignore this dystopia and support genocide Joe butcher Biden.
Agree, Bernedene; it would suck to be “normal”! How fucking boring would THAT be?
TY well said.
There was a good write up yes in WAPO yesterday about his life BUT no comments were allowed!
According to many of his friends he cared very deeply about anyone who was being misused. Try and get the article.
Free Palestine
I'm sure he was, and I was commenting on how the papers were portraying his as extreme and sick, what else is new.
Airman who set self on fire grew up on religious compound, had anarchist past says all the US newspapers.
Character assassination is the sickest trick in the Empires bag. Not only does it use it on its enemies but also its very own…and by very I mean those who wear its uniforms but their conscience wins over their service to its brutalities.
The NY post was more honest. He came from a religious home, and I don't particularly see anything wrong with being an anarchist when someone is doing something really wrong, like implementing this genocide. However some papers, not the Post when I read it last, makes it seem like he was a radical nut job. I don't listen to what the papers have to say since many years ago. I agree with what you say. If anyone is sick it's Israel, and the US.
Personally, I find it more disturbing that US citizens at a young age - much like Israeli citizens (who are forced) - join the military and kill who they are told to kill just because someone told them to do it. No questions as to why etc - just shoot 'em up, kill 'em. And putting their lives on the line by doing so, knowing they may get killed by the people they are ordered to kill without reason. Is this not disturbing?
But a man choosing to take a stand and protest to stop all this mindless killing, and putting his own life on the line in a thoughtful and intentional way - means there is something wrong with him? And let's be honest - his intention has been fulfilled - you are writing about him right now. The world is ablaze with his message and sacrifice.
Putting his life on the line to stop the killing of innocents is seen as mental illness in the Western/white Empire. But putting a life on the line to kill masses off innocents for no reason at all is seen as healthy and a viable career choice.
Do you see how sick the Empire is? Do you see why it's falling?
The sickness is the system. It strips away your humanity first and icaptures your soul. Your soul is your humanity. Once you’ve lost control of your soul, you will march to any orders from that which controls it. Zionism is the system…and not just in Israel.
The Indoctrination begins at birth, is reinforced continuously and lasts a lifetime unless we free our own minds. It took me 40 years to see the light. Some never dare look for it.
Many who join the military since their is no draft do so for many reasons, sometimes it's based on the few choices they have, and they say fewer and fewer are enlisting which is a good thing.
Reminds me of a line from Jason Bourne in the third film in the series, near the end of the film:
Paz: [to Jason Bourne] Why didn't you take the shot?
Jason Bourne: Do you even know why you're supposed to kill me? Look at us. Look at what they make you give.
But look how those papers have even you doubting his sincerity or his truth framed as someone disturbed effectively diluting his true message.
I'm also wondering.
That's why I don't read our rag sheets, not the Times or any other. I lost trust many years ago.
US newspapers are rags.
That's why I'm on Substack. Haven't read them for years.
Liar. you just said, you read the Post and a bunch of other papers. You’re so full of more bullshit than a cow pasture.
I read quotes from those papers online in regard to him, and didn't buy the papers, oh abusive one who hides behind a veil of anonymity to express that abuse. Don't you ever address me in that tone.
Bernadine. I said that I read WAPO for the comments because I can TRY to make a difference. I have known Fran for a long time and she does not bullshit!
But the friends he had said later......what a gentle kind man he was........read more.
The whole point is not where he came from! If he was in the US Airforce doing his job how mad could he be?
Let's be fair - there are plenty of mad people in the military.
Maybe..............I wouldn't know.
I didn't say he wasn't it just, the papers called him an anarchist, I didn't. I am sure he was The papers were calling him, at least three or four I read were demeaning him as sick and extreme not me.
Fran, the words "anarchist" and "anarchism" have been abused and villified and twisted in Orwellian ways.
MSM (and the power elite) use the term to disparage anyone that goes against their interests. They call every resistance figher an "anarchist". They call every fight against colonization and imperialism "anarchism". They call all who oppose the empire "anarchists".
Being an anarchist is NOT a bad thing. Some of the greatest freedom fighters in history have been anarchists. Without anarchists, I believe that our world would be worse off and our fights for freedom and human rights more subdued.
Slavery was de-institutionalized due to "anarchist" strategies.
Women won the right to vote due to anarchists.
The Civil Rights movement made significant gains due to anarchists.
The first step to being de-programmed from the empire's propaganda is to realize and scrutinize language patterns. Being an "anarchist" can be (and very often is) a good thing.
I know the term is used to define someone who is extreme, and in his extremism is crazy. I don't disapprove of anarchists and they evolve when everything else done becomes a meaningless endeavor that has no impact, or can bring change. I don't know if you are from the US but look how long it took this country to address the abuse of children, and women. There was a silence around both, until people made their voices heard, and to bring change those voices have to be loud and clear, for a long time.
Totally agree. Well done saying this.
Yes you did. You wondered if he came from an abused home -remember your earlier post. My eyes are squinting. Looking at you now that you are backtracking on your “first impression“ post. I call bullshit. I call Zio fascist troll bot.
Bernardine. Comments get mixed up. You are new here I suspect?
I don't think you are commenting to me Fran. I know what's going on.
I get sick of these comments getting mixed up.
I will write to substack.
Your right.
Jenny, best way , if in doubt, is to post @ Jenny, for instances. These replies get pretty scrambled.
Etymologically, anarchy is derived from the Greek: αναρχία, romanized: anarkhia; where "αν" ("an") means "without" and "αρχία" ("arkhia") means "ruler".[2] Therefore, anarchy is fundamentally defined by the absence of rulers.
guess who tries to change this meaning to something negative.
Politicians.
And what’s wrong with that?
Yes, please, try to psychoanalyze courage and bravery, it's always amusing to see someone try to pathologize the will for freedom and justice
Your comment is senseless and rude and I'm sick of people who think they have the freedom to be abusive when someone takes a different slant on things.
You should be a comedian, if you're not one already
😂😂😂😂 human bbq made us wake up the chakras of the global energy 🔥
I don’t want Aaron’s sacrifice to be dismissed as mental illness. It occurred to me that when the first responder shouted that he he didn’t want guns he wanted fire extinguishers says it all about the destruction of Gaza. Plenty of people with “guns”, where are our leaders with the “fire extinguishers”.
Sorry but they are the ones with the guns. We don't need leaders anyway we need normal people who work together. When someone says they want to be a leader or politician they should immediately be locked up away from the public.
When politicians die, they die forever since they die soulless.
lol
I'd also add lawyers to that category.
Just a reminder, that lawyers are bringing cases in the US to protect civil liberties, and against the Biden administration for Genocide. If it wasn't for lawsuits, or the threat thereof, you wouldn't have increased auto safety, food safety, and far worse environmental conditions. The Center for Constitutional Rights does outstanding work, as do many other civil rights law firms and attorneys.
Had no idea. Thanks.
Jamenta, everyone hates lawyers until they need one!
I am not sure who you mean by “they” with reference to my use of the word “guns”
This is directed to the remark above about "where are our leaders with fire extinguishers. In reference to leaders. Our leaders are the ones with the guns.
Got it thanks
The mob never accomplishes anything except destruction. Only a great man, a single Great Man with a vision, can bend history towards greatness, like Caesar or Napoleon. When “normal people work together” to topple the system you get Zimbabwe or Bolshevism
Right like a dictator has ever been a good thing. Why do you think there are communities of people who are like minded and town councils who even now are making mandates to stop this Zionist Nazi filth from continuing their genocide. These are the results of normal people working together not a psycho fuck who is nothing more than a Zionist Nazi Mass Murdering Sociopath.
I would say that any objective view of history has shown that it’s democracy that has never been a good thing. Humanity was ruled by “dictators” 100% of the time before 1650. When democracy gets adopted it produces Hitler, Stalin, and the French Revolution. Nothing but mega-death. Queen Elizabeth I and Friedrich the Greats happen under “dictatorships”, Stalins and Hitlers happen under “democracy”
Athenian democracy had such a bad reputation that it made “democracy” a bad word for 2000 years. Not that it didn’t work ok, but rather that it made them into aggressive expansionist warmongers
And they didn’t vote for politicians, they voted for laws. (And army generals, another flaw) The “politicians” who actually ran the government were picked by lot, like a jury.
And then of course there’s the fact that it rapidly descended into an empire based on extortion.
But yeah it did pretty much work, but that’s because you have a small homogenous population where only stakeholders could vote. Which is why it also kind of works in Scandinavia (until recently).
What never works is a multi-ethnic democracy, that always leads to war. The largest ethnic group siezes power and beats up on everyone else. Singapore, for instance, would instantly disintegrate if it became a democracy.
And unless you restrict the franchise to landowners or the like it always disintegrates, if you allow the lower classes a vote they will eventually all get together and vote themselves the public treasury. The franchise has to be based on having assets or serving in the military to avoid this.
Where are the average person that follows mindless orders with fire extinguishers ?
Where are The People who are looking for those Leaders with those Fire Extinguishers , Peter?
And which Leaders and their Extinguishers are they looking at? Or have even been allowed to consider?
I think there need to be more people looking to end the whole disaster. I find it hard to believe in the face of such suffering that even a ceasefire can be vetoed.
Israel had some big uproars wanting Netanyahu gone, and I thought stupidly because he was carrying out a genocide, no just want him gone, nothing to do with the genocide.
He posted this shortly before his death
“Hi, my name is Aaron Bushnell, I am an active-duty member of the United States Air Force, and I will no longer be complicit in genocide,’’ the young man says matter-of-factly in the footage as he walks toward his final destination outside the embassy Sunday afternoon.
“I am about to engage in an extreme act of protest, but compared to what people have been experiencing in Palestine at the hands of their colonizers, it’s not extreme at all.
“This is what our ruling class has decided will be normal.’’
Yet you seem to be of the conviction that he was abused as a child..
No, it seems he came from a nice home, very religious, but the NY Post didn't portray it as an abusive home the way some papers did. I tried to convey that many abused children especially in the past endured their abuse with no voice to speak for them.
Isralies only want him gone because he's disrupted their own lives , they never gave a shit about the Palistinians ..
Ceasefires being vetoed and refused to be complied with have happened all the time thru Human History, Peter. This is nothing new.
because it is nothing new and has happened all the time, it does not mean that it should not stop
Of course not, Susan T. It just means that it is going to make it very, Very difficult TO stop, eh?
Caitlin Johnstone has written an impeccable tribute to a young man who was displaying the purest clarity of mind, compassion, and courage a human being can ever embody. Thank you, Caitlin!
News papers in US are saying, "Airman who set self on fire grew up on religious compound, had anarchist past." I knew America would try and discredit him as just sick, ignoring the perversity and sickness of the US and Israel that can implement a genocide. Screw them.
If Aron was "distirbed" to the point of self harm as protest to a profoundly sick society what does this say about society? Who or what disturbed him? Watching a genocide ? Watching a country he gave over his life to support it?
He was indeed "disturbed" by it all.
I was thinking that some or all are trying to portrait him as someone who simply used this as an opportunity to kill himself, provide reason, while they ignore the reality the US is committing a genocide. Not assisting it, but is involved in committing it. I wish he would not have done it, but it gives voice to the horror.
He grew up in a religious home. NY Post:
That was a dogwhistle so blatant that even a cat can understand it.
The NY Post today has an exclusive on how an (unnamed and uncleared) military colleague was told by Bushnell of the US military currently in Gaza tunnels. Enjoy.
As well as usa activly involved in the slaughter ,,,"enjoy"?
Well, " 'enjoy' unpacking the layers" was what I meant. The story had a "wait...what?" impact on me.
Self-Immolation has a history of several millennia (especially in the East). Societies in which this martyrdom pursuit catches on... rarely last. For the Empire of Lies, this is basically a sign that its underlying rotten foundations are about to Rapidly Buckle & Implode, per the historical norm.
(For those interested)
If you wish to read (& listen!) to more of My commentary, here is my Main Stack:
https://thefallofthewest.substack.com
Thank You Kindly to everyone!
The timing and manner of one's own death is the ultimate freedom we have. One of the very few things that can't be taken from us. All honour and credit to Aaron who achieves more with this act, than a long life might ever have. My absolute love and respect to you, young man, your courage and your name will be remembered.
Well said Tim and Caitlin.
It is as you have said, seriously disturbing that someone has had to resort to such a dramatic event to make a point.
I felt almost sick when I heard of it. Why does one have to go to such lengths to make people listen to the truth. But even with an optimistic hope that this will be read by thousands and acted upon, I know that sooner to later some CIA to FBI puppet will come up with a story that indicates that Aaron had some ulterior motive. After all, this is America in 2024.
Nothing is real any more.
The decent world won't ever forget your true motives, Aaron , referring to all the countries that are populated with like-minded human beings.
Be sure of that.
I break my solemn, reverent, humble silence, the same feeling I had in the Memorial Hall of the Gold Star Warriors, to say to AARON BUSHNELL, “Your sacrifice is not in vain. I am resolved to do everything in my power to force everyone I can to witness this Crime Against Humanity and cry out, STOP! ! Thank you for your service, for giving your last full measure of devotion, and to declaring with your last breath, FREE PALESTINE!”
I try and do my best to bring this atrocity to an end. Let us all renew our efforts for a human future with respect, dignity, peace and love for all.
I made a vow when this genocide began that I would not look away from the gruesome cruelty, from the grief stricken mothers, fathers, children, grandparents, from the brazen soullessness of warmongers. I will not look away, I will grieve as best as someone can who has no experience with this level of atrocity, and do my pathetic part to help by being a witness, by sending $ for food and medicine, by supporting Palestinian businesses that are being crippled, and by supporting Caitlin’s incredibly fearless journalism observing the insanity of our global “leaders.”
I ordered this Beautiful soap made in the West Bank the same way for over a thousand years!
https://palestiniansoap.coop/
And yes, Aaron Bushnell is a great hero. I can think of several other people who deserve to be set on fire, not this angel who worked with the unhoused. We lost an angel and are left with devils. 😭
Well said Pauline!
Can you tell me what other organizations you trust to donate to? There are so many charities that are fronts for money laundering I want to know which organization I should choose.
Doctors without Borders aka Medicines sans Frontiers.
World Center Kitchen,
Oxfam
I avoid any groups that have USA, or America in its name, or is UN based like UNICEF.
Palestine is occupied because of the UN which is controlled by USA.
I decided to donate to ANERA- thank you Pauline!
Definitely Medicines sans Frontiers.
No to the Red Cross.
Without UNRWA, the Palestinians will not survive. Israel has publically said they want UNRWA destroyed. Make a donation in Aaron Bushnell's honor. Let us also support UNRWA. If our governments won’t act in accordance with human decency, then we will. https://www.unrwausa.org/donate
That’s a United Nations organization though. It doesn’t seem trustworthy. I think I’m going to donate to ANERA!
Please realize that without UNRWA to coordinate it all, the other agencies have said they cannot take up the slack. "Anera and other organizations delivering relief in Gaza will continue to work, but UNRWA’s role is too significant to replace. Such a serious reduction in funds may lead to a total breakdown of already limited humanitarian assistance – not just in Gaza, but also in the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria."https://www.anera.org/blog/statement-on-unrwa-funding-suspension/
Shutting down UNRWA is exactly what Israel wants. "Israel has long sought to undermine UNRWA" https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/26/israel-has-long-sought-to-undermine-unrwa-australias-heartless-suspension-of-funding-should-be-lifted
Just one article and there are many more that show this would be an unmitigated disaster for the Palestinian people.
It didn't take long for mainstream news to attempt to portray Aaron Bushnell as mentally disturbed, that is, that he was a young man with mental illness, that he had a troubled past and was therefore unstable.
Brings to mind Krishnamurti's observation that "it is no measure of [mental] health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society." We should all be disturbed and agitated by a genocide occurring at a deliberate pace in front of our eyes, and if anyone is not disturbed perhaps it is because he or she is "well adjusted" to the point where they have a big hole within them where their humanity used to be.
We can never know the anguish and the mental processes that caused Aaron to take his own life in the way that he did, but "mental illness" doesn't cut it as a way to dismiss his sacrifice. Perhaps it is Israel's defenders and those who just don't give a damn who are the delusional ones. Perhaps they are the ones Erich Fromm was referring to when he described what he called "the pathology of normalcy." For surely what we accept as normal in our troubled world has all the characteristics of actual mental pathology.
I believe Aaron knew this, and his death was his statement. I further believe that it was a holy act that puts to shame the weaselly, dissembling, profoundly shameful and manifestly psychopathic behavior of America's political and ruling class. I will never forget this young man, and nor should any of us with a heart and a moral compass.
I am left wondering if he learned of things in the air force that influenced his martyrdom. Like so many others before him once inside the belly of the whale you can come to know too much.
"...wondering if he learned of things..."
I just learned in intensely-pro-Israel MSM (!) that Bushnell had told a clearance-free military(!) colleague of the US military operating in Gaza foxholes.
"The narrative" of late is getting interesting. (Just as with the recent NYT "revelations" on the depth of US complicity in Ukraine since at least 2014.)
Well said..as I also pointed out his mental "disturbance" came from living in the western profoundly sick society.
That krishnamurti quote is one of my favorites and I too use it often ..we are indeed in a proufounly sick society and I refuse to be normalised into it.
Hi Chaz
I believe it was Carbon Copy who noted that once Palestine is free, statues will be erected of Aaron and Rachel Corrie.
Indeed, the only way one can be "sane" is to find a different way of seeing, responding and acting. If this becomes conspicuous, so much the better. It is necessary that society first sees itself as sick before a cure can begin. Loving the "other," far away, begins with loving the irascible next door MAGA neighbor, recognizing our common human experience with all its contradictions, weakness and fears. It is the most difficult thing some of us will ever do. Courage fails us at crucial moments. Each of us has a dark side, and we must struggle together to open the door to the light, for each other and for a troubled world.
Indeed. after years of activism, and not being military, a billionair or having any other kind of power, I’ve only come to one conclusion: the only real power I have is to be kind to the person in front of me.❤️
That's a hoot.
As I said have someone remove your gills and take a swim.
And a police with a gun pointed at him. Even when Aaron fell down. Why? To protect us from an act of sincerity?
Nothing represents the USrAel like a boot licker with a gun pointed at an act of sincerity.
No we can't forget, we must remember the reason for this act. This was not an insane man. This was a man that wanted to send the strongest, clearest message he could. He needed to give it everything he had and he only had one thing to give-his life. The act was as much a statement as his last words. Yet his last words explained the act. Ultimately, we learn that we must give ourselves completely to our cause. His was "free Palestine."
What a profound humanitarian act that reveals the depth of American airman Aaron Bushnell’s conviction against Gazan-Palestinian genocide by Netanyahu-Zionists, and its funding by the US government.
A profound act of sincerity indeed. A world built on lies, manipulation and gaslighting meets that pure and unadulterated sincerity of love of others so much that he'd lay down his life for them, and it pauses, astonished and chastised. Could we learn to put hatred and racism aside and embrace compassion? That remains to be seen, but the conversation has begun. Aaron Bushnell was a saint and genius. RIP Aaron.
🙏🖖🏿Caitlin, the truth of your every word is irrefutable. The monstrous depravity of the IDF and the Israeli state has been par for the course for decades, as has the brutal collusion of the U.S. in their criminality. They are partners in crime, but remember - American and European butchers have led the way in such heinous atrocities for centuries.
It's all about Western Colonialism, isn't it? -- and here in the 21st Century we are afflicted by the worst of the worst specter of militant-political Genocidal Colonial systems: Zionism. Viva Palestine, at Ground Zero!
When someone commits suicide, they take a part of our humanity with them. May you find peace Aaron Bushnell, if there is peace in the hereafter - now that you have departed this, oh so very sad world of ours. :(
Aaron Bushnell was too good for this world. I hope he’s in a much better place and is at peace. The media degrading him are scumbags just like the politicians who send people in uniform to fight in these senseless wars only to have them come back maimed or with PTSD. Let us honor him for his courage and compassion.😢