"it is our responsibility as artists to continually point to what’s happening and the urgent need to address it, in every way that we can" and we are all artists in one way or another which behooves every one of us to keep telling those who still mumble about Israel's right to self defence about what has led up to this and how Zionists are behaving much as Nazis did in the past (and in the present too when they get the chance)
The US doesn't want us to know about Israels nuclear capabilities but, prefer to direct our attention to Iran instead. Remember the Bush/Blair hoax of WOMDs in Iraq?
Yes, and unless Israel is STOPPED, it won't end there. After the West Bank, they might move on to Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. Do the Middle-East countries not realize that there can be NO PEACE with a rogue, genocidal state like ISRAEL within their midst? (Apparently from the inaction of other MENA countries, it seems not).
These rulers are in power only because of US money and military support, without which they would be forced to flee to Florida with all the other deposed dictators.
>>"...I don't understand why they are not acting now to overthrow..."
They tried it before with the Arab Spring, but the "Global" forces of power sweeped in and quelled that (unfortunately).
For the same reasons that Americans are unable to overthrow the US Empire Managers and the Oligarchy, same for the Russians, Chinese, Indians, and every other nation on earth. All are beholden to the 1% (for different reasons).
“He who does not punish evil commands it to be done. “– Leonardo da Vinci. “To know what is the right thing to do and not do it is the greatest cowardice. “Confucius.
Caitlin, thank you for a deeply meaningful (and internal soul-searching for artists) article. There are so many TRUTHS in what you say. I just hope that people are able to see it, understand it, and soak it in into every single cell of their beings.
Caitlin, reading your articles has become one of a few rituals for me to remain sane in this mad world. Thank you for using your words and your art to (try to) wake people up.
I just finished watching Democracy Now! with Amy Goodman of WBAI radio.
In this video she interviews a Palestinian human rights lawyer with Human Rights Watch.
This lawyer has been investigating allegations of torture and sexual abuse of Palestinians in Israeli detention. The Palestinians can be in detention without charge for weeks or months. Whatever the monstrous soldiers feel like.
The lawyer talks about one released detainee she interviewed who told her about another Palestinian man in detention who was gang raped.
WITH AN M16 RIFLE.
This same detainee recounts how when he first arrived at the torture center where he was to be held, he was taken to a room where he saw dozens of Palestinian men hanging from the ceiling by chains wearing diapers.
This detainee said he was then made to put on diapers and a headband with wires in it. He then was hung from the ceiling.
AND ELECTROCUTED.
All those men he saw hanging from the ceiling were all being subjected to electric shocks to their heads and genitals. Hence the wired diapers and headband.
THE SADISTIC DEPRAVITY OF THE ISRAELI GENOCIDE FORCES CANNOT BE DESCRIBED. WE NEED NEW WORDS TO DESCRIBE THIS LEVEL OF PSYCHOTIC BARBARITY.
Here is the link to the interview with Amy Goodman.
I believe we actually do have a word for utter depravity, it’s a word that has been allowed to wear the cloak of its total opposite. It’s time to drop the gaslighting and recalibrate. The word is “Biblical.”
Ignoring things over and over is the favorite activity of most. It helps maintain our fragile egos because we never have to face ourselves in the mirror and ask, "What good have I done to help other human beings today?" The US Empire just does ignorance on a much larger and grander scale when it comes to covering up for their partners in crime to steal oil and natural gas reserves from Gaza.
If Trump is elected in November it won't make a bit of difference to the Palestinians. His Jewish son-in-law and property developer, Jared Kushner wants the Gaza Strip for a luxury beach front resort funded by the Saudis.
Zionists illegal Settler Violence against Palestinians, seven years ago ….and still the violence Continues !
America and European Collaborators still playing Peace Negotiations….. what a Joke !
Are the Western Powers Serious about Peace ? Or really playing for time to totally eliminate the Palestinian Population … in other words a slow moving Genocide of the Palestinian People ? What kind moral Values or Christian values or Catholic values or European Cultural Values these Politicians Practice ?
The Gaza Strip as a Palestinian territory is fenced in on three sides, bordered on one side by the sea. If you wanted to leave, you had to apply for an exit permit; there is no way to simply leave the Gaza Strip. It reminds me of the Warsaw ghetto in the Third Reich.
Israel has been murdering the civilian population there for months as an 'act of self-defence'. Children are being killed there who were not yet born on the seventh of October.
That is a breach of civilisation. If we continue to allow this, it can and will happen in the future wherever a 'protecting power' puts its stamp of legitimacy on it.
I agree with the general tone of what you have to say but regret the degree of generalisation you use.
There have always been artists with the courage to reveal perfidy on whatever scale and in whatever manner. In many instances they have suffered as much or even more than the victims whose experiences they have chosen to expose.
In a world society that is largely dominated by wealth and success defined by money, status, power and 'things', people are schooled to see 'normality' in this way and relatively insidious conditioning ensures that the majority will put self and material abundance beyond compassion; working for a living, rather than giving for a life. Some of those people will be artists and perhaps even a majority of artists will think and behave in such a way. Certainly, I agree, there are many that do but I would question whether that cohort actually merit being designated as 'artists.'
To me, the wonder and beauty of art and those that deserve the title of 'artist' are those who see with insight and clarity beyond the norm and who also have the ability to create, in whatever form, a work that is capable of communicating that transcendence to those who would not or may not otherwise register or appreciate it. I believe that artists worthy of the designation do do that and that there are many of them, even if in the minority of all those self declared or otherwise to be such.
It may be that my thoughts seem to be 'nitpicking' but I haven't meant to act in that way by making this comment. Rather, I simply feel that it is important that, to use a tired old cliche´, we don't 'tar all with the same brush.' If I have stated the obvious or made my point poorly, then I apologise.
I hope people have not forgotten (the media has, intentionally) the scores of artists who demonstrated at galleries and museums throughout the US, but especially in NYC and in San Francisco over the censorship that was taking place in removing their Gaza-themed artworks and other abuses. They risked their careers to stand up for Palestine.
We may need to ignore most (but see my other post) of the mainstream American/Western artists; we can focus our attention on the rest of the world, where I believe the future lies, in the arts as in other arenas. I strongly recommend checking out palestinemuseum.us
Israel could not continue with these atrocities without the blessing and weapons of the US they are fully complicit in the whole thing and of course after Gaza they will move on to Iran to control the Middle East they MUST be stopped the whole world is in turmoil and every rule of war has been broken
Yes, Gerri - you are absolutely right! The US is the main force of EVIL (currently), with Israel being their mini-ME. For every crime/offense perpetrated by Israel, the US is fully responsible.
The US is the evil empire (think Star Wars). Israelis are the minions of the US. The "Rebels" are the rest of humanity fighting against this evil empire.
'One thing I think about sometimes is the absolute certainty that undiagnosed psychopaths and sociopaths enlist to serve in conflict zones for the purpose of acting out their sadistic fantasies.'
They gravitate to certain professions in peaceful societies too. You know: politics, medicine, the law. It's well documented.
How many of you actually ask a doctor: 'do you really care about people or are you a pscychopath putting yourself into an asymmetric power position?'
I suggest you do it much, much more often.
The same with your MPs/Congressfolk.
The same with any peacock-style trial lawyers you have to deal with.
Caitlin often expresses herself a bit crudely. At the same time, she is to the point, clear and concise. This means that even the comments are clear and well formulated. Many thanks for that.
"it is our responsibility as artists to continually point to what’s happening and the urgent need to address it, in every way that we can" and we are all artists in one way or another which behooves every one of us to keep telling those who still mumble about Israel's right to self defence about what has led up to this and how Zionists are behaving much as Nazis did in the past (and in the present too when they get the chance)
Well said Susan!
STOP SPAMMING substack!
Piss off with your anti-vax far right garbage
Zionist And NAZIS BOTH Nationalists and Socialists
You might have to go back a little to find a report on Israeli Socialism - not something the U.S. wanted to advertise.
The US doesn't want us to know about Israels nuclear capabilities but, prefer to direct our attention to Iran instead. Remember the Bush/Blair hoax of WOMDs in Iraq?
even the U.S. might get upset if Israel uses those
I'm not so sure, it might give Genocide Joe is ultimate dream. : (
And while the attention is on Gaza the psychopaths are doing their best to make the West Bank into a Gazascape.
Yes, and unless Israel is STOPPED, it won't end there. After the West Bank, they might move on to Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. Do the Middle-East countries not realize that there can be NO PEACE with a rogue, genocidal state like ISRAEL within their midst? (Apparently from the inaction of other MENA countries, it seems not).
These rulers are in power only because of US money and military support, without which they would be forced to flee to Florida with all the other deposed dictators.
>>"..flee to Florida..."
More like London, UK - the preferred hideout and hangout of Oligarchs and criminals.
"Might?"
Well they already have taken over the USA.
They will and I don't understand why they are not acting now to overthrow Kings of Jordan and Egypt. This would be the time to end the madness.
>>"...I don't understand why they are not acting now to overthrow..."
They tried it before with the Arab Spring, but the "Global" forces of power sweeped in and quelled that (unfortunately).
For the same reasons that Americans are unable to overthrow the US Empire Managers and the Oligarchy, same for the Russians, Chinese, Indians, and every other nation on earth. All are beholden to the 1% (for different reasons).
“He who does not punish evil commands it to be done. “– Leonardo da Vinci. “To know what is the right thing to do and not do it is the greatest cowardice. “Confucius.
"He who does not punish evil , commands it to be done. " ! Love it !
Caitlin, thank you for a deeply meaningful (and internal soul-searching for artists) article. There are so many TRUTHS in what you say. I just hope that people are able to see it, understand it, and soak it in into every single cell of their beings.
Caitlin, reading your articles has become one of a few rituals for me to remain sane in this mad world. Thank you for using your words and your art to (try to) wake people up.
No one is more articulate and passionate than you, Caitlin, with a consistency that is unmatched. My fullest admiration....
Viva Palestine!
Thank the lord of your choice for Roger Waters and artists like him.
Yes by spotlighting this ongoing monstrosity of Israeli genocide against the Palestinians, we cannot let humanity brush it off with blantant bullshit.
Excellent piece as always.
I just finished watching Democracy Now! with Amy Goodman of WBAI radio.
In this video she interviews a Palestinian human rights lawyer with Human Rights Watch.
This lawyer has been investigating allegations of torture and sexual abuse of Palestinians in Israeli detention. The Palestinians can be in detention without charge for weeks or months. Whatever the monstrous soldiers feel like.
The lawyer talks about one released detainee she interviewed who told her about another Palestinian man in detention who was gang raped.
WITH AN M16 RIFLE.
This same detainee recounts how when he first arrived at the torture center where he was to be held, he was taken to a room where he saw dozens of Palestinian men hanging from the ceiling by chains wearing diapers.
This detainee said he was then made to put on diapers and a headband with wires in it. He then was hung from the ceiling.
AND ELECTROCUTED.
All those men he saw hanging from the ceiling were all being subjected to electric shocks to their heads and genitals. Hence the wired diapers and headband.
THE SADISTIC DEPRAVITY OF THE ISRAELI GENOCIDE FORCES CANNOT BE DESCRIBED. WE NEED NEW WORDS TO DESCRIBE THIS LEVEL OF PSYCHOTIC BARBARITY.
Here is the link to the interview with Amy Goodman.
https://youtu.be/Bw6EFlOQgb4?si=_jJBcIXONjkN3vlV
I believe we actually do have a word for utter depravity, it’s a word that has been allowed to wear the cloak of its total opposite. It’s time to drop the gaslighting and recalibrate. The word is “Biblical.”
100% correct Joy.
Just used 'Biblical' in my latest comment. I was looking for something like this myself.
Ignoring things over and over is the favorite activity of most. It helps maintain our fragile egos because we never have to face ourselves in the mirror and ask, "What good have I done to help other human beings today?" The US Empire just does ignorance on a much larger and grander scale when it comes to covering up for their partners in crime to steal oil and natural gas reserves from Gaza.
If Trump is elected in November it won't make a bit of difference to the Palestinians. His Jewish son-in-law and property developer, Jared Kushner wants the Gaza Strip for a luxury beach front resort funded by the Saudis.
https://youtu.be/sdIpraxE9uI?si=3xXuMPd1ahPXnzZx
Zionists illegal Settler Violence against Palestinians, seven years ago ….and still the violence Continues !
America and European Collaborators still playing Peace Negotiations….. what a Joke !
Are the Western Powers Serious about Peace ? Or really playing for time to totally eliminate the Palestinian Population … in other words a slow moving Genocide of the Palestinian People ? What kind moral Values or Christian values or Catholic values or European Cultural Values these Politicians Practice ?
Hello Sit. As long as they keep their jobs and money they don't care.
The Gaza Strip as a Palestinian territory is fenced in on three sides, bordered on one side by the sea. If you wanted to leave, you had to apply for an exit permit; there is no way to simply leave the Gaza Strip. It reminds me of the Warsaw ghetto in the Third Reich.
Israel has been murdering the civilian population there for months as an 'act of self-defence'. Children are being killed there who were not yet born on the seventh of October.
That is a breach of civilisation. If we continue to allow this, it can and will happen in the future wherever a 'protecting power' puts its stamp of legitimacy on it.
Gaza is an OUTDOOR PRISON
I agree with the general tone of what you have to say but regret the degree of generalisation you use.
There have always been artists with the courage to reveal perfidy on whatever scale and in whatever manner. In many instances they have suffered as much or even more than the victims whose experiences they have chosen to expose.
In a world society that is largely dominated by wealth and success defined by money, status, power and 'things', people are schooled to see 'normality' in this way and relatively insidious conditioning ensures that the majority will put self and material abundance beyond compassion; working for a living, rather than giving for a life. Some of those people will be artists and perhaps even a majority of artists will think and behave in such a way. Certainly, I agree, there are many that do but I would question whether that cohort actually merit being designated as 'artists.'
To me, the wonder and beauty of art and those that deserve the title of 'artist' are those who see with insight and clarity beyond the norm and who also have the ability to create, in whatever form, a work that is capable of communicating that transcendence to those who would not or may not otherwise register or appreciate it. I believe that artists worthy of the designation do do that and that there are many of them, even if in the minority of all those self declared or otherwise to be such.
It may be that my thoughts seem to be 'nitpicking' but I haven't meant to act in that way by making this comment. Rather, I simply feel that it is important that, to use a tired old cliche´, we don't 'tar all with the same brush.' If I have stated the obvious or made my point poorly, then I apologise.
I hope people have not forgotten (the media has, intentionally) the scores of artists who demonstrated at galleries and museums throughout the US, but especially in NYC and in San Francisco over the censorship that was taking place in removing their Gaza-themed artworks and other abuses. They risked their careers to stand up for Palestine.
In the UK they had a Gallery of Palestinian art. Amazingly it hasn't been shut down.yet!
We may need to ignore most (but see my other post) of the mainstream American/Western artists; we can focus our attention on the rest of the world, where I believe the future lies, in the arts as in other arenas. I strongly recommend checking out palestinemuseum.us
Fully agree with you. Thank you for the link, I will further share it. Take care. Stay safe.
Israel could not continue with these atrocities without the blessing and weapons of the US they are fully complicit in the whole thing and of course after Gaza they will move on to Iran to control the Middle East they MUST be stopped the whole world is in turmoil and every rule of war has been broken
Despite Israeli attacks on Iran, Biden has already given his promise to protect Israel from external "threats" / retaliation
Yes, Gerri - you are absolutely right! The US is the main force of EVIL (currently), with Israel being their mini-ME. For every crime/offense perpetrated by Israel, the US is fully responsible.
The US is the evil empire (think Star Wars). Israelis are the minions of the US. The "Rebels" are the rest of humanity fighting against this evil empire.
'One thing I think about sometimes is the absolute certainty that undiagnosed psychopaths and sociopaths enlist to serve in conflict zones for the purpose of acting out their sadistic fantasies.'
They gravitate to certain professions in peaceful societies too. You know: politics, medicine, the law. It's well documented.
How many of you actually ask a doctor: 'do you really care about people or are you a pscychopath putting yourself into an asymmetric power position?'
I suggest you do it much, much more often.
The same with your MPs/Congressfolk.
The same with any peacock-style trial lawyers you have to deal with.
Sounds like you never ran into a good doctor. And it would be problematic to find one if you always start with that question.
My advice to people - don't ask doctors that question.
Caitlin often expresses herself a bit crudely. At the same time, she is to the point, clear and concise. This means that even the comments are clear and well formulated. Many thanks for that.