Post with links to petitions for Al-Zaidi are: here.
KW: As some of you may have noticed, my activism is motivated largely by anger at injustice. Previously, in regards to the War in Iraq, I had an attitude mostly of “war is bad, end the war” and was abstractedly angry that women and children and civilians were being harmed, and some anger at our elected officials in the US for voting for war. Before, I perceived Iraq as where the assault was occuring, and did not even think of the people and government officials inside Iraq allowing it to happen. I saw all of Iraq as victims.
With the governmental beating, and sustained hiding from view of Muntadhar Al-Zaidi, the eloquent shoe-thrower, my anger is beginning to lead me to questions about the people and elected officials inside Iraq. Who is this man Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki of Iraq, who would have George Bush as a “guest”? How could Prime Minister al-Maliki stand there next to George Bush the war criminal and killer of Iraqu people, smiling, and acting is if George Bush was a dignitary? As if George Bush represented the American people? Surely someone who is smart enough to become Prime Minister knows enough about current affairs to know that George W. Bush stole both elections. And, that George Bush has shamed the American people so much he is at the dregs in public opinion polls. How dare Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki suggest that man represent ME!
I applaud recent artistic and activist events to support the symbolic acts of putting shoes before George W. Bush. I want to see more of what to do next to demand that Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki and the Iraqi government produce Al-Zaidi, for the world to see his condition.
Al-Zaidi should be freed. He has suffered enough, even if there was any mistake in the velocity at which he threw those shoes.
A recent story suggests that the goon security of Bush and/or al-Maliki may have harmed Muntadhar’s eye, and that Muntadhar may become blind.
Story is: here.
What can we do to free Muntadhar Al-Zaidi? What will Barack Obama do to make sure that Al-Zaidi is brought before the world community in order to assure his health and fair treatment?Will there be repercussions for any U.S. Secret Service agents who may have participated or condoned the beating of Muntadhar Al-Zaidi? Will Barack Obama retain any such Secret Service agents?
Filed under: activism, Barack Obama, international politics, Iraq, News, progressive politics, US Politics, war Tagged: | al-Maliki, al-Zaidi, al-Zeidi, Government, Iraq, Nuri Kamal al-Maliki, Prime Minister, Secret Service
Ask Barack Obama NOW. What has he done /is doing to ensure that Al Zaidi will be alive by the time he takes office?
“I think we’ve got a unique opportunity to reboot America’s image around the world and also in the Muslim world in particular,” Obama said on Dec. 9, reported the Chicago Tribune (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-obama-interview10-2008dec10,0,4677261.story)
Al Zaidi’s brother has reportedly asked the Red Cross for a medical evaluation.
Iraqi Red Cross – Mr Hisham Hassan iraq.iqs@crc.org
Red Cross Geneva – Ms. Dorothea Krimitsas dkrimitsas.gva@icrc.org
MUNTADHAR AL-ZAIDI
DEC 14, 2008: INTERNATIONAL SHOE DAY
You are the Hero
Muntadhar Al-Iraqi
Muntadhar Al-Universe
SHOEicide is the symbol of Liberty
You have shown us the way
You are a journalist, teacher and writer
You have left an indelible MARK
You are brave, spiritual and protect weak
You flogged a dead horse
The echo was heard world over
You have the bark and the bite
Soon, you will be the PRESIDENT
Long Live You
Long Live Freedom
We are with you
Code PINK: Carry On