The Binary System Podcasts

Electing Armageddon

Firesnake

As the USA heads toward another election the virtual enslavement of candidates to "the religious problem" is frankly disturbing. Yet whilst we associate "Christian Fundamentalism" with the religious right the issue isn't quite so simple. "Fundamentalism" and the "Religious Right" are not the same creature and it's wise to be certain of where threats to democratic values arise on "home soil". Original settlers brought with them an Apocalyptic vision that assumed Armageddon would rage at New England. These Protestant fundamentalists were fleeing religious persecution in England and Holland in particular. Following the failure of Oliver Cromwells 1658 Revolution these settlers puritanical hopes turned to New England. These new "chosen people" became the citizens of the United States who would enjoy "a thousand years" of religious and civil liberty. Their version of todays Neoconservative ever present enemy was Old World Catholicism and the tyranny of English rule. It is this residual aspect to the American psyche that leads to absurd claims the USA is founded on Christian values, that has tainted USA foreign policy for centuries and is rabidly exploited by the politically motivated extremist "religious" right today. This episode Firesnake looks at just which aspects of fundamentalism pervade USA politics and have had the shockingly corrosive effects on "a once great nation". Contrary to mainstream perception it is only the modern Pentecostal and Evangelical movement that has the ear of the highest office in the US. Most fundamentalist groups are disinterested in "worldly affairs" and care little for political posturing. Pentecostalism in all it's multi-coloured, surround sound, flashy dental, iron-haired glory, is not traditional fundamental Pentecostalism. It attracts scorn and disdain for its "heretical" and theologically offensive make it up as you go, Charismata riddled magic working trickery from almost all other denominations. We look critically at the demonstrably fallacious claims that the USA is founded on Christian values or that the Founding Fathers were "Christian" if even religious at all. Not only have the modern Pentecostals misrepresented the deeper driving forces of Christian fundamentalism - resulting in appalling erosion of educational standards, general knowledge and sound public health policy - but have practically slandered everything the Founding Fathers fought to keep out of USA politics. Deists and atheists these men have left an utterly unambiguous opinion of religion behind and as no others before or since, articulated the very malignancy of enforced conformity to a mode of thought. Human reason, not religion is what motivated these men and what "founded" the USA value system. The bizarre erection of mammoth crosses and anti science billboards in the USA punctuates the steady downfall of their economy, knowledge base, world power and international respect. Perhaps John Adams' quote will at the last come back to haunt the charlatans who mislead and offend those on either side of belief with such grotesque spectacles. "I almost shudder at the thought of alluding to the most fatal example of the abuses of grief which the history of mankind has preserved -- the Cross. Consider what calamities that engine of grief has produced!" -- John Adams, in a letter to Thomas Jefferson. Looking closely it seems we have long past the time of accepting this is "about religion" - something we should tolerate. Today the effect of US foreign policy cannot be ignored [see table below]. As the cry of "God did it" continues to rise, consonant with an apocalyptic and revolutionary - not evolutionary - approach to global challenges, every human alive is subject to the whims of this Divine Guesswork. We look at the disparity in emphasis placed on Obama's "minister scandal" compared to Palins own "sermons" and her close buddy Pastor who insists Jesus wants his followers to die, and indeed one cannot follow Jesus without wishing to die for him. Jesus, Palins pastor claims would be "in War mode" if alive today [and was during his life, anyway] just as every good Christian must now be. It is this very same intellectual repugnance that exposes this trendoid approach to scamming ones fellow citizens and that draws the condemnation of most of Christian USA and fundamentalist USA. From Alaskan Pipelines to dying in Iraq, Palin "can only do so much" unless her followers are "right with God". Also we examine the absurdity and hypocrisy of Creationist Sarah Palin and wonder if she solves, what was becomming, McCain's Evangelical Problem. Perhaps those obsessed with seeing a woman in the White House care little for the character beneath the skin. Yes, the new star of female rights who miraculously expunged the "pregnancy scandal" whilst pledging herself as a pious, chaste, "servant of God", has fooled the devout already. Can the USA afford to make the same mistake again? Well, in the humble Firesnake Holeplex we do have an opinion... or two.History of the use of early Apocalyptic Psyche' in US Foreign Policy Period Mission Adversary Strategy Pre-revolutionary, colonial America [1600 - 1776] Millennium Papal Antichrist Example as "city on the hill" Revolutionary and founding era [1776 - 1815] Empire of Liberty Old world Tyranny, "hellish fiends" [Native Americans] Example, continental expansion, without entangling alliances Manifest Destiny [1815 - 1848] Christian Civilisation Savages or "children" [Native Americans] Example, continental expansion, without entangling alliances Imperial America 1898 - 1913] Christian Civilisation Barbarians and Savages [Filipinos] Overseas expansion without entangling alliances Wilsonian Internationalism 1947 - 1919] Global Democracy Autocracy and Imperialism International Organisation and Alliances Cold War Liberalism 1946 - 1989] Free World Communism International Organisation and Alliances Bush and Neoconservatism 2001 - Spread of Freedom International Terrorism. Radical Islam Unilateral action with ad hoc alliances - Source: The Chosen Nation: The Influence of Religion on U.S. Foreign Policy. John B. Judis [page 3]. Some quotes supporting the 'christian heritage' of the Founding Fathers:"History I believe furnishes no example of a priest-ridden people maintaining a free civil government. This marks the lowest grade of ignorance, of which their political as well as religious leaders will always avail themselves for their own purpose." -- Thomas Jefferson to Baron von Humboldt, 1813. "Lighthouses are more useful than Churches" -- Benjamin Franklin I do not believe in the creed professed by the Jewish Church, by the Roman Church, by the Greek Church, by the Turkish Church, by the Protestant Church, nor by any church that I know of. My own mind is my own church." --Thomas Paine, The Age of Reason, 1794 The question before the human race is, whether the God of nature shall govern the world by his own laws, or whether priests and kings shall rule it by fictitious miracles?" --John Adams, letter to Thomas Jefferson, June 20, 1815"Man is fed with fables through life, and leaves it in the belief he knows something of what has been passing, when in truth he has known nothing but what has passed under his own eye." --Thomas Jefferson, letter to Thomas Cooper, 1823"Religious bondage shackles and debilitates the mind and unfits it for every noble enterprise, every expanded prospect." --James Madison, letter to William Bradford, April 1, 1774 ". . . no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burthened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer, on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities."--Thomas Jefferson, Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, 1779 "Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear." --Thomas Jefferson, letter, 1787 "As to Jesus of Nazareth, my opinion of whom you particularly desire, I think the system of morals and his religion, as he left them to us, the best the world ever saw or is likely to see, but I apprehend it has received various corrupting changes, and I have, with most of the present dissenters in England, some doubts as to his divinity, though it is a question I do not dogmatize upon, having never studied it, and think it needless to busy myself with it now, when I expect soon an opportunity of knowing the truth with less trouble. I see no harm, however, in its being believed, if that belief has the good consequences, as probably it has, of making his doctrines more respected and observed, especially as I do not perceive that the Supreme takes it amiss, by distinguishing the unbelievers in his government of the world with any peculiar marks of his displeasure." --Benjamin Franklin, letter to Ezra Stiles, March 9, 1790 All references touched on are here. Music thanks to Garageband. Gags. 52 min. 20 MB. read less

Latest Episodes for this Channel

Electing Armageddon

Mon September 08 2008

As the USA heads toward another election the virtual enslavement of candidates to "the religious problem" is frankly disturbing. Yet whilst we assoc... read more

The Al-Qaeda Dispute

Sun August 31 2008

Al-Qaeda has come under criticism from noted jihadist prosecutors and thinkers within Islam itself. The indiscriminate killing of Muslims has drawn ... read more

Al-Qaeda has come under criticism from noted jihadist prosecutors and thinkers within Islam itself. The indiscriminate killing of Muslims has drawn vocal contempt from Bin Ladens "battlefield comrade", Mu'man Bin Othman. He joins a growing list of noted radical clerics and revered jihadi authors to attack what is an inescapable religious hypocrisy, within al-Qaedas strategy. The compelling dynamic for nations facing the threat of Islamic Extremism, is that these same critics have contributed to the rise of violent jihad. Bin Othman is a former Libyan jihadist, survivor of the Afghanistan war with communists and has attended al-Qaedas Afghani summits. Sayyid Imam produced the edicts al-Qaeda leaders have used to motivate young Muslims and design their strategy. Known as "Dr. Fadl" the noted ideologue has renunciated violent jihad with specific reference to his mentor: Dr. Ayman al-Zawahiri. Arguing against resorting to violence and stressing rebellion against a Muslim leader is forbidden, Sayyid Imam wrote directly to Muslim youth from jail in Egypt: Oh, you young people, do not be deceived by the heroes of the internet, the leaders of the microphones, who are launching statements inciting the youth while living under the protection of intelligence services, or of a tribe, or in a distant cave or under political asylum in an infidel country. They have thrown many others before you into the infernos, graves, and prisons. Those who have triggered clashes and pressed their brothers into unequal military confrontations - are specialists neither in fatwas nor in military affairs. [BBC] The "de-redicalisation" of Muslim youth and Islamic extremists in this way is based upon fundamental Islamic jurisprudence. Whilst there is no doubt radical Islamic schoolers are concerned over the levels of violence, they are equally concerned about the Koranic doctrine as it pertains to prosecuting a Just and Holy Jihad. Actual violent jihad is traditionally arrived at only after considerable introspection. It is this concept of internal struggle, or jihad, that underscored years of fierce clerical debate within Islam prior to 9/11. Bin Othman himself remains a strident critic of Western policies from his London base and includes the UK government in his blame for the rise in potential British Muslim extremists. He tells BBC security correspondent, Frank Gardner [audio here]: I said to him, we want to give you what you need, not what you want. You need to re-examine your ideology and you need someone to advise you. Why should I believe I have a duty to support al-Qaeda? How, Islamically, did they establish their authority? He's referring to al-Qaeda "mastermind" Dr. Ayman al-Zawahiri, who has a personal knack for usurping the jurisprudence of jihad prosecution. We've watched him "mature" since taking the role of spokesman "to the world" for the Egyptian Islamic Jihad, as we'll hear, after they assassinated Anwar Sadat in 1981, for failing to wage a Just jihad and breaching fundamental Islamic rules. He's no doubt the real brains behind al-Qaeda atrocities - their Islamic strategy - but the point on which this turns is the fact that "Islamically", these techniques lack authoritative credit. The crisis for Islamic purists is that alienation and oppression motivate todays jihadists; not theology for which they have little time. Al-Qaeda is exploiting this for their own ends whilst insulting Islamic law, as Sayyid Imam clearly states above. Bin Othmans logic is quite right. However this does not mean those facing possible attacks from Islam are significantly safer. Nor does it criticise indiscriminate killing of Westerners in Islam or elsewhere. The killing of infidels is entirely sanctioned and permitted by Islamic jurisprudence. Yet nothing in Koranic doctrine, the Hadiths or centuries of in depth and complex debate on how to kill the enemies of Islam, sanctifies killing Muslims. Ex Muslims most certainly, but not true Muslims. Insurgents have been more than vocal in accusing those they kill of being either infidels or fatally flawed in interpreting Islam - using revised archaic Sharia Law in particular. Furthermore, the attraction of violent jihad has arguably polluted the pool of emerging influential identities with rank amateurs. Increased "conversion" and immigration has lent a vocal and savvy twist to centuries old dictates that embellish only violence. From the life of the prophet, to the 1000 year expansion of Islam via violent jihad to modern day authors who inspired the surge in radicalism, there is no precedent. More so, there is no chance of Martyrdom for a jihadist killed in the act of killing Muslims [believers in Islam]. Islamic law is clear on whom Allah deems a threat to the expansion of the Ummah and how to treat them. It doesn't take much empathy to see that senior clerics would perceive, for example, Muslim rappers in ski masks bragging about 9/11, threatening torture and death in the nations that educate, protect and support them, as little more than opportunistic groupies. Many Islamists do want a Just jihad and a Just peace. But only as it applies to Islamic law and only in the pursuit of global peace under the Islamic government: the Ummah. This episode we look at exactly what this issue is about and why it is not a random fortuitous event from which the West can expect "justice". We also again raise the issue of Western misunderstanding of Islam, this time focusing on the xenophobic view multicultural nations often hold toward their Muslim citizens. Whilst the threat of Islamic extremism must be taken seriously, the fundamental interpretation of any religion cannot be ignored. Are we perhaps ignoring the problems of other religious fundamentalism and exaggerating that of Islamic fundamentalism? Seven years since 9/11 just which fundamentalists have actively or passively undermined democratic processes? British historian Hilaire Bellocâs âThe Great Heresiesâ written in 1938: It has always seemed to me possible, and even probable, that there would be a resurrection of Islam and that our sons or our grandsons would see the renewal of that tremendous struggle between the Christian culture and what has been for more than a thousand years its greatest opponent. The suggestion that Islam may re-arise sounds fantastic, but this is only because men are always powerfully affected by the immediate past. One might say that they are blinded by it. But not so very long ago, less than a hundred years before the Declaration of Independence, Vienna was almost taken and only saved by the Christian army under the command of the King of Poland, on a date that ought to be among the most famous in history: September 11, 1683.Less than four years later on April 2nd 1942, and relatively close to where Belloc wrote, Ken Bigley was born in Liverpool, England.All articles mentioned are here. Music thanks to Garageband. Gags, 32 min. 14 MB.Dedicated to Ken Bigley: 1942 - 2004. read less

Diplomatic Jihad

Thu August 21 2008

Sharia Law has won a victory over human rights within the UN Human Rights Council, and sanctioned by the same council. In fairness to President Doru... read more

Sharia Law has won a victory over human rights within the UN Human Rights Council, and sanctioned by the same council. In fairness to President Doru Romulus Costea, he asked that it be recorded he'd never been in a more uncomfortable situation - including when his own statements as Council President were "challenged point blank". We cover the audio of relevant proceedings for the 8th session of the human rights council - June 2nd to 18, 2008. Webcasts may be accessed here. Driven aggressively by Egyptian delegate Amr Roshdy Hassan, who claimed Islam will not be crucified in this council, this covert jihad on the vile idea that humans - much less us soon to be gone Harbi - having more rights than Allah was fully supported by Pakistan and Iran. As council President noted it may be seen by some in the Council as "a preemptive move" on allowed statements, or as a mater of religious debate. The topic studiously avoided was the scope of the Vienna Declaration and programme of action; human rights. This episode Firesnake looks at Islam, Sharia, human rights, human nature, Iranian hanging of drug users. We note the lack of any response from the I.N.C.B., the UNODC and global NGO's who heard the plea for help from Middle Eastern NGO's, just weeks ago. The I.N.C.B. remains silent over Irans Anti Narcotic Law, much as with Russian Narcology. This is in stark contrast to support for the lifting of stoning penalties to 300 lashes and 10 year sentences. Despite the focus on Islam, religion and generally bad news the aim in the Humble Firesnake Holeplex is not to divide. We take the view that this is actually about Us. Excellent evolutionary data produces models that not only explain the role of superstition moving us toward complex religions, but help us understand the intractability of "belief" in the face of overwhelming contrary evidence. Rejecting the integrity of any human being based upon what they believe denies us a window into the human condition. And seeing as we're discussing human rights, let's remember we have no right to not be offended. Which sadly, is what the recent ruling seems to ignore. We ask the question if Islam and Sharia Law may offer protection for drug users. Given ignorance toward Islam in The West is at an all time high some time is spent outlining how stupid we really are and noting Islam is a violent horrific concept, only kept in check by Muslims who can indeed entertain two disparate ideas and draw strength from both. Islam cannot deny its history, no matter how it's rationalised. Nor can Christians deny how irrational, oppressive, passively murderous and deceptive they were and remain today. Christian morality enforced on other cultures kills and ruins lives at break neck speed. It's fueled by "really nice people" in democratic nations who have no idea where their money goes, who benefits or how many cultures are torn apart by "well meaning" senile misogynistic virgins who somehow do these "nice people" an eternal favour. The pointy end is fundamentalism. We attribute entire mindsets to 'religions' based upon fundamental interpretation, when 'faith' actually follows a sliding scale of belief and behaviour that's a function of intellect - not magic. The problems arise when moderate theists refuse to admit their belief is flawed, because they must sacrifice something - often an assumed something. Usually the "kinda, maybe off chance I might get punished when I die". There are intellectual reasons behind both expressions and they reveal much about human nature. We actually do respect each other - we're hard wired for it. Faith often requires self delusion or suspension of analysis, to the peril of the believer. And just as faith blinds one to reality, so too does a belief in ones superiority; something we do so very well in democratic nations. NB: This widely circulated image of an "Iranian stoning" is an enactment of how the practice is carried out. However a quick search of videos should satisfy any questions. The debacle in the UN HR Council stands yet again as another fabulous advance for The Ummah as the earth moves slowly but surely to one rule under one true God - Allah. An admirable and well won victory for Diplomatic Jihad. Our War on Terror is as useful to understanding the theological, political, social and military issues driving conflict as is Black Death to mapping the Yersinia pestis bacteria genome, in an attempt to arrest the spread of plague. As always, it is the gullibility in the West that will see Islam one day rule our planet. The old, tired and dusty standards were present. Misunderstanding over freedom, justice and peace. In the West we associate Freedom with freedom to vote, of speech and of self expression. We have freedom to elect governments - of, by and for the people. We see Justice as peer controlled judgment ensuring outcomes are to the benefit of society: human beings. Peace of course, is the absence of war. Australia will be mumbling away like this the day we elect our first Muslim P.M. as an expression of our 'oh, to die for' concept of multiculturalism. Perhaps only when Sharia is written into Aussie law, will we wake up. Freedom to Muslims is conquest of Allahs land from the unbelievers, or reconquest of Dar al Islam from Dar al Harb [the house of war - nationhood] and Tyranny from oppressors - the West, via Jihad: Justice. Only when Dar al Islam has justified for Allah the Land of War, removed all unbelievers according to His demand, and established a global Ummah, can Peace reign. To Dar al Islam, the 1400 year global Jihad, interrupted on September 11th 1683 at the siege of Vienna, is open for business. Now that the control of Pakistan is close to a reality, The West held fast in a Middle Eastern trap and militarily stretched too far to stand by Zion [Israel], the time for pretense is fading. What we in The West must now grasp is our concept of nationhood is a speck in history dependent upon abundant resources. We are blinded by our concept of Tolerance and in our rush to realise Equality fail to see human nature. If democracy has a self destruction mechanism it must surely be that of tolerance leading to a wall of political correctness, that will act as its trigger. Cultural and intellectual hubris has possibly sealed our demise. We worry over "nuclear destruction", never bothering to check of all seven worlds in Islamic law, Allah may be everywhere, but resides only here. He already owns the world - it's the duty of Islamists to remove those who reject His Word. Destroying what is dictated to be ultimately devoted to his glory is unlikely, given a prior 1400 year struggle. And it's this very subterfuge the UN failed to see. Allah desires only Paradise for Muslims whose purpose it is to conquer the world for Him. Some pleasure in this world follows those who follow Him, but only as it applies to expanding the Ummah. Humans have no rights - only Allah - the landlord. Any "rights" exist only under the Ummah which serves to oppress equality of religion. That is what Sharia Law is about. That is what Islamic immigration aims to achieve. Just as does Christianity. All the world for their idea of God - who is of course the same god; the God of Abraham, the God of the Jews - His originally "chosen people".Payback has been a long time coming, and Islamists have patiently obeyed the lessons learned by the prophet at the battle of Uhad. To return to "the straight path" - Sharia, introspection, accepting blame, prayer, devotion to Allah - in temporary suspension of Jihad. This is required under Islamic law. 9/11/1683 signaled the decline of Islam, but it was the Industrial Revolution that dealt the 'death blow'. At this time Dar al Islam covered more of the Earth than the Roman Empire did at its peak. The quality of life was over 500 years ahead of medieval Christian Europe, suffering miserably in serfdom and ruled by a corrupt hierarchy of Christian misogynistic megalomaniacs. Christendom grew from the destruction of knowledge and suppression of evidence. Greek science was expunged primarily due to it's "exposure" of biblical phrasing as astrological allegory - not magic. Put simply; Rome thrived on the horrific ignorance it inflicted on others. We call that time The Dark Ages. Iran is particularly pleased about its scientific success and has told us on several occasions, it will reverse the order to its prior state. It's traditional to claim there's "no such thing as a moderate Muslim". Alluding that to be Islamic is to be an extremist. It's actually very wise to acquaint oneself with the teachings of Islam and particularly Islamic jurisprudence as it has grown since the prophets death. Even more so with writings of Islamic thinkers over the last century. It is this intellectualising that brought the genocidal life of the prophet into essential Muslim teachings, gave us anti-Semitism and urges hatred and annihilation of not only Jews - 'Zionists' but all unbelievers and any who support Zion. As The Great Satan the USA supports Israel, it too is Zionist. Allah forbids nationhood, personal gain, equality between belief systems or tolerance of any non Muslims. "Wait for them, set traps for them, kill them wherever you find them". Perhaps however, we should remind ourselves of what The West did to this civilisation if we seek to understand Fundamental Muslim psychology and the pain which drives modern day conflict. Hamas is the result of "democratic elections" in Islam. Islamic parties win because of the need to remove any trace of Dar al Harb from what was once rightfully The Ummah. The Crusades, nationhood and the 1948 and '67 Israeli victories are a crisis of faith for Muslims hinting that Allahs chosen people, are losing to his designated inferior race of "worst creatures". It's not "racism" driving anti Semitism. It is the sacrilegious assault upon the demands of the one true God. It was the inability of European Christians to reach the Holy Land thanks to Turkish Islamists and conversion to Islam by Christians that prompted the Crusades. As for the slicing and dicing we love to blame each of these stupid belief systems for, I'd prefer to not hand out medals. It's human nature at play. Yes, religion is to blame as with all horrors in our world - either in the first instance or as a result of passive apathy. But this is about us, not magic unseen beings with different criteria to satisfy for their jollies and your eternal reward. Belief, dear reader, is a most foolish intellectual exercise. Cult psychology [religious doctrine] is about controlling others and to control ones mind is to have absolute control - particularly when eternal damnation is a possibility for engaging in free thought. As is clearly dictated by Allah to the Prophet and recorded in the Koran, it is the sacred duty of all Muslims to wage Jihad - either covertly, violently, deceitfully... you name it, until The Ummah covers the world and all is for the glory of the one true God. In modern times the concept of Tiqayya has been amplified to include non Sharia societies and allow expatriate Fundamentalist Muslims to live alongside Gods forsaken creatures [within Democracies] without killing them as Islam demands. Tiqayya is the lying about Islam and ones true nature, for protection of Islam and spread of Jihad for the global Ummah. It's basis is directly from the Hadiths outlining a discussion about lying to kill a Jewish enemy: "I will kill him for you Oh Prophet, but we must tell lies". "Dude, knock ya-self out [or words to that effect] you are free in the matter", replied the prophet. There is only the Ummah and the land of war, yet to become the Ummah. It's non negotiable, punishable by eternal damnation and indeed violent, brutal Sharia Law. To not behave this way is to indeed be the enemy and deserving of all tortures Allah demands for kafir - non believers, "the worst of creatures". Indeed, it is because the world belongs to Allah that this duty exists and one may never rest - be at peace - until we all cry out his name, and profess we believe the word of a medieval warlord. As he was the last and true prophet, it's fairly clear that Unbelievers must die, submit under Dhimmitude and for some races be tortured for the pleasure of Allah. Then with Dhimmitude and control of freedom exerted over vile kafir Harbi, as per the Most Merciful Allahs Compassionate request, may Peace reign. To repeat: Islam as a "peaceful religion" is the concept of when our planet "belongs" to Allah as total Ummah. Tony Blair the noted "religious" British P.M., is an exemplary example of idiocy born of selfish faith, amusing Islamists across he globe as he led his public astray insisting Islam is a "peaceful religion". As Earth already belongs to Allah, it is merely the establishment of the Ummah He requires. For this reason His word was revealed to the final prophet - the true prophet. The only reason the global Ummah does not exist is because the direct word of God, is as yet unfullied. The aim of the Koranic revelations are to set straight Jewish and Christian divine texts which had become garbled over time, leading to impure practices and Harbi - unbelievers - in the land that was supposed to be Allahs. The prophet was instructed to set in motion the 'final divine solution'. As Allah is God, failure to recognise that "compassion" in Islam means killing for Allah, "the Most Merciful, the All Compassionate" and observation of murderous Sharia Law practices, is exactly why the UN fell into this trap. As each Koranic chapter begins with the above phrase, all of Islamic Jihad is notated as "compassionate". The Cairo Declaraion of 1990 has been given a breath of new life and contains all the requisite points cleverly wrapped in double speak semantics, fit to fool any uncritical eye. Average Joe sees a fairly benign, if somewhat superstitiously obsessive, list of "rights". Islamic critics note immediately a document designed to enslave human beings to the very word of barbarism as demanded by Allah. The final article: Article 25- The Islamic Shari'ah is the only source of reference for the explanation or clarification to any of the articles of this Declaration. Which essentially means humans have no rights other than to act as Allah demands. 1. Acts of worship (al-ibadat), which includes: Ritual Purification (Wudu), Prayers (Salah), Fasts (Sawm and Ramadan), Charity (Zakat), Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj).2. Human interaction (al-muamalat), which includes: Financial transactions, Endowments , Laws of inheritance, Marriage, divorce, and child care, Food and drink (including ritual slaughtering and hunting), Penal punishments, War and peace, Judicial matters (including witnesses and forms of evidence). Allah wants the world, "desires for you" paradise and if you can't see how darn simple this is you will die. If you're too stupid to live a pious life then die as you kill for Allah - and it's an X rated paradise for your trouble. For a psychotic warlord in the habit of consummating marriages with nine year old girls - why 9 is the legal marriage age under Sharia - who needed an army to travel and kill with a guarantee of loyalty, it's an ideal formula. In the 21st century it gives us terrorism urged by Extreme Islamic Clerics. Motivation for Jihad is fundamental interpretation of the prophets strategic mind control and "revelations". Genital mutilation, decapitation, amputation of opposite feet and hands, eye plucking to extract information [torture] and so much more is the "emulation" of the prophet. The Borg would be proud of such hive mentality, and I hope you can see the purpose of rubbish such as this website. It's claimed the prophet "Ascended" into heaven, making his senior followers outright liars who then inherited his military state, ensuring the opportunistic genocidal "explosion" of Islam we see in history. So, then. Remembering everyday people get caught up in drug related crime what of drug users under Sharia? Harm Reduction is documented as reducing HIV spread among Iranian prisoners, something the Iranian regime may have to acknowledge. Some Sharia may be open to interpretation. Allah changed his mind when the prophet realised no-one liked him much around the year 615-20. So, he found out God actually wanted lots of blood - not social cooperation and equality of worship, as is mirrored from earlier Koranic verses in Mecca - before the Islamic calendar begins in Medina 12 years later. This concept of abrogation did away with the benign verses seen in other "religions". As the Koran is published from longest to shortest chapters, chronology is confusing - and this is exploited by Islamic apologists. Clarification of Koranic messages is gained from consulting the over 100 volumes of Hadiths - chronicling the prophets life. Much like no-one who ever laid eyes on Jesus ever wrote about him, the Hadiths were also began many years after the prophets death, by interfering apologists using notations supposedly gathered during his life. Hadiths supporting care of "the oppressed" exist and are discussed as essential to Islam today. As is the more important personal ideal of inner Jihad: struggle. Open and firm discourse is needed for all minority groups in Islam and for those under influence of the Official Islamic Council. Presently in the Middle East the socio-political climate favours an unacceptable humanitarian crisis due to the escalating influx of illicit drugs, and arguably further capital punishment. Despite the scale, despite claims of UN bodies, resolutions, promises and human rights, the level of open and honest discourse within multicultural communities is approximately zero. Perhaps in the first instance the greatest hurdle is not one of malignancy, but of widespread misunderstanding.The concept of 'Drug User Rights' remains controversial across the world. Attenuating the human rights aspect as it pertains only to the influence of various religious beliefs and theocracies is markedly misunderstood. Despite the crucial import it remains an utterly thankless task, ignored by all institutions.We cannot ignore the evident gulf between changes in policy outlook secured at the Beyond 2008 Forum, and the reality of UN sanctioned Sharia law specific to the drug using community in the Middle East. The need for compassionate discourse on this issue has never been greater. The opportunity for The Intergovernmental Expert Working Group on Drug Demand has never been clearer.Surely we cannot hope for integrity on the issue of human rights if we fail those in need. Certainly the failure of beneficiaries of human rights to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves, is naught but intellectual and cultural hubris that must rightly attract condemnation. All articles touched on are here.Music thanks to Garageband.Gags1hr. 22 MB read less

Drug Policy Beyond 2008

Sun July 27 2008

Between July 7 - 9 this year, NGO's from around the world, representing nine regions, met in Vienna for a forum on drug policy and related harms. Th... read more

Between July 7 - 9 this year, NGO's from around the world, representing nine regions, met in Vienna for a forum on drug policy and related harms. Their purpose was to meet two resolutions passed at the UNGASS on Drug Control in 1998. Simply put, NGO's were to review the past ten years of drug policy and advise on the future. The Vienna NGO Committee on Narcotic Drugs notes in it's 'background' [to the forum]; Apart from the Member States' commitments and pledges adopted on June 10, 1998; the General Assembly, directly or indirectly, called upon NGOs to work closely with governments and others in assessing the drug problem, identifying viable solutions and implementing appropriate policies and programmes. On July 9, 2008 all participants adopted the "Beyond 2008 Declaration" which is available in 11 page PDF format here. The text of the final declaration will be presented in March 2009, at the next high level segment of The Commission on Narcotic Drugs. As one would expect there was resistance to Harm Reduction, Harm Minimisation and agitation for tougher measures, erosion of rights and a continuance of 'war on drugs' ideology. Thankfully, this was the minority. As we hear in this podcast, the 'official' Nth. American delegation exercised their typical bullying tactics to prevent open reporting - previously permitted by the organisers - and by day two, succeeding. The Hungarian Civil Liberties Union suggest June Sivilli of the White House Drug Office - the ONDCP - advised the hard-line delegates and prevented their previously authorised filming of the plenary. The "pro-drug" nature of discourse was concerning it appears. On the other hand, as Sanho Tree from the US Institute of Policy Studies notes, the USA would have previously been able to prevent much of the forum process and transperancy from even being realised. From Stop The Drug War.org: "Of the nine regions of the world, only North America sent two delegations. The first, which had met in St. Petersburg, Florida, in January, deliberately excluding harm reduction and drug reform groups, was the "official" delegation, representing hard-line prohibitionist organizations aligned with the Office of National Drug Control Policy, such as the Drug-Free America Foundation and the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), the California Narcotics Officers Association, and the National Association of Drug Court Professionals." "The second North American grouping, which had held its regional meeting in Vancouver in February, included dozens of organizations in drug reform and harm reduction, as well as treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation groups. Among the organizations from the Vancouver meeting that went to Vienna were the ACLU Drug Law Policy Project, Students for Sensible Drug Policy, Virginians Against Drug Violence, Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, the Harm Reduction Coalition, Break The Chains, and the Institute for Policy Studies." They also succeeded to alienate many delegates and NGO representatives, as we hear in audio from Vienna in this episode. As did Drug Free Australia's Gary Christian speaking for the Taskforce on Strategic Drug Policy. Seizing the final moment to claim the process had been less democratic than would suit his need to overlook human rights for the greater good of zero tolerance, Mr. Christian has loudly proclaimed his tactic for ignoring the Resolutions: the process was flawed and undemocratic. Ergo; why respect the need for increased harm reduction? The entire charade embarrassed and outraged the Australian and NZ contingent, and was noted by Committee Chair Michael Perron as a "final potential disaster". He also complained about the selection process which is proved to be a false concern on page 42 of the Australian and NZ report. Overwhelmingly, the call for increased harm reduction, input from drug users, NGO's and policy regulators went out and is reflected in all nine regions, not least by a long shot, the Aussie/NZ contingent. The selection process involved consultation with two members of the ANCD. Perhaps reflecting two ideologies, or anticipated arguments? Drug Free Australia Executive Officer, Jo Baxter is on the ANCD board. I'd say the selection process was entirely fair and representative. Mr. Christian is intent to prove himself an ongoing thorn in the side of human rights for drug using communities. The Transnational Institute published their review under, Beyond 2008 - A truly remarkable event. They did not miss the significance of an overwhelming rejection of prohibitions harms. After all, the issue we had to agree existed was simple, self evident and radical, all at once: prohibition is a failure which harms our communities and innocent human beings, more than the drugs we prohibit. No candy for guessing that ideological differences elicit fierce debate or that legislation reflects the aims of elites at the time. That's how we got in this mess. That's why some elite institutions blame "drug industry elites" for present problems and conspiracy to seize control. Politically, there's an entire imperative in the semantics alone. The candy goes to pragmatism, and I think T.I. chose the word "remarkable", well. Drug Policy is an area that makes Western democratic disputes over religion and politics seem cosy. The struggle of minorities is a human rights issue. The clash between criminality and health is a moral crisis for many, and for disparate reasons. So I was interested that they noted, "Would it really be possible to agree by consensus on a joint declaration and resolutions? Well, we did itâ" Also; "As was to be expected, many issues triggered complicated debates, but after a first worrying day gradually a mood of consensus-seeking started to grow. Where sharp disputes appeared in the plenary, the issue was deferred to an informal drafting group to come up with compromise language. In those corridor meetings long and sometimes tense negotiations took place on issues such as harm reduction, definitions of âdrug useâ, âillicit useâ, âmisuseâ and âharmful useâ, the involvement of most affected groups including drug users in policy making, the unintended negative consequences of the current drug control system, the eradication of drug-linked crops in absence of viable development alternatives, etc." Nonetheless. This was a hugely significant achievement. Danny Kushlick, of Transform UK, proffered the impending end of prohibition at 2015 - 2018. "2009 will pass with no change", he wisely reminds us. According to the United Nations Information Service, in Civil Society Gives a Voice to Those Most Effected; "Three key themes have emerged from the deliberations: Shared responsibility and accountability. Governments, at all levels, need to leverage the experience, reach, professionalism and passion of NGOs. In the past five years NGOs have become more focused, disciplined, inter-connected and organized around how to take on this global problem. NGOs are well placed to contribute - but only if their experience, reach, impact and commitment is engaged. As Eva Tongue, Chairperson of the Vienna NGO Committee on Narcotic Drugs commented in her opening remarks "Money alone is not enough. Governments need to recognize that the fieldwork done by the NGOs is fundamental to success in all aspects of this matter." Giving the most affected a voice. This is an issue that has to be addressed at the human level. The Declaration and Resolutions represent many different voices - individuals, families, and communities - from around the globe. This voice needs to be heard because it brings a fundamental understanding on how to achieve demonstrable progress to reduce illicit/harmful drug use and its adverse health, social and economic consequences. Beyond 2008 Forum has created a call for action. The Declaration and Resolutions are just the start. It is a commitment by all of the participants to build on what was achieved here in Vienna as they return to their work and engage with their governments. The Declaration and Resolutions coming from the Beyond 2008 Forum has a created clear consensus from NGOs. In his closing remarks to delegates, Mr. Perron said: "As we go back to our communities and responsibilities let us go knowing that our commitment to consensus over the past three days has created the opportunity for civil society to have a substantive voice here in Vienna." This episode Firesnake looks at the forum process and controversies therein. We check out documents highlighting the most common themes and hear from attendees who express concern at "the bullying" of anti-Harm Reduction or Drug War proponents. We hear of hopes before the forum and the welcome outcome despite lively debate, covert tactics to sabotage harm reduction and the obvious attempts by the USA to continue the illusion it's sustainable war, is working. The unfortunate failure to get drug users themselves as contributers to the final resolution text, is balanced by the fact drug user organisations now have a place at the table and can only advance human rights from there. Thanks to all below who attended and gave up their time to be interviewed on their own view of proceedings. Special acknowledgement to Hungarian Civil Liberties Union. Danny Kushlick, Transform UK. Martin Jelsma; Transnational Institute, The Nethlerlands. Kristopher Krane; Students for sensible drug policy, USA. Alan Clear; Harm Reduction Coalition, USA. Andrea Efthimiou-Mordaunt; International Community of Women Living with HIV/AIDS - John Mordant Trust, UK. Elias El Araaj; Soins Infirmiers et Development Communautaire, Lebanon. Monica Luppi; San Patrignanno Foundation, Italy. Geoffrey Evans Drug Free Schools Coalition, USA. Caitlin Padgett; Youth Rise: International network for reducing drug related harm. Ahmed Al-Shatti; Kuwait National Anti Narcotic Drug Committee, Kuwait. Tripti Tandon; Lawyers Collective HIV/AIDS Unit, India. Lennice Werth; Virginians Against Drug Violence. Michael Perron; Chair - NGO Committee on Narcotic Drugs, Vienna and Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse. Walter Cavalieri; Canadian Harm Reduction Network. Sanho Tree; Institute for Policy Studies, USA. Mike Trace; International Drug Policy Consortium, UK. All articles touched on are here. Music thanks to Garageband. Gags. 49 min. 15 MB. read less

Drug War Disaster

Mon June 30 2008

The history of prohibition and the USA styled War on Drugs is a history of failure. Failure to meet primary aims in even a cursory manner. Failure t... read more

The history of prohibition and the USA styled War on Drugs is a history of failure. Failure to meet primary aims in even a cursory manner. Failure to protect the health of the community. Failure to meet minimal cost effectiveness. Failure to protect economies. Failure to prevent global crime, vice and terrorism as a direct result of prohibiting certain drugs. Failure to resist corruption and above all, failure to respect basic human rights. This episode we look more closely at the current situation. At every step of legislation we can identify singular dynamics. From the banning of opium smoking - but only by Chinese immigrants - to the Harrison tax act, to Nixon's Vietnam troop saving "Drug War", to calls today for "tough on drugs" measures, one constant appears. The presence of the the religious right and the anti drug lobby, agitating for strict control of immoral/illegal behaviour. Profit and trade for governments/law enforcers and moral influence hence power for Christian institutions, have been apparent at many junctures. Nonetheless, from the mid 19th century through the 20th and up until today the level of addiction and problematic use has remained at around 1 - 1.3% of the USA population. Figures are almost identical for developed nations. The real drug problem is not drug use, it is the failure of prohibition and the control of such a large black market by criminals. From discriminating against immigrant labourer opium smokers in the 1800's to fully geosynchronised drone and satellite controlled commando raids on billion dollar cartels today, the level has remained at about 1%. Firesnake looks at the history of prohibition, the synthesis of heroin, morphine and the advent of the hypodermic along with the influence of wars. We review the large scale legal use of opiates in "tonic" and cough preparations, and the IV use of morphine that saw "white middle class women" the most common user in the 1800's. By the end of the 19th century the USA "Pure Food and Drugs Act" demanded manufacturers list ingredients on "patent medicines". This exposed a huge level of morphine use and addiction. The simple act of providing accurate information - and not warnings or threats - saw addiction drop markedly through this simple honest "education" strategy. People chose to manage this problem. Opiate and heroin addiction was treated as a medical condition until the 1914 USA Harrison Tax Act. This law circumvented the Constitutional right to imbibe any substance by linking prescription and use to taxation. The new crime of "possession" was born.Overnight a benign mode of behaviour became criminal, and was driven by the police, the anti drug lobby and the religious right. The significance of this cannot be overstated. We look at how a problem with wording around opiate prescription; "in due course of treatment", ensured the jailing of doctors. This led to a supreme court case, known as the Webb case, and precipitated outright prohibition of prescribing opiates for addiction - a centuries old practice. Thus "prohibition" was born. We cover the history in some detail and include an audio montage on prohibition and the "Drug Free World" we certainly don't have. We've laboured long and hard in the humble Firesnake holeplex and cobbled together an audio mashup with over 20 contributers from around the world. They speak on prohibition, illicit drugs, effects, policy, health, human rights, corruption, mandates, ideology, morality, the need for policy review and more. A word on lack of duplication. There are no repeated segments, no audio was pre-recorded. One sentence introducing UNODC Executive Director Antonio Maria Costa is repeated - once. The repeated "moral obligation" heard from one contributer is a collation of unique sequential components of answers to questions in an interview. None are repeats. Bronwyn Bishop just happened to comply by offering the same reply to each quesion, nicely qualifying her argument. All segments are out-takes blended together to give a unique perspective on prohibition. Voices include: Danny Kushlick; Dir. "Transform" UK - EU Review "Towards a drug free world", Private interview.Tony Geoghegan; Dir. Merchants Quay Ireland - Private interview.Lieut. Jack Cole [Ret] Founder, LEAP - Private interview.Fr. Joe Kane; Chaplain, Reuters Island Jail. NY - Private interview.John McGroarty; Ret. Det. Chief Superintendent, Cardi Drugs Unit - Private interview.Ethan Nadelmann: Dir. Drug Policy Alliance, NY - Private interview.Matsukis Marios; Cypriot MP: Allied Democrats and Liberals for Europe - ADLE; EU Review "Towards a drug free world".Francis Wilkinson; Ret. Chief Constable, UK - Private InterviewSanho Tree: Dir. Institute for Policy Studies, Washington - Private interview.Chris Davies; ADLE MP, UK - EU Review "Towards a drug free world".Paul Hunt; UN Special Rapporteur on the right to health - IHRA presentationPeter Sarosi; Hungarian Civil Liberties Union - EU Review "Towards a drug free world".Antonio Maria Costa: Ex. Dir. UNODC - Private interview.Dr. Philip Emafo; Chairman INCB - Private interview.Margaret Court; DFA Patron, Australia - Marketing AudioBoris Van Der Ham: ADLE MP: Netherlands - EU Review "Towards a drug free world".Bronwyn Bishop; Australian Liberal MP: out-take of interview out-take from "The Winnable War" podcastChristopher Hitchens [Author/Journalist]; USA Live TV interview, 2007Paul Gallagher; Firesnake - "Prohibition: The I.N.C.B." - podcastSophia In 'Tveld; ADLE Dutch MP: - EU Review "Towards a drug free world".Michael Heney; Investigative JournalistTony Abbott; Australian Liberal MP - Interview grab And more... Enjoy. All sources and articles touched upon are here.Music, thanks to Garageband. Gags. 1 hour. 27 MB. read less