There is no freedom of expression in the West: Somebody Must Say It
Posted on April 8th, 2012
Ajit Randeniya
The so-called ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”¹…”freedom of expressionƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢ is nominally, one of the essential components of the caboodle of bogus value system of the American versions of democracy, human rights, law and order and other frauds inflicted on the developing world by America and the NGO movement. Attempts are made usually to set the high water mark in relation to these self-professed noble human virtues by what is happening in the ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”¹…”WestƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢: Such attempts are absurd, firstly in geographical terms (because it includes easternmost parts of the current version of the world map), and secondly because the ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”¹…”so-called ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”¹…”valuesƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢ are in fact a hotch-potch of social norms that have prevailed in the ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”¹…”EastƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢ for eons. The vulnerability created by these factors from time to time bring down the faƒÆ’†’ƒ”š‚§ade of hypocrisy covering the conspiracy.
The reaction last week of the western Zionist movement to a poem published by the German novelist Guntor Grass in the Munich daily SƒÆ’†’ƒ”š‚¼ddeutsche Zeitung, was one such example. GrassƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢ poem ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-Was gesagt werden mussƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚, translated as “Somebody Must Say It”, drew attention to Israel as a threat to an “already fragile world peace”, criticised western hypocrisy over Israel’s nuclear programme and the current threats that Israel will attack IranƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s nuclear facilities, with or without American help. Its publication coincided with the decision by the German government to sell to Israel a submarine capable of carrying nuclear warheads: the lyric argues that Germany should no longer deliver nuclear submarines to Israel that might carry “all-destroying warheads” in view of the looming Israeli aggression against Iran.
Through his poem Grass simply calls for both Israel and Iran to accept international obligations in respect of their respective nuclear programs. The difference between the nuclear programs in the two countries is stark: Israel is supposed to have around 200 nuclear weapons but has an official policy of “ambiguity” about them, and disallows international inspections; Iran on the other hand, has a nuclear program that is open to inspections and has always denied they are seeking a nuclear weapon.
Grass’ poem specifically criticises Israel’s “claim to the right of a first strike” against Iran, but also refers to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as a “loudmouth”. Grass also takes aim at Germany’s reluctance to offend Israel ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” reproaching himself for his own silence on the subject until now, explaining that he was silent on Israel’s nuclear program because Germany committed “crimes that are without comparison” during the Second World War. But silence, he says, has become a “burdensome lie and a form of coercion”. He writes: “Why do I only speak out now/Aged and with my last drop of ink:/Israel’s nuclear power is endangering/Our already fragile world peace?” He answers: it must be said because “tomorrow might be too late”.
But Grass has been hard on himself: in an interview with Spiegel Online in 2001, he described the appropriation of Palestinian territory by Israeli settlers as a criminal activity, adding: “That not only needs to be stopped ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬…” it also needs to be reversed.”
GrassƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢ self-evidently sensible comment and advice provided in the lyrical form has generated the usual barrage of what the Zionist network considers the ultimate of insults for anyone daring to express such honest views as an anti-Semitic, (arrogantly overlooking the fact that the Palestinians are also Semites). If such commentary makes one an ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”¹…”antisemitic, so be it: Grass had anticipated that obvious line of cowardly attack.
However, nothing can be more ridiculous than attempts to attack Grass for being antisemitic because the 84 year old Grass himself a Jew born in the Baltic coast: most famous for his novel (1959), he is widely regarded the moral conscience of Germany. Grass fits no other description than ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-a decent, intelligent human being with a justifiable concern for the state of the worldƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚: his literary depiction of the violence of the Nazi regime from a German perspective in The Tin Drum even earned him the Nobel-Prize (for what it is worth!). In his autobiography Peeling the onion (2006) he revealed that he was among the youths forcibly recruited to fight for the Waffen-SS in the final months of the war.
It is hardly surprising that Grass’ poem provoked indignation from the usual suspects: the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu led the attack, asserting that “GƒÆ’†’ƒ”š‚¼nter Grass’s moral equivalence between Israel and Iran ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-shamefulƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚: but then, an attack by an arrogant thug armed to the teeth should be considered an accolade! The Israeli embassy in Berlin charged that Grass was keeping up with an “European tradition to accuse the Jews before the Passover festival of ritual murder.ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ Ham it up a bit more!
German politicians from both left and right, traditionally funded and subverted by Israel, like in America, the UK, Canada and elsewhere in the ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”¹…”WestƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢ criticised Grass, describing his work as “abominable”, “irritating” and “over the top”. The Bild, a paper better known for its tasteless depiction of topless models, complained of “confused poesie”. In Die Welt, a Jewish writer dubbed Grass “the prototype of the educated antisemite”. He added, for good measure, that Grass was “completely nuts”. Tom Segev wrote in the Guardian that the lyric was ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-rather pathetic”.
Grass noted in an interview with North German Radio that the tone of the criticism “didn’t just concentrate on the contents of the poem” but amounted to a scurrilous campaign to say that his reputation “had been damaged for all time”. He added: “The old cliches are used.
Amid the over the top criticism, a few voices came forward to defend Grass : “It’s got to be possible to speak openly without being denounced as an enemy of Israel,” said Klaus Staeck, the president of the Berlin academy of art. He called the “reflexive condemnation” by Zionists of Grass as an antisemite inappropriate, and insisted that Grass was merely expressing his concern about developments in the Middle East. “A lot of people share this worry,” Staeck added.
Predictably, Iran warmly welcomed Grass’s poem. Press TV, Iran’s state-owned English-language satellite channel, hailed it as a literary sensation. The Press TV report also observed: “Israel is the only possessor of nuclear weapons in the Middle East and it has never allowed IAEA inspections.
What the reaction against Gunter GrassƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢ sensible observation and advice brings to prominence is the key factor that is ruining the ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”¹…”WestƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢: total control of expression by media and financial interests, killing counter opinions on financial, defence and economic matters, in each of the countries being ruled by juntas subverted by moneyed Zionist operators.
In countries like Canada for example, anyone who criticises military invasions or conspiratorial intervention in poor countries are subject to intimidation by phone tapping, web usage monitoring and by buying of the neighbourhood for intense surveillance through strategically parked motor vehicles and never opening garage doors of a house opposite! Occasionally, even a Murdoch press ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”¹…”journalistƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢ might show up on your drive way if you are lucky! In Sri Lanka they hire agents like Gamini Weerakoon and Van the Poo-ton to carry out propaganda and to watch others offering counter opinion.
This is the reason why there at least a few people in West, like Gunter Grass who believe that somebody has to say it despite threats. The best way of resistance is to reproduce the voices of people like Gunter Grass:
What must be said
Why have I kept silent, held back so long,
on something openly practiced in
war games, at the end of which those of us
who survive will at best be footnotes?
It’s the alleged right to a first strike
that could destroy an Iranian people
subjugated by a loudmouth
and gathered in organized rallies,
because an atom bomb may be being
developed within his arc of power.
Yet why do I hesitate to name
that other land in which
for yearsƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬‚although kept secretƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬‚
a growing nuclear power has existed
beyond supervision or verification,
subject to no inspection of any kind?
This general silence on the facts,
before which my own silence has bowed,
seems to me a troubling lie, and compels
me toward a likely punishment
the moment it’s flouted:
the verdict “Anti-semitism” falls easily.
But now that my own country,
brought in time after time
for questioning about its own crimes,
profound and beyond compare,
is said to be the departure point,
(on what is merely business,
though easily declared an act of reparation)
for yet another submarine equipped
to transport nuclear warheads
to Israel, where not a single atom bomb
has yet been proved to exist, with fear alone
the only evidence, I’ll say what must be said.
But why have I kept silent till now?
Because I thought my own origins,
Tarnished by a stain that can never be removed,
meant I could not expect Israel, a land
to which I am, and always will be, attached,
to accept this open declaration of the truth.
Why only now, grown old,
and with what ink remains, do I say:
Israel’s atomic power endangers
an already fragile world peace?
Because what must be said
may be too late tomorrow;
and becauseƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬‚burdend enough as GermansƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢¢”š¬‚
we may be providing material for a crime
that is foreseeable, so that our complicity
wil not be expunged by any
of the usual excuses.
And granted: I’ve broken my silence
because I’m sick of the West’s hypocrisy;
and I hope too that many may be freed
from their silence, may demand
that those responsible for the open danger
we face renounce the use of force,
may insist that the governments of
both Iran and Israel allow an international authority
free and open inspection of
the nuclear potential and capability of both.
No other course offers help
to Israelis and Palestinians alike,
to all those living side by side in emnity
in this region occupied by illusions,
and ultimately, to all of us.
GƒÆ’†’ƒ”š‚¼nter Grass, translated by Breon Mitchell
This writer couldnƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢t have said better himself!
April 8th, 2012 at 4:49 pm
Thanks Ajit, what a great enlightening article! At last, a voice in Europe with conscience. In self-censored USA, no one have guts to speak out. The long term plan is the destruction of all Islamic and Buddhist majority nations in Asia. The resolution against Sri Lanka showed Asians can unite against the American empire. Even majority Christian Philippines voted with a conscience.
For 6o years we heard Holocaust stories. Elie Weisel, Ann Frank, Priomo Levi and Leon Uris made us cry. Yes, it is an incredible crime, reading break our hearts. But isn’t it the same thing Israel doing to Palestinians? They do it slowly and subtly. That is the only difference.
We will see vilification of Iran for few years, then Americans will find a way to bomb and destroy this great civilization. Rape their women, kill their children and rob their resources. Is it Genghis Khan or is it Attila the Hun who said no pleasure is greater than ” scattering your enemies, see his cities reduced to ashes, kill those who love him, rape his women and kill his children”. History is repeating. But what happened to Genghis and Attila at the end? We know Americas fate. But how long has the world to endure this madness?
April 8th, 2012 at 5:43 pm
We should thank Ajith for letting us read Grass’ beautiful poems on the strategy, plan and procedure of Israel and its master the US and its lapdogs that wanted to inflict so much misery on fellow human beings with evil organisation its fire power.
This is the very same pack that put its predisposed Drusman report to backburner and inter-alia picked our own LLRC report as a tactic not just to lay blame on us for beating the terrorists but to tell us how to implement it and be moral.
I wish someone writes similar poem about ‘Patriot Act’ the US introduced on October 26, 2001 in the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks. It is much more draconian than both Emergency and Prevention of Terrorism laws in Sri Lanka put together. Now that both Al Qaida leader and his deputy are dead ‘Patriot Act’ should have been withdrawn. Instead ‘Patriot Act’ grants sweeping powers to the US law enforcement and intelligence gathering authorities to do almost anything they like not just in the US but all over the world.
This is what ‘Patriot Act’ empowers the US law enforcement authorities in a nutshell:
•To assist terror investigation, the government may monitor religious and political institutions without suspecting criminal activity.
•To close public hearings on immigration, and secretly detain hundreds of people without charges and encourage bureaucrats to resist public-records requests and remove “Sensitive” information from government Web sites.
•To prosecute librarians or keepers of any other records if they tell anyone the government subpoenaed information related to a terror investigation.
•To monitor conversations between attorneys and clients in federal prisons and deny lawyers to Americans accused of crimes.
•To search and seize Americans’ papers and effects without probable cause to assist terror investigation.
•To jail Americans indefinitely without a trial.
•To be jailed without being charged or being able to confront witnesses against them.
•To hold “Enemy combatants” incommunicado and refuse attorneys for them.
Leela
April 8th, 2012 at 5:58 pm
Leela, I was unaware “Patriot Act” of USA is that far reaching. This makes NAZI Germany look civilized! Why was anyone protesting about PTA? PTA was kindergarden stuff.
April 8th, 2012 at 10:38 pm
Lord Naseby, we are sorry to say, is DEAD WRONG! Let the British people allow the UK to disintegrate into England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland if they want, but let us NOT FOLLOW their lead!
NO POWER SHOULD BE DEVOLVED ON ETHNIC BASIS to ANY COMMUNITY in Sri Lanka.
DEVOLUTION of Power to Ethnic Separatists is a RECIPE FOR SUICIDE for Sri Lanka.
Just Say NO!
REPEAL the 13th Amendment from the Constitution,
DISSOLVE Provincial Councils,
ADOPT Districts DIRECTLY ADMINISTERED by the National GOVT to
PRESERVE the INTEGRITY and SECURITY of all of Sri Lanka’s people, irrespective of community.
Please DO NOT Create a PATCHWORK QUILT of Apartheid Ethnic Bantustans in Sri Lanka!
ONE Nation, of ONE People, sharing ONE Destiny should be our GOAL.
That GOAL is NOT SERVED by Devolving Power to Separatists, no matter WHAT FOREIGNERS and demonstrated TRAITORS of the UNP and the TNA say!
NO WAY, JOSE’!
…………..
Naseby urges proceeding with devolution process; UNP and TNA confirms support for 13A
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Island.lk
April 7, 2012
The Sri Lankan government should carry out devolution process without any further delay to ensure post-LTTE national reconciliation, declared Lord Naseby PC.
…More
April 9th, 2012 at 4:38 am
For those who may not beconversant with the history of Germany, let me remind that the present Pope was also a member of the troops as Ratzinger.
Regarding the division of a country on Ethnic basis, lat me also my voice that it should only be made by a nationwide vote, particularly as we have justcome out of a 30 year vwar.
Ido not have to remind that each stage of the the war was financed from overseas, terrorists were trained in overseas camps and the resolution for the 13 th constitutional amendment was forced on the Parliament of Sri Lanka in a time of strife with foriegn peace keeping forces watching every move of parliamentarians.
No sane person would accept that Police forces of each provice should come under its chief minister, a situation not found in country comparable with Sri Lankan dimensions in population and geographical mak up.
April 9th, 2012 at 7:04 am
US version of Human rights are to suit their purpose of dominating world resources. Zionists steer the US regime towards control of Debt, Media and Commece of the world economy.
http://ceylon-moor.blogspot.com/2011/12/zionist-fear-monger.html
April 9th, 2012 at 1:25 pm
Ajit
You forgot the likes of Lucien Rajakarunanayake who provide the excellent “spin” that we come to enjoy.
April 11th, 2012 at 12:47 pm
In history, people of the World have always called them: greedy, parasites, masters of lies …. Their sense of guilt follows them everywhere. Do you recognize who they are? In the USA and England, they are protected by TV broadcasts and newspapers, no one would dare to talk about them, such is their influence. Originated from slavery, they always hold hand with the most powerful to feel well protected. Fear and arrogance allow them to only look upward or downward, they are the sworn enemies of Equality. Today the World in turmoil is a sign of their “success”.
You probably already know who they are, but …..
No one should be blamed for being born in a certain area of the World and having learned what was taught since childhood.
It is not a matter of DNA or race.
Instead it is about cultures, or, the foundation of our knowledge.
In historical context, the Epic of King Gilgamesh dating back 4,500 years ago was copied by Moses who wrote the Bible about 1,000 years after Gilgamesh.
Since the time of Moses, the Jewish culture has always provided the role of slave for the ruler of its time. At first for the Pharaohs of Egypt then for the Roman Emperors, more recently for the Royals of England and finally for Bush’s Masons.
One traditional approach of the Jewish culture is to always befriend and provide benefits for the most powerful in order to obtain financial gain and protection from them. Corruption is its vital organ.
It embodies the role of the middle man, like the eternal second, close to the Strongest but also at a safe distance from the troubles it stirs.
The Jewish culture enjoys our differences like a bratty and spiteful young girl at the park holding hands with her mother. She monkeys around with everyone else because she wants their attention and has something to say about everything she sees. The more she feels protected the more she becomes arrogant. Even in her sense of humor that punctually vilifies other cultures. She finds very amusing to be the judge of everyone.
One peculiarity of this culture is the need to always look up to somebody else and idolize who is “better” (like who is richer or more famous. Who is more……).
That is why the Jewish culture is perfect for the freemasons and for that famed pyramid that would enslave everyone, except One.
http://www.wavevolution.org
May 8th, 2012 at 3:33 pm
Zionism was created by Theodor Herzel and others at the end of the 19th Century, and in that era it was commonplace to be colonialist, to be racist, to be super-nationalist, to adore the nation-state,so the idea of France for the French, Germany for the Germans, and then some state for the Jews. This all formed the basis for Zionism.
Zionism and Judaism are contrary to each other. Because Judaism is universal and humane, and Zionism is exactly the opposite. It is very narrow, very nationalistic, racist, colonialist, and all this. There is no “National Judaism.” There is Zionism and there is Judaism, and they are completely different.
Zionism has nothing to do with Judaism. Because Judaism – a Reform Movement- that is highly, highly ethical. And so, you cannot connect Zionism with “highly ethical.” You can only connect the words “aggressive,” “oppressive,” “stealing,” “robbing” with Zionism. But not “highly ethical.”
“Our race is the Master Race. We are divine gods on this planet. We are as different from the inferior races as they are from insects. In fact, compared to our race, other races are beasts and animals, cattle at best. Other races are considered as human excrement. Our destiny is to rule over the inferior races. Our earthly kingdom will be ruled by our leader with a rod of iron. The masses will lick our feet and serve us as our slaves.” Menaheim Begin, 6th Prime Minister of Israel.
Does this narrative sound familiar to you? Think Nazi