“I do not doubt for a second that those involved in KONY 2012 have great intentions, nor do I doubt for a second that Joseph Kony is a very evil man. But despite this, I’m strongly opposed to the KONY 2012 campaign.” 

See why at http://visiblechildren.tumblr.com

KONY 2012 is the product of a group called Invisible Children. Last year, the organization spent $8,676,614. Only 32% went to direct services, with much of the rest going to staff salaries, travel and transport, and film production - and they haven’t had their finances externally audited.

The group is in favour of direct military intervention, and their money funds the Ugandan government’s army and various other military forces. Here’s a photo (goo.gl/QX6fs) of the founders of Invisible Children posing with weapons and personnel of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army. Both the Ugandan army and Sudan People’s Liberation Army are riddled with accusations of rape and looting, but Invisible Children defends them, arguing that the Ugandan army is “better equipped than that of any of the other affected countries”, although Kony is no longer active in Uganda and hasn’t been since 2006 by their own admission.

Military intervention may or may not be the right idea, but people supporting KONY 2012 probably don’t realize they’re supporting the Ugandan military who are themselves raping and looting away. If people know this and still support Invisible Children because they feel it’s the best solution based on their knowledge and research, I have no issue with that. But I don’t think most people are in that position, and that’s a problem.

Dressed as a poppy for Armistice Day. Movember progressing nicely.

Gilliam on Kubrick vs Spielberg.

I think of this after every film I watch.

For the record - ET and Jaws and Back to the Future are cracking films, not all Spielberg is lame. But Saving Private Ryan and Schindler’s List (and too many war films) definitely miss the point and leave the wrong message. Compare with Bridge on the River Kwai, Apocalypse Now, Full Metal Jacket, Deer Hunter, The Pianist films that try to show the failure of humanity in war.

I think Terry has a very valid point. 

“The dead know only one thing: It’s better to be alive.”

Full Metal Jacket (1987)

(Source: iwdrm)

(Source: narcotic, via ambitionsarelow)

(Source: jerrymuffinbutt, via mohandasgandhi)

Always love your schoolmates,

Make happy those in sorrow.

The children of today will be

The citizens of tomorrow.

To parents and to teachers

Be grateful and be kind,

For we should all love learning

Which nourished the mind.

Let every day be holy

By doing some good deed;

To all do kindly actions

Whatever be their creed.

Be just and fair to all men,

Bow down or worship none.

Judge man by what he tried to do,

Or has already done.

Hate not, and speak no evil,

Stand up for what is right,

And do not be revengeful,

But ‘gainst oppression fight.

Try not to be a coward,

But always help the weak.

Whatever path of life you’re in.

For love and justice seek.

All good things gathered from the earth,

By toil of hand and brain,

Instead of going to the few,

The workers should retain.

Speak the truth at all times,

And try not to deceive,

And what opposes reason

We ought not to believe.

Love all the races of mankind,

Abolish war and strife;

That we may reach the higher plains

Of our intended life.

Look forward to the day when men 

And women will be free;

As brothers and as sisters live

In peace and unity.

(Source: Wikipedia)

Sofia, Bulgaria.

“Abreast with the Times”

(via timetickingonme)