Israel's Legacy Of Serial Child Murder

Tapper told Regev that Israel has killed more Palestinian children in the past three weeks than "the total number of Israeli soldiers killed in military operations since 2006."

"That is a lot of dead children," he said. "At what point does the Israeli government say, enough, we're killing too many innocent children?"

We are then told that "the deaths of these children pains the chief of staff of Israeli military." Well then- what the heck is everybody complaining about?

How many times can a nation repeatedly kill scores of children and get away with it? Clearly Syria has no qualms about killing as many children as they want, and it now seems- neither does Israel. This nation which repeatedly likes to remind everyone just how much more civilized they are, than say... Syria, currently seems hellbent on ignoring just how many dead children's bodies they are now accumulating.

But Stan! What about all those crazed Muslim suicide bombers killing innocent Israelis- many of them children! What about them, huh? Yes, crazed, desperate lunatics each and everyone- to be roundly denounced, condemned and eliminated in as expedient a manner as possible! Clear? 

But, but... don't then come washing your hands and excusing yourself of child murder by gently whispering "collateral damage" in my ear. You're not arguing degrees of morality, you're arguing degrees of technology. One side kills innocent women and children as the consequence of high tech, push button, missiles and bombs, the other kills them with a decidedly more primitive... weapons delivery system. Both the rational and end result is the same- each trying to kill the other into submission by any means necessary, the blood of innocents deterring neither side. The moral high ground is highly absent here.

Israel- you were once a noble people fighting back against all odds in the Warsaw Ghetto. Now you find yourself top dog in the hood, and determined to remain so- no longer the bullied, but the bully.... like the childhood victim of sexual or domestic abuse that instead of learning from their experience, grows up to become yet another abuser doomed to repeat without conscience or remorse.

What Can One Man Do?

Lead us, show us, point the way...  but as with all the greats, they do it with the strength of will from their own two hands...

What's Wrong With Us?

Many who are so quick to condemn Shaka (in the commentary) seem oblivious to their own role in the insanity that creates the environments that nurture and encourage violence. They think it is not their problem, not their doing- unless it reaches out to them in a personal way (ie- they become victim to a crime). Then they are quick to assign blame to others... and demand vengeance (much as he once did). 

Believing it's someone else's problem, someone else's fault, and that you don't have a role in helping to fix and prevent society's problems just ensures that those very problems fester, enlarge and propagate. You can see the results today in every corner of the world. Children from broken homes and broken environments are themselves already "broken" by the age of middle school. But they can be fixed, they can be saved. The question is: are we going to help them while there's still time- or only sit in judgement and condemn them after the fact?

Instead of incarceration, we need affordable housing and education; instead of minimum wage jobs, we need real living wages (as we once had in this country); instead of lies, excuses and promises, we need people who take responsibility- yes, on both ends. Don't blame the poor on the bottom for their misdeeds while those on top are every bit as corrupt and criminal. The question is: are we forever going to assign blame whenever convenient, or strive to recognize and fix the corruption right next to us, all around us, the corruption and injustice we ourselves: deny, profit from and fall victim to?

3 Good Reasons To Stay Away From A Movie

A) Dumbass, godawful title.

B) Shitty looking trailer.

C) Whole flick takes place on a... train.

Three great reasons that had every one of my natural instincts screaming to stay away from this shit ass movie. And yet, the goddamn critics said that this was one great, intelligent sci-fi flick (with a right on political slant no less)! The eternal quest for that rarest and most elusive of cinematic achievements (and it featured Tilda Swinton)- how bad could it be? I thought of all the sci-fi flicks that I had really believed in, the ones that would finally redeem not only their own hype, but my own hopes and dreams... and how they had all so terribly, terribly let me down. Each and every one. So, perhaps this was it, deliverance disguised- the unexpected sleeper, unheralded in my mind only... I could not let it escape. So I willingly allowed myself to be swayed and suckered... and skewered. Standard action, simplistic plot, ham handed politics.

2 X $13 for this brutally mind numbing, two hour robbery of my remaining life force.

Ain't It The Truth

My eyes automatically roll and glaze over whenever someone starts yammering about this or that world domination conspiracy theory by this or that secret cabal of Jews...

But there is no doubt, no doubt whatsoever, that Israel has complete and absolute control of US corporate media when it comes to what Israel does and how they do it in their "backyard." And for the most part, it's all done in the absolute open for all to see...

Illegality Often Starts At Home

What The Right Wing in this country doesn't want you to know, of course, is that the current refugee/child migrant issue at the border didn't occur overnight in a vacuum. This shit storm of a nightmare is in large part yet another chapter of the continuing saga of US blowback throughout this big, wide, wonderful world of ours. We've had our finger foot in the proverbial Latin American pie for so long, we've conveniently forgotten to what extent that involvement has profited our citizens- and laid waste to their societies, socially, economically, you name it...

This is a nice, tidy summation that hits a lot of the "highlights" of US domination "down south," its less than wondrous results there, and the resulting "acid reflux" right back up the gullet of our border.

 And if ya still need further explanation:

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The Back Of The Bus

Since Mr. Von Thomas has not had the courtesy to respond (as promised), I can only conclude that he believes this a non-issue, one not worthy of his time or attention- let alone his response. In other words, I'm gonna assume he's one of those blessed souls who claims they just... "don't see race." Personally, I hope we all get there someday- as for right now:

... every time someone says that, it tells that other than white person that you are not seeing them as who and what they are; you are not considerate enough, knowledgeable enough, astute enough to know how the world works (regardless of whatever education you may possess), and how your position in it is automatically differentiated from theirs since birth- and that you will neither make the time nor effort to even consider that, thank you very much. In short, that magic, feel good phrase says more about what you so woefully lack as a thinking, feeling individual, than anything you may possibly have to offer as friend, ally, or neutral observer. And it does so in a manner that not only comes off as utterly inept, but also as completely arrogant, ignorant, condescending and bogus.

At best, in today's day and age, saying you "don't see race" simply means you want to avoid the subject at all cost.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

As to the issue at hand... People are naturally drawn to photograph (and publish) that which for whatever reason appeals to them, and as long as there's no harm, no foul- who am I to object or argue? That said, If You Leave has become one of the most followed and referenced online photography galleries. It presents itself as the iconic look and feel of hip young photographers in today's modern day global setting, something that particular generation can identify with, relate to and share common ground with. And yet, how can this visual vehicle that promotes such supposedly cutting edge, universal appeal be so shackled by the centuries old constraints of racial exclusion? I mean, when I saw the blatant lack of diversity in its images, I was... I believe the term is- gobsmacked!

Jesus H Christ! From the gallery to the backyard, it's deja vu all over again in this so called "post racial" era. Sixty years after Brown vs Board of Ed, de facto segregation in schools is alive and well in the US, and Europeans are still happily tossing bananas at Black pro ball players while making monkey noises!

Photo: Laurence Tarquin Von Thomas

Five long years of photographs on If You Leave, hundreds of photographers, and one (count 'em- you're welcome to correct me) photograph (by none other than Mr. Von Thomas himself) features a scattering of Black faces interspersed in the background of an image highlighting a White female as its focal point. There's a possible second of a Black man in a hoodie- alas, the face is concealed (yeah, the absolute irony- identity and affirmation denied)! And- that's it, period. Case closed! Hundreds upon hundreds of photos (fifteen of Asians), and not one that predominantly features a Black or Brown face to date...

Obviously, someone doesn't realize just how badly that plays and translates, and/or just doesn't care- and for someone supposedly literate in the photographic/visual image, that is inexcusable. Everybody makes mistakes or omissions, but when you continue to exclude and deny representation of specific peoples (that just happen to compromise so much of our world) over such an extended period of time... Intentional or not, it presents a very clear picture of a global viewpoint that conspicuously denies the value and very existence of those people. The implied message- they're just not worth considering, let alone looking at. Who's gonna miss 'em, who's gonna object?

Is that really where we are today? Again!?!

Is this new Kickstarter endeavor the promise of a new, less exclusive format? Here we are in the 21st century where the discussion has finally shifted to publishing work taken by indigenous people the world over, instead of just having the White world view. Is this what If You Leave means by its stated goal of a global audience- encouraging and publishing photos both of people of color, and by them? That's a lot of ground to make up on both ends in the case of this publication- one so deeply steeped in denial and exclusion.

The Coliseum Revisted

Andrew Burton/Getty Images (via)

I wonder if this photo will someday end up in Mark Kologi's found photo garage? Some yungun will pick it up and wonder what outdoor show or fireworks display from decades past these relaxed vacationers were preparing to watch. They'll remember how much fun they had in their own youth celebrating with their families or neighborhood friends before the responsibilities of adulthood finally hit home. They'll bask in the temporary glow provided by warm childhood memories...

And then some grizzled old timer like myself will walk up and sadly inform him or her that those are not vacationers, those are not fireworks, and that those nice people came to view and cheer on the death and dismemberment of children and families, came to celebrate the hatred and carnage that one group of people can bestow upon another.

The (Found) Photo Man

Mark Kologi gets it, this rather humble guy sitting in a garage somewhere in LA, collecting old photos, lives and memories. He gets it. It's not about the latest flavor, sensor or cool, neat photoshop action; it's about what photography does best- what even the most simple of cameras can do. The closest thing to a real live time machine man has yet devised; and limited as it is, still grasps the fleeting wonders of our lives, places them in our hands, and forever lays testament to a past just as real and sentient as anything we will ever yet experience, and never will again...

The Photo Man from Ben Kitnick on Vimeo.

An Apology- And Then Some...

First, one thing I would like to apologize for, Mr. Von Thomas- I did not mean to leave the impression that there aren't any worthwhile images on If You Leave, that is certainly not the case. Mea Culpa. I was overwhelmed by the issue at hand and did not mean to leave that impression.

That said, the week has passed, and you have failed to respond to my inquiry as promised. Actually, I initially contacted you with the same query via email on July 4. Barring a death in the family or an extreme medical emergency (my sympathy and/or support should that be the case), one can only conclude that you have gone back on your word either because you do not think this a valid issue and it is therefore beneath your consideration, or you are (understandably) too embarrassed and do not know how to address it. Forgetting, or just being too busy over the course of two weeks time to at least write a reply will not suffice.

I was sincerely hoping to hear your side, your accounting, but you once again seem reluctant and unwilling to engage. I was hoping this would be a dialogue to the benefit of all. For those who are perhaps still unclear as to my objections, I will elaborate further early next week. Bet on it...

Update...

Mr. Von Thomas has emailed agreeing to respond to my post (below), if I publish his response unedited (wouldn't have it any other way) sometime "before the end of the week." Well, it is summertime, and we all have our priorities. Will delete this update upon receipt...

If You Leave... Out

So I happen upon this online photo competition via British Journal of Photography- no fee, single images, and if memory serves, a traveling show, book, etc. courtesy a fully funded Kickstarter! Those first two (non) requirements were very appealing: no $ required, and... single images (no essay). Yes, made to order! Returned home to peruse the website (always recommended) and tailor my submissions. Quickly noted this was very much- photography for 20 yr olds only (didn't see it stated anywhere, didn't have to). Next, it became quite apparent that there wasn't one (1) B&W photo on the entire blog- the blimp plummets in free fall.

Hey, what ya gonna do? His ride, his rules- no problem. So I ease down and start looking at the five years of images collected by Mr. Laurence Von Thomas. Think early Ryan McGinley, if he and his models were not so joyously carefree and frolicking- more like suffering from the dreaded... melancholia. Lots of semi nude young women looking arsty and depressed, interspersed with nature scenics, guys standing in the middle of things, guys standing in the middle of nature scenics, and the occasional grainy, blurry color shots with very visible dust marks for good measure. Pretty much what yunguns of a certain age are into; understandable- but you'd think there would be a bit more progression, a bit more variety and exploration during the course of five years of running a photography blog. Hell, I only shoot B&W of a certain style, but I sure can appreciate a helluva lot more- yes, even back in the day.

Then there's the other thing that one gradually begins to notice- photo, after photo, after photo... Not only are there no B&W images- there are no Black or Brown faces! Granted, I began to phase out through the first coupla years of such similarly styled themes and images, but the only two photographs I remember of colored faces (besides a few featured Asians- Japanese?) was a shot in a bus where Black faces were in the periphery of the dead centered White female, and a shot of a Black person in a hoodie with face obscured (black hands). I-kid-you-not. We're talking decimal percentage here- forget token percentage. Especially weird for someone who keeps extolling the virtues of his "global audience."

So I emailed Mr. Von Thomas as to what's up with his particular vision, a vision where beauty, youth and romance certainly does not seem to exist or extend beyond the lighter shades. Still waitin'...

 His ride; most definitely, his rules.

Algorithm Madness!

It's bad enough that photos look different on each and every monitor in existence (and at every possible screen angle) as far as exposure and contrast is concerned, but what really drives me crazy is that after I struggle to get the contrast just right in Photoshop Elements, the contrast goes several grades down when viewed on Windows Organizer, back up when posted on Flickr, and of late- Blogger seems to soak up contrast like some kinda freakin' sponge (which was never the case before); needless to say- all on my home monitor. I've learned that how it appears on my organizer is how it most closely appears in print, but the rest of it is sheer, utter madness...

It Depends, Of Course, On What You Mean By... U-F-O

The analysis is a bit tedious, but an interesting examination all the same of indicative, tell tale signs that don't always register in real time. Particularly interesting when the person being examined is one of the foremost fornicators of the truth that ever inhabited the most elite of power circles.

And then, of course, there is... the subject matter!

Jacques Sonck- Too Good To Hide...

Photo: Jacques Sonck

Photo: Richard Avedon

Break out the short list of photography's great portraitists and most likely (ie- guaranteed), the name of Jacques Sonck won't be anywhere near it- in fact, chances are no one will even be familiar with the name outside his home country. I know I wasn't until I had the great fortune to see his work on Lens recently. Here's this guy who's been chugging along for decades doing pretty much the same as Richard Avedon- minus the fame, the wall sized prints and celebrity packed exhibits, the entourage of assistants to pick out his subjects and set up his camera...

A "portrait" of humility and under appreciated artistic accomplishment...

Photo: Jacques Sonck

Photo: Jacques Sonck

Photo: Jacques Sonck

Free Leonard!

Photo: © S. Banos

I remember reading years decades ago that the FBI knew he didn't do the killing, they just wanted to punish him because they believed he knew who did. And still he languishes in jail for a crime everyone knows he did not commit...

For All Men Are Created Equal...

I have always been amazed at how Conservatives consistently claim to be both the progenitors and guardians of true blue, American ideals and values, when it was actually a bunch of radical revolutionaries that revolted, fought for and created this country. Of course, there's always been that one small caveat, that one small irritant that nagged so blatantly in the craw of all that talk of freedom and justice. Ya know, that thing that didn't quite fit the pattern of The Bill of Rights, or that stuff about "all men are created equal." Yeah, you know... the very financial backbone of what this new "land of the free" would be based on- the ownership and enslavement of human beings, that most peculiar of institutions...

Were the Founding Fathers just the blatant, myopic hypocrites that we always assumed them to be, or were they quite possibly- ultra Conservatives, not revolutionaries, who purposely founded this country in order to help keep, maintain, and expand that most heinous of human enterprise into perpetuity? After all, Britain promised freedom to any Blacks who fought on their side against the upstart Americans, and then proceeded to abolish slavery well before the United States, and in a much less bloody fashion...

Close (but still no cigar)...

As far as buying my first breakthrough digital camera that is. If I had the $$$, I'd buy the Fujifilm XT-1 with 20, 28 & 40mm equivalents- case closed, set for life; but I don't, so I won't... 

Considered a Sony a7- can use all my Nikon glass on a super compact FF body! Except the bulky adapters would throw off the whole balance and size thing! Might as well go for the Nikon D610 and get a real OVF and complete manual controls- but I'll honor my oath to abstain from bulbous DSLR's.

The Olympus E-M10- cute as a button, but no real WA primes beyond 28mm equivalents; the Olympus 12mm is soft and expensive, and the WA zooms are way too horrifying to contemplate with their telescoping, penile proboscises. Those zooming protrusions put such a royal hurtin' on my eyes and sensibilities, I couldn't care how good they are. But Stan, they're just tools- it's stupid to buy things just on looks. No, not just looks. Cars are transportation tools; most new cars do their thing well (like most new cameras)- and while we can't all afford the most pleasing to our eye, we at least settle for... the least offensive. So why is insisting on photographic tools that do not assault our overall aesthetics any more crazy (unless you need a very specific tool for a very specific reason)? Meanwhile, third party lens offerings are bulkier and tend to defeat the size advantage of the m4/3 format, and the Panasonic (non telescoping) WA zoom is too expensive, with an engorged front element that simply begs you to scratch it and watch you cry. Yes, I really have thought this out.

Fact is, I'm not that prodigious a shooter, and fortunately, I'm still having fun with my F3 and FM3A. We'll see what happens in a coupla years when the organic sensors kick in, I should have won the Lotto by then, or at least have bought a ticket.

Anyway, lots of very interesting things heading down our way- and I still continue to throw wayward glances at this lovely lady...

The Luxury of Unemployment

It's been well over four years since Dominique Browning was cast unto unemployment much like myself along with a cast of hundreds of thousands of others. And if you're anything like me, you've also spent many a restless night wondering about her ultimate fate and well being. 

Alas! Unlike the vast majority of those unwashed minions, she did not have to ponder who would hire a middle age adult, or how she would survive on a minimum wage income lost and forgotten amidst the nightmare of ridiculously unaffordable rents, or the plague of crime ridden streets. She just bravely carried on with the life she was destined to lead, contemplating her plight as she walked the quiet sands of the beach surrounding her... one remaining house, and writing a labor of love, appropriately entitled... Slow Love: How I Lost My Job, Put On My Pajamas, and Found Happiness. I can only begin to imagine the struggle she endured to find a publisher!