UN still defines genocide out of Darfur
It has been over two years since the UN study of Sudan found no genocide, merely "counter insurgency".
See, according to the
Genocide Convention of 1948 if the UN
finds genocide, it has to do something about genocide. But the UN sees driving people from their homes and killing hundreds of thousands along the way as counter-insurgency measures. Thus, when someone resists having their child tossed into the air and being speared on a bayonet, they are an insurgent, not a victim of genocide. Clearly.
This is one of those "blame the individuals, don't blame the group" dynamics so familiar to frats and cheerleader squads. This is from the UN report: “in some instances individuals, including government officials, may commit acts with genocidal intent.” But that is not genocide, at least not until... what? How many individual acts by the government of Sudan or it's right hand, the Janjaweed militias, does it take to add up to genocide?
Eco-indulgences
The
TerraPass seemed like a good idea at first. Offset your carbon output by purchasing your way to zero emissions. Sounded good to my market loving brain. We already get our electricity from
Green Mountain, an electrical provider that uses wind energy.
But the more I thought about TerraPass the more I thought about Martin Luther.
A popular saying in Luther's time was : "As soon as the coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs". You could buy indulgences not only for past sins, but future ones as well. So, a Cross Country Pass could eradicate all the liberal guilt a Hummer driver might have. But would it do any good?
A little guilt is a good thing. While still awaiting better science on global warming, we can do some things about more obvious harms (particulates/asthma e.g.). The Terra Pass just seems like a Free Pass: for the right amount I get to ignore multiple problems I may, or may not, be contributing to, and I may even get to gloat about it. I prefer Playpumps.
And last, the carbon neutral bunch may have some legitimacy probs.
The Revolution Will Be Televised
Finally, an update to the
Josh Wolf story: he's been released without having to identify the protesters he filmed.
I don't advocate fed law very often, but this country needs a shield law for journalists.
