View allAll Photos Tagged Inviolable
HKFP: Thousands gathered at Edinburgh Place on Wednesday evening calling on G20 countries to raise concerns about Hong Kong at the leaders’ summit on Friday, hours after staging a mass march to foreign consulates to lobby country representatives directly.
Crowds wearing all-black spilt out of the public square, many holding signs that read “Free Hong Kong” and “Democracy Now.”
Organisers, the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), issued a statement urging a withdrawal of the government’s suspended extradition bill.
“If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out during the G20 summit, and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people,” it read.
The pro-democracy coalition have led millions on marches over recent weeks against the bill, as demands have evolved into calling for universal suffrage ahead of the July 1 pro-democracy rally.
CHRF manifesto :
"Withdraw the Extradition Bill! Free Hong Kong!
A time when democracy and freedom are universal values that are inviolable.
Hong Kong people had urged for democratisation for over 30 years. When Hong Kong was handed over to China since 1997, as written in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, China promised that Hong Kong can enjoy One Country Two Systems and a high degree of autonomy. The Basic Law also promised universal suffrage to be implemented in the year of 2007 to 2008. But China broke these promises, and gradually intervened deeply in Hong Kong’s internal affairs.
Hong Kong people have always insisted on having universal suffrage – to let Hong Kong people rule Hong Kong. Unfortunately, we seem to be further and further away from genuine democracy. In merely 22 years after the hand-over, the One Country Two Systems principle barely survives. During the [legislative] process of the “Extradition Bill”, the Hong Kong Liaison Office blatantly intervened in Hong Kong’s internal affairs and scrapped the promises of [a] high degree of autonomy.
This year, the government decided to put the Extradition Bill through Legislative Council, in order to make all people in Hong Kong, including local citizens and expats, to be potentially extradited to China, or to countries which have less protection on human rights and the rule of law. This will destroy existing protection on human rights and the rule of law in Hong Kong and will crack down the last defence to freedom and safety.
In our current political system, Hong Kong does not have genuine democracy. To stop this evil law from passing, 1.03 million followed by 2 million Hongkongers courageously took to the streets in the past two weeks. Some were even cracked down by the police with excessive, disproportionate force and lethal weapons. But the government only gave a shallow apology, without making any tangible changes.
As world leaders meet at the G20 summit, Hong Kong citizens now sincerely urge all of you, including Xi Jinping, to answer our humble questions: Does Hong Kong deserve democracy? Should Hong Kong people enjoy democracy? Can [a] democratic system be implemented in Hong Kong now?
Dear friends from around the world. I believe you have seen through media and the Internet, that Hongkongers spared no efforts to safeguard our freedom. Please bear in mind: if the Extradition Bill passes, when you come to Hong Kong to travel, study or for business, you may face unfair trials. If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out, during the G20 summit and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people."
www.hongkongfp.com/2019/06/26/democracy-now-hundreds-gath...
民陣昨晚在中環愛丁堡廣場舉行集會，有數以千計市民出席，大會以英語、普通話、日語等，呼籲包括國家主席習近平等各國領袖關注香港情况，集會人群擠滿愛丁堡廣場，更擠出大會堂對出的龍和道，警員需封閉東西行車線。
HKFP: Thousands gathered at Edinburgh Place on Wednesday evening calling on G20 countries to raise concerns about Hong Kong at the leaders’ summit on Friday, hours after staging a mass march to foreign consulates to lobby country representatives directly.
Crowds wearing all-black spilt out of the public square, many holding signs that read “Free Hong Kong” and “Democracy Now.”
Organisers, the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), issued a statement urging a withdrawal of the government’s suspended extradition bill.
“If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out during the G20 summit, and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people,” it read.
The pro-democracy coalition have led millions on marches over recent weeks against the bill, as demands have evolved into calling for universal suffrage ahead of the July 1 pro-democracy rally.
CHRF manifesto :
"Withdraw the Extradition Bill! Free Hong Kong!
A time when democracy and freedom are universal values that are inviolable.
Hong Kong people had urged for democratisation for over 30 years. When Hong Kong was handed over to China since 1997, as written in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, China promised that Hong Kong can enjoy One Country Two Systems and a high degree of autonomy. The Basic Law also promised universal suffrage to be implemented in the year of 2007 to 2008. But China broke these promises, and gradually intervened deeply in Hong Kong’s internal affairs.
Hong Kong people have always insisted on having universal suffrage – to let Hong Kong people rule Hong Kong. Unfortunately, we seem to be further and further away from genuine democracy. In merely 22 years after the hand-over, the One Country Two Systems principle barely survives. During the [legislative] process of the “Extradition Bill”, the Hong Kong Liaison Office blatantly intervened in Hong Kong’s internal affairs and scrapped the promises of [a] high degree of autonomy.
This year, the government decided to put the Extradition Bill through Legislative Council, in order to make all people in Hong Kong, including local citizens and expats, to be potentially extradited to China, or to countries which have less protection on human rights and the rule of law. This will destroy existing protection on human rights and the rule of law in Hong Kong and will crack down the last defence to freedom and safety.
In our current political system, Hong Kong does not have genuine democracy. To stop this evil law from passing, 1.03 million followed by 2 million Hongkongers courageously took to the streets in the past two weeks. Some were even cracked down by the police with excessive, disproportionate force and lethal weapons. But the government only gave a shallow apology, without making any tangible changes.
As world leaders meet at the G20 summit, Hong Kong citizens now sincerely urge all of you, including Xi Jinping, to answer our humble questions: Does Hong Kong deserve democracy? Should Hong Kong people enjoy democracy? Can [a] democratic system be implemented in Hong Kong now?
Dear friends from around the world. I believe you have seen through media and the Internet, that Hongkongers spared no efforts to safeguard our freedom. Please bear in mind: if the Extradition Bill passes, when you come to Hong Kong to travel, study or for business, you may face unfair trials. If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out, during the G20 summit and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people."
www.hongkongfp.com/2019/06/26/democracy-now-hundreds-gath...
民陣昨晚在中環愛丁堡廣場舉行集會，有數以千計市民出席，大會以英語、普通話、日語等，呼籲包括國家主席習近平等各國領袖關注香港情况，集會人群擠滿愛丁堡廣場，更擠出大會堂對出的龍和道，警員需封閉東西行車線。
HKFP: Thousands gathered at Edinburgh Place on Wednesday evening calling on G20 countries to raise concerns about Hong Kong at the leaders’ summit on Friday, hours after staging a mass march to foreign consulates to lobby country representatives directly.
Crowds wearing all-black spilt out of the public square, many holding signs that read “Free Hong Kong” and “Democracy Now.”
Organisers, the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), issued a statement urging a withdrawal of the government’s suspended extradition bill.
“If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out during the G20 summit, and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people,” it read.
The pro-democracy coalition have led millions on marches over recent weeks against the bill, as demands have evolved into calling for universal suffrage ahead of the July 1 pro-democracy rally.
CHRF manifesto :
"Withdraw the Extradition Bill! Free Hong Kong!
A time when democracy and freedom are universal values that are inviolable.
Hong Kong people had urged for democratisation for over 30 years. When Hong Kong was handed over to China since 1997, as written in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, China promised that Hong Kong can enjoy One Country Two Systems and a high degree of autonomy. The Basic Law also promised universal suffrage to be implemented in the year of 2007 to 2008. But China broke these promises, and gradually intervened deeply in Hong Kong’s internal affairs.
Hong Kong people have always insisted on having universal suffrage – to let Hong Kong people rule Hong Kong. Unfortunately, we seem to be further and further away from genuine democracy. In merely 22 years after the hand-over, the One Country Two Systems principle barely survives. During the [legislative] process of the “Extradition Bill”, the Hong Kong Liaison Office blatantly intervened in Hong Kong’s internal affairs and scrapped the promises of [a] high degree of autonomy.
This year, the government decided to put the Extradition Bill through Legislative Council, in order to make all people in Hong Kong, including local citizens and expats, to be potentially extradited to China, or to countries which have less protection on human rights and the rule of law. This will destroy existing protection on human rights and the rule of law in Hong Kong and will crack down the last defence to freedom and safety.
In our current political system, Hong Kong does not have genuine democracy. To stop this evil law from passing, 1.03 million followed by 2 million Hongkongers courageously took to the streets in the past two weeks. Some were even cracked down by the police with excessive, disproportionate force and lethal weapons. But the government only gave a shallow apology, without making any tangible changes.
As world leaders meet at the G20 summit, Hong Kong citizens now sincerely urge all of you, including Xi Jinping, to answer our humble questions: Does Hong Kong deserve democracy? Should Hong Kong people enjoy democracy? Can [a] democratic system be implemented in Hong Kong now?
Dear friends from around the world. I believe you have seen through media and the Internet, that Hongkongers spared no efforts to safeguard our freedom. Please bear in mind: if the Extradition Bill passes, when you come to Hong Kong to travel, study or for business, you may face unfair trials. If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out, during the G20 summit and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people."
www.hongkongfp.com/2019/06/26/democracy-now-hundreds-gath...
民陣昨晚在中環愛丁堡廣場舉行集會，有數以千計市民出席，大會以英語、普通話、日語等，呼籲包括國家主席習近平等各國領袖關注香港情况，集會人群擠滿愛丁堡廣場，更擠出大會堂對出的龍和道，警員需封閉東西行車線。
link below
Tā moko is the permanent marking or "tattoo" as traditionally practised by Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand. It is one of the five main Polynesian tattoo styles (the other four are Marquesan, Samoan, Tahitian and Hawaiian).[1]
Tohunga-tā-moko (tattooists) were considered tapu, or inviolable and sacred.[2]
Historical practice (pre-contact)
Tattoo arts are common in the Eastern Polynesian homeland of the Māori people, and the traditional implements and methods employed were similar to those used in other parts of Polynesia.[3] In pre-European Māori culture, many if not most high-ranking persons received moko. Moko were associated with mana and high social status; however, some very high-status individuals were considered too tapu to acquire moko, and it was also not considered suitable for some tohunga to do so.[4]
Receiving moko constituted an important milestone between childhood and adulthood, and was accompanied by many rites and rituals. Apart from signalling status and rank, another reason for the practice in traditional times was to make a person more attractive to the opposite sex. Men generally received moko on their faces, buttocks (raperape) and thighs (puhoro). Women usually wore moko on their lips (kauwae) and chins. Other parts of the body known to have moko include women's foreheads, buttocks, thighs, necks and backs and men's backs, stomachs, and calves.[5]
Instruments used
Painting by Gottfried Lindauer of tā moko being carved into a man's face by a tohunga-tā-moko
A collection of korere (feeding funnels)
Historically the skin was carved by uhi [6] (chisels), rather than punctured as in common contemporary tattooing; this left the skin with grooves rather than a smooth surface. Later needle tattooing was used, but, in 2007, it was reported that the uhi currently was being used by some artists.[7]
Originally tohunga-tā-moko (moko specialists) used a range of uhi (chisels) made from albatross bone which were hafted onto a handle, and struck with a mallet.[8] The pigments were made from the awheto for the body colour, and ngarehu (burnt timbers) for the blacker face colour. The soot from burnt kauri gum was also mixed with fat to make pigment.[9] The pigment was stored in ornate vessels named oko, which were often buried when not in use. The oko were handed on to successive generations. A kōrere (feeding funnel) is believed to have been used to feed men whose mouths had become swollen from receiving tā moko.[10]
Men and women were both tā moko specialists and would travel to perform their art.[11]
Changes with European colonisation
The pākehā practice of collecting and trading mokomokai (tattooed heads) changed the dynamic of tā moko in the early colonial period. King (see below) talks about changes which evolved in the late 19th century when needles came to replace the uhi as the main tools. The needle method was quicker and presented fewer possible health risks, but the texture of the tā moko became smooth. Tā moko on men stopped around the 1860s in line with changing fashion and acceptance by pākehā.[citation needed]
Women continued receiving moko through the early 20th century,[12] and the historian Michael King in the early 1970s interviewed over 70 elderly women who would have been given the moko before the 1907 Tohunga Suppression Act.[13][14] Women's tattoos on lips and chin are commonly called pūkauae or moko kauae.[15][16]
Contemporary practice
Since 1990 there has been a resurgence in the practice of tā moko for both men and women, as a sign of cultural identity and a reflection of the general revival of the language and culture. Most tā moko applied today is done using a tattoo machine, but there has also been a revival of the use of uhi (chisels).[7] Women too have become more involved as practitioners, such as Christine Harvey in Christchurch, Henriata Nicholas in Rotorua and Julie Kipa in Whakatāne. It is not the first time the contact with settlers has interfered with the tools of the trade: the earliest moko were engraved with bone and were replaced by metal supplied by the first visitors.[17]
The most significant change was the adjustment of the themes and conquests the tattoos represented. Tā moko artist Turumakina Duley, in an interview for Artonview magazine, shares his view on the transformation of the practice: “The difference in tā moko today as compared to the nineteenth century is in the change of lifestyle, in the way we live. […] The tradition of moko was one of initiation, rites of passage – it started around that age – but it also benchmarks achievements in your life and gives you a goal to strive towards and achieve in your life.”[18] Duley received moko to celebrate his graduation from a bachelor in Māori studies.[18]
Māori moko from a 1908 publication
Māori moko from a 1908 publication
Tūhoe activist Tame Iti
Tūhoe activist
Tame Iti
Tukukino Te Ahiātaewa (Ngāti Tamaterā)
Tukukino Te Ahiātaewa
(Ngāti Tamaterā)
Te Aho-o-te-rangi Wharepu (Ngāti Mahuta)
Te Aho-o-te-rangi Wharepu
(Ngāti Mahuta)
A large proportion of New Zealanders now have tattoos of some sort,[19] and there is "growing acceptance ... as a means of cultural and individual expression."[20]
New Zealand foreign minister Nanaia Mahuta in 2020
In 2016 New Zealand politician Nanaia Mahuta received a moko kauae. When she became foreign minister in 2020, a writer said that her facial tattoo was inappropriate for a diplomat. There was much support for Mahuta, who said "there is an emerging awareness about the revitalisation of Māori culture and that facial moko is a positive aspect of that. We need to move away from moko being linked to gangs, because that is not what moko represent at all."[21]
On 25 December 2021, Māori journalist Oriini Kaipara, who has a moko kauae, became the first person with traditional facial markings to host a prime-time news programme on national television in New Zealand.[22]
In 2022, Ariana Tikao published a book called Mokorua: Ngā kōrero mō tōku moko kauae: My story of moko kauae detailing her tā moko journey; her artist was Christine Harvey.[23][24]
Use by non-Māori
Europeans were aware of tā moko from the time of the first voyage of James Cook. Early Māori visitors to Europe, such as Moehanga in 1805,[25] Hongi Hika in 1820 and Te Pēhi Kupe in 1826,[26] all had full-face moko, as did several "Pākehā Māori," such as Barnet Burns. However, until relatively recently the art had little global impact.[citation needed]
Wearing of tā moko by non-Māori has been called cultural appropriation,[27] and high-profile uses of Māori designs by Robbie Williams, Ben Harper and a 2007 Jean Paul Gaultier fashion show were controversial.[28][29][30][31]
To reconcile the demand for Māori designs in a culturally sensitive way, the Te Uhi a Mataora group promotes the use of the term kirituhi,[32] which has now gained wide acceptance:[33][34][35][36]
...Kirituhi translates literally to mean—"skin writing." As opposed to moko which requires a process of consents, genealogy and historical information, kirituhi is merely a design with Māori flavour that can be applied anywhere, for any reason and on anyone...[32
HKFP: Thousands gathered at Edinburgh Place on Wednesday evening calling on G20 countries to raise concerns about Hong Kong at the leaders’ summit on Friday, hours after staging a mass march to foreign consulates to lobby country representatives directly.
Crowds wearing all-black spilt out of the public square, many holding signs that read “Free Hong Kong” and “Democracy Now.”
Organisers, the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), issued a statement urging a withdrawal of the government’s suspended extradition bill.
“If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out during the G20 summit, and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people,” it read.
The pro-democracy coalition have led millions on marches over recent weeks against the bill, as demands have evolved into calling for universal suffrage ahead of the July 1 pro-democracy rally.
CHRF manifesto :
"Withdraw the Extradition Bill! Free Hong Kong!
A time when democracy and freedom are universal values that are inviolable.
Hong Kong people had urged for democratisation for over 30 years. When Hong Kong was handed over to China since 1997, as written in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, China promised that Hong Kong can enjoy One Country Two Systems and a high degree of autonomy. The Basic Law also promised universal suffrage to be implemented in the year of 2007 to 2008. But China broke these promises, and gradually intervened deeply in Hong Kong’s internal affairs.
Hong Kong people have always insisted on having universal suffrage – to let Hong Kong people rule Hong Kong. Unfortunately, we seem to be further and further away from genuine democracy. In merely 22 years after the hand-over, the One Country Two Systems principle barely survives. During the [legislative] process of the “Extradition Bill”, the Hong Kong Liaison Office blatantly intervened in Hong Kong’s internal affairs and scrapped the promises of [a] high degree of autonomy.
This year, the government decided to put the Extradition Bill through Legislative Council, in order to make all people in Hong Kong, including local citizens and expats, to be potentially extradited to China, or to countries which have less protection on human rights and the rule of law. This will destroy existing protection on human rights and the rule of law in Hong Kong and will crack down the last defence to freedom and safety.
In our current political system, Hong Kong does not have genuine democracy. To stop this evil law from passing, 1.03 million followed by 2 million Hongkongers courageously took to the streets in the past two weeks. Some were even cracked down by the police with excessive, disproportionate force and lethal weapons. But the government only gave a shallow apology, without making any tangible changes.
As world leaders meet at the G20 summit, Hong Kong citizens now sincerely urge all of you, including Xi Jinping, to answer our humble questions: Does Hong Kong deserve democracy? Should Hong Kong people enjoy democracy? Can [a] democratic system be implemented in Hong Kong now?
Dear friends from around the world. I believe you have seen through media and the Internet, that Hongkongers spared no efforts to safeguard our freedom. Please bear in mind: if the Extradition Bill passes, when you come to Hong Kong to travel, study or for business, you may face unfair trials. If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out, during the G20 summit and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people."
www.hongkongfp.com/2019/06/26/democracy-now-hundreds-gath...
民陣昨晚在中環愛丁堡廣場舉行集會，有數以千計市民出席，大會以英語、普通話、日語等，呼籲包括國家主席習近平等各國領袖關注香港情况，集會人群擠滿愛丁堡廣場，更擠出大會堂對出的龍和道，警員需封閉東西行車線。
HKFP: Thousands gathered at Edinburgh Place on Wednesday evening calling on G20 countries to raise concerns about Hong Kong at the leaders’ summit on Friday, hours after staging a mass march to foreign consulates to lobby country representatives directly.
Crowds wearing all-black spilt out of the public square, many holding signs that read “Free Hong Kong” and “Democracy Now.”
Organisers, the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), issued a statement urging a withdrawal of the government’s suspended extradition bill.
“If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out during the G20 summit, and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people,” it read.
The pro-democracy coalition have led millions on marches over recent weeks against the bill, as demands have evolved into calling for universal suffrage ahead of the July 1 pro-democracy rally.
CHRF manifesto :
"Withdraw the Extradition Bill! Free Hong Kong!
A time when democracy and freedom are universal values that are inviolable.
Hong Kong people had urged for democratisation for over 30 years. When Hong Kong was handed over to China since 1997, as written in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, China promised that Hong Kong can enjoy One Country Two Systems and a high degree of autonomy. The Basic Law also promised universal suffrage to be implemented in the year of 2007 to 2008. But China broke these promises, and gradually intervened deeply in Hong Kong’s internal affairs.
Hong Kong people have always insisted on having universal suffrage – to let Hong Kong people rule Hong Kong. Unfortunately, we seem to be further and further away from genuine democracy. In merely 22 years after the hand-over, the One Country Two Systems principle barely survives. During the [legislative] process of the “Extradition Bill”, the Hong Kong Liaison Office blatantly intervened in Hong Kong’s internal affairs and scrapped the promises of [a] high degree of autonomy.
This year, the government decided to put the Extradition Bill through Legislative Council, in order to make all people in Hong Kong, including local citizens and expats, to be potentially extradited to China, or to countries which have less protection on human rights and the rule of law. This will destroy existing protection on human rights and the rule of law in Hong Kong and will crack down the last defence to freedom and safety.
In our current political system, Hong Kong does not have genuine democracy. To stop this evil law from passing, 1.03 million followed by 2 million Hongkongers courageously took to the streets in the past two weeks. Some were even cracked down by the police with excessive, disproportionate force and lethal weapons. But the government only gave a shallow apology, without making any tangible changes.
As world leaders meet at the G20 summit, Hong Kong citizens now sincerely urge all of you, including Xi Jinping, to answer our humble questions: Does Hong Kong deserve democracy? Should Hong Kong people enjoy democracy? Can [a] democratic system be implemented in Hong Kong now?
Dear friends from around the world. I believe you have seen through media and the Internet, that Hongkongers spared no efforts to safeguard our freedom. Please bear in mind: if the Extradition Bill passes, when you come to Hong Kong to travel, study or for business, you may face unfair trials. If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out, during the G20 summit and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people."
www.hongkongfp.com/2019/06/26/democracy-now-hundreds-gath...
民陣昨晚在中環愛丁堡廣場舉行集會，有數以千計市民出席，大會以英語、普通話、日語等，呼籲包括國家主席習近平等各國領袖關注香港情况，集會人群擠滿愛丁堡廣場，更擠出大會堂對出的龍和道，警員需封閉東西行車線。
Please view large.
Olympus OM2n, 28mm Zuiko Lens, T-Max, Minolta Scan Multi Pro Scanner
© All rights reserved
To gain a perspective on the scale of this scene, notice the trees on the right far ridge against the fog line. There is a note placement there.
Crevasses are often times covered with snow. Since the snow "bridge" is likely to be unable to support the weight of a human being, it is extremely dangerous to hike through such areas.
This image was taken on a 150 mile backpacking trip through the kind of terrain you see here. The North Cascades are an adventurer's paradise. This image is of a scene around Whatcom Peak.
Images such as this play a role in my street photography insofar as they underscore just how little material possessions enhance the human spirit. There is a richness in adventure that draws people together in mysterious ways. The bonding is powerful and nearly inviolable.
Perhaps we are viewing the homeless in the wrong way. Perhaps its root cause is not economic at all? What would happen were we to view the homeless as an effect of the spiritual corruption of the relations within society and the culture? What if we were to view homelessness in terms of relationships that never were or that were broken ... in terms of isolation, aloneness, and spiritual alienation? Were we to do that homelessness would acquire a different face altogether. The outcome would be that every one ... each of us and all together ... would be implicated in the unifying phenomenon of homelessness.
There is a powerful message in Michael Jackson's "The Man in the Mirror", especially when it comes to understanding the nature and root cause of our social problems.
HKFP: Thousands gathered at Edinburgh Place on Wednesday evening calling on G20 countries to raise concerns about Hong Kong at the leaders’ summit on Friday, hours after staging a mass march to foreign consulates to lobby country representatives directly.
Crowds wearing all-black spilt out of the public square, many holding signs that read “Free Hong Kong” and “Democracy Now.”
Organisers, the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), issued a statement urging a withdrawal of the government’s suspended extradition bill.
“If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out during the G20 summit, and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people,” it read.
The pro-democracy coalition have led millions on marches over recent weeks against the bill, as demands have evolved into calling for universal suffrage ahead of the July 1 pro-democracy rally.
CHRF manifesto :
"Withdraw the Extradition Bill! Free Hong Kong!
A time when democracy and freedom are universal values that are inviolable.
Hong Kong people had urged for democratisation for over 30 years. When Hong Kong was handed over to China since 1997, as written in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, China promised that Hong Kong can enjoy One Country Two Systems and a high degree of autonomy. The Basic Law also promised universal suffrage to be implemented in the year of 2007 to 2008. But China broke these promises, and gradually intervened deeply in Hong Kong’s internal affairs.
Hong Kong people have always insisted on having universal suffrage – to let Hong Kong people rule Hong Kong. Unfortunately, we seem to be further and further away from genuine democracy. In merely 22 years after the hand-over, the One Country Two Systems principle barely survives. During the [legislative] process of the “Extradition Bill”, the Hong Kong Liaison Office blatantly intervened in Hong Kong’s internal affairs and scrapped the promises of [a] high degree of autonomy.
This year, the government decided to put the Extradition Bill through Legislative Council, in order to make all people in Hong Kong, including local citizens and expats, to be potentially extradited to China, or to countries which have less protection on human rights and the rule of law. This will destroy existing protection on human rights and the rule of law in Hong Kong and will crack down the last defence to freedom and safety.
In our current political system, Hong Kong does not have genuine democracy. To stop this evil law from passing, 1.03 million followed by 2 million Hongkongers courageously took to the streets in the past two weeks. Some were even cracked down by the police with excessive, disproportionate force and lethal weapons. But the government only gave a shallow apology, without making any tangible changes.
As world leaders meet at the G20 summit, Hong Kong citizens now sincerely urge all of you, including Xi Jinping, to answer our humble questions: Does Hong Kong deserve democracy? Should Hong Kong people enjoy democracy? Can [a] democratic system be implemented in Hong Kong now?
Dear friends from around the world. I believe you have seen through media and the Internet, that Hongkongers spared no efforts to safeguard our freedom. Please bear in mind: if the Extradition Bill passes, when you come to Hong Kong to travel, study or for business, you may face unfair trials. If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out, during the G20 summit and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people."
www.hongkongfp.com/2019/06/26/democracy-now-hundreds-gath...
民陣昨晚在中環愛丁堡廣場舉行集會，有數以千計市民出席，大會以英語、普通話、日語等，呼籲包括國家主席習近平等各國領袖關注香港情况，集會人群擠滿愛丁堡廣場，更擠出大會堂對出的龍和道，警員需封閉東西行車線。
HKFP: Thousands gathered at Edinburgh Place on Wednesday evening calling on G20 countries to raise concerns about Hong Kong at the leaders’ summit on Friday, hours after staging a mass march to foreign consulates to lobby country representatives directly.
Crowds wearing all-black spilt out of the public square, many holding signs that read “Free Hong Kong” and “Democracy Now.”
Organisers, the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), issued a statement urging a withdrawal of the government’s suspended extradition bill.
“If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out during the G20 summit, and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people,” it read.
The pro-democracy coalition have led millions on marches over recent weeks against the bill, as demands have evolved into calling for universal suffrage ahead of the July 1 pro-democracy rally.
CHRF manifesto :
"Withdraw the Extradition Bill! Free Hong Kong!
A time when democracy and freedom are universal values that are inviolable.
Hong Kong people had urged for democratisation for over 30 years. When Hong Kong was handed over to China since 1997, as written in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, China promised that Hong Kong can enjoy One Country Two Systems and a high degree of autonomy. The Basic Law also promised universal suffrage to be implemented in the year of 2007 to 2008. But China broke these promises, and gradually intervened deeply in Hong Kong’s internal affairs.
Hong Kong people have always insisted on having universal suffrage – to let Hong Kong people rule Hong Kong. Unfortunately, we seem to be further and further away from genuine democracy. In merely 22 years after the hand-over, the One Country Two Systems principle barely survives. During the [legislative] process of the “Extradition Bill”, the Hong Kong Liaison Office blatantly intervened in Hong Kong’s internal affairs and scrapped the promises of [a] high degree of autonomy.
This year, the government decided to put the Extradition Bill through Legislative Council, in order to make all people in Hong Kong, including local citizens and expats, to be potentially extradited to China, or to countries which have less protection on human rights and the rule of law. This will destroy existing protection on human rights and the rule of law in Hong Kong and will crack down the last defence to freedom and safety.
In our current political system, Hong Kong does not have genuine democracy. To stop this evil law from passing, 1.03 million followed by 2 million Hongkongers courageously took to the streets in the past two weeks. Some were even cracked down by the police with excessive, disproportionate force and lethal weapons. But the government only gave a shallow apology, without making any tangible changes.
As world leaders meet at the G20 summit, Hong Kong citizens now sincerely urge all of you, including Xi Jinping, to answer our humble questions: Does Hong Kong deserve democracy? Should Hong Kong people enjoy democracy? Can [a] democratic system be implemented in Hong Kong now?
Dear friends from around the world. I believe you have seen through media and the Internet, that Hongkongers spared no efforts to safeguard our freedom. Please bear in mind: if the Extradition Bill passes, when you come to Hong Kong to travel, study or for business, you may face unfair trials. If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out, during the G20 summit and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people."
www.hongkongfp.com/2019/06/26/democracy-now-hundreds-gath...
民陣昨晚在中環愛丁堡廣場舉行集會，有數以千計市民出席，大會以英語、普通話、日語等，呼籲包括國家主席習近平等各國領袖關注香港情况，集會人群擠滿愛丁堡廣場，更擠出大會堂對出的龍和道，警員需封閉東西行車線。
...just so long as you realize i may have to fly outta here...
thus inviolable becomes... something less... poetic...
HKFP: Thousands gathered at Edinburgh Place on Wednesday evening calling on G20 countries to raise concerns about Hong Kong at the leaders’ summit on Friday, hours after staging a mass march to foreign consulates to lobby country representatives directly.
Crowds wearing all-black spilt out of the public square, many holding signs that read “Free Hong Kong” and “Democracy Now.”
Organisers, the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), issued a statement urging a withdrawal of the government’s suspended extradition bill.
“If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out during the G20 summit, and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people,” it read.
The pro-democracy coalition have led millions on marches over recent weeks against the bill, as demands have evolved into calling for universal suffrage ahead of the July 1 pro-democracy rally.
CHRF manifesto :
"Withdraw the Extradition Bill! Free Hong Kong!
A time when democracy and freedom are universal values that are inviolable.
Hong Kong people had urged for democratisation for over 30 years. When Hong Kong was handed over to China since 1997, as written in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, China promised that Hong Kong can enjoy One Country Two Systems and a high degree of autonomy. The Basic Law also promised universal suffrage to be implemented in the year of 2007 to 2008. But China broke these promises, and gradually intervened deeply in Hong Kong’s internal affairs.
Hong Kong people have always insisted on having universal suffrage – to let Hong Kong people rule Hong Kong. Unfortunately, we seem to be further and further away from genuine democracy. In merely 22 years after the hand-over, the One Country Two Systems principle barely survives. During the [legislative] process of the “Extradition Bill”, the Hong Kong Liaison Office blatantly intervened in Hong Kong’s internal affairs and scrapped the promises of [a] high degree of autonomy.
This year, the government decided to put the Extradition Bill through Legislative Council, in order to make all people in Hong Kong, including local citizens and expats, to be potentially extradited to China, or to countries which have less protection on human rights and the rule of law. This will destroy existing protection on human rights and the rule of law in Hong Kong and will crack down the last defence to freedom and safety.
In our current political system, Hong Kong does not have genuine democracy. To stop this evil law from passing, 1.03 million followed by 2 million Hongkongers courageously took to the streets in the past two weeks. Some were even cracked down by the police with excessive, disproportionate force and lethal weapons. But the government only gave a shallow apology, without making any tangible changes.
As world leaders meet at the G20 summit, Hong Kong citizens now sincerely urge all of you, including Xi Jinping, to answer our humble questions: Does Hong Kong deserve democracy? Should Hong Kong people enjoy democracy? Can [a] democratic system be implemented in Hong Kong now?
Dear friends from around the world. I believe you have seen through media and the Internet, that Hongkongers spared no efforts to safeguard our freedom. Please bear in mind: if the Extradition Bill passes, when you come to Hong Kong to travel, study or for business, you may face unfair trials. If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out, during the G20 summit and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people."
www.hongkongfp.com/2019/06/26/democracy-now-hundreds-gath...
民陣昨晚在中環愛丁堡廣場舉行集會，有數以千計市民出席，大會以英語、普通話、日語等，呼籲包括國家主席習近平等各國領袖關注香港情况，集會人群擠滿愛丁堡廣場，更擠出大會堂對出的龍和道，警員需封閉東西行車線。
HKFP: Thousands gathered at Edinburgh Place on Wednesday evening calling on G20 countries to raise concerns about Hong Kong at the leaders’ summit on Friday, hours after staging a mass march to foreign consulates to lobby country representatives directly.
Crowds wearing all-black spilt out of the public square, many holding signs that read “Free Hong Kong” and “Democracy Now.”
Organisers, the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), issued a statement urging a withdrawal of the government’s suspended extradition bill.
“If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out during the G20 summit, and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people,” it read.
The pro-democracy coalition have led millions on marches over recent weeks against the bill, as demands have evolved into calling for universal suffrage ahead of the July 1 pro-democracy rally.
CHRF manifesto :
"Withdraw the Extradition Bill! Free Hong Kong!
A time when democracy and freedom are universal values that are inviolable.
Hong Kong people had urged for democratisation for over 30 years. When Hong Kong was handed over to China since 1997, as written in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, China promised that Hong Kong can enjoy One Country Two Systems and a high degree of autonomy. The Basic Law also promised universal suffrage to be implemented in the year of 2007 to 2008. But China broke these promises, and gradually intervened deeply in Hong Kong’s internal affairs.
Hong Kong people have always insisted on having universal suffrage – to let Hong Kong people rule Hong Kong. Unfortunately, we seem to be further and further away from genuine democracy. In merely 22 years after the hand-over, the One Country Two Systems principle barely survives. During the [legislative] process of the “Extradition Bill”, the Hong Kong Liaison Office blatantly intervened in Hong Kong’s internal affairs and scrapped the promises of [a] high degree of autonomy.
This year, the government decided to put the Extradition Bill through Legislative Council, in order to make all people in Hong Kong, including local citizens and expats, to be potentially extradited to China, or to countries which have less protection on human rights and the rule of law. This will destroy existing protection on human rights and the rule of law in Hong Kong and will crack down the last defence to freedom and safety.
In our current political system, Hong Kong does not have genuine democracy. To stop this evil law from passing, 1.03 million followed by 2 million Hongkongers courageously took to the streets in the past two weeks. Some were even cracked down by the police with excessive, disproportionate force and lethal weapons. But the government only gave a shallow apology, without making any tangible changes.
As world leaders meet at the G20 summit, Hong Kong citizens now sincerely urge all of you, including Xi Jinping, to answer our humble questions: Does Hong Kong deserve democracy? Should Hong Kong people enjoy democracy? Can [a] democratic system be implemented in Hong Kong now?
Dear friends from around the world. I believe you have seen through media and the Internet, that Hongkongers spared no efforts to safeguard our freedom. Please bear in mind: if the Extradition Bill passes, when you come to Hong Kong to travel, study or for business, you may face unfair trials. If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out, during the G20 summit and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people."
www.hongkongfp.com/2019/06/26/democracy-now-hundreds-gath...
民陣昨晚在中環愛丁堡廣場舉行集會，有數以千計市民出席，大會以英語、普通話、日語等，呼籲包括國家主席習近平等各國領袖關注香港情况，集會人群擠滿愛丁堡廣場，更擠出大會堂對出的龍和道，警員需封閉東西行車線。
HKFP: Thousands gathered at Edinburgh Place on Wednesday evening calling on G20 countries to raise concerns about Hong Kong at the leaders’ summit on Friday, hours after staging a mass march to foreign consulates to lobby country representatives directly.
Crowds wearing all-black spilt out of the public square, many holding signs that read “Free Hong Kong” and “Democracy Now.”
Organisers, the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), issued a statement urging a withdrawal of the government’s suspended extradition bill.
“If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out during the G20 summit, and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people,” it read.
The pro-democracy coalition have led millions on marches over recent weeks against the bill, as demands have evolved into calling for universal suffrage ahead of the July 1 pro-democracy rally.
CHRF manifesto :
"Withdraw the Extradition Bill! Free Hong Kong!
A time when democracy and freedom are universal values that are inviolable.
Hong Kong people had urged for democratisation for over 30 years. When Hong Kong was handed over to China since 1997, as written in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, China promised that Hong Kong can enjoy One Country Two Systems and a high degree of autonomy. The Basic Law also promised universal suffrage to be implemented in the year of 2007 to 2008. But China broke these promises, and gradually intervened deeply in Hong Kong’s internal affairs.
Hong Kong people have always insisted on having universal suffrage – to let Hong Kong people rule Hong Kong. Unfortunately, we seem to be further and further away from genuine democracy. In merely 22 years after the hand-over, the One Country Two Systems principle barely survives. During the [legislative] process of the “Extradition Bill”, the Hong Kong Liaison Office blatantly intervened in Hong Kong’s internal affairs and scrapped the promises of [a] high degree of autonomy.
This year, the government decided to put the Extradition Bill through Legislative Council, in order to make all people in Hong Kong, including local citizens and expats, to be potentially extradited to China, or to countries which have less protection on human rights and the rule of law. This will destroy existing protection on human rights and the rule of law in Hong Kong and will crack down the last defence to freedom and safety.
In our current political system, Hong Kong does not have genuine democracy. To stop this evil law from passing, 1.03 million followed by 2 million Hongkongers courageously took to the streets in the past two weeks. Some were even cracked down by the police with excessive, disproportionate force and lethal weapons. But the government only gave a shallow apology, without making any tangible changes.
As world leaders meet at the G20 summit, Hong Kong citizens now sincerely urge all of you, including Xi Jinping, to answer our humble questions: Does Hong Kong deserve democracy? Should Hong Kong people enjoy democracy? Can [a] democratic system be implemented in Hong Kong now?
Dear friends from around the world. I believe you have seen through media and the Internet, that Hongkongers spared no efforts to safeguard our freedom. Please bear in mind: if the Extradition Bill passes, when you come to Hong Kong to travel, study or for business, you may face unfair trials. If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out, during the G20 summit and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people."
www.hongkongfp.com/2019/06/26/democracy-now-hundreds-gath...
民陣昨晚在中環愛丁堡廣場舉行集會，有數以千計市民出席，大會以英語、普通話、日語等，呼籲包括國家主席習近平等各國領袖關注香港情况，集會人群擠滿愛丁堡廣場，更擠出大會堂對出的龍和道，警員需封閉東西行車線。
HKFP: Thousands gathered at Edinburgh Place on Wednesday evening calling on G20 countries to raise concerns about Hong Kong at the leaders’ summit on Friday, hours after staging a mass march to foreign consulates to lobby country representatives directly.
Crowds wearing all-black spilt out of the public square, many holding signs that read “Free Hong Kong” and “Democracy Now.”
Organisers, the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), issued a statement urging a withdrawal of the government’s suspended extradition bill.
“If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out during the G20 summit, and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people,” it read.
The pro-democracy coalition have led millions on marches over recent weeks against the bill, as demands have evolved into calling for universal suffrage ahead of the July 1 pro-democracy rally.
CHRF manifesto :
"Withdraw the Extradition Bill! Free Hong Kong!
A time when democracy and freedom are universal values that are inviolable.
Hong Kong people had urged for democratisation for over 30 years. When Hong Kong was handed over to China since 1997, as written in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, China promised that Hong Kong can enjoy One Country Two Systems and a high degree of autonomy. The Basic Law also promised universal suffrage to be implemented in the year of 2007 to 2008. But China broke these promises, and gradually intervened deeply in Hong Kong’s internal affairs.
Hong Kong people have always insisted on having universal suffrage – to let Hong Kong people rule Hong Kong. Unfortunately, we seem to be further and further away from genuine democracy. In merely 22 years after the hand-over, the One Country Two Systems principle barely survives. During the [legislative] process of the “Extradition Bill”, the Hong Kong Liaison Office blatantly intervened in Hong Kong’s internal affairs and scrapped the promises of [a] high degree of autonomy.
This year, the government decided to put the Extradition Bill through Legislative Council, in order to make all people in Hong Kong, including local citizens and expats, to be potentially extradited to China, or to countries which have less protection on human rights and the rule of law. This will destroy existing protection on human rights and the rule of law in Hong Kong and will crack down the last defence to freedom and safety.
In our current political system, Hong Kong does not have genuine democracy. To stop this evil law from passing, 1.03 million followed by 2 million Hongkongers courageously took to the streets in the past two weeks. Some were even cracked down by the police with excessive, disproportionate force and lethal weapons. But the government only gave a shallow apology, without making any tangible changes.
As world leaders meet at the G20 summit, Hong Kong citizens now sincerely urge all of you, including Xi Jinping, to answer our humble questions: Does Hong Kong deserve democracy? Should Hong Kong people enjoy democracy? Can [a] democratic system be implemented in Hong Kong now?
Dear friends from around the world. I believe you have seen through media and the Internet, that Hongkongers spared no efforts to safeguard our freedom. Please bear in mind: if the Extradition Bill passes, when you come to Hong Kong to travel, study or for business, you may face unfair trials. If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out, during the G20 summit and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people."
www.hongkongfp.com/2019/06/26/democracy-now-hundreds-gath...
民陣昨晚在中環愛丁堡廣場舉行集會，有數以千計市民出席，大會以英語、普通話、日語等，呼籲包括國家主席習近平等各國領袖關注香港情况，集會人群擠滿愛丁堡廣場，更擠出大會堂對出的龍和道，警員需封閉東西行車線。
HKFP: Thousands gathered at Edinburgh Place on Wednesday evening calling on G20 countries to raise concerns about Hong Kong at the leaders’ summit on Friday, hours after staging a mass march to foreign consulates to lobby country representatives directly.
Crowds wearing all-black spilt out of the public square, many holding signs that read “Free Hong Kong” and “Democracy Now.”
Organisers, the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), issued a statement urging a withdrawal of the government’s suspended extradition bill.
“If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out during the G20 summit, and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people,” it read.
The pro-democracy coalition have led millions on marches over recent weeks against the bill, as demands have evolved into calling for universal suffrage ahead of the July 1 pro-democracy rally.
CHRF manifesto :
"Withdraw the Extradition Bill! Free Hong Kong!
A time when democracy and freedom are universal values that are inviolable.
Hong Kong people had urged for democratisation for over 30 years. When Hong Kong was handed over to China since 1997, as written in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, China promised that Hong Kong can enjoy One Country Two Systems and a high degree of autonomy. The Basic Law also promised universal suffrage to be implemented in the year of 2007 to 2008. But China broke these promises, and gradually intervened deeply in Hong Kong’s internal affairs.
Hong Kong people have always insisted on having universal suffrage – to let Hong Kong people rule Hong Kong. Unfortunately, we seem to be further and further away from genuine democracy. In merely 22 years after the hand-over, the One Country Two Systems principle barely survives. During the [legislative] process of the “Extradition Bill”, the Hong Kong Liaison Office blatantly intervened in Hong Kong’s internal affairs and scrapped the promises of [a] high degree of autonomy.
This year, the government decided to put the Extradition Bill through Legislative Council, in order to make all people in Hong Kong, including local citizens and expats, to be potentially extradited to China, or to countries which have less protection on human rights and the rule of law. This will destroy existing protection on human rights and the rule of law in Hong Kong and will crack down the last defence to freedom and safety.
In our current political system, Hong Kong does not have genuine democracy. To stop this evil law from passing, 1.03 million followed by 2 million Hongkongers courageously took to the streets in the past two weeks. Some were even cracked down by the police with excessive, disproportionate force and lethal weapons. But the government only gave a shallow apology, without making any tangible changes.
As world leaders meet at the G20 summit, Hong Kong citizens now sincerely urge all of you, including Xi Jinping, to answer our humble questions: Does Hong Kong deserve democracy? Should Hong Kong people enjoy democracy? Can [a] democratic system be implemented in Hong Kong now?
Dear friends from around the world. I believe you have seen through media and the Internet, that Hongkongers spared no efforts to safeguard our freedom. Please bear in mind: if the Extradition Bill passes, when you come to Hong Kong to travel, study or for business, you may face unfair trials. If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out, during the G20 summit and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people."
www.hongkongfp.com/2019/06/26/democracy-now-hundreds-gath...
民陣昨晚在中環愛丁堡廣場舉行集會，有數以千計市民出席，大會以英語、普通話、日語等，呼籲包括國家主席習近平等各國領袖關注香港情况，集會人群擠滿愛丁堡廣場，更擠出大會堂對出的龍和道，警員需封閉東西行車線。
HKFP: Thousands gathered at Edinburgh Place on Wednesday evening calling on G20 countries to raise concerns about Hong Kong at the leaders’ summit on Friday, hours after staging a mass march to foreign consulates to lobby country representatives directly.
Crowds wearing all-black spilt out of the public square, many holding signs that read “Free Hong Kong” and “Democracy Now.”
Organisers, the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), issued a statement urging a withdrawal of the government’s suspended extradition bill.
“If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out during the G20 summit, and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people,” it read.
The pro-democracy coalition have led millions on marches over recent weeks against the bill, as demands have evolved into calling for universal suffrage ahead of the July 1 pro-democracy rally.
CHRF manifesto :
"Withdraw the Extradition Bill! Free Hong Kong!
A time when democracy and freedom are universal values that are inviolable.
Hong Kong people had urged for democratisation for over 30 years. When Hong Kong was handed over to China since 1997, as written in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, China promised that Hong Kong can enjoy One Country Two Systems and a high degree of autonomy. The Basic Law also promised universal suffrage to be implemented in the year of 2007 to 2008. But China broke these promises, and gradually intervened deeply in Hong Kong’s internal affairs.
Hong Kong people have always insisted on having universal suffrage – to let Hong Kong people rule Hong Kong. Unfortunately, we seem to be further and further away from genuine democracy. In merely 22 years after the hand-over, the One Country Two Systems principle barely survives. During the [legislative] process of the “Extradition Bill”, the Hong Kong Liaison Office blatantly intervened in Hong Kong’s internal affairs and scrapped the promises of [a] high degree of autonomy.
This year, the government decided to put the Extradition Bill through Legislative Council, in order to make all people in Hong Kong, including local citizens and expats, to be potentially extradited to China, or to countries which have less protection on human rights and the rule of law. This will destroy existing protection on human rights and the rule of law in Hong Kong and will crack down the last defence to freedom and safety.
In our current political system, Hong Kong does not have genuine democracy. To stop this evil law from passing, 1.03 million followed by 2 million Hongkongers courageously took to the streets in the past two weeks. Some were even cracked down by the police with excessive, disproportionate force and lethal weapons. But the government only gave a shallow apology, without making any tangible changes.
As world leaders meet at the G20 summit, Hong Kong citizens now sincerely urge all of you, including Xi Jinping, to answer our humble questions: Does Hong Kong deserve democracy? Should Hong Kong people enjoy democracy? Can [a] democratic system be implemented in Hong Kong now?
Dear friends from around the world. I believe you have seen through media and the Internet, that Hongkongers spared no efforts to safeguard our freedom. Please bear in mind: if the Extradition Bill passes, when you come to Hong Kong to travel, study or for business, you may face unfair trials. If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out, during the G20 summit and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people."
www.hongkongfp.com/2019/06/26/democracy-now-hundreds-gath...
民陣昨晚在中環愛丁堡廣場舉行集會，有數以千計市民出席，大會以英語、普通話、日語等，呼籲包括國家主席習近平等各國領袖關注香港情况，集會人群擠滿愛丁堡廣場，更擠出大會堂對出的龍和道，警員需封閉東西行車線。
HKFP: Thousands gathered at Edinburgh Place on Wednesday evening calling on G20 countries to raise concerns about Hong Kong at the leaders’ summit on Friday, hours after staging a mass march to foreign consulates to lobby country representatives directly.
Crowds wearing all-black spilt out of the public square, many holding signs that read “Free Hong Kong” and “Democracy Now.”
Organisers, the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), issued a statement urging a withdrawal of the government’s suspended extradition bill.
“If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out during the G20 summit, and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people,” it read.
The pro-democracy coalition have led millions on marches over recent weeks against the bill, as demands have evolved into calling for universal suffrage ahead of the July 1 pro-democracy rally.
CHRF manifesto :
"Withdraw the Extradition Bill! Free Hong Kong!
A time when democracy and freedom are universal values that are inviolable.
Hong Kong people had urged for democratisation for over 30 years. When Hong Kong was handed over to China since 1997, as written in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, China promised that Hong Kong can enjoy One Country Two Systems and a high degree of autonomy. The Basic Law also promised universal suffrage to be implemented in the year of 2007 to 2008. But China broke these promises, and gradually intervened deeply in Hong Kong’s internal affairs.
Hong Kong people have always insisted on having universal suffrage – to let Hong Kong people rule Hong Kong. Unfortunately, we seem to be further and further away from genuine democracy. In merely 22 years after the hand-over, the One Country Two Systems principle barely survives. During the [legislative] process of the “Extradition Bill”, the Hong Kong Liaison Office blatantly intervened in Hong Kong’s internal affairs and scrapped the promises of [a] high degree of autonomy.
This year, the government decided to put the Extradition Bill through Legislative Council, in order to make all people in Hong Kong, including local citizens and expats, to be potentially extradited to China, or to countries which have less protection on human rights and the rule of law. This will destroy existing protection on human rights and the rule of law in Hong Kong and will crack down the last defence to freedom and safety.
In our current political system, Hong Kong does not have genuine democracy. To stop this evil law from passing, 1.03 million followed by 2 million Hongkongers courageously took to the streets in the past two weeks. Some were even cracked down by the police with excessive, disproportionate force and lethal weapons. But the government only gave a shallow apology, without making any tangible changes.
As world leaders meet at the G20 summit, Hong Kong citizens now sincerely urge all of you, including Xi Jinping, to answer our humble questions: Does Hong Kong deserve democracy? Should Hong Kong people enjoy democracy? Can [a] democratic system be implemented in Hong Kong now?
Dear friends from around the world. I believe you have seen through media and the Internet, that Hongkongers spared no efforts to safeguard our freedom. Please bear in mind: if the Extradition Bill passes, when you come to Hong Kong to travel, study or for business, you may face unfair trials. If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out, during the G20 summit and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people."
www.hongkongfp.com/2019/06/26/democracy-now-hundreds-gath...
民陣昨晚在中環愛丁堡廣場舉行集會，有數以千計市民出席，大會以英語、普通話、日語等，呼籲包括國家主席習近平等各國領袖關注香港情况，集會人群擠滿愛丁堡廣場，更擠出大會堂對出的龍和道，警員需封閉東西行車線。
HKFP: Thousands gathered at Edinburgh Place on Wednesday evening calling on G20 countries to raise concerns about Hong Kong at the leaders’ summit on Friday, hours after staging a mass march to foreign consulates to lobby country representatives directly.
Crowds wearing all-black spilt out of the public square, many holding signs that read “Free Hong Kong” and “Democracy Now.”
Organisers, the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), issued a statement urging a withdrawal of the government’s suspended extradition bill.
“If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out during the G20 summit, and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people,” it read.
The pro-democracy coalition have led millions on marches over recent weeks against the bill, as demands have evolved into calling for universal suffrage ahead of the July 1 pro-democracy rally.
CHRF manifesto :
"Withdraw the Extradition Bill! Free Hong Kong!
A time when democracy and freedom are universal values that are inviolable.
Hong Kong people had urged for democratisation for over 30 years. When Hong Kong was handed over to China since 1997, as written in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, China promised that Hong Kong can enjoy One Country Two Systems and a high degree of autonomy. The Basic Law also promised universal suffrage to be implemented in the year of 2007 to 2008. But China broke these promises, and gradually intervened deeply in Hong Kong’s internal affairs.
Hong Kong people have always insisted on having universal suffrage – to let Hong Kong people rule Hong Kong. Unfortunately, we seem to be further and further away from genuine democracy. In merely 22 years after the hand-over, the One Country Two Systems principle barely survives. During the [legislative] process of the “Extradition Bill”, the Hong Kong Liaison Office blatantly intervened in Hong Kong’s internal affairs and scrapped the promises of [a] high degree of autonomy.
This year, the government decided to put the Extradition Bill through Legislative Council, in order to make all people in Hong Kong, including local citizens and expats, to be potentially extradited to China, or to countries which have less protection on human rights and the rule of law. This will destroy existing protection on human rights and the rule of law in Hong Kong and will crack down the last defence to freedom and safety.
In our current political system, Hong Kong does not have genuine democracy. To stop this evil law from passing, 1.03 million followed by 2 million Hongkongers courageously took to the streets in the past two weeks. Some were even cracked down by the police with excessive, disproportionate force and lethal weapons. But the government only gave a shallow apology, without making any tangible changes.
As world leaders meet at the G20 summit, Hong Kong citizens now sincerely urge all of you, including Xi Jinping, to answer our humble questions: Does Hong Kong deserve democracy? Should Hong Kong people enjoy democracy? Can [a] democratic system be implemented in Hong Kong now?
Dear friends from around the world. I believe you have seen through media and the Internet, that Hongkongers spared no efforts to safeguard our freedom. Please bear in mind: if the Extradition Bill passes, when you come to Hong Kong to travel, study or for business, you may face unfair trials. If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out, during the G20 summit and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people."
www.hongkongfp.com/2019/06/26/democracy-now-hundreds-gath...
民陣昨晚在中環愛丁堡廣場舉行集會，有數以千計市民出席，大會以英語、普通話、日語等，呼籲包括國家主席習近平等各國領袖關注香港情况，集會人群擠滿愛丁堡廣場，更擠出大會堂對出的龍和道，警員需封閉東西行車線。
HKFP: Thousands gathered at Edinburgh Place on Wednesday evening calling on G20 countries to raise concerns about Hong Kong at the leaders’ summit on Friday, hours after staging a mass march to foreign consulates to lobby country representatives directly.
Crowds wearing all-black spilt out of the public square, many holding signs that read “Free Hong Kong” and “Democracy Now.”
Organisers, the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), issued a statement urging a withdrawal of the government’s suspended extradition bill.
“If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out during the G20 summit, and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people,” it read.
The pro-democracy coalition have led millions on marches over recent weeks against the bill, as demands have evolved into calling for universal suffrage ahead of the July 1 pro-democracy rally.
CHRF manifesto :
"Withdraw the Extradition Bill! Free Hong Kong!
A time when democracy and freedom are universal values that are inviolable.
Hong Kong people had urged for democratisation for over 30 years. When Hong Kong was handed over to China since 1997, as written in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, China promised that Hong Kong can enjoy One Country Two Systems and a high degree of autonomy. The Basic Law also promised universal suffrage to be implemented in the year of 2007 to 2008. But China broke these promises, and gradually intervened deeply in Hong Kong’s internal affairs.
Hong Kong people have always insisted on having universal suffrage – to let Hong Kong people rule Hong Kong. Unfortunately, we seem to be further and further away from genuine democracy. In merely 22 years after the hand-over, the One Country Two Systems principle barely survives. During the [legislative] process of the “Extradition Bill”, the Hong Kong Liaison Office blatantly intervened in Hong Kong’s internal affairs and scrapped the promises of [a] high degree of autonomy.
This year, the government decided to put the Extradition Bill through Legislative Council, in order to make all people in Hong Kong, including local citizens and expats, to be potentially extradited to China, or to countries which have less protection on human rights and the rule of law. This will destroy existing protection on human rights and the rule of law in Hong Kong and will crack down the last defence to freedom and safety.
In our current political system, Hong Kong does not have genuine democracy. To stop this evil law from passing, 1.03 million followed by 2 million Hongkongers courageously took to the streets in the past two weeks. Some were even cracked down by the police with excessive, disproportionate force and lethal weapons. But the government only gave a shallow apology, without making any tangible changes.
As world leaders meet at the G20 summit, Hong Kong citizens now sincerely urge all of you, including Xi Jinping, to answer our humble questions: Does Hong Kong deserve democracy? Should Hong Kong people enjoy democracy? Can [a] democratic system be implemented in Hong Kong now?
Dear friends from around the world. I believe you have seen through media and the Internet, that Hongkongers spared no efforts to safeguard our freedom. Please bear in mind: if the Extradition Bill passes, when you come to Hong Kong to travel, study or for business, you may face unfair trials. If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out, during the G20 summit and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people."
www.hongkongfp.com/2019/06/26/democracy-now-hundreds-gath...
民陣昨晚在中環愛丁堡廣場舉行集會，有數以千計市民出席，大會以英語、普通話、日語等，呼籲包括國家主席習近平等各國領袖關注香港情况，集會人群擠滿愛丁堡廣場，更擠出大會堂對出的龍和道，警員需封閉東西行車線。
HKFP: Thousands gathered at Edinburgh Place on Wednesday evening calling on G20 countries to raise concerns about Hong Kong at the leaders’ summit on Friday, hours after staging a mass march to foreign consulates to lobby country representatives directly.
Crowds wearing all-black spilt out of the public square, many holding signs that read “Free Hong Kong” and “Democracy Now.”
Organisers, the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), issued a statement urging a withdrawal of the government’s suspended extradition bill.
“If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out during the G20 summit, and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people,” it read.
The pro-democracy coalition have led millions on marches over recent weeks against the bill, as demands have evolved into calling for universal suffrage ahead of the July 1 pro-democracy rally.
CHRF manifesto :
"Withdraw the Extradition Bill! Free Hong Kong!
A time when democracy and freedom are universal values that are inviolable.
Hong Kong people had urged for democratisation for over 30 years. When Hong Kong was handed over to China since 1997, as written in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, China promised that Hong Kong can enjoy One Country Two Systems and a high degree of autonomy. The Basic Law also promised universal suffrage to be implemented in the year of 2007 to 2008. But China broke these promises, and gradually intervened deeply in Hong Kong’s internal affairs.
Hong Kong people have always insisted on having universal suffrage – to let Hong Kong people rule Hong Kong. Unfortunately, we seem to be further and further away from genuine democracy. In merely 22 years after the hand-over, the One Country Two Systems principle barely survives. During the [legislative] process of the “Extradition Bill”, the Hong Kong Liaison Office blatantly intervened in Hong Kong’s internal affairs and scrapped the promises of [a] high degree of autonomy.
This year, the government decided to put the Extradition Bill through Legislative Council, in order to make all people in Hong Kong, including local citizens and expats, to be potentially extradited to China, or to countries which have less protection on human rights and the rule of law. This will destroy existing protection on human rights and the rule of law in Hong Kong and will crack down the last defence to freedom and safety.
In our current political system, Hong Kong does not have genuine democracy. To stop this evil law from passing, 1.03 million followed by 2 million Hongkongers courageously took to the streets in the past two weeks. Some were even cracked down by the police with excessive, disproportionate force and lethal weapons. But the government only gave a shallow apology, without making any tangible changes.
As world leaders meet at the G20 summit, Hong Kong citizens now sincerely urge all of you, including Xi Jinping, to answer our humble questions: Does Hong Kong deserve democracy? Should Hong Kong people enjoy democracy? Can [a] democratic system be implemented in Hong Kong now?
Dear friends from around the world. I believe you have seen through media and the Internet, that Hongkongers spared no efforts to safeguard our freedom. Please bear in mind: if the Extradition Bill passes, when you come to Hong Kong to travel, study or for business, you may face unfair trials. If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out, during the G20 summit and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people."
www.hongkongfp.com/2019/06/26/democracy-now-hundreds-gath...
民陣昨晚在中環愛丁堡廣場舉行集會，有數以千計市民出席，大會以英語、普通話、日語等，呼籲包括國家主席習近平等各國領袖關注香港情况，集會人群擠滿愛丁堡廣場，更擠出大會堂對出的龍和道，警員需封閉東西行車線。
Just a quick post before I get out of town for a Kentucky weekend ...
Here's a picture from last June taken from an overlook in Utah's Dixie National Forest. I post it as a sort of addendum to my recent political rants. A lot of people are going to have their choice of any number of issues to rant about over the next four years. Here's mine.
One of the effects I suggested we'd see of the coming Trump administration was a mass sell-off of public lands. This elicited more skepticism from people on both sides of the political aisle than any other of my predicted "Things to Watch Out For." Environmentalist types seem to think that certain protections for patches of land are set in stone and unchangeable. Several people on the right suggested that any such effort to get rid of federal land would lead to popular revolt, either from right-leaning outdoorsy types who use federal lands for hunting and such, or from the Congress that represents them. I tend to think the efforts will come mostly from that Congress, which is full of people who've been itching to have a new Land Rush that brings back Jeffersonian agrarianism, or something.
It seems that one day in, the Congress has already taken the first steps to prove me right. Here's a link. (People like to discount sources that disagree with their preconceived beliefs these days, so it you don't like Field & Stream, there are plenty of other places to find this. It probably won't be on Breitbart.)
Now, some might say, "Well, that's okay. They just want to give the land to the states. That's how it should be." To which I reply that it's been proven time and again that states have far less interest in preserving a piece of land than Washington. States look at land such as this piece of southeastern Utah and see dollar signs. "There's oil underneath those hills," they say. "Or gas. Or uranium. Or anything more valuable than some stupid hill. The grass, we can sell to ranchers. We can cover the hills with cattle at the same time we dig it all out beneath them. And don't worry if it makes a mess, because then we can call the feds to clean it up."
Utah's one of the states I see this most likely to play out, as they've been chafing over what they see as federal land grabs for decades. I'm also personally worried about a patch of land recently made a national monument in Maine. I wouldn't be surprised to see it all start in one of those two places.
The thing to be aware of is that no protection is inviolable. There's some question as to whether a president can rescind a national monument proclamation made by a previous president. An opinion written by the attorney general in 1938 suggests presidents don't have that authority, but an attorney general's opinion doesn't carry the weight of law. And Congress can rescind anything they want. They could remove a national park designation if they wanted to ... and if they get two terms of Trump without losing the Senate, then I expect that will be a second term push. (There are parks in Alaska and North Dakota, for instance, more than half of Congress would love to see erased.) In the meantime, I expect the focus to be mostly on national forests like this one in Utah and land in Western states currently managed by the BLM, along with a few high profile but undeveloped Park Service sites like Katahdin Woods.
HKFP: Thousands gathered at Edinburgh Place on Wednesday evening calling on G20 countries to raise concerns about Hong Kong at the leaders’ summit on Friday, hours after staging a mass march to foreign consulates to lobby country representatives directly.
Crowds wearing all-black spilt out of the public square, many holding signs that read “Free Hong Kong” and “Democracy Now.”
Organisers, the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), issued a statement urging a withdrawal of the government’s suspended extradition bill.
“If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out during the G20 summit, and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people,” it read.
The pro-democracy coalition have led millions on marches over recent weeks against the bill, as demands have evolved into calling for universal suffrage ahead of the July 1 pro-democracy rally.
CHRF manifesto :
"Withdraw the Extradition Bill! Free Hong Kong!
A time when democracy and freedom are universal values that are inviolable.
Hong Kong people had urged for democratisation for over 30 years. When Hong Kong was handed over to China since 1997, as written in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, China promised that Hong Kong can enjoy One Country Two Systems and a high degree of autonomy. The Basic Law also promised universal suffrage to be implemented in the year of 2007 to 2008. But China broke these promises, and gradually intervened deeply in Hong Kong’s internal affairs.
Hong Kong people have always insisted on having universal suffrage – to let Hong Kong people rule Hong Kong. Unfortunately, we seem to be further and further away from genuine democracy. In merely 22 years after the hand-over, the One Country Two Systems principle barely survives. During the [legislative] process of the “Extradition Bill”, the Hong Kong Liaison Office blatantly intervened in Hong Kong’s internal affairs and scrapped the promises of [a] high degree of autonomy.
This year, the government decided to put the Extradition Bill through Legislative Council, in order to make all people in Hong Kong, including local citizens and expats, to be potentially extradited to China, or to countries which have less protection on human rights and the rule of law. This will destroy existing protection on human rights and the rule of law in Hong Kong and will crack down the last defence to freedom and safety.
In our current political system, Hong Kong does not have genuine democracy. To stop this evil law from passing, 1.03 million followed by 2 million Hongkongers courageously took to the streets in the past two weeks. Some were even cracked down by the police with excessive, disproportionate force and lethal weapons. But the government only gave a shallow apology, without making any tangible changes.
As world leaders meet at the G20 summit, Hong Kong citizens now sincerely urge all of you, including Xi Jinping, to answer our humble questions: Does Hong Kong deserve democracy? Should Hong Kong people enjoy democracy? Can [a] democratic system be implemented in Hong Kong now?
Dear friends from around the world. I believe you have seen through media and the Internet, that Hongkongers spared no efforts to safeguard our freedom. Please bear in mind: if the Extradition Bill passes, when you come to Hong Kong to travel, study or for business, you may face unfair trials. If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out, during the G20 summit and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people."
www.hongkongfp.com/2019/06/26/democracy-now-hundreds-gath...
民陣昨晚在中環愛丁堡廣場舉行集會，有數以千計市民出席，大會以英語、普通話、日語等，呼籲包括國家主席習近平等各國領袖關注香港情况，集會人群擠滿愛丁堡廣場，更擠出大會堂對出的龍和道，警員需封閉東西行車線。
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Tapu[1][2][3] or tabu[4] is a Polynesian traditional concept denoting something holy or sacred, with "spiritual restriction" or "implied prohibition"; it involves rules and prohibitions. The English word taboo derives from this later meaning and dates from Captain James Cook's visit to Tonga in 1777.
The concept exists in many societies, including traditional Fijian, Māori, Samoan, Kiribati, Rapanui, Tahitian, Hawaiian, and Tongan cultures, in most cases using a recognisably similar word, though the Rotuman term for this concept is "ha'a". In Hawaii, a similar concept is known as "kapu".[5]
In Māori tradition[edit]
In Māori and Tongan tradition, something that is tapu is considered inviolable or sacrosanct. Things or places which are tapu must be left alone, and may not be approached or interfered with. In some cases, they should not even be spoken of.
In Māori society the concept was often used by tohunga (priests) to protect resources from over-exploitation, by declaring a fishery or other resource as tapu (see rāhui).
There are two kinds of tapu, the private (relating to individuals) and the public tapu (relating to communities). A person, object, or place that is tapu, may not be touched by human contact, in some cases, not even approached. A person, object, or place could be made sacred by tapu for a certain time.
In pre-contact society, tapu was one of the strongest forces in Māori life. A violation of tapu could have dire consequences, including the death of the offender through sickness or at the hands of someone affected by the offence. In earlier times food cooked for a person of high rank was tapu, and could not be eaten by an inferior. A chief's house was tapu, and even the chief could not eat food in the interior of his house. Not only were the houses of people of high rank perceived to be tapu, but also their possessions including their clothing. Burial grounds and places of death were always tapu, and these areas were often surrounded by a protective fence.
In at least one case, a chief declared a whole settlement - Auckland, a newly founded European settler town - as tapu, to clarify to other tribes that he considered it as under his protection.[6]
Today, tapu is still observed in matters relating to sickness, death, and burial:
Tangihanga or funeral rites may take two or three days. The deceased lies in state, usually in an open coffin flanked by female relatives dressed in black, their heads sometimes wreathed in kawakawa leaves, who take few and short breaks. During the day, visitors come, sometimes from great distances despite only a distant relationship, to address the deceased. They may speak frankly of his or her faults as well as virtues, but singing and joking are also appropriate. Free expression of grief by both men and women is encouraged. Traditional beliefs may be invoked, and the deceased told to return to the ancestral homeland, Hawaiki, by way of te rerenga wairua, the spirits' journey. The close kin or kiri mate ("dead skin") may not speak. On the last night, the pō whakamutunga (night of ending), the mourners hold a vigil and at sunrise the coffin is closed, before a church or marae funeral service and/or graveside interment ceremony, invariably Christian. It is traditional for mourners to wash their hands in water and sprinkle some on their heads before leaving a cemetery. After the burial rites are completed, a feast is traditionally served. Mourners are expected to provide koha or gifts towards the meal. After the burial, the home of the deceased and the place they died are ritually cleansed with karakia (prayers or incantations) and desanctified with food and drink, in a ceremony called takahi whare, trampling the house. That night, the pō whakangahau (night of entertainment) is a night of relaxation and rest. The widow or widower is not left alone for several nights following.
During the following year, the kinfolk of a prominent deceased person will visit other marae, "bringing the death" (kawe mate) to them. They carry pictures of the person on to the marae.
Unveilings of headstones (hura kōwhatu) are usually held about a year after a death, often on a public holiday to accommodate visitors who could not get to the tangihanga. The dead are remembered and more grief expressed.
A Rangatira (chief) or Toa (warrior), while having his Tā moko (facial tattoo) done, is considered Tapu while the tattooist is carving it, and not allowed to feed himself or touch or even look at his own reflection.
Manuhiri/manuwhiri guests or visitors at a Marae are considered tapu until food has touched or passed through their mouths.[7]
Tapu is also still observed at the site of whale strandings. Whales are regarded as spiritual treasures as being descendants of the ocean god, Tangaroa, and are as such held in very high respect. Sites of whale strandings and any whale carcasses from strandings are treated as sacred ground.[8]
Noa[edit]
Noa, on the other hand, lifts the tapu from the person or the object. Noa is similar to a blessing. Tapu and noa remain part of Māori culture today, although persons today are not subject to the same tapu as that of previous times. A new house today, for example, may have a noa ceremony to remove the tapu, in order to make the home safe before the family moves in.
References[edit]
^ "Tapu" was translated for James Cook as "consecrated, inviolable, forbidden, unclean or cursed" (Cook & King 1821); also said in some English sources as being from Tongan (Polynesian language of the island of Tonga) ta-bu "sacred," from ta "mark" + bu "especially." But this may be folk etymology. (See Online Etymology Dictionary: Taboo)
^ "Online dictionary". Lexico Publishing Group, LLC. Retrieved 2007-06-05.
^ Biggs, Bruce. "Entries for TAPU [OC] Prohibited, under ritual restriction, taboo". Polynesian Lexicon Project Online. University of Auckland. Retrieved 9 September 2012.
^ Dixon, Robert M. W. A Grammar of Boumaa Fijian. p. 368.
^ "Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park". nps.gov. Here in this wahi kapu, sacred place
^ O'Malley, Vincent. "'The great war for NZ broke out less than 50 km from Queen St': Vincent O'Malley on the Waikato War and the making of Auckland (". Spinoff.
^ "Marae protocol", AUT University
^ Te Karaka, "The science of strandings', Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, 21 December 2014. Retrieved 12 February 2017.
Cook, James; King, James (1821). A voyage to the Pacific Ocean: undertaken by command of His Majesty, for making discoveries in the Northern Hemisphere : performed under the direction of Captains Cook, Clerke, and Gore : in the years 1776, 1777, 1778, 1779, and 1780 : being a copious, comprehensive, and satisfactory abridgement of the voyage. Printed for Champante and Whitrow ... and M. Watson; 1793.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tapu_(Polynesian_culture)#In_Māori_tradition
Then Came the Morning
This Historical Replica Set displays replica coins and artifact used during the time of Jesus of Nazareth.
Pontius Pilate (26 C.E to 36 C.E.) Prefect under Tiberius and Procurator of Judea
Jesus was delivered to Pilate, the governor of Judea (Matthew 27:2). The prutah of Pilate on the obverse shows a simpulum or ladle inscribed of Tiberius Caesar. The coin reverse shows three ears of barley, the outer two drooping with the inscription money of Julia Caesar, wife of Tiberius. (Hendin, 648)
Herod Antipas (4 B.C.E. to 40 C.E.) Tetrarch under Tiberius
Full Denomination. Herod the Great willed his son, Antipas, the territories of Galilee and Perea, the Jewish portion of the Trans-Jordan. Antipas received the title of Tetrarch and was confirmed by Emperor Augustus. Antipas, usually called Herod in the New Testament ordered the execution of John the Baptist. Pontius Pilate sent Jesus to Herod when the Roman prefect learned Jesus was a Galilean (Luke 23:7-15). This coin was struck in Herod's capital of Tiberias, named to win the Roman emperor's favor. Obverse shows a reed upright with date with inscription of Herod the Tetrarch. Reverse shows inscription Tiberius surrounded by wreath. (Hendin, 520).
Shekel of Tyre (126 B.C.E to 70 C.E.) (30 Pieces of Silver)
When Jews came to the Jerusalem Temple to pay their annual Temple tax, high priests required the exchange of coins of other nations into the pure silver coins of Tyre, thus the use of money changers outside of the Temple. After the reign of Augustus, Herod minted high quality Tyrian shekels for the Temple needs in Jerusalem. Matthew 26:14-15 says Judas received “30 pieces of silver” for delivering Jesus to the chief priests. The obverse of the Tyre Shekel shows the laureate head of Melquarth, a Tyrian adaptation of Hercules. The reverse side shows the Tyrian eagle standing left with its right foot on the prow of a ship and a palm branch over the left shoulder, with the inscription of Tyre the holy and inviolable. (Hendin, 917).
Roman Nail
This nail is a replica of the roman nails used during the time of Jesus. Despite the fact that the ancient Jewish historian Josephus, as well as other sources, refer to the crucifixion of thousands of people by the Romans, there is only a single archaeological discovery of a crucified body dating back to the Roman Empire around the time of Jesus. The only reason these archaeological remains were preserved is because family members gave this particular individual a customary burial. The remains were found accidentally in 1968 in an ossuary with the crucified man’s name on it, 'Yehohanan, the son of Hagakol'. Prof. Nicu Haas, an anthropologist at the Hebrew University Medical School in Jerusalem, examined the ossuary and discovered that it contained a heel bone with a nail driven through its side, indicating that the man had been crucified. The point of the nail had olive wood fragments on it indicating that he was crucified on a cross made of olive wood or on an olive tree. Additionally, a piece of acacia wood was located between the bones and the head of the nail, presumably to keep the condemned from freeing his foot by sliding it over the nail. It is thought that, since in Roman times iron was expensive, the nails were removed from the dead body to cut the costs, which would help to explain why only one has been found, as the tip of the nail in question was bent in such a way that it couldn't be removed, possibly from hitting a knot in the wood.
All coins in this Set are marked COPY on the reverse in accordance with the Hobby Protection Act.
© 2011 Dunston Mint/dlpStudios
Today is the Birthday of the Father of the Nation.
Seven Social Sins, sometimes called the Seven Blunders of the World, is a list that Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi published in his weekly newspaper Young India on October 22, 1925. Later he gave this same list to his grandson, Arun Gandhi, written on a piece of paper on their final day together shortly before his assassination. (From Wikipedia) As per Mahatma Gandhi there were seven deadly sins that would destroy us.
Wealth Without Work
Pleasure Without Conscience
Knowledge Without Character
Commerce (Business) Without Morality (Ethics)
Science Without Humanity
Religion Without Sacrifice
Politics Without Principle
Gandhi said, "I claim to be no more than an average man with less than average ability. I am not a visionary. I claim to be a practical idealist. Nor can I claim any special merit for what I have been able to achieve with laborious research. I have not the shadow of a doubt that any man or woman can achieve what I have, if he or she would make the same effort and cultivate the same hope and faith.
Excerpts from Bhagawan Sathya Sai Baba's discourses:
Mahatma Gandhi realised the eternal values enshrined in Bharatiya Culture. He attempted to promote these values through the primary schools he sponsored. When he was in prison, a British officer who visited him often asked him, "I find you sad and worried today. Tell me why?" and Gandhi replied, "I find that the educated person has a hardened heart, more hardened than the heart of an uneducated person. This is something that should not happen. The system is fraught with danger." This made Gandhi try his experiments in imparting Indian ideals to the tender minds in primary schools. The same officer approached Bal Gangadhar Tilak later and told him how Gandhi had accused Western education of hardening the heart. He asked Tilak, "But, I find you have not been spoiled at all by the Western system of education." Tilak replied, "I asserted that I am what I am, inspite of the system of education through which I had to pass." SSS Vol.14
The advent of Sathyagraha by Gandhi
Gandhi stayed on among the oppressed Indians and native blacks and devised the strategy of Sathyagraha (passive resistance or civil disobedience) to end the exploitation. When the movement showed signs of quick success, General Smuts invited Gandhi for discussion. Gandhi explained to him that he had to resort to non-violent Sathyagraha since the inhuman policy of insulting and injuring humans having black skins had to be resisted and exterminated. General Smuts retorted by pointing out to Gandhi how millions of Indians--human beings like the rest--were kept out of villages and condemned as untouchables.
The General's word acted as a bullet shot right at the heart of Gandhi. Gandhi felt that he had no right to correct another while he was himself infected with the same evil. He decided to return to India and practise the strategy of Sathyagraha for the removal of untouchability and other social evils and to free his Motherland from exploitation by foreigners. Sathyagraha was the path of Truth and Love, of the means being as pure as the ends. Verily, he who accepts criticism gladly and thanks the critic for his remarks is the one really human. Since Gandhi was willing to learn and had the humility to acknowledge criticism, he could mould the people of his land and be hailed as the Father of the Nation.
He looked upon the country as one. He planted the seed of unity of all faiths and all communities, which under his guidance grew quickly into a big tree. He built a great movement on the basis of Atmabhalam (soul-force) that strengthened unity and self-confidence. Selfishness that had possessed the nation as an evil genius and mined its progress in material, moral, political and spiritual fields, was suppressed while the movement was on. The people suffered much but sufferings is the prelude to success. There is no rose without thorns. Without giving, no one can gain. How can anything great be achieved without overcoming internal and external obstacles? SSS Vol. 18
Three stages of Wisdom related to three bodies
There are three stages of wisdom correlated to those three bodies: Jnaana, Sujnaana and Vijnaana. Knowledge that is gained by the analysis of the objective world and the similarities of the behaviour of its components is Jnaana. When this knowledge is further studied and practised to subserve the best interests of the individual society, it becomes Sujnaana, or beneficial wisdom. The intentions and urges that arise from the purified consciousness saturated with the Divine qualities emanating from the sage is Vijnaana, the Highest Wisdom. It is to be noted that the word Vijnaana is often misused to indicate mere Jnaana, or co-ordinated information, analysed information about sense perceptions arising out of contact with the material objective world. Bharatiya Culture uses the word for the Supreme Wisdom, which denotes the seer, the saint.
Intelligence, intellect, intuition---these three govern the thoughts and actions of man. One leads to another. This is the significance of the prayer with which Gandhi awakened the urge of liberation in this vast country, liberation not only from alien rule but also from alien tendencies and trends of thought. He caused the reverberation all over the land from a million throats of the prayer, Sabko sanmathi dhe Bhagavaan---"O Lord! Grant every one the equipment of beneficent intelligence." Once that is assured, progress is certain. SSS Vol.11
Be equipped with humility to win God's Grace
Good ideas have to be accepted and bad ones eschewed. Each idea has to be judged in the Supreme Court of Viveka (Wisdom). And, the 'ruling has to be treated as inviolable. Again, the individual born in the lake of Society must swim and float in the calm waters, and joining the river of Progress, merge in the Ocean of Grace. Man has to move from the stance of "I" to the position of "WE;" this day, we see only the wild dance of ego-stricken individuals, who hate society and behave most unsocially. SSS Vol.12
On one occasion, a follower told Gandhi, "Independent India is your crown." Gandhi commented: "Independence is my crown; but, separation is my Cross." We have to grasp the sadness of that confession. Divisiveness has become the bane of the nation in all fields. The evil of separatism is infecting the entire country and passions are rising sky high. True humanness yearns for unity. Man seeks the one in the many, unity in diversity. He should not break the unity into diversity. All limbs and organs have to work in unison in order to ensure health. The nation too is a body and the same rule applies to its various limbs and parts. The welfare of the nation depends on the welfare of the societies comprising it and the nation's welfare is proportionate to the welfare of its component States. So, we must promote human values at every stage. What is happening today is just birth, growth and death.
When students are good, the country will be good. As is the student, so are the people. Just consider' all persons whom we revere to-day as elders and leaders have been, at one time, students like you. And, you too will replace them later. Make yourself ready therefore by utilising best the chances you have. Your education must make you self-reliant and self-confident. SSS Vol.15
HKFP: Thousands gathered at Edinburgh Place on Wednesday evening calling on G20 countries to raise concerns about Hong Kong at the leaders’ summit on Friday, hours after staging a mass march to foreign consulates to lobby country representatives directly.
Crowds wearing all-black spilt out of the public square, many holding signs that read “Free Hong Kong” and “Democracy Now.”
Organisers, the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), issued a statement urging a withdrawal of the government’s suspended extradition bill.
“If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out during the G20 summit, and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people,” it read.
The pro-democracy coalition have led millions on marches over recent weeks against the bill, as demands have evolved into calling for universal suffrage ahead of the July 1 pro-democracy rally.
CHRF manifesto :
"Withdraw the Extradition Bill! Free Hong Kong!
A time when democracy and freedom are universal values that are inviolable.
Hong Kong people had urged for democratisation for over 30 years. When Hong Kong was handed over to China since 1997, as written in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, China promised that Hong Kong can enjoy One Country Two Systems and a high degree of autonomy. The Basic Law also promised universal suffrage to be implemented in the year of 2007 to 2008. But China broke these promises, and gradually intervened deeply in Hong Kong’s internal affairs.
Hong Kong people have always insisted on having universal suffrage – to let Hong Kong people rule Hong Kong. Unfortunately, we seem to be further and further away from genuine democracy. In merely 22 years after the hand-over, the One Country Two Systems principle barely survives. During the [legislative] process of the “Extradition Bill”, the Hong Kong Liaison Office blatantly intervened in Hong Kong’s internal affairs and scrapped the promises of [a] high degree of autonomy.
This year, the government decided to put the Extradition Bill through Legislative Council, in order to make all people in Hong Kong, including local citizens and expats, to be potentially extradited to China, or to countries which have less protection on human rights and the rule of law. This will destroy existing protection on human rights and the rule of law in Hong Kong and will crack down the last defence to freedom and safety.
In our current political system, Hong Kong does not have genuine democracy. To stop this evil law from passing, 1.03 million followed by 2 million Hongkongers courageously took to the streets in the past two weeks. Some were even cracked down by the police with excessive, disproportionate force and lethal weapons. But the government only gave a shallow apology, without making any tangible changes.
As world leaders meet at the G20 summit, Hong Kong citizens now sincerely urge all of you, including Xi Jinping, to answer our humble questions: Does Hong Kong deserve democracy? Should Hong Kong people enjoy democracy? Can [a] democratic system be implemented in Hong Kong now?
Dear friends from around the world. I believe you have seen through media and the Internet, that Hongkongers spared no efforts to safeguard our freedom. Please bear in mind: if the Extradition Bill passes, when you come to Hong Kong to travel, study or for business, you may face unfair trials. If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out, during the G20 summit and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people."
www.hongkongfp.com/2019/06/26/democracy-now-hundreds-gath...
民陣昨晚在中環愛丁堡廣場舉行集會，有數以千計市民出席，大會以英語、普通話、日語等，呼籲包括國家主席習近平等各國領袖關注香港情况，集會人群擠滿愛丁堡廣場，更擠出大會堂對出的龍和道，警員需封閉東西行車線。
HKFP: Thousands gathered at Edinburgh Place on Wednesday evening calling on G20 countries to raise concerns about Hong Kong at the leaders’ summit on Friday, hours after staging a mass march to foreign consulates to lobby country representatives directly.
Crowds wearing all-black spilt out of the public square, many holding signs that read “Free Hong Kong” and “Democracy Now.”
Organisers, the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), issued a statement urging a withdrawal of the government’s suspended extradition bill.
“If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out during the G20 summit, and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people,” it read.
The pro-democracy coalition have led millions on marches over recent weeks against the bill, as demands have evolved into calling for universal suffrage ahead of the July 1 pro-democracy rally.
CHRF manifesto :
"Withdraw the Extradition Bill! Free Hong Kong!
A time when democracy and freedom are universal values that are inviolable.
Hong Kong people had urged for democratisation for over 30 years. When Hong Kong was handed over to China since 1997, as written in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, China promised that Hong Kong can enjoy One Country Two Systems and a high degree of autonomy. The Basic Law also promised universal suffrage to be implemented in the year of 2007 to 2008. But China broke these promises, and gradually intervened deeply in Hong Kong’s internal affairs.
Hong Kong people have always insisted on having universal suffrage – to let Hong Kong people rule Hong Kong. Unfortunately, we seem to be further and further away from genuine democracy. In merely 22 years after the hand-over, the One Country Two Systems principle barely survives. During the [legislative] process of the “Extradition Bill”, the Hong Kong Liaison Office blatantly intervened in Hong Kong’s internal affairs and scrapped the promises of [a] high degree of autonomy.
This year, the government decided to put the Extradition Bill through Legislative Council, in order to make all people in Hong Kong, including local citizens and expats, to be potentially extradited to China, or to countries which have less protection on human rights and the rule of law. This will destroy existing protection on human rights and the rule of law in Hong Kong and will crack down the last defence to freedom and safety.
In our current political system, Hong Kong does not have genuine democracy. To stop this evil law from passing, 1.03 million followed by 2 million Hongkongers courageously took to the streets in the past two weeks. Some were even cracked down by the police with excessive, disproportionate force and lethal weapons. But the government only gave a shallow apology, without making any tangible changes.
As world leaders meet at the G20 summit, Hong Kong citizens now sincerely urge all of you, including Xi Jinping, to answer our humble questions: Does Hong Kong deserve democracy? Should Hong Kong people enjoy democracy? Can [a] democratic system be implemented in Hong Kong now?
Dear friends from around the world. I believe you have seen through media and the Internet, that Hongkongers spared no efforts to safeguard our freedom. Please bear in mind: if the Extradition Bill passes, when you come to Hong Kong to travel, study or for business, you may face unfair trials. If you believe in values like democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law like we do, please, we urge all of you to voice out, during the G20 summit and defend our rights together with Hong Kong people."
www.hongkongfp.com/2019/06/26/democracy-now-hundreds-gath...
民陣昨晚在中環愛丁堡廣場舉行集會，有數以千計市民出席，大會以英語、普通話、日語等，呼籲包括國家主席習近平等各國領袖關注香港情况，集會人群擠滿愛丁堡廣場，更擠出大會堂對出的龍和道，警員需封閉東西行車線。
“Beloved ‘I AM' Presence—
I thank thee for my birth
Into that lovely nation
Which has been ‘home' for me on earth.
“Now be that land America—
Or elsewhere on earth's sod;
I call through her Love's violet fire
To raise her now to God.
“Give Cosmic Light's protection
To all that's good and true;
Hold Freedom there inviolate—
Let God's Will govern too!
“Hold for her and her people
Eternal Peace to reign;
Until for every nation
Light governs there again!”
Ascended Master Saint Germain
Through Mark L. Prophet
The following is an excerpt from an ascended master dictation through the Messenger Mark L. Prophet published in the Pearls of Wisdom®.
To Our Gracious Readers, Dedicated to Love's Service the World Around—Our Beloved Saint Germain Speaks:
As the anniversary of Memorial Day approaches again this year, in addition to the more sober moments of contemplation it brings to mind, I am hoping that it shall also bring to all who so enjoy the blessings of this great land, most joyous feelings of sincere and loving gratitude for all the endeavors (and tremendous energies expended therein) of the unascended of this world, as well as those of the ascended host—to produce and maintain as much freedom as you do enjoy here.
Take heart—beloved ones! The so-called “dead” you honor today have not died in vain for, in the permanent golden age into which the earth and all her evolutions are now entering, there shall be no more war—no! nor even memory of it—for there is coming here the reign of eternal peace.
Truly, America was designed from our octave and given so much assistance from there to be “the land of the free….”!
Now, every nation and its people are dear to our hearts—for all are some expression of God's Life and His Life is the only Life there is. Each nation has a divine plan of its own to fulfill and, according to their divine destinies, the various nations of the world represent the various parts of the earth's body. Therefore, in the new age, the land of India shall represent the “head” of such an “earth body” and the land of America the “heart”. Take notice, please, that the name “India” begins with the letter “I” and “America” with “Am”. Is this not significant?
The land of America—in the main so little understood by most of the dear lifestreams she shelters—is of far more importance to all life on this planet than most imagine. America is a land somewhat different from others—for she has gathered to her bosom many from every land who love freedom. Since that particular virtue is the one I personally embody (and is my “reason for being”), these individuals are particularly dear to my heart. Is not America considered to be “the melting pot” of the world?
You will remember the words “Conceived in Liberty….” which appear in the “Gettysburg Address” spoken so eloquently by the beloved Abraham Lincoln nearly a century ago. Privileged was I to have inspired the words of that address.
Therefore, designed from our octave also was the idea of placing the great Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor—that open door to your great land. The radiating light and flame of divine love from the gracious Goddess of Liberty through that statue (whose “likeness” it is) is a much more powerful protection to your Eastern seaboard and entire nation than any unascended being has any idea.
illumination and protective power, that statue is shown holding in its left arm a book and in its right hand a torch. Why this particular symbology? Also—why are those God-inspired words of blessed Emma Lazarus inscribed upon the statue's base:
“Give me your tired—your poor—Your huddled masses—yearning to breathe free….I lift My lamp beside the Golden Door!”
Surely no one thinks these words to express mere sentimentality; they convey very real meaning to all who will think upon them.
What is real liberty? It is opportunity to use life constructively and so fulfill one's divine plan (or “reason for being”).
The word “liberty” comes from “libra” which means “book” and the book held in the left arm of the Statue of Liberty represents “The book which contains the Law of Life”.
The torch, of course, represents illumination, by means of which all who live in America and all who enter therein from elsewhere may be enabled not only to read—but completely to understand and apply the Law of Life—I AM—which understanding and loving co-operation therewith brings true freedom!
Many are the love shrines and foci of the accumulated energies of lifestreams who, in the past, have loved liberty and freedom more than life itself in many lands—sacrificing their all for them.
To our beloved chelas in every land we say—”Be ever grateful—even as we of the ascended host are—for every one and every activity in your land which has brought and is now bringing greater light and liberty to your people”.
We mention America in this Pearl today because of her divine destiny—that for which she was created—to be the heart of the world in the permanent golden age which is quite rapidly opening before all.
Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty! Therefore, a strong and grateful love for one's country (not only his native land but also for his “adopted” nation) and a fervently determined desire to have them well-governed and invincibly protected at all times should not be considered as belonging only to a specified few who are able to dedicate their entire time and energies thereto.
Our loyal chelas will do all they can to this end—making at least one daily call to us and like calls should also go forth from every beating heart who lives, moves and has his (or her) being within the spacious borders of this dear land.
Will you give us of your life for this purpose that we may have the authority necessary to be given from your octave—to enable us to act for you?
Your manifest Freedom—I AM—Saint Germain (The Ascended Master)
Fallen from heaven, lies across
The lap of his mother, broken by world.
But water will go on
Issuing from heaven
In dumbness uttering spirit brightness
Through its broken mouth.
Scattered in a million pieces and buried
Its dry tombs will split, at a sign in the sky,
At a rending of veils.
It will rise, in a time after times,
After swallowing death and the pit
It will return stainless
For the delivery of this world.
So the river is a god
Knee-deep among reeds, watching men,
Or hung by the heels down the door of a dam
It is a god, and inviolable.
Immortal. And will wash itself of all deaths.
by Ted Hughes
(Copyright Ted Hughes and Faber and Faber)
This poem wasn't actually written about the Nar - but I thought it was a good fit (apart from the pit reference). The picture reminded me of the Peter Keen photograph in 'River'.
The North American B-25 Mitchell was an American twin-engined medium bomber manufactured by North American Aviation. It was used by many Allied air forces, in every theater of World War II, as well as many other air forces after the war ended, and saw service across four decades.
The B-25 was named in honor of General Billy Mitchell, a pioneer of U.S. military aviation. By the end of its production, nearly 10,000 B-25s in numerous models had been built. These included a few limited variations, such as the United States Navy's and Marine Corps' PBJ-1 patrol bomber and the United States Army Air Forces' F-10 photo reconnaissance aircraft.
The B-25 first gained fame as the bomber used in the 18 April 1942 Doolittle Raid, in which 16 B-25Bs led by the legendary Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Doolittle attacked mainland Japan, four months after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The mission gave a much-needed lift in spirits to the Americans, and alarmed the Japanese who had believed their home islands were inviolable by enemy troops. While the amount of actual damage done was relatively minor, it forced the Japanese to divert troops for the home defense for the remainder of the war. The raiders took off from the carrier USS Hornet and successfully bombed Tokyo and four other Japanese cities without loss. However, 15 subsequently crash-landed en route to recovery fields in Eastern China. These losses were the result of the task force being spotted by Japanese fishing vessels forcing the bombers to take off 170 mi (270 km) early, fuel exhaustion, stormy nighttime conditions with zero visibility, and lack of electronic homing aids at the recovery bases. Only one landed intact; it came down in the Soviet Union, where its five-man crew was interned and the aircraft confiscated. Of the 80 aircrew, 69 survived their historic mission and eventually made it back to American lines.
© Lawrence Goldman 2011, All Rights Reserved
This work may not be copied, reproduced, republished, edited, downloaded, displayed, modified, transmitted, licensed, transferred, sold, distributed or uploaded in any way without my prior written permission.
ITALIA ARCHEOLOGIA, BENI CULTURALI, e RESTAURO ARCHITETTURA: Grand Tour di Italia “Inglesi milordi pelabili.” | Parthenon marbles - The art world’s shame: why Britain must give its colonial booty back, THE GUARDIAN (04|11|2014).
The art world’s shame: why Britain must give its colonial booty back - The self-righteousnessness of British museums stops them from returning masterpieces pillaged long ago to their rightful owners. It’s time they stopped hogging the world’s treasures.
Britain’s museums need to face up to a reality. Cultural imperialism is dead. They cannot any longer coldly keep hold of artistic treasures that were acquired in dubious circumstances a long time ago.
Amal Clooney may or may not be the best ambassador for the Greek government in its long campaign to return the Parthenon marbles to Greece. The celebrity support this cause has attracted ever since Lord Byron made it part of his romantic image in the early 19th century keeps it in the limelight, but also allows the British Museum, where the best sculptures from the 5th century BC Parthenon continue to be kept, to portray its critics as self-publicists.
Yet this is not the only case of a cultural treasure whose true ownership is disputed. The Benin sculptures in the British Museum, taken from the splendid west African city by a British “punitive raid” in 1897, are never going to rest easy in Bloomsbury. Meanwhile the international mood is shifting and will inevitably continue to shift towards a consensus that many wonders of the world are wrongfully hogged by western museums.
In France, whose museums are just as treasure-laden as ours, the inviolability of the “national patrimony” is finally being questioned. We need to follow them down that modern road.
Britain has a particularly bad image when it comes to this, for two reasons: Lord Elgin, whose stripping of the Acropolis has been a stain on our international reputation since the early 19th century, and the fact that we were, before 1914, the most powerful of all imperial powers. Instead of seeking to live down these blemishes, we are hugely self-righteous about our possession of a vast haul of world art. We come across as uniquely determined to hold on to our booty and not prepared to meet critics halfway.
I realised this recently on the Greek island of Aegina. It has a superb classical temple whose sculptures were removed and taken to Bavaria at about the same time Britain took the frieze and pediment sculptures of the Parthenon. Today they are in Munich, but there is no global outcry for their return. Why not? Well, if you visit the temple you can’t help noticing the prominent German involvement in archaeology and conservation work there. German scholarship has kept up a constant, reciprocal relationship with Aegina. There is no equivalent British involvement in the preservation of the Parthenon.
Why not? Instead of seeing Athens as its enemy, the British Museum should have got involved years ago in a very big way in maintaining and researching the Parthenon. It should have collaborated on the new Acropolis Museum (and offered to loan some of its astonishing sculptures). The whole issue could have been diffused by a more generous cooperative attitude.
The Acropolis Museum, a wonderful gallery, reveals why cultural colonialism is doomed. It is true the whole world flocks to the British Museum and the Louvre, and surely will continue to do so. But world-class museums are not confined by some act of god to northern Europe or north America. The Louvre Abu Dhabi has been criticised for the conditions inflicted on its workforce. But in the long term, it points to a world where great art collections will be widely and evenly spread. The feeble excuses for keeping stolen or seized art treasures in former imperial capitals are becoming ever more feeble.
In the end, the defence for hanging on to contested cultural goods boils down to the deeply offensive notion that Britain looks after the Parthenon marbles or Benin heads and plaques better than Greece or Nigeria ever could. How long can our museums keep up this arrogance? Not long.
The British empire is dead. So is the age of cultural booty.
-- THE GUARDIAN (04|11|2014).
www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/jonathanjonesblog/2014/n...
s.v.,
-- The Parthenon marbles| THE GUARDIAN (04|11|2014).
B-25J from the Liberty Aviation Museum in Port Clinton, OH.
The North American B-25 Mitchell was an American twin-engined medium bomber manufactured by North American Aviation. It was used by many Allied air forces, in every theater of World War II, as well as many other air forces after the war ended, and saw service across four decades.
The B-25 was named in honor of General Billy Mitchell, a pioneer of U.S. military aviation. By the end of its production, nearly 10,000 B-25s in numerous models had been built. These included a few limited variations, such as the United States Navy's and Marine Corps' PBJ-1 patrol bomber and the United States Army Air Forces' F-10 photo reconnaissance aircraft. The B-25 first gained fame as the bomber used in the 18 April 1942 Doolittle Raid, in which 16 B-25Bs led by Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Doolittle attacked mainland Japan, four months after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The mission gave a much-needed lift in spirits to the Americans, and alarmed the Japanese who had believed their home islands were inviolable by enemy forces. Although the amount of actual damage done was relatively minor, it forced the Japanese to divert troops for the home defense for the remainder of the war. The raiders took off from the carrier USS Hornet and successfully bombed Tokyo and four other Japanese cities without loss. However, 15 B-25 bombers subsequently crash-landed en route to recovery fields in Eastern China. These losses were the result of the task force being spotted by a Japanese vessel forcing the bombers to take off 170 mi (270 km) early, fuel exhaustion, stormy nighttime conditions with zero visibility, and lack of electronic homing aids at the recovery bases. Only one B-25 bomber landed intact; it came down in the Soviet Union, where its five-man crew was interned and the aircraft confiscated. Of the 80 aircrew, 69 survived their historic mission and eventually made it back to American lines.
On behalf of a some model, at the request of the IMG model agency, AFD groups immediately cease and refrain from any unauthorized use and sale of the name, image and likeness of the model, which is an intrusion into inviolability, discredit, humiliation, embarrassment and possibly irreparable harm to the commercial interests of the model.
La situation actuelle de l’Indri est catastrophique, victime de la déforestation intensive : culture sur brûlis, coupe de bois précieux (palissandre, bois de rose, ébène …), récolte de bois pour le charbon de bois.
Les parcs ne sont même plus des sanctuaires inviolables et nous avons vu des feux allumés dans le Parc national de Ranomafana, ce qui n’existait pas il y a quelques années !
Protégé jusqu’à maintenant par les légendes qui l’entourent, il est normalement considéré comme « fady » (tabou) et ne doit pas être chassé mais les bienfaits de la civilisation moderne ont engendré la perte des traditions et il est maintenant consommé pour sa viande !
L’IUCN a classé l’Indri en CR ( critically endangered ), classement annonçant son extinction si des mesures draconiennes ne sont pas prises, sa population est très difficile à estimer, vu la difficulté d’accès des dernières forêts primaires de Madagascar. L’IUCN donne une fourchette de 1 000 à 10 000 individus, la moyenne possible est peut-être donc de 5 000 ?
Aucun Indri n’a survécu en captivité !!
Sources :
fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indri_indri en français et anglais
www.iucnredlist.org/species/10826/16115457
L’excellent livre Primates de Jean-Jacques Petter et François Desbordes chez Nathan.
The actual situation is terrific, victim of intensive deforestation : agriculture brulis, precious wood cut ( palissandre, rose wood, eben …), wood harvesting for charcoal.
Parks are absolutely not inviolable sanctuaries and we saw lighted fires in Ranomafan national Park, this did not exist some years ago !
Protected until now by the surrounding legends, he is normally considered as « fady » (taboo) and must not be hunted but the modern civilization benefits fathered tradition lost and some people ate him !
IUCN classified his as CR ( critically endangered ), this classification announcing his extinction if drastic measures are not taken, his population is very hard to estimate, given hard access in the last primary forests of Madagascar. IUCN gives a margin between 1 000 and 10 000 individuals, possible average is perhaps 5 000 ?
No Indri survived in captivity !
Sources :
fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indri_indri en français et anglais
www.iucnredlist.org/species/10826/16115457
The excellent book Primates from Jean-Jacques Petter and François Desbordes Nathan editor.
Taken @ ROB's Apr-4 Beach cleanup.
Read more at http://www.letsrob.org
We are just regular people, mostly youngsters, and a growing number of young-at-hearts, who can't stand by and just watch the world go to hell in a handbasket. We are people who believing in informing ourselves and taking action based on our knowledge to set things right. We believe in democracy and in the equality of all human beings irrespective of caste, class, community, religion, sexual orientation, age or nationality. We believe that non-human species too have a fundamental and inviolable right to the planet and its resources
The B-25 first gained fame as the bomber used in the 18 April 1942 Doolittle Raid, in which 16 B-25Bs led by the legendary Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Doolittle attacked mainland Japan, four months after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The mission gave a much-needed lift in spirits to the Americans, and alarmed the Japanese who had believed their home islands were inviolable by enemy troops. While the amount of actual damage done was relatively minor, it forced the Japanese to divert troops for the home defense for the remainder of the war. The raiders took off from the carrier USS Hornet and successfully bombed Tokyo and four other Japanese cities without loss. However, 15 subsequently crash-landed en route to recovery fields in Eastern China. These losses were the result of the task force being spotted by Japanese fishing vessels forcing the bombers to take off 170 mi (270 km) early, fuel exhaustion, stormy nighttime conditions with zero visibility, and lack of electronic homing aids at the recovery bases. Only one landed intact; it came down in the Soviet Union, where its five-man crew was interned and the aircraft confiscated. Of the 80 aircrew, 69 survived their historic mission and eventually made it back to American lines.
I took this in Camarillo, CA.
Another one from the same "project".
But I must confess something.
I have a rule which is inviolable for me. I do not want to show peoples faces on the internet for obvious reasons... Especially when these people are relatives of me..
Then again, to return to the point, they (I mean the couple) had the pro photographer to shoot them as they (or he) wanted !!!
As I said in the previous one, I wanted to give them some shots from an entirely different perspective than the proffessional's one !
Thank you all for your comments !
See you !
Christophe
------------------------------
Nikon D90 | Nikon 50 AF 1.8 | F/1.8 | 1/30s | ISO 200 | Handheld | No-Flash
New Voices Panel I: Human Rights - By Rachel VanLandingham
Professor Dinah Shelton, George Washington University Law School, opened this engaging panel by highlighting the strand of commonality tying the four disparate presentations together: progress in the development of human rights norms, from the re-characterization of anti-corruption as an inherent human right, to the amazing progress demonstrated by African tribunals regarding indigenous rights.
Chelsea Purvis from Yale Law School Minority Rights Group International, London, provided compelling reasons why Africa should be considered a generator of human rights law instead of simply a recipient, one primarily in the breach. Her support included the Maputo Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and its vanguard prohibitions of verbal and economic violence against women. She also highlighted its unique balancing of the positive role culture plays in women’s lives with the protection of their economic and social rights. Ms. Purvis further pointed to the groundbreaking decision of the Kenyan Endorios case and it expansion of indigenous rights to demonstrate how litigation can move human rights law beyond particular treaty origins, and concluded with examples of the international human rights community’s failure to fully engage with such progressive African human rights models.
Professor Katherine Young, Australian National University School of Law, outlined a new paradigm for considering economic and social rights, one in which they function as focus points for value-based problem solving. She detailed how municipal courts from the “global south” have approached judicial enforcement of economic and distributive rights, distinguishing these approaches via an innovative framework of typologies ranging from conversationalist to peremptory. Professor Young described how a “catalytic court” such as in South Africa can be quite responsive when facing distributive contestations, compared to the “detached court” model demonstrated in the United Kingdom.
Professor Andy Spalding, University of Richmond School of Law, posited that freedom from corruption should be viewed as a new human right rather than in its traditional garb as a means to protect other rights. He highlighted the Cold War genesis of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), and its original goal to promote liberal values in other states by ensuring the conduct of “ethical business.” He contrasted this focus with today’s corporate governance approach to bribery and corruption, recommending a return to a values-based foreign policy perspective. Pointing to the lack of fear engendered in corporate America by the Alien Tort Statute, Professor Spalding concluded that the FCPA instead has been and will continue to be the principle mechanism policing corporate human rights violations overseas.
Professor Moria Paz, Stanford Law School, highlighted an interesting disjunction between treaty rhetoric (specifically in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights) regarding the protection of linguistic diversity and judicial enforcement of the same. Drawing from her analysis of over 200 European communication cases, she found that the protection of a minority’s language was not treated as a fundamental human right. Rather, linguistic accommodation was only transitional to assimilation into the political body and marketplace. Professor Paz questioned whether this was a negative result, given that treatment of linguistic diversity as an inviolable right, irrespective of cost, problematically fails to appropriately balance other interests in reaching a just result.
In the words of one appreciative audience member, this panel truly did provide “cutting-edge stuff” indeed.
Rachel VanLandingham is a Visiting Assistant Professor at Stetson University College of Law, where her scholarly interests include the intersection of international humanitarian law and U.S. criminal law, as well as sexual assault in the military.
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69.195.124.65/~asilcabl/2013/04/07/new-voices-panel-i-hum...
Notes: Tā moko is the permanent body and face marking by Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand. Traditionally it is distinct from tattoo and tatau, in that the skin was carved by uhi (chisels) rather than punctured. This left the skin with grooves, rather than a smooth surface.
Captain James Cook wrote in 1769:
The marks in general are spirals drawn with great nicety and even elegance. One side corresponds with the other. The marks on the body resemble foliage in old chased ornaments, convolutions of filigree work, but in these they have such a luxury of forms that of a hundred which at first appeared exactly the same no two were formed alike on close examination.
The Tohunga tā moko (or tattooists) were considered tapu, or exceptionally inviolable and sacred.
Format: albumen photoprint, 125 mm x 200 mm
Date Range: 1880s
Location: somewhere in New Zealand
Licensing: Attribution, share alike, creative commons.
Repository: Blue Mountains City Library - library.bmcc.nsw.gov.au
Part of: Local Studies Collection
Provenance: the McBroom album
Links: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C4%81_moko
australianmuseum.net.au/the-meaning-of-ta-moko-maori-tatt...
The Holy Trinity Cathedral
The Holy Trinity Cathedral is the main church of Pskov and Pskov land. It happened before Rus was baptized: Princess Olga standing on the left bank of the Velikaya river pointed at the place illumined by several rays of sunlight. Seeing the miracle, she predicted that the town would become great and that a church of the Holy Trinity would be built on the place where the rays of light met. For many centuries the Kremlin and the Trinity Cathedral became the holy symbols of Pskov and the whole of Pskov land. However, fate and history were not always kind to them.
Today’s Cathedral is the fourth at the same place. According to a legend, the first one was erected on the order of Princess Olga in the 10th century. The Trinity cathedral was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century. Subsequently, the holy relics of its creator, Prince Vsevolod-Gavriil, were placed the church.
The Cathedral, that we have today, was erected in 1682-1699. Several times there were fires in the cathedral and both the interior and exterior of the church were restored. The Cathedral had two floors, the ground floor obviously being the basement of the previous church.
Festive rites and services, baptizing, princes’ enthronement took place in the Trinity Cathedral. The Veche (People’s Assembly) gathered by the Cathedral’s walls, those gatherings often led to brawls, in which the participants could get injuries. The Russian word “uvechje” meaning “injury” is related to the word “Veche” — the name of those people’s assemblies... The cathedral was the place where most important documents were kept. Pskov warriors got blessings here before battles and this was the burial place of the defenders of the town. Two swords were kept in the Cathedral, symbolizing its people’s independence and courage. One of them was the sword of prince Dovmont. “I will never surrender!” — was written it.
The Trinity Cathedral stands on a high cape at the confluence of the Velikaya and the Pskova rivers inside the fortress walls of Pskov Kremlin.
You can see the 78 meters high snow-white Cathedral when you are far away from Pskov. It is the highest building of ancient Pskov. High in the sky glitters in the sun the central dome of the cathedral-the symbol of the Holy Trinity, that was the symbol of Pskov land. The dome’s surface is 300 square meters. 1,310 grams of gold leaf were used to gild it in the second half of the 20th century. Four other domes symbolize Saint Evangelists: St. Mathew, St. Mark, St. Luke, St. John.
There is a lot of light inside the church. Inside the church amazes you with is height and the high iconostasis. The seven-tired, wooden, carved, gilded iconostasis of the Trinity cathedral is one of the most grandiose iconostases of the 17-18th centuries, which have survived to our day. The domes inside are painted with stars and clouds as symbols of heaven.
It’s impossible to imagine Pskov without the Trinity Cathedral. Its silver domes are up in the sky, aspiring to the eternity. A mighty bell tower is standing next to the cathedral. A cross which is called “Olga’s cross” is one of the relics of the Cathedral. It was made in 1623 as a copy of an ancient cross, which, according to a legend was made by order of Princess Olga. This relic burnt in the fire in 1590. There were other relics venerated by Pskov people as well, which were kept in the cathedral. Among them was the sword of Prince Vsevolod-Gavriil. Even Peter the Great, who was a strong person and whose stature was known to be above average, was surprised to see how big this sword was.
Another venerated object in the church is the reliquary containing the holy relics of venerated city saints: Pskov princes Vsevolod-Gavriil and Dovmont-Timofey, venerable martyr Iosaph, the head of Snetogorsky monastery and blessed Nicholas, a Wonderworker. Pskov people especially venerate the miracle-working icon of the Virgin Mary “Chirskaya”. It was brought to the Cathedral in 1420 in the memory of a plague which was stopped after people prayed in front of this icon. Pskov chronicles mention this event.
The Trinity Cathedral is not only our history, it’s our present, it is something inviolable and immortal, that unites different people, different cultures and different epochs…
The Apollo temple of Didyma (the Didymaion), located within the boundaries of the village of Yeni Hisar in the Söke district of the province of Aydın, was known as a sanctuary and seat of an oracle attached to Miletus. Recent excavations revealed remains which showed that Didyma was not only a seat of an oracle but also the site of dense settlement.
The research concerning the origins of the names of Didyma and Didymaion has been a subject of discussion going on for years. Along with several other myths, it was thought that the name Didymaion which meant "twin temples" or "temple of the twins", was related to Artemis, the twin sister of Apollo. However, as no definite evidence could be found, this theory also remained as a myth. With the intensification of work in recent years on the "Sacred Road" connecting Miletus and Didyma, and the finding of the place of the Artemis cult during the excavations however, it was proved that this thesis was riğht. The two temples built for the twin brother and sister, the Artemision and the Didymaion, constitute the origin of the name Didyma.
Apollo and Artemis were closely related to the mother goddess Cybele who had, from prehistoric times, a very important place in Anatolia. The mother goddess Cybele had various names (such as Kubaba, Isis, Hepat, Lat) and epithets according to localities and cultures. The most widespread of these names was Dindymene which was derived from mount Dindymus and which is remarkable for its resemblance to the name Didyma.
The name of Apollo is considered not to be Greek. Apollo, who, because of the resemblance in names was identified with the god Apulunas mentioned in Hittite written sources, represented shape given by rational perception, temperate power, fine arts and light. Besides these, he was renowned for his ability to prophesy, and he communicated to people through mediums and oracles his knowledge of the future.
The dependence of communities on religion increased as it was seen that gods possessed forces to direct according to their will, all phenonema and events relating to nature and society. As a natural consequence of the increase in religion, belief in the power to prophesy of the gods who could foresee events and phenomena was intensified.
In the Archaic period the oracle of Apollo had great fame. The great number of temples erected in Anatolia as seats of oracles is evidence that belief in gods had reached enormous proportions. The most important of the temples dedicated to Apollo were the Temple of Apollo at Delphi in Greece, and the Didymaion in Anatolia. These to seats were in constant rivalry with each other. A fine example of this rivalry can be clearly seen in the following verses by the oracle of Delphi.
In the mid 7th century BC, in the oracles of Apollo, the god could be consulted once a year for official matters, and the answers received to questions directed would be in the form of "yes or "no". When in later years, consulting the god also for private matters became a tradition, these consultations became gradually more frequent. The oracles of Apollo grew very rich as a result of this, and their fame and influence spread over large areas. They became as powerful as the state they were in and were effective in shaping the destinies of persons and communities, and particularly in politics where they played a very important role, they very often caused wrong decisions to be taken.
Pausanias states that the Apollo temple at Didyma had been built before the Greek colonization (10th century BC). It is believed in the light of this that the existence of Didyma, like that of Miletus and Priene goes back to the 2nd millennium BC. However according to the results of excavations and research work undertaken up to the present day, the earliest temple remains date back to the end of the 8th century BC.
One learns from Herodotus that valuable votive offerings were presented to the temple by King Necho of Egypt at the end of the 7th century BC, and King Croesus of Lydia in the 6th century BC.
It is believed that the construction of the Archaic temple was begun in the mid 6th century BC and was completed at the end of the same century. In the 6th century BC, the Didymaion was administered by a priestly caste named Branchids. During this period which lasted about 100 years, the temple flourished and went through its most brilliant era.
It was completely burned and plundered by the Persians during the battle of Lade, the priests of the temple were driven to Susa, and the cult statue of Apollo was taken to Ecbatana. The statue of Apollo which was dated back to 500 BC, was made by the sculptor Kanachus of Sicyon and reflects Anatolian - Hittite characteristics.
The construction of the Hellenistic temple was begun after the victory of Alexander the Great over the Persians. However, it was understood from the remains that this Hellenistic temple was not completed.
The temple of which the construction was continued under Emperor Caligula (37 - 41 AD) who wanted to be though of as the god of the temple, and later under Hadrian (117 - 138 AD), was never completed. With the alterations made in the 3rd century AD to protect it from plunder, the temple took on the appearance of a fortress, and flourished under the reigns of Aurelian (270 - 275) and Diocletian (284 - 305).
There are findings which indicate that work was done on the temple during the reign of Emperor Julian (361 - 363).
In the beginning of the 5th century AD, Emperor Theodosius had a church built in the sacred courtyard (Adyton - Sekos). This church, which had the appearance of a three - winged basilica, was destroyed in an earthquake and later rebuilt with one wing (9th century AD).
In the 10th century AD, the two - columned hall (Chresmographeion - hall of the oracle) and the pronaos, which were used as storage areas, were greatly damaged in a fire, and most of the marble turned into lime.
After the Seljuks and the Mongols conquered the region the temple was completely abandoned.
An Italian traveler who visited Didyma in 1446 records that the whole temple was standing, however at the end of the 15th century the temple was completely destroyed by an earthquake and turned into a heap of marble. In later years the temple was used as a quarry, and many of its architectural elements were used as building material in the construction of dwellings and other buildings by the local people.
EXCAVATIONS
The first excavations in Didyma were made in 1858 by the English under the direction of Newton. The area excavated was the Sacred Road.
In the temple, excavations were first begun in 1872 by the French under O Rayet and A Thomas. The aim was to find the cult statue of Apollo, but at the end of the work which lasted two years, the cult statue had not been found. However, it had been possible to determine the dimensions of the temple and to reconstruct its plan.
In the excavations of 1895 - 96, again undertaken by the French, the work, supervised by B Haussoullier and E Pontremoli, was concentrated on the northern part of the temple. These excavations were stopped shortly after due to economic reasos. Excavations begun in 1905 for the museums in Berlin under the supervision of Th. Weigand, were continued on a systematic basis until the year 1937. During this time a great portion of the temple was revealed. After this date, excavations were interrupted and work on publication of the results was begun.
In order find solutions to certain problems concerning the temple and its surroundings, excavations were begun again in 1962, this time for the German Institute of Archaeology, under the supervision of R Naumann. When R Naumann left, the excavations in Didyma were continued under the supervision of Klaus Tuchelt. Work is at present still going on in the area with special attention to research on the Sacred Road.
THE SACRED ROAD
The Delphinion is accepted as the starting point of the Sacred Road connecting Miletus and Didyma. The road ran from the Sacret Gate of Miletus southwards in the direction of the coast to Panarmos Harbour (above Akköy), and - bending south - east from the port, reached the Didymaion. Within the boundaries of Yenihisar, the Sacred Road runs close along the side of the asphalt road. A portion of the Sacred Road has been revealed by excavations and exploratory trenches dug in recent years. However, due to certain bureaucratic obstacles, it has not yet been possible to establish its connection to the temple.
On either side of the road there were statues of Branchids (priests and priestesses attached to the temple), crouching lions and sphinxes, all of which gave the road an impressive appearance. Monumental tombs and sarcophagi belonging to important persons were also dispersed along the road. Statues of Branchids revealed in the excavations carried out by Newton in 1858 on the Sacred Road have been taken to the British Museum. Some fragments belonging to the statues are in the storeroom of the house of excavations in Didyma. Four of the Branchid statues in which Hittite influence is apparent and which have been dated back to the 6th century BC, are on display in the museum in Miletus. In the years 100 and 101 AD Emperor Trajan had the Sacred Road restored. The parts of the road that had fallen down were raised to a higher level and the other parts were repaired. Inscriptions indicate that the restoration work was completed in a very short time.
It was understood from a milestone revealed during excavations that the road was 16.5 kilometers long. According to the portions uncovered, the width of the road which was made of stone blocks, changed between 5 and 7 meters. On both sides of it were rows of shops, votive fountains, monumental tombs, baths, and the area for the cult of Artemis. Findings indicate a dense settlement. The group of people who set out from Miletus to join the annual celebrations and festivities which were held in the Didymaion every spring, reached the temple after a long walk, there were therefore, resting places on the Sacred Road. It is understood that the Terrace with the Sphinx, uncovered during excavations carried out in 1985 about 4 kilometers to the south of Akköy, was a halting place built for rest purposes.
THE ARCHAIC DIDYMAION (The Apollo Temple at Didyma)
Remains of foundations of the Late Geometric period were found during excavations carried out in 1962 by German archaeologists within the secos of the Hellenistic temple to look for the first Apollo temple of Didyma which, according to Pausanias, had existed before the 10th century BC. The temple which, according to the foundations of secos walls uncovered in the north and south parts, was 10.20 meters wide and 24 meters long and slightly narrowed towards the east, was built at the end of the 8th century BC. The small and simple temple contained a secos (sacred courtyard), an altar, a sacred source, a cult statue and the symbols of Apollo. The Late Geometric temple did not have a naiscos, the naiscos is understood to have been built at the end of the 7th century BC to protect the cult statue. Exploratory digging carried out to the south - west of the temple revealed the remains of a columned building 15.50 meters long and 3.60 meters wide. The remnants and ceramic findings have been dated back to the end of the 7th century BC.
Not many remains are left to the present day from the Archaic Didymaion, as it was burned, destroyed and plundered in 494 BC (the battle of Lade). Besides, findings relating to the Archaic temple are further limited by the fact that the Hellenistic temple was built over the foundations of the Archaic one. However, the construction of the plan was possible and various examples of reconstruction were made through ancient authors, as well as architectural and sculptural fragments found during borings and excavations.
The Didymaion became really important in the first of the 6th century BC when all Ionian cities, and especially Miletus, reached their most flourishing era. The temple was rebuilt in 560 - 550 BC with larger proportions. The influence of the temples of Hera at Samos and Artemis at Ephesus are apparent in the Archaic Didymaion.
The temple, an 87.65 meter long and 40.89 meter wide building of a dipteral plan (having a double row of columns all around), rested on a two - stepped crepes. The longer sides had 21 columns each, the east had 8, and the west 9, whereas in the pronaos there were 8 columns in two rows. Together with the columns within the peristasis (the surrounding hall), the total number of columns added up to 112.
The parts of the temple which were not visible from the outside were made of local tufa, while those that were visible were made of marble. The marble was provided from marble quarries on the island of Toşoz, and in the hills above the village of Pınarcık near Bafa lake. One can still see fragments of roughly prepared column shafts in the quarries at Pınarcık. The party worked marble, brought from the quarry to Latmos Harbour, was then taken by sea to Panarmos Harbor, and from there it was carried to the temple
The bases and capitals of the 15.45 meter high columns bear the characteristics of the Artemis Temple at Ephesus; the bases consists of tori and double trochili, the Ionic capitals have large volutes, the column shafts have 36 flutes. On the eastern facade, the lower parts of the columns in the front row were decorated with reliefs; a head of a woman (Kore) from these relief is on display in the Charlottenburg Museum in Berlin. The characteristics of all these elements indicate that they were at the latest made in the year 550 BC, which coincides with the date of the initial construction of the Archaic Didymaion.
The double row of columns in the pronaos indicate that it had a roof. The architrave is quite narrow. In the corners are high reliefs of winged gorgons and behind these are figures of crouching lions. It is believed that certain wild animals' figures were also there besides the lions. This type of decorations is quite unusual in temple entablature. These pieces of work which can be dated back to the end of the 6th century BC, were probably made during restoration works which took place in the temple at the time. On the architrave rest, in due order, a band of egg - and - dart molding, dentils, another band of egg - and - dart moulding, a cornice and a roof.
The inner sides of the walls of the secos (sacred courtyard) were fortified by pilasters in the form of half - columns, which brought colour to the long, high walls. The height of the walls of the 50.25 meter long and 17.45 meter wide secos reached 17.5 meters. Walls of this height give the imprecision that the secos was was roofed, but the greatness of the distances between the pilasters on the walls destroys this theory.
Within the secos stood the naiscos (little temple) where the cult statue of Apollo was kept. However, there are not many findings belonging to this buildings. During borings in the Hellenistic naiscos, foundation remains belonging to a smaller building were found. It is believed that these foundations belong to the Archaic naiscos. The bronze cult statue is known as the "Apollo Philesius" and represents Apollo catching a deer.
In front of the temple (east) and on the same axis stands a circular altar. This altar, of which the other diameter measures 8 meters and the inner one 5.5 meters, had two doors. The holes for the hinges can still be seen on the thresholds. The altar of which the inside is very well preserved, had been used in the Archaic, and also in the Hellenistic and Roman temples as the sacred place where the animals presented as votive offerings were burned. The great amount of ashes found in the building during excavations is evidence of this. In ancient times, animals offered to the gods of the sky were burned in this type of altar, and sanctification was achieved by washing in the blood of the animals offered to the gods under the ground. To the north of the altar is the sacred source. The masonry of the lower parts of this circular well shows that it was constructed in the Archaic period.
3.5 meter high protective walls encircle the front part of the temple. These walls must have been built to diminish the difference of levels in the large area in front of the temple. In the uncovered portion of these protective walls were five outlets with staircases, each 2.5 meters wide. The central stairs are situated just opposite the altar, on the same axis. These stairs led to the terrace on which stood the votive and gods' statues. The style of the egg - and - dart molding used to decorate the upper part of the terrace wall as well as the workmanship of the wall and stairs, bear the characteristics of the Archaic period.
On this terrace one also comes across the remains of two long structures built of limestone. The 34.5 meter long and 7 meter wide buildings must have been shops where visitors took shelter or shopped. These buildings also show the characteristics of the Archaic period.
Next to the stairs along the terrace wall situate in the direction of the south - east end of the temple are rows of benches. It is understood that these benches extending parallel to the steps of the temple were built in the Hellenistic period, and were the rows of benches for the stadium situated to the south of the temple, Every four years festivities called the "Megala Didymeia" and musical shows, were held here, and torch processions and competitions were arranged. The bases having a hole in the center, which marked the starting points of the races, can be seen at the eastern end of the stadium. These bases lie on the same axis as the altar.
THE HELLENISTIC DIDYMAION
What remains of the temple in the present day, through hundreds of years of earth - quakes, fire, destruction and plunder are mostly remnants of the Hellenistic period. The Roman characteristics witnessed in certain parts of the temple, are elements which have reached the present day from the temple, which continued to be built during the Roman period also.
It is known that the construction of the Hellenistic temple was begun in 313 BC, and that it was erected over the Archaic temple which was burned and destroyed in 494 BC. The donations of Alexander the Great and King Seleucus I of Syria were of great help in the rebuilding of the Didymaion. Furthermore, Seleucus I had the cult statue of Apollo brought back from Ecbatana (300 BC) and replaced in the temple.
The plan of the temple was made by Paionius of Ephesus and Daphnis of Miletus. These two renowned architects had also worked on the Artemision at Ephesus (one of the seven wonders of the world) and the Heraion at Samos, which were considered to be the largest and the most magnificent temples of the Hellenistic period. The Didymaion emerges as the third largest edifice of the Hellenistic period, following the former.
The plan, as a requisition of the cult, had to provide an open air space to hold the Sacred Fountain, the Altar, the Laurel Grove, considered to be the sacred tree of Apollo, and it had also to shelter the cult statue. All these elements had to be arranged in a way not to disturb the covered spaces. The architects constructed on ostentatious example of architecture, by the perfect use of the local characteristics of the cult of the oracle and of the spaces of different levels. This temple differed from a normal temple plan in that it was also the seat of an oracle. Teh edifice consisted of a long pronaos, a rectangular hall with two columns in the centre (the oracle hall-Cresmographeion), a sacred courtyard surrounded by high walls (Secos-Adyton), and in this courtyard a small temple sheltering the cult statue of Apollo (the naiscos), all set on the same axis but at different floor levels.
The temples, situated over the Archaic one and of Larger proportions, had necessitated an ucommonly high lower structure. The temple rested on a 3.5 meter high and 7 - stepped platform (crepis), and had in the center of the front facade a 14 - stepped stairway of which both sides were limited. The width of these stairs was equal to that of the temple. This characteristic is also visible in the Classical Artemision. The temple, 109.34 meters long and 51.13 meters wide, was built on a dipteral (having a double row of columns all around) plan. It had 21 columns each on its longer sides, and 10 each on the shorter ones. Together with the columns within the peristasis and the ones in the pronaos and cresmographeion, the total number of columns added up to 122. The cost of the columns of which only three stand today, was very high. Excavations have revealed a great number of inscriptions showing the calculation of construction costs prepared during the building of the temple. It is understood from these documents that the cost of one column was 40,000 drachmae and that the daily wages of a labourer was only 2 drachmea. This means that one laborer would have to work for 20,000 workdays to put a column in its place, or to adapt it to the present day, by assuming that the minimum daily wage of a stone workman be 10,000 TL, the construction cost of a column could be calculated to amount to 200 million TL. It is also known, from these inscriptions that, from 250 BC onwards, 8 architects and 20 construction companies worked for the temple.
Such a large and costly building could certainly not have been finished in a short time. It is understood that the construction went on in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, and that some of it was completed during the Roman period. Although a great portion of the columns were prepared and set in their places, it can be seen that those in the outer row of the peristasis and especially those in the rear facade were never completed.
The height of the columns was first determined in 1873 by A. Thomas as being 19.71 meters. The accuracy of the measurement was evidenced by recent research work also. The lower diameters of the columns vary between 1.96 and 2 meters. This conforms to the rule that, in the Ionic order lower diameters of columns are equal to 1/10th of their height.
A von Gerkan has calculated the total height of the temple, including the 19.71 meter high columns, the stepped lower structure and the entablature, as 29.40 meters. This measurement gives an idea of the magnificence of the temple before it was destroyed.
The double row of columns round the temple gave the building a very impressive appearance as well as depth. Of the 108 columns in the peristasis (the peripheral hall) about 80 are standing in their original places. The letters seen in the upper and lower parts of the fragments of column shafts were written by the workmen to avoid any mistakes during the placing of the columns in their places. This is also an indication that the columns had entasis (a swelling of column shafts).
Of the three Hellenistic columns still standing, the workmanship of two are complete and they carry the entablature. The third column which carries a capital has no fluting in its shaft. According to the characteristics of the capitals, the columns were built in the first half of the 2nd century BC.
The bases of the columns in the peristalsis display different characteristics; whereas some consist of plinthus, torus and double trochilus, the column bases in the central part of the other row in the front facade show Early Roman characteristics. One of these bases is divided in to 12 rectangular panels decorated with motifs of sea creatures, palmettoes and other plants. On another base there are double meander and palmento motifs. These bases were built between the years 37 and 41 BC by Emperor Caligula who wanted to identify himself with Apollo.
The capitals situated at the outer corners of the peristasis and ornamented with busts of gods and bulls' heads as well as the heads of Gorgons on the architrave, show the baroque characteristics of the 2nd century AD.
The columns on the north side of the temple, of which the workmanship is complete, are all standing in their places, whereas those on the west side were set in their places, although their workmanship was incomplete, the latter now lie on the ground, fallen in earthquakes. Most of the columns on the south side are missing, and it is understood that they were never completed.
In the front of the temple, after the double row of columns, was the pronaos. Also mentioned as the 12- columned hall in archaeological literature, the pronaos had a total of 12 columns in three rows of four columns each, which carried the roof (Dodecastylos). The marks left by the fire of the Middle Ages can be seen on the Attic styl, scale motifs are carved on the upper parts of the antae walls are profiled in the same form. This is the first time that this characteristic, of which an example is in the Porthenon, is seen in a Ionic temple.
There were three doors in the rear wall of the pronaos. The central door of monumental appearance was 5.63 meters wide and 14 meters high. The fact that its threshold was placed 1.46 meters higher than the floor of the pronaos shows that there was no entrance from here to the oracle hall. The prophecies of Apollo were communicated by his pronouncers to the people through this door. It is therefore named the "Oracle Door". The marble blocks on either side of the door weigh 70 tons each are known as the heaviest elements of antiquity.
The two other doors, one on either side of the monumental door, were each 1.20 meters wide and 2.25 meters high, and provided the entrance to the inner part of the temple. These doors were connected to the sacred courtyard by vaulted and sloping narrow corridors. In the lower parts of the corridors which opened onto the Adytum were small divisions which had coffering in their ceilings. Doric elements seen on the doors are characteristics which remind one of the propylaea of the Athenian Acropolis. Only persons working in the temple and priests could enter the inner part of the temple. These people would reach the Adytum through the dark and mystic corridors mentioned above.
To the east of the Adytum, between the doors at the end of the corridors, was a 15.24 meter wide stairway consisting of 24 steps. These stairs led to a 14.01 meter long, 8.74 meter wide and 20 meter high hall with three doors and two columns. This hall which had no entrance from the pronaos was Cresmographeion (the hall of the oracle) which together with the pronaos the first completed sections of the temple. Only priests and mediums could enter this hall, and they communicated the prophecies to the people through the above mentioned monumental door. Therefore, the Cresmographeion and the pronaos, which constituted an entity, were considered the most important divisions of the Didymaion. The two columns in the center of the oracle hall had Corinthian capitals and carried the roof. Understood to have been built in the beginning of the 3rd century BC on the evidence of their characteristics, these capitals are considered to be among the earliest examples of Corinthian capitals.
The doors the north and south sides of the Cresmographeion open onto stepped passages mentioned as Labyrinths in inscriptions. On the ceiling of the better preserved southern corridor meander motifs can be seen. These passages played an important role in acoustics during cult ceremonies accompanied by the chorus. The roof of the temple was also reached by these passages.
The 21.71 meter wide and 53.63 meter long Adytum is of a very striking appearance with its 25 meter high walls and its top open to the sky. The lower part of the Adytum walls which are at the same level as the Cresmographeion have the appearance of a high podium. Their base is profiled and the upper end is finished with a row of egg - and - dart molding. The podium which is made of smooth marble blocks displays a fine workmanship. In the central parts of the walls are pilasters in the form of half - columns. Over the pilasters were pilaster capitals ornamented with motifs of griffins or vaulted plants, on the frieze between the capitals were reliefs representing winged lions holding Apollo's lyre between their paws, and on top of it all was the cornice ending in the cymatium. All these elements brought color to the long and excessively high walls. The decorations on the walls of the Adytum bear the characteristics of the Early Hellenistic period. These elements indicate that the Adytum was built in the first half of the 2nd century BC. It has also been proven by an inscription that the Adytum had been completed at that time.
One of the most important findings of recent years in the Didymaion are the drawings on the lower parts of the walls of the Adytum. These drawings which can be seen with great difficulty and only under certain lighting condition, first attracted attention in 1979 and work was begun on them in 1980. The work is being carried out by Lother Haselberg who was the first to see the drawings. These were worked onto the smooth marble walls of the Adytum by making about half a millimeter deep incisions in the surface of the marble by a very thin and sharp point, and they represented the plants of various elements and divisions of the Didymaion. In order to obtain accurate drawings, a grid consisting of horizontal lines with 1.8 - 1.9 centimeter intervals cut at regular intervals by perpendicular lines, was prepared beforehand to serve as a scale. This grid facilitated the making of the actual drawings. It is understood that these drawings which are extremely accurate, were done by the architects who worked on the construction of the temple.
The plans cover an area of 200 square meters. Some of the drawings were made horizontally, whereas others are perpendicular. In general, the horizontal drawings are on a 1 to 1 scale, and the perpendicular ones on a 1 to 6 scale.
Besides the drawings of elements like column bases and shafts, the drawing of o portion of the entablature of the niscos was also discovered on the rear wall of the Adytum. These drawings, believed to involve all the parts of the temple, will throw a light upon many an unsolved problem on the Didymaion, thus adding new proportions to the work.
To the west of the Adytum stood the naiscos which sheltered the cult statue. The temple, of which only the remains of the foundations can be seen today was 14.43 meters long and 8.24 meters wide. The plan of the naiscos, reconstructed from discovered fragments, was a pro-style. The temple was a small building with antae obtained by the projection of the two side walls of the naos and four Ionic columns in front. Column bases were of the Ephesus type. The Ionic capitals, antae capitals and entablature ornaments, all show Early Hellenistic characteristics. Wall bases were profiled in the Attic style like the Adytum walls. The edifice, which looked like the Zeus temple at Priene, was the first Anatolian temple built in the Hellenistic period under Attic influence. In contrast with the smooth, ornament less walls, the entablature was very richly decorated. The coffering of the ceiling in the front hall and the soffits of the lower part of the architrave, were decorated with flower motifs polychrome in various colors. It is accepted, according to the ornamentation of the entablature, that the naiscos was completed in 270 BC and that the cult statue of Apollo which was brought from Ecbatana, was put in its place in the naos in 300 BC.
The reconstruction model of the naiscos, constructed by putting together the discovered architectural fragments, is kept in the storeroom of the excavation house.
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TEMPLE
Besides being for centuries a very important oracle seat, the Didymaion was also renowned for its sacred water, sacred grove, the many sacred elements it housed, and its wealth. The riches of the temple had its source in donations and votive offerings made in varying forms. The very valuable offerings of King Necho of Egypt, King Croesus of Lydia and King Seleucus II of Pergamum, had an important place among the donations made to the Didymaion. The donation of various sacrificial animals, 1,000 in number, and 12 rams by Lysimachus, was also one of the interesting offerings.
The fact that Miletus attempted to build a fleet with the treasury of the temple before the battle of Lade, shows how rich the Didymaion was.
One other feature of the Didymaion was that it had the right to shelter. This right which was termed "the Right of Asylum", was the recognition of the right of inviolability to people who took refuge in the temple. The right of asylum, which therefore created many problems, had given rise to many a discussion. The boundaries of the right of asylum, however, were gradually enlarged and were increased to 3 kilometers by Emperor Augustus Trajan enlarged the boundaries even more and wanted them to be recognized from the beginning of the Sacred Road.
It is understood from inscriptions that the festivities and ceremonies held every year in spring went on even after the Didymaion was completely destroyed in 494 BC. The journey from Miletus to the Didymaion was made by sea or by the Sacred Road. The group of people who set out from Miletus with ceremonies begun in the Delphinion where they received the sanctification of Apollo and were sent forward by the Delphins, came from the Lions' Harbour to the Panarmos Harbour, and from there reached the Didymaion on foot. First, sacrificial beasts and votive offerings were presented to the god, then, after ceremonies to the accompaniment of music and chorus, the important persons entered the temple, and after that, the questions asked by inquires were answered by the oracle. The ceremonies were directed by the Stephanephors. It was shown by inscriptions that the Emperors Augustus and Trajan took the title of Stephanephor and carried out this position. In the Roman period, the Sacred Road gained in importance as the harbors filled up with alluvial mud and travel by sea became unfeasible.
The reason for this extremely impressive and magnificent temple's not being considered among the seven wonders of the world is related by the authorities to its not having been completed.
“This Is Water: Some Thoughts, Delivered on a Significant Occasion, about Living a Compassionate Life” ―David Foster Wallace, 2009
“Because here's something else that's weird but true: in the day-to-day trenches of adult life, there is actually no such thing as atheism. There is no such thing as not worshipping. Everybody worships. The only choice we get is what to worship. And the compelling reason for maybe choosing some sort of god or spiritual-type thing to worship--be it JC or Allah, be it YHWH or the Wiccan Mother Goddess, or the Four Noble Truths, or some inviolable set of ethical principles--is that pretty much anything else you worship will eat you alive. If you worship money and things, if they are where you tap real meaning in life, then you will never have enough, never feel you have enough. It's the truth. Worship your body and beauty and sexual allure and you will always feel ugly. And when time and age start showing, you will die a million deaths before they finally grieve you. On one level, we all know this stuff already. It's been codified as myths, proverbs, clichés, epigrams, parables; the skeleton of every great story. The whole trick is keeping the truth up front in daily consciousness.
Worship power, you will end up feeling weak and afraid, and you will need ever more power over others to numb you to your own fear. Worship your intellect, being seen as smart, you will end up feeling stupid, a fraud, always on the verge of being found out. But the insidious thing about these forms of worship is not that they're evil or sinful, it's that they're unconscious. They are default settings.
They're the kind of worship you just gradually slip into, day after day, getting more and more selective about what you see and how you measure value without ever being fully aware that that's what you're doing.”
The statue represents Diomedes with a statuette of the Palladium, a representation of the goddess Athena, in his hands. The Palladium kept in Troy were a divine pledge of the city inviolability; Diomedes and Odysseus penetrated the city and returned in the Greek camp with the stolen Palladium, thus propitiating the capture of the city.
After the fall of Troy, Diomedes was a mythical traveler in the lands of the West. Many cities in Italy claimed noble origins connected with the "Trojan Myth" because of the possession of the Palladium that Diomedes had brought with him to the Italian peninsula.
The Cumaean copy, found in the crypt under the Acropolis, bears a Greek inscription under the base mentioning a Gaius Claudius Pollio Frugianus, to whom, perhaps, the statue was the dedicate.
The creation of the original sculpture (around 430 BC) is generally attributed to the sculptor Kresilas.
Marble Roman statue
Height 1.77 m
I Cent. AD
From prov. Cumae
Naples, National Archaeological Museum – Inv. no. 144978.
Personal Commentary by Don Iannone
Just finishing a new masters degree in consciousness studies, this quote by Oprah Winfrey grabbed my attention. What did Oprah mean by a consciousness shift? You would need to ask her to know what she really meant, but I will take a stab at what I think she meant.
What does a shift in consciousness mean? In an overall sense, it refers to a new awareness of the world--a more holistic, and integrated worldview; a new worldview that sees the deeper connections in our lives to all people and all things, and the inviolability or sanctity of all life.
This shift has been a long time coming, and not just conceived on Election Night 2008. We have been evolving in this direction for a long, long time. The shift is much more than a new political or economic vision for America, although new visions of both could come from the shift. It is more than a shift in ideology from a Republican regime to a Democratic regime. It is more than a shift from rich to poor, White to Black, Iraq and Afghanistan to the American Middle. The shift in consciousness is about the recognition of the enormous power of our ideas, what we believe, hope for, and dream of. It is a shift to seeing how we transform ourselves each moment through our consciousness of ourselves and our world. It is about the role of our consciousness in giving shape to our evolution as human beings and integral components of the whole of life.
I believe that is what Oprah Winfrey was speaking of when she spoke of a consciousness shift. I believe this is something that has been inside Oprah Winfrey for a long time, but she was given the courage to speak to the shift by her recent work with Eckhart Tolle, the author of The Power of Now and A New Earth. Learn more here: www.eckharttolle.com/eckharttolle
Watch for the signs of this shift in consciousness within yourself and your world. It's there and it is profoundly powerful.
"Look back on Time, with kindly eyes --
He doubtless did his best --
How softly sinks that trembling sun
In Human Nature's West --"
~ Emily Dickinson, 1830-1886 ~
"All that we actually know about these laws of nature is what we ourselves bring to them—time and space, and therefore relationships of succession and number. But everything marvellous about the laws of nature, everything that quite astonishes us therein and seems to demand explanation, everything that might lead us to distrust idealism: all this is completely and solely contained within the mathematical strictness and inviolability of our representations of time and space. But we produce these representations in and from ourselves with the same necessity with which the spider spins. If we are forced to comprehend all things only under these forms, then it ceases to be amazing that in all things we actually comprehend nothing but these forms. For they must all bear within themselves the laws of number, and it is precisely number which is most astonishing in things. All that conformity to law, which impresses us so much in the movement of the stars and in chemical processes, coincides at bottom with those properties which we bring to things. Thus it is we who impress ourselves in this way."
~ Friedrich Nietzsche, 1844-1900 ~
" On Truth and Lie in an Extra-Moral Sense"
en.easternlightning.org/faith-and-life/once-saved-always-...
Bible Study Topics : Is There Any Biblical Basis for the Statement “Once Saved, Always Saved”?
By Yang Xin
After hearing Brother Zhang say this, I felt suddenly enlightened, and I said in amazement: “So you mean, in the Age of Law, as long as people kept the laws of Jehovah God, then they were saved, and in the Age of Grace, as long as people trusted in the Lord Jesus, confessed their sins and
Brother Zhang said, “Yes. Whenever God does a new stage of work, we are able to keep up with the pace of God’s work, abide by God’s requirements in the new age, practice in accordance with God’s words, and therefore be saved and no longer condemned by God. In fact, being saved by the Lord Jesus’ grace in our belief in Him means only that our sins are absolved, and that we won’t be condemned or sentenced to death by the laws; it does not mean, however, that we are following God’s way and that we have cast off all sin, much less does it mean that having been saved once then we are always saved. Although we believe in the Lord Jesus, and we have been redeemed by Him and our sins have been absolved, we are still capable of frequently committing sins and defying God, and we live in a vicious spiral of committing sins in the daytime and then confessing them in the evening, unable to free ourselves from the bonds and constraints of sin. For example, when we encounter an issue, in order to protect our appearance and status, and so that people look highly upon us and look up to us, we often wear disguises, tell lies and engage in deception, we love showing off when we do things, and we can also scheme against others and vie with them for position; when we see our brothers and sisters becoming negative and weak, and losing their faith, several times we go to help and support them but we see it have no effect, and so we ourselves lose our compassion and patience, and we start to try to avoid our brothers and sisters, and we become unable to love others as we love ourselves. Especially when trials come upon us, we complain and we can blame and judge the Lord, so much so that we begin to harbor thoughts and ideas about betraying the Lord; we are simply unable to practice the Lord’s words, and we have no true faith in the Lord and are not truly obedient to Him. There are also many brothers and sisters who follow worldly trends, who covet sinful pleasures, and who live lives of eating, drinking and cavorting, just as the unbelievers do. God said: ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, Whoever commits sin is the servant of sin. And the servant stays not in the house for ever: but the Son stays ever’ (John 8:34-35). ‘You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy’ (Leviticus 11:45). God’s words are very clear: God is holy and God’s disposition is righteous and inviolable, and if one wants to enter into the kingdom of heaven, then they must rid themselves of their sinful nature and be cleansed, and no longer sin or defy God; only people like this are qualified to inherit God’s promise. How could we, who sin in the daytime and confess our sins in the evening, and who live in inescapable sin, ever be qualified to enter into the kingdom of heaven? If we don’t solve our sins at the source, even if we could have our sins absolved a thousand times, ten thousand times, we would still belong to Satan and be opposed to God. Just think—if God allowed people like us, who are filled with our satanic, corrupt dispositions, and who are capable of defying and betraying God, into the kingdom of heaven, then how could God’s kingdom still be called the holy kingdom? This would be impossible!”
Image Source: The Church of Almighty God
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Quagmire.
Call it a little of a reminiscing the old times.
I actually looked through each and every of my writings in a folder of late.
You see, I use to write a lot, that was till I found photography.
Most of my prose channels my growing up, my inner feelings and my experiences growing up.
Sad to say, mostly depressing, reflective and dark,
But I noticed one common underlying tone in them too...they are all hopeful.
And I am glad that was one good thing consistent with my life.
I always am hopeful. It has helped me live.
So now, I feel like I have come full circle.
Present photos...matching past writings...
Yet how I feel now when compared to the past as I wrote them...
Is like Heaven & Earth.
So this one is yet another one...
Wow...and it is dated 2005
Quagmire.
Insulated in Life’s sleepy surreal visions
He stumbled crusty-eyed to check the distant world out his courtyard
Pondering who weaved this never ending pinpricked tapestry of concrete chrome and turquoise-blue which graciously
Hosted an ominous orchestra of threatening and moving gray – languid and lackadaisical
The washing machine lends its hum to the orchestral traffic
As veils of rain descend to form a kaleidoscopic fanfare amidst the lucent skylight
The dingy sparrows cocked their heads, cackled and broke the still in the sponge-damp air before flying off in dark, odd pairs
Forever lost in the societal, black foliage where the happiness of green dilutes and falls to loam
Lying obscured in the moist-ridden alleys - ostentation of Life’s penetrable inviolability and dentate asylum of questionable sanctity
He stood amidst a dripping wet of blurred faces, some synthetic, others so real
Timid children seek affirmation and insecure adults crave validation
That’s the lucid symmetry of reality, stoically refuting the sublime fact that
The other half of rancid destruction is divine creation
Beneath the graphitized concrete of life’s lonesome ghetto,
A freezing gust ensued with stealth
Emitting prancing curls through the hot steaming sewages like ghost to the oblivious unnerving
A conflagration of crinkling passion and an inferno of tempestuous infatuation
Helped witness the panting drizzle turn to hush snow in the feeble half light
He pat his foreboding temples silhouetted with rivulets of relief
His face, gritted in tolerant joy, overriding presentiment
As he strolled out his green-concrete, putrid scented room,
Into the thin, cold, divine celestial haven of bliss,
Donned with a warm halo of budding fervent love
His pocket universe of Life trawls a quagmire of loneliness congruent with the random vestiges of childhood pain
And someone uncovered that holy grail of his hidden secrets
And promised to build them a home decorated with trinkets of new hope in the wide open spaces.