The Pakistani Spectator

As I sat, watched and listened to the coverage of Israel’s bombing of Gaza, I was sadly reminded of a similar type of the one-sided coverage, that proceeded America’s invasion of Iraq. It was quite easy to question or even tell that the information being put forth, was very inaccurate or just outright lies. ANy hack journalist could have asked  just slightly penetrating questions and in doing so, punched gaping holes in the bush administration propaganda being put forth. Yet CNN pronounced itself “The most trusted name in news”. As a result of a rogue government and cowardly and bought media conglomerate, the US invaded Iraq and far to many lives were taken or destroyed, all in the name of the innocent victims of 9/11.

It did not take long for the truth to start surfacing, as truth always does. But, before that happened many artists stood up and spoke out in America and Europe, and they were quickly attacked and became the targets of isolation, anti-Americanism, and shut down; careers in Jeopardy. As, I always seem to do when there are humanitarian crisis’, created and ignored by world leaders; I wrote a song. It seems it is a natural reflex and it always seems to talk to the people directly affected; the true victims. It is usually not pre meditated, but surely something I can count on.

I am not a famous recording artist with a multi-million dollar record contract or with millions of fans. But, that has never stopped me. While the songs, even though they have reached few, they have affected many. But, again,  it is a natural reflex that must be answered.

So, two weeks ago, I listened and watched as the people of Gaza where again suffering at the neo-politics of Israeli and American politicians and their propaganda machines. But, all I could care about the suffering, pain, and tragic loss being inflicted on the people gaza. The thought of children having to suffer through such fear, abuse and death, is inexcusable and I wish I could say inhuman, but as we as people inflict and allow this type of action to go on with simple explanations and causes, it will continue. I wish I could do more. I am an AMerican and of partial Jewish decent. I speak out loudly and forcefully, against much of the actions against the Palestinian people, and against Israeli actions, that they might have the world think, is actions in the name of all Jews. Regardless of what they say,  they do not have the support of even a majority. But, they have worked hard to put forth that belief.

So, on this occasion, I again picked up my guitar and out came a song about a Palestinian father hold his deceased child while mourning him, honoring him and promising him that one he will have a home, and as the title says  “One day I will bring you an Olive Tree”. The song came out very quickly and very emotionally. I recorded a performance of the song and placed it with news footage of Gaza. News footage that is never shown in the US, because Israel has not allowed journalists into Gaza.

I place these songs on you and blogs and let them discovered and commented on in the hopes that first, a Gaza may know that people in the US do care for them and that maybe the song gives them and a minute moment of calm, and of course I hope for the world tp be able to see the same and consider their silence or actions in this horrific action. I try not to let politics or religion dicticte a rational for such behavior, especially in this moment in time.

Willl the artist change the world, as my blog professes? Absolutely not. “But, I do believe I can plant a seed, that one day will bring an olive tree”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIzkGAHoGyg

Ashton Jones