Rwanda Genocide Guilt Still Haunts United States

United States culpability for the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, by the Hutu government against the Tutsi minority and moderate Hutus, continues to be unveiled. The latest revelations are detailed in the September, 2001, issue of The Atlantic Monthly.

800,000 Rwandans lost their lives in devastation so rapid, it surpassed the speed of the Nazi holocaust against Jews, the handicapped, homosexuals, gypsies, and other victims during WWII.

The U.S. government, aware of the dangers and the warnings from U.S. officials on the scene in Rwanda, did nothing to prevent the holocaust from happening. As the the daily toll of thousands of deaths were reported by news media, the U.S.

• failed to send troops,
• led an effort to remove U.N. troops that were in Rwanda,
• endeavored to block the sending of U.N. peacekeeper reinforcements,
• refused to block radio signals which would have hindered the murderous campaign by the Hutu government, and
• refused to call the horrific event genocide to avoid involvement in any effort to save the Tutsis and moderate Hutus.

Source:

• The Atlantic Monthly [link inactive]

Giant Tsunamis a Threat to the U.S. East Coast, Northeast South America, & Africa

Cumbre Vieja, a volcano on the island of La Palma, off the coast of Africa, may one day result in a landslide sending waves up to 70 feet high onto coastal areas of the eastern United States, lesser waves upon northeast South America, and much higher waves upon nearby Africa..

That 70 feet high size of a wave is the worst-case scenario for the U.S., with the probability that smaller landslides, producing waves 1/4th that size, would occur. Also of note, many Cumbre Vieja eruptions may occur before a resulting landslide / tsunami of any size occurs.

The worst case scenario? As a result of a massive eruption/landslide, a 1,500 feet high wave zooms outward from La Palma ... 30 miles out, it's down to 900 feet, obliterating islands close by. Six or so hours later, 30 feet waves hit Newfoundland. Three hours thereafter, 30 to 70 feet waves inundate the U.S. east coast.

Source:

• World Scientist / AP [link inactive]

Rapid technological advances to watch you every moment of your "public life", combined with privacy laws to protect you based on the mentality of the 19th century, spells danger as questions arise regarding who "owns" the rights to know everything about what you do each waking moment of your "public life".

Where is the danger the greatest? Well, in the United Kingdom, there are more closed circuit cameras per capita than any country in the world. The U.S. and many other developed countries are not trailing the UK by much.

But it's not only videotaping / recording that's at issue, it's automatically tying those images to databases with names / records based on digital-identification technology that begins to reveal the crossing from mere observation to recognition / tracking to potential to control / judge / condemn based on observed behavior not one with whomever / whatever deems it in their best interest to monitor / control you.

Other technology under development includes means to monitor / control you based on the spectral image emitted by your skin, your exact physical measurements, your iris, your walking gait, or your facial patterns.

Some see promise in the technology, to spot medical emergencies and to stem crime. Others see danger, unwelcome surveillance as a means to control and oppress.

Perhaps, it's all in the hands of those who control the technology until laws are written to protect the citizenry and prevent abuse. Until then, the risk of abuse rises in proportion to the ill-intent and temptation for abuse by those with the power to monitor / store / assess / report on your every move 'neath "the public eyes".

Source:

• Technology Review [link inactive]

Baptists, Mormons, Catholics, Eminem, Marilyn Manson? In Scotland

Baptists, Mormons, & Catholics on the one side, Eminem & Marilyn Manson on the other side, and so it goes, as religions attempt to spread their delusion (er, uh, leaflets and fear) amongst the atmosphere of art, rock, and freedom of expression in Scotland.

An anti-christian message was asserted by the Baptists. Leaflets were distributed by the Mormons & Catholics.

Eminem, Marilyn Manson, & their fans? Most likely, those aware of the religious protest found it apart from open-minded search for verity and little more than a reflection of the deceit that's the cornerstone of faith.

Source:

• International Herald Tribune [link inactive]