"Sadly, very little has changed in terms of the free rein that the government of Israel is given by the U.S. and other influential governments in terms of their handling of the Palestinian question...
No one in the media seems to have a problem with anyone criticising Palestinian terrorism, but if anyone dares express any objection to the Israeli government’s acts of state terrorism against Palestinian civilians, one is rapidly vilified and censored.
Truly even-handed reporting and diplomacy are the only way to peaceful coexistence, in the Middle East or anywhere else in the world. Unfortunately, we are nowhere near seeing either of these happening in the mainstream US or European media as regards the state of Israel and its behaviour."
"Howard Zinn’s version of history is based on fact. Fox News’ version of history is rarely based on fact. That’s the main difference between Howard Zinn and Fox News. Zinn’s version of history is a threat to the system."When asked to comment further on Fox, Viggo said:
“They lie. That would be the word for it.”For a potted summary of why Viggo might prefer Mr Zinn's version of history to that of Rupert Murdoch's Fox News, here are a few quotations for you to ponder:
“We don't have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in the process of change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.”“The challenge remains. On the other side are formidable forces: money, political power, the major media. On our side are the people of the world and a power greater than money or weapons: the truth.
Truth has a power of its own... when we get involved, when we stand up and speak out together, we can create a power no government can suppress. We live in a beautiful country. But people who have no respect for human life, freedom, or justice have taken it over. It is now up to all of us to take it back.”
“I suppose the most revolutionary act one can engage in is... to tell the truth.”
“If those in charge of our society, politicians, corporate executives, and owners of press and television, can dominate our ideas, they will be secure in their power. They will not need soldiers patrolling the streets. We will control ourselves.”
“I'm worried that students will take their obedient place in society and look to become successful cogs in the wheel... I'm concerned that students not become passive acceptors of the official doctrine that's handed down to them from the White House, the media, textbooks, teachers and preachers.”
“Historically, the most terrible things, war, genocide, and slavery, have resulted not from disobedience, but from obedience.”
“Civil disobedience is not our problem. Our problem is civil obedience. Our problem is that people all over the world have obeyed the dictates of leaders… and millions have been killed because of this obedience…
Our problem is that people are obedient all over the world in the face of poverty and starvation and stupidity, and war, and cruelty. Our problem is that people are obedient while the jails are full of petty thieves… (whilst) the grand thieves are running the country. That’s our problem.”
“Protest beyond the law is not a departure from democracy; it is absolutely essential to it.”
“History is important. If you don't know history it is as if you were born yesterday. And if you were born yesterday, anybody up there in a position of power can tell you anything, and you have no way of checking up on it.”There are some in this world I am not keen on and there are others that I like.
Viggo Mortenson would, I'm sure, not like Tony Blair's best pal, the A1 Zionist, Rupert Murdoch.
Me neither.
On the other hand, if Howard Zinn's deeds and behaviours lived up to his words then it wouldn't just be Viggo singing his praises.
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