The Best Idea I've Heard in Ages

Thursday, 24. July 2008, 19:09:40

(Just click on the pic to play the video.)

Recently, an Israeli human rights organization
gave 100 video cameras to Palestinians in the
West Bank. The idea was for the people to use
the cameras to protect themselves against violence
and to have a record of abuse.

I wouldn't in any way be in favor of a type of
1984-type situation where people were filmed
24 hours a day. But there is no doubt that
cameras, in recording injustice and violence,
can have a positive impact on fighting it.

People in Israel should of course have cameras
also, to show what violence does to their lives.
And then the videos should be shared. The Palestinians
should have an intimate record of what goes on in Israel,
and the Israelis should see up-close-and-personal what
happens in the West Bank and Gaza.

Evil loves darkness. It loves to hide.
It doesn't like the blinding light of day.

Learning to FlyThe Continuing Cost of War

Comments

"Evil loves darkness. It loves to hide.
It doesn't like the blinding light of day."

That is so true, Edward.

Great post!

By Stardancer, # 24. July 2008, 21:27:06

Thanks, Star. I found it uplifting. And I don't very often find things uplifting.

By edwardpiercy, # 24. July 2008, 21:34:33

I'm having a hard time with that myself these days, Edward.

But this, too, shall pass.

By Stardancer, # 25. July 2008, 00:03:11

I am surprised the people w/ cameras were not afraid of being killed for taking the videos.

By PainterWoman, # 26. July 2008, 13:27:20

That's always a possibility.

By edwardpiercy, # 26. July 2008, 18:43:40

I don't think I could be so brave.

By PainterWoman, # 26. July 2008, 18:57:48

real-life video is quite unique, moreso than photographs, imo. but the problems arise when the photographer tampers with the film and the product. i think we'll all find that in the near future, videos will not be as accountable as they are currently. mainly because, of the very few who tamper and produce falsehoods in their filming. eye-witness accounts are not accurate either, but the closest one will come when violence and criminal activity is at hand. too bad we have to arm ourselves with a camera to protect our civil rights. i don't carry a gun, but if i did -- well, let's just say that i don't carry a gun because i might......

By 1bluebox, # 29. July 2008, 06:59:38

....be way too tempted to shoot somebody?