Leila's blog

Mon, Jun 16, 2008

Weapons of torture

Tomorrow the ‘ Justice for Colombia ’ campaign will be launching a photographic exhibition in the Welsh Assembly building at 12pm. The photos are of individuals who are in danger in Colombia – mainly trade unionists and human rights activists – as well as others such as political prisoners and victims of human rights abuses. This is an excellent campaign whose aims are not only to highlight abuse but also promote peace, so if you are in the area drop by to show your support.

Although not nearly on the same level as Columbia, there has been worrying news for those of us who live under an RAF tactical training area - a Harrier crashed today nearly hitting houses, endangering residents as well as the pilot. These events do not give me any trust that the planes that scream overhead at god-knows how many miles per hour won't crash. Apparently they are reliant on the latest technology and capable of amazing feats.... well I'll sleep soundly knowing that the latest technology never goes wrong. Furthermore, these angels of death disrupt sleep, my children's lessons in school, quiet days in the garden, and somehow manage to send our answerphone wild. The disturbance to daily life throughout the summer is particularly difficult for someone like me who finds the whole existence of these planes an anathema. They are at variance with that needed to bring the stability and security so desperately desired - peace, reconciliation, and hope. I may be being overly Buddhist here, but we can choose not to fight.

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