In a minimally normal society, Aaron’s words and video of his immolation would be on every major media outlet and there would be thousands outside the genocidal Israeli embassy, shutting it down.
Thank you for writing this sad piece and making me aware of this tragedy. I have restricted my consumption of 'worldly events/activities' because the evil is so dark. I am reading just a few substacks, yours being one. Thank you for reporting.
I and millions of others have been to countless protests. I have been arrested multiple times doing civil disobedience since Oct 7th. Still Aaron is on another level and is what I would call a martyr, he only disappears when we forget him. it was a tragedy, but the tragedy didn't begin the day he lit the match. We are indeed ALL facing the dark together.
I am entitled to be saddened by this tragic event, Jenny. Each of us takes action in our own way. Aaron did something I would not consider as an option, but it was his choice, not mine. It remains a tragedy.
So tragic and so frustrating that this man sacrificed his life and will get little to no acknowledgement. Thank you for shining a light on his sacrifice.
There should be a monument to people of conscience like Aaron Bushnell and all the others Sam has brought to our attention. They can't live with their government's immorality and by their acts, they make us question the level of our commitment to end this evil.
Thank you for this. Aaron's actions are so profound as to be beyond words. The depth of his courage and his empathy for Palestine was extraordinary, espceially for an American soldier. The fact that mass media wants to hide his powerful statement and pretend he is some sort of crazy man is an insult to Aaron but also to the rest of us. So many of us share his grief and desperation and will always remember him. We need to treasure his memory as a hero who stood up to the immorality of our times and the unspeakable depravity of our overlords.
I've been appreciative of you for specifically covering these immolation protests. You are right to see something barbaric in the way these acts, which are so remarkably potent are elided and suppressed. It would unconscionable to simply dismiss it as mental illness. Considering the way he did it, it is indeed unfortunate that the family is also diminishing the act, though one can sympathize with them. His action shows, perversely, how mentally ill our society is.
I find myself admiring Aaron Bushnell's courageous actions. If he couldn't "cope" then he is more wise than the rest of us. This is what makes him a saint in my eyes. Yes, I say this knowing fully how many would react, saying I'm extreme. But he deserves recognition for his incredible sacrifice.
“I will no longer be complicit in genocide. I’m about to engage in an extreme act of protest, but compared to what people have been experiencing in Palestine at the hands of their colonizers, it’s not extreme at all. This is what our ruling class has decided will be normal.”
These were Aaron Bushnell's last words, other than shouting “FREE PALESTINE” for as long as he possibly could as he was consumed by the fire.
As succinct of an explanation as this is for his actions, many corporate media outlets have failed to quote it in full—even in stories written today (Tuesday), two days after his self-immolation.
The blurred version of the video — which is only a little over 3 minutes long — was readily available and widely circulating by late Sunday night / early Monday morning.
Tonight, before I came aware of this wonderful writing. I said to my husband: There is something wrong in the Universe. My cats and dogs are behaving strangely and I feel very confused. VERY similar before an earthquake.
Events always collide (mostly because there are so many of them) BUT today is different.I am completely sane not mad.
Here in France we have gone through a 'heatwave' like nothing in my 24yrs here. I have been to Death Valley in the middle of Summer which was almost unbreathable heat. Here it was not dissimilar.
My only suggestion is that Nature is coming to the 'fore and it's about time we take notice.
Thank you for writing this sad piece and making me aware of this tragedy. I have restricted my consumption of 'worldly events/activities' because the evil is so dark. I am reading just a few substacks, yours being one. Thank you for reporting.
YOU need to protest!
What is the point of disappearing.
We are ALL facing the dark......
I and millions of others have been to countless protests. I have been arrested multiple times doing civil disobedience since Oct 7th. Still Aaron is on another level and is what I would call a martyr, he only disappears when we forget him. it was a tragedy, but the tragedy didn't begin the day he lit the match. We are indeed ALL facing the dark together.
I am entitled to be saddened by this tragic event, Jenny. Each of us takes action in our own way. Aaron did something I would not consider as an option, but it was his choice, not mine. It remains a tragedy.
I understand....so many times I have wanted to 'bunk out.' The Palestinians are still living and so should you.
So tragic and so frustrating that this man sacrificed his life and will get little to no acknowledgement. Thank you for shining a light on his sacrifice.
There should be a monument to people of conscience like Aaron Bushnell and all the others Sam has brought to our attention. They can't live with their government's immorality and by their acts, they make us question the level of our commitment to end this evil.
Thank you for this. Aaron's actions are so profound as to be beyond words. The depth of his courage and his empathy for Palestine was extraordinary, espceially for an American soldier. The fact that mass media wants to hide his powerful statement and pretend he is some sort of crazy man is an insult to Aaron but also to the rest of us. So many of us share his grief and desperation and will always remember him. We need to treasure his memory as a hero who stood up to the immorality of our times and the unspeakable depravity of our overlords.
I've been appreciative of you for specifically covering these immolation protests. You are right to see something barbaric in the way these acts, which are so remarkably potent are elided and suppressed. It would unconscionable to simply dismiss it as mental illness. Considering the way he did it, it is indeed unfortunate that the family is also diminishing the act, though one can sympathize with them. His action shows, perversely, how mentally ill our society is.
IF you are interested.....read his history. This was a kind young man who could not 'cope' anymore.
You might be surprised but a LOT of us are speaking out and feel the way you do!
I find myself admiring Aaron Bushnell's courageous actions. If he couldn't "cope" then he is more wise than the rest of us. This is what makes him a saint in my eyes. Yes, I say this knowing fully how many would react, saying I'm extreme. But he deserves recognition for his incredible sacrifice.
Not carried in the Zio controlled Washington Post
I read the WAPO. The last socialist standing there.
I comment all the time and send people to substack.
I am going back to Wash, Post now because I read something which was way beyond what the 'normal' WAPO would write.
Just want to highlight this quote:
“I will no longer be complicit in genocide. I’m about to engage in an extreme act of protest, but compared to what people have been experiencing in Palestine at the hands of their colonizers, it’s not extreme at all. This is what our ruling class has decided will be normal.”
These were Aaron Bushnell's last words, other than shouting “FREE PALESTINE” for as long as he possibly could as he was consumed by the fire.
As succinct of an explanation as this is for his actions, many corporate media outlets have failed to quote it in full—even in stories written today (Tuesday), two days after his self-immolation.
The blurred version of the video — which is only a little over 3 minutes long — was readily available and widely circulating by late Sunday night / early Monday morning.
Tonight, before I came aware of this wonderful writing. I said to my husband: There is something wrong in the Universe. My cats and dogs are behaving strangely and I feel very confused. VERY similar before an earthquake.
Events always collide (mostly because there are so many of them) BUT today is different.I am completely sane not mad.
Here in France we have gone through a 'heatwave' like nothing in my 24yrs here. I have been to Death Valley in the middle of Summer which was almost unbreathable heat. Here it was not dissimilar.
My only suggestion is that Nature is coming to the 'fore and it's about time we take notice.