Gorilla Radio from Pacific Free Press

Joined between 200-300 Victorians to again demand, for the 23rd week in a row, the Canadian government fulfill its obligations to international law and human decency.

Israel's Flour Massacre February 29, 2024 Joined between 700-800 Victorians down at the Legislative Buildings to express outrage at the continued complicity of the Canadian government in Israel's genocide in Palestine.

Between 300 and 400 Victorians came out to express solidarity for Palestine and disgust and dismay at the Canadian government's acquiescence to the Israeli and American strategy of attacking the UNRWA and aid to the Gaza Strip in the wake of the International Court of Justice ruling against the genocide.

The locals were out in force again this Sunday. Between 400-500 Victorians came out to express their outrage and disgust at both the actions of Israel and inaction of the Canadian government to do anything to stop the Gaza genocide underway.

Welcome to Gorilla Radio, recorded November 29th, 2023 Following fifty days of Israel's scorched earth attacks against Gaza a four day "pause" was brokered into being. As much as allowing humanitarian relief to the people of Gaza, the temporary respite in aerial and artillery bombing is meant too to interrupt the growing and increasingly adamant demonstrations of outrage around the World - most importantly within Western countries still unanimously supporting Israel despite the carnage. Meanwhile, in an unmistakable sign of cynicism, Israel's military is taking as many new prisoner hostages in West Bank home raids as it releases in exchange for its citizens captured October 7th. Dan Kovalik is a lawyer, educator, labour, peace, and justice activist, democracy defender, journalist, author, and filmmaker. His book titles include: ‘Cancel This Book: The Progressive Case Against Cancel Culture’ the “Plot to” series on American efforts to undermine the governments and economies of Iran, Venezuela, and Russia, ‘No More War: How the West Violates International Law by Using ‘Humanitarian’ Intervention to Advance Economic and Strategic Interest’, ‘Nicaragua: A History of US Intervention & Resistance’, and his latest, ‘The Case for Palestine: Why It Matters and Why You Should Care'. Dan Kovalik in the first half. And; The 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC, or COP 28 is ready to get underway tomorrow, November 30th. The two-week confab conference is hosted this year in Dubai, one of the Arab Gulf States' fossil-fuel superpowers. That fact is not lost on critics, who already charge plans to allow oil companies into the meetings effectively makes The COPs less an environmental emergency meeting than oil dealers' bazaar. Dr. Joan Russow is former leader of the Green Party of Canada who since stepping down from the Greens has spent her time keeping the United Nations’ feet to fire as a reporter, and filmmaker recording past climate change conferences. She’s also producer of the film, ‘Cooperatives: Counterpoint to Capitalism’, and has served as the editor and driving force behind Peace Earth and Justice News, aka PEJNews. Joan Russow and is COP 28 the Conference of the Parties' shark-jumping moment in the second half. But first, Dan Kovalik making the Case for Palestine. Song: Humanitarian Pause Artist: David Rovics Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, broad/webcasting since 1999. Check out the Archive at Gorilla-Radio.com, GRadio.Substack.com, and the GR blog at: https://gorillaradioblog.blogspot.com/

Went down to the Legislature here in Victoria to join the roughly 500-600 Victorians concerned enough about the slaughter in Gaza to brave the chill.

Welcome to Gorilla Radio, recorded November 22nd, 2023 This assault being waged against human decency in Palestine is a test; a test to gauge how much atrocity we watching will countenance. What we've allowed befall others in Yugoslavia, and Afghanistan, Libya, Somalia, Yemen, Syria, Ukraine, and elsewhere has metastasized, becoming finally the full-blown horror of Gaza. And it's a horror that will, if we allow it continue over there, in due course return to be visited upon us as well. So, why is it allowed time and again? And, who profits this belittlement of humanity? Kathy Kelly is a long-time peace and justice activist, essayist, author, and recipient of numerous awards for her peace service, including multiple nominations for the Nobel Peace prize. Kathy's book titles include, ‘Prisoners on Purpose: a Peacemakers Guide to Jails and Prison,’ and ‘Other Lands Have Dreams: from Baghdad to Pekin Prison.’ These days she’s serving as Board President at World BEYOND War, where among other things, she’s been busy co-coordinating the November 2023 Merchants of Death War Crimes Tribunal. The Tribunal launched Sunday, November 12, with the first segment examining the wanton and repeated criminality of the destruction of Gaza. Kathy Kelly in the first half. And; for the last six weeks, millions have gathered in cities and towns across the World to express their collective outrage at what is happening right now in Palestine, and in an effort to pressure their respective governments to demand Israel stop its indefensible destruction of Gaza and its people. Victoria, British Columbia is no different, where every week since Israel's onslaught began citizens have come to the Legislative Buildings, seat of the provincial government, to raise their voices against the statuary and granite facades in hopes of moving their representatives. Soundscapes from the Palestine solidarity manifestations in the second half. But first, Kathy Kelly and trying the profiteers at 2023's Merchants of Death War Crimes Tribunal. Song: Nails in the Wall Artist: Speedy J. - Kait Gray From Grant Wakefield's, The Fire This Time, 2002. Photograph: Munition workers painting shells at the National Shell Filling Factory No.6, Chilwell, Nottinghamshire in 1917. This was one of the largest shell factories in the country, circa 1917. Photo by Horace Nicholls, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons. Photograph: https://www.instagram.com/khaledbeydoun/p/CzG4c2tATXn/   Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, broad/webcasting since 1999. Check out the Archive at Gorilla-Radio.com, GRadio.Substack.com, and the GR blog at: https://gorillaradioblog.blogspot.com/

Welcome to Gorilla Radio, recorded November 15th, 2023 If there is any value in staying informed: reading the papers, watching television reports, subscribing to online journalists and aggregators, it is to be prepared. But even the most assiduous, meticulously matriculated self-education can lead to where the familiar becomes alien, and once confident knowledge incognizance. It's then, when the world fails to make sense, we ask, "How did we get here?" Answering that requires a broader perspective than is possible with our noses pressed against the present; for that, a little historical distance is prescriptive. For example, we can't appreciate why the United States is where it is in November, 2023 without knowing what happened November 22nd, 1963. Likewise, understanding Israel's actions today means revealing the real events of November 4th, 1995. Jeremy Kuzmarov is a journalist and author who also serves as Managing Editor at CovertActionMagazine.com. His book titles include, ‘Obama’s Unending Wars’, ‘The Russians Are Coming, Again’, written with John Marciano, and his latest, fresh from the printer's, 'Warmonger: How Clinton's Malign Foreign Policy Launched the US Trajectory from Bush II to Biden'. Jeremy's recent article at CAM, 'Yigal Amir is Israel's Oswald' examines the day prime minister, Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated and how that foul deed helped make Israel what it is today. Jeremy Kuzmarov in the first half. And; for millions inside the country and out, Canada seems unrecognizable today. From saluting Nazis in Parliament, to standing in opposition to peace and human rights resolutions at the United Nations, whither the familiar northern beacon of bland? James Bissett is a former Canadian Ambassador whose tenure in Yugoslavia coincided with that country's 1991 dissolution. And, at century’s end he was one of the very few government insiders to oppose NATO’s 78 day bombardment of Serbia in the name of “humanitarian intervention.” James Bissett and finding Canada in the second half. But first, Jeremy Kuzmarov and Israel's infamous sacrifice. Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, broad/webcasting since 1999. Check out the Archive at Gorilla-Radio.com, GRadio.Substack.com, and the GR blog at: https://gorillaradioblog.blogspot.com/

Welcome to Gorilla Radio, recorded November 8th, 2023 A tapestry of Pablo Picasso's haunting Guernica hangs mutely in the foyer of the United Nations Security Council. The 25 by 11 foot recreation of the Spanish artist's cri de coeur recalling the ruthless bombing of civilians in that Basque town in 1937 had served as backdrop for press conferences by that august body until February 3rd, 2003 when, fearing life imitating art in the form of George Bush's coming "shock and awe" destruction of Baghdad, the UN custodians of decorum covered it from the cameras, preemptively shielding Secretary of State, Colin Powell from any embarrassment the image might cause America and its accomplices as he laid forth his bogus casus belli for the second Iraq war. The "Blitzkrieg" of Guernica inspiring Picasso so long ago has been reenacted daily in Gaza for the last month; with many times more men, women, children, and animals killed, injured, made homeless, and traumatized. Thousands are dead. Hundreds of thousands wounded, but the great resistance feared by Bush and his claque way back when is apparently not a worry for current leaders of the Western world, who remain unanimous and unapologetic in their support of Israel and its project for the new Israel despite the horrendous cost. William S. Geimer is a peace activist, Professor Emeritus of Law at Washington and Lee University, military veteran who resigned his 82nd Airborne commission in opposition to the war against Vietnam, and author of the book, 'Canada: The Case for Staying Out of Other People’s Wars'. In 2020 Bill founded the Greater Victoria Peace School, which he says has, since his retirement, "been a success and my board members are carrying on admirably with peace education. William S. Geimer in the first half. And; most here have probably forgotten entirely about Guantanamo Bay prison, set up so long ago to confine "the worst of the worst" in George Bush junior's Global War on Terror. Incredibly, all these years later, prisoners still languish there, without the benefit of the protection of laws that were once the pride of Western Civilization. Andy Worthington remembers though; and more, he's been working all these years to both publicize the plight of those held, and get them real justice. Last week he attended in London one of the "ten coordinated global vigils for the closure of Guantanamo". He reminds: Sixteen of the thirty men are still held, after having been approved for release, as of November 1st, between 404 and 5,031 days. Andy Worthington and remembering Guantanamo in the second half. But first, Bill Geimer and the Gaza atrocity happening before our eyes. Links: Combatants for Peace American Friends of Combatants for Peace World Beyond War Merchants of Death Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, broad/webcasting since 1999. Check out the Archive at Gorilla-Radio.com, GRadio.Substack.com, and the GR blog at: https://gorillaradioblog.blogspot.com/

Went down to the rally and march held in Victoria today. Between 1,500-2,000 came out to express outrage at the slaughter and ethnic cleansing currently underway in Gaza, but also to acknowledge the complicity of our Canadian government in this great crime. Another lost family in Gaza. The tape is slightly edited.

Welcome to Gorilla Radio, recorded October 29th, 2023 Listen. Hear. Is there method in this madness? Was the ruthless destruction of decency and the foundational principles of the West, and presumably Israel, the intention of the current onslaught in Gaza, (and increasingly underscored by the marauding bands of murderous "settlers" in the West Bank)? Or has it all just gotten away from the perennial felon, prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, originally hoping perhaps just for a distraction from the determined - and massive - demonstrations against his government? Whither Israel then, and where does the disaster it has wrought for Palestine's people lead it now? John Helmer is a journalist and author who’s spent decades living in and reporting from Russia. Principle behind the web news site, Dances with Bears, Helmer has too been a professor of political science, sociology, and journalism, and served as advisor to governments at the highest levels. Among his many book titles are: ‘Skripal in Prison,’ ‘The Man Who Knows Too Much About Russia,’ ‘The Jackals’ Wedding: American Power, Arab Revolt’, ‘The Lie That Shot Down MH-17’, and his latest, ‘SOVCOMPLOT: How Pirates Tried to Capture the Treasure of the Russian Seas, and Were Caught Out’. John’s latest article at Dances with Bears examines the question of what becomes of "the only democracy in the Middle East" now that its long-promised war is begun. John Helmer and 'THE GODS ARE GOING AGAINST THE CHOSEN PEOPLE — MAMMON AGAINST ISRAEL, MARS AGAINST THE PENTAGON'.   Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, broad/webcasting since 1999. Check out the Archive at Gorilla-Radio.com, GRadio.Substack.com, and the GR blog at: https://gorillaradioblog.blogspot.com/

Welcome to Gorilla Radio, recorded October 28th and 29th, 2023 Having watched the incremental disintegration of Western Civilizations, such as it was, over the last forty and something years, it still comes as a surprise to witness the depravity, viciousness, and yes, banality of the evil now run rampant. And this is without regarding the unspeakable Israel - enacting a literal genocide even now, every moment - but the revelation of the West's moral bankruptcy Israel's ultimate crime illustrates. Certainly the blame for the killing of Gaza is on the governments and institutions of America, Europe, the NATO nations - Canada, the rest of the Anglo-American Alliance, and their satraps around the World - but the blood of innocents stains our hands too; we the people who allowed this happen, and allow it continue. So, now what are you and I and we to do? Dimitri Lascaris is a Montreal-based activist, journalist, and lawyer. He served as Justice Critic in the Shadow Cabinet of the Green Party of Canada and likewise for the Green Party of Quebec. Dimitri’s interviews for TRNN are at TheRealNews.com. Dimitri’s articles appear at various sites online and at his website, DimitriLascaris.org, where I found his latest piece, 'If We Have Any Honour, We Will Defend the Palestinian People'. Dimitri Lascaris in the first half. And; is there method in this madness? Was the ruthless destruction of decency and the foundational principles of the West, and presumably Israel, the intention of the current onslaught in Gaza, (and increasingly underscored by the marauding bands of murderous "settlers" in the West Bank)? Or has it all just gotten away from the perennial felon, prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, originally hoping perhaps just for a distraction from the determined - and massive - demonstrations against his government? Whither Israel then, and where does the disaster it has wrought for Palestine's people lead it now? John Helmer is a journalist and author who’s spent decades living in and reporting from Russia. Principle behind the web news site, Dances with Bears, Helmer has too been a professor of political science, sociology, and journalism, and served as advisor to governments at the highest levels. Among his many book titles are: ‘Skripal in Prison,’ ‘The Man Who Knows Too Much About Russia,’ ‘The Jackals’ Wedding: American Power, Arab Revolt’, ‘The Lie That Shot Down MH-17’, and his latest, ‘SOVCOMPLOT: How Pirates Tried to Capture the Treasure of the Russian Seas, and Were Caught Out’. John’s latest article at Dances with Bears examines the question of what becomes of "the only democracy in the Middle East" now that its long-promised war is begun. John Helmer and 'THE GODS ARE GOING AGAINST THE CHOSEN PEOPLE — MAMMON AGAINST ISRAEL, MARS AGAINST THE PENTAGON' in the second half. But first, Dimitri Lascaris and the great unraveling beginning in the navel of the World. Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, broad/webcasting since 1999. Check out the Archive at Gorilla-Radio.com, GRadio.Substack.com, and the GR blog at: https://gorillaradioblog.blogspot.com/

Welcome to Gorilla Radio, recorded October 25th, 2023 Eighteen days into Israel's campaign of destruction in Gaza thousands are dead, tens of thousands wounded, orphaned, and rendered homeless. And still the bombings continue, with the full support of every Western government. The slaughter of innocents through air attacks and distant artillery parallels the experience of civilians in Donbas, but elicits the opposite reaction in establishment media and Parliaments like Canada's, where unconditional public support of Israel is, as of this date, unanimous. The federal government's minority coalition partner, the NDP has proven most strident in its statements encouraging Israel, with its foreign affairs critic, Heather McPherson saying in the House, "Israel has every right to eradicate Hamas." Dan Kovalik is a lawyer, educator, labour, peace, and justice activist, democracy defender, journalist, author, and filmmaker. His book titles include: 'Cancel This Book: The Progressive Case Against Cancel Culture' the “Plot to” series on American efforts to undermine the governments and economies of Iran, Venezuela, Russia, 'No More War: How the West Violates International Law by Using ‘Humanitarian’ Intervention to Advance Economic and Strategic Interest', and his latest, 'Nicaragua: A History of US Intervention & Resistance', which "explores the pernicious nature of US engagement with Nicaragua from the mid-19th century to the present in pursuit of control and domination rather than in defense of democracy". Dan Kovalik in the first half. And; Israel's stated determined erasure of Hamas - and the apparent complete destruction of civic life on the Gaza Strip it says that ambition necessitates - is destroying more than the lives of the tens of thousands of captured Palestinians living in the besieged enclave. Across the Western nations allied with Israel's project, draconian anti-democratic laws are being drafted forbidding demonstrating in support of the Palestinian people and their just resistance to the brutal occupation, while social media outlets cancel those in support, and employers are pressured to fire people who attend rallies, or exercise their rights to free speech online. The latter is just such a case, where physician, Dr. Ben Thomson was recently suspended by his employer, Ontario based, Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital for, as they put it, "social media posts... that do not reflect our views or values as an organization." Tarek Loubani is a London, Ontario-based doctor and humanitarian. Tarek runs the Glia Project, which seeks to provide medical supplies to impoverished locations, one of which is the al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza. Dr. Ben Thomson Tarek Loubani and the silencing of Canadian humanitarian dissenters in the second half. But first, Dan Kovalik on war, more war, and nothing but war. Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, broad/webcasting since 1999. Check out the Archive at Gorilla-Radio.com, GRadio.Substack.com, and the GR blog at: https://gorillaradioblog.blogspot.com/

Welcome to Gorilla Radio, recorded October 18, 2023 As the appalling situation in Palestine worsens, populations and countries around the World are demanding a stop to Israel's grotesque violation of international human rights law. But where it counts, in the UN Security Council, there's been no action since the bloody assault against Gaza's captive population began. Yesterday, even Russia's anodyne resolution to condemn the violence was vetoed by the council, with no other motions proposed. John Helmer is a journalist and author who’s spent decades living in and reporting from Russia. Principle behind the web news site, Dances with Bears, Helmer has too been a professor of political science, sociology, and journalism, and served as advisor to governments at the highest levels. Among his many book titles are: ‘Skripal in Prison,’ ‘The Man Who Knows Too Much About Russia,’ ‘The Jackals’ Wedding: American Power, Arab Revolt’, ‘The Lie That Shot Down MH-17’, and his latest, ‘SOVCOMPLOT: How Pirates Tried to Capture the Treasure of the Russian Seas, and Were Caught Out’. John’s latest article at Dances with Bears is, 'WHITE FLAG IN A BLACK HOLE — IS RUSSIAN NEUTRALITY A FORCE OR A TRADE?' John Helmer and Russia's curiously sanguine Israel position in the second half. Song: As the Bombs Rain Down Artist: David Rovics Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, broad/webcasting since 1999. Check out the Archive at Gorilla-Radio.com, GRadio.Substack.com, and the GR blog at: https://gorillaradioblog.blogspot.com/

Welcome to Gorilla Radio, recorded October 18, 2023 Not content with just aiding and abetting the ruination of countries on the other side of the World, Canada has announced its intention of doing likewise in the western hemisphere's most benighted nation, Haiti. In many ways, it's really just more of the same for the Great White North, which has meddled in and actively undermined any and every prospect for independence and prosperity there. The latest iteration of Canada's determination to help Haiti was delivered by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Melanie Joly, who on top of sanctions already in place, and allocations of millions of dollars to the Haitian National Police, voiced her support for the United Nations decision to again intervene militarily in Haiti saying, "Canada has always been involved in issues related to Haiti. We will continue to be... We want to do more." What "more" means may be revealed during this week's Canada-CARICOM Summit, started in Ottawa this morning. Yves Engler is an independent, Montreal-based journalist, activist, and author. He’s written twelve books on Canadian foreign policy, including ‘Canada in Haiti: Waging War on the Poor Majority’, co-authored with Anthony Fenton. Yves hosts the Canadian Foreign Policy Hour online every Monday at 6pm eastern time. Yves Engler in the first half. And; as the appalling situation in Palestine worsens, populations and countries around the World are demanding a stop to Israel's grotesque violation of international human rights law. But where it counts, in the UN Security Council, there's been no action since the bloody assault against Gaza's captive population began. Yesterday, even Russia's anodyne resolution to condemn the violence was vetoed by the council, with no other motions proposed. John Helmer is a journalist and author who’s spent decades living in and reporting from Russia. Principle behind the web news site, Dances with Bears, Helmer has too been a professor of political science, sociology, and journalism, and served as advisor to governments at the highest levels. Among his many book titles are: ‘Skripal in Prison,’ ‘The Man Who Knows Too Much About Russia,’ ‘The Jackals’ Wedding: American Power, Arab Revolt’, ‘The Lie That Shot Down MH-17’, and his latest, ‘SOVCOMPLOT: How Pirates Tried to Capture the Treasure of the Russian Seas, and Were Caught Out’. John’s latest article at Dances with Bears is, 'WHITE FLAG IN A BLACK HOLE — IS RUSSIAN NEUTRALITY A FORCE OR A TRADE?' John Helmer and Russia's curiously sanguine Israel position in the second half. But first, Yves Engler and are Canada's Haiti aid policies paved with good intent? Song: As the Bombs Rain Down Artist: David Rovics Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, broad/webcasting since 1999. Check out the Archive at Gorilla-Radio.com, GRadio.Substack.com, and the GR blog at: https://gorillaradioblog.blogspot.com/