An Israeli soldier climbs on an armored vehicle in a field at a gathering point near Kibbutz Mefalsim, southern Israel, just outside the Gaza Strip, Thursday June 29, 2006. Israeli troops rounded up dozens of ministers and lawmakers from the Palestinians’ ruling Hamas party on Thursday, while pressing a military campaign in Gaza meant to win the release of an Israeli soldier held by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip. (Oded Balilty / AP)

Operation Summer Rain.

Sounds lovely, peaceful, positive.

Operation Summer Rain - Apache helicopters dropping bombs on Gaza, tearing the eardrums of babies and small children, bombing basic utilities like a power center and a water plant. Rain or pain, penned in by an occupation wall, apartheid is alive and well in Israel.

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 Euphrates - Break Yourself [3:21m]: Play Now | Download (668)

A Soilder’s Tears - Iraq 2006 - Photo via ISM

In the land of the brand, what do we designate priceless?

There is no question the rise of the brand has marketed each aspect of life, each nugget of marketability extracted with precision by ad execs and PR flacks. From birth© to death™, every possible product, not always tangible, dictates a prescribed need or commanded want. We’ve gone from inspiration to aspiration.

What is off limits, what can gold never reach, what is it that will never glitter beside diamonds and pearls on a market table? What value exists beyond commerce?

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 The 4th Branch - Immortal Technique [4:45m]: Play Now | Download (3485)

The Goddess of Creativity, Saraswati

Sometimes I wonder why I bother with creating, especially when that creativity is abused.  I create tangible wonders and fantastic art.  And I only ask simply to be paid a fair wage, in a timely fashion.

I’ve been putting up with intimidation and threats lately.  I’m broke as a church mouse, while others who haven’t paid their bill cavort and splurge, travel and over-extend.  I build sites, edit trailers and films, shoot photography and somehow am penniless and homeless.

Accusations fly, but I’ve stayed too long at the party.  I’ve trusted too much and hoped so high.

Now, the simple tasks of new work, a new home, a new path emerges.

My peace is defensive right now, and I don’t know what’s coming, but I cannot extend my heart or talent any longer to people who abuse it.  The universe has sent me a shit storm to once again remind me to build and maintain better boundaries.  Never trust on faith or a handshake, get it in writing.

Peace,
Melissa

Check out a clip from “The Art of Love & Struggle”.  Toni Blackman, the Hip-Hop Ambassador, performs one her pieces about the struggle to create and be heard as a woman MC.

For more information on “The Art of Love & Struggle”, please visit Eyes Infinite Films. 

 

 Toni Blackman [1:40m]: Play Now | Download (361)