Martyrs

On a more serious note, it has been five years since Indy journalist Brad Will was killed and the newspapers are making some reference to it.  It was a galvanizing moment.  Oaxaca has not been the same since.  That was a different time, a different governor.  I do find it sad/ironic that it took a North American journalist being killed to change the dynamic, even though there were horrible things happening to oaxaqueõs for years leading up to that fateful day.

However, it did change everything.  Movements need martyrs.  That why I am struck by this photo of the Iraqi-war veteran who was shot in the head when the Oakland Police cleared out the OWS protesters.  I am outside the country.  I do not know if this is getting any play or notice, but I cannot help but think of images from Kent State or Vietnam, that became iconic and catalysts for change.

And so this photo from Reuters

Cops shot a vet in the head.  I mean, seriously, WTF?  Check out the BagNews link for analysis.

The shot has elements of the Pieta, especially with the cross/lightpost in the background.  I thought my shot from a couple of days ago had a crucifixion element to it.

So how is this playing at home?  To the rest of the world.... well, you can imagine how it looks.