Peace vs War Journalism

The ‘End Racism in Palestine’ protest was deemed a success.  There had been good television and media coverage. BU’s Students for Justice in Palestine congratulated themselves on an excellent rally.  Their goal was to inform as many of the student body as possible about the conflict; to raise awareness. Who could resist a free meal?  Cultural groups on campus had prepared a Jewish Shabbat dinner and Palestinian food and the University had generously offered the Castle, the conference center, to host the dinner. The turnout was great!

Della and her classmate, Darla were in line for the buffet.  The food smelled delicious. A voice behind her sounded familiar, and she turned to see Aaron Giles, Leaders of the SJP, expounding  about the violence, and how the Israelis had bombed a school on the Gaza strip, killing ten Palestinian people.

Della was angered by his bringing up the topic when the whole point of the reception was to share the culture of both groups and promote understanding.

“Then why don’t you start a fundraising effort to bring some relief to the people who were hurt, rather than stand there and stir up more hate with your “war journalism.”  The western press play to the elite and try to attract advertisers by reporting on the  most brutal attacks.  Both sides are equally guilty in this war.”

Aaron’s eyes were locked on Della’s face as she made her case.

“Haven’t you heard about “peace journalism” proposed by Johan Galtung? His  concept includes promoting conflict solution, conflict sensitive journalism, and constructive conflict coverage.  Maybe people would get a less biased view and better grasp of the key issues  if the journalists weren’t trying to stir up hate.”

Norma          Stay tuned for the next prequel to the         

       Lion’s Den coming soon!                                                   

   

 

 

 

 

The Lion’s Den on Hope for Wildlife

Oscar

In memory of our friend and teacher, October 9th, 2012

 

 

Hi friends,

I wanted to share with you some information about a lady and an organization that is very dear to my heart.  Her name is Hope Swiminer, and she is the founder of The Hope for Wildlife Society.

Located in Seaforth, Nova Scotia, Hope for Wildlife has grown from its beginnings in 1995 when Hope, then working as an administrator at the local Dartmouth Veterinary Hospital, rescued a baby robin, caring for it in her own home.  From this small beginning, Hope found her calling in life, to rescue and rehabilitate wild animals.  She went on to study and earned a basic certificate in Wildlife Rehabilitation.  Her first shelter was located at Winnies Way, Seaforth Nova Scotia, opening in 1997, and quickly outgrowing that location, she moved it to a bigger property in Seaforth in 2001, 5909 Highway 207, where the shelter operates today.

With the help of over 100 volunteers, some summer students, and the help of veterinary professionals, Hope now rehabilitates over 2,500 animals a year from all over the province.  Funding comes from donations, as well as corporate and government grants and their own annual fundraisers.  They are presently fundraising to raise $800,000.00 to repair their barn roof, and already have raised over $540,000.00, with another three months left in which to meet their goal.

In addition to working with the animals, Hope is committed to educating children and adults about wildlife, and runs many valuable programs which you can learn more about at their website, www.hopeforwildlife.net.  You can also watch Hope and her team in action by tuning in to Animal Planet or Oasis HD channel ( filmed by  Arcadia Entertainment).  It’s some of the most entertaining and informative programming on tv!

I was so impressed by the work that Hope has been doing that I used her wildlife refuge as a model for the shelter I wrote about in my novel The Lions Den, due for publication in April 2015.  In the novel, the main character, Della Rawlins, a photojournalist who has been working in the Middle East, wanting to make some changes in her career, meets up with Environmentalist Brad Jamieson, who introduces her to the world of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation by visiting a shelter in Eastern Canada.  Following are pictures of some of the furry and feathered characters you will meet when the book is released for publication. I hope you will enjoy the story.  I plan to make a donation to Hope’s shelter with proceeds from the sale of the book. More people need to learn about the great work these folks are doing.  Check out their Facebook page, and if you ever visit Nova Scotia, take time out to visit the Hope for Wildlife Refuge in Seaforth.  It’s time well spent.

 

 

 

 

Cast of Characters from the “Hope for Life” Wildlife Rescue, The Lions Den, due for publication April, 2015

Baby foxes                                                                       Oscar’s Injured Wing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oscar                                                               Jacko