#Anthony Barbar

[nando161mando]

If you think you've seen the depths of Israel's barbarism, think again.

[dragon-kazansky]

Bridgerton shade of blue

Benedict Bridgerton x Female Reader

Benedict bumps into you, quite literally, at a ball while trying to escape his mother's attempts to find him a partner. You decide to humour him with a dance, not realising just how entwined you would become with him. It seems the universe will find every excuse to push you and Benedict together, no matter how much you fight it.

{Masterlist}

{Previous Chapter} - {Next Chapter}

Season one

Chapter Nine - Late night scandals

♡♡♡

"What do you think Bridgerton?"

Benedict turns around to find the artist he had accidentally offended at the gallery the other night.

"This one more to your liking?"

"Mr. Granville--" Benedict raises from his chair to approach the man.

"Perhaps they should take it over to Somerset House so it can be skyed right next to mine."

"I believe I owe you an apology, sir." Benedict says, feeling rather embarrassed.

"Unnecessary. I actually quite enjoy the eloquent stings of your critique. So?" He gestures back to the painting on the wall.

"A touch morose for my tastes," Benedict says.

Henry points to the next one.

"A tragedy. The hound deserved better," Benedict comments.

Granville laughs. "Where is yours?"

"My..."

"Your work," Granville clarifies. "Are you tell me you're not an artist yourself?"

"Well, I-- I suppose sometimes I like to... Well, I mean, I almost--"

"I believe 'yes' and 'thank you' are the words you seek. But either way, you should come by my studio." Mr Granville holds out a small card to Benedict, who accepts it. "The pieces I do for myself are there, and I think you will find my real work far less, um... Oh, how did you put it? 'Cold and lacking inner life?'"

Benedict scrunched up his face as he nodded, still burning with embarrassment. "I shall never live that down, shall I?"

Mr Granville leaves.

Benedict returns to his table where he had been absentmindedly doodling. Eyes. He was sketching out a pair of eyes. Pretty ones. From memory.

He sighs and closes the sketchbook.

♡♡♡

As you sit in the drawing room of the Bridgerton house, as invited by Violet, you discover that she had no idea about the boxing match, or that Daphne had been there.

You keep your eyes focused on the latest Whistledown paper, though you had stopped reading it.

Daphne was playing the piano while her mother interrogated her.

"A boxing match is no place for any young lady." Violet sighs.

"Is it a place for a prince? Was he at today's match, sister?" Hyacinth asks.

"He certainly was."

"It is a loathsome and barbarous form of entertainment," Violet was very displeased.

That was when Daphne took the opportunity to mention you had gone as well, which had Violet looking at you.

"You too?"

You glare softly at Daphne, who gives you a smug little look. Crafty one, she is.

"Anthony invited me," you admit.

Violet looked terribly ill all of a sudden. You were sure she would being this up with her eldest son at some point.

"What about the duke?" Hyacinth asks.

"What about the duke?" Both Violet and Daphne ask at the same time. You eye Daphne curiously from your seat.

"Was he also present?" Hyacinth asked, less enthusiastic now.

"I do not know," Daphne says. "If the duke was there, I did not see him."

Hyacinth leaves the piano to go see what Eloise is up to. She had been scribbling away in her book since you arrived.

You put the Whistledown column down and rose from your seat to seek entertainment near the window. Watching the street was surely more entertainment than listening in on that conversation.

Anthony enters the room and greets both his mother and his sister. You turn and he greets you too.

"Did you truly take your sister to a boxing match?" Violet hounds him.

"Your admonishment will have to wait. I have news," he cuts her lecture short. "Prince Friedrich has asked for my permission to propose." He looks at Daphne.

She stops playing. "So soon?"

"Well, what did you tell him?" Violet asks.

"That I know better than to answer for my sister. I have no objections to the man. People speak well of him. Whatever you decide, Daph, you shall have my support."

You look at Daphne quietly.

"I... uh... I..." She doesn't know what to say.

"You need not decide now," Violet tells her. "You certainly have no known him long."

"Let me know when you have an answer, and I shall convey it." Anthony says to his sister.

"Indeed." Daphne looks at him.

Anthony leaves as quickly as he came in. It was clear Daphne needed time to think.

♡♡♡

When Daphne had pleaded with you to attend the next ball with her, you couldn't say no. There was a sadness to her gaze, and you wondered from where it had risen.

Something had happened between her and the duke, and she had been off kilter ever since.

The ball, like all had been so far, was wonderful. The theme was a little more out there this time, but everyone was behaving quite perfectly.

You were standing with Daphne as she scanned the crowd. Exactly who she was looking for, you weren't quite certain. You would suggest the prince on the account that the duke was apparently leaving London tonight.

The prince could be seen across the room. He was in conversation with someone. You glance toward Daphne, but your gaze shifts as Cressida Cowper comes over. You give Daphne a gentle nudge.

"Daphne." Cressida chuckles. "You look beautiful, as always."

"Thank you, Cressida," Daphne says politely.

"You could have chosen anyone," Cressida says. "You have gentlemen lined up to pay you tribute. Yet you did not hesitate to steal my chance for happiness away, did you? I knew the marriage market would make rivals of us, but I never thought youcapable of being my enemy."

"The man made his choice, Cressida. What did you expect me to do?" Daphne asks.

Daphne walks off in the direction of the prince. You look at Cressida and then walk off in the other direction.

There is nothing you could ever say to her.

You begin to walk alongside the dance floor, watching the couples dance. A hand comes into view, and you turn to see a friendly looking young man smiling at you.

"May I have this dance?"

You take a moment to gather yourself. You had hoped one of the Bridgerton boys would be here to dance with you, but you supposed you couldn't rely on them every time.

"You may."

You go with him to dance.

It seemed Benedict wasn't here.

♡♡♡

Benedict was, in fact, making his way to the studio of Mr. Granville. He was intrigued by the artist.

He finds the address and knocks on the door. Henry Granville answers.

"Mr. Bridgerton."

Benedict stands there a little awkwardly.

"Come in, come in."

Granville lets him in. Benedict enters and follows him. He is led further inside and finds himself in a large room. A circle of easels presented around two nude models.

"I do not know what I was expecting, but it surely was not this." Benedict says.

"Oh, simply a gathering of like-minded souls." Henry tells him. "Here, let me show you what I've been working on."

Benedict is led further inside the studio. He passes a couple of painters discussing war so causally.

"What do you think?" Henry asks.

Benedict walks over and takes a look at the canvas.

"Hmm. It's a far cry from Somerset House, I must say."

"I shall take that a compliment."

They both chuckle.

"And I must say, I'm truly jealous. Is this your life?" Benedict asks.

"There are advantages to being the second-born." Henry tells him. "Heirs have the responsibility. Second sons have the fun."

They both chuckle again.

"So... why not go have some fun?" Henry gestures to the models. He's giving Benedict the chance to epress himself through art.

Benedict picks an easel and sits down.

♡♡♡

As you dance once again tonight, you spot Anthony standing off to the side. He's staring at the opera singer.

You hard heard whispers about him being infatuated with an opera singer, but had no idea if there lay any truth to them.

You continue dancing with your partner.

Benedict was still a no-show tonight, which you found to be rather disappointing. You had been looking forward to another evening of his little quips and teasing.

When the dance ends, you curtsy to your partner and head in the direction of Anthony and Violet. Lady Bridgerton had tries to introduce her son to a rather pretty young lady, but he showed no interest.

"Shall we dance, Lord Bridgerton?" You ask, looking at Anthony.

He turns and looks at you, for half a second, thinking you were another lady his mother was intent on pushing on him.

"Yes, let's." He offers his arm, and you take it. Violet watches you both go. Even if he chose you, she would be pleased, but she knows her son will not take you as his wife. You're his friend who has come to rescue him from her for a while.

Violet downs a third glass of champagne.

"She is persistent," you say.

"Hm?"

"Your mother."

Anthony chuckles softly. "Yes. Quite."

"The opera singer..."

He looks at you.

"Nevermind. Its not my business."

Anthony's expression softens. "I was - am - found of her."

"Yes. I assumed as much."

Anthony sighs. "It's complicated.

You nod and say no more on the matter. Anthony spins you around elegantly.

"Is Benedict not here tonight?" You ask, twirling with him.

"Benedict? No." He gazes at you. "Why do you ask?"

"I just noticed his absence."

"Missing your dance partner?" He teases.

You chuckle. "Am I that obvious?"

He winks at you, and you shake your head with a smile. "I'm fond of you boys. I can't help it when I notice one of you is missing."

Anthony grins. "How lucky we are to have gained such a special friend such as you."

As Anthony gives you another turn around the floor, you spot Colin speaking with Penelope. You smile softly at the sight and then turn your attention back to the eldest brother.

At least you'll have one Bridgerton on your dance card tonight.

As the next dance begins, Anthony keeps your company longer. You're aware this may catch attention from others, especially Lady Whistledown should she be here, but none the less, you dance with him twice.

You soon see that Colin has left Penelope on the sidelines to dance with Miss Thompson, and you also find the prince talking to Daphne amidst their dance.

The dance ends, and you manage to catch sight of Daphne fleeing the ballroom.

Anthony bows, and you curtsy.

"Until next time." He nods his head at you. You smile and nod, taking your leave. You worry about Daphne and intend to go check on her, but you're stopped by another gentleman.

You sigh and realise you'll have to dance with him before you can flee again.

The dance feels like it drags on, and on, and on. You smile, you listen to your partner talk, but your mind is focused on Daphne. She did not look well when she fled.

When the dance ends, you spot Anthony leaving the ballroom. You waste no more time and follow him.

He heads outside. You follow.

"Anthony?"

He turns and looks at you. "Go back inside."

"What's the matter? What's happening?"

"Did you see him?" Anthony asks urgently.

"Who?"

"The duke."

"He is here?"

"He was, and now I can't find Daphne." You realise he's concerned about his sister.

You hear something further in the garden, and Anthony hurries off. You follow him, close on his heels.

What you find is not what you ever expected to see.

Simon and Daphne were not just kissing. His hands were all over her. Her dress had been pulled down. You cover your mouth, though you can not hide the gasp that escapes you.

Anthony runs at Simon.

"Bastard!"

Simon receives a strong punch to the face. He falls to the ground, and Anthony takes another swing. He punches him a third time and then stands beside his sister. You hurry to her other side and checks her over.

"Daphne..."

She is speechless. She has no words for you. They have been caught in a compromising position.

"You will marry her," Anthony declares.

"What?" Daphne looks at her brother.

"Immediately. We can only hope no one saw you take such liberties, and my sister is saved further mortification. You will marry her!"

Anthony is angry.

"Brother!"

"I cannot marry her," Simon says.

"You have defiled her innocence, and now you refuse her hand? I knew you were a rake, Hastings, I never thought you a villain."

"I cannot marry her," Simon states more firmly.

Daphne looks hurt.

"Then you leave me no choice. I must demand satisfaction."

"A duel? Anthony, you cannot--" Daphne begins.

"He dishonours you, sister." Anthony looks at her. "He dishonours you and me and the very Bridgerton name. I have misjudged you, indeed. You have duped us both, but I shall not see my sister pay for my own misdeeds. We will settle this as gentlemen."

"I understand," Simon agrees. "I shall see you at dawn."

"I do not understand," Daphne says softly. "You would rather die than marry me?"

You look at Simon quietly.

"I am truly sorry."

"We need to go, Daph. Before anyone should see us." Anthony says softly.

You reach out for her arm gently and pull her away, Anthony follows you both.

Daphne takes her brother's arm after he begs of you not to say a word about anything. You swear by it, looking him in the eye. Anthony thanks you.

You drift off from them as you enter the ballroom once again.

Anthony approaches Colin and tells him he is taking her home. He asks Colin to take care of their mother. You decide to step in and help. Anthony looks grateful.

Anthony and Daphne leave.

Colin looks at you, but you just smile softly at him and ask him to help you with Violet. He doesn't say anything about Daphne or Anthony.

Neither do you.

♡♡♡

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[weirdmorefics]

Hello! Love your Bridgerton fics, I was wondering if you could do a Anthony x wife!reader and she’s like the complete opposite to him (personality wise) sorta like grumpy x sunshine trope? Have a good day/night 💙

Sending love from Scotland!

A/N- Hi! Thanks for waiting for me to make the request! I can't believe someone so far away sees my silly little fanfics. I love the internet

Pronouns- She/Her

Word Count- 533

Tooth rotting fluff

Summary- Anthony has been doing everything to get Eloise to participate in the balls and behave at least somewhat ladylike. He loses his temper but the reader is there to calm the nerves of everyone.

The Rainbow After The Rain

"Eloise!" I hear Anthony shout so loud as it reverberates off our window window panes. I quickly draw the curtain back to see the commotion. Eloise seems to be simply sitting on the tree swing reading however, the whole house is aware of the fact that we are late to the ball. This wouldn't have been such a big argument if it weren't for this particular ball being Eloise's introduction to society. I sigh and put the curtain back to where it once was and make my way to the garden.

The two don't seem to notice my appearance too involved in their battle of wits. I clear my throat to hopefully garner some of their attention to no avail. Eloise is going on about how barbaric the whole tradition is and how she does not wish to marry and Anthony is shouting about she is already dressed and no one is asking her to marry someone tonight. I clap my hands twice loudly which finally snaps their eyes up to my presence.

Anthony's once furrowed angry eyebrows turn into a soft gaze, "Darling."

I ignore Anthony and go straight to Eloise. I can tell by the way his hands instantly turn to fists he is angry with my actions.

"Now Eloise, is my dear husband bothering you?" I say with a sweet smile.

"Indeed, he is being quite troublesome," Eloise smirks as we tease Anthony together.

"Isn't he always," I look at Anthony with love and his once tense shoulders seem to relax at the familiar jest. "I must say Eloise you look absolutely handsome in your gown. I think it would be a waste to not let others see beauty. Do you really want your beauty wasted on your grumpy big brother?"

Eloise puts a finger to her chin in thought, "I suppose you are correct it certainly would be a waste on Anthony."

"Is Y/n not always right?" Anthony questions.

I get up on my tiptoes and place a chaste kiss on Anthony's cheek, "Aw, he is learning."

"Truly, Y/n where would be without you. Anthony would be all rain no shine."

"Lucky, for all the Bridgerton they won't ever have to find out." I smile widely at Eloise. "Now, shall we get you to your ball! I am sure your late entrance will just make you shine more." I link arms with Eloise to guide her to the carriage and my lovely Anthony links arms with my other.

"I think Y/n is more like my rainbow," Anthony interjects.

Eloise and I both turn our heads to look at him like he has utterly lost it.

"She is my light after the storm," he replies after seeing our confused faces.

I can feel my face instantly burn and I am sure I must look like a tomato as Anthony's face turns from love to a smug eating grin.

Eloise gags, "If you want me to make it to the ball I think it is best you do not make me vomit myself to death beforehand."

I bite my lip to stop the laughter but Anthony fully lets out a deep laugh, my favorite sound in the world.

[counterpunches]

source

[transcript: [slide 1]

we are treated differently and we are so tired

[slide 2] From day one, we were treated differently: the celebrations

Hamas is an internationally-recognized terrorist organization that is explicit in its aim to annihilate Israel and the Jewish people in its very foundational charter. On October 7, 2023, thousands of Hamas terrorists invaded internationally-recognized sovereign Israeli territory and slaughtered 1,200 people in a matter of hours, the majority of them civilians. They went door to door, pulling people from their beds, maiming, mutilating, beheading, raping, and burning entire families alive. About 80 of the corpses showed signs of torture. They also took over 200 people hostage, including Holocaust survivors and a 9-month-old. It was the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. Israel is a small country; had October 7 happened in the US, it would be the equivalent of individually slaughtering 50,000 Americans in a matter of hours.

Instead of expressing outrage, there were worldwide celebrations. In the West Bank, Gaza, and elsewhere in the Arab world, candy was handed out on the streets in celebration. In Gaza, thousands gathered to cheer as terrorists paraded mutilated corpses. A group of 3000 United Nations teachers expressed their joy at the murder and mutilation of Israelis, including young children. All over left-wing social media, people celebrated.

On October 8, before any Israeli retaliation whatsoever, crowds of thousands gathered in Times Square to express their support for the murderers, holding signs that declared "decolonization is not a metaphor" and "by any means necessary".

Fringe extremists exist, but this was hardly the fringe. And we know this is not a normal reaction. We did not see entire protests in Times Square in support of the Russian slaughter of Ukranians, 9/11, the ISIS genocide of Yazidis, the slaughter of Yemenis, the slaughter of Syrians, or any other atrocity.

[slide 3] From Day one, we were treated differently: the contextualization and qualification

Secretary General of the United Nations Anthony Guterres' initial response to the October 7 massacre was the following: "It is important to also recognize the attacks by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum."

First, let me make one thing clear: there is no context, in international law or anywhere else, that justifies or minimizes the slaughter, torture, and rape of civilians, including women, children, those with disabilities, and the elderly.

But beyond that, there is a glaring double standard when Israel is the victim of a massacre. Let's take a look at another example of terrorism as a guideline. When ISIS bombed an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England on May 22, 2017, killing 22, Secretary General Guterres immediately "strongly condemned" the attack, and the Security Council released a statement, condemning "in the strongest terms the barbaric and cowardly terrorist attack" and extending its solidarity to the United Kingdom. No one said the attack had to be understood "in the context" of the UKs invasion of Iraq, the war against ISIS, or the UKs long history of colonialism in the region, and no one said that it did not happen in a vacuum.

Similarly, on October 7, millions of people rushed to social media to provide "context" for the cold-blooded, purposeful, and indiscriminate murder of civilians. Others, before their "condemnation" felt the need to clarify that they were not supporters of the Israeli government (okay, and?), when they've otherwise strongly condemned atrocities perpetrated on others, without feeling the need to qualify support (or lack thereof) for any other country's government.

[slide 4] From day one, we were treated differently: the victim blaming

On October 7, as the massacre was still unfolding, 31 Harvard University organizations released a statement holding Israel "entirely responsible" for the slaughter of its own citizens. I reiterate: as Israelis were still being slaughtered by the hundreds simply for being Jewish - or for being associated with Jews - we were told that our own slaughter was our fault.

They were not the only ones to do so. Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Syria, Iran, and Iraq blamed Israel for the October 7 slaughter. Black Lives Matter Chicago blamed Israel for the October 7 slaughter. Labor unions across the US blamed Israel for the October 7 slaughter. The list goes on.

After the Israeli newspaper Haaretz published an article in which one anonymous police officer said that the police is looking into the possibility that some of the victims of the Nova music festival were killed by fire from an IDF military chopper, antisemites took the statement out of context, distorted it, and disseminated it all over the media and internet.

In response to the Haaretz article, the Israeli police put out a statement that the investigation was only in regard to police activities on October 7, not military activities, and that as such, they do not have any indication about the harm to any civilians due to any aerial activity there."

Regardless, the conspiracy has taken a life of its own, so much so that Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas accused Israel of carrying out the massacre. Abbas later retracted his statement. A few other unverified reports have also similarly taken out of context to "prove" that Israel was actually behind its own massacre.

To this day, we are told, in response to released hostage testimony that Israeli women are being raped in the Hamas tunnels, that it's justified because "they were soldiers." For what it's worth, no one's rape is justified - even when they're soldiers.

[slide 5] A few days later came the denial

The 10/7 massacre was live-streamed by the perpetrators on their own social media platforms.

Initially, antisemites celebrated. After more and more heinous, indefensible details started to come out, antisemites started denying it happened at all.

To reiterate: the massacre was live-streamed to social media - by the perpetrators. We all saw it in the early hours of October 7. The perpetrators have gone on to boast about it since. For example, on January 10, the leader of the Hamas political bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, said, "We should hold on to the victory that took place on October 7 and build upon it."

The level of denial - just a few days after October 7 - is so pervasive that Israel had to compile a 47-minute film of footage with the most graphic, dehumanizing video evidence to screen for international reporters, government officials, and more.

But no amount of evidence seems to be enough. No independent investigators are enough. No video footage is enough. No survivor or eyewitness testimony is enough. Why are people denying what's before their very eyes? Why?

[slide 6] Then the one-sided demands.

From October 7, there were already demands on Israel - on Israel, as its civilians were massacred - to ceasefire. These demands came from important voices, including American Congresspeople, groups such as UNICEF, and more. These calls made little, if any, mention of Hamas, the perpetrator of the October 7 massacre.

No other country would be asked, as a slaughter of their people was still unfolding, to lay down their arms.

Since then, the calls for Israel - and only Israel - to ceasefire have been incessant. They have continued even as Hamas vowed, on October 24, that "there will be a second, a third, a fourth" October 7. When asked to clarify, in the same interview, whether they meant the complete annihilation of Israel, the senior Hamas official responded, "Yes, of course."

The calls for Israel to ceasefire continued as Yaha Sinwar, the architect of the October 7 massacre, promised on November 30 that "October 7 was just a rehearsal."

The calls for Israel to ceasefire continued as Hamas violated the terms of the temporary ceasefire every single day between November 24 and December 1.

The calls for Israel to ceasefire as Hamas has fired over 13,000 missiles at Israeli civilians. Even more infuriating, the calls for a ceasefire are often made hand in hand with calls to "globalize the Intifada." An intifada is an armed uprising; it's incompatible with a ceasefire.

The calls for Israel to ceasefire have continued as Hamas has rejected several ceasefires in the past several weeks. At this point, those calling for a ceasefire should be honest: what they care is that Israel ceases, but they are not particularly bothered (or even support) when Hamas fires.

[slide 7] The genocide accusations

There are 153 countries that have signed the Convention of 1948. Before this January, only two had ever been brought to trial before the International Court of Justice. Of the signatories, a number of them have been accused of genocidal acts after signing the Convention, including Azerbaijan, China, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Palestine, Sudan, Syria, and more.

Only Israel, however, is put on trial, which is all the more egregious when we consider that the events post-October 7 are in response to a massacre of Israelis that Genocide Watch classified as "an act of genocide."

What's even more egregious is that South Africa, which has brought this case before the ICJ, maintains close relationships with genocidal dictators, including Russia's Vladimir Putin and Sudan's Omar al-Bashir. It is a close ally of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hamas' patron, which has been brutally oppressing the people of Iran since 1979. South Africa even hosted Hamas officials for a "solidarity" event in December 2023 - two months after the October 7 massacre.

Per the Hamas Ministry of Health, 23,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza; Israel claims at least 9,000 of them are Hamas combatants. While any civilian death is tragic, there are far deadlier wars and atrocities happening around the globe right at this very second. In Yemen, nearly 400,000 have been killed and a million have died in a famine. In Syria, over 600,000 have been killed. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 6 million have been killed. In Ukraine, at least 100,000 have been killed. The list goes on and on. In many of these cases, the perpetrators of the atrocities - some of them South Africa's closest allies - have explicitly expressed genocidal intent. Yet South Africa hasn't found it necessary to bring them before the International Court of Justice. Only the Jewish state.

[slide 8] Feminist advocates are suddenly silent - or worse, accuse us of lying

Perhaps among the most infuriating responses to the October 7 massacre has been the response of so-called feminists and feminist organizations.

On October 7, and every day since, Hamas weaponized rape as a tool of war, which is not only a war crime, but a crime against humanity. There is a preponderance of evidence, including extensive forensic evidence, eyewitness testimony, perpetrator confessions, and survivor testimony.

Yet the Women's March has not condemned Hamas' weaponization of rape as a tool of war; instead, it has only called for a ceasefire. Me Too has not condemned Hamas' weaponization as a tool of war. UN Women did not condemn Hamas' massacre until December 2, nearly two months after October 7, after intense public pressure from Israelis and the Jewish community.

Angelina Jolie, perhaps the most vocal global activist against the weaponization of rape as a tool of war, has said absolutely nothing about Hamas' war crimes; instead, she has asked Israel to ceasefire.

[slide 9] Double standard: legitimacy

Israel is condemned more than any other nation in the world, but the double standard doesn't end there. Israel's real or perceived crimes are blown out of proportion in comparison to other countries' real or perceived crimes, but the double standard doesn't end there. Israel's suffering is minimized, contextualized, denied, or qualified in comparison to the suffering of other countries, but the double standard doesn't end there. Instead, there is another double standard: everything coming out of Hamas' mouth is immediately taken as fact, while everything that comes out of Israel is questioned.

This is not merely a matter of "feeling" like there is a double standard.

On October 17, an explosion went off at the Al Ahli Hospital parking lot. Within minutes, Hamas claimed that an Israeli airstrike had targeted the hospital, killing 471 people. Israel claimed that a Palestinian Islamic Jihad missile misfired and hit the hospital. But the BBC ran with Hamas' story. This triggered worldwide outrage, inciting anti-Jewish riots in the Arab world and in Russia. Eventually, most international independent investigations corroborated Israel's version of events. But by the time the media retracted its original claim - that is, what Hamas said - it was too late. Two Jews had already been killed in Tunisia in retaliation for a massacre that Israel never actually committed.

Then there is the issue of the hostage videos. Hostage videos are hostage videos because they are made under duress. The hostage is told what to say; otherwise, their life is in danger. Hamas, of course, has coerced the Israeli hostages into saying that they are being treated well. These statements, made with a gun to the head, have been taken as fact, so much so that prominent figures such as Shaun King have gushed over Hamas' so-called "humane" treatment of the hostages (that they brutally abducted after murdering their entire families and friends before their eyes).

Yet, now that over a hundred hostages have been released, and they are no longer under threat from Hamas, they are coming out with stories of abuse and torture. Suddenly, no one believes these accounts, claiming that Israel must have told them what to say. It's absolutely absurd and defies all logic.

[slide 10] support my work

venmo: @rootsmetals cash app: $rootsmetals paypal: @debbie@rootsmetals.com

complete bibliography for this post: patreon.com/rootsmetals

disclaimer: the intent of this post is to educate, raise awareness, and challenge hate speech]

[bloodredfountainpen]

Figuring It Out

Masterlist

Contains/CW: bbu adjacent, pet whump, caretaker new master, fear of punishment, offering oneself up for punishment (denied), mention of torture implements (shock collar, whip, muzzle), morally dubious caretaker

Everything has its price. G-22985- Cedar now, he reminded himself of his new designation- knew that. So, when Master Anthony ordered him to sleep on the couch-bed (of all places!) he knew he would pay for the privilege once the morning came. Still, in the wee hours of the night, when he knew he should have been alert and on guard, instead he focused on the sensation of the mattress beneath him, which was squishy and soft and so unlike the hardwood box in which he’d gotten barely any sleep while being transported. He enjoyed the blanket on top of him, which embraced him like a warm hug. He knew he was being bad, but how would Master Anthony know? Besides, he thought, Master Anthony hasn’t punished me at all so far, and I’ve done much worse than enjoy what he’s given me.

Motion caught Cedar’s eye as Master Anthony quietly walked toward’s the box that Cedar had come in. Cedar could tell that his Master was trying to be quiet as he rummaged through the items that came complementary. Of course, Cedar already knew what they were: A muzzle, a shock collar, and a small whip. Master Anthony had to know so too, it was common knowledge after all, so there was only one reason why he would be going through them.

It was time to pay, he resolved.

———————————————————————

Anthony had hoped, stupidly now that he thought about it, that by going through the box at night while Cedar slept, he’d be able to avoid another headache. Oh how wrong he was. As he pondered the sheer barbarity of the implements- seriously, why would they include a whip as a starter item?- he sensed a presence behind him. When he turned around to look, sure enough Cedar had somehow silently made his way off of the couch and onto the floor, where the he had taken up an all too familiar pose.

Anthony observed that Cedar was strangely calm, unlike the other times when Cedar had been prostrated like that. Those times, Cedar had been shaking and whimpering, terrified of whatever punishment he thought that Anthony had in store for him. Yet now, when Anthony had literal torture devices in his very hands, Cedar was silent and still, almost statuesque. If Anthony didn’t know better, he might have thought that Cedar was some sort of screwed up piece of decoration.

Anthony, still himself kneeling from his rummaging, leant down to pet Cedar between the ears as he’d done earlier that day.

“It’s alright Cedar, I’m not punishing you. Go back to bed,” he told Cedar, and as always, Cedar obeyed.

———————————————————————

The morning came much too fast. One moment Cedar was wrapped up in a comfortable, dreamless sleep, the next moment the sound of sizzling filled his ears. Master Anthony was standing in the kitchenette, frying something. So that was to be Cedar’s punishment then. Maybe Master Anthony would burn him with the hot pan, maybe force the hot oil down his throat or pour it over his skin.

Cedar tried not to show signs of fear as Master Anthony approached, plate of food in hand rather than the ominous frying pan, memories of last night still replaying in Cedar’s groggy mind.

He thought he was starting to understand Master Anthony, as much as a dumb Pet could understand a human, that is. Cedar supposed that, as long as he showed the proper level of respect, and offered himself up for punishment when he was bad, Master Anthony wouldn’t actually punish him. Cedar showing that he knew his place was good enough for Master Anthony. Well, if all it took to earn food and kind touches was some words and some groveling, Cedar wasn’t going to complain.

Master Anthony set the plate of food, stacked high with eggs and bacon, onto the small side table next to the couch-bed. Cedar eyed it with suspicion. Anywhere else, such luxurious food would be an obvious and easy test, but with Master Anthony, Cedar wasn’t so sure. Master Anthony was nothing like anyone else, after all. The rules were different in his house, and Cedar didn’t know if this time it would be a step too far.

“Sit up, I know you’re awake,” the command came, and Cedar obeyed. “This breakfast is for you, can you use utensils?”

Cedar’s first instinct was to say no, because that’s what the Handlers would want, but that would be a lie, and Cedar knew not to lie to Master Anthony. Instead, Cedar responded with a tried and true mantra, “Whatever pleases you, Master.”

————————————————————————

There it was again, that damned saying. According to the Owner’s Manual, it was one of several pre-programmed responses that all Pets knew. Anthony hated it, because he knew that Cedar was just saying it because he didn’t know what Anthony wanted from him. Well, Anthony knew what Anthony wanted; a straight answer.

“That wasn’t a real answer Cedar,” he informed him, “I asked you a simple question yes or no question; can you use utensils or not?”

He was trying so damn hard to be gentle with Cedar, knowing what he’d been through, but he hadn’t signed up to take care of a traumatized Pet, especially not one he felt guilty about so much as considering returning. Well, they say that with great power comes great responsibility, and owning a whole ass person was probably the most power he’d ever had. So, Anthony supposed, Cedar was his responsibility to bear.

Cedar, for his part, had scrunched the blanket in his fists and began to tremble again. Just like yesterday, when he couldn’t decide whether to stand up or not, Anthony realized.

“You can tell me the truth, I won’t be angry,” he ventured, hoping that words alone would convince Cedar to respond.

Eventually, the answer came, shaking from Cedar’s quivering lips, “Y-yes Master, I c-can use utens-sils.”

Anthony smiled, finally feeling as though he was getting somewhere.

@maenr @whump-blog

[ladykailitha]

Fair warning this isn't my usual sandbox (giggles at the pun, sorry), but I feel the need to address something that has been getting on my nerves about the new series on Netflix Dead Boy Detectives.

That everyone is comparing it to Lockwood & Co.

Similar gets tossed around. A LOT.

And I think that comes from the fact that people are only familiar with one or the other and not both.

They see ghosts in England with trio of young teenagers, two boys and a girl and think "they're the same!"

Only that's where similarities end.

Lockwood & Co. is about a trio of ghost hunters operating illegally because they don't have an adult supervisor. They are all mediums of a sort (from what I gathered watching the show) and they can all see ghosts. Only the girl, Lucy can hear ghosts. Anthony and Georgie have only had the agency for about a year and are struggling.

Dead Boy Detectives is about two ghosts Edwin and Charles and their psychic friend, Crystal. The two boys have been together since Charles died in 1989 and are currently avoiding Death, Dream's (The Sandman) sister. Their goal is help ghosts move on, to solve their deaths so that they can be at peace.

Like Lockwood & Co. would hunt the Dead Boy Detectives, because that's what they do. Edwin and Charles would find them barbaric.

The Dead Boy Detectives actually like each other. Granted they have been together far longer then Lockwood & Co, thirty years to Anthony and Georgie's single year. Lockwood & Co. spend the entire first season (which adapted two books) lying to each other, talking bad about each other behind their backs and to their faces, and wouldn't trust the others as far as they can throw them.

But we keep being told in the series that they are the best agency because of the power of friendship. You're also basically shown any adult who tries to befriend any of them is the bad guy. And yes, I'm including Inspector Barnes in that.

While there are a couple of adults in DBD who aren't as they seem, but they do have two adults they can rely on on, Tragic Mick and Jenny the butcher.

Lockwood & Co. was canceled on Jan. 27th 2023 and Netflix picked up The Dead Boy Detectives (which was picked up originally by Max in April 2020 but they ultimately passed on it) on Feb. 24th 2023. Almost a whole month after the previous series was cancelled.

Plus anyone saying Netflix cancelled something because it was like something else, has never watched Netflix.

Their favorite thing to do is "Oh this popular? Here's twenty copies of that thing!"

I don't know what kind of numbers Lockwood & Co. got but in my opinion, the show wasn't that great. Plus as someone with photosensitive epilepsy let me tell you the bad lighting plus the ultra bright ghosts caused more than one headache.

They didn't set up the characters well, we got told more than we were shown, and there didn't seem to be any chemistry between the leads.

One thing in particular I wasn't a fan of was having the series backstory play out in the opening credits and if you blinked or looked away or even skipped them the plot doesn't make any sense.

But with DBD you have characters talking out their problems. You have their backstories told through clever flashbacks and even some spectacular animation. You have a moment between the two boys (which I won't spoil) that not only cements how much they care about each other. That despite everything they've been through, the jealousy of the other's interactions with the new people they meet, the fights, the terrifying cases they take, the people out to separate them, they are 100% it for each other (at the moment platonically though that could change).

This show has heart and charm and properly well-thought out villains and villainous characters.

They aren't the same and they really shouldn't be compared. Also... go watch Dead Boy Detectives. I really REALLY want to see Desire make an appearance!

[niqhtlord01]

Humans are weird: What is an Emperor? Part 2

( Please come see me on my new patreon and support me for early access to stories and personal story requests :D https://www.patreon.com/NiqhtLord Every bit helps)

From the journal of Ambassador Sor’an

“Despite the representative’s offer, it seemed that there were human military leaders who were not comfortable with leading an alien vessel of unknown origin to the heart of their domain. The human’s armada refused to allow our ships further into their territory. I offered in substitute that I and my aide could come aboard their ships and while the rest of our delegation waited along the border.

There was a silence as the humans discussed my offer while members of my own delegation expressed concerns over such a move. They worried that these humans could be dangerous and barbaric, killing us as soon as we boarded their vessels. I countered that such risks were part of a diplomat’s job, and that if they had truly wished us dead they had brought more than enough firepower to carry out such a task.

Finally, the human representative responded with a message of agreement to our terms and a human shuttle craft was sent over to collect us within the hour. It came from the small golden ship at the center of their armada and was lavishly decorated as well. It was designed to resemble an avian creature of some kind; no doubt native to one of their worlds. My aide Jen’den and I adorned environmental suits and stood ready in one of the landing bays for its arrival.

When it finally touched down in the landing bay the front of the craft slowly lowered to reveal a ramp leading into the interior of the craft. A trio of figures stood waiting at the top of the ramp. Two tall figures in some sort of armor with a third between them slightly smaller. The smaller human also wor an environmental suit though much like their ship it was more lavish in design with bright gold coloring and gemstones encrusted to form intricate patterns.

The journey to the human homeworld was one of anticipation and excitement. Despite the military’s intervention the human representative, who I learned was called “Anthony”, was a gracious host. Inside the golden ship I sat with them in a state room of some sort as we discussed many matters between our species. Human attendants provided all manner of drink and food for us; though in truth I had to agree with my aide that their constant silent vigil around the corners of the room was unnerving. It didn’t help either that half of the food they brought was poisonous to us after our built in scanners checked them. I overlooked the matter and viewed it as a lack of understanding of our biology rather than an assassination attempt.

Moving passed the food and drinks Anthony was bursting with questions. Who we were, where we came from, home many planets we held, what gods we prayed to; those general questions. I answered as many as I could without revealing too much. I was an old player of this game and learned it was best to keep some things close to your heart, than worn on your sleeve.

When we did arrive at the human homeworld it was surprising to say the least.

Exiting ship we set on to a city that stretched far beyond the horizon in every direction. Buildings clustered together like mountains towered into the sky and pierced the clouds themselves, while rivers of flying vehicles cut around them in every direction.

Just opposite the landing pad was a long causeway surrounded by flags and human military personnel leading straight towards a massive golden structure. It was not the tallest of the buildings I had seen, yet it still held a commanding presence. For in every direction for several dozen miles surrounding the golden building there were nothing but parks, parade grounds, and decorative spaces filled with throngs of humans celebrating and interacting with each other.

When I inquired about the nature of the design the human representative explained that though the realm of humanity may grow, there would be a place for all to view the splendor of the home of their emperor without anything blocking its majesty.

Like many things explained to me about human culture during the voyage here this new word I was unfamiliar with.

“Emperor?” I asked them. “What does that mean?”

Anthony looked at me with an equal expression of confusion. Granted at the time I had not picked up on this as I had not yet learned to read human expressions as well as I can today. I imagine my question must have been akin to that of a child what the great light in the sky was.

“He is the guiding star that humanity follows to a bright future.” Anthony replied. His tone had shifted from the cordial to one of reverence as he spoke these words. “As long as our emperor stands, humanity shall never die.”

Unsure how to respond, I make a remark that for this “emperor” to be regarded so highly they must be truly amazing. Anthony nods and to my surprise says that we were actually on the way to a private audience with him now.

The journey to the palace was short compared to the rest of the journey we had made. We now had an honor guard of human soldiers while civilians watched on. The closer we came to the palace itself the larger the crowd seemed to grow until the honor guard was carving a path forward through what seemed like an ocean of human faces.

Entering the palace itself was something I can not describe with the word available to me. The grandeur, the divinity; the sense of power and history reverberating off every wall, furniture piece, even art painting felt like it would snuff my life out of existence if I let it.

We reached an elevator of some kind and this is where we parted ways with our host. Anthony bowed and said that the audience had been reserved for them and did not include himself. He wished them us well as the doors closed and the elevator began to rise.

I remember my aide turning to me and asking that if this “emperor” was so highly regarded in their society; why would allow two aliens to meet without any security? For all they knew they could just as easily assassinate this leader and be gone before any of them were the wiser.

It was an idea that had crossed my mind as we were led to the palace, but I silenced him nonetheless from voicing such dangerous notions. For all we knew the elevator was rigged with recording or surveillance devices that even now were being transmitted to their emperor.

We did not have long to dwell on this as the elevator stopped and a pair of gilded doors slowly opened.

I don’t remember what the room looked like if I am being truthful. Even now after all these years I can barely make out what color the walls were. The only thing I do remember as clear as the day I first set foot in the audience chamber was the human sitting atop his throne looking down at us with mild interest.

Here, was the emperor of humanity.

[panthera-tigris-venenata]

What are some headcanons on The Heart Siblings?

I'm bad at making headcanons -

But I drew a picture of three out of the Hearts siblings a while back:

There's five of them, but. Well.

The twins are older. They're called Rosa and Jared.

Rosa is the most responsible of the bunch. Not that that's saying much, but, hmm, she's trying? Like, if she saw a child, she wouldn't kick it.

On the whole, the twins are more responsible and *detached* than the triplets.

Both of these names should mean "rose" because I think that's a cool.

The triplets are younger.

Their names are Mečislav(a) (famous by their sword), Vladivoj (he who leads the army) and Kazimíra (she who destroys the peace).

The reason for these names is that I was tired and didn't wanna research English names so I picked these. It contrasts the twins and the Queen of Hearts might have been in a mood when she named them. Also, Wonderland Would.

Mečislav/a is gender fluid. Because it's Wonderland, gender is a social construct unless it makes a neat pattern or a piece of foreshadowing.

(Time is also a social construct. And death. And math. Anthony Tremaine is suffering.)

Anyway, the birth order goes: Rosa, Jared, Mečislav/a, Vladivoj, Kazimíra. (You see, patterns. Wonderland Would.)

The Queen of Hearts barely remembers how much children she has. They were raised mostly by her card soldiers.

The family did get together for teas. (Remember, time is a social construct. And they're worse than the Hooks.) Also Queen's birthdays and improptu games of croquet that might or might not have been held deliberately in Frollo's chapel. (Utter accident, you see.)

CJ and Kazimíra & Vladivoj are not allowed to hang out together.

CJ might or might not have taught Kazimíra how to make a molotov cocktail.

The Hearts taught Claudine Frollo how to use the two-hand sword. (She thought sabres were barbaric and the Hearts are convinced that swords are the superior weapon.) (She put it to good use ✨)

On unrelated note, „Off with your head!“ makes for an excellent greeting.

They love hanging out at the Tremaine hair salon.

Dizzy is super friendly and ergo one of the two people they'll listen to. (The other being glaring Anthony). The fact that she'll talk fashion with them helps, too.

Mečislav/a has a burn from bleach on his/her face. That was NOT a good afternoon in the hair salon.

Rosa is way too invested in Isle relationships drama.

If I ever have to use Red Hearts, that's Kazimíra pissed off beyond belief because no one can pronounce her name.

They're not allowed into Maddy's Apothecary.

[czolgosz]

i went to a used book sale today... procured:

railroad color history: new york central railroad (brian solomon & mike schafer) — i'm not actually that into trains but it appealed to me.

the complete guide to the soviet union (jennifer louis & victor louis) — travel guide from 1980

an anthology including the big sleep (raymond chandler), "the undignified melodrama of the bone of contention" (dorothy l. sayers), "the arrow of god" (leslie charteris), "i can find my way out" (ngaio marsh), instead of evidence (rex stout), "rift in the loot" (stuart palmer & craig rice), "the man who explained miracles" (john dickson carr), & rebecca (daphne du maurier) (i already have this one..) — it's volume 2 of something (a treasury of great mysteries) which annoys me but whatever

an anthology including "godmother tea" (selena anderson), "the apartment" (t. c. boyle), "a faithful but melancholy account of several barbarities lately committed" (jason brown), "sibling rivalry" (michael byers), "the nanny" (emma cline), "halloween" (mariah crotty), "something street" (carolyn ferrell), "this is pleasure" (mary gaitskill), "in the event" (meng jin), "the children" (andrea lee), "rubberdust" (sarah thankam mathews), "it's not you" (elizabeth mccracken), "liberté" (scott nandelson), "howl palace" (leigh newman), "the nine-tailed fox explains" (jane pek), "the hands of dirty children" (alejandro puyana), "octopus vii" (anna reeser), "enlightenment" (william pei shih), "kennedy" (kevin wilson), & "the special world" (tiphanie yanique) — i guess they're all short stories published in 2020 by usamerican/canadian authors

an anthology including the death of ivan ilyich (leo tolstoy) (i have already read this one..), the beast in the jungle (henry james), heart of darkness (joseph conrad), seven who were hanged (leonid andreyev), abel sánchez (miguel de unamuno), the pastoral symphony (andré gide), mario and the magician (thomas mann), the old man (william faulkner), the stranger (albert camus), & agostino (alberto moravia)

the ambassadors (henry james)

the world book desk reference set: book of nations — it's from 1983 so this is kind of a history book...

yet another fiction anthology......... including the general's ring (selma lagerlöf), "mowgli's brothers" (rudyard kipling), "the gift of the magi" (o. henry) (i have already read this one..), "lord mountdrago" (w. somerset maugham), "music on the muscatatuck" (jessamyn west), "the pacing goose" (jessamyn west), "the birds" (daphne du maurier), "the man who lived four thousand years" (alexandre dumas), "the pope's mule" (alphonse daudet), "the story of the late mr. elvesham" (h. g. wells), "the blue cross" (g. k. chesterton), portrait of jennie (robert nathan), "la grande bretèche" (honoré de balzac), "love's conundrum" (anthony hope), "the great stone face" (nathaniel hawthorne), "germelshausen" (friedrich gerstäcker), "i am born" (charles dickens), "the legend of sleepy hollow" (washington irving), "the age of miracles" (melville davisson post), "the long rifle" (stewart edward white), "the fall of the house of usher" (edgar allan poe) (i have already read this one..), the voice of bugle ann (mackinlay kantor), the bridge of san luis rey (thornton wilder), "basquerie" (eleanor mercein kelly), "judith" (a. e. coppard), "a mother in mannville" (marjorie kinnan rawlings), "kerfol" (edith wharton), "the last leaf" (o. henry), "the bloodhound" (arthur train), "what the old man does is always right" (hans christian anderson), the sea of grass (conrad richter), "the sire de malétroit's door" (robert louis stevenson), "the necklace" (guy de maupassant) (i have already read this one..), "by the waters of babylon" (stephen vincent benét), a. v. laider (max beerbohm), "the pillar of fire" (percival wilde), "the strange will" (edmond about), "the hand at the window" (emily brontë) (i have already read this one..), & "national velvet" (enid bagnold) — why are seven of these chapters of novels....? anyway fun fact one of the compilers here also worked on the aforementioned mystery anthology. also anyway Why did i bother to write all that ☹️

fundamental problems of marxism (georgi plekhanov) — book about dialectical/historical materialism which is published here as the first volume of something (marxist library) which is kind of odd to me tbh

one last (thankfully tiny) anthology including le père goriot (honoré de balzac) & eugénie grandet (honoré de balzac)

[dreamwritesimagines]

Benedict after finding out about Lottie (who he considers his sister) and Anthony (his brother)

Benedict: You sick, sick bastards

Charlotte: Listen, Benny...

Benedict: THIS IS INCEST!

Anthony: No, it's not

Benedict: Yes, it is, Anthony

Anthony: *pointing to Charlotte* We're not related

Benedict: OH, and that makes it ok, I suppose?

Anthony: Well it makes it not incest

(Btw I changed my username, I used to be thats-totally-barbaric)

I am dying at this omg darling, this is so good! 😂❤️

LIKE, I CAN ACTUALLY SEE THIS HAPPENING 😂😂😂

[nando161mando]

Barbarism vs Civlization, anti-colonial French cartoon, 1899

[thecrimecrypt]

Crimes That Shook Britain (North West)

Moors Murders Not just notorious in the UK, the name Ian Brady and Myra Hindley are synonymous with evil worldwide. In the 1960s the twisted couple tortured and violently murdered Pauline Reade, 16, John Kilbride, 12, Keith Bennett, 12, Lesley Ann Downey, 10, and Edward Evans, 17.

During their killing spree, Brady and Hindley posed for photos at the murder scenes and gravesites on Saddleworth Moor, near Manchester.

Both were convicted of multiple murders and sentenced to life. Hindley died behind bars in 2002, aged 60. She was so despised that 20 local undertakers refused to handle her body. Brady spent 19 years in standard prisons before being transferred to a high-security psychiatric hospital where he died in 2017 at the age of 79.

The Murders of PCs Bone and Hughes In November 2012, wanted killer Dale Cregan, 29, had made a hoax call to police. When PC Nicola Hughes, 23, and PC Fiona Bone, 32, attended, Cregan fired 32 bullets at them and launched a grenade before driving off. Both officers died.

In February 2013, Cregan admitted both murders at Preston Crown Court. He was given a whole life order, and also convicted of two other murders and three attempted murders.

Then-PM David Cameron honoured PC Bone and PC Hughes, calling their murders ‘an act of pure evil’.

Harold Shipman Britain’s most prolific serial killer, GP Harold Shipman, worked in The Hyde area of Manchester. In January 2000, he was found guilty of murdering 15 of his patients by lethal injection.

Sentenced to life, it was recommended he never be released. After the trial, an inquiry concluded Shipman had actually killed an estimated 250 victims.

Shipman killed himself in Wakefield Prison in January 2004, on the eve of his 58th birthday.

The Murder of James Bulger The unforgettable CCTV footage remains as chilling as it was back in 1993. Little James Bulger, 2, being led by the hand from The New Strand Shopping Centre in Bootle, Liverpool, by the boys who’d go on to kill him.

Robert Thompson and Jon Venables, both 10, walked the tot for over two miles to railway tracks where they murdered him.

When James’ body was found, he had multiple skull fractures and other injuries that suggested he’d been hit with a metal bar and bricks, kicked and stamped on.

Thompson and Venables became Britain’s youngest convicted murderers in November 1993 for what the judge called ‘an act of unparalleled evil and barbarity’.

The Murder of Anthony Walker At 11pm on 29 July 2005, popular student Anthony Walker, 18, and his cousin walked his girlfriend to the bus stop in Huyton, Liverpool.

As they passed a pub, thug Michael Barton shouted racist abuse at the group, which they ignored. But later, Barton and his friend Paul Taylor ambushed the teenagers.

Anthony’s cousin and girlfriend escaped, while Anthony was killed by Taylor with a blow to the head from an ice axe. That December, Paul Taylor, 20, got 23 years for murder. Michael Barton, 17, got 17 years, reduced by a year in 2016.

Derrick Bird It was the UK’s worst mass shooting since the 1996 Dunblane massacre. In June 2010, taxi driver Derrick Bird, 52, left his home in Rowrah, Cumbria, drove to the home of David, his twin, and shot and killed him.

Then he drove to his family solicitor Kevin Commons’ home and shot him dead, too. His next victim was a fellow taxi driver. By now, police were hunting Bird and told residents of nearby towns to stay indoors. But by the time Bird’s body was found at 1:40pm, he’d killed 12 people and left 25 injured before shooting himself.

At an inquest into Derrick Bird’s death, a medical expert described him as ‘delusional and paranoid’. He’d apparently murdered his brother and solicitor believing they were in cahoots against him over a tax bill. He’d targeted his workmate over a jibe that’d been made over his personal hygiene.

But no one could ever offer a satisfactory explanation of this senseless, devastating crime.

[apenitentialprayer]

King Charles I, Three-Quarter Portrait, by Anthony van Dyck. The Execution of Charles I (detail), by John Weesop. King Charles I the Martyr, anonymous late 17th or early 18th century.

Corruptibilem pro Incorruptibile. I go from a corruptible to an incorruptible crown.

Now for to show you, that I am a good Christian, I hope there is a good man, who will bear witnesse with me, that I have forgiven all the world, and even those in particular, who have been the chief causers of my Death; who they are, God knows. I do not desire to know, I pray God forgive them: But this is not all, my Charity must go further, I wish that they may repent; for indeed, they have committed a great sin in that particular; I pray God with Saint Stephen that this be not laid to their charge; nay, not onely so, but that they may take the right way to the peace of the Kingdome; for my charity commands me, not onely to forgive particular men, but my charity commands me to indevour to the last gasp the peace of the Kingdome. This Sirs, I do wish with all my Soul, and I do hope, there are some who will carry it further, that they may indeavour the peace of the Kingdome.

- King Charles I, as recorded by the future Archbishop William Juxon of Canterbury, as part of his final testament before his execution.

Collect Prayer for Charles I, King and Martyr

Blessed Lord, in whose sight the death of your saints is precious; we magnify Your name for the abundant grace bestowed upon the martyred King, Charles the First; by which he was enabled so cheerfully to follow the steps of his blessed Master and Savior, in a constant meek suffering of all barbarous indignities, and at last resisting unto blood; and even then, according to the same pattern, praying for his murderers.  Let his memory, O Lord, be ever blessed among us; that we may follow the example of his courage and constancy, his meekness and patience, and great charity: and all for Jesus Christ’s sake, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

- from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, modernized English.

[teteminne]

If i see a single croatian celebrating this win as if you didn't play one of the uglyest and dirtyest games I've even seen in all my life I will literally freak the fuck out. Yeah you passed but you didn't play as well as we did, KNEW you couldn't play as well as we did, and made up for it by basically manhadling and trying to BREAK our players on field while the fucking corrupt judge watched on and did nothing. A Croatian player literally had a finger in Anthony's mouth as he pushed his face down and the judge did nothing. You might've won but you won dirty and if that was my team I'd be ashamed to celebrate - but then, that's what Europeans do, isn't it? Your game is ugly and brute and barbaric, and you have no shame about it. Fuck all of you honestly.

[scotianostra]

October 14 & 15th 1586 saw the trial of  Queen of Scots at Fotheringhay Castle in Northamptonshire.

Settle down, this is a wee bit longer than my normal posts,  some state it started on 14th, but it concluded on the 15th, so here we are.

You might remember my post a month ago when Mary arrived at her last “prison”, the place where she would ultimately spend her last days and meet her end.

If the history books are to be believed. Mary Stuart first sighted the ancient castle towers from a path called since the “days of the Domesday Book”, Perryho Lane, on hearing the name Perryho,  she is said to have made a melancholy little play on the name exclaiming aloud, ‘Perio! I perish.’ and indeed she did.

Mary was always a threat to the English Queen Elizabeth’s rule. Seen by Catholics as the true catholic ruler of England, there was many a plot to bump off Elizabeth and put Mary on the throne.

For almost 20 years Mary was dragged around England and locked up in its various castles. Having said that she was allowed certain freedoms including rides in the countryside and hunting trips, Fotheringhay was different.

Despite the size of the castle  Mary found herself incarcerated in comparatively mean apartments: this brought back all her phobia of a secret killing, the sort of barbarous death that stained the history of English medieval castles. The most notorious being one Edward II son of Longshanks, “Hammer of the Scots” who some say was murdered at Berkeley Castle, Gloucestershire by being held down and having a red-hot poker inserted inside his anus, and his screams could be heard miles away. although most historians do question whether it is true or not, the fact is he was murdered.

When Mary’s servants reported that many of the state rooms had been left empty, Mary drew the correct conclusion that she was about to be tried, and the rooms were awaiting the arrival of dignitaries from London. Just after two weeks later on, October 1st she was informed by her keeper, Sir Amias Paulet that her misdeeds were now to be punished by the interrogation of certain lords, and advised her in her own interests to beg pardon and confess her faults.

Mary’s reply was that Paulet  was behaving like a grownup with a small child, asking her to own up to what she had done. Then she went on more seriously: ‘As a sinner, I am truly conscious of having often offended my Creator, and I beg Him to forgive me, but as Queen and Sovereign, I am aware of no fault or offence for which I have to render account to anyone here below. …’ And she concluded loftily: ‘As therefore I could not offend, I do not wish for pardon; I do not seek, nor would I accept it from anyone living.’ For those who know anything about the Stewart monarchs this relates again to the Divine Right to rule, and they would only answer to God.

The charges against Mary were to do with a conspiracy to kill Elizabeth and replace her with Mary, her fellow conspirators included among others, John Ballard, a Jesuit priest, Weshman Thomas Morgan, a close confident of Mary’s, and Anthony Babington, a Catholic noble who is said was the ring leader, the plot has gone down in history bearing his name The Babington Plot.

Whilst locked away, Mary advised the plotters, both in terms of strategy and how to ensure she’d win the English throne. And naturally as the ‘rightful’ ruler of England Mary would be the one to sign off on the plot starting. he plot took shape during the summer in 1586.

Babington informed Mary that he represented a group who planned to kill Elizabeth and install Mary as the new Queen of England. Babington asked for her support of their plan. Mary responded, asking for more details.

Unfortunately for Mary, the plot had been infiltrated and Elizabeth I’s own spy master, Sir Francis Walsingham had been using the letters to entrap Mary and get her to call for Elizabeth’s murder.

Mary agreed with the plans, but did not authorized the assassination. That did not matter however, because Walsingham’s spies intercepted the letter. The letter was deciphered and copied but this time a postscript was added. According to the new letter, Mary authorized the assassination. Walsingham had his proof, and so with this false evidence Mary was indicted.

Before the trial even started Ballard, the Catholic priest, was arrested and tortured. It is said that by the time he arrived at his execution site, John Ballards limbs were barely in their sockets, as a result of the torture he’d undergone, of course during his torture he gave up the names of others involved, the main man being Babington, in September the men were executed one after the other and forced to watch as they, in turn were hung drawn and quartered, the same age old punishment for treason.

After the gruesome bloodbath attention turned to Mary.

Now I’m not saying Elizabeth was faultless in all this but she wasn’t keen on trying her Mary, not just because they were cousins, it would set a precedent trying and ultimately executing someone still seen as most of Europe as the rightful Queen of Scotland. Her hand was being forced by her advisors like Walsingham, indeed they had their eye on disposing of the troublesome Mary for some time forcing through an act of Parliament the year before called The Act of Association: this provided means whereby a commission of twenty-four peers and privy councillors might be appointed to investigate any conspiracy or attempt to hurt Elizabeth ‘by any person or with the privity of any person that shall or may pretend to the title to the Crown of this realm’.

The punishments for anyone found guilty under this act were to be two-fold: firstly they were to be deprived of their title to the English crown forever, and secondly they could be lawfully put to death under the provisions of the Act. It had been quite clear at the time that this Act had been especially framed in order get rid of our Queen, it was tailor made for her.

The records of Mary’s trial were compiled by the notes of those present, who included two persons designated as writers. It would have been nearly impossible to write by hand every word uttered in the courtroom. Some say Mary spoke very broken English due to her time spent in France., I myself find this hard to believe, yes she had been educated in France, but the Four Mary’s would have made sure the young Queen could speak the Scot’s tongue, at very least.

Mary’s defence was set out mainly that, she wasn’t an English subject and therefore couldn’t be held as an English traitor. She’d been denied legal counsel or the right to view evidence being bought against her. Oh and the age old she was a Queen. Anointed by God. It would literally be a sin to kill her.

Therefore, how accurately were the writers able to record her statements? Whose spoken words were left undocumented? Which statements in particular? Did the two journalists favour Mary or Elizabeth, and if so, did they allow this to influence their notes of the trial? A completely accurate record of the trial is unattainable due to the faultiness of its records, some historians just filled in the blanks to suit themselves, depending on their own leanings.

When the trial concluded, Parliament gave speeches and had open discussion about Mary’s sentencing. They also held audiences with Elizabeth. During the audiences held between Parliament and Elizabeth, Elizabeth gave two speeches. In her first speech, she declared that if it were not for “the safe and welfare of my whole people, I would (I protest unfeignedly) most willingly pardon her.”   Elizabeth asserted that Mary was bound to the English laws but reaffirmed that the late act “was no ways prejudice to her.” Rather, Elizabeth explained that the law was in place to warn her, but since Mary still acted against the Queen and the law “was in force,” there was no reason not to “proceed against her according to the same.’ But, if the laws almost explicitly name Mary, then why did Elizabeth feel the need to restate that they were not prejudiced against her? Now I know I deflected some of the blame away from Elizabeth earlier but It seems that this was just another way for Elizabeth to maintain her image of innocence.

Furthermore, Elizabeth explained that because of "this last Act of Parliament” she must “order for her [Mary’s] death” The Councillors’ plan to somehow remove Mary as a threat had worked. Elizabeth felt her hands were tied in the matter due to the Acts of Parliament, which the Councillors had drafted with specific language aimed toward Mary.

Eventually, Mary’s sentence was issued and proclaimed in the English countryside and towns. Immediately following the proclamation, Walsingham drafted the warrant for Mary’s execution. The speed at which these documents were drafted  show that Elizabeth’s Councillors were adamant about having Mary executed.

In late December of 1586, Elizabeth had the papers for the execution drawn up. On February 1st, 1587, she signed Mary’s death warrant.

I wont go into the execution as I normally post all the details on the anniversary of her death, February 8th 1587, I will however add a few more lines regarding King James VI and letters between Elizabeth and him.

Around the same time Elizabeth signed the warrant, she sent a letter to James, who had earlier requested that his mother be sent into the neutral custody of a foreign prince.

In her response, Elizabeth asked if James thought her “so mad to trust my own life in another’s hand and send it out of my own?

She also refers to the "absurdity of such an offer. In this letter, Elizabeth placed the focus on James’s offer rather than on the circumstances surrounding Mary at the present time, basically awaiting her fate. She did not say she was unwilling to give Mary to a neutral prince because she was either considering signing the execution warrant or had already done so.

Elizabeth withheld from James any more of a response than was necessary. It seemed that she intentional1y focused this letter’s content on James’s request to divert attention from her intention to sign Mary’s death warrant.

After Mary’s execution, Elizabeth wrote another letter to James. Elizabeth referred to Mary’s execution as a "miserable accident which (far contrary to my meaning) hath befallen”  

Elizabeth claimed innocence in calling for Mary’s execution, but what she wrote next left a sense of doubt as to her innocence in the matter. She told James that she had “now sent this kinsman of mine … to instruct you truly of that which is too irksome for my pen to tell you.’d While one may infer that Elizabeth sent a kinsman to explain the actual happenings of Mary’s execution you  have to wonder if that was truly the case. Could Elizabeth have sent this "kinsman” to explain what she would not want left documented on paper? Elizabeth would have known to not leave a self-incriminating paper trail regarding her true role in Mary’s execution. Thus, she sent a “kinsman” to explain the actual circumstances relating to Mary’s execution.

The truth behind what this kinsman actually told to James will forever stay a mystery because these words were just spoken in a private audience and not documented in a letter, just like Elizabeth wanted. The final question remains: was it the work of the Councillors that called for the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, or did Elizabeth I play  more active role than she wished to admit?

I myself believe the Councillors did not need to have their arms twisted to call for Mary’s execution. They perceived Mary as a threat and made it their top priority to remove her Queen Elizabeth’s full part in the murky affair will always be up for debate.

As ever I have used a lot of different sources when compiling this, if you want more on the trial check the article below out, remember though every source is different so not all that is written here will relate entirely to my post, it is however a more in depth analysis of the trial.

https://erenow.net/biographies/maryqueenofscotsantoniafraser/27.php

Pics are a depictions of the tral  

[workersbushtelegraph]

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