On Abby Martin, Freedom and Tolerance

Truth, must be said, Martin’s TV appearance yesterday may suggest that Russia is now more tolerant and pluralist than the West.

Abby Martin

(LONDON) - RT’s presenter Abby Martin has bought herself a reputation as a 911 sceptic and a vocal opponent of Israeli‘s policies . Yesterday she denounced Russian action in Crimea while she was live on air.

She said she 'would not sit here and apologise or defend (Russian) military aggression,' before saying her 'heart went out' to the Ukrainian people whom she described as 'the real losers here.' 
Ms Martin hosts on the American version of the channel and made her statement at the end of her show

http://youtu.be/IHYUPbnSs_0

She said: 'Before I wrap up the show, I wanted to say something from my heart about the ongoing political crisis in Ukraine and Russia's military occupation of Crimea. 'Just because I work here, for RT, doesn't mean I don't have editorial independence and I can't stress enough how strongly I am against any military intervention in sovereign nations' affairs.’

'What Russia did is wrong!'

Following Martin’s announcement, many western media outlets were quick to denounce the ‘Kremlin’s funded’ TV network and its authoritarian manner, but the fact that Martin openly criticised the Russian government proves the opposite. Martin’s statement means that Russia is far more respectful of freedom of speech and thought than our so called ‘Free West.’

Can you imagine a BBC presenter standing up against the British Government? Not anymore I guess. In the continent, the clumsy ‘socialist’ French Government couldn’t even tolerate the quanelle. The French media remained silent when France Government launch a war against Dieudonne, France’s most popular Comedian. And what about Fox /CNN News, do they denounce American interventionism in such an open manner?

Truth, must be said, Martin’s TV appearance yesterday may suggest that Russia is now more tolerant and pluralist than the West.

But Martin failed to convey elementary political wisdom. 'I admittedly don't know as much as I should about Ukraine's history or the cultural dynamics of the region, but what I do know is that military intervention is never the answer,” she said.

Like Martin, I also oppose any from of intervention, however, I try to not to comment publically on issues I know little about. There is something that must be highlighted about the Russian operation in Crimea. Though, it looks like a military invasion, so far it hasn’t involved any violence on the part of the Russians. I guess that the situation is volatile and this can change any second. But we also have to remember that unlike the Zionised West that is quick to use vast and lethal fire power that leaves countries in a state of carnage for decades, the Russians are operating in Crimea under a heavy smoke screen, they are supported by local militias and so far, they have achieved their military and political goals without fatalities. Let’s hope that the situation remains the same.

Gilad Atzmon was born in Israel in 1963 and had his musical training at the Rubin Academy of Music, Jerusalem (Composition and Jazz). As a multi-instrumentalist he plays Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Baritone Saxes, Clarinet and Flutes. His album Exile was the BBC jazz album of the year in 2003. He has been described by John Lewis on the Guardian as the “hardest-gigging man in British jazz".

Gilad Atzmon's essays are widely published. His novels 'Guide to the perplexed' and 'My One And Only Love' have been translated into 24 languages.

As a member of the Blockheads, Gilad has also recorded and performed with Ian Dury, Robbie Williams, Sinead O'Connor and Paul McCartney. Gilad has also recorded with Robert Wyatt, the Water Boys and many others. Learn more about Gilad by visiting his Website