Change.org Attacked By China

I received this email from Change.org.

The petition demanding the release of Chinese artist Ai Weiwei has nearly 100,000 signatures.

Here's how we know it's really gotten Beijing’s attention: For the past three days, the Change.org website has been repeatedly targeted by cyber attacks coming from China that aim to bring our site down, which would keep people from signing the petition.

Our engineers are working around the clock to fend off the attacks and, for now, the petition is still up.

We need to let the Chinese government know that illegal tactics from within its borders won't stop the mounting pressure on them to release Weiwei. If you haven't already, please join nearly 100,000 Change.org members and add your name to the petition now.

To recap: Acclaimed dissident artist Ai Weiwei -- who helped design the famed “Bird’s Nest” stadium for China’s Olympics -- was arrested on April 3rd by Chinese security forces at the Beijing airport. His office and studio have been ransacked, and no one has heard from him since.

The international art community banded together, demanding his release -- and the directors of more than twenty leading museums (including the Tate Modern, Museum of Modern Art, and the Guggenheim) started a petition on Change.org that has garnered worldwide attention, including in the New York Times, LA Times, and Guardian.

The campaign has helped to give rise to an international outcry. Political leaders around the world are calling for Weiwei's release and activists have organized peaceful protests at Chinese embassies and consulates.

Autocratic governments know that the internet is a democratizing force, and they'll do everything they can to suppress online activism. Know that we stand with you for change, and that we will continue to fight to make sure your voice can be heard.

- Patrick and the Change.org team

P.S. Due to these repeated attacks, our site may be slower than usual or unavailable at times over the next few days. Thanks for your patience.

Picture Of The Day!

"Freedom Flotilla II - Stay Human"

To begin I would like to bring attention to the petition on the right side of my blog. The next voyage to break the siege on Gaza will be named "Freedom Flotilla - Stay Human" in honor of slain Italian peace activist Vittorio Arrigoni. "'Stay Human,' he would say, then grin and clench his pipe in his teeth." His mother also plans to be aboard because she said she "Wants to meet the people that her son spoke so highly of!" The Flotilla 2, organized by the international Free Gaza movement based in Cyprus, will comprise more than 15 ships and carry hundreds of peace activists and humanitarian supplies to the people of Gaza!

When Freedom Flotilla 1 sailed in May of 2010 carrying humanitarian aid and construction materials, with the intention of breaking Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip, naval commandos (from Israel) boarded the ships from speedboats and helicopters (in international waters) and nine activists were killed and many wounded! The much needed supplies were confiscated by the Israeli government.

By signing this petition you can pressure our leaders to prevent this from happening again and ensure Israel will not use force to interfere!

Here is a video of what happened when Freedom Flotilla I sailed in May of 2010!

We must not let his happen again! Please share with your friends!

Until we meet again: "Stay Human!"

My First Post!

This is my first post in what I hope to be a continuing dialog to bring better understanding of events in the Middle East to the people of the world. There is much misunderstanding in the world and I believe one of the most misunderstood regions (by the Western World) is the Middle East. Hopefully I can play a small part in bringing you closer to enlightenment beyond the stories we see on CNN and our nightly news and share with you some of the stories that do not make the headlines.