Well written, well researched, dry, wry and horribly true. I don't know how you wrote all this with a new baby on the scene but well done and congratulations on the baby and your brilliant words for truth.
And thank you for speaking truth to power even when truth has no power at all. I can barely afford my own coffee - too much of a Leftie to be employable and have found that writing historical fiction is the best way to get the truth out. But I will share on my socials and on the Palestinian Solidarity Network pages in my country Aotearoa New Zealand.
PS My 2024 year started with our thug police pepper spraying me for taking photos of them pushing anti genocide protesters onto the pavement, for a cop failing to take his hand off a peaceful protester's chest when the man said his chest hurt, and for taking photos of our national chair who had stayed on the pavement and not even ventured onto the road, being plucked and beaten by cops alongside other peaceful protesters. Oh and the charges against him? Assaulting Police. Yep Police around the world copy cat the IOF.
After this, my eyes burnt for two weeks but unlike that poor guy with the disability, the rest of my body did not. Being alive means feeling terribly ashamed of the world and my fellow journalists apart from those who have been sacked or killed for telling the truth.
PPS When I met two Israelis travelling as tourists and asked about compassion and was told they have none for Palestinians I did consider taking them to my house where they could meet real very lovely Palestinians for the first time in their lives as opposed to the monsters in their heads. I figured we could all give them food and drink and try to brainwash them into compassion. But I guess that would have been seen as hostage taking.
Haha - hostage-taking.Sadly these Israelis are brain-washed from children. They are bought up with hatred towards Palestinians. They need to keep these lies going for the continuous genocide of Palestinians. This is why it's very difficult to break this false narrative from their hearts. But the very best to you in your journalism!
If I had read this article 50 years ago, or maybe even 5, I would have assumed it was hyperbolic humor. I wouldn’t have been able to believe that any of it actually happened, except maybe the aliens in the shopping mall in Miami. If it weren’t for Laura and for all of you, I would think I’ve gone insane. Thank you, and Happy New Year. 🙏🌈💚
Dear Laura, I look forward to every one of your posts and this year end summary ticked every effing box. Thank you for your humor through horror mode of journalism.
...and New Year's Eve: @Laura K is still churning out astute observations with marvelous satirical wit. Let us all hope she can continue to keep the bastards honest in 2025, and that we'll all live to see 2026 (prospects of nuclear war to the contrary notwithstanding).
I laughed hysterically at your sub title Laura! Take each day as it comes as the ye olde saying goes, or was that just my parents saying, who'd had to endure WW2 as children because of selfish old men (mostly) waging wars, and for why...
Find it almost impossible to say 'happy new year'.
Stay safe and stay sane if possible, thanks for all you do for the good of humanity Laura, and others reporting on world events in honest ways. X
There have been days during 2024 when I was struck utterly dumb by it all. My brain froze over with horror and despair. Then I would spot a notification from you and the fire would reignite. I don't know how you do it, but you batter the truth nail right on its napper in such an original, sparkling way that I am dragged out of my daze and coaxed to keep up with you for one more day. Thank you Laura of Normal Island, there is power in your special wordcraft and I need to keep seeing it. xx
Of course, pretty much every year I can think of has been like the 2024 you describe Laura. Locations change, numbers change but it's the same slaughter and it's been going on for centuries. The only thing that's changed is that they no longer bother to hide it. It's in your face slaughter.
Laura. I commend you for fighting the GREAT BRITISH EMPIRE
I'm their official spokeperson x
You made me laugh. Thank you. Be careful.
God, this year sucked. Its only conceivable purpose will probably be to prepare us for an even shittier 2025.
Well written, well researched, dry, wry and horribly true. I don't know how you wrote all this with a new baby on the scene but well done and congratulations on the baby and your brilliant words for truth.
And thank you for speaking truth to power even when truth has no power at all. I can barely afford my own coffee - too much of a Leftie to be employable and have found that writing historical fiction is the best way to get the truth out. But I will share on my socials and on the Palestinian Solidarity Network pages in my country Aotearoa New Zealand.
PS My 2024 year started with our thug police pepper spraying me for taking photos of them pushing anti genocide protesters onto the pavement, for a cop failing to take his hand off a peaceful protester's chest when the man said his chest hurt, and for taking photos of our national chair who had stayed on the pavement and not even ventured onto the road, being plucked and beaten by cops alongside other peaceful protesters. Oh and the charges against him? Assaulting Police. Yep Police around the world copy cat the IOF.
After this, my eyes burnt for two weeks but unlike that poor guy with the disability, the rest of my body did not. Being alive means feeling terribly ashamed of the world and my fellow journalists apart from those who have been sacked or killed for telling the truth.
PPS When I met two Israelis travelling as tourists and asked about compassion and was told they have none for Palestinians I did consider taking them to my house where they could meet real very lovely Palestinians for the first time in their lives as opposed to the monsters in their heads. I figured we could all give them food and drink and try to brainwash them into compassion. But I guess that would have been seen as hostage taking.
Saige, heartfelt thanks for taking a stand!
Isn’t it just like the police ( “Pigs” in our US hippie jargon) to pepper spray a new mother? Who’s next, a pregnant woman?
Haha - hostage-taking.Sadly these Israelis are brain-washed from children. They are bought up with hatred towards Palestinians. They need to keep these lies going for the continuous genocide of Palestinians. This is why it's very difficult to break this false narrative from their hearts. But the very best to you in your journalism!
Thank you from Seattle. ✌️
If I had read this article 50 years ago, or maybe even 5, I would have assumed it was hyperbolic humor. I wouldn’t have been able to believe that any of it actually happened, except maybe the aliens in the shopping mall in Miami. If it weren’t for Laura and for all of you, I would think I’ve gone insane. Thank you, and Happy New Year. 🙏🌈💚
Ditto Rebel. Happy New Year hun
💐🌟💚
A year that goes away, another that comes!
At the end of this year, I send you my best wishes for happiness, prosperity and success.
May the new year that is opening be for you a serene and fulfilling year, filled with moments of sharing and sweetness.
Thank you, sweetie. Happy new year x
Dear Laura, I look forward to every one of your posts and this year end summary ticked every effing box. Thank you for your humor through horror mode of journalism.
Happy new year - keep up the good work 🥳
...and New Year's Eve: @Laura K is still churning out astute observations with marvelous satirical wit. Let us all hope she can continue to keep the bastards honest in 2025, and that we'll all live to see 2026 (prospects of nuclear war to the contrary notwithstanding).
I laughed hysterically at your sub title Laura! Take each day as it comes as the ye olde saying goes, or was that just my parents saying, who'd had to endure WW2 as children because of selfish old men (mostly) waging wars, and for why...
Find it almost impossible to say 'happy new year'.
Stay safe and stay sane if possible, thanks for all you do for the good of humanity Laura, and others reporting on world events in honest ways. X
There have been days during 2024 when I was struck utterly dumb by it all. My brain froze over with horror and despair. Then I would spot a notification from you and the fire would reignite. I don't know how you do it, but you batter the truth nail right on its napper in such an original, sparkling way that I am dragged out of my daze and coaxed to keep up with you for one more day. Thank you Laura of Normal Island, there is power in your special wordcraft and I need to keep seeing it. xx
Of course, pretty much every year I can think of has been like the 2024 you describe Laura. Locations change, numbers change but it's the same slaughter and it's been going on for centuries. The only thing that's changed is that they no longer bother to hide it. It's in your face slaughter.
Happy New Year🥳
you too, sweetie x
The year was the antithesis of brilliant. Your synopsis was brilliant. Bravo.
2024 would have been much worse without your posts. Thanks. And all the best to you and your new child.
Laura you are to satire what Netanyahu is to genocide but unlike the IDF please don’t stop
Thank you for your outstanding journalism.