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Kyrre Lien / EPA
Labour Party youth leader Eskil Pedersen speaks as thousands of people turn up in poor weather to participate in the singing of a popular children's song at Youngstorget Square in Oslo on April 26, 2012.
Reuters reports — Up to 40,000 Norwegians staged an emotionally-charged sing-along in Oslo on Thursday near the court house where Anders Behring Breivik is on trial for the murder of 77 people in a protest organizers said showed he had not broken their tolerant society.
"It's we who win," said guitar-strumming folk singer Lillebjoern Nilsen as he led the mass sing-along and watched the crowd sway gently in the rain. Many held roses above their heads, and some wept.
Norwegians to protest mass-killer, singing song he hates
The crowd chose to sing a song - "Children of the Rainbow" - that extols the type of multicultural society Breivik has said he despised and one that he specifically dismissed during the trial as Marxist propaganda. Read the full story.
Kyrre Lien / Scanpix via AFP -Getty Images
Kyrre Lien / EPA
Of the many people who turned up in poor weather to participate in the singing of "Barn av Regnbuen" ("Children of the Rainbow"), quite a few went on to place flowers for the victims near the entrance to the Oslo courthouse, where the trial of Anders Behring Breivik continued.
Tens of thousands of people gathered in Oslo to sing a children's song calling for peace, as a protest against mass killer Anders Behring Breivik. Msnbc.com's Dara Brown reports.
Friends and family of his victims looked on Friday as Anders Breivik calmly describes chasing down and killing dozens of teenagers during a shooting spree last year on Utoya Island in Norway. Msnbc.com's Al Stirrett reports.
The nation looks to rally after a bombing and shooting spree leaves 77 people dead.
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This man was as nutty as that Jan Brewer! They both are nothing less than racists! Jan hasn't actually killed anyone yet, has she? I would not put it past her. She is a fanatic like Breivers!
Jan Brewer is a nut. Yes. So, apparently, are you, if you cannot distinguish between a mass murderer and Jan Brewer. Yes, she has allowed people to die so she could save money and in many ways, she is a very contemptible person; but she's not a mass murderer. You sound as radical as the Rightists, who have no appreciation of nuance.
troll alert
Let's see...this monster murdered 77 people included 69 children. Jan Brewer is trying to protect her state using radical ideas that are probably unconstitutional...ya i see the similarities.
thanks for that insightful commentary. You may now return your tinfoil hat to your head and resume your day while the rest of us soldier on in the real world.
Looks like you have that "It can't happen to me attitude". Watch out for karma dude.
Put him in a cell and force him to listen to the song over and over and over and over and over again and again and again. Twenty years of that ought to do it.
On the one hand, it's touching. On the other, it kind of highlights the whole "effete European" cliche - guy murders almost 80 people and you think a song will bother him.
I understand that there's not much else those singing can do, but still - it's just the perfect setup to make a monster like that laugh.
Kahlid - you missed the point - entirely. The nation did not gather to sing a song of multicultureism, they came to sing in unison to show that the nation, as a whole will not let the hate monger win. They came together, to stand together, to sing together as a bulwark against the man who preaches hate. Unlike my country, when attacked sends soldiers with guns and tanks - that tiny nation is better than we are. When they were attacked they brought roses, in the face of hate, they came to together to sing peace.
Kate - thank you. I had missed that point. I hope this does help them find Peace.
Peace to all courageous Norwegians who raised their voice in song.
Noelle,
How on earth do you see them a courageous?
The true spirit of Norway. Peace and Reconciliation.
I grew up in a small Wisconsin town that was >90 Norske. I and all my relatives are of Norwegian decent. I went to a one room country grade school and we frequently sang the Norwegian Nat Anthem in school. It starts like this: Ja, vi elsker dette landet... And they do and one crazy will not change that.
I think the parents of the victims would much prefer Breivik be listening to the music from a .45.
"the music from a .45."
You killed mine, so I kill you, so yours kill me, so mine kill yours...
What a wonderful world it would be.
The Norwegians got it right. Killing Breivik won't bring back any of his victims or stop the next demented psychopath. But maybe by treating him more humanely than he did any of his victims it will give them the moral high ground to help ratchet down the kind of anti-immigrant vitriol that fed Breivik's twisted mind.
Yup....if anything we need to be taking lessons from countries like this. They have one of the lowest murder rates per capita in the world.
Forbes rated norway as the happiest country on earth. Funny, a Capitalist publication rating a Socialist country the happiest in the world. They are also in the top five on income equality as well and have excelent healthcare.
So why are Americans so affraid of socialism? If you look at countries like Norway, Canada, Sweden...etc, it aprears to be working...very well.
Somebody please pass the smores.
Yes, those Vikings were truly peace loving gentle folks, weren't they?
Vikings? Yes, linking a 21st century country and culture to the whomever was on the same land in the middle ages, that's reasonable.
And we were so much better. What with the extermination of the Native Americans or just moving them out of their homelands by forced march to settle them onto reservations in the least desirable lands. Lets also not forget the internment of thousands of Japanese Americans during World War II.
A Veteran...
That was hundreds of years ago, they "evolved"...
We should try it here sometime :)
American Socialist - Now THAT I agree with you on, we should try a little evolving also. Agreed. Peace.
American Socialist - Also, maybe there is hope for us, if Norway can evolve from the barbarians they were to what they are today, we can do the same, it CAN happen you know?????
The trouble with Socialism is you always run out of other people's money to pay for it.
Socialism is working in Europe? Really?
Move there and stop trying to sell those failed policies here.
Deerslayer....
When everyone pays their fair share...you don't run out of money.
I didn't say Europe...I mentioned specific countries like Canada, Norway, Sweden...etc.
The UK is screwed because of greed, the same thing thats screwing us over right now.
Move there? Sorry bub...I'm fifth generation in this country. I think I'll stay and keep fighting the good fight.
American Socialist- I advise you to watch this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3h8O7V-WxWQ
Also, the UK is socialist, so I don't know how it's being destroyed by greed.
The reason you and other don't know, Random pennsylvanian, is because you and others throw terms around assigning meaning to them when they have lost their original meaning due to misuse. England and virtually all the other larger European countries are capitalist, their means of production are privately owned, BP is a British outfit. But they have varying degrees of state supported social programs (as do we). Theirs works better and costs less. Our's works worse and costs more. Neither system is perfect, personally I prefer a system where everyone gets medical coverage. Guess what, talking of perfect systems there isn't one, but sensible discussion might let each country develop something that works for them. Something that won't happen in our current political climate.
What a wonderful way to stage a protest! No rioting, no shouting of obscenities, no people knocked to the ground and handcuffed, no pepper spray aimed at protesters; instead, thousands of people peacefully singing a song of praise for diversity. Way to go, Norway!
Agreed, Jan!
No real meaning either. Not saying that violence is meaningful. Just that this protest is pointless.
Doesn't seem to pointless...
Willowbrook - again, you missed the point - pointless? Hardly. Proved the point for all the world to see, they are a unifed people in all their diversity - Even tho this country espouses the notion of diverse unity, our example pales in comparison -
As for this nation being afraid of socialism - it works in that small country because they're small, it works in Canada because their population is small relative to their country. There are other examples of socialist countries where it didn't work. It's all about mind set - maybe it works for Norway and Canada because of their extreme weather? I sorely wish I had the answer.
Is this Jan Brewer?
i agree with the comment on the protest, by the way...very peacefully, as how it should be
Not pointless to 40,000 people who participated, many other Norwegians, and the people around the world who see an example of how to behave in the face of mindless hatred and bigotry. If in part their point was "One crazy bigot doesn't speak for all of us Norwegians, I think they made their "point" very well.
It is pointless in that these protesters are willing to give up their Norwegian identity. Don't get me wrong, killing 77 people was absolutely wrong. What he identified though was quite true, diversity is replacing the Norwegian identity. His way to protest this caused the truth to be washed away. Everyone is focused on the killings, not the belief. I feel bad for the protesters, who, in not so many years will not be the people they are today.
BTW - this case has nothing in common with the actions Jan Brewer and the AZ legislators have done to protect their citizens. How about staying on topic?
You're the nutty one. There is nothing at all alike between the two. One is a murdering sociopath, the other a hard-working politician who puts the rights and lives of her constituents ahead of illegal aliens bent on breaking the rules of the USA.
No, he's right, Jan Brewer is absolutely responsible for the deaths of her very own citizens, all just to save a few bucks for a tax cut to the rich, and she should burn in hell for it.
I am a firm believer in karma, so Ms. Brewer will reap what she has sown, tenfold. 'Nuff said!
Jan Brewer should be the president of the US we might get rid of the some of the stench that now permeates this society. This country needs taken back about 70 years when it was the greatest country in the world now its just a cess pool of garbage.
Thank you franko for the ultra-right wing, fascist perspective. Disgusting and ridiculous, but noted. What "garbage" are you referring to?
They should be singing "You're gonna burn in hell".
-Twisted Sister!
here in america they would have been arrested for protesting
Here in America, there are thousands of murders a year. Over there, there might be one. That said, your probably correct
dog, .....dont bother feeding the trolls....new here?
Why is this a ten week trial? He has discribed in court his shooting spree. Find some long horrible punishment and get it started. The sooner the better.
They never seen anything like this and are probably stumped.
diffferent laws and court system
Lol...no they actually have civility over there, that's why they have one of the lowest murder rates in the world.
Instead of bitching, you should be taking notes.
Norway demands a proper trial because it's a state ruled by law! Justice must be served, even terrorists deserve their day in court!
The Norwegian people, survivors and especially the victims' relatives want to hear every detail in order for them to get closure.
Breivik du ar den sjuka personen i detta fallet. Hoppas att ditt liv, sa lange du lever, ar hemskt och alla andra kan leva ifred fran terrorister som du.
yeah....what he just said...........
Google Translate: Breivik to the sick person is in this case. Hope your life, so long as you live, is horrible and everyone else can live in peace from the terrorists that you.
I agree by the way...
That's the wrong language... They speak Norwegian in Norway, not Swedish...
been there, done that - I haven't seen H.A.L. for quite some time.
It is wonderful to see that the spirit of the Norwegian people is not broken by the evil deeds of one who has become so lost in his hate, that I fear there may be no redemption for him. God bless his victims and the people of Norway, and may God help this man repent of his evil.
@ derpy the 2nd
Here in America, there are thousands of murders a year. Over there, there might be one. That said, your probably correct.
who?
A few posts above................
yeah caught that upon review
God bless the Norweigans!They have had to endure a horrible tragedy and have done so with dignity and grace. How lovely to see these people ,young and old standing together in a beautiful display of peace and love.
The best way to deal with the Breivik situation is to declare war on...on...someone...anyone. That way justice can be served and the Norweigan people can feel good about how it.
Are you kidding?! How would justice be served? More violence is not an answer to violence. Bring it down a level or two, please. IMO, the people of Norway are dealing with this in the best possible way; peacefully. God bless the victims' families.
I think someone needs to invent a sarcasm tag, people read too fast and are too quick to type before realizing someone is being sarcastic
The Scandanavian countries are well-known for their peaceful ways. When a tragedy such as this struck, it was an event the likes of which many, if not most, had never seen. I applaud their peaceful protest and wish them all well.
Ever hear about the Vikings?
"facepalm"
Great point about the Vikings! Following that line of 'reasoning', maybe instead of worrying about the rise of modern China so much we could just start thinking of China as it was during the Ming dynasty. China problem solved.
Been reading about those Vikings - what a warmongering group they were. Unfortunately my paternal family comes from the haplogroup of Vikings. That said, for the most part I have found most Scandinavians to be calm, rational and caring people. I heard about the ceremony today and heard the lovely song - very touching. You don't hear about tragedies like this often in Scandinavia - my sincerest sympathy to the families.
My hat goes off to these Norwegians! What a wonderful, dignified way to make a stand against Breivik and his evil acts.
They should record these folks singing and make Breivik listen to it in his cell over and over and over again.
As much as I dislike what Breivik did , it appears the people there just ignore what set him off in the first place. The fact that they support terrorist Palestians that no other Arab country wants anything to do with shows that their values are skewed.
Yep, I wonder what they'll do when their Parliament is overrun by muslims and sharia law is set up? Sing peace songs?
Songs of peace overpower all, so ya in theory it should work.. Not something I would do though.
Tony...lay off the Fox news...they got you pumped up on fear.
Muslims....OH NO!!!
Sharia Law...Someone HELP!!
Quit making us Americans look like a bunch of a$$holes.
If you plan to wipe out a group of people take them to Norway, the most prison time this guy can serve is 21 years under their law. Even better, their jails are a convict"s dream with what we would consider hardly severe punishment.
And you would know this, how.... ?
No, that's 21 years in prison - that can be extended forever under Norwegian law! So sorry you don't understand.
This was a very insightful protest. Maybe we should send over jessie jackson, farakon and rev. wright to stir up the crowd. Show them how its done here in the good old usa where every white felon is a raciest
Are you trying to stir something up here? Do we really need such divisive thinking? Why?
Their songs are cooler than our protest songs.
Sung by the crowd in Los Angeles in 1965:
You're all I have in this teenage twilight
Your golden hair and pale blue eyes
But through all the days and the sleepless nights
We have never been satisfied
Tumbling like the leaves
We are spiralling on the breeze
Almost to the point of no return
Everything will burn baby burn
Look into my tired eyes
See someone you don't recognise
Binds that can't be untied
Oh yeah, this is slow suicide
Feelings that I can't disguise
And never will be reconciled
Oh something inside has died
You walk like your in a daze
Unresponsive eyes in a distant gaze
Like all the good times have flown away
And their memory leaves a bitter taste
Tumbling Like the leaves
We are spiralling on the breeze
Destructive love is all we have
Destructive love is all I am
Look into my tired eyes
See someone you don't recognise
Binds that can't be untied
Oh yeah, this is slow suicide
Feelings that I can't disguise
And never will be reconciled
Oh something inside has died
Vicious bitter words
Becoming more and more cruel
But you always take me back
And let me lick your wounds
Tumbling like the leaves
We are spiralling on the breeze
Almost to the point of no return
Every thing will burn baby burn
Look into my tired eyes
See someone you don't recognise
Binds that can't be untied
Oh yeah this is slow suicide
Feelings that I can't disguise
We're living in a compromise
Oh something inside has died
Try "Where have all the flowers gone", by the Kingston Trio or "One Tin Soldier" by Coven.
I wouldn't be surprised if Norway is taken over by the the Muslim community in ten years. They are the sheeple of the world. Too bad they aren't the hero Vikings that used to be.
Norweigens have progressed far beyond their barbaric beginnings. They are one of the most civilized people on this planet. Still, we have the nuts like mr. B, and you heyjoe1 to put up with and put away.
Another typical American A$$hole....
What an idiotic comment to make.
Why?...
You wanna know why other countries have a negative opinion of us?
The answer is three posts above yours.
Have a nice day :)
That racist POS should die. he is no different than any other terrorist. Kill innocent people in the name of hate. Too bad he'll serve 15 years. Too civlized.
This is good and with all the praise for these peaceful people (and they are) I thought I would add one fact:
Gun politics in Norway incorporates the political and regulatory aspects of firearms usage in the country. Citizens are allowed to keep firearms (normally for hunting and sports shooting). And NONE of these people are protesting guns or advocating gun control over what happened. Yes we could take some lessons there.
i have long admired the norwegian people. they are a people of graceful civilized reserved demeanor. our current ''in your face'' style of social interaction seems to be spreading around the world. the murder of so many innocents is attributable to extreme mental disease -racism alone does not account for this tragedy. my condolences to norway and specifically the families of these beautiful young people----the future of norway has been altered by this horrific event.
Some people just don't get it.Do you people think that having the U.S. Army kicking in the doors of Afghan peasants is going to endear our way of life to them?I think not.I think that if I were an Afghan peasant and an American soldier kicked in my door at 3:00 A.M. and got me and my family out of bed,at gun point,I think that I would figure how to make an I.E.D. and I would blow their arses all the way back to America.That is what you get with "an eye for an eye",you get blinded.9/11 has made this country so paranoid and so reactionary that I don't think that we are going to last as a nation.I really believe that if we don't figure out the fact that we are "One Nation Under God With Liberty And Justice For All" that we as a nation are doomed.
Very well said Mr. Kirk. Nothing more to add.
StuartKirk: some good points, but I hope, pray, do not believe, that we are doomed. There is a silent majority that, I believe will bring us back from the brink. Some of them post here. It's that pesky, loud, opinionated minorty that needs to be brought into the light.
Agree with you, Stuart. I read just yesterday on military.com that the Americans are stepping back in deference to Afghan security forces (soldiers, law enforcement, etc) to prevent just such a backlash. Maybe there is hope for us yet....
Which god would that be?
@Stuart
I honestly believe you would be hard pressed to find ANYONE here that thinks we should be in Afghan. So all that you wrote is preaching to the wrong crowd. And as far as blowing up ANY American, well bin Laden did that and look where it got him.