LIBYA: Anti-Gaddafi protest graffiti

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There are currently violent protests raging in Libya as citizens call for authoritarian leader Muammar al-Gaddafi to step down.

Hundreds of peaceful protesters were killed in the past week as Libyan soldiers and mercenaries opened fire on them from SUVs and Bentleys.

US President Barack Obama said the "suffering and bloodshed is outrageous, and it is unacceptable."

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However, anti-regime protesters in Benghazi have armed themselves with stolen military arms.

They are preparing for what has been dubbed the "fight for Tripoli"; the nation's capital and Gaddafi's stronghold.

Libyan protesters, like those in Tunisia and Egypt, are fighting for democratic freedoms their leaders control with decades-long grips on power, political clout and fortunes in the billions.

But, as you see above, fighting 'the machine' is what graffiti is all about. Unless you're Banksy.

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I can't translate Lisbyan, but this wall probably says, 'Gaddafi, u punk bitch, time 4 a haircut. You're embarrasexssing us. Now GTFO. <3 u'.

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This pissed protester is talking to the media at a carnival. It must be hot there, because her face paint is beginning to wear off around her hijab.

Some person in the B/G is holding a one-off, priceless Shepard Fairey HOPELESS poster, with Gaddafi superimposed where Obama would be. 

Fairey will probably be in for another Associated Press lawsuit before long. He can either FIGHT BACK like the North Africans, or he can settle with the AP. Or they can work together going forward.

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BAHRAIN: Protests escalate after deaths

Mubarak steps down, Egypt is free

Mubarak steps down, Egypt is free

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Dictator Hosni Mubarak resigned as Egyptian president this morning after 18 days of protests in which hundreds of thousands took to the streets.

Power now rests with the military until presidential elections begin in September.

The world has watched as hundreds were killed during conflict between pro-democracy protesters and Murbarak's supporters.

US president Barry Obama is in the running to replace Mubarak, but has been cautious to make a statement in light of rumors Australian prime minister Julia Gillard would 'stab him in the back' if he took office.

Egyptians protest, riot against Hosni Mubarak

(Image: New York Times)

Let's not send our 'hopes' and 'prayers' to anti-regime protesters in Egypt. They wouldn't want them.

Actually, they don't need them. They are breaking their pillars of national stability for change.

Change they have a right to.

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Hopes and prayers will do nothing against authoritarian president Hosni Mubarak and his supporters.

New York Times reporters said Wednesday:

"President Hosni Mubarak struck back at his opponents on Wednesday, unleashing waves of his supporters armed with clubs, rocks, knives and firebombs in a concerted assault on thousands of antigovernment protesters in Tahrir Square calling for an end to his authoritarian rule."

Mubarak said on Tuesday he would step down in September, yet remain in Egypt indefinitely.

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The spirit of Egypt's protests are being echoed across the Middle East.

For example, there are protests planned across Syria for today and Saturday, according to Al Jazeera.

Protests are illegal in Syria unless authorised by the State.

WASHINGTON: Protesting artists banned from Smithsonian

(Via Hyperallergic)

A Fire in my Belly is a dirty, dirty film made by David Wojnarowicz and was recently exhibited in the Portrait Gallery at the Smithsonian.

The filthy video above depicts two artists, one filming, and the other, Mike Blasenstein, with an iPad around his neck and handing out flyers.

Blasenstein was like "I'm not standing fur this shit. Fuck you far-right fuckers" and protested at the entrance to the gay-themed Hide/Seek exhibition, which the film had been removed from on Sunday.

The iPad played Wojnarowicz's film. It was recently banned from Hide/Seek after Republican members of US Congress and conservative religious groups complained about its content.

The film depicts ants crawling on a crucifix for about 11 seconds. Yay.

The protesters were arrested and given a life ban from all Smithsonian buildings.

NOTE: The beginning of the video is good, as is the end. Not much happens in the middle.

Check out more at the Washington Post.