The Bonnie Banks O Fordie (Babylon)

THERE were three ladies lived in a bower,
Eh vow bonnie
And they went out to pull a flower,
On the bonnie banks o Fordie
They hadna pu’ed a flower but ane,
When up started to them a banisht man.
He’s taen the first sister by her hand,
And he’s turned her round and made her stand.
“It’s whether will ye be a rank robber’s wife,
Or will ye die by my wee pen-knife?”
“It’s I’ll not be a rank robber’s wife,
But I’ll rather die by your wee pen-knife.”
He’s killed this may, and he’s laid her by,
For to bear the red rose company.
He’s taken the second ane by the hand,
And he’s turned her round and made her stand.
“It’s whether will ye be a rank robber’s wife,
Or will ye die by my wee pen-knife?”
“I’ll not be a rank robber’s wife,
But I’ll rather die by your wee pen-knife.”
He’s killed this may, and he’s laid her by,
For to bear the red rose company.
He’s taken the youngest ane by the hand,
And he’s turned her round and made her stand.
Says, “Will ye be a rank robber’s wife,
Or will ye die by my wee pen-knife?”
“I’ll not be a rank robber’s wife,
Nor will I die by your wee pen-knife.
“For I hae a brother in this wood,
And gin ye kill me, it’s he’ll kill thee.”
“What’s thy brother’s name? come tell to me.”
“My brother’s name it is Babylon.”
“O sister, sister, what have I done!
O have I done this ill to thee!
“O since I’ve done this evil deed,
Good sall never be seen o me.”
He’s taken out his wee pen-knife,
And he’s twyned  himsel o his ain sweet life.

Free Muntather al-Zeidi (shoe thrower)!

WWW--Here's the text of the petition. He threw shoes and was beaten for it. That's unjust. Al-Zeidi was just doing what every reasonable human being has wanted to do to George W. Bush in-person for a very long time, only not with shoes.

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/montather/

"'This is a gift from the Iraqis. This is the farewell kiss, you dog," shouted Muntather al-Zeidi in Arabic as he threw his shoes at Bush during a news conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on Dec. 14th.

Multiple sources in Baghdad confirmed that Mr. Al-Zeidi was heavily beaten right after the incident. (He can be heard shouting in pain in this video). And after beating him, the Iraqi authorities arrested Mr. Al-Zaidi.

Here is a statement issued by Al-Baghdadia (the TV channel he works with):

www.albaghdadia.com/
(rough translation)

Al Baghdadia asks the Iraqi authorities to immediately release our employee Montather Al-Zaidi in line with the Iraqi and US promises of democracy and freedom of expression. Any action taken against Montather Al-Zaidi will remind us of the behavior we experienced during the time of the dictatorship era that when we witnessed violence, arbitrary arrests, mass graves and the confiscation of public freedoms and private.

We also call for press and media institutions and the Arab world to stand in solidarity with Montatger Al-Zaidi and call for his release.

(end translation)

Please sign this petition to demand the immediate release of Mr. Al-Zeidi"