http://english.aljazeera.net/ news/middleeast/2009/01/2009154531941584.html

close in the 'space'

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090105/ap_on_go_pr_wh/bush_cat

If only everyone in Iraq and Afghanistan all the soldiers in the US military would have gone out and bought an eighteen-year-old cat maybe all the murders, the torture, the chuckling insensitivity to human misery and suffering might have stopped.


FREE AMERICA

REVOLUTIONARY (DIRECT) DEMOCRACY

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Ad hominem attacks by rightwing shills notwithstanding, one can be philosemitic and Zionist without endorsing the savage attacks on an impoverished refugee population immured in a squalid no man's land.

This aggression not only violates international law and the ethical standards of all civilized people, it's adverse to the best interests of Israel and the United States because it deprives them of the moral high ground, makes criminals of them, and drives more people into the arms of radicals.

You can call it karma, reaping what you sow, just desserts or blowback, but the terrorist threat is a monster of our own making, and our current strategy merely nourishes the monster.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

...on TV I watched as a family of Israelis in a town north of Gaza had their lives in their mansion disrupted several times by air raid warnings. Oh, Oh, the children! Juxtapose that with the Palestinian children running in the street as fighter jets are strafing their homes and schools, not to mention the several funeral processions where grieving fathers are carrying their dead child. There are diplomatic ways of ending Hamas rocket attacks, how about allowing food, medicine and fuel to enter Gaza. Its a no-brainer. It seems to me that the Israelis do not want to live with the Palestinians in any way, shape or form, and won't rest until the Palestinians are totally gone from the region.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

This is all so wrong, so stupid, so unnecessary... all it is doing is ensuring a steady supply of terrorists to justify the continued funding of security beaurocracies, bloated militaries and weapons manufacture. Bush knows it and thinks it's good for business... so what are we going to do? Just go to work? Argue at the cafe or the bar? basically just carry on and let it happen again or are we going to get off our asses and and refuse to do anything like business as usual until it stops?

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

By the UN? Then again, when has Israel (or lately the US) ever given a rat's ass about obeying ANY law of civilized society?

Meet Obama, the new king...same as the old king. One reason you haven't seen a statement condemming Israel's agression from the Jewish controlled media is elected officials know without this same media support they have NO chance of getting elected if they rock the Zionist hard right wing boat, even if (or especially if) the candidate speaks the absolute truth.

What we have now is (on both sides of the aisle) cowering spineless wimps, greedy & power mad, never caring about the will of the people worldwide, but their own self-centered interests instead.

A good place to start correcting this whole mess is to take back control of OUR media airwaves, and pass a law forbidding dual US/Israeli citizenship for members in our government. No person can serve two masters, and the conflict of interest is obvious, from Michael Chertoff (head of DHS on down).

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Participants in the current bloodletting in and around Gaza usually justify their misdeeds by referring to the historical misdeeds of their enemies. The record of mutual abuse may go back a week, a year, a decade, a century, a millennium and more. Seldom, however, does anyone suggest calling a halt to the litany of hatred.

I therefore urge everyone -- especially my Jewish and Muslim friends (for I have both) -- to read this letter carefully and to distribute it among their friends. It was sent by Prince Feisal to future US Supreme Court judge Felix Frankfurter in 1920 at the close of World War I.

I have no idea whether Secretary of State Rice has any plans to use her few remaining days in office to good effect, nor what Ms. Clinton may have in mind as she takes up her new chores. Americans should nonetheless take Feisal's words to heart as they plot the future. This is what he said:

DEAR MR. FRANKFURTER: I want to take this opportunity of my first contact with American Zionists to tell you what I have often been able to say to Dr. Weizmann in Arabia and Europe.

We feel that the Arabs and Jews are cousins in race, having suffered similar oppressions at the hands of powers stronger than themselves, and by a happy coincidence have been able to take the first step towards the attainment of their national ideals together.

The Arabs, especially the educated among us, look with the deepest sympathy on the Zionist movement. Our deputation here in Paris is fully acquainted with the proposals submitted yesterday by the Zionist Organization to the Peace Conference, and we regard them as moderate and proper. We will do our best, in so far as we are concerned, to help them through: we will wish the Jews a most hearty welcome home.

With the chiefs of your movement, especially with Dr. Weizmann, we have had and continue to have the closest relations. He has been a great helper of our cause, and I hope the Arabs may soon be in a position to make the Jews some return for their kindness. We are working together for a reformed and revived Near East, and our two movements complete one another. The Jewish movement is national and not imperialist. Our movement is national and not imperialist, and there is room in Syria for us both. Indeed I think that neither can be a real success without the other.

People less informed and less responsible than our leaders and yours, ignoring the need for cooperation of the Arabs and Zionists have been trying to exploit the local difficulties that must necessarily arise in Palestine in the early stages of our movements. Some of them have, I am afraid, misrepresented your aims to the Arab peasantry, and our aims to the Jewish peasantry, with the result that interested parties have been able to make capital out of what they call our differences.

I wish to give you my firm conviction that these differences are not on questions of principle, but on matters of detail such as must inevitably occur in every contact of neighbouring peoples, and as are easily adjusted by mutual good will. Indeed nearly all of them will disappear with fuller knowledge.

I look forward, and my people with me look forward, to a future in which we will help you and you will help us, so that the countries in which we are mutually interested may once again take their places in the community of civilised peoples of the world.

Believe me,

Yours sincerely,
Feisal.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

I find it amazing that Israel seems to have just the one idea: bomb, fight, bomb. Has this country not thought, weve been down this road so many times, surely we can do it another way? Turn around and take the wind out of Hamas's sails. Develop a plan to make life workable, even prosperous, in Gaza and the West Bank. Offer better use of the water table on which the Palestinina state sits, for instance... if you create a better life, you reduce support for Hamas.
Israelis should bear in mind that, for better or for worse, there is a genuine grievance here. The world stupidly decided to give Israel to them, without thought of the many generations of conflict that would inevitably result from an imposed and militarily created occupation on people who themselves had a long history of inhabiting the land. I'm not saying Israel should not exist; but instead of always acting the aggrieved innocent, Israel should accept that grievance and work with it, rather than deny it. The USA, Israel's great sponsor, should do likewise. Negotiate a ceasefire, and then, instead of sitting with your fist cocked and ready, drop the war attitude completely and do the soft stuff which would make Palestinians feel safe enough to drop support of Hamas and other militants.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

How many Jews did the Palestinians burn in the ovens? How many Jews were displaced or killed in Palestinian pogroms? What did the Palestinians do to deserve being thrown out of their homeland, their society destroyed, and forced to live in refugee (concentration?) camps for generations?
What did the Palestinians do to deserve what has been done to them in the last sixty years?

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

According to hard core right-$winging propagan-duh being disseminated on talk $hit corp-rat owned radio (the alleged liberal media)... and also from holier than thou KKKristian Jeeeezass preachers on tell-lie-vision... it is the patriotic duty of every Amerikan consumer citizen to blind-lie $upport the glorious (sic) Zionist theoCRAZY of Israel... no matter what!

The media pundits and preachers also claim that it is incumbent for every Amerikan to $acrifice all (including your pizza fat children) for the $ake of the glorious (sic) Zionist $tate. The tail must continue to wag the dog for the $ake of Israel! Yes! Zionist Israel always FIRST! Capitalist/fascist Amerika $econd!

Open your eyes fool! See it! Hundreds of children and civilians in Gaza are being ripped apart (massacred) with Amerikan made jets and bombs that the ethno-racist $tate of Israel uses to commit carnage and genocide. So... beware Amerikans! Ewe sheeple people in the United $tates invite a terrible karma for what ewe do and enable others to doodoo! And that karma suggests... EVAPORATION!

Hey! If they can $muggle thousands of tons of pot across the cocaine border with gangbanger land Mexico... then it shouldn't be too hard to $neak a few nukes into Los Angeles or Washington or Newe Yawk! Eh?

BOOM! Evaporation!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

These are self-inflicted surface wounds that serve as justification for an invasion that was months in planning.


As long as AP newswire continues to put forth Israel's golden globe award winning Lies, the more the source and anemic 'rain of rockets' becomes Israel's undoing.

And this truth will reveal the cavalcade of Lies that preceeded.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

that the only real success the bush administration has had "bringing democracy to the middle east," he and his jew buddies have been out to destroy from day one.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Well If God refuses to move to bring on End of Days than these folks will just have to get it started without him (like everything else they do).
Oh they must be on the edge of their seats, just itching to jump in and take up a tank or fighter plane.
"I wanna Kill, Kill, Kill. Eat dead burnt bodies...Kill"
There is an element in this country which has plagued Mankind since it's inception...Those who not only have a morbid obsession with the 'End', but who are actively trying to get it started. Hagee must be sportin' a Hard On for the last 9 days.
Glad to hear many are voicing their outrage towards Israel's reaction, Perhaps now the BS Mantra of the Evangelicals will be viewed for what it is....Nothing more than an attempt to use Israel for their own self fulfilling Prophecy.
Like Hagee said, Hitler encourage the Return of the Israelites to their Homeland- apparently an admirable trait to Hagee, regardless of the Mass Murder which was required to 'pull it off'. Now they only have to keep track of the Seating arangements...Mind you only 144,000 Converted Jews will beable to ride the 'Rapture Bus'.Funny there is no 'limited seating' for Evangelicals.Seems their 'God' can create as many seats as needed for Them, but is Unable for the Converted...Interesting how 'almighty' varies depending on your religious upbringing.
Hagee dreamed of a pre-emptive strike against Iran to get the 'party started',but apparently W couldn't pull that one off for him.So why not let the Israelis...Same results mass murder of Muslims.
Is their a Israeli counter group called 'Friends of Evangelicals'? Are they willing to begin this atrocity even though their seating has been limited?Which means the majority of their fellow Jews will be left to suffer or burn in Hell...Now that's a Real Friend!
Israel has become what they once suffered under- The Pharohs Eygpt, Nazi's. Gaza is a Concentration camp, but instead of ovens and gas chambers they just bomb the shit out of it.
Enough of the 'Chosen People' edict, they have become as ruthless and blood thirsty as any other who seeks to destroy the opposition. I have No respect for Israel, Nor their BS rationales.
something to Pray for...3 Lightening bolts obliterate ALL three 'holy' sites similtaneously...That might finally make them realize they've been doing 'Satans' work Not 'Gods'.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Hamas' leadership and its behavior since winning the Palestinian elections has been deeply disappointing.

Despite the electoral support of almost 2/3 of the Palestinian voters, Hamas has never shown the basic requirement of a legitimate government: willingness to let its neighbors and its own people live in peace.

I am referring to Hamas' dedication to the destruction of the State of Israel and its mobilization of its own people for this evil end.

Whatever humanitarian and governmental functions Hamas has undertaken have been subordinated to the goal of total war against Israel. This in the face of the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and ongoing Israeli- Palestinian Authority negotiations to develop a two-state peace treaty.

The regrettable and terrible loss of property and civilian lives in the current conflict clearly stems from the Hamas decision to deploy its forces in heavily populated areas and cynically use its population as a shield from IDF.

It is a sad statement of cravenness and depravity on the part of Hamas that their armed wing depends on the proximity of defenseless non-combatants for safety. This stands on its head any notion that Hamas is a protector of Palestinians.

One can only hope that public opinion, rightfully repulsed by the bloody pictures of wounded children, will powerfully push Hamas toward a more conciliatory role with Israel and other neighboring countries.

Robert Chapman
Lansing, NY

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Israel does the things it does because they know they have the backing of the American government.With so many Americans disgusted with what goes on in Gaza and the rest of the Palestinian territories,the government seems totally out of touch with all but their rich Zionist friends.With casualties at 2000 wounded and 400 dead in Gaza and 4 in Israel,where is the justification for the slaughter?Too many lies and too little justification.Things never change in the Middle East.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

It is wonderful that Americans have some place to find reasonable and responsible journalism about Israeli aggression into Palestine. The mainstream media will not give a balanced story about this issue. The real story MUST get out, and Alternet and other alternative media has come to help, and it is making progress in shining a light on the truth.
But if only, only, Alternet and others would tackle the lies of the official story of 9/11! It would be so easy. The evidence that the official story of 9/11 is a con job is OVERWHELMING now, thanks to the heroic work of David Ray Griffin, Richard Gage, Kevin Ryan, Steven Jones, Michael Ruppert, and others. It is a rock solid case: 9/11 was an inside job. FACT! If only Alternet would present the evidence, in hundreds of well written articles, like it has in its campaign against torture, wiretapping, the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, the propaganda about Iran, etc etc.
But Alternet, for some secret reason, has decided that it will not give us the truth about 9/11. I'd like to know why. I think we all deserve that. We are suffering in the US because of 9/11. The whole world is. Alternet has at its disposal the means to bring the truth to the American people. It has decided against it.
This is insanity. This is a nightmare. Please, Alternet, just tell us why you will not go there. If it is loss of money from some secret contributors, maybe we can get a big campaign to match those contributions given only with demands to hide 9/11 from Americans.
If it is threats from the government, I think we need to expose that to all the world, and that might help.
I'm not sure where else to go. But the reality is:
1. 9/11 was covered up. FACT.
2. There IS complicity by our government. FACT.
3. Alternet and other alternative media sources have decided to censure anything about 9/11. FACT.

What a dilemma. What a crying shame.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

I agree with Jimmy Carter when he says that there will be no peace in the Middle East until Israel leaves the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. I am not an anti-Semite, but I am a pacifist

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Last time when they messed with the empire - diaspora was the result. Today they are at the empires throat. History lesson learned!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

......If I could place an ad in the NY Times,
I would tell people to:
________________________________

WATCH, LISTEN TO, and READ from ALTERNATIVE NEWS SOURCES!
______________________

A bumper sticker that no one can object to:

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

It's time to stop pointing fingers and get to the root of the problem, which is Hamas, who has vowed to destroy Israel and keeps taking "pot shots" at Israel to deliberately goad them. Hamas are terrorists--plain & simple--fanatical, single-minded terrorists, who if given the chance, would not hesitate to kill us all in a heartbeat. It's time to quit pussyfooting around and squabbling about who's doing what to whom, and do what needs to be done--get rid of Hamas--we all make choices in life, and they have chosen to destroy all on earth who do not agree with them or do not like them, rather than learning to live in harmony, but they cannot keep taunting Israel and then whining when they suffer the consequences.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

One of those cheerleaders Israel sent out like missionaries landed on PBS News Hour Monday. And Margaret Warner (sp?) took in all his slick prepared spins, offering up no delving questions to anything he said. This is just one more reason why I no longer support PBS, rather I support local community progressive news and information stations. As for major newspapers and their editorials, they are hastening to the graveyard. Now, as for all the corporate hynosis operations (TV), how can we wrest control of our airwaves away from their grasp? They no longer represent the mainstream of thinking in this country--I hope. (Give myself a little wiggle room here)...

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

I have seen those advertisements which depict
the sound of scary air raid alarms with the
guilty murderers'/citizens running as if from
from Karma itself. poetic justice.

Those murderers are showing that advertisement
all over the place, huh?
______________________________

Too bad no one speaks for Palestinians.
Humankind was not born with sharp teeth and
claws. Therefore humankind are not meant to
kill each other.

Anyone who supports this mass killing of
their own brother will most definately get
their turn.
_____________________

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Over and over the media tell the story of Gaza without mentioning the Hamas government's central demand for ending the rocket fire: lifting the siege of Gaza!

Duh.

How can we talk about this crisis without always bringing that to the fore? Talk about ending the fighting and returning Gaza to its previous state - cut off from the world, out of sight and steadily weakening from malnutrition, hunger and disease - is stupid if proposed in ignorance and heartless if deliberate.

To give credit where it is due, I did hear talk about this on NPR (which rarely breaks the media silence on a banned topic or news story), as did a Reuters report I saw on Yahoo which cited Hamas's statement about this. However too many articles on sites like AlterNet, which need to play the role of "blackout-busters", have omitted talking about this issue.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Those who condemn Israel for killing civilians in the war against Hamas should recall that we Americans in a bitter and terrible war against Germany and Japan killed hundreds of thousands of children and women as we destroyed their cities even while no attack against our cities could occur. Just as our military did what was necessary so does the Israeli military, but it has more modern equipment and can pinpoint bomb more accurately, avoid killing many more. No one called for proportionality in World War II. To call for it now is to apply a double standard.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

is yet another reason that PBS fails to deliver "fair and balanced" news. He spins the pro-Israel line even if it means going against the Republican party line.

check out the IRMEP web site for the Israel Lobby- AIPAC David Brooks and more:

The Institute for Research Middle Eastern Policy in Washington DC.

http://irmep.org/ILA/default.asp

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

It is NOT TRUE: that Hammas would be "killing
everyone if they could"...just because "they
are killers".. "T_E_R_R_O_R_I_S_T_S"

They DO have the ability to indescriminately
kill many many many more people around the
world.

What LIES dribble from out thy lips with thy
brother's blood.
__________________

When a person's violence is in NATURAL
reaction to horrific pain, no one can hate
him.. because it is beyond his control.

When a preditor's violence is a reaction to
his GREED, and well controlled, then he
should be horribly and utterly ripped open in
return.

_____________

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

The questions about the Gaza war are not coming from the liberal media, or the net, they are coming from the mindless support which Bush is giving to that war. People are so turned off by Bush, that we would question our support of anything he supports. This is however, an opportunity for people to attempt to educate the public which is finally willing to listen to some other points of view. Tragically, Obama's appointments might just be more pro-Israel, and less open to reason that Bush.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Why the shock about Israel's using white phosphorus? We've been using it in Iraq for some time. Get on your Google and check it out. Here's one link:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4440664.stm

Also, take a look at William Blum's book called Rogue State (I have the third edition). The US and Israel have been pretty consistently voting together at the UN against labor laws, environmental laws, civil rights protections, etc--documented at great length in Blum's book. More often than not, the US and Israel are the ONLY ONES voting against any progressive idea or proposition. What's up with that?

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Israel, with the US's approval, continues to defy decades old UN Resolutions to allow Palestine its own land. It strikes out against enemies, murdering innocent civilians, just as the US has a habit of doing. The US and Israel are partners in crime. Throughout history, they probably have caused more bloodshed and death of innocent civilians than any other countries combined. Unfortunately no US politicians , other than Jimmie Carter, dares to publicly hold Israel accountable. They are in league with the Israel terrorists.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Why doesnt dictator Bush do something useful with his last few days in office like say, NUKE ISRAEL! That would solve the problems over there in that part of the world now wouldnt it. Stupid Israelis!


Jessi
Is your ISP watching?

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

nothing will change. America will rise up only when their tellies go out because there's no more American Idol and/or when the arms manufacturers desperately ask for a bailout and explicitly I might add.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

How is it that no one remembers: He who lives by the sword shall die by the sword.

Over here the anal sphincters are more interested by a persons outside diameter than whether or not he can think.

Just now when I did a search to verify that I was accurate for this blog responce, Uncle Sugars spy ware boys kicked me out of this site twice and right back to my reference.

Here is to you NSA and Homeland Security: "You can lead a whore to culture, but you can't make him think!" So, far this millenium you guys been whoring for the Fed. 24/7/365. Take your hand out of my pants and let me speak or I will feed you dog EXLAX.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Israel has been wrong about many things, as has the US and every other country on earth. Do you all really believe that Israel is so completely uncivilized as to spend its days devising ways to destroy the Palestinian people? Anyone of you know the first thing about the history of that area of the world since the turn of the previous century? I'd bet not, based on years of asking... Here's a tidbit for anyone actually interested in knowing a little history: http://www.iflac.com/jac/jac/THE_FORCED_MIGRATION.htm

Anyone know what Hamas wants to do to Israel? Do you all imagine that Israelis find the images of wounded and killed Gazans easy to watch? Do you also think that Israelis want to put their sons & daughters in harms way for no damn reason? What would you have Israel do? Imagine the REALITY of rockets, 5 - 10 a day, falling in your city - FOR YEARS. Would you think to impose economic sanctions for 18 months before you committed to physical force to make it stop? I really doubt it. You'd all be screaming for your government to do something NOW. An American wouldn't put up with that for even a day. Economic sanctions would be seen as a joke. If Israel just wanted to kill these people, they'd have done it after the first rocket fell and not waited for 10,000+ of them to fall first. Could you all suspend your myth making for 5 minutes and try to (seriously) imagine the position Israel keeps finding itself in? Unless, of course, you all agree with Hamas and Hezbollah that Israel must be destroyed, then none of the above would matter to you.

Isn't it possible that the Israeli government is not made up of blood sucking demons and that both sides are being jerked around by fascists who feel that the Jews are inferior & cannot be allowed to be in charge of any part of the Middle East? Religious fanaticism is a drag, but it exists on BOTH sides. Can anyone answer the question of how many Jews live in Arab countries and how many Arabs live in and are citizens of Israel? Anyone know if Israel's citizens are largely religious or are largely secular? If you hesitate on any of these questions, could you please find something out and come back to a more moderate view? Making demons out of Israelis and saints out of the Palestinians is not helping. As usual, the truth lies in between.
http://sderot.aish.com/SderotPetitions/15Seconds.php

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Before the Zionist/Kadima government of...whazzistname?...Ehud Olmert decided to swat Hamas flies with a sledgehammer, my buddies and I sat around asking ourselves things like:"Gee, you notice how cheap gas is? Ya think will the price of gas so low they'll talk these dummies into buying SUVs just so they can jack the price up in time for summer?"

I guess "they," meaning OPEC, as the supplier of the raw material, and the Seven, Six, Five, or however many big international petroleum companies there are, Sisters, as the refiner and deliverer of gasoline and other petroleum products, decided they couldn't wait for summer to screw the consumer. After all the price of a barrel of oil, I think, below 40 bucks a barrel before "Little Ariel" Olmert unleashed the Israeli Air Force and the IDF on Hamas in Gaza.

Now what Israel, with its highly mechanized, petroleum-product-eating military, gets from higher oil prices is a mystery to me. I mean, it's a country that imports 90% of its oil so you'd think Israel would want to keep things as quite as possible in their corner of the world. But NOoooooo!

Just read this lede from January 2, '09 of Bloomberg.com, by Mark Shenk:Crude oil rose, capping the biggest weekly gain since 1986, as the conflict in Gaza increased concern that Middle East supplies would be cut and Russia curbed natural- gas shipments to Ukraine.

So here's my tinfoil-hat idea: Israel, as a major consumer of petroleum products, gets kickbacks from its oil producing neighbors every time the IDF mixes it up with Hamas or Hizbollah which, in turn, leads to higher prices per barrel of oil for everybody else in the world.

Look, I have little evidence to back up my suspicion, but doesn't it seem that every time the price of a barrel of oil goes down a little or remains static for a while some Zionist-Israeli government or other manufactures an excuse to whomp on some Palestinians?

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

The people I listened to last night seemed to think that this will end in about 72 hours. There will be a cease fire of one kind or another. Anna

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Lets flood the Knesset with emails of protest. Here is the Website for the Knesset which has email addresses for all members:
http://www.knesset.gov.il/main/eng/home.asp

Here are the addresses of the more influential members:

Tzipi Livni- zlivni@knesset.gov.il
Benjamin Netenyahu- bnetanyahu@knesset.gov.il
Ehud Olmert- eulmert@knesset.gov.il

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Both sides justify positions that kill innocent men, women and children. Where's the real difference between the two? Israel is just as guilty as Hamas--they both kill innocent people--regardless of the excuses they give for supporting their actions. Perhaps the difference is that Israel kills scores more than the other side, way out of proportion. By doing so, they only engender more hatred and resentment that leads only to more killing.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

"Could it be the rise of online progressive media telling the truth about Israel, or that the public rejects the same pundits who sold us Iraq?"

Yes.

Duh.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

There only seems to be two choices. They would favoring the attack or not. What about favoring a less severe attack? I know Hamas leaders hide amongst civilians in order to necessitate civilians casualties, in order to kill Hamas leaders, who allegedly started the war. Still, there should be some kind of third alternative. I know peace is the best alternative, but that has to work both ways.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Going in to Gaza with a meat cleaver, hardly seems the intelligent way to get Hamas to grow up and stop tossing rockets at Israel. But it is an excellent way to grow more anti-Israeli Gazans.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

The internet has brought people together in a way that couldn't be imagined 10 years ago. Not just Progressives, but more importantly demographics have been blurred and no longer matter. Teenagers, their grandparents, working people, out of work people, the sick and many other groups that have never had a voice before, have one. The people share their thoughts, agree or disagree. But we form opinions and that of others before we're told only what we're supposed to know. Before leaders and policitians get to brainwash us, we've gotten informed and made decisions for ourselves. I believe that if we'd had access to all this back in 2003, Iraq would never have happened. There is world wide objection to Israel's actions and that didn't happen because people wrote letters to one another or listened to the news. Fact is we can talk to each other all over the world in seconds. Language barriers are gone. Inhibitions also gone. Rallying the troops to war will become harder as time goes by. People will need a good reason to kill each other. Being "Pariotic" is not a good reason. People aroung the world think alike despite our differences. Leaders would do well to recognize that. Only now we can talk about it and THEM.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

The corporate media is finally catching on that violence begets violence.

People in Gaza dealing with fear and anger and especially the children are dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Financial Times calls Israel's Gaza offensive "Self-Defeating". And CNN finally figures out that Gaza Horrors Sow Seeds For Future Violence

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

"Ja, ja. Vee haff joost moved der yellow schtar uff david frrrum der zztring on der chest to der armband, ja!!
Now vee kan bee choost like dem udder vunz."

When will we get to see the death camps run by the jews??!!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

ISRAEL'S BRUTAL ARROGANCE IS AN OLD, OLD STORY. BEGINNING WITH THE NAKBA OF 1948 OF HUNDREDS OF PALESTINIAN TOWNS, KILLING, BURNING, DECIMATING, TO FORCED DISLOCATIONS, SETTLEMENTS, BLOCKADES, RAMPANT MILITARISM-ALL THE WHILE CLAIMING "ANTI-SEMITISM" OF ANYONE WHO HAS EVEN QUESTIONED THEIR ACTIONSAND DOING ALL OF THIS WITH U.S. MONEY AND WEAPONSIS ONE OF THE GREATEST (VIRTUALLY UNRECOGNIZED)CALAMITIES OF OUR AGE.. I, TOO, HAVE SEEN THIS BRUTALITY FIRST HAND...PRESIDENT CARTER WAS SO, SO RIGHT IN HIS BOOK, "PALESTINE, PEACE NOT APARTHIED." WHEN WILL THE U.S.,AND THE WORLD, SEE THE TRUTH?

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

"... swords into plowshares..." At least to some people, swords do look better as plowshares. But, the mid east, where the phrase originated a few thousand years ago, seems more in love with dying. " Gaza will be our grave", so says one of the Hamas.

To me, the romance of the grave for these folks is mystifying.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Most Americans see the injustice of subjecting Palestinian civilians to disproportionate military force. But so far our mainstream media is cheering for the IOF the way they did for our invasion of Iraq.

Long our "cat's paw" in the Middle East, the Israeli government has now decided to do to the Hamas government what the Bush Administration did to Saddam Hussein--with the same sort of indiscriminate killing of civilians.

Not only will this come back to haunt Israel--the demographics being on the side of Israel's neighbors--but it will damage our chances to act as any sort of "honest broker" in resolving the issues between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

What can ordinary citizens do to shut down the Israeli spin machine? Write letters to the editor; write your congressperson; speak out as loudly as possible; use the internet as a tool to denounce the Israeli government, AIPAC, and the IOF. What would really stop the Israeli war machine is the threat of withdrawing all U.S. aid to Israel--only a concentrated grass-roots movement directed at our new Administration would be able to accomplish that, but it would be worth it.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

So as to give the impression of absolving this USofA in any involvement regarding the invasion into Gaza by our agents, Cheney said, "Israel didn't check with us before invading Gaza".

Duh! Why should they bother checking in with this USofA when Israel has always had "IMPLIED CONSENT" to do as they please - have at it - Carte Blanche, being emboldened by us!

Also, what was the big deal with Russia when they invaded Georgia and this USofA cried out that the Russian's were utilizing overwhelming force. Double standards once again - the shit never ends.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Israel is a terrorist nation, plain and simple. According to the US Code, 18USC2331, international terrorism is defined as follows:

TITLE 18--CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE

PART I--CRIMES

CHAPTER 113B--TERRORISM


Sec. 2331. Definitions

As used in this chapter--
(1) the term ``international terrorism'' means activities that--
(A) involve violent acts or acts dangerous to human life
that are a violation of the criminal laws of the United States
or of any State, or that would be a criminal violation if
committed within the jurisdiction of the United States or of any
State;
(B) appear to be intended--
(i) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population;
(ii) to influence the policy of a government by
intimidation or coercion; or
(iii) to affect the conduct of a government by mass
destruction, assassination, or kidnapping; and

(C) occur primarily outside the territorial jurisdiction of
the United States, or transcend national boundaries in terms of
the means by which they are accomplished, the persons they
appear intended to intimidate or coerce, or the locale in which
their perpetrators operate or seek asylum;

It's a pretty simple and straight forward definition and applying it to Israel would classify them as a terrorist nation.

In addition, Israel is currently in violation of over 30 UN Security Council Resolutions - OVER 30!!! And has been so for over 30 years!! We've been at war with Iraq for 7 years because they were in violation of maybe two or three.

On top of that and besides all the terrorist activities of Israel over those years, Israel has bulldozed an American Citizen to death. Does anyone remember or care about Rachel Corrie? If you don't know who she is, look it up.

None of this condones what Hammas has done in behalf of the Palestinian people but Israel needs to be stopped. Israel is the 12 year old bully who beats the living crap out of a 4 year old because the 4 year old kicked them in the shins.

For a people and a nation who purports to be 'the chosen people of God', Israel is disgusting. And if that's what the Judeo/Christian God supports in his 'chosen' people, then that God is disgusting as well.

Israel NEEDS to be stopped and brought under control. The BULLY needs a good spanking.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

ah yes, the 'good' war, when millions of people (women, children and old men too old to fight) were bombed in cities. You call that necessary, bombing defenseless citizens??
How would you know anything of that horror?
That wasn't any skin off Hitler's back or those other insane top Nazis.
Two wrongs NEVER make a right.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Two retired USA military leaders on TV one day responded when asked, will there ever be peace in the Middle East between Palestine and Israel, they both looked at each other, and as if they were stereo speakers said, 'one side has to vanquish the other. Only then will there be peace in the Middle East'.

I agree with this sentiment 100%. Just as the Allies in WWII vanquished both Germany and Japan that they surrendered unconditionally, so to does Israel need to virtually destroy a would be nation state of Palestinians that voted for Hamas, a terrorist group dedicated to the destruction of Israel.

With that scenario, the Palestinians have sealed their fate, for just like Japan and Germany, the civilian population have officially Allied themselves with the ruling party which is committed to destroying its neighbor Israel.

Israel has every right to completely vanquish the entire population of Palestine, or until such time they completely surrender.

And for once, it would be good for other nations to just not interfere. As someone said, if the Mexicans in Tijiuana were to lob mortar shells and rockets into San Diego, how long do you think it would take for the USA to destroy every blade of grass in Tijiuana?

For the bleeding heart fools that think that is perfectly ok for Hamas to lob rockets and mortars and Israel not to respond is idiotic.

Any religious group that is committed to the destruction of their fellow man as Hamas is because of religion, they are the ones that will reap what they sow. Israel is merely defending itself, and I might add, foolishly playing the game of measured response, a French or American approach to lunacy.

Sadly, Vietnam taught us nothing in the USA, for we have it once more in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Israel should vanquish Palestine once and for all and bring peace to the Middle East. The other arab nations will do nothing (other than rhetoric), for they despise the Palestinians.

There is a magic number, 30, 40, 50, 60% of the Palestinians dead that will have them vanquished, but we will not know until Israel stands up for itself.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

http://english.aljazeera.net/

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

With this attack on Gaza, Israel has lost all credibility with me. I wish no harm on the Israeli people and am in no way anti-semitic, but in my opinion Israel has forfeited its right to exist as a respected, non-rogue state.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

How is Israel supposed to act or live? What would the proper course be? To let Hamas continue to call for the destruction of the country of Israel and the murder of its citizens?
I would also like to suggest that all the anti-Israeli posters on here consider whether they would prefer living in Israel or a Hamas-dominated Palestine. Would the women, gay/lesbians, intellectuals, feminists, etc prefer to live in a theocracy? It would be hell for those of us that are drawn to Alternet to live in an Arab country. So who are you supporting? You are against enlightenment, progressive ways of life and supporting patriarchal, theocratic neanderthalism.
I think the left media has taken on a seeming underdog, the Palestinians, without looking at the entire picture.
A majority of Israelis would pull back to 1967 borders in a minute if the Palestians renounced their violence and stated aims of destruction.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Much of their foreign affairs reporting has come straight from CIA headquarters for upwards of fifty years now. They are VERY sympathetic to Israel. Apparently, you have never been exposed to the truth about Israel. You certainly haven't gotten it from the NYT.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

So looking fore ward to NYT going bust. They will probably get a bailout. Their bias is criminal.
Hope the Darfur issue is ignored. Any US efforts will result in another Nam. We won't be allowed to win and the world will have another reason to hate us.
Solution!!! Israel can ship all Gaza residents to Darfur.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

I have just posted a piece on my blog (www.suekatz.com) entitled:

Let Bernie Madoff Do His House Arrest in Gaza

Sue

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Great piece! I recommend Gideon Rachman's highly perceptive piece in today's Financial Times, and I agree with his conclusion that Israel's murderous assault on Gaza is self-defeating.

Israel is fooling itself if it thinks it can kill enough Palestinians to coerce them into accepting illegal Jewish colonies splattered all over the West Bank. Hamas was created to prevent Fatah from selling out the Palestinian cause by accepting the illegal settlements.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

I've yet to see these unprecedented numbers. What I do see are small demonstrations of 200 to 300 people in various cities. I then see more than that drive by shouting at them for interfering with daily commutes.

I have little sympathy for a group who denies a nation's right to exist. I have some, but not a lot of sympathy for a group that votes them into power. Would any of us vote for a Congressman or Senator who refused to recognize Canada's or Mexico's right to exist? Perhaps you would, but I wouldn't.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Why doesn't Blumenthal refer to the increase in Hamas' rocket attacks as the provocation for the Israeli response?

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Is in virtue than in vengeance.....(The Tempest). So many opportunities for good that would take the wind out of violent extremism and make it obvious what it is. Is it only a whim? I must say that the Israeli response reminds me of the story of Kristallnacht. I don't like the association...it's so chilling.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

James A. Swanson, Los Altos, California, USA
www.bushleagueofnations.com [For FREE download of entire book]

Unfortunately, conventional wisdom in the U.S.—carefully nurtured by America’s Big Media—is that peace in the Middle East is impossible.

We’ve all heard such assertions: “People in the Middle East just want to kill each other, and they’ve been doing it for centuries. There is nothing we can do.”

This pessimistic but erroneous point of view has a certain appeal, but, at the end of the day, it conveniently justifies doing nothing to promote peace, while it whitewashes misguided rightwing warmongering policies that have made things worse for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Notwithstanding the catastrophic setbacks under Bush’s watch, there have been major achievements in the Middle East over the years.

Peace is possible. Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton proved it.

Consider Carter’s sustained efforts leading to the signing of a permanent peace agreement between Israel and Egypt in 1979—a peace agreement that has never been broken by either party. That required Carter’s strength, integrity and moral leadership—in short, diplomacy—something missing from Bush’s and the GOP’s toolkit.

Likewise, Clinton had a key role in supporting the peace process that led to the signing of a permanent peace agreement between Israel and Jordan in 1994, which agreement has never been broken.

With friends like Bush, Israel needs no enemies.

This and much more is discussed in, “The Bush League of Nations: The Coalition of the Unwilling, the Bullied and the Bribed – the GOP’s War on Iraq and America,” by James A. Swanson (2008, CreateSpace Publishing, 448 pages).

Patriots everywhere can download the entire book for free at www.bushleagueofnations.com.

I ask for nothing in return, except that you perhaps use my book to help America restore its many good values while it transforms its many ugly ones.

Jim Swanson, Los Altos, California
www.bushleagueofnations.com [for FREE download of entire book]

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

I'm not in favor of Hamas. However, I am totally disgusted by Israels response and our country's slavish worship of all things Israeli. The Israeli government comes across like some victim but in my eyes they are acting much like the Nazis acted towards the Jews over 70 years ago. They've enclosed the Palestinians in a ghetto, like Warsaw. They are killing indiscriminately and are indifferent to the suffering they cause. What's next? The ovens? I'm just asking. The Israelis have been trying to make the Palestinians disappear since the land was given to the Jews. They've even tried to make people believe that there were no inhabitants on the land when they got there. They've try to drive them out and when that doesn't work, they incite trouble and then go to work killing as many Palestinians as they can before the rest of the world starts to complain. Our country has its collective nose up the butt of the Israeli government and I can't understand why. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that we too destroyed a civilization to get the land we call America. We drove the native Americans off their land and when they wouldn't go, we just killed them. Much like what is happening in Gaza. We like to pretend that we just showed up on the shores of this country and moved in without any grief to those already here. News flash.....the Palestinians lived on the land that the British gave the Jews. No one cared. It was like they weren't quite human like our indians. So they could and should be gotten rid of...by any means necessary.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

I guess Olmert is a little apprehensive about the incoming Obama administration. The Israelis decided to do as much damage to Hamas and Gaza as they can while they have a blank check from the Bush Administration.

There is no doubt that Hamas is a radical, violent group that should be defeated. Israel's actions, however, are disproportionate and ill-advised. The overkill employed by Israel will only strengthen radical feelings against them. Indeed, even non-radical states are voicing stronger opposition than usual to the latest bombings and invasion into Gaza.

As for President Obama, he will be in the inevitable but uncomfortable position of having to begin applying pressure on Israel to act in the interest of peace.

More international involvement is needed and Israel will have to be persuaded to make meaningful concessions. Israel needs to stop violating UN resolutions and expedite its talks with the Abbas government. The international community, led by the US and UN working jointly, must focus on real progress and real compromise. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has far-reaching implications for world peace. It must be treated as an urgent priority.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Personally, I'd like to hear anyone's solution to this crisis. The solution, obviously, needs to accomplish 4 things:
1. A functional, self-sufficient Palestinian state at its present borders;
2. Israel's statehood formally recognized by Hamas and the Palestinian Authority;
3. An end to rocket attacks into southern Israel as well as attacks on Israeli citizens or sponsorship of same and;
4. A withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza borders and re-establishment of infrastructure aid to the PA in the form of PA, UN, European, or US engineers and builders actually building schools, power plants, etc, with the understanding that monetary aid will no longer be forthcoming with the PA's present accounting methods.

Now, the challenge will be to see how many can suggest a solution that meets these criteria without resorting to anti-intellectual ad hominem attacks.

What do you think?

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

I think a large part of this phenomenon is simply a growing refusal to believe anything coming out of the State/Corporate media. The propaganda has become so heavy handed that, much like Russians of forty years ago, we just take it as a given that we're being lied to.

The various alternate sources of news now available online may provide us with avenues for satisfying our curiosity, but the primary motivation can be found right there on CNN, and in the pages of the New York Times: they can't stop lying long enough to get their credibility back.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

journal@c-span.org

I'm a blogger AlterNet, mom and girl scout leader.
I'm outraged this story has been buried:

http://100777.com/usa/israeli_spyring

Why can't you all put two and two together with

http://www.tomflocco.com/fs/AbramoffSexSpyRing.htm

I am really pissed. It is treason that you all are covering it up.

Very sincerely and actively involved,

Sister Lauren Unruh
THC Ministry

PS, Yes Diane Feinstein did send a black hawk helicopter to harass me,
she is totally corrupt.

Cover the REAL stories or you are guilty of this treason too.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

I live with a family where the father is studying under Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel to become pastor of a church under the Calvary Chapel umbrella. Calvary chapel unequivocally supports Israel’s right to dispossess Islam of its territories because all Islamic countries are terrorist countries. Israel is also the most blessed nation of all nations on earth and therefore can do no malfeasance, which implies that all the churches under the Calvary Chapel umbrella support any and all military actions by Israel. There are other churches that were part of the Calvary Chapel Association which have huge followings worldwide. The Harvest Crusade ministry founded by C. Peter Wagner was once associated with Calvary chapel and I would assume continues to support a significant portion of the beliefs and reasoning’s of Calvary Chapel. The Vineyard Ministries, founded by John Wimber, was also a Calvary Chapel associate before being dissociated in 1992 and reorganizing as the Vineyard Ministries at that time. From what I’ve read about the Vineyard Ministries and what I know about Calvary Chapel, I believe that there still exists a supportive bond between the two as their beliefs and reasoning’s are very similar.

The point I’m trying to make here is that if these three organizations are giving cart blanch support to Israel, then there is a tremendous political and economic motive for elected officials to also lend chart blanch support to Israel. I rarely see any criticism of the church even though it represents a significant contingent to policy making in the United States. And I think that if there is going to be real change in this country, then there is going to have to be real criticism of the policies of these churches and analysis of their campaign contributions, which take the form of tacit promotion of candidates through admonishments at after church gatherings.

I have never heard a single criticism of Billy Graham, though I have never heard Billy Graham ever criticize a single instance of U.S. atrocities no matter how egregious. Billy Graham came up through the same ranks as Sarah Palin, and though we have no trouble criticizing Palin, for some reason Billy Graham is off limits. Yet it is Billy Graham who advises George W. Bush regularly on spiritually and other matters concerning his actions as president. There has to be dialogue here if we are going to get to the root of the problem

According to the evangelical movement’s ministers, there will only be peace on earth after Israel is vindicated and the infidels are either eliminated from the earth or converted to Christianity as Jews are the chosen people and the only way to enjoy the same blessings is to become Christian.

It seems pointedly coincidental that Congress is giving cart blanch support to Israel just as our fundamentalist evangelical churches are demanding; could there be political capital in courting the evangelical movement?

I have also talked to Hamas sympathetic Palestinians in the U.S. who harbor reasoning’s similar to the Christians, as they believe that Islam is the only true pure religion on earth and that there will only be peace after all the world recognizes the truth of Islam.

But all these religions derive from their predecessors: the Egyptians, the Babylonians, the Greeks, the Persians and the Romans, so none have any real claim to either originality or absolute truth or purity.

Then there is the Military Industrial Congressional complex that makes money off war, and the United States is in an economic recession and needs to sell the only thing it still has competitive dominance in, military hardware and logistics.

The combination of religious fundamentalism driving the machinery of government and the need to earn a living the only way they know how, by fighting wars, as Chalmers Johnson would say, you’ll see a lot more.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

To borrow a movie titile from "Moscow Does Not Believe In Tears", neither does Israel.
Hamas' rockets are grossly inaccurate and although Hamas has ordered a cease-fire, their rockets have not killed hundreds of Israeli citizens.
Nevertheless both sides need to call off the dogs of war.
This action will haunt Israel for years to come-or do they care?
They cannot cry "Holocaust" anymore.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

all the people living life as one.....you may say I'm a dreamer.....but I'm not the only......nuff said

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

And Immediately Went To Have a SHIT

Tony

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

picking up momentum.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Please forgive me if I have misspelled your name, my computer doesn't put your letter next to mine for reference.

What Geneva Accord applies to Israel and its settlements in the territiories?

Aren't you aware that Israel has withdrawn its settlers from Gaza?

Do you think Hamas declaration of intent to destroy Israel and their acquisition of arms make them a more dependable negotiating partner for Israel?

Do you honestly believe that Israeli intentions toward the Palestineans are as bloody minded even as Hamas intentions toward divergent factions among the Palesstineans?

Respectfully,

Robert Chapman

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

The score stands at 15 Jews and 560 Palestinians with Israel maintaining a low score winning death ratio. Now all Gaza needs to do balance the score is send 545 Israeli soldiers home in zip lock bags.
I don't want to hear Israel complain when their buses, train stations, and theaters are bombed and blood flows in their streets just as it is now doing in Gaza. After all it was the Old Testament God that said an eye for an eye was justice!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

What the Israelis are against

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Press Release:

Today Israel announced that Hamas is using heavily armed Israeli soldiers as human shields.

Israeli Defense minister Ehud Barak claimed that Hamas deliberately operates in areas that are thickly infested with heavily armed Israeli military personnel who are actively engaged in massive attacks on them.

He said Israeli soldiers are more likely to be killed by their own “friendly fire” if they are in areas that are densely populated with other Israeli solders.

Barak claims the killing of Israeli solders by Israeli soldiers is a deliberate strategy of Hamas since it “makes Israel look bad.”

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

"Professional Protesters" are bussed in to block off access to federal buildings in support of? Murdering terrorists who won't stop their war on Israel, regardless of how many of their own are killed.

A lot of you foaming-at-the-mouth, left-behind-hippies need to wake up because you're no closer to being given a say (thank god) than you were in the Sixties. Demonstrate all ya want, responsible (and outraged) US citizens are going to email the GPS coordinates for your piss-off picnics to the Isreali Air Force.

Wake up America: Sixty years of "Palestinian" hijackings and beheadings and bombings are proof enough of who the enemy is. Selective memory does not the high ground make: these murdering squatters were given chances to move to surrounding Arab countries, they refused in preference to feeding their lust for Jewish blood.

The initiators of violence are the guilty. Period. When the UN granted the Jews a state, the Palestinians and their over-confident Arab agitators vowed to eradicate the Jews. That's History, that's fact and that's been the consistent policy of every Moslem Arab Hitler wannabe ever since. Americans pay the price: our embassies are bombed, our aid workers are kidnapped and murdered. There's no real "reason" in the murdering Arab's mind: only revenge, tribal feuds and endless hatred for the modern world.

What do we hear from the actual source (the much lauded Arab outlets)? We hear the same "reasoning" - our savagery is justified, we cannot be held responsible because it's Allah's (and bin Laden's) will.
They are outraged that anyone will act to punish them or try to make them stop. Too effing bad. Eat your outrage and die from it.

That's the consequence of living a logical contradiction. Initiating violence (and refusing or ignoring negotiation and - endless - treaties) will get you... killed. Jimmy Carter was a feeb president and lives out his life riding the Peace Keeper's Donkey. Ignore him: he's out of touch with reality. Palestinian ass-kissers: if you won't defend your own life, get out of the way because the majority is going to defend life and civilization.

Don't believe the Left, don't believe the Right, either. Just use your brain and the facts. Most of the rest: you're too worried about our oil supply, don't let that mean handing over the Jews to the Arabs as ransom. You loathsome, spoiled cowards.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Only a few months ago, the whole world was condemning and calling Russia the evil empire with threats of international boycotts, after Georgia launched an unexpected military strike on the province of South Ossetia, aiming to reclaim it after 16 years of semi-independence and killed hundreds of Russian peacekeepers and innocent Ossetians…

Where are now the same Freedom and Democracy lovers to even just verbally condemn the fourth largest army of the world obliterating the only democratically elected entity in the entire Arab world, with one of the most insignificant and poorly equipped militia force, while causing massif infrastructure destructions and the death of hundreds of desperate civilians including woman and children in one of the poorest and most condense places in the word, after having imposed on them years of humiliation and near total isolation…

Shame on all of us and our so called democratic governments for not having the guts to stand up and condemn firmly the massacre of other innocent human beings…Shame on the Jewish communities around the world and in Israel to not voice against this senseless violence that is becoming more and more a part of the Jewish identity either as a victim of it, or as its perpetrator as an act of revenge and fear tactics…

How could Jewish intelligentsia not question the direction of Israeli government’s conduct and policies of the last 60 years, which are isolating Israel more and more from its neighbors and other nations around the world…After everything this wise and ancient people have been through, one would think that Israel now should aim to be the beacon of human rights and equality for the rest of the world, as well as a living example of how diverse ethnic and religious groups can live together in peace and prosperity, as Jews have done throughout their history in the four corners of the globe…

For the sake of Israel and the rest of the world, it’s time for Jews to come out of the Holocaust nightmare, and start dreaming again, taking their place as one of the oldest and finest ethnic group humanity has to offer, so a brighter future awaits all children of Israel and Palestine hand in hand, and never again alike past tragedies afflicted on them…

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Will someone please help me out on this? From what I know about this situation, which is not much, the country of Israel was established by a British embassy around 1950. How is it okay to just declare a country for a group of people when another group of people already live there? And how do they have the right to declare this country in someone elses back yard in the first place? This is not to diminish the significance of the Holocaust, but I am truly puzzled over this. And why is it okay for Israel to take more and more land from the Palestinians? And why is it okay for Israel wall the Palestinians in and not let them pass in and out of their country? I think what Hamas is doing is totally wrong, but in my mind Israel has alot of 'splaining to do.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

It doesn't seem to matter that Hamas has targeted innocent people for a long time.Now that the Jewish people have said enough,it's the Jews who are wrong.It is my hope that Israel destroys Hamas and what it stands for.We Americans decry Terrorism,as long as it is us.Leave Jewish Affairs to the Jewish Nation.May G-D bless Israel and damn their enemies.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

naomi wolf is correct, the "invisible coup" is in place. the Bush Administration is blatantly involved with the Israeli/Palestinian conflict to perpetuate their own agenda on "terrorism". by fueling hatred towards the Global Muslim community, there will be more work for their "anti terrorist" agenda. it is NO coincidence that the violence has increased so dramatically weeks before Bush is leaving office.
www.swatijr8.wordpress.com

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

James A. Swanson, Los Altos, California, USA
www.bushleagueofnations.com
[For FREE download of entire book]

Unfortunately, conventional wisdom in the U.S.—carefully nurtured by America’s Big Media—is that peace in the Middle East is impossible.

We’ve all heard such assertions: “People in the Middle East just want to kill each other, and they’ve been doing it for centuries. There is nothing we can do.”

This pessimistic but erroneous point of view has a certain appeal, but, at the end of the day, it conveniently justifies doing nothing to promote peace, while it whitewashes misguided rightwing warmongering policies that have made things worse for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Notwithstanding the catastrophic setbacks under Bush’s watch, there have been major achievements in the Middle East over the years.

Peace is possible. Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton proved it.

Consider Carter’s sustained efforts leading to the signing of a permanent peace agreement between Israel and Egypt in 1979—a peace agreement that has never been broken by either party. That required Carter’s strength, integrity and moral leadership—in short, diplomacy—something missing from Bush’s and the GOP’s toolkit.

Likewise, Clinton had a key role in supporting the peace process that led to the signing of a permanent peace agreement between Israel and Jordan in 1994, which agreement has never been broken.

With friends like Bush, Israel needs no enemies.

This and much more is discussed in, “The Bush League of Nations: The Coalition of the Unwilling, the Bullied and the Bribed – the GOP’s War on Iraq and America,” by James A. Swanson (2008, CreateSpace Publishing, 448 pages).

Patriots everywhere can download the entire book for free at www.bushleagueofnations.com.

I ask for nothing in return, except that you perhaps use my book to help America restore its many good values while it transforms its many ugly ones.

Jim Swanson, Los Altos, California
www.bushleagueofnations.com [for FREE download of entire book]

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

This post should stay if only to show the depth of the hatred and bigotry that there is in the world.

Your words are as vile. Hate speech has little worth other then to show to the world what is in the writers heart.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

In the war on public opinion, Israel is losing, even though the Zionist controlled media in the US is doing its best to make Israel look like a victim! More Americans are getting their news now from the internet where there is less biased news. The truth is out there! And we will find it.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

I dare anyone to go to Gaza and preach the word of Jesus Christ. Go ahead, try it. I guarantee you, it will be your last word on the matter.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

I've often encouraged others to look elsewhere for their media. Ever since the sellout by Billy and the Congress allowing defense contractor involved companies to own TV stations and multinational conglomerates, we've been getting news as pablum by the leaders whose political futures depend on those corporate lobbyist contributions. They would sell the soul of this country to the highest bidder as long as the $$ keeps pouring in. No ethics, no morality, no conscience.
It's the reason why I refuse to buy any more conglomerate owned newspapers and have already given up on corporate TV. I ask others to do the same. HDTV is Heavy Duty Televised Vendetta against the masses...JUST TURN THEM OFF!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

...nuke Israel.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

I taught my boys when they were in school that if anyone ever started a fight with them that they should finish it as quickly as possible. My older son never had to respond, however my younger son did. Once. He never had a problem after that. Why is the situation with Hamas and Israel so complicated? Viewed strictly as a military conflict (keeping religion and politics out of it) it boils down to

1) Hamas started the fight
2) Israel should finish it

If Hamas would agree to stop firing missiles then Israel would stop responding. Hamas' position seems to be one of "he hit me back first".

As for complaints that Israel is killing civilians, bombing schools, etc. Hamas has set the rules by making schools, churches, hospitals, etc. into military targets by storing weapons and using them as bases from which to launch attacks. By using civilians as human shields Hamas has involved them in the conflict. In the second world war, Germany paved the way for the bombing of Dresden with their repeated V2 attacks on British cities. The allies cannot be criticized for responding in kind. The side that sets the rules of engagement has no right to criticize when the same tactics are used against them.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Some people are too brainwashed from the truth, no one wants to kill jewish people in Isreal that is what the Zionists wants people to believe in. The people that support the political party in Isreal are the same organization who helped hitler.
the Palestine are not just Muslims they are also Palestine christians and jewish being slaughtered as well.

THE ROLE OF ZIONISM IN THE HOLOCAUST
www.jewsagainstzionism.com

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Living as an American in Jordan, I have trouble sleeping knowing that closeby in Gaza are people living outdoors in the cold, no water, no food, no medicine, no place to go from the Israeli onslaught. I have been listening to horror stories from aid workers for over a year about the situation in Gaza. And it is my tax money used to perpetrate this genocide against Palestinians. The Congressmen who voted approval for Israel are all guilty of war crimes along with Israel, and one day will be held accountable. It was wonderful to be proud of being an American for a brief time again after the election in November; now I go back to feeling great shame that my country continues aiding and abetting the Israeli crimes in Gaza.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

The way the Israelies treat the Palestinians reminds me of the way we Americans treated our Native American Indians. "The only good Indian (Palestinian), is a dead one."

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Gaza, its borders tightly controlled, all supplies and people in and out of it tightly controlled, and for years its citizens have been deprived of the basic necessities of life. It's strikingly similar to another place and time in history. A ghetto in World War II called Warsaw. Now, just as in that terrible world war, the men, women and children of Gaza are being slaughtered. Now, just as in that terrible world war, we are being told that the murder of innocent civilians is justified. The hunted have now become the hunters. The pursecuted have now become the pursecutors. How soon we forget the atrocities of the past!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

it would be so EASY to stop that conflict -- all hamas has todo is stay inside THEIR area and leave Israel the hell ALONE ~! the Jews wouldn't do what hamas has been doing for years =-= shelling their neighbors ~! hell, they GAVE the gaza strip back TO THE PALESTINIANS after taking it fair and square ~! THIS nonsense is just like a bunch of 4-year olds in a sand box -- but ARMED toddlers.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

I would like answers to the following questions:
1. Why did Hamas build tunnels but no shelters for the Palestinians?
2. Why does Hamas keep its bomb factories and terrorists in with the general population?
3. Why does Hamas not accept the right of Israel to exist?
4. Why does Hamas say that they will not stop until Israel is totally destroyed?
5. Whey did Hamas continue to shell Israel through the agreed ceasefire of 2008?
6. Knowing that Israel wishes to remove Hamas from Gaza to protect their own citizens, why do they not withdraw and allow the Palestinians peace?
7. Why do they not return Gilad Shalit, kidnapped 3 years ago or allow the Red Cross to visit him?

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

I have never heard a critic of Israel who didn't acknowledge that the firing of rockets at Israel is wrong.

By contrast, I have yet to hear an apologist for Israel who will admit that Israel has done a single thing wrong. The asymmetry alone tells us who the bad guys are.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

The world community is pressuring the United States to stop arming and giving diplomatic immunity to Israel.
This Israeli bombing of Gaza is inhumane and criminal.
It amounts to Genocide and those responsible ought to be brought before an international criminal court of justice.

The corporate fascist media in the U.S are nothing but Zionist apologists.

The time has come for Israel to STOP once and for all its evil colonial occupation of Palestine.
We have had enough with this domination, this unjust war against the Palestinians.
Israel has engaged in an ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people, and in a outgoing expansion
of their Jewish settlements on Palestinian territories for years now.

Hamas is a consequence of the brutal, abusive and ruthless Israeli occupation.
The Palestinian people and Hamas are simply resisting and fighting for their freedom.
It's a struggle for liberation and self determination.
And for an autonomy and sovereignty that Israel has deny them for way too long now.

As long as Israel continues its heinous crimes against the Palestinians
There will be no "security for Israel" and no peace in the middle east.

We owe it to the Palestinian people to have autonomy over their territories without Israeli intervention,
occupation and control of their borders.

All the Palestinians want is a sovereign Palestinian state or Palestinian territories.
And a peaceful coexistence with Israel.

Guillermo Kuhl
gkuhl3@bellsouth.net

http://www.rense.com/1.mpicons/dees1.htm
http://www.rense.com/



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
He who joyfully marches to music in rank and file has already earned my contempt.
He has been given a large brain by mistake, science for him the spinal cord would fully suffice.
This disgrace to civilization should be done away with at once.
Heroism at command, senseless brutality, deplorable love-of-country stance, how violently I hate all this,
how despicable an ignorable war is; I would rather be torn to shreds than be a part of so base an action!
It is my conviction that killing under the cloak of war is nothing but an act of murder." (Albert Einstein)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]