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Chris Hedges is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, a best-selling author, an activist, a Presbyterian minister, a university teacher and a television host. He has written 12 books, including the New York Times best-seller "Days of Destruction, Days of Revolt" (2012), which he co-authored with...
Israel's Barrier to Peace
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She was eight months pregnant when Abed was arrested for the 13th time. He was sent to Ofra prison. The prisoners live 20 to a tent in the desert. They sleep on wooden pallets. The tents are sweltering in the summer and cold in the winter.
"Abed sleeps under 10 blankets in the winter," she said. "There is no heat."
There is an open sewer nearby and swarms of mosquitoes. He is being held on secret evidence, which means he has not been told the charges against him. Abed has never been sentenced. His six-month military detention order had been extended for another six months in June. It too was done in secret. It can be renewed indefinitely. Amnesty International has adopted him as a prisoner of conscience.
His health is precarious. When he was 16 he was arrested for throwing stones at Israeli soldiers. He was tied to a chair in contorted positions. His back and stomach were under tremendous pressure. He was in great pain. His head was covered with a bag soaked in urine. Allegra has sued the army for the torture he underwent in 1996. He was also tortured on three other occasions while in detention.
"They have told him he will be released if [we] drop the lawsuit," she says. "He will not."
She gave birth to their first child, Quds, the Arabic name for Jerusalem, this spring. Abed has never seen his son. When Allegra asked for the address of the prison to mail her husband pictures of their child she was told there was no address.
"My husband has been banned from Jerusalem for 20 years, so we brought Jerusalem to us," she says.
She is an Israeli citizen, but because her husband is Palestinian, because of his ethnicity, he is refused citizenship. She was born in Long Island. He was born here. This is how it works in Israel. Israel is a democracy only for Jews. If she had married a Jew he would have a passport and citizenship.
"What democratic state builds its laws based on a person's ethnicity?" she asks. "The goal of the South African apartheid regime was to separate whites and blacks to preserve white privilege. How is this different from what is being done to the Palestinians?"
"Who is really being shut out by this wall?" she adds. "Who is being shut in? Israel will be a closed society when the wall is finished. It will even further shun reality."
Her son wakes up and begins to cry. She gets up and walks to his room. She comes back with the infant in her arms. She begins to breast-feed him.
As she coos over her son she lets me read a notebook smuggled out of the prison. It has drawings by one of the prisoners for her child Quds with stories by her husband. On the cover of the ruled school notebook are the words "Quds Smart Notebook."
In one picture a small boy is feeding a bird.
"This is Quds' bird," it says. "Quds feeds the bird. The bird loves Quds. The birds are playing in Quds' beautiful garden. They know Quds. They love him very much."
She slips her wedding ring off her finger so I can read the inscription on the band inside. It has two letter A's with a heart between them. The word "forever" is etched into the band. She cradles the child in her arms and whispers words of comfort to him.
She looks up, weary and sad.
"In Israel, I'm considered radical because I advocate equal rights for all persons residing between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea," she says.
It does not matter where I turn. I see the noose tightening. There is no escape. The barrier is closing in from every side, grinding and crushing everything in its path. I begin to feel the claustrophobia, the sense of inevitable doom, the awful fatalness of it all.
Palestinians cling to what they have like shipwrecked sailors clinging to the hull of a sinking boat. There is a mass migration. They are being forced from their homes. Some have moved into their fields. They have set up squalid little encampments in vegetable patches. It is their last stand.
I walk over the heavy earth on the Israeli side of the fence from the village of Jayyous. The village has some 2,200 acres, along with six wells and pumping stations. The fence has separated the farmers in the village from 73% of its irrigated farmland. About 300 families are losing their only source of income.
My feet are covered with dirt. I see across the fields the sparks shooting up from numerous campfires. I hear voices, the idle chatter of children, women and men.
Suffian Youssef, 30, stands beside an old blue truck. His two brothers, his mother and his father are with him. It is nearly dark. They have set up a small tarp and a crude shack. It is where they sleep. There is a brass coffee pot on the brazier over the fire. I smell wood smoke.
"We began to sleep in our fields a month ago," he said. "We fear that if they close the gate we will not be able to get to our crop. We are having trouble getting our crop to market. We took the crates of potatoes up to the gate in the truck a few days ago. The Border Police told us to take the crates off the truck and load them back on the truck four times. When we took them off for the fourth time they dumped the potatoes on the ground and crushed them with their boots. They beat us with their rifle butts."
Crickets chirp softly. I see a half moon poking through the haze in the sky.
The roadblocks and checkpoints mean that farmers cannot get their produce to urban areas in the West Bank. There are now Israeli suppliers, who can use the settler roads, who have taken over these markets. Prices, because vegetables are bottled up in agricultural areas, have plummeted.
"We may not have enough money next year to plant a crop," Youssef says.
When I leave it is night. I stumble out of the fields. I know they will not be here next year.
It is late afternoon at Gate Number 542 in the farming village of Zita, north of Tulkarm. A sign on the electric fence that runs along the dirt track for as far as the eye can see reads: "Danger. Military Area. Anyone crossing or touching the fence does so at his own risk." It is in Hebrew, Arabic and English.
The iron gates are painted yellow. There are motion sensors and television cameras mounted along the fence. There is a smooth strip of sand to detect unauthorized footprints. There is a dirt service road. There is a trench about seven feet deep to stop vehicles from crashing through the barrier. There is a paved road for the army jeeps. There are coils of razor wire. The land on either side of the barrier, about 100 feet wide, is desolate. Blackened stumps from uprooted olive trees poke up from the dirt. All living things on or near the barrier have been killed. It tastes of death. This is what the barrier will look like in most places on the West Bank.
There are poles mounted with powerful floodlights along the barrier to turn night into day. The farmers who live on the edge of the wasteland, often once their farmland, cannot sleep because of the glare of the lights.
A dozen poor farmers and shepherds are clustered on the other side of the barrier. They have grazed their flocks or tended their plants on their land, land Israel has swallowed up. They have been there for an hour. The gate is supposed to be opened at 6 p.m. On some nights the border police come early. Other nights they come late. There are times they do not come at all. When they do not come the farmers and shepherds sleep on the ground near the gate until morning.
Jamal Hassouna, 43, a farmer, is standing with me. We are standing on land that once belonged to him but was taken without compensation to build the barrier.
"If anyone touches the fence, even a child, they are not allowed to pass," he says. "Every soldier is a little Ariel Sharon."
Two green armored jeeps from the border police roar down the asphalt strip enclosed by the two electric fences. They halt and five policemen climb out. They hold their M-16 assault rifles at an angle. They are wearing helmets. One soldier, watched by two others, goes to open the padlock on the gate on the other side. He swings the gate open and the motley crowd walks out into the empty space, across the tarred road and the dirt road to the yellow gate on my side. They show the police their special permits before they are allowed through the yellow gate.
The police are silent. Jamal says it is because I am present. On many nights, he says, farmers are insulted, cursed, made to lift their shirts or humiliated by being told they have to crawl through the gates. Wives and children no longer cross to spare themselves the harassment. There are many farmers who, although they are never told why, are no longer allowed to pass. Their fields are dying.
I walk to tomato fields covered by gauzy brown netting. Iyad Abu Hamdi, 27, is seated alone on the lip of a small drainage ditch next to the field of tomatoes. His land is on the other side of the barrier.
He was tending his crop of peppers a few days ago when a patrol of the border police arrived at his field. The two policemen began to make lewd remarks to his wife, who was working with him. They ordered her to make them coffee. She obeyed. They ordered her sister to bring them water. She refused. They threw their thermos at his brother and told him to fill it with water. He also refused.
"They began to beat my brother," Hamdi says. "They tossed the coffee in our faces. They cursed us. They shouted at us. They confiscated our identification cards. The soldiers told my wife to accept their advances or they would ruin her reputation."
When he says "accept their advances" his voice quivers with emotion and he turns his head away to avoid my eyes.
The sun is dipping below the earth. There is a dim yellow glow across the fields. His voice is shaking. He bows his head between his knees and looks at the ground.
"This happened on Aug. 3," he begins again. "I have not been allowed to cross since. They slam the gate shut in my face. My crop is dying."
The tears roll down his cheeks. They too are serpent's teeth.
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By bigkoala, January 24, 2011 at 8:31 am Link to this comment
Looks like the Israelis may have some explaining to do.
By stan kohls, August 21, 2008 at 3:13 am Link to this comment
Looking at what's going on in Gaza these days, can you really blame the Israelis for wanting to wall themselves off from that insanity?
By JSD, May 17, 2008 at 2:30 am Link to this comment
The solution to injustice against the palestilnian Arabs has to involve the U.S. As I have written so many times before, the first and most important goal is to guarantee and end to the violence. I believe that this can only be accomplished by an international peace-keeping force, and should be paid for entirely by the U.S. because it has been U.S. support for Israel and acquiescence in Israeli violence that has caused so much suffering among both Israelis and Arabs.
After this start, a serious effort by the world community can begin to look for a permanent solution to all relevant problems facing these peoples, inasmuch as they have not been able to solve their poblems themselves.
U.S. involvement is mandated because of our responsibility for the consequences of supporting Israel with so little reservation. The U.S. is therefore as much responsible for the suffering of these peoples as are the Israelis.
By ed_tru_lib, January 20, 2008 at 5:46 pm Link to this comment
Well I see the only responses are from the nutcase Israel-haters/anti-semites, as usual, which instantly belies any unlikely validity they might otherwise have had. The wall works because it has been made harder to kill innocent Israelis, and thus are innocent (or even not so innocent) "palestinians" also spared when Israel just doesn't need to punish the evildoers since they were prevented from doing evil. 1drees and Frank Goebelles Sr. will never have anything constructive to add to this or I strongly suspect, any rational discussion of any issue. Anyway someday there will be no need for the wall-the haters and murderers and pseudo-religious maniacs will be gone and Israel and her law-abiding neighbors will live in the peace that has been all Israel has wanted since its creation.
By Barry, November 11, 2007 at 4:31 am Link to this comment
I bet about 1500 times more criminals have been subdued by police than police have been subdued by criminals. Does that mean that police are wrong to go after criminals?
Israel withdrew from Gaza and had agreed to withdraw from the West Bank, and the Palestinians showed them that they couldn't live side-by-side peacefully.
Israel made a mistake occupying the West Bank and Gaza, and has spent the past 15 years trying to give them back. If the Palestinians would just take them peacefully, everyone would be a lot happier.
By neutral ned, November 10, 2007 at 9:57 pm Link to this comment
For Ed Tru Lib
Being that I've decided this stuff in the region will never end, I'll just offer a few observations. Israel, a potentially massive economic center of activity in the Middle East is wasting its energies. As for Ed's thoughts on the necessity of Israel's aggressive 60 year policy, my info is that appr. 1500 Palestinians have been killed for every one Israeli. Using the term terrorist makes no sense in this context. The sophistication of Palestinian warfare is such that it took them till the late 1990's (saw some article back then) to figure out that their homes were being audio monitored and cars of the leadership radio-tagged to make them easy pickings for helicopter attack. Ed may believe what he's saying but, to the outside observer, the occupation seems like a waste of everyone's time.
By 1drees, September 18, 2007 at 11:50 am Link to this comment
Israel and peace should never even be in the same sentence, these two things are that far apart. And similarly Zionism or Zionists and Truth should never be in the same sentence either.
By ed_tru_lib, April 6, 2007 at 3:30 pm Link to this comment
Well its been a few months now, and what a surprise-far fewer Israelis or Arabs are being killed, there are far less instances of religious-crazed terrorists/oil & military industry puppets trying to sneak in to Israel to blow people up…AND…Israel hasn't had to retaliate against such attacks…AKA…SURE LOOKS LIKE THE WALL IS WORKING. I guess that's why theres been such a loss of apparent interest in posting to this dig-things have just gotten too peaceful.
But the same rules always apply-all the terrorists and their supporters, as ever, have to do is lay down their rifles, rocket-launchers,suicide body-bombs, flight plans (into buildings) etc etc, and the Israelis will lay down their weapons, and soon after, when some trust has finally been established, tear down the wall. For now, and tragically the foreseeable future the wall must continue to be like the Colt 45 once had to be in the old west, when the evildoers just wouldn't listen to any reason-the "peacemaker"
By Barry, February 9, 2007 at 2:00 am Link to this comment
Great point Bert! I don't see many San Diego residents screaming to take down the wall with Mexico, or Columbia students/faculty pushing to take down the wall that closes off Columbia from Harlem.
By Bert, February 8, 2007 at 7:15 pm Link to this comment
I think good fences DO make good neighbors, I think borders have a purpose, and while there might be people that scream bloody murder about it all, at the end of the day, when there's 2 countries that don't get along, or there's big cultural differences, or a big difference between them in terms of income or level of technological progress/religious stuff, borders are a necessary evil to keep people from going at it against each other. Like 2 kids in the same house that squabble, 'go to your room' still has merit, both macro, and microscale. This story is about Israel and Palestine, but the concept is pretty universal. Take care of the borders, and a lot of other problems will resolve themselves.
By gasman, December 21, 2006 at 2:32 pm Link to this comment
Oops…looks like I accidentally signed on to a KKK website. What a bunch of racist losers. Spend more time on blogs: I'm sure you feel like you're a real contributor to society.
By Frank Goodman, Sr., December 5, 2006 at 7:35 pm Link to this comment
Comment #40827 by Frank Goodman, Sr. on 12/05
Sorry, this was intended for another site.
By Frank Goodman, Sr., December 5, 2006 at 7:57 am Link to this comment
(Continuation of previous comment)
You can purchase your oil needs from anyone who has it to sell. For that, you can export products needed by those who have too much oil, but not enough oranges and high definition TV. You can manufacture automobiles rather than machine guns to sell to people who need transportation more than they need to defend themselves from rabid humans who invade their land. When most Jews get used to living with others, they can join the United Nations with the promise to abide by all UN resolutions.
The best way to fight against any threat to destroy Israel is to prove by peaceful means that Judaphobia is unjustified. And do not mistake defense of Islam, as Judaphobia. Also, do not mistake US resolve for imperialism unless we promote the idea that our president is the 'leader of the free world'. If America proclaims or claims to be the 'only remaining superpower', put her in her place in the United Nations and make her behave in a civilized world of peaceful intent. Don't give up an inch of Israel to Russia, Turkey, or Saudi Arabia. Let all the Palestinians come home to help defend that land from all encroachments by militants and violent Zionist regimes. Let us join in the condemnation of Fascism, Nazism, totalitarianism wherever it is found.
Then, we shall surely enjoy peace and prosperity ever after.
By Tony Wicher, November 25, 2006 at 9:45 am Link to this comment
Comment #39266 by Robert on 11/22 at 9:21 am
By Fadel Abdallah, November 25, 2006 at 5:13 am Link to this comment
To the enlightened individuals on TruthDig Blog, please check the hard facts on Zionism as presented by Alen Heart in his new two-volume book, "Zionism: The Real Enemy of the Jews," on the Web Site: OpposingDigitsVlog
Manchester, England. 2nd November 2006. Alan Hart speaks at a public meeting of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC). He speaks about his two volume book Zionism: The Real Enemy of the Jews.
The original venue, St Peters Chaplaincy, informed PSC that it was unwilling to host the meeting2 days before the eventdespite the fact that the booking had been paid for many weeks in advance. Anticipating this, the PSC booked a reserve venuethe Friends Meeting House.
This is the first of four 10 minute clips of Harts opening presentation.
Alan Hart, a young 63, has been engaged with events in the Middle East and their global consequences and terrifying implications - the possibility of a Clash of Civilisations, Judeo-Christian v Islamic, and, along the way, another great turning against the Jews - for nearly 40 years: * As a correspondent for ITNs News At Ten and the BBCs Panorama programme (covering wars and conflicts wherever they were taking place in the world). * As a researcher and author. (His first book Arafat, Terrorist or Peacemaker? was published by Sidgwick & Jackson in 1984 and subsequently in several updated editions over a decade). * As a participant at leadership level, working to a Security Council background briefing, in the covert diplomacy of the search for peace.
Alan Hart thus brings to the pages of his latest book, Zionism: The Real Enemy of the Jews, and to the debating chamber, a deep understanding of why, really, the Countdown to Armageddon is on and how it can be stopped.
By Tony Wicher, November 24, 2006 at 7:03 pm Link to this comment
"Reply to Comment #39159 by Robert on 11/21 at 6:12 pm
Chris Hedges: Bring Down that Wall.
FYI, Chris Hedges has a new report, Bring Down that Wall, on truthdig.com, posted November 20, 2006.
It already has a forum / discussion. "
Thanks, Robert. I'll post there - Tony.
By Robert, November 22, 2006 at 10:21 am Link to this comment
Guess where "Ken Schreier" who exited this forum is at these days?
He has surfaced at Chris Hedges: "Bring Down That Wall" report forum. He is spewing the same ole line of, you guessed it, "anti-semitism" and that high moral route.
By Spinoza, November 21, 2006 at 7:35 pm Link to this comment
There is a connection between sex and war.
By Robert, November 21, 2006 at 7:12 pm Link to this comment
Chris Hedges: Bring Down that Wall.
It already has a forum / discussion.
By yours truly, November 21, 2006 at 2:04 pm Link to this comment
When a revolution comes it's as if time is compressed, with changes that previously might have taken centuries, instead occurring seemingly at the blink of an eye. And at the time always unexpected, as in Eastern Europe two decades ago.
Which is why "we got to accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative" (from a popular song fifty or so years ago), or we'll miss the boat on the Kucinich bill to cut off all spending on the Iraq war. True, up to now, we've always been out-foxed by the powers that be &/or sold-out by our so-called leaders. But doesn't have to be so, because we (each and every one of us, that is) make sure that Congress passes Kucinich's bill and we'll be into one of those accelerated phases of history, with TROOPS OUT NOW at the top of our agenda, followed by Congress impeaching our president plus his subsequent trial at the International Court of Criminal Justice for his crimes against humanity. And after that? Empire collapses. And then? It'll be up to us.
Afterwards, of course, there'll be the usual, "Who would have thought?
By Spinoza, November 21, 2006 at 8:23 am Link to this comment
I don't know exactly about energy forces but that can have a psychic effect.
Zeitgeist refers to the "climate of the times", "the buzz in the air" the intellectual climate, the main idea, the idea that ideas matter. Sex is part of that climate and one of the most positive feelings and ideas that motivate mankind. Pleasant sex is most always associated with peace. Rape is most always associated with war.
By Spinoza, November 21, 2006 at 8:12 am Link to this comment
The Jewish People need to wake up. We are being manipulated by severe right wing forces.
Fight Fascism
By Robert, November 20, 2006 at 7:44 pm Link to this comment
I have visited the Holy Land and have seen with my own eyes some of what the Palestinians have to endure with Israel's brutal occupation.
It was only after reading "They Dare To Speak Out" by former congressman Paul Findley, that I began to understand why our U.S. policy & most of our elected representatives support Israel's brutal policies in the Middle-East.
By Spinoza, November 20, 2006 at 4:00 pm Link to this comment
There is a need to rethink left and right.
By Tony Wicher, November 20, 2006 at 3:44 pm Link to this comment
Reply to Comment #38979 by Spinoza on 11/20 at 11:15 am
I checked out the Global Orgasm web site. Spinoza, you surprise me! You really believe in such a global energy field. Oh, how unscientific of you! This is some sort of childish superstition. Some sort of psychic nonsense. Now no one will take you seriously. Except me, I guess. I find the paradigm of a field of mental or conscious energy that blankets the globe and is powered by the individual brains of all humans on the planet - indeed, by every organism on the planet - to be most useful. This natural field which has always been there is greatly magnified and intensified by the Internet. Information is flying all over the place from one mind to another. We can use this theory to spread our idea of the secular multi-ethnic democracy in the Holy Land. Now that I know I am dealing with a fellow "mystic", I will continue to post elements of this theory. I think what Global Orgasm is doing can be developed much further. I dare to hope that we can really make a difference this way.
By Donald Tilley, November 20, 2006 at 2:08 pm Link to this comment
I just wanted to voice a word of support for Tony Wicher's idea of declaring a "hudna" until both Palestinians and Israel's can seriously consider the one, multi-ethnic, secular state solution.
Building a wall is certainly not the right, long-term approach. It didn't work in Berlin, it won't work along the U.S. Mexico border, and it won't work in Israel. Instead of building walls, both sides should be building bridges of mutual understanding and respect. This wall is an ugly scar on the Holy Land, and, in my option, is an affront to all three Abrahamic religions.
By Spinoza, November 20, 2006 at 12:15 pm Link to this comment
This is a very good idea. Change the zeitgeist
By Tony Wicher, November 20, 2006 at 10:58 am Link to this comment
Reply to Comment #38938 by Kwagmyre on 11/20 at 8:25 am
My current location in time and space is:
640 E 4th St.
Kwaggy, we live only a short drive apart. Perhaps we will meet in person some time. You sound like my kind of Jew. Do you and your cousin ever do Thanksgiving as well as Jewish holidays? I have my Thanksgiving every year with a huge family of secular Jewish-Americans and it's our biggest holiday of the year. In any case, next time you sit down with your cousin, it would be a most interesting and valuable experiment to see if you could discuss the subject at the dinner table in a full and honest way without acrimony but as two people who really love each other as they love the whole world and its people. What matters most is that there be deep communication between you, and that you depart with love.
By Kwagmyre, November 20, 2006 at 9:25 am Link to this comment
Posted by Frank, #38873:
"I am American living in Florida. Could each of us give a general geographic identity without danger to our person? I sense that we are from widely different national origins."
I'm a native of L.A.,Calif., Jewish(but non-religious like many are), live in the San Fernando Valley section and mentioned earlier that only in recent years did I become progressively enlightened about the true state of affairs in Israel. Apparently I kept hearing how Israel "had stolen" territory from the Palestinians from so many sources, all of them credible I might add. But I have a religious cousin, we're on close terms(in fact the closest among the cousins I have on that side of the family) lives nearby, and when she invites me over for such occasions as the Passover or Rosh Hashonah, the subject of Israel doesn't come up for the most part. I often fantasize about how I'd "confront" her if we ever DID get into a serious discussion about this, but in the interests of maintaining some semblance of family unity we most likely would have an amicable exchange I'd hope.
By Tony Wicher, November 20, 2006 at 9:06 am Link to this comment
(continuation of previous post)
Lieberman's defection would appeal to Bush as one of those middle-
By Tony Wicher, November 20, 2006 at 9:04 am Link to this comment
Here's an interesting post about the U.S. political situation right now. Lieberman certainly is in a key postion, unfortunately. If only he could be convinced that Israelis would really be a whole lot better off if they adopted our one multi-ethnic democracy policy! Then it would be adopted with bipartisan support. Of course, this would require a miracle of God!
Joe Lieberman is smiling.
By Spinoza, November 19, 2006 at 10:18 pm Link to this comment
I signed the petition
Lewis Beyman
I recommend the following:
By Frank Goodman, Sr., November 19, 2006 at 8:51 pm Link to this comment
To all who supported justice and peace with honor and human rights. I am among those who see a one democratic secular state as the answer. It seems that those of us who challenged the idea of Zionism as the cause of the disruption of the lives of all the people in the Middle East, have at least for the time being in this comment space, which has turned into a kind of a forum on Palestine, have driven off the dogs.
It has made me wonder who we are individually. Where do we call home? I have seen minor differences in our approach, but no major barrier to peace in our responses. I am American living in Florida. Could each of us give a general geographic identity without danger to our person? I sense that we are from widely different national origins. It shows that the world could come together in peace after all. That was the promise of the United States in its inception and it was the promise of the United Nations in its inception. The world does tend to approach the ideal of democratic justice for all over time. I wonder why it takes so long.
Robert Kennedy said, "I see things as they are and wonder why. I dream of things as they could be and wonder why not." I have lived to see descendants of former African slaves gain equal rights with all other Americans under law, though not in personal experience. I have seen women move up the ladders of success. I have seen civil rights gains over all of America in my lifetime. I have seen the rise of Jews to safety and security where anti-Semitism ruled only 50 to 60 years ago. I have seen the arrival of people from all over the world until America is truly a multi-cultural nation with civil rights for all.
We have a setback now with the rise of George Bush to challenge American values, but he too will pass. There is a strong movement to return to the values we had prior to 9/11. The day of practical Zionism to get the Jews out of Europe and America by giving them a ghetto state of their own is over. There is no more talk of sending the 'Negros' back to Africa. And no talk of driving the Native Americans back to their reservations. This is one nation with diversity and justice for all. Thank you all. If this fizzles out for lack of opposition, we have all won. Please place one more comment telling where you are home.
By Kwagmyre, November 19, 2006 at 11:09 am Link to this comment
I wrote in post #38641:
"It points to just how tall an order it will be to change the thinking of those who would already seem most disposed to a change of heart or attitude on Israel/Palestine."
So to put my money where my mouth is, I later emailed Nancy Pelosi and recommended she read "One Country" so she might acquire a more balanced view on the Israel/Palestine issue.
We'll see if she follows through. I ain't holding my breath though.
By Fadel Abdallah, November 19, 2006 at 9:14 am Link to this comment
To all the Noble Warriors for Peace with Justice for the Palestinians on this forum,, please consider signing the following petition so we can become part of a larger movement.
deliberately shifting focus away from Israels war crimes and its supremacist Zionist ideology;
As ethical human beings we consider it our obligation to:
do all we can to allow the information to be diffused as widely and as quickly as possible;
Any attempts at censoring reasoned critique of Israel and Zionism must be refused a priori, as it is in conflict with the goal of seeking to protect and support the Palestinian people - as their empowerment is the only way to peaceful coexistence for all the populations of the Middle East. Any attempts at dictating what the Palestinians should do will be looked upon with great circumspection and suspicion. Palestinians themselves wish to construct their own future and are not pawns to be shifted on the chessboard.
We demand free speech for sincere critics of Zionism and call for an end to campaigns created in order to ostracise its most vocal critics. Smear campaigns will not be tolerated, as we recognise that they are the instrument of choice of Zionists, and detract energy from our work. We will not hesitate to expose the instrumental usage of them, no matter the claimed principles of those who are engaged in creating such campaigns. On the other hand, open dialogue and reasoned argumentation is welcome and greatly encouraged as a tool to understanding and collaboration.
The indigenous people of Palestine are facing extermination by the hands of the Jewish State, and the world keeps silent. The sooner we draw public attention to Israels needless wanton destruction, the sooner we can do away with this horrifying, insufferable situation.
PLEASE, sign the petition if you share our concerns.
By Robert, November 19, 2006 at 7:27 am Link to this comment
Swedish Human Rights worker viciously attacked by Israeli settlers.
They were confronted by 100 settlers in small groups, who started chanting in Hebrew "We killed Jesus, we'll kill you too!"
Take a look at the horrifying bloody pictures & read the details of how brutal Zionism really is among the settlers & IDF.
By Geronimo, November 18, 2006 at 10:46 pm Link to this comment
Hmm, downstream now nearly four months plus a thousand comments from where "Isreal's Barrier To Peace" started its truthdig run, seems there not only are no more postings from supporters of the Jewish settler-state Israel, but that instead those of us still hanging around on this thread all see justice for the Palestinian people (along with TROOPS OUT NOW) as the key to peace on earth and goodwill to all living beings. And what's more, that it's up to us.
By Kwagmyre, November 18, 2006 at 9:53 am Link to this comment
Posted by Robert #38660:
"Frank, Tony, Kwag, Justice4all, Fadel, Geronimo & others, your hardwork, efforts, integrity & focus during this journey defending the TRUTH, FAIRNESS, JUSTICE, HUMAN RIGHTS, UN CHARTER, INTERNATIONAL LAW, PEACE & Equality to all MANKIND is to be commended.
I am honored to be amongst you & to be on your side. The side of TRUTH, JUSTICE & PEACE for ALL."
Speaking for myself and the rest, I can assure you it's mutual. Our strength lies not just in numbers here but in getting out the necessary message in this forum and however we can do it so that it progressively resonates with more and more people.
By Robert, November 17, 2006 at 7:41 pm Link to this comment
Greetings to all!!!
Frank, Tony, Kwag, Justice4all, Fadel, Geronimo & others, your hardwork, efforts, integrity & focus during this journey defending the TRUTH, FAIRNESS, JUSTICE, HUMAN RIGHTS, UN CHARTER, INTERNATIONAL LAW, PEACE & Equality to all MANKIND is to be commended.
I am honored to be amongst you & to be on your side. The side of TRUTH, JUSTICE & PEACE for ALL.
"Israeli ambassador visit to Scotland cancelled in face of planned protests - We will protest every visit by Israeli state agents to Scotland."
By Kwagmyre, November 17, 2006 at 5:20 pm Link to this comment
Posted by Tony #38489:
"This has to be the one. How do we get to them? How do we put a bug in the ear of leading Democrats?"
I'm with ya 100% on this. But I read only yesterday that Nancy Pelosi, Howard Dean and at least a few other Democrats have disassociated themselves from ex-Pres. Jimmy Carter since the latter has just now come out with a book on Israel's Apartheid policies. Also, I was so "smitten" by Barack Obama until I read in "One Country" that he too hasn't been so sympathetic with the Palestinians cause.
It points to just how tall an order it will be to change the thinking of those who would already seem most disposed to a change of heart or attitude on Israel/Palestine.
By Frank Goodman, Sr., November 17, 2006 at 3:41 pm Link to this comment
To all of you who remain glued to this site, Salaam.
To Ken (Comment #38254 by Ken Schreier on 11/15)if he is still with us, Salaam. I do not know if we influenced you for the better, but you certainly filled a need as Kwagmyre says. (Comment #38323 by Kwagmyre on 11/16)
I feel that you all complemented me in presenting my theme of peace and justice for all. That includes Ken and other Zionist oriented respondents who did not seem to understand that this is not against Jews in a state on the land of Palestine. It is not even against the name being called Israel. It is and was always for a state for all people who wish to call it their promised land, homeland, holy land, or home. The challenge was to adhere to the principles of the United Nations Charter and the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights.
We aroused Ken et al when we undertook to ridicule the notion of Zionism as it applies to that land in violation of those principles. I also rejected an Islamic or a Christian state there as I would reject similar religious interference in secular affairs in my own nation, even when it is the religion I have chosen to represent my relationship with God.
Any state is a system to recognize and to regulate the relationships among human beings and their environment. By incorporating common concepts of decency and respect for the person of human beings, I believe that we serve God, our Creator and Sustainer. With God's help, we redeem ourselves with honor to our fellow citizens of the world and to God. Peace! Wa aleikum salaam.
By Tony Wicher, November 17, 2006 at 2:32 pm Link to this comment
Further Reply to Comment #38535 by Jack Clegg on 11/17 at 8:44 am
So, what is so radical about the idea of a multi-ethnic, secular, American-style democracy in the Holy Land? I mean, how mainstream can you get? Properly explained, the great majority of the country would get behind it. It's so all-American, there would be bipartisan support - like the civil rights movement of the 60's in the heyday of the Democratic party. If somebody could buttonhole Bill Clinton and propose it to him, I just know he would go for it.
But the idea seems so radical that most people would not seriously consider it. Why is this? Well, it is radical because it is inconsistent with the existence of Israel in its current political form. It is inconsistent with the concept of "Jewish self-defense" which is the founding idea of Israel, unfortunately. This idea is that Jews should live in a majority Jewish state and be defended by a Jewish army. This idea, understandable given the Holocaust, cannot be the basis for a modern state.
At this point, Zionism is deservedly in the worst disrepute world-wide of its whole disreputable existence. The whole world hates them, as well they should. Their only ally is lying phony Bush, who has been exposed to the whole world, even the American people, as beneath contempt. Why in the world should a new Democratic administration support them? The U.S. need oil. Israel does not have any. So the only use Israel has is as an ally to take over Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, etc. and control the Middle East oil supply. So when the Democrats get in will they continue the Republican policy, which has also, unfortunately, been a bipartisan policy under Democrats and Republicans for more than 50 years? If they do, God help us. We're probably doomed. But on the other hand, Democrats could become a real peace party. They may conclude that attacking Iran, etc. and continuing the military alliance with Israel are not the way to go. I do believe that is the natural inclination of the Clintons (both of them) Barak Obama, and other leading Democrats. Maybe they have already thought of this idea of supporting a one multiethnic democracy solution instead of a two-state solution. If not, somebody has to explain it to them. We have to get this message out now, because with the change in power the political situation is fluid and it is the time for new ideas.
If the U.S. adopts this policy, the whole world will support it. Seeing this, I believe the Israeli people would throw out their own phony lying murdering bastards and elect some leaders who would negotiate a real peace based on real justice and equality.
By Tony Wicher, November 17, 2006 at 2:25 pm Link to this comment
Reply to Comment #38535 by Jack Clegg on 11/17 at 8:44 am
So what shall we do? Here's the idea that has come to me and others independently, and which we are trying to spread: a secular, multi-ethnic democracy in the Holy Land. I prefer to put it this way, rather than call it "Israel" because everything, including the name of the place and its flag, would be up for negotiations. Whatever is necessary to achieve peace and justice should be done. To change a stupid flag or a stupid name is nothing by comparison. I favor a written constitution, which Israel does not have at this time. This would be written by a consitutional congress made up from representatives of all religions and ethnicities. The first principles written into it would be guarantees of nondiscrimination on the basis of religion, ethnicity, gender, etc, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and above all, the separation of church and state. You know, like we have here in the good old USA. You know, the reason that lying phony Bush has been claiming he attacked Iraq - to spread "freedom and democracy" while the same lying phony Bush does everything possible to undermine freedom and democracy both here at home and all over the world. Oh yes, and lying phony Bush also says he did this to protect our "noble ally" "the only democracy in the Middle East", Israel, whose leaders like Netanyahu, Olmert, etc. are another bunch of lying phony murdering bastards.
But now, at long last, the tide is turning. I would not say they have woken up, but the American people have at least been slighly disturbed in their slumber. They put in the Democrats, hoping at least for something better than Bush. Democrats do have at least some sense and are somewhat more competent and less corrupt, but they have very little balls. They want a new idea, but they are also typical political cowards who are afraid to really lead the country. They always want to take a poll first. It is their worst weakness.
(Continued in next remark - this one is too long)
By Frank Goodman, Sr., November 17, 2006 at 12:07 pm Link to this comment
Harris's article is where we are. This is where we are from. It is the way to where we should be going. Not the one sided or even the multi-sided compromise with values to satisfy selfish and parochial prejudice, but justice as a one size fits all solution. Equal justice is the answer and the solution. Let equal justice be the fact and the political expediency to the resolution of this aching problem.
I take a quote from a longer article:
"Only equality and respect for justice and international law can guarantee peaceful community and are the only guarantors of a permanent and secure existence of the State of Israel and the future State of Palestine and of the safety of Jews among us and all over the world.
The human rights formulated in the UN Charter and the UN declaration of human rights emerged against the backdrop of Nazi barbarism, in particular the industrialised racial mass murder of Jews, Sinti, Roma, and other minorities. Both documents recognise only the equality of people without exception. That must also apply for the parties to the conflict in the Near East."
By Jack Clegg, November 17, 2006 at 9:44 am Link to this comment
As long as America is seen as the supporting structure for Israel, the Arab states and their people will never see America as a friend but will see us as the enemy. Israel doesn't care one lick about us, but uses us as a supporter, a defender and even a lightening rod. We supply them the weapons. We are always one sided at the UN. We take on their enemies. To the Arab nations, Israel and the U.S. are one. A more even-handed approach could possibly reduce the hate of Islamic fundamentalists towards us and their desire to kill us.
By Tony Wicher, November 16, 2006 at 11:36 pm Link to this comment
Reply Comment #38323 by Kwagmyre on 11/16 at 9:33 am
Kwag and Justice,
This particular discussion may have died down, but the idea which we have been supporting, vis., a new peace initiative for a multi-ethnic democracy in the Israel, is what must be kept alive and spread. Now is the time for this idea. The Democrats are looking for a new idea. This has to be the one. How do we get to them? How do we put a bug in the ear of leading Democrats? Anybody you know able to buttonhole Bill Clinton for an hour or so? For now, we can keep checking back here in case there are any interesting new posts, and also look around the Truthdig site for other interesting digs and discussions on this or related topics.
By Tony Wicher, November 16, 2006 at 11:25 pm Link to this comment
Reply to Comment #38254 by Ken Schreier on 11/15 at 6:27 pm
Thank you for being a part of this discussion. May we see eye to eye and find peace together.
By Justice4All, November 16, 2006 at 12:55 pm Link to this comment
Comment #38323 by Kwagmyre
Maybe some can refer us to other challenging forums we can participate in.
By Justice4All, November 16, 2006 at 11:57 am Link to this comment
Comment #38276 by Tony Wicher
My sincere apologies. I guess I did not read it thoroughly.
By Kwagmyre, November 16, 2006 at 10:33 am Link to this comment
Well, with Ken now departed, this topic will run out of steam and we'd only have the like minded rational people posting. Don't know if that's enough to keep things alive.
If it is coming to an imminent end, just want to say it's been a pleasure sharing sentiments with the rest.
By Tony Wicher, November 16, 2006 at 1:03 am Link to this comment
Reply to Comment #38071 by Justice4All on 11/14 at 8:39 pm
I have not been posting lately because I realized that those psychopaths are not even worth my time. One thing, however, caught my attention in this blatant post by Ken:
Yes, Kwaggy, in my book God does not play favorites either. That is because we are modern, civililized people. Our religion is more advanced. Of course, there are plenty of Jews who practice a form of Judaism that is perfectly consistent with modern civilization. Those are the Jews that must drag there bretheren into the 21st century. My strategy is for the United States to give them a push.
Well if you read your post again, you realize that you are nothing but a racist, xenophobic bigot who has no place in a modern civilized world. You and your likes are blinded with bigotry and insularity and should be placed in some sort of a mental institution. Thanks to information technology and the internet because it exposes bigots like you. You cannot hide from yourself anymore!!
Justice4all: I completely agree with your sentiments. However, the quote you attributed to Ken was written by me. What I meant was that you and I, Kwaggy, are modern, civilized people, whatever religion we practice, if any. To us, Joshua was a warlord and what the Jews did to the inhabitants of the land was genocide. But hey, that's how they did things in those days, I guess. As the human race progresses, their religion and their god become more civilized. Obviously, nowadays no particular people or nation or religion can claim that God is on their side without being a laughingstock. Relgion and its god or gods nowadays belongs to the whole human race. I am just making fun of Ken for being a fundamentalist. I'm just saying that there are plenty of modern, civilized Jews, some religious, some secular, who are not throwbacks or reactionaries, and not in thrall to this pernicious idea of "Jewish self-defense", and I am expressing the hope that these good people will somehow prevail over their atavistic bretheren. Are we in sync?
By Ken Schreier, November 15, 2006 at 7:27 pm Link to this comment
Well Frank Goodman, Sr. - Time for me to leave this discussion !
By Kwagmyre, November 15, 2006 at 2:34 pm Link to this comment
Posted by Robert #38149:
"Here is a book for you to read written by Norman Finkelstein, Beyond Chutzpah: On the Misuse of Anti-Semitism and the Abuse of History."
Well, then that makes two books for Ken to become "enlighted" by. Again I would unequivocally recommend his reading "One Country" so he is presented with this opportunity to conceivably expand his perspective on the situation there.
By Robert, November 15, 2006 at 9:40 am Link to this comment
Re: Comment #38068 Ken Schreier on 11/14
"I have given you the pleasure of my insights and I will no longer respond to your foolish comments!"
If you are familiar with Israel's policy / law regarding Christianity, the comments & facts (#38060) that I placed on this forum yesterday, 11/14/2006 are the TRUTH.
It looks like you deliberately avoided to reply specifically or refute them. Why?
I think that everyone on this forum knows that your refusal to aknowledge & refute my facts directly reflects your position & reply.
Avoiding the TRUTH is a sign of mental weakness…and other mental disorders!!!
Tell the TRUTH if you are capable of it!
If you were an IDF enlistment, you would shoot & kill Palestinian children just simply for throwing stones at their brutal occupiers.
Your statement "I have given you the pleasure of my insights…etc" is a symptom of a Bi-Polar disorder.
Ken…you are a zionist fanatic who would lie compulsively and cry "anti-semitism" to silence the TRUTH about your "terrorist state of Israel."
Here is a book for you to read written by Norman Finkelstein, "Beyond Chutzpah": On the Misuse of Anti-Semitism and the Abuse of History.
Ken…just keep foaming at the mouth just like you have been on this forum!!!
By Frank Goodman, Sr., November 15, 2006 at 7:08 am Link to this comment
Re: Comment #38068 by Ken Schreier on 11/14
In your comment to Robert you referred to me as an 'atheist'. By definition, an atheist is one who does not believe in God. Note that I am not afraid to say God. You are so much in fear of God that you distort the spelling of the name. I suggest that you just refer to God as Hashem. At least it gives a spelling that can be pronounced. It also fulfills your fear of saying God out loud.
When I use the name of the deity, I use a meaningful word, though I have my own relationship with The God Almighty over all that is, was, or ever will be. Truth is God. I suppose if I were afraid of God, I would put it thus: "T___h is G_d."
I recognize that you have a damn good reason to fear God. As a Jew, you have come under the wrath of God like so many Jews have since they were referred to as the Children of Israel. Children they are. I am an aging parent who has many children, grandchildren and some great grandchildren. Children are children. As a term meaning immature people who need protection from their dangerous inattention to truth and consequences, it fits you perfectly. So, you are one of the Children of Israel. As a term meaning the adult offspring of older and wiser adults, I take it that you are much younger than I.
Take my hand, son, and I will lead you to the throne of God, who is the master of Truth. Zionism is wrong. Killing people to clear them from your path is against the obvious will of God.
As I was growing up, my parents gave me gifts. Gifts on my birthday, gifts on Christmas, gifts just out of the blue to show that they loved me. I did not understand it at the time, that that they bribed me to be good and to deserve the gifts that they gave me. God gave Abraham a gift. It was a promised land. Not a particular land as he lead himself to believe. The land flowing with milk and honey did not exist on the planet. It was a promised land that would be the entire planet if people could learn to live together in cooperation and peace. The burden was placed upon Abraham to bring the promise into being.
Abraham and all his followers searched for the Promised Land which was a land without people for a people without land. Everywhere, he found people. He fought them and tried to kill enough of them to make a Promised Land for himself. He failed each time. The Jews failed to keep the Promised Land after the Exodus. They were so selfish that they were thrown out time and again. Some tried to establish in foreign lands, but could not cooperate with the natives. They were kept in their place or chose to hide in ghettos so that They had only Jews to wake up to each morning. The wrath of God came down on them repeatedly, until the Holocaust. Western civilization decided to make a ghetto state out Palestine and isolate the Jews so that they would not disturb the rest of the civilized world with their holier than us attitude. They went back to the land Abraham tried to conquer many years ago and where Joshua fought the battle of Jerico. Where famine in the land flowing with milk and honey drove them into indentured slavery for several generations in Egypt.
To make a long story short in the interest of the concerns of the censors, uh 'moderators'. I am not an atheist.
By Behemoth101, November 15, 2006 at 12:06 am Link to this comment
Like moths to a flame, these Pharisaic Phalanx-niks can't help but betray their plans by occident!
Desperation has put the backwards neo-Zealot outpost in an ideological pickle - sure it takes power, but does it do so NOT at the expense of the very religion it claims to protect?
Check out my post for the predictable truth we all saw coming - Sinister Semitic Shlock-artists and the Slime they Sell!
By Geronimo, November 14, 2006 at 10:29 pm Link to this comment
re: Comment #38054 by Qwagmyre
Wishful thinking only if one does nothing to bring this about. Reality the instant one sees to it.
By Justice4All, November 14, 2006 at 9:57 pm Link to this comment
Forgot to mention that I salute Tony, Frank, Robert, Kwagmyre, Geronimo and Fadel for their perseverance and resilience. Thank you.
All the best!!!
Sorry if I missed anyone.
By Justice4All, November 14, 2006 at 9:39 pm Link to this comment
It looks like we are stuck with pathetic psychos on this forum. First comes Larry then Barry then this whats his name Ken.
I have not been posting lately because I realized that those psychopaths are not even worth my time. One thing, however, caught my attention in this blatant post by Ken:
Yes, Kwaggy, in my book God does not play favorites either. That is because we are modern, civililized people. Our religion is more advanced. Of course, there are plenty of Jews who practice a form of Judaism that is perfectly consistent with modern civilization. Those are the Jews that must drag there bretheren into the 21st century. My strategy is for the United States to give them a push.
Well if you read your post again, you realize that you are nothing but a racist, xenophobic bigot who has no place in a modern civilized world. You and your likes are blinded with bigotry and insularity and should be placed in some sort of a mental institution. Thanks to information technology and the internet because it exposes bigots like you. You cannot hide from yourself anymore!!
By Ken Schreier, November 14, 2006 at 9:00 pm Link to this comment
Response to Robert: Comment#38060
Full of hot air are you !
By Robert, November 14, 2006 at 7:48 pm Link to this comment
Re: Ken Schreier comment #37898 on 11/13
"It is the holy bible that teaches us to love thy neighbor as thy self!"
"Jews & Christians believe that Judgement day will reveal the truth of the bible's teachings to the peoples of the earth!"
Oh I see…Ken wants to re-route us & wants to set a new agenda topic on this forum.
Now he wants to talk about Judeo/Christian values. He is trying to take the "high moral" route to improve his cosmetic appeal (his new approach) to the people on this forum.
Ken…if zionist Jews believe in the holy bible & its teachings & that Jews & Christians beliefs are close & similar, then why are the following facts are law / policy in your zionist Jewish state of Israel?
- In Israel a Christian is permitted to preach the gospel in a church building, but for the clergy or anyone to even tell one about the teachings in the Bible outside the church will bring a 5 year prison sentence.
- For a Christian to give a Bible or a religious article or even an act of kindness toward a Jew, such as giving a gift of food, can be interpreted as trying to convert a Jew to Christianity and can bring a 5 year prison sentence.
- It is illegal for a Jewish woman to marry a Christian man or a Jewish man to marry a Christian woman. The marriage is not recognized & its against the law.
Israel is a theocratic state and a democracy for Jews only! Israel has no constitution, but makes and changes it laws for the benefit of Jews only!
Christian & Moslem citizens of Israel are third & fourth class citizens. They do not have the same opportunities and protections as Jews.
Just go & see how they are treated in Tel Aviv airport and other places in Israel. Their humiliations by the Israeli personnel are palpable & sinful.
By Kwagmyre, November 14, 2006 at 6:51 pm Link to this comment
Posted by Geronimo #38009:
"If we really cared about whats happening in the MIddle East, wed be seeing to it that a just peace agreement between the Palestinian people and the Jewish settlers is arrived at (& STAT), because then therell be no war no more, nowhere, not even one."
Certainly so, but as long as the likes of Ken dictate the thinking and policies of the Zionists in Israel, I'm afraid that's only wishful thinking.
Incidentally for anyone who hasn't already read "One Country" by Ali Abunimah, I heartily recommend. I'm about half way through it now.
This recommendation naturally goes out to Ken as well.
By Ken Schreier, November 14, 2006 at 4:47 pm Link to this comment
To Frank Goodman & his followers:
Well Frank, I gave you my views in comment#37898.
Sholom my friend !
By Geronimo, November 14, 2006 at 1:33 pm Link to this comment
If we really cared about what's happening in the MIddle East, we'd be seeing to it that a just peace agreement between the Palestinian people and the Jewish settlers is arrived at (& STAT), because then there'll be no war no more, nowhere, not even one.
By Tony Wicher, November 13, 2006 at 8:50 pm Link to this comment
Reply to Comment #37896 by Kwagmyre on 11/13 at 4:34 pm
Kwaggy said: "And yet, as that recent Gay event unequivocally demonstrated, the Ultra-Orthodox are certainly a force to be reckoned with(since they got the parade banned and the event was held at an outdoor sports arena). Thats why many posts ago, I referred to Israel as a theocracy bearing in mind this very influence but didnt know until it was then pointed out, that Israel is more fundamentally speaking a secular state, the Orthodox influence notwithstanding."
My reply:
Yeah, it's deceptive, isn't it? What are these people? That's what I want to know. I don't think they know. That's just the problem. Their identity is confused. Are they secular or are they not? Either way, their position is untenable. If they are an ancient and primitive people, such as Joshua led the first time they marched into the area, slaughtering as they went, and they really believe in all that stuff with the Ark, even to this very day, well, then they are some kind of religious fundamentalists. I'm sure Ken believes every word of it. If I had a time machine I would send him back to Joshua's time and he could have a fine time slaughtering the innocent inhabitants of the place without a qualm of conscience.
Yes, Kwaggy, in my book God does not play favorites either. That is because we are modern, civililized people. Our religion is more advanced. Of course, there are plenty of Jews who practice a form of Judaism that is perfectly consistent with modern civilization. Those are the Jews that must drag there bretheren into the 21st century. My strategy is for the United States to give them a push.
By Frank Goodman, Sr., November 13, 2006 at 8:25 pm Link to this comment
Re: Comment #37811 by Robert on 11/12
Robert, let up on Ken. He is doing our work for us. We cannot possibly appear as credible as he does, when he represents the worst of the advocates for the Apartheid Israel. Keep him stirred up, but don't drive him away. He is our guard dog. He is the hornet's nest in the drive way. The mad dog foaming at the mouth.
I used to get my lessons across to my children by giving them a personality as the 'bad example'. It worked. I nominate Ken as the 'bad example'. He can show our lesson better than we can. All we have to do is remain decent and accurate. He will distort the accurate and malign the decency of Palestinians.
By Robert, November 13, 2006 at 8:04 pm Link to this comment
Here is a video from Youtube.com; its about Israeli soldiers speaking out about the horrors and destruction that the IDF cause on the Palestinians. These soldiers are telling the truth to their parents, Israelis and the rest of the world regarding what the Israeli army is doing to the Palestinian people, their homes, property, cities, towns, villages…these soldiers could not hold it in any longer. They dared to speak out and tell the truth about Israel's IDF policy of bloody murders of Palestinian civilians & other crimes.
Ken….you can watch this video too. Tell us if these IDF soldiers are telling the TRUTH OR NOT !!!
Here is the link:
By Ken Schreier, November 13, 2006 at 5:37 pm Link to this comment
To Frank Goodman, Sr.
" Bring it on", how childish Frank !
Take care - G-d Bless !
By Kwagmyre, November 13, 2006 at 5:34 pm Link to this comment
Posted by Tony Wicher, #37865:
"After all, Israelis are, as Rabbi Lerner puts it, vehemently secular. They claim to be a secular liberal democracy."
And yet, as that recent Gay event unequivocally demonstrated, the Ultra-Orthodox are certainly a force to be reckoned with(since they got the parade banned and the event was held at an outdoor sports arena). That's why many posts ago, I referred to Israel as a theocracy bearing in mind this very influence but didn't know until it was then pointed out, that Israel is more fundamentally speaking a "secular" state, the Orthodox influence notwithstanding.
But one comment to Ken while I'm posting now. I don't care how vociferously he rants and raves about the Bible or Torah decrees for Jews and the "promised land" because in my book GOD DOES NOT PLAY FAVORITES! So this would also apply to the Islamic fundamentalists invoking Allah to justify terrorist acts as well.
By Tony Wicher, November 13, 2006 at 12:31 pm Link to this comment
Reply to Comment #37848 by Frank Goodman, Sr. on 11/13 at 7:46 am
By Frank Goodman, Sr., November 13, 2006 at 8:46 am Link to this comment
Re: Comment #37739 by Ken Schreier on 11/12
OK Ken, since most of the rest have given up on you, I am now your nemesis. Come on! Let us go at it.
I am on the side of democracy, decency, cooperation, human rights, and a One State Solution to the Palestine situation. I am for freedom of religion, personal freedom, rights and law and order. I am against a state run by religion or certain political concepts. I am against dictatorial powers, religious and political fanatics of all brands. I am against your position on Palestine.
Israel has no inherent right to exist. Palestine has no inherent right to exist. United States of America has no inherent right to exist. I have purposely included your state, a state for your opponent and my own state. Any state that does exist, truly exists. The state of Israel exists, the state of Germany exists and did exist under Hitler. The United States does exist with the threat of fascist take over. Israel is already in the throes of racist and religious bigotry of the worst kind. Hamas is not a state, but has advanced some pretty good democratic principles in its attempt to lead the people of Palestine to freedom and human rights. I have no way to know if Hamas as an Islamist party could embrace true democratic principles. I know that Israel embraces true democratic principles, but does not practice them. I know that Israel officially expects that the religion of the Jews will dominate everyone else's rights.
As I have said before in this space, I oppose Zionism, Fascism, Communism, and Islamism. I also oppose any attempt by any religion to take over any democratic state. Though I believe in and practice freedom of religion and politics, I oppose the fanatics who would distort democracy beyond recognition like Zionism does.
You are on the wrong side of history. You are on the wrong side of politics. You are on the wrong side of religion. And you are on the wrong side of reason. But, please keep posting your lies and distortions. Please keep your ugly ideas out in the open. We do not want them hidden behind a democratic facade like Nazism was in Germany. Agendas like yours are insidious and dangerous to the world when hidden behind legitimate concerns for freedom and justice only to have the fabric of human rights ripped away when they come to power.
Use all your persuasive power to present the monster that is Zionism to the world. The more people know about it from your mouth, the better they can resists the stupidity of your position. Please answer this with the full weight of your best arguments and threats. Bring it on!
By Robert, November 12, 2006 at 8:34 pm Link to this comment
Re: Ken Schreier's Foaming At The Mouth.
Hey Ken…what ailes you? It seems that you can't take the truth at all. Your brain & soul are so infected with zionist propaganda that you can't seem to focus on common logic.
You are trying to spew your "moral preaching" at us, but you are not practicing what you are trying to preach.
Which of the commandments do you believe in & honor? Some or all them?
You are trying to throw those common zionist's tactics to silence free speech on this forum by crying "anti-semitism" to quiet anyone who attempts to expose any of the zionist jews/Israel's subversive acts & brutal occupation of the Palestinians.
This forum's information is starting to reach many people, so you are resorting to ridicule the information and the persons giving the information.
Ken… your methods & tactics are NOT going to work on the good people of this forum & the ones who are following the more that 800 comments.
Have you heard of Israel Shahak, Norman Finkelstein, Uri Avneri, Noam Chomsky, Stanley Cohen, Jennifer Lowenstein…and many more respected Jews in the eyes of good people?
Are the above mentioned academic names lying when they write & discuss facts/truth about the Israel/Palestine conflict?
Have you donated any money (tax deductible) to AIPAC & other zionist organizations?
I just wonder if you still praise the United States when the American people will push their elected officials to make Israel abide & honor UN resolutions 242 & 338?
Will you still praise America when the $3-5 billion dollars per year of American tax payer's aid to Israel is halted because Israel refuses to comply with UN resolutions & International law?
This is the Internet & people are free to write about TRUTH & JUSTICE of oppressed people. This is not the zionist's controled mainstream news media…where information is almost always is biased towards Israel.
You can keep spewing your hate of human rights, Justice for mankind, Palestinians, Arabs, Islamists, Academics truth…and on and on.
I must tell you that you have made a damn fool of yourself on this forum.
By Kwagmyre, November 12, 2006 at 8:30 pm Link to this comment
Post #37683 by Frank:
First off. It is very fortunate that I know many Jews who are for peace and against the terrible crimes committed by Zionists in the take over of the land that belongs to the Palestinians.
Yes, I'm one such Jew in fact. It's only been in recent months that I experienced something of a change of heart regarding Israel. I was never that much of a Zionist to begin with(not that religious either). But the more I became informed about events there, the more opposed to the Zionist position I became. In fact a few weeks ago, I logged onto a link provided by Spinoza(I think)and signed a statement along with a thousand or more fellow Jews to protest Israel's policies.
So, Ken, go ahead and accuse me of being a self-hating Jew and see where it gets you!
By Ken Schreier, November 12, 2006 at 8:12 pm Link to this comment
To Frank Goodman, Sr.
You are back spreading your garbage talk about Zionism !
By Ken Schreier, November 12, 2006 at 5:49 pm Link to this comment
Dear Fadel Abdullah:
Contrary to the other people on this site who know nothing about me , I am truly sorry for your loss ! It is horrible to lose people you love who were caught in the crossfire of a situation they are helpless to stop !
By Tony Wicher, November 12, 2006 at 12:28 pm Link to this comment
Further Reply to Comment #37672 by Ken Schreier on 11/11 at 4:56 pm
Ken, I tell you what else I am going to do besides subject you to public execration: I am going to send your so-called apology, together with my response, to Rabbi Michael Lerner. He may not feel that he is in a position to respond, but I do have the feeling he is following this discussion. I don't know what he thinks. He has not said. Let him be the judge. Isn't this statement of Ken's the most disgusting crap you ever heard, Michael? Can you find any redeeming qualities in this guy? Can he possibly really mean what he is saying? Is there anything you could say to him?
OK, OK, I will try to be dispassionate. I will still suppose that no matter what he says, Ken is still here in this forum seeking guidance. A dybbuk has him. It needs to be exorcised. Somewhere down there covered by black clouds of hate and fear there is still a human being crying for help. The demon is trying to destroy our peace effort, and cause Fadel to lose all control and nuke everything, but somewhere down there is a Ken who would be with us if only the scales were torn from this eyes. OK, Rabbi? Ken does not see the moral odiousness of his position, but that's nothing special. This way of looking at things justifies war throughout the world. It is Bush's view. It is the view of those who organize Islamic terrorism. It is the Nazi's view. It is a very common view. It makes the whole world morally odious. If the world does not turn away from this view, I think even God's patience may have limits.
By Kwagmyre, November 12, 2006 at 10:15 am Link to this comment
Tony #37703 posts with:
Ken, do you hear me? I love Jews, but Im really, really starting to hate you. I cant help it. Ive tried to be friendly, Ive tried to be kind, but you have crossed my limits. You are such a phony. Your apology is a piece of crap. As far as I am concerned, unless you change your tone drastically, I will no longer respond to your posts, and I urge the serious contributers to this forum to do the same. If you cannot understand why I am saying this, may God help you. I certainly cant.
I could see right at the outset with his first post that trouble lied ahead in Dodge City. It's bad enough having a Firebrand Fundamentalist on board but when he persists so doggedly with his own blatantly intolerant agenda then all hope for some sort of "reasoned" discourse is completely gone.
He's not even worth poking fun of anymore as I did in a previous post(not that that accomplished anything anyway which I really didn't intend it to doing).
By Fadel Abdallah, November 12, 2006 at 10:06 am Link to this comment
To Tony Wicher, Comment 37703
Thank you, dear Tony, for your response to Mr. Ken Scheier's comment. After reading his comment I found myself at loss of how to respond to someone who says sorry, yet, at the same time, blames the victims. Therefore, I decided not to respond. In fact, you clearly said what I would have said myself if I found myself motivated to respond. Therefore, my response to you is an indirect response to Mr. Scheier.
However, I honestly feel so depressed to the point that I have given up on the hope for peace. If it was a matter of Ken Scheier's types, I would bear with patience till we come to terms. However, when the misguided U.S. policies prompt it to cast, for the one thousand times, a veto in the Security Council condemning Israel, then I think you would understand why I feel hopeless.
Simply stated, it's not Ken Scheier's types who are the main problem to peace; it's rather the U.S. Zionist-controlled politics and policies in support of Israel's state-sponsored terrorism that are at the heart of this continued tragic situation. The problem is more than a conflict between Palestinians and Jews; it's a conflict between the invisible merchants of death, with the power of their money and weapons of mass destruction, and two helpless and oppressed semitic people (Palestinians and Jews), who are used as pawns in the hands of those merchants of death because they happened to be living in an area of vital strategic importance which serves as a gateway to control the whole region and its politics.
I honorably accept my defeat as a warrior for peace and as a pacifist, and for the rest of my disilusioned years on earth I only hope and pray for the absence of wars and the absence of new massacres in this troubled land which the accident of birth made it my homeland.
By Ken Schreier, November 12, 2006 at 9:40 am Link to this comment
Oh Wicher :
Don't give me that bull about loving Jews !
By Ken Schreier, November 12, 2006 at 9:10 am Link to this comment
To Tony Wicher:
If you believe that Hamas was freely elected without the fear of reprisals against the arab population that live in the West Bank & Gaza, you are a lost cause !
By Tony Wicher, November 12, 2006 at 12:58 am Link to this comment
"Reply to Comment #37672 by Ken Schreier on 11/11 at 4:56 pm"
To Fadel Abdullah:
Sorry for your lost relatives !
G-d comfort you in your time of mourning !"
What are we going to do, folks? Ken just keeps piling it on. First he supports the murderous Zionist policies that murders Fadel's relatives, and then tells Fadel he is sorry, but their death was not Kens's fault; it was the fault of Fadel and the Palestinian people for "allowing Hamas terrorists to take over". As I recall, Hamas was democratically elected in an election which everyone praised as fair. Your statement here really just takes the cake. I'm speechless. Fadel must be sitting over there wondering why anybody would be against nuking such a loathsome piece of slime. Ken, do you hear me? I love Jews, but I'm really, really starting to hate you. I can't help it. I've tried to be friendly, I've tried to be kind, but you have crossed my limits. You are such a phony. Your "apology" is a piece of crap. As far as I am concerned, unless you change your tone drastically, I will no longer respond to your posts, and I urge the serious contributers to this forum to do the same. If you cannot understand why I am saying this, may God help you. I certainly can't.
By Frank Goodman, Sr., November 11, 2006 at 8:26 pm Link to this comment
Re: Comment #37669 by Ken Schreier on 11/11
First off. It is very fortunate that I know many Jews who are for peace and against the terrible crimes committed by Zionists in the take over of the land that belongs to the Palestinians. I know many Jewish American organizations who oppose the building of Jewish settlements in the occupied Palestine. I read many Jewish scholars and journalists who understand the issues much better than you do. I doubt that you read the appeal from Ahmed Yousef that I posted on this site several days ago. (Comment #35957 by Frank Goodman, Sr. on 11/01) Jews in the occupation are the killers of women and children. Witness Biet Hanoun on November 9th. (Comment #37622 by Fadel Abdallah on 11/11)
You and all your Zionist land pirates need a lesson in history of violence of your kind. Insurgencies on the side of justice and human rights have a way of ending a win for human rights. The Zionist and Nazi brand of fascism does not win. Even a milder form of injustice like apartheid in South Africa lost to the insurgents. The American insurgent movement called our Civil War ended in the freeing of the slaves and the end of slavery in my country. It is a shame how you and the leaders of your butcher state can lie to the world and the world is so ashamed of the Hitler episode and the anti-Semitism of America that they are afraid of being called anti-Semitic if they criticize the butchers of Hanoun. John Bolton in the United Nations cast the American veto of the resolution against Israel, saying that it was political. What kind of bull shit is that. Women and children killed by the IDF butchers is "political"? That is all they can say about the continuing human rights violations by the worst butcher state in the world? My country, the home of freedom and justice where we have fought many battles for political, civil, and human rights since the founding, has sunk to a new low under the burden of the ZOA and AIPAC campaign to buy our politicians using the money that started out as American tax payers money. The AIPAC and ZOA are even classed as organizations that have tax free status for donors. None of our political parties or purely political organizations have that status.
But you do us a great favor by splashing your filthy lies on these pages for the world to see. Any decent human being who reads the appeal by Fadel Abdullah, Tony Wicher, and myself, as well as many others, for peace and an end to the Zionist plan to take the rest Palestine for a Greater Israel, can easily make up his mind as who is truly for peace and human rights. Now that Olmert has another butcher, Lieberman, in his government, he is poised to carry out the transfer plan and kick the rest of the Arabs out of Israel and Palestine.
When Jews of the world wake up and understand that their peace depends upon the peace of the Arab world and especially the Palestinians, we will have a movement toward peace in that sorry land. It started with Rabin, but he was shot by a fanatic like yourself who did not and still does not understand what peaceful living is all about.
I urge anyone who has not read all the entries by Ken and his cohorts in this site, to do so. Compare the tone of their comments with those of Robert, Tony Wicher, Fadel Abdullah, myself and those who write under other than their own names for the sake of peace and human cooperation. Note the blood thirsty tone of the likes of Ken and his cohorts. Ask yourself who you would rather live with as neighbors on this planet.
By Ken Schreier, November 11, 2006 at 5:56 pm Link to this comment
To Fadel Abdullah:
Sorry for your lost relatives !
G-d comfort you in your time of mourning !
By Ken Schreier, November 11, 2006 at 5:35 pm Link to this comment
The anti-Jewish lobby is at it again !
By Geronimo, November 11, 2006 at 12:59 pm Link to this comment
re: Comment #37582 by Tony Wicher
What will bring about a "sea change" in Israeli public opinion? A sudden awakening, that's what. That there can be no war no more, nowhere, never, not even one. And that the way to attain this is by working things out for the good and welfare of one and all, nobody left out, and with everyone being of equal importance in the total scheme of things. Plus the realization that seeing to this in the Middle East is gonna change the world and nice going in advance.
By Frank Goodman, Sr., November 11, 2006 at 10:59 am Link to this comment
A simple road to Middle East peace
By Zahi Khouri
More than two decades ago, I had the honor to speak about Palestinian/Israeli peace on a panel with former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. Although much has changed in the region since then, I could give nearly the same talk today. The requirements for peace and the benefits to be gained remain the same.
The need for American leadership in the pursuit of peace has only increased. In his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Monday, President Bush should use his influence to ensure that we do not go another two decades without it.
While peace has remained elusive, the solution is quite simple. Two peoples live in the same land. Some 5 million Jewish Israelis enjoy the full range of rights accorded to citizens of any democracy. And roughly 5 million Christian and Muslim Palestinians live either as second- class citizens in Israel, or in the Occupied Territories where they enjoy virtually no rights where every aspect of their lives is controlled by a foreign army and their land and resources are systematically taken for the use of Jewish settlers.
This inequality is untenable. Palestinians must either be granted the same rights as Jewish Israelis or must be freed from foreign rule and left to govern their own affairs.
In 1993, the United States brokered the Oslo Peace Accords. They were supposed to have ended Israel's military occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem along with the removal of Israeli settlements built illegally on Palestinian land.
The accords offered hope. Many Palestinian Americans returned to Palestine to invest in businesses. I did that in 1996, when I launched the Coca-Cola franchise there. I also formed, with European and Israeli businesspeople, the Palestine International Business Forum. We hoped to bolster this new political agreement with economic cooperation that could benefit both Palestinians and Israelis.
New economic opportunities could turn Palestinian despair into hope. We had visions of tourists streaming into the Palestinian city of Bethlehem to see where Christ was born. We hoped Gaza could one day become another Mediterranean vacation destination, welcoming Arabs, Israelis and others alike.
Instead, Israel doubled the number of settlers living on Palestinian land during the Oslo years. And settlements are still expanding. Israel's apartheid wall, deemed illegal by the International Court of Justice in 2004, continues to be built on confiscated Palestinian land. It solidifies Israel's control of vital parts of the West Bank including many of the most valuable aquifers, and incorporates nearly 87 percent of Israel's settler population.
Thousands of Palestinians are trapped between the wall and the state of Israel, separated from their jobs, schools and places of worship. They must obtain permits simply to remain in their homes while Jews from anywhere in the world may immigrate at will and live in illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
Olmert is intent on pursuing this unilateral path of destruction. He seems not to have learned the lesson of Lebanon: Military aggression and unilateralism do not lead to peace. He remains determined to expand settlements and continue construction of the wall. His newest colleague, Deputy Prime Minister Avigdor Lieberman, advocates various forms of transfer of the Palestinians.
We have seen the results of unilateralism. Israel unilaterally withdrew its settlers and soldiers from Gaza more than a year ago. Yet Israel still rules the lives of Palestinians there. It continues to control Gaza's borders, airspace and coastline, determining everything that gets in or out. Its stranglehold on Gaza led United Nations Envoy John Dugard to say, Gaza is a prison and Israel seems to have thrown away the key.
Today, Gaza suffers more than 45 percent unemployment, and two-thirds of its 1.5 million residents live below the poverty line with less than $2 per day. If the fate of Gaza is any indication of what lies in store for the West Bank, we are destined for decades more of conflict.
America alone has the influence to push for a peace accord that would allow both Palestinians and Israelis to live normal lives and to thrive in harmony with each other. American policy can no longer condone Israeli actions that betray American values. Supporting freedom and equal rights for the Palestinians would benefit us all Palestinians, Israelis and Americans. President Bush has an opportunity in his meeting with Olmert to hasten a peaceful solution that would end the suffering on all sides.
Let us hope he does not squander it.
- Khouri is CEO of the Palestinian National Beverage Co., the West Bank and Gaza's Coca- Cola franchise. He is chairman of the Palestine International Business Forum and chairs the largest Palestinian nongovernment agency, the NGO Development Center, in association with the World Bank.
Find this article at:
By Julia Glifford, November 11, 2006 at 9:07 am Link to this comment
Israel is in demographic meltdown. That's why 9/11 was concocted. THAT's why the neocons gave up on Clinton and put their money into the GOP.
Now that money is being dumped into the Democratic party. But for the same reasons. More Jews on Capital hill [a record number] thumping for MORE war on Islam.
What, you say? MORE WAR?? from the anti war left?
You just watch. Rahm Emmanuel is a JEW, first and an American somewhere very very far down the list.
This defeat had NOTHING to do with peace. The money and support [from Jewish media] was withdrawn from the GOP because they FLINCHED at bombing Iran.
Dems will concoct reasons to continue the war of their masters. Jewish masters. You and me? - we supply the bodies. 5000 years and we have learned nothing of these monsters.
America is Sobibor West - with a Jew in every watchtower.
By Fadel Abdallah, November 11, 2006 at 8:17 am Link to this comment
Israel and the U.S. served in the past as midwives for two Indifadas, where children with their little stones facing Israel's weapons of mass destruction were the dominant images of these uprisings. Two days ago, Israel and the U.S. served as midwives for a third unique type of Intifada one can call "The Intifadah of Palestinian Women." Coward Israeli and American politicians should be ashamed that they have to brutally face defenseless Palestinian women with their weapons of mass destruction. Read the following piece and face your responsibility in doing something to stop the American-supported Israeli terrorism!
"The lesson the world should learn from Beit Hanoun last week is that Palestinians will never relinquish our land, towns and villages. We will not surrender our legitimate rights for a piece of bread or handful of rice. The women of Palestine will resist this monstrous occupation imposed on us at gunpoint, siege and starvation.
By Jameela al-Shanti in Beit Hanoun
The unarmed women of the Gaza Strip have taken the lead in resisting Israel's latest bloody assault
Yesterday at dawn, the Israeli air force bombed and destroyed my home. I was the target, but instead the attack killed my sister-in-law, Nahla, a widow with eight children in her care. In the same raid Israel's artillery shelled a residential district in the town of Beit Hanoun in the Gaza Strip, leaving 19 dead and 40 injured, many killed in their beds. One family, the Athamnas, lost 16 members in the massacre: the oldest who died, Fatima, was 70; the youngest, Dima, was one; seven were children. The death toll in Beit Hanoun has passed 90 in one week.
By Tony Wicher, November 10, 2006 at 8:25 pm Link to this comment
Further reply to Reply to Comment #37384 by Geronimo on 11/09 at 4:15 pm
Here is the next part of the "grand strategy" for a peace initiative that is hatching. Right now it seems that Israeli public opinion is hopelessly against any such thing as giving up on the idea of a Jewish state and entering the 21st century as a multi-ethnic democracy. Those Jews are an old and stubborn people, I tell you! What, I ask you, might cause a "sea change" in Israeli public opinion? Consider: at this point the whole world hates them. Their only friend was Bush, who is now the laughingstock of the world because of Iraq (along with everything else he's done). Their weapons and their army and their technology avail them nothing. The world sees through them. Bush and Israel are both emperors with no clothes. What are the Israelis to do? Here is my answer:
There is a peace group known as Abraham's Way. I know some of the people involved in it. The most interesting thing about them is that they were recently supported by Bill Clinton in his speech about his "Global Initiative" You can listen to the speech at
Abraham's Way can speak to President Clinton about this multi-ethnic secular democracic solution for Israel/Palestine. It can be presented to him as the all-American compromise that can be the center of a new Democratic peace initiative. He can be shown that this is in the very greatest Democratic tradition, which he most admires - the civil rights movement of the early sixties, before Johnson got the U.S. into the damned Vietnam War and everything went sour. This time, its not Johnson's war, not the Democrats war. It's Bush's war. It's a Republican war. The Democrats can be the real party of peace this time. They can represent all that is great about America, to which the world still looks for leadership in these terrible times. You see what I am saying? This can happen. We can make it happen.
By Robert, November 10, 2006 at 8:19 pm Link to this comment
Where is the un-biased news coverage from our US mainstream news media? Who dares to speak out or show any of these pictures?
By Tony Wicher, November 10, 2006 at 7:54 pm Link to this comment
Reply to Comment #37384 by Geronimo on 11/09 at 4:15 pm
"Another way to bring peace to the Middle East is for the Jewish settlers and/or the Palestinians to renounce the use of violence and then, on the basis of mutual trust, for them to get together and work thinks out anew. Hows this going to bring about a just and peaceful settlement between two people that have been feuding ever since the Zionist state was hatched? No problem because whichever side renounces violence first, the other is sure to follow. How? By popular demand, thats how. "
Hey, Geronimo! I love this way of looking at it. Look, to begin with, we, the peacemakers in every camp, renounce violence. To begin with we are a minority, like the Naturae Karta Jews, or the Amish. We refuse to fight in anybody's army, like the early Christians did. We will not commit an unholy act of violence, to this we swear. Now we must grow our numbers until political processes such as elections in Israel will have a different outcome and leaders will be elected who will understand the problem as we are presenting it. Right now I think Hamas and the Palestinians are certainly closer to that understanding than the Israeli leaders. Israelis are really blinded by this idea of a Jewish state. Even the most stony-hearted of the Zionist leaders could be decent if this illusion could be removed from their sight. Israel rests on an illusion. It is an illusion. But we have reached the point in history where the light is dawning. The real Zion beckons.


text:
Before we get ahead of ourselves in 2012, let's take a look back at what we learned in 2011. The blog is a place for not only the occasional rant, but also new information and encouragement. Here are the top 5 blog posts from 2011. If you haven't read these yet, maybe take a look at them and see if you learn something new. Anyone else have any favorites?
1. What To Eat For A Paleo Breakfast
2. Stop Eating Dairy (At Least For A While)
3. Will I Lose Weight On Paleo Plan?
We can tell from these results that you guys are wondering if you can keep consuming your old favorites while still eating Paleo: beer, pizza, and milk anyone? And you're wondering whether or not you'll lose weight on this diet. Read the posts and find out! Happy 2012!
Pick up a copy of the Quickstart Guide and Paleo Challenge eBook today!
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One Comments
What a great list! That is pretty funny about the topics that seem to rise to the top!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Margibi County Flag
LLBA Local Branch Gets Interim Leadership
By Richard Baysah, LINA Margibi County Correspondent
KAKATA, May 25 (LINA) - The Margibi County branch of the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) has set up an interim leadership pending the election of a new corps of officers in August this year.
According to the Liberia News Agency, members of the LNBA Margibi branch named Attorney John Josiah as interim president, replacing Attorney David Bai, who has held the position for 14 years.
The local bar mandated Josiah to plan and organize activities leading to the elections.
Meanwhile, the Judge of the 13th Judicial Circuit Court in Margibi County is calling on members of the Margibi County Bar Association to get actively involved with the Association for its betterment.
Judge Mardea Tarr-Chenoweth said it was disheartening that members of the Association show no concern about its growth, but yet boast of "an abstract" local Bar Association.


text:
Installing a tile ceiling - lots of questions
I'm a total noob just getting started with lots of projects on a 200-year-old house, so forgive the basic questions here.
I've got a room with wallpaper on the ceiling and I think the best solution is to put tiles over it. (I stripped and re-finished the walls with joint compound but I'm not sure that's practical for the ceiling. Plus, tiles would look great.) I went to Home Depot who were happy to sell me these tiles but didn't provide any guidance on installation. So here are my questions:
1. Did they sell me decent tiles? I like the price (my enthusiasm for actual tin diminished when I saw how much they cost) but these seem like an anomaly since they are 1 ft x 1 ft and others seem to be 2x2 or 2x4 which might be easier to install.
2. What do I need to install them? I understand the general concept of laying out a grid with chalk line and adhering the tiles, but: (a) do I need to order any special type of adhesive? What works best? (b) do I need some type of clever strips to cover the joints or do these lock together nicely? (c) are there any tools I will need that I don't have on hand? I live pretty far from Home Depot or any other HW store and don't want to lose momentum because I need some random tool or tape.
3. How much of the wall paper do I need to strip off the ceiling before I glue up the tiles? I was hoping to use nail-up tiles but I think those are only expensive tin? Is that right? If I'm gluing up the tiles, can I simply scrape off the loose wallpaper and assume the rest is bonded pretty tightly to the plaster? How much do I need to get off?
4. Any other tips for someone who has never done this before?
Go to the manufacturers website for information on installation. I'm sure they have an 800 number too. I believe you'd be better off just putting another layer of drywall over what you've got unless you're into a big learning curve. I've never installed this product, but for 12"x12" tile on existing framing (normally 16" or 24" centers) you may need to add 1"x4" strapping on 12" centers for fastening the tiles. I'm just guessing the tile has to be stapled and/or glued to some type of backing to be solidly anchored. I don't think it's as easy as they made it sound. I agree it would look a lot nicer, but if you're not very experienced, it could be more than you want to undertake....
#1 If a box store employee suggest it, it's most likly wrong.
Exactly how do you plan on cleaning this in a bathroom?
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