Letters to the Editor
omooex
Published Letters: 1717 Editor's Choice: 5
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@Kovie
[Read the article: Majority of Israelis want to negotiate with Hamas]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]In regard to Obama not taking the debate I would refer you to this interesting piece from Electronic Intifada that I posted a little earlier
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article6619.shtml
Here's an excerpt I find particularly appropriate since it was written last year, when Obama was still voting like a senator.
"If disappointing, given his historically close relations to Palestinian-Americans, Obama's about-face is not surprising. He is merely doing what he thinks is necessary to get elected and he will continue doing it as long as it keeps him in power. Palestinian-Americans are in the same position as civil libertarians who watched with dismay as Obama voted to reauthorize the USA Patriot Act, or immigrant rights advocates who were horrified as he voted in favor of a Republican bill to authorize the construction of a 700-mile fence on the border with Mexico....
"...Only if enough people know what Obama and his competitors stand for, and organize to compel them to pay attention to their concerns can there be any hope of altering the disastrous course of US policy in the Middle East."
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Dirks
[Read the article: Majority of Israelis want to negotiate with Hamas]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Rhetoric is certainly important in that it creates a common identity. We on the left hue to a certain rhetoric, while the right has theirs. When Hillary Clinton proclaims that she will end the Iraq war, we know that this is bs. But that's our side talkin! When McCain claims that the surge is working, I imagine many on the right hold their chuckles. But that's their side.
I wouldn't vote for McCain, I might have voted for HIllary if she 'd gotten the shot. But we all know the reality; the US has committed itself to a presence in Iraq for a long time to come. If the Republicans win, they will dress it up. And if Democrats win, they'll try to mention it as infrequently as possible. But the reality remains.
Similarly with Israel. Barak and Rabin did not waddle around Israel trumpeting that they would hold onto settlements in perpetuity, but that was their plan anyway. Likud and Kadima with a much more racist discourse trumpet these intentions to the exclusion of explaining their economic plans--which no doubt hurt the very constituencies that are most central to their support.
There are differences between Dems and Repubs and Kadima, Likud, and Labor. I don't mean to sound absolutist. There are differences, on some issues. But for the US in Iraq and Israel in Palestine, they are few.
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Ditto that, Mr. Ash
[Read the article: Majority of Israelis want to negotiate with Hamas]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Why don't you just write the responses yourself, Gator?
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One last time...
[Read the article: Majority of Israelis want to negotiate with Hamas]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I put this out here before because I was hoping someone would comment on it. So, here it goes one last time. This is a great article that describes how Obama, a progressive community organizer with pro-Palestinian sentiments becomes a solid supporter of Israel, right or wrong, once he is a candidate for the prez. Its an interesting ground up perspective, invaluable for judging Obama, I thought...
http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article6619.shtml
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P. Dirks
[Read the article: Majority of Israelis want to negotiate with Hamas]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]You definitely got a point. Its a hard balance, keeping vigilant and critical, while not becoming a shrill, reactive pukey-face. I fail on it alot, but I have to admit, I'm a pissed off person. Werking on that, too.
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Bachelor Pro-Israel Issue, Meet Anti-Islamic Issue
[Read the article: Majority of Israelis want to negotiate with Hamas]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Finally, the question of whether Obama is pro-Israel enough, has a mate--is he too Islamic. An AP story, Obama Fights False Links to Islam. This is the most absurd dialogue I have ever witnessed. Bending over backward to please Israel, not having an Islamic bone in his body, and still, this stupidity.
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What I liked about Buckley
[Read the article: The "father of modern conservatism," dead at 82]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]...or should I say, hated least, was that he was an unabashed elitist (I remember Robin Williams' dead on impression of him). Today's conservatives, though they are the same children of the powerful, wrap themselves in knuckle-dragging anti-intellectualism, which is so obviously cardboard as to seem comical. Back in the day, when you argued with a conservative, you knew you faced someone who believed with all their heart that you should have been aborted! The good ol' days!
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Do we really need this at this day and age
[Read the article: Obama should be proud to be named Hussein]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I have three semitic names-- being an Arab it happens. Many of my South Asian compatriots likewise usher forth into the world thus regaled. For christ's sake! Are we really that retarded as a nation that Salon has to write a defense for HAVING A NAME? I have about a dozen friends named Hussein. Its one of the most common names in the Arab world.
And even if Obama's name meant KILL WHITEY, what freakin difference would it make!!!!
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Somewhat Off Topic
[Read the article: Some hateful, radical ministers -- white evangelicals -- are acceptable]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I can see that I missed the center of this debate and came in on a grapevine. Oh well. I've been noticing the news cycle going this way, as Glenn said recently. Drudge introduces an accusation, the media corner the personage with the accusation, no matter how stupid, then the headline is "Obama denies he is too muslim", or whatever. Even Salon is doing this now, if anyone saw the article about how its ok to have an Arab name. OF COURSE ITS OKAY TO HAVE AN ARAB NAME!!!! We don't need an article on Salon bringing it up as an issue worthy of debate.
On a tangent. I don't know if anyone uses Newshoundsblog on Youtube, but it seems Youtube pulled their plug...anyone know the ostensible reason?