Tell me, who is peaceful, and who is violent? And remember, in England, the police do not normally wear firearms on their sides.
It is being reported that the entire bill for just last weekends riots over the Israeli military action in Gaza in London (one weekend ALONE) is MORE THAN £1 MILLION ($1.45 million USD). Cars were overturned. A Starbucks coffee shop next to the Israeli Embassy was seriously smashed. More here.
So, who is the cause of all this violence? Lets take a look, shall we? And both these videos are from London, on the same day. And all of this in the name of religion. Oh wait.. God is suppose to be peaceful, Allah says kill all those who aren’t Muslim. Good thing I don’t believe in either because in the “religion” that I follow? We don’t waste our time trying to tell the world that we are right and they are wrong. We just laugh at them and go merrily on our way, amused. And no I'm not Wiccan or Pagan either so don’t even go there. But I will say this, if someone comes after me all in the name of God or Allah, then they are personally gonna meet the person they follow. And I ain’t kiddin. I don’t discuss, argue or fight over religion... EVER.
Pro-Palestine
From January 11, 2009 in London.
Pro-Israel
From January 11, 2009 in London. The same day as above.
MORE
Take a guess at who is who....
From January 4th, 2009 in London.
From January 11, 2009 in London
More from January 3rd in London. This time the Bobbies are in riot gear.
So tell me, how long is it before the firebombs start? And how long before this level of violence reaches the United States, as it has everywhere else in the world.
NEW YORK (CNN) — At least nine protesters were arrested in a pro-Palestinian rally in New York that injured seven police officers, authorities said.
The extent of injuries varied from minor to serious, New York police said. Two officers sustained head injuries.
Detective Cheryl Crispin said the protesters taken into custody faced charges ranging from disorderly conduct to reckless endangerment.
In a statement, the NYPD said the officers were injured when trying to break up a fight between two demonstrators.
The demonstrators had gathered on Manhattan’s West Side on Sunday afternoon to protest the Israeli incursion in Gaza.
Over on Atlas Shrugs, there is a description of a woman who was carrying an Israeli and American flag while walking home. She was attacked after a rally, near her home, by a pack of Pro-Palestinian people. As a side note, the woman and man in this account, are not Jewish.
“After walking home from the 42 Street & 7th Avenue Pro-Israel rally, I watched the Muslim rally participants march up 8th Avenue closely controlled by many NYC police to keep them moving along. Even so, it appeared that many of the young men and women were eyeing the bystanders on the sidewalk in threatening way almost challenging someone to disagree with their “death to Israel” and “God Bless Hitler” chants.
I went back to my apartment where I met my boyfriend who had also just returned from the second Pro Israel rally on 39th Street & 7th Avenue. We walked outside the building and across a major midtown avenue on the West Side to buy some groceries. He was still carrying the Israeli flag and we were both wearing baseball caps with the American flag and USA on the brims. A large number of Muslims were milling around since it seems that their rally had reached its end point and was dispersing. Six Muslim men were being photographed with posters with the words, "Praise Hamas and Hezbollah, Reopen the Ovens" and were taking photos of themselves and their posters. Seeing us with the Israel flag, they began screaming, "You're assholes, Kill the Jews, We are going to kill you, This is OUR country," etc.
We went into the corner deli and they began banging on the window and stood outside in a very threatening mob waiting for us to leave. I heard one man say, "She is a female" - very observant. I don't know what this was suppose to signal to his fellow terrorists. When we left the deli a mob of the original Muslims and others who joined them came up to us screaming death to the Jews, and one man around 19/20 years old ran up and with force and hatred threw an egg into my friend's eye. This may not seem like much but I am sure the intent was for the egg shells to be lodged in his eye. The egg was not thrown from afar against his coat but was thrown like a rock would be - to inflict as much harm as possible. The assailant then grabbed our Israeli flag, threw it to the ground, and was spitting on it and wiping his feet on it. When we asked a traffic cop to make an arrest, the assailant ran away down the block but the traffic agent did not answer us nor did he call 911. He passively stood by doing NOTHING.
Two people standing on the street took photos of our attack and said they would email us with the photos to identity the criminals. We then walked back across the street to our building and were followed by a pack of Muslims - about 8 or 10 - who continued to threaten, mock and scream at us. They seemed surprised at our ferocious counter verbal attack. However, they came right within 6 inches of us saying they would kill us. One of the men was about to attack me when my boyfriend saw the assault about to begin and said, "If you touch her, I swear I'll kill you." At that point the original traffic control cop came over and a second traffic agent joined him and forced the crowd to disperse. They asked us to go into the apartment building lobby which we did.
We immediately called the police and asked to make a police report. Two NYC policemen came to the apartment about an hour later hour and took the information. They were very courteous and said they will file the report and a detective is to contact us tomorrow. They apologized for taking so long to come by but explained that there were many incidents of a similar nature that were taking place as the Muslim rally broke up. They also shared that 2 NYC police officers had been attacked at the rally and that the Muslims are 'out of control.'
Without the photos, it will be near impossible to find the Muslims involved. Even with the photos, I am not sure if the police can find the assailant or make an arrest. I am told by an attorney friend, that just the act of following and threatening is a crime in and of itself. Whatever it takes, we'll take it as far as possible to prosecute.
Any ideas as how to pursue this would be welcome. This attack could happen to anyone. This attack happened in midtown Manhattan, a major American city on a Sunday afternoon. Our country is under attack from within. We need to do much more than attend rallies."
Nice Sign. Yesterday, about 200 Palestinian supporters, marched in front of the state capital at noon, urging the United States to take a neutral stand in the Mideast.
The protest was organized by the Council on American-Islamic Relations, OK chapter.
People walked in front of the Capital building in a circle during the noon hour chanting, “Stop the killing, free, free Gaza!” and “Free, free Palestine; occupation is a crime!”
Michael Abdulaziz-Gipson, a board member said the group is calling upon public officials and congressmen to stop the Israeli attacks and potential occupation of the Gaza Strip. “We are asking the American public not to become desensitized,” he said, noting that the general population is being forced to stay in their home.
According to Razi Hashmi, the Council on American-Islamic Relations’ executive director, America should take immediate steps to end Israel’s “illegal and immoral” offensive against the Gaza' Strip’s Hamas rulers. “We as Oklahomans and as Americans should be concerned about this conflict because our taxes are going towards Israel,” Hashmi said. “We should not allow our government to give Israel a blank check to allow the destruction of hopes for peace in the Middle East.” However in a rather confusing statement, Hashmi also said as an American citizen, he agrees with the U.S. description of Hamas.
During the demonstration, one protestor held a sign that showed a swastika inside the Star of David. According to Hashmi, the man carrying the sign, identified only as a college student from OK City, was asked to leave and the sign removed a “couple of minutes” after the demonstration started. Also according to Hashimi, the man has been banned from future protests organized by the organization. According to Hashmi, the organization distributed rules before the demonstration that no offensive signs or banners would be tolerated. “The Star of David is a sacred symbol of faith and Muslims are stressed by Islam to respect all symbols of faith and I apologize,” Hashmi said. “This [sign] does not reflect our personal views.”
However, unless the video below was taken within the first few minutes of the protest, the sign is seen during the demonstration. But then what do you expect from a group who defends Hamas?
Michael Barlow, past president of the Jewish Federation of Greater OK City watched the protest commenting, “War is unfortunate, but the question is: What is Israel to do, with scores of missiles being shot into Israel population centers daily?” “How long do you allow missiles to be shot into your country from another country?” Barlow added that it is difficult for Israel to negotiate with Hamas leaders when they do not recognize Israel’s right to exist.
United Methodist minister Rev. Andres Tevington of the Church of the Servant in OK City said the Israelis and Palestinians should quit “illegitimately calling on the name of God” in this fighting. “We call upon the U.S. to help both sides see there is a different way to do this,” he said.
Rev. Kristen Brown, a United Methodist minister attended the protest saying, “I saw that this isn’t really a religious issue, this is an issue about people who are living under military occupation for 40 years and they’re in a very desperate situation,” she said.
RANT ON
What irritates me more and more, is the use of children in these protests. How can a child, who is aged 2-7 years old, have a mental ability to understand the protest, and understand the purpose of these signs, or the babies swaddled in bloodied cloth they carry? How can these children make a voluntary choice at their age to make a voluntary consent to participate in these protests. Any child who is a minor, should not be allowed to participate in these protests, if they are a credible organization, who is looking out for a child’s best interest. These children do not have the mentality to make an informed consent to voluntarily participate in these protests. This is nothing more than encouraging racism.
And how can you call for the end of an “illegal and immoral” offensive against a terrorist organization and still say you support the U.S. designation of Hamas as a terrorist organization?
HamasPalestinian Legal Advisor, Diana Buttu, says “Absolutely not” and “you are blaming the victim” to Hamas being the aggressors here. She also claims that is not a question of Israel responding, it is a question of Israel initiating attacks on Gaza, and that their actions are a violation of International Law. [Listen for Jarrett laugh after she says that statement.]
Says “Absolutely not” to Hamas using humans as shields and firing rockets from high civilian population areas and if Hamas is responsible for the high death rate of civilians. Her defense is that Jarrett has never been to the Gaza Strip and he does not know what it looks like that Israel is targeting Government buildings and schools. Note, she never directly answers the question of Hamas firing rockets from civilian areas, in numbers around 6,000 over 18 months, or comments about using Mosques as armories.
She also says that the Hamas rockets do not have explosive heads. Well the last time I checked a .45 bullet doesn’t have one either, but that doesn’t stop it from killing someone either.
She also says it is wrong to blame victims because Israel is using US backed weapons to attack Gaza. That these are war crimes are Israel should be prosecuted. So obviously this woman justifies any rocket that Hamas fired into civilian areas prior to Israel attacking Gaza wasn’t a war crime?
Jarret informs Buttu that he has been to the Gaza Strip, that he has met with terrorists, and that this was the end of the interview. Buttu continues to tell Jarret that he’s wrong and the feed ends.
PWNED!
Here Buttu talks with CNN. Here again she talks about how over 1600 people were killed from Israeli attacks prior to Israel attacking Gaza, but never talks about the over 6000 rockets that were sent from Gaza to Israel in the same time. And she says the only way for peace, is for Israel to end the occupation [of the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem].
She really does defend Hamas in this video saying they are a political organization with domestic roots that is portrayed differently outside the world. And that this is a “homegrown organization”.
Seriously, it’s an honest question, not filled with sarcasm. Really, I don’t understand.
In this first picture from the AP, the caption reads: “Palestinians carry the bodies of senior Hamas leader Nizar Rayyan and his family during their funeral in Jabalya in the northern Gaza Strip. Rayyan, his four wives and eight children were killed in an Israeli air strike on their home on Thursday.”
And if all the citizens of Gaza are innocent and victims of Hamas, then who are all of these people attending the funeral?
I mean really, if all these people are innocent civilians and not Hamas supporters, then why are they at Rayyan’s funeral?
I’m just really confused at what I hear pro-Palestinian protestors saying, and what I see in pictures.
So, if you support a terrorist organization, but are not directly involved with the terrorist organization, then you are innocent?
So can anyone explain this contradiction to me without blowing a microchip in the process?
Here’s another example from about a month ago at a funeral for four Hamas gunmen.
Especially since this picture is from the Hamas Anniversary celebration from Dec. 14, 2008? If the citizens of Gaza are innocent, they why are they celebrating Hamas’ anniversary?
Or did all these people really just have nothing better do do that day than to go to a celebration support a terrorist organization?
To quote a line: “This business will get out of control. It will get out of control and we’ll be lucky to live through it.”
Yesterday, Dec. 30th, 2008 there were many, many Pro-Palestinian demonstrations across the country. Nearly all, numbering more than 50, were organized by A.N.S.W.E.R. , a U.S. based organization. ANSWER stands for “Act Now To Stop War and End Racism”.
A “National Day of Action” to show solidarity with the Palestinian people in Gaza was organized by ANSWER, in conjunction with the Muslim American Society Freedom, Free Palestine Alliance, National Council of Arab American and Al-Awda, and the International Palestine Right to Return Coalition. From their website, they state:
“…to be a National Day of Action and are continuing to call for emergency demonstrations across the country to show solidarity with the Palestinian people in Gaza and to demand an immediate end to the murderous attacks carried out by the Israeli military against the people of Gaza.”
Now I blogged yesterday asking a couple questions. If ANSWER is really an anti-war, anti-racism, anti-terrorist, anti-imperialist organization as they claim, them why didn’t they organize protests when Hamas, who are on the US terrorist list and whose charter includes the annihilation of the Jews in Israel, was sending rockets and mortars across the border on a daily basis? That activity is an Imperialist act.
And if they are a true anti-war organization, they why are they not protesting against BOTH Hamas and Israel, but instead choosing to only protest against Israel? This makes them guilty of anti-Semitism.
“Several anti-war protests in San Francisco organized by ANSWER Coalition featured imagery and slogans some considered anti-Semitic, including the burning of the Israel flag, chants of support for terrorist groups like Hezbolla and Nazi-like arm salutes.” ANSWERS defense? “We strongly abhor all forms of racism and bigotry, including anti-Semitism. At the same time, we don’t believe that criticism of Israeli government policies should be labeled as anti-Semitism any more than criticism of U.S. government policy should be labeled as anti-American.”
But here’s a small sampling of protests around the world and in the United States yesterday. Okay, maybe more than a small sampling.
PROTESTS WITH VIOLENCE AROUND THE WORLD
Antwerp, Belgium
Jewish groups have condemned a Belgian public broadcaster, VRT, for airing a show in which a standup comedian jokes about the Holocaust and the persecution of Jews. Philippe Geubels, the comedian stated that the Holocaust cannot happen again because “Jews are much smarter now.” “They have spread across the world. Try rounding them up! Most are in America so you cannot send them by train to Germany” to die in gas chambers. “What are they going to do if there is a big gas leak in Antwerp? Take the city to court for provocation?” Additionally VRT came under criticism for a recent ad about a travel show focusing on Berlin. It showed a drawing of Hitler as a male stripper giving the Nazi salute in front of a swastika flag. That triggered a protest by teh Germany embassy, which called it “totally tasteless.”
The Arab European League (AEL) organized this demonstration. After the protest disbanded the demonstrators marched towards Jewish neighborhoods, clashing with the police. Car windows were broken, trams and buses were attacked. Now many Jews are afraid to go to out into the streets fearing vandalism and violence.
Odenza, Denmark
A group of Arab youths opened fire Wednesday evening on a number of Israelis working at a mall in the Danish city of Odenza. The Israelis, who were operating a stall in the shopping center, were lightly wounded in their legs.
But thanks to ANSWER, they have brought a nice little taste of Gaza City to the streets of America.
London, England
In London, and anti-Israel protestor snatched a policeman’s cap and set it on fire during a protest. Some climbed israel’s embassy gates and were restrained by police. Crowds chanted, “Palestine must be free from the river to the sea.”
And according to a person on YouTube by the name of “NiceIslamMedia101” which has an icon of a Hamas supporter, and a video that begins showing a Hamas flag, there will be additional protests in London nearly every day. There is a link for more information which leads to the “Palestine Solidarity Campaign” website.
Tehran, Iran
Hundreds of Iranian radicals stormed the British compound in Tehran last night, replacing the Union flag with a Palestinian one and held the consulate for about an hour. Additionally a “fire bomb” was thrown at the gates. A hardline Iranian news agency said that protests against Britain and Egypt, whose embassy was also targeted, would continue.
One demonstrator told the AP TV service: “We brought down the British flag and put up the flag of Palestine so we can send our message.” He said the people of Gaza were being ignored by the world and referred to Britain as an “old sleeping fox”.
Also yesterday, the Mash’had branch of the Basiji Students gathered and took to violent protesting in front of the main gates of the Saudi Arabian consulate. They chanted slogans against Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq and Jordan while carrying placards that had "traitor”, “coward” and “whore” on them. In addition, they threw rocks and heavy objects through the windows of the consulate building. One of the chants was “Woe is you, if Khamenei gives me my orders of Jihad.”
And one more incident occurred at the office of Saudi Arabia’s state-owned airline in Tehran over a Saudi-backed peace initiative with Israel. The group, identified as Ikhwan al-Radwan, or Brothers of Heaven, attacked the office with several Molotov cocktails. Minor damage was reported. The initiative offers Israel normal relations with all Arab countries if it withdraws from lands occupied in 1967 Arab-Israeli war and allows the creation of a Palestinian state with a capital in Jerusalem.
Stockholm, Sweden
Hundreds of demonstrators marched through the Swedish capital to protest against Israel, setting an Israeli flag on fire, and changing, “Israel, murderer, ” “Gaza solidarity,” and “Close the embassy.” “Enough blood! We’ve seen enough,” an organizer with the Swedish Islamic Association told the AFP.
PROTESTS IN THE UNITED STATES
Coming Soon To A Neighborhood Near You And all this in the name of Allah [God]. Radical Islam is NOT a religion, it is a political doctrine of world domination masked as a religion. The demonstrations as seen below, are what will get the United States into a state of Martial Law, especially if violence as seen in other countries begins. Now remember, ANSWER is SUPPOSE to be against anti-Semitism.
Los Angeles, California
Pro-Palestine
About 100 people gathered outside the Federal Building in Westwood. Another protest was underway outside the Israeli Consulate on Wilshire Blvd east of Beverly Hills, where Los Angeles police kept two groups of chanting protestors and supporters separate.
As part of the effort, Friday prayer meetings at more than 70 mosques throughout Southern CA will be dedicated to victims of the attacks. There are an estimated 650,000 Muslims living in So. Cal.
Hussam Ayloush of the Council on American-Islamic Relations said “This is an illegal bombardment by Israel. It is barbaric and it’s even more barbaric that it’s being done by the Bush Administration.” “Gaza’s people are prisoners in their own land. We depend on the help of the American people.”
Sacramento, California
Pro-Palestine
San Francisco, California
Pro-Palestine
This one looks CRAZY nutz. Take a look at “At the back of the hill” to find out what this protest was really like, from a non-Palestinian point of view.
Washington, DC
Pro-Palestine
About 750 keffiyeh-wearing Palestine supporters chanted outside the US State Department. Other reports state only close to 200 participated. What is interesting to note, is that when it came 5pm, out of the 750, only about 30 chose to participate in prayer. This was an ANSWER rally, that was organized by Brian Becker. Also present was Mara Verheyden-Hillard from the National Lawyers’ Guild.
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Pro-Palestine
Quotes that can be clearly heard and note, while people line street and street corners:
A Hijab is a “modest dress for women” that can include a veil to cover the face. The following is yelled by a woman in a partial Hijab, obviously NOT showing ANY modest behavior. ”You’re losers! Your losers! Losers! Your mother’s a whore! Your mother’s a whore! You’re losers. Yea, fuck yourself,” while carrying a sign that says “Nuke Israel”. She additionally yelled, “Nuke Israel. There is no Israel.” Obviously she knows NOTHING about her claimed religion, for if she acted this way in Gaza, she would be at a minimum, stoned to death for her actions.
A group of men yelling and chanting at a car, “Go to Hell! Go to Hell!” Note, they are smiling the entire time with one man carrying a sign saying “Nuke Israel. Go to Hell”.
Another woman, again wearing a partial burka: “Go steal other lands! Go! Murderers! Go back to the oven! You need a big oven, that’s what you need!”
Eventually the crowd begins to get out of control and break through a police line. The Pro-Palestinians cross the street, block the street and approach Israel supporters. Finally, the police step in. You can hear on pro-Israel supporter saying “They are so violent.”
Additional video via “Atlas Shrugs” of the same protest.
Tampa, Florida
Pro-Palestine
Atlanta, Georgia
Pro-Palestine
Kailua, Hawaii
Pro-Palestine
According to the AP, "A small group of placard-waving pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered near U.S. President-elect Barack Obama’s vacation retreat in Hawaii.”
[Obviously these people don’t know that President Bush has sent $85 billion to the UN that is marked for aid to Gaza and the West Bank.]
Boston, Massachusetts [Park Plaza]
Pro-Israel & Pro-Palestine
Boston, Massachusetts
Pro-Palestinian
Pro-Israel
Dearborn, Michigan
Pro-Palestine
Approximately 5,000 people showed up for this protest with the streets lined for eight city blocks. Some marchers chanted, “Gaza, Gaza dont’ cry, Palestine will never die” and “Israel is a terrorist state.” Others chanted, in Arabic, “God is Great” and “a martyr is beloved of God.”
One protestor said that the responsibility for the Israeli attack lies with the US government, which “gives billions of dollars in military aide to Israel.”
Another protestor said he marched to protest, “the aggression and the use of excessive force” by Israel in Gaza. “These are nothing but terrorist acts.”
One group of protestors carried a mock coffin decorated with pictures of dead and injured Arab children and labeled “U.S. Tax Dollars at Work” and “Victims of Zionism.”
Many spoke to at this protest said they had “hope that Obama would address the plight of the Palestinians.”
This protest was called by the Congress of Arab American Organizations. Spokesman Osama Siblani said, “There is disappointment and anger in our community and we need to express it toward the current U.S. administration that has given a blank check to the Israelis.”
The Detroit area has the largest and most concentrated Arab American population in the country, with as many as 350,000 residents in Southeast Michigan of Arab ancestry.
Over a thousand New Yorkers marched through midtown Manhattan, chanting and carrying signs and Palestinian flags on Tuesday. This demonstration was brought together by the ANSWER Coalition, the Muslim American SOciety NY, Free Palestine Alliance, National Council of Arab Supporters, and Al-Awda NY and Al-Asalah NY, among others.
They all gathered in front of the Permanent Mission of Israel to the UN. The spectators covered the sidewalk of the entire block at the corner of 42nd and 2nd Ave. This was the third day in a row for Pro-Palestinian protesting in midtown.
Demonstrators chanted in both Arabic and English, waving Palestinian flags and carrying placards with phrases such as “Olmert, Olmert, What do you say? How many kids have you killed today?” and “Viva viva Palestina.”
Pamphlets were handed out, including a petition to be sent to House Reps, which demands that the US condemn the war in the strongest terms, and that it uphold the Fourth Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Times of War.
Across the street from 42nd and 2nd Ave was also a pro-Israel counter-protest. Some insults were hurled at these demonstrators. “You should be ashamed of yourself! Stop the ethnic cleansing!” on man screamed.
Ocala, Florida
Pro-Palestine
Roughly two dozen demonstrators gathered Tuesday in from of the Lockheed Martin plant in Silver Springs Shores. Lockheed Martin makes components for Hellfire missiles. One woman states, “This is not over. This is not going to be over for quite some time and this is just the beginning of another long, long, long piece of disturbance in the Middle East.”
One Lockheed employee, saw the protest, went home and got her two adult daughters. They returned to the scene and counter-protested across the street. The three shouted: “Support our troops”, “God Bless America,” and “If you’re so proud of it, go back to Gaza.”
I agree with both women’s statements.
Dallas, Texas
Pro-Palestinian protestors converged at the Dealy Plaza in Dallas.
Now fair warning. I’ve NEVER been considered to be politically correct, however, I am known to speak my mind, fairly on many matters. I am known to listen to both sides, in their entirety, and then go from there. And I do not take race, religion, or sex into consideration. I look at it from the point of view of ethics, simply right and wrong.
In this case, is it right to kill people. Well, that’s according to what you believe. If you are a Christian, the only time it is “okay”, if you will, to kill another person, along with man’s law, is during War. This also includes police actions when one must defend themselves. However, according to other religions, those who do not believe in their religion, and will not convert, should die, all in the name of God. To kill those who do not believe in what you believe, is considered to be a “Holy” act. Yet, when those same people are attacked, and killed, then they are the ones calling it murder. Does this EVEN make sense? Can you say hypocrites? Please, if you are Islamic, please explain that logic to me. And please don’t say that it’s different because Israel is killing children. Hamas is just as guilty of the same crime, if you want to put it that way.
But I have one small question for those who believe in Islam. And remember, I am not Jewish, I am not Muslim, and I certainly wouldn’t be considered Christian. But the question is, “Why are the Jews so bad?” Tell me exactly why they are bad. Who told you that the Jews are bad people? What is the basis for that prior to say, 42 years ago? What exactly did they do, more than 100 years ago, that was so bad? If you can not answer this question, other than because people have told you that, and because your “religion” tells you that, then you are guilty of racism. Welcome to the modern world, not a third world country.
And if you are not racist, then why are you supporting people who chose to vote in Hamas in their government, an organization that is considered a terrorist organization by nearly every country in the world, that has in their charter, the annihilation of Jews. That ladies and gentlemen, is genocide. Its not so nice when it comes back in your face does it?
Now if you are a follower of Islam, you aren’t going to like the way I’ve worded that question about Jews. But I, who is not a follower of Islam, or a Jew, who is an outsider, is trying to understand BOTH points of view from BOTH sides. You can take the attitude that I will never understand because I’m not a follower of Islam and will end up in Hell, or that it’s none of my business, well.. it is my business because this is happening on the streets of the country I live in.
And hey, I’ve been on my way to Hell for a long time, so no biggie in that threat. I never proclaim that I am perfect, and I will certainly go to Heaven. You as a person do not have the right to judge whether I will go to Hell or Heaven, only God can make that judgment. And if that is my destiny, then so be it. Your words of a “devil” or whatever you call those who are not followers of Islam, and saying I should die because of my beliefs does not offend me. Lemme put it this way, I don’t have a problem slinging around a few slabs of bacon in bacon grease coated hands which would do absolutely no physical damage to you. However, is violence towards my attitude worth losing your 40some virgins and existing in Hell for eternity?
Because if anything, I propose a campaign for PEACE on the streets of the United States between Pro-Palestinians and those who are Pro-Israel. Everyone is entitled to the right to assembly and the right to free speech thanks to our Constitution. That is something that is NOT available in MOST Middle East countries, especially to women. And general human rights and ethics entitles you to your own opinion, whether in my opinion, my neighbors opinion, or the person next to me’s opinion is different. Again, an option that is NOT available in MOST Middle East countries.
However, name calling, encroachment, and violence towards an opposite group because of religion and race are not. That is a hate crime here in the United States. I understand that the laws of Israel and of Gaza are different from here in the United States, but so should you. You live in the United States, not in Israel and not in Gaza. Please do NOT bring the Middle East conflict to OUR streets. Isn’t the fighting and way of life there the reason you left and came to the United States to live free?
And if you are so proud of your land, and state that an injustice is being done, instead of bringing violence to our streets here in the United States, go back to Gaza and fight alongside Hamas against Israel.
What you need to realize is that yes, the United States gave aid to Israel however, in the past few days President Bush also gave $85 million in aide to the UN marked for Gaza and the West bank. That’s more money per person for Gaza and the West Bank, than we as Americans got in our “stimulus” checks last year. Our president gave Gaza and the West Bank more money per person for aid, that Congress gave us for economic help.
And if you tell me that I have to make a choice? Then my choice is going to be those who break the law in the United States, according to our laws here, not the laws of Israel or of Gaza, should go to jail. Obviously you don’t like the way we do things here in the United States, so go back to the Middle East where your life was so much better than here… and take your never ending war with you. Oh wait, or is that why you came to the United States, so you could be free.
HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM
Here’s an easy one. Israel stops firing. If Hamas sends a rocket across the border, without provocation, then Israel has the right to send a Hellfire missile in. If Hamas sends two rockets or mortars across the border, unprovoked, then Israel has the right to send two Hellfire missiles in. Deal? I’m sure there’s something in Islam that is similar to “An eye for an eye.” You say that’s no end to the war? Well, hasn’t Hamas been attacking Israel for about ohh.. what seven years and Palestine never complained while you cheered Hamas on? And what about all the other years, basically since the beginning of time?
Because ultimately, the below picture is what all should be working for. Palestinians and Jews side by side, for the same cause. Peace between them both.
SOURCES FOR PICTURES:
Forget it.. can’t remember. Too many to keep track of. IF you are the original owner and wish for a picture(s) to be removed, please see the bottom of the page for correct copyright (DMCA) submission guidelines and contact information.
If a picture is your, and you will allow me to use it, but want recognition, contact me via the information below.
And so it begins… unfortunately it is because of the following that makes an innocent bystander start to have to choose sides.
And the organization that seems to be organizing most of these protests is A.N.S.W.E.R. (Act Now To Stop War and End Terrorism).
This US-based anti-war organization, was formed three days after 9/11) organized the demonstration. The ANSWER Coalition, Muslim American Society Freedom, Free Palestine Alliance, National Council of Arab American and Al-Awda, International Palestine Right to Return Coalition are calling for Tuesday (today) to be a National Day of Action to show solidarity with the Palestinian people in Gaza. Demonstrations are being organized, for TODAY, all over the country via ANSWER in over FIFTY different cities [and luckily none in my state].
What I find interesting in all of this is that if A.N.S.W.E.R. is really an anti-terrorism organization, they why are they not protesting Hamas, who are the real terrorists? Why are they calling Israel the terrorists?
And if they are a true anti-war organization, they why are they not protesting against both Hamas and Israel, but instead choosing to only protest against Israel?
Oh wait, all of their protests have been pro-Palestinian or pro-Muslim, and have frequently supported Hezbollah and Hamas. They also support rights and unconditional amnesty for illegal immigrants. “Several anti-war protests in San Francisco organized by the ANSWER Coalition featured imagery and slogans some considered anti-Semitic, including the burning of the Israeli flag, chants of support for terrorist groups like Hazbollah and Nazi-like arm salutes.” ANSWER’s defense? “We strongly abhor all forms of racism and bigotry, including anti-Semitism. At the same time, we don’t believe that criticism of Israeli government policies should be labeled as anti-Semitism any more than criticism of U.S. government policy should be labeled as anti-American.” [Yea, but when I’m not happy with what the US government is doing, I don’t burn the American flag, or try to turn it into a NWO thing.]
And ANSWER was founded by USAG Ramsey Clark and the Workers World Party (WWP). Many of ANSWER’s leaders are member of the WWP and members of the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL). Oh and they sell Che t-shirts on their website. For a more interesting viewpoint on ANSWER, have a look at Protest Warrior’s website of “Operation Wolverines” against ANSWER.
A group of about 200 protesters yelled “end the occupation” and held signs calling for a halt to the bombings in Gaza outside the Texas Capitol. Some had Palestinian flags and signs that read “free Palestine” or “Cease Fire.”
“It’s genocide. It’s a holocaust,” said “Frank from Arlington” about Israel’s police in the occupied territories. “I don’t say that to diminish the horror of the holocaust, but that’s what they’re doing.”
Over 100 people from the Boston Coalition for Palestinian Rights and several other human rights and pro-Palestinian organizations held a protest. Organizers say more protests are to follow later this week.
In NYC, over a thousand protestors flooded Rockefeller Center in Manhattan on the 28th. The protestors chanted “Free Free Palestine” and “While you’re shopping bombs are dropping.”
Pro-Israel groups organized a rally in support outside the Isreali consulate in Midtown and dropped leaflets calling on Hamas to adhere to a cease-fire. The group “Stand With Us” said “Hamas and its supporters bear sole responsibility for any harm to Gaza’s civilians.”
About 75 people gathered at Monument Circle on Monday evening to protest Israel airstrikes in the Gaza Strip. The demonstration, which was pulled together at the last minute by word of mouth, included Palestinian-Americans marching around the Circle holding candles and signs. One read, “Mothers are grieving in Palestine and Israel.” Another was scrawled with the words, “300+ dead? Not kosher.”
Bashar Ghanem, 32, a heating and cooling technician said he immigrated to Indianapolis from Nablus six years ago and is now a U.S. citizen. “The war is not equal,” he said. “Israel’s army has all kinds of high-tech weapons.” [But it was fair when Hamas was sending daily rockets and mortars into Israel? And who said war was fair?]
Anas Al-Marouq, 22, a student at Indiana University-Purdue University Indy who lived in Hebron from ages 12 to 17 said, “A lot of people say if Hamas wasn’t firing rockets as Israel, this wouldn’t have happened, and it’s true, but if there wasn’t a huge embargo on Gaza, there wouldn’t be a huge resistance. You can only trap a cat in the corner so long until it starts fighting for itself.” [But if the dog (Israel) fights back at the cat(Hamas), then it’s wrong, right?]
A “few hundred” demonstrators tied up Market Street traffic in San Francisco. Organizer Lubna Morrar said, “We are just representing our people of the Gaza who have been bombed every day,” she said.
The Arab Organizing and Resource Center held a protest speaking of the “connections between Palestinian and other indigenous struggles against genocide as well as the complicity of US taxpayers in the atrocity.”
AROUND THE WORLD
Just a small sampling from around the world.
In Sydney, Australia today, Pro-Palestine protests brought the city to a standstill, as more than 1000 Arab Australians marked on the US Consulate in an anti-Israel, anti-US rally.
In Beirut, Lebanon, tens of thousands of Lebanese Hezbollah supporters were involved in a protest carrying Palestinian, Lebanese and yellow Hezbollah flags and banners supporting the Palestinian people. Hezbollah has vowed to support Hamas, but has for now held its fire.
In London, England, about 2,000 protestors marched outside the Israeli embassy. Protestors threw red liquids at the gate of the Israeli embassy.
In Vancouver, Canada, about 250 pro-Palestinian demonstrators were chanting “Viva, viva intifada!” and “1-2-3-4, we don’t want this racist war!” and “Occupation is a crime, from Iraq to Palestine.” Meanwhile across the street 8 pro-Israel demonstrators shouted “Hamas is a terrorist organization” and waved the Israeli flag.
In Barcelona, Span, “hundreds of people” protested with a Palestinian banner in front of the Israel-Spain chamber of commerce, demanding the government of Catalonia region end its trade agreements with Israel. Some carried placards reading “genocide” and “racist”. The protest followed a demonstration outside the Israeli embassy.
In Baghdad, Iraq about 1,000 protestors chanted “No, no to Israel” and burned Israeli and American flags.
In Switzerland, there was a protest, however I can not find the number attended or even a news article about it.
RANT ON
First, one Gaza official is saying that the Palestinian death toll is at 364. Of that, the U.N. is saying around 62 of the dead were civilians. That means over 300 terrorists were killed. Yes, you read that right, terrorists. Hamas is not a government. Hamas is not an army. Hamas is not a country. Hamas is a terrorist organization. They are a group of militia acting like terrorists who self imposed their own rule. And as I have said before, those who choose to live in the Gaza Strip under their rule obviously agree with what they are doing, thus the residents of Gaza are terrorist supporters. It would seem that the “innocent civilians” would greatly outnumber Hamas. It is a war on terrorism in an area that holds 1.5 million people.
I find it interesting that when Hamas was sending rockets and mortars over to Israel on a daily basis, killing innocent civilians on nearly a daily basis for years, that the Palestinians around the world never EVER said that it should stop, that it was wrong. I never EVER heard one Palestinian cry for the rights of the Israeli children. Especially when fighters launched missiles at Jewish day care centers and schools. But when their children are killed, its a totally different situation, right? Its genocide then.
And if you think all those people that live in Gaza are against Hamas… have a look at the below video. This video was shot on December 14th, of this year at a celebration marking Hamas’ 21 year anniversary.
And I haven’t heard ONE Palestinian talk about how WRONG it was on Christmas Day when Hamas lobbed a mortar at the Erez crossing just as a group of Gaza Christians were standing in line to travel to Bethlehem for Christmas.
Or what about all the years of suicide bombings, which one included a school bus?
Or what about on Monday when Hamas sent a missile into a bus station at Ashdod?
Can you imagine living like this on a day to day basis in Israel? “It’s totally disrupting life. Here you have 15-20 seconds to prepare, to get cover. It’s so disruptive to the lives of the people who are living within the rage … and it’s a daily thing … People send their kids to school and they don’t know if they’re gonna come back.” Tell me, how would you feel if you have to live like this on a daily basis? How would you feel if you walked out the door that day, not knowing if you would ever see your family alive again? EVERY DAY? Or how would you feel if you knew that at any moment, everything you own could be destroyed by a rocket. And how well would you sleep at night knowing that at any time a rocket could drop on your home? I’m pretty sure that you get mad right now, if your neighbor throws trash in your yard, right? And what would you think if Tijuana started lobbing a few rockets across the border to the United States to San Diego on a daily basis. Or if Canada started thrown a few mortars across the border to Albany, NY? Exactly how long would that last?
Now that Israel has had enough, and decided to eradicate the terrorists, they are wrong, and are in violation of International Law? How can you be in violation of International Law when you attack terrorists and their supporters? Whine, whine, whine. Now that you are on the losing end, you claim FOUL and want fair play. Sorry.. too late for that. Now Hamas and those living in Gaza, whose number is obviously rather high, now get a taste of what they have been handing out.. and they don’t like it. Too bad.
But Hamas also wants to eradicate Jews all in the name of Allah. Hamas has previously claimed all of what is now Israel and the West Bank and Gaza, and its charter calls for the destruction of Israel. Until Hamas recognizes Israel’s right to exist, this “war” will NEVER END.
But it seems that the “fight” has come to the United States. Prior to this incident I wrote about Israeli and Palestinian “skirmishes” and “disagreements” in my “Israeli and Palestinian Violence on UC Berkeley Campus” back in mid November. And just like in the current news, back then, and for the past 10 years, if Palestinian students picked on Israeli students it was ignored or okay. But when Israeli students fought back, it was a “bad thing” and a “wrong thing”. Why is it that the world only reacts when Israel fights back, but never when Hamas attacks Israel?
I refuse to take sides however, if Israelis and Palestinians bring their demonstrations and violence into my neighborhood, I will choose the side of the Israelis. And no I am not Jewish, nor am I Muslim. Heck, I’m not even Christian, if you really want to know. But I have MAJOR problems with the innocent are picked on and wrongly accused. I’m not saying that Israel is innocent in all of this, I’m simply saying that I don’t like bullies who claim they are the victim.
If you really want someone to protest, protest Egypt who’s border guards are opening fire on those same innocent civilians who are trying to escape Gaza, and it has been reported that some Palestinians have been injured as a rest. Egypt has added an additional 300 guards to the border. And President Mubarak said that Egypt will keep its border crossings with Gaza closed until Abbas regains authority over the territory. Why not protest a country that is keeping those who wish to flee the fighting stuck in their country? But no, lets point fingers at Israel and the United States instead, right? And lets not point fingers at Hamas, who wants to eradicate the Jews, and has in the past, for years, sent daily rocket barrages across the border into Israel, right? Let’s just blame Israel instead.
Or we could always discuss the new news, about Hamas bringing back Crucifixion. Did you know that Hamas “legislators” passed a Shari’a criminal code for the Palestine Authority, which authorizes crucifixion? The Quran says, “5:33 Those who wage war against God and His Messenger and strive to spread corruption in the land should be punished by death, crucifixion, the amputation of an alternate hand and foot or banishment from the land: a disgrace for them in this world, and then a terrible punishment in the Hereafter.”
Yea, that’s REAL progress. A REAL step… a real step backwards that is. I have bars of “Give Me That Old Time Religion” going through my head now…
Seriously, what does Hamas do? Sit around on a Saturday night saying, “Hey, I’m bored. Let’s go have some fun, fire a few rockets over to Israel, and kill a few people.” Then afterwards do they say to each other, “Let’s go see what we can do next to make ourselves even more barbaric! Stoning, hanging, beheading and burning is just so last year….” To blaspheme a line from the Bible: “Do NOT forgive them, Father, for they know PERFECTLY well what they do.”
HOWEVER, there is the old saying of “overkill”. There is a point when you have to say “enough”! Israel has said no to a cease fire, and Hamas continues to send rockets back across to Israel. Hamas needs to realize that Israel could totally destroy Gaza if they want, and Israel should really realize that there is such a thing as overkill, and not try genocide. But will either of them realize this? Probably not.
And with everyone hating and protesting the United States along with Israel, joining the side of terrorists pretty much in every Arab nation, let us hope this does NOT start a world war, especially with a new President in office. Or is this what Biden was saying, when he said that Obama will be tested within the first six months of his Presidency? Could this push the United States into Martial Law with all the protesting going on, and possible violence between Palestinian and Israelis? Between Muslims and Jews? No, Im not a conspiracy person, as I have said and shown however, lets take a step back and look at the entire picture.
- The US is in a recession, and depression in certain areas. - Unemployment is at a 26 year high, and reaching depression numbers in certain areas. - Wall Street failing, 401ks disappearing overnight. - Banks getting a bailout, yet monthly mortgage payments rise. - Record levels of foreclosures. - More homeless. - States running out of money, asking Washington for help. - The Big 2 bailout, and deciding in Feb/March if they are solvent. - States cutting back on health care. - A war in Iraq. - A war in Afghanistan.
I’m sure I’ve missed something, but can you come up with any other time in history when all of this is going on with the United States and the world?
Gee good thing we have about a three month stockpile of food, that could be pushed to about 4 months, and it’s pretty portable too. Just time to start stocking up on water now.
