Publish to Newswire
Add an EventFrom the Open-Publishing Calendar
From the Open-Publishing Newswire
Indybay Feature
US Consulate Refuses to Protect Rachel Corrie
Conversation between ISM and US Consulate regarding ISM activists in Rafah
At 2 pm on Friday the ISM received word that Israeli military bulldozers were demolishing houses in Rafah town in the south of the Gaza Strip. The destruction is part of Israel's "Apartheid Wall" policy towards the Occupied Territories. Whereby Palestinians communities will be sealed from the outside world by a massive series of walls, complete with towers from which military sharpshooters can monitor their activities. The section of the Wall under construction near Rafah stretches along the entire length of Gaza's border with Egypt. To give the snipers in the wall's towers clear fields of fire, the Israeli occupation forces in Gaza intend to demolish all the houses within 70 - 100 metres of the wall
As soon as they received word of the demolitions seven activists (3 US, 3 UK and 1 Dutch) left ISM Rafah headquarters in Gaza to resist them. The site of the demolitions was in an area of Rafah known of "Block O" that is overlooked by four of the wall's towers including the infamous Saleh e-Deen Tower from which Israeli snipers have murdered several of Rafah's residents. When they arrived the activists saw a row of six houses being systematically bulldozed by two Israeli military bulldozers guarded by a tank. They were unable to approach the bulldozers directly because of landmines but found an alternative route to the devastation, which bypassed the minefield.
As soon as the activists began to approach the bulldozers they were fired upon from the towers and the tanks which directed rifle and machine gun fire at the ground in front of them. Using their megaphone the activists announced that they were unarmed international peace activists and continued to advance. The tank and the soldiers in the towers continued to fire warning shots at them but the activists refused to submit to their intimidation and continued their approach.
As soon as the activists came under fire they phoned the ISM media office to alert me to the danger they were under and I immediately made an emergency call to the US consulate in Tel Aviv to inform them what was happening and request that they alert the headquarters of the Israeli occupying forces in the Gaza Strip that there were international peace activists (including 3 Americans) in Rafah Town that were coming under fire from Israeli troops and ask them to please exercise restraint (the standard ISM procedure in such circumstances).
After being put on hold several times. I had the following conversation with US consulate staff:
Diplomat: I'm sorry but its Shabbat and we can't contact anyone in the Army because they're all on holiday.
ISM: On holiday? Then what are they doing demolishing houses in Rafah and shooting and international volunteers for?
Diplomat: I'm sorry but we don't have anyone we can contact in the Army.
ISM: Then phone the Department of Foreign Affairs and tell them to contact the Army. [The standard protocol under such circumstances.]
Diplomat: What are they doing in the area?
ISM: They're trying to stop house... Can I speak to the consul please?
Diplomat: Please hold a minute....
Ingrid Barzel: How can I help you.
ISM: This is an emergency call about a group of International Peace Activists in Rafah Town that are being fired upon by Israeli troops. I'm phoning you because I want you to get in contact with the Army and advise them that there are American nationals in the area and ask them to please exercise restraint.
Ingrid Barzel: Please advise your people there to leave the area.
ISM: Look they're in the area and they don't intend to go anywhere. They're trying to stop houses being demolished by military bulldozers.
Ingrid Barzel: We have a travel advisory against traveling to the Gaza Strip and if these people are there they are there illegally. [This is untrue to enter the Gaza Strip one has to have a special authorisation stamp in one's passport and all the Rafah activists have one.]
ISM: What if one of them gets killed? Will you hide behind your excuses then?
Ingrid Barzel: They're not excuses. It's State Department procedure endorsed by the Secretary of State.
ISM: So what you're saying is you take no responsibility for the welfare of your nationals dong peace work in the Gaza Strip even if this means one of them gets killed because of your inaction?
Ingrid Barzel: We do not accept any responsibility for anyone who ignores our travel advisories and illegally enters the Gaza Strip.
ISM; What is your name?
[Pause]
Ingrid Barzel: I'd be happy to give you my name. It's Ingrid Barzel.
ISM: Right, now I know how useless you are I'll never phone you again. I also got in touch with the British consulate who said they'd phone me back but seem to have got in touch with the Gaza military headquarters and the Dutch consulate which was on holiday and had an answering machine operating.
As soon as they received word of the demolitions seven activists (3 US, 3 UK and 1 Dutch) left ISM Rafah headquarters in Gaza to resist them. The site of the demolitions was in an area of Rafah known of "Block O" that is overlooked by four of the wall's towers including the infamous Saleh e-Deen Tower from which Israeli snipers have murdered several of Rafah's residents. When they arrived the activists saw a row of six houses being systematically bulldozed by two Israeli military bulldozers guarded by a tank. They were unable to approach the bulldozers directly because of landmines but found an alternative route to the devastation, which bypassed the minefield.
As soon as the activists began to approach the bulldozers they were fired upon from the towers and the tanks which directed rifle and machine gun fire at the ground in front of them. Using their megaphone the activists announced that they were unarmed international peace activists and continued to advance. The tank and the soldiers in the towers continued to fire warning shots at them but the activists refused to submit to their intimidation and continued their approach.
As soon as the activists came under fire they phoned the ISM media office to alert me to the danger they were under and I immediately made an emergency call to the US consulate in Tel Aviv to inform them what was happening and request that they alert the headquarters of the Israeli occupying forces in the Gaza Strip that there were international peace activists (including 3 Americans) in Rafah Town that were coming under fire from Israeli troops and ask them to please exercise restraint (the standard ISM procedure in such circumstances).
After being put on hold several times. I had the following conversation with US consulate staff:
Diplomat: I'm sorry but its Shabbat and we can't contact anyone in the Army because they're all on holiday.
ISM: On holiday? Then what are they doing demolishing houses in Rafah and shooting and international volunteers for?
Diplomat: I'm sorry but we don't have anyone we can contact in the Army.
ISM: Then phone the Department of Foreign Affairs and tell them to contact the Army. [The standard protocol under such circumstances.]
Diplomat: What are they doing in the area?
ISM: They're trying to stop house... Can I speak to the consul please?
Diplomat: Please hold a minute....
Ingrid Barzel: How can I help you.
ISM: This is an emergency call about a group of International Peace Activists in Rafah Town that are being fired upon by Israeli troops. I'm phoning you because I want you to get in contact with the Army and advise them that there are American nationals in the area and ask them to please exercise restraint.
Ingrid Barzel: Please advise your people there to leave the area.
ISM: Look they're in the area and they don't intend to go anywhere. They're trying to stop houses being demolished by military bulldozers.
Ingrid Barzel: We have a travel advisory against traveling to the Gaza Strip and if these people are there they are there illegally. [This is untrue to enter the Gaza Strip one has to have a special authorisation stamp in one's passport and all the Rafah activists have one.]
ISM: What if one of them gets killed? Will you hide behind your excuses then?
Ingrid Barzel: They're not excuses. It's State Department procedure endorsed by the Secretary of State.
ISM: So what you're saying is you take no responsibility for the welfare of your nationals dong peace work in the Gaza Strip even if this means one of them gets killed because of your inaction?
Ingrid Barzel: We do not accept any responsibility for anyone who ignores our travel advisories and illegally enters the Gaza Strip.
ISM; What is your name?
[Pause]
Ingrid Barzel: I'd be happy to give you my name. It's Ingrid Barzel.
ISM: Right, now I know how useless you are I'll never phone you again. I also got in touch with the British consulate who said they'd phone me back but seem to have got in touch with the Gaza military headquarters and the Dutch consulate which was on holiday and had an answering machine operating.
Add Your Comments
Comments
(Hide Comments)
So the Israeli phone people said that they should leave the area, it's not safe and travelers are advised to clear out of there. So Rachel and friends intentionally ignored this, put themselves directly in harm's way, and tried to stand in front of heavy machinery.
I don't know about your mom, but my mom told me that when giant metal machinery is moving towards me, to move away from it.
I don't know about your mom, but my mom told me that when giant metal machinery is moving towards me, to move away from it.
My mom told me, when heavily armed and armoured soldiers intentionally and unnecessarily kill unarmed citizens, that this constitures a war crime.
When Daniel Pearl was killed the US media and government (CIA) did not stop till the murderers were apprehended and imprisoned.
In this case, does anyone really believe that the US will even pressure Israel to arrest this murderer?
The Israeli who did this is literally going to get away with murder and probably laugh and brag about it with all his IDF buddies.
In this case, does anyone really believe that the US will even pressure Israel to arrest this murderer?
The Israeli who did this is literally going to get away with murder and probably laugh and brag about it with all his IDF buddies.
Daniel Pearl was kidnapped and brutally murdered. Rachel hid in front of the blade of a moving military bulldozer (which has much less visibility than your regular one you might see on a building site), and was accidentally buried under dirt. A tragic accident, to be sure, but not murder.
She "hid" in front of the bulldozer with a fluorescent orange vest and a megaphone.
Why weren't the Dutch and UK consultates called?
==========================================
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=accident
ac·ci·dent
n.
1) An **unexpected** and undesirable event, especially one resulting in damage or harm: car accidents on icy roads.
2) An **unforeseen** incident: A series of happy accidents led to his promotion.
==========================================
I think we've already dealt a serious blow to the credibiblity of Israel's statistically miraculous collection of "terrible accidents":
Deir Yassin
the assassination of Count Folke Bernadotte
the Lavon Affair
the U.S.S. Liberty
the pre-emptive Six Day War
the bombing of Iraq's nuclear power station
the shooting of Huda Hawaja and witholding ambulances so her children could watch her die.
the settlement of "occupied territories" by chosen-warriors of deity.
the "Generous" Offer of bantustans.
the deity covenented "birth-right" to "return" for Baruch Goldstein.
the deity covenented "birth-right" to "return" for Peruvian converts
"the stranger in our midst"
the "art students"
the "Odigo warning"
the "Urban Moving Systems"
the Dominik Suter
the JDL
the AIPAC
the JINSA
the "Clean Break"
the Project for the New American Century
==========================================
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=cult
cult
n.
1) religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader.
2) The followers of such a religion or sect.
==========================================
I suggest you stop trying to destroy the meanings ascribed to the units of our native language. English is not zionist putty.
*********************************
'When I use a word,' Humpty Dumpty said, in a rather scornful tone,' it means just what I choose it to mean, neither more nor less.'
'The question is,' said Alice, 'whether you can make words mean so many different things.'
'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master - that's all.'
=====================
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=accident
ac·ci·dent
n.
1) An **unexpected** and undesirable event, especially one resulting in damage or harm: car accidents on icy roads.
2) An **unforeseen** incident: A series of happy accidents led to his promotion.
==========================================
I think we've already dealt a serious blow to the credibiblity of Israel's statistically miraculous collection of "terrible accidents":
Deir Yassin
the assassination of Count Folke Bernadotte
the Lavon Affair
the U.S.S. Liberty
the pre-emptive Six Day War
the bombing of Iraq's nuclear power station
the shooting of Huda Hawaja and witholding ambulances so her children could watch her die.
the settlement of "occupied territories" by chosen-warriors of deity.
the "Generous" Offer of bantustans.
the deity covenented "birth-right" to "return" for Baruch Goldstein.
the deity covenented "birth-right" to "return" for Peruvian converts
"the stranger in our midst"
the "art students"
the "Odigo warning"
the "Urban Moving Systems"
the Dominik Suter
the JDL
the AIPAC
the JINSA
the "Clean Break"
the Project for the New American Century
==========================================
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=cult
cult
n.
1) religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader.
2) The followers of such a religion or sect.
==========================================
I suggest you stop trying to destroy the meanings ascribed to the units of our native language. English is not zionist putty.
*********************************
'When I use a word,' Humpty Dumpty said, in a rather scornful tone,' it means just what I choose it to mean, neither more nor less.'
'The question is,' said Alice, 'whether you can make words mean so many different things.'
'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master - that's all.'
=====================
Clearly, the soldiers intended to harm the activists. They were shooting at the activists even before one of their drivers ran over Corrie. And regardless of whether or not the driver could see Corrie, he had to have known that the activists would position themselves in front of the bulldozers. The soldiers were aware that the activists were there to oppose the bulldozing. They could have easily detained the activists without harming them, or at least without killing them.
Corrie's murder disturbingly reveals the limits of U.S. citizenship. Ostensibly, U.S. citizens have both the right to actively oppose the government, and to be protected as a national abroad. Neither one of these rights is supposed to cancel out the other. Yet the U.S. Consulate refused to intervene, stating that it was "illegal" to be in the Gaza strip, when according to ISM "This is untrue to enter the Gaza strip one has to have a special authorization stamp on one's passport and all the rafah activists have one." The Consulate's refusal to protect Corrie suggests that her political action effectively cost her her rights as a citizen. That the U.S. government is willing to accept that this incident was an accident--despite evidence to the contrary--and is not hold Israel accountable supports this point.
In response the comment "I don't know about your mom, but my mom told me that when giant metal machinery is moving towards me, to move away from it.": This cutesy statement not only oversimplifies the issue but demeans Corrie. Remember, the "giant metal machinery" moving toward Corrie was driven by another human being, a U.S. ally, capable of making judgement call. He and his fellow soldiers could've decided not to forge ahead, but they didn't.
In response to Euroman: The British and Dutch Consulates were indeed contacted. In the last paragraph ISM states: "I also got in touch with the British Consulate who said they'd phone me back but seem to have got in touch with the Gaza military headquarters and the Dutch Consulate which was on holiday and had an answering machine."
Corrie's murder disturbingly reveals the limits of U.S. citizenship. Ostensibly, U.S. citizens have both the right to actively oppose the government, and to be protected as a national abroad. Neither one of these rights is supposed to cancel out the other. Yet the U.S. Consulate refused to intervene, stating that it was "illegal" to be in the Gaza strip, when according to ISM "This is untrue to enter the Gaza strip one has to have a special authorization stamp on one's passport and all the rafah activists have one." The Consulate's refusal to protect Corrie suggests that her political action effectively cost her her rights as a citizen. That the U.S. government is willing to accept that this incident was an accident--despite evidence to the contrary--and is not hold Israel accountable supports this point.
In response the comment "I don't know about your mom, but my mom told me that when giant metal machinery is moving towards me, to move away from it.": This cutesy statement not only oversimplifies the issue but demeans Corrie. Remember, the "giant metal machinery" moving toward Corrie was driven by another human being, a U.S. ally, capable of making judgement call. He and his fellow soldiers could've decided not to forge ahead, but they didn't.
In response to Euroman: The British and Dutch Consulates were indeed contacted. In the last paragraph ISM states: "I also got in touch with the British Consulate who said they'd phone me back but seem to have got in touch with the Gaza military headquarters and the Dutch Consulate which was on holiday and had an answering machine."
A comment on 'Here''s remarks that essentially says about this incident, and do correct me if I'm mistaken, "She got what she deserved by deliberately placing herself in harms way, when she was quite clearly told not to / knew this might be a bad idea."
Well yes, she knew this might be a bad idea, I mean really, what else can she have been thinking?? That protecting someones house from being demolished (and further, that it is being demolished for no real, vaild or legitimate reason) is a good idea???
The answer: she stood up for these people because it is patently clear from your comments that there are still people in this world that will never help anyone else in need. Why? Because they dwell in their own little world where the problems of the world can be turned off - after all, it's only on TV now isn't it?
Here's a little something to ponder for those who think that she shouldn't have been there in the first place: If it wasn't for people like Rachel standing up to the ultimately infantile people who like to call themselves President, Prime Minister, General or any other title and their equally pig-brained minions who carry out their pathetic plans for some kind of domination, however thinly disguised in diplomatic drivel-speak, this world would be in a considerable mess.
At the end of the day, these wars are nothing more than the extension of stupid idiots crying because someone has a bigger toy than them, or sulking because it has been found that so-and-so may actually have a point to make. Most people grow out of this kind of behaviour, the only problem is, some people never grow out of it, and choose to solve their problems in later life by using other people as a tool, and they like to lob missiles instead of stones at any people that don't fit into their predetermined world where they are the victor and conquerer of all (and naturally, bringers of peace and the "right" way to live), and everybody else are "losers".
Unfortunately for those of us who never were like this, or grew out of those tendencies at age 2 or thereabouts, it's these idiots who are in control of very dangerous weapons.
Well yes, she knew this might be a bad idea, I mean really, what else can she have been thinking?? That protecting someones house from being demolished (and further, that it is being demolished for no real, vaild or legitimate reason) is a good idea???
The answer: she stood up for these people because it is patently clear from your comments that there are still people in this world that will never help anyone else in need. Why? Because they dwell in their own little world where the problems of the world can be turned off - after all, it's only on TV now isn't it?
Here's a little something to ponder for those who think that she shouldn't have been there in the first place: If it wasn't for people like Rachel standing up to the ultimately infantile people who like to call themselves President, Prime Minister, General or any other title and their equally pig-brained minions who carry out their pathetic plans for some kind of domination, however thinly disguised in diplomatic drivel-speak, this world would be in a considerable mess.
At the end of the day, these wars are nothing more than the extension of stupid idiots crying because someone has a bigger toy than them, or sulking because it has been found that so-and-so may actually have a point to make. Most people grow out of this kind of behaviour, the only problem is, some people never grow out of it, and choose to solve their problems in later life by using other people as a tool, and they like to lob missiles instead of stones at any people that don't fit into their predetermined world where they are the victor and conquerer of all (and naturally, bringers of peace and the "right" way to live), and everybody else are "losers".
Unfortunately for those of us who never were like this, or grew out of those tendencies at age 2 or thereabouts, it's these idiots who are in control of very dangerous weapons.
Surely your speech was the result of frustrated emotions and not an example of a clearly thought out argument. To refer to those who sincerely disagree with your views as "pig-brained minions", "stupid idiots" and that they have "pathetic plans for some kind of domination". And further to oversimplify nations going to war as being the result of "someone has a bigger toy than them", is contemptuous.
Corrie's death, regardless of the cause and context, is sad and unfortunate. The pain her family and friends will live with is something too sacred for me to make comment on, either in support of her actions or condemning them.
However I do think that we must be accountable to truthful and sober reasoning. We can disagree on how to interpret the data, but we can not falsify or trivialize the facts in order to support a view we hold. Nearly every major war that America has witnessed in its history has more to do with ideology that any other issue. Even the wars perpetrated by the communist from the Bolshevik revolution through the tyranny of Pol Pot, were largely motivated by ideology. Ideology will not be pure, it never is, there will be selfish aims intertwined, but it is still ideology at the center. America's support of Israel and even our current war in Iraq, are founded in an ideology. You may not agree with it, you will certainly be able to find examples of abuse sometimes, but to trivialize America's or Israel's motives as "crying becasue someone has a bigger toy" is incorrect.
Corrie's death, regardless of the cause and context, is sad and unfortunate. The pain her family and friends will live with is something too sacred for me to make comment on, either in support of her actions or condemning them.
However I do think that we must be accountable to truthful and sober reasoning. We can disagree on how to interpret the data, but we can not falsify or trivialize the facts in order to support a view we hold. Nearly every major war that America has witnessed in its history has more to do with ideology that any other issue. Even the wars perpetrated by the communist from the Bolshevik revolution through the tyranny of Pol Pot, were largely motivated by ideology. Ideology will not be pure, it never is, there will be selfish aims intertwined, but it is still ideology at the center. America's support of Israel and even our current war in Iraq, are founded in an ideology. You may not agree with it, you will certainly be able to find examples of abuse sometimes, but to trivialize America's or Israel's motives as "crying becasue someone has a bigger toy" is incorrect.
Response to Timothy:
Ideology? War crimes such as the killing of Ms. Corrie, the intentional slaughter of Iraqi citizens and non-embedded journalists have nothing to do with ideology. War is a dispute out of control and never necessary if there's communication. Certainly, any unprovoked attack upon sovergn peoples should not be tolerated, nor deemed OK because of ideology differences. EVERY war the USA has participated in, was for $$, not ideology. The USA has no leg to stand on if we apply your theory on this Tim, unless hypocracy fits.
Ideology? War crimes such as the killing of Ms. Corrie, the intentional slaughter of Iraqi citizens and non-embedded journalists have nothing to do with ideology. War is a dispute out of control and never necessary if there's communication. Certainly, any unprovoked attack upon sovergn peoples should not be tolerated, nor deemed OK because of ideology differences. EVERY war the USA has participated in, was for $$, not ideology. The USA has no leg to stand on if we apply your theory on this Tim, unless hypocracy fits.
She advised them to leave the area. Sounds like good advice to me. From what I read here it seems most people don't like the US government telling other countries what to do. So why do you expect the US to tell Israel how to conduct military operations?
Regarding Davids previous comments on issue of the US telling others what to do. Regardless of whether people like the US telling others what to do it does not stop them doing so (or in other cases forcing them to do as they are told). I think you will find that suppling the Isreali state with massive amounts of material and financial aid would give the US some influence over them.
With reference to the killing Rachel and the recent shooting of another american peace activist in the occupied territories . I thought the US government was fairly keen on protecting their citizens overseas - medical students in Grenada etc. So why so little action here
With reference to the killing Rachel and the recent shooting of another american peace activist in the occupied territories . I thought the US government was fairly keen on protecting their citizens overseas - medical students in Grenada etc. So why so little action here
Mr. Morrow,
Surely you understand that your interpretation of events that you described is filtered through your ideology. Every sentence in your response to me manifested your idelolgy. Even your statement "War is a dispute out of control and never necessary if there's communication" is an ideological statement. (And one that I believe is patently false.) I'm sure there is no changing your mind that the US did NOT seek "the intentional slaughter of Iraqi citizens and non-embedded journalist". But your statement that, "EVERY war the USA has participated in, was for $$, not ideology" is absurd. While I stated in my earlier post that "nearly every major war that America has witnessed in its history has more to do with ideology than any other issue", I will at least acknowledge that there were secondary reasons. But to say that the Revolutionary War - Civil War - WW1 & WW2 - Korea - Vietnam and all the other wars were "for $$, not ideology" is wrong. Ideology was a big part of each of these wars. It is because of ideology that you and I will not agree on this subject. I suspect your ideological views tell you that war is never necessary, communication can resolve all problems, and that when you look at any situation the USA is in, the USA is some how at fault. If those are not views you hold, I apologize. I am not saying that as a negative dig in any way. My ideological views (as I'm sure you already know) are that there are and there will always be evil tyrants in this world that must be met with force. I have all of history on my side and all you have is optimistic illusion. I believe that among civilized people, communication can solve most difficulties. You and I live in a world where differences are handled in a civilized manner (or at least generally). But as I stated, I beleive that as long as we have Pol Pots and Stalins, meeting a foe in battle and defeating him is the only solution. And finally, my ideological views differ sharply from yours in looking at the USA. Are we governed by humans who err and at times have done terrible wrongs? Yes. But I think our benevolence to others is unmatched in the world. In looking at the USA and any other country in the world why would I ever automatically think the worst of the USA and the best of some other country? I know it will sound like I am just wrapping myself in the flag, but I believe that at this point in history, the USA is the strongest and kindest country in the world.
Have a nice day.
Surely you understand that your interpretation of events that you described is filtered through your ideology. Every sentence in your response to me manifested your idelolgy. Even your statement "War is a dispute out of control and never necessary if there's communication" is an ideological statement. (And one that I believe is patently false.) I'm sure there is no changing your mind that the US did NOT seek "the intentional slaughter of Iraqi citizens and non-embedded journalist". But your statement that, "EVERY war the USA has participated in, was for $$, not ideology" is absurd. While I stated in my earlier post that "nearly every major war that America has witnessed in its history has more to do with ideology than any other issue", I will at least acknowledge that there were secondary reasons. But to say that the Revolutionary War - Civil War - WW1 & WW2 - Korea - Vietnam and all the other wars were "for $$, not ideology" is wrong. Ideology was a big part of each of these wars. It is because of ideology that you and I will not agree on this subject. I suspect your ideological views tell you that war is never necessary, communication can resolve all problems, and that when you look at any situation the USA is in, the USA is some how at fault. If those are not views you hold, I apologize. I am not saying that as a negative dig in any way. My ideological views (as I'm sure you already know) are that there are and there will always be evil tyrants in this world that must be met with force. I have all of history on my side and all you have is optimistic illusion. I believe that among civilized people, communication can solve most difficulties. You and I live in a world where differences are handled in a civilized manner (or at least generally). But as I stated, I beleive that as long as we have Pol Pots and Stalins, meeting a foe in battle and defeating him is the only solution. And finally, my ideological views differ sharply from yours in looking at the USA. Are we governed by humans who err and at times have done terrible wrongs? Yes. But I think our benevolence to others is unmatched in the world. In looking at the USA and any other country in the world why would I ever automatically think the worst of the USA and the best of some other country? I know it will sound like I am just wrapping myself in the flag, but I believe that at this point in history, the USA is the strongest and kindest country in the world.
Have a nice day.
Thanks for helping us cover this up.
have we ever let you down?
What's everyone complaining about? Everyone got what they wanted: Corrie got to be a martyr, and the rest of the world got to be rid of one more asshat. It's perfect!
The Jewish thugs of the IDF will never respect the Palestinian until they are met "fire-with-fire," "thunder-with-thunder," and "blood letting-with-blood letting."
Even a mouse will fight---given enough provocation--so the only alternative will continue to be brave young hopeless Palestinians--their back packs full of dynamite, penny nails and a "twist of rat poison," ( how appropritate, huh? ) and the courage of a true "FREEDOM FIGHTER!"
TheAZCowBoy,
Charlie Reese, retired editor of the Orlando Senteniel once wrote about the brave Palestinian's.
"It's not the size of the dog in the fight--it's the size of the fight in the dog!"
LONG LIVE PALESTINE!
Yassir Arafat
VIVA LA REVOLUCION!
"El Che" Guevara!
Even a mouse will fight---given enough provocation--so the only alternative will continue to be brave young hopeless Palestinians--their back packs full of dynamite, penny nails and a "twist of rat poison," ( how appropritate, huh? ) and the courage of a true "FREEDOM FIGHTER!"
TheAZCowBoy,
Charlie Reese, retired editor of the Orlando Senteniel once wrote about the brave Palestinian's.
"It's not the size of the dog in the fight--it's the size of the fight in the dog!"
LONG LIVE PALESTINE!
Yassir Arafat
VIVA LA REVOLUCION!
"El Che" Guevara!
@Tim Money: Your country is going "HITLER" and all you do is palavering about your own righteousness. Very much Like germans did in 1933. Heil!
Disgusting...
It is only for people like Rachel (or Michael Moore), that the US has not lost all it's reputation. Imagine that.
@Asshat: Shot yourself!
Disgusting...
It is only for people like Rachel (or Michael Moore), that the US has not lost all it's reputation. Imagine that.
@Asshat: Shot yourself!
Daniel Pearl was a Mossad agent and a Zionist Jew.
He got what he had coming: S-L-I-T!
Amen!
TheAZCowBoy
He got what he had coming: S-L-I-T!
Amen!
TheAZCowBoy
Dr. Samir Masri, is a Palestinian physician. He was not a terrorist - nor did the IOF ever claim that he was.
The Army said soldiers were looking for explosives and tunnels used to smuggle weapons. However this was the home of a Palestinian Pysician.
The purpose of the house demolition was purely 'land clearance' in the guise of security, as Israel was once again 'widening' the 'security zone' adjacent to the Egyptian border. Due to the fact that Israel has continuously widened this area since 1967, it would be now be more than a mile from this house to the border.
In the Gaza Strip, house demolitions have nothing to do with Palestinian 'terrorism' and everything to do with Israeli control.
More on Rafah here:
Reports from Rafah
http://www.rafah.vze.com/
Affidavits from eyewitnesses to Rachel Corrie killing (Schnabel, Dale, Purssell)
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
http://www.palestinemonitor.org/Activism/Affidavits.htm
The Army said soldiers were looking for explosives and tunnels used to smuggle weapons. However this was the home of a Palestinian Pysician.
The purpose of the house demolition was purely 'land clearance' in the guise of security, as Israel was once again 'widening' the 'security zone' adjacent to the Egyptian border. Due to the fact that Israel has continuously widened this area since 1967, it would be now be more than a mile from this house to the border.
In the Gaza Strip, house demolitions have nothing to do with Palestinian 'terrorism' and everything to do with Israeli control.
More on Rafah here:
Reports from Rafah
http://www.rafah.vze.com/
Affidavits from eyewitnesses to Rachel Corrie killing (Schnabel, Dale, Purssell)
Palestinian Center for Human Rights
http://www.palestinemonitor.org/Activism/Affidavits.htm
You can sit her all day pointing out the truth in this matter, !, but those out there who like to refer to every Palestinian as "a terrorist" won't change their brainwashed minds.
You have to remember the mentality of those like the halfwit who posted the above spiel.
Meanwhile, the shooting death by the IDF of a four year old on the weekend at a checkpoint has been nicely shoved under the proverbial rug.
I don't know about you, but I'm waiting for news that the youngster was a "terrorist".
You have to remember the mentality of those like the halfwit who posted the above spiel.
Meanwhile, the shooting death by the IDF of a four year old on the weekend at a checkpoint has been nicely shoved under the proverbial rug.
I don't know about you, but I'm waiting for news that the youngster was a "terrorist".
No, angie, "all" palestinians are not terrorists. GOod job making up a strawman argument and then knocking it down. Really brilliant.
As for these other responses, you guys are pretty funny. YOu sound like hamas representatives.
As for these other responses, you guys are pretty funny. YOu sound like hamas representatives.
You people are still shedding tears for this dead terrorist? Shiiiiiiit.
Ted:
Your insight is incredible. Of course Rachel was a terrorist, I have always been threatened by megaphones and orange vests. I am sure that you too Ted, run trembling at the sight of pretty intelligent courageous young women armed with megaphones. I pray that Jesus and Yaweh will save me from the evil young women who are attacking me with megaphones and sitting in the path of my bulldozer. You know Ted, with imbeciles like you in the world I am TOTALLY CERTAIN that Rachel is much better off where she is now and that she will never have to suffer the idiocy of you or your ilk ever again. Ted you will never, ever for the rest of eternity come anywhere near Rachel Corrie. Ted, you are a poor lost wretched soul, good luck.
Sincerely, Michael Waldrop Grand Junction, CO
Your insight is incredible. Of course Rachel was a terrorist, I have always been threatened by megaphones and orange vests. I am sure that you too Ted, run trembling at the sight of pretty intelligent courageous young women armed with megaphones. I pray that Jesus and Yaweh will save me from the evil young women who are attacking me with megaphones and sitting in the path of my bulldozer. You know Ted, with imbeciles like you in the world I am TOTALLY CERTAIN that Rachel is much better off where she is now and that she will never have to suffer the idiocy of you or your ilk ever again. Ted you will never, ever for the rest of eternity come anywhere near Rachel Corrie. Ted, you are a poor lost wretched soul, good luck.
Sincerely, Michael Waldrop Grand Junction, CO
Mr. Money,
You may have western history to prove your point that there will always be tyrants, and therefore the need for war, but if you let yourself step outside of the societial norms constructed for you by dead white men, you might realize that there were centuries without any conquering tyrants in ancient China and India before the barbaric mongols. Even so, the people themselves continued to be peaceful until the destruction of their culture with our western "ideals."
You may have western history to prove your point that there will always be tyrants, and therefore the need for war, but if you let yourself step outside of the societial norms constructed for you by dead white men, you might realize that there were centuries without any conquering tyrants in ancient China and India before the barbaric mongols. Even so, the people themselves continued to be peaceful until the destruction of their culture with our western "ideals."
Mr. Money,
You may have western history to prove your point that there will always be tyrants, and therefore the need for war, but if you let yourself step outside of the societial norms constructed for you by dead white men, you might realize that there were centuries without any conquering tyrants in ancient China and India before the barbaric mongols. Even so, the people themselves continued to be peaceful until the destruction of their culture with our western "ideals."
You may have western history to prove your point that there will always be tyrants, and therefore the need for war, but if you let yourself step outside of the societial norms constructed for you by dead white men, you might realize that there were centuries without any conquering tyrants in ancient China and India before the barbaric mongols. Even so, the people themselves continued to be peaceful until the destruction of their culture with our western "ideals."
tim, ted, et al.
a young woman with all the opportunities and rights you obviously take for granted has chosen to risk her life in an attemtp to extend these rights to a people who have none because they were born in a warzone. in her emails and letters
(http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,2763,916299,00.html)
she speaks of what she wished to do on her way home, and once she got home. these are not the acts of someone who wants to be a matyr. i am appalled at your lack of compassion, and truly terrified by your assumed righteousness in the face of all evidence.
rest assured, as you cut one down, two rise in her place.
we shall have your skulls.
a young woman with all the opportunities and rights you obviously take for granted has chosen to risk her life in an attemtp to extend these rights to a people who have none because they were born in a warzone. in her emails and letters
(http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,2763,916299,00.html)
she speaks of what she wished to do on her way home, and once she got home. these are not the acts of someone who wants to be a matyr. i am appalled at your lack of compassion, and truly terrified by your assumed righteousness in the face of all evidence.
rest assured, as you cut one down, two rise in her place.
we shall have your skulls.
Peter you really need to explain in more detail what you mean. china had al sorts of civil wars just because they were between Chinese and Chinese didn’t make them any nicer.
India I don’t know what your talking about here. India was a mess of little states and had wars all over the place. so again you'll have to be specific.
And lastly it is possible to have a peaceful period if one side crushes the other side for example the roman empire started a long period of stability in "civilized" Europe until it fell. If you subjugate al of your neighbouring civilized states there will be no wars between civilized countries obviously (until you have a civil war)
India I don’t know what your talking about here. India was a mess of little states and had wars all over the place. so again you'll have to be specific.
And lastly it is possible to have a peaceful period if one side crushes the other side for example the roman empire started a long period of stability in "civilized" Europe until it fell. If you subjugate al of your neighbouring civilized states there will be no wars between civilized countries obviously (until you have a civil war)
I am in the Israeli Military Police...I want to let you all know that the Israeli Army does EVERYTHING with the best intentions for its citizens and would NEVER kill innocent civilians.....We are in a state of distress....When girls with too much time on their hands fly over to Israel and put soldiers lives in danger by getting in the way of their activities and orders....it puts both the soldiers lives in danger AND their own life....With a driver having the burden of possibly getting picked off by a Palestinian shooter and some Mid-West American girl yelling, how do you think HE feels!!!! So before you all open your mouths...Listen to somebody IN the Army here in Israel.....We only do whats best.
Love
I. Benadereti --Chel HaMishtara HaTzvait (Military Police)
Love
I. Benadereti --Chel HaMishtara HaTzvait (Military Police)
In response to I. Benadereti's views. Speaking as an outsider. Israel will always have to live with the constant threat of suicide bombers while you allow Israeli settlements in and fence off parts the Palestinian territories, Bulldoze peoples houses, and control their movements. When you kill one terrorist, you create 10 more. People take up arms against a state because they are incensed by what they view as immoral policies. One person's terrorist is another person's freedom fighter. These acts of violence committed against the palestinians, whether justified or not radicalise even the moderates and while a bellicose, jaded warmongerer like Ariel Sharon is in power there will be more blood spilt in Israel. The only way of stopping this is if Israel is willing in good faith to remove security posts and fencing and above all actually listening to the needs of the Palestinians. Unfortunately I wonder if Sharon doesn't still think it's 1948. As someone from Britain I can see how there are similarities between Israel and Northern Ireland and if Britain was as right wing as Israel it would probably still be in a mess as well. Still, I'm not speaking from experience and you are. I just hope you're not blinkered by it.
Good luck in youir future
Good luck in youir future
I can't say I'm shocked that the US Consul refused to do anything to stop the illegal demoliltion of houses, in illegally occupied territory-for the sole reason that it was Israelis responsible.
What the US establishment's continued obsession with shoring up the State of Israel by supplying it with insane amounts of funding and aquiescing to the occupation of Palsetine(although that last criticism can be levellled at the entire international community).
When will the rhetoric end and when will powerful influential states(the US in particular) actually STOP th Israelis. I sincerely doubt the State of Israel would still be in occupation of the Palestinian Territories if sanctions were placed against her and the collusion of the West in the continued suffering of millions in the region ended.
Of course we all know that will most probably never happen.
What the US establishment's continued obsession with shoring up the State of Israel by supplying it with insane amounts of funding and aquiescing to the occupation of Palsetine(although that last criticism can be levellled at the entire international community).
When will the rhetoric end and when will powerful influential states(the US in particular) actually STOP th Israelis. I sincerely doubt the State of Israel would still be in occupation of the Palestinian Territories if sanctions were placed against her and the collusion of the West in the continued suffering of millions in the region ended.
Of course we all know that will most probably never happen.
I can't say I'm shocked that the US Consul refused to do anything to stop the illegal demoliltion of houses, in illegally occupied territory-for the sole reason that it was Israelis responsible.
What the US establishment's continued obsession with shoring up the State of Israel by supplying it with insane amounts of funding and aquiescing to the occupation of Palsetine(although that last criticism can be levellled at the entire international community).
When will the rhetoric end and when will powerful influential states(the US in particular) actually STOP th Israelis. I sincerely doubt the State of Israel would still be in occupation of the Palestinian Territories if sanctions were placed against her and the collusion of the West in the continued suffering of millions in the region ended.
Of course we all know that will most probably never happen.
What the US establishment's continued obsession with shoring up the State of Israel by supplying it with insane amounts of funding and aquiescing to the occupation of Palsetine(although that last criticism can be levellled at the entire international community).
When will the rhetoric end and when will powerful influential states(the US in particular) actually STOP th Israelis. I sincerely doubt the State of Israel would still be in occupation of the Palestinian Territories if sanctions were placed against her and the collusion of the West in the continued suffering of millions in the region ended.
Of course we all know that will most probably never happen.
I can't say I'm shocked that the US Consul refused to do anything to stop the illegal demoliltion of houses, in illegally occupied territory-for the sole reason that it was Israelis responsible.
What is the US establishment's continued obsession with shoring up the State of Israel by supplying it with insane amounts of funding and aquiescing to the occupation of Palestine(although that last criticism can be levellled at the entire international community)?
When will the rhetoric end and when will powerful influential states(the US in particular) actually STOP th Israelis. I sincerely doubt the State of Israel would still be in occupation of the Palestinian Territories if sanctions were placed against her and the collusion of the West in the continued suffering of millions in the region ended.
Of course we all know that will most probably never happen.
What is the US establishment's continued obsession with shoring up the State of Israel by supplying it with insane amounts of funding and aquiescing to the occupation of Palestine(although that last criticism can be levellled at the entire international community)?
When will the rhetoric end and when will powerful influential states(the US in particular) actually STOP th Israelis. I sincerely doubt the State of Israel would still be in occupation of the Palestinian Territories if sanctions were placed against her and the collusion of the West in the continued suffering of millions in the region ended.
Of course we all know that will most probably never happen.
I can't say I'm shocked that the US Consul refused to do anything to stop the illegal demoliltion of houses, in illegally occupied territory-for the sole reason that it was Israelis responsible.
What is the US establishment's continued obsession with shoring up the State of Israel by supplying it with insane amounts of funding and aquiescing to the occupation of Palestine(although that last criticism can be levellled at the entire international community)?
When will the rhetoric end and when will powerful influential states(the US in particular) actually STOP th Israelis. I sincerely doubt the State of Israel would still be in occupation of the Palestinian Territories if sanctions were placed against her and the collusion of the West in the continued suffering of millions in the region ended.
Of course we all know that will most probably never happen.
What is the US establishment's continued obsession with shoring up the State of Israel by supplying it with insane amounts of funding and aquiescing to the occupation of Palestine(although that last criticism can be levellled at the entire international community)?
When will the rhetoric end and when will powerful influential states(the US in particular) actually STOP th Israelis. I sincerely doubt the State of Israel would still be in occupation of the Palestinian Territories if sanctions were placed against her and the collusion of the West in the continued suffering of millions in the region ended.
Of course we all know that will most probably never happen.
I can't say I'm shocked that the US Consul refused to do anything to stop the illegal demoliltion of houses, in illegally occupied territory-for the sole reason that it was Israelis responsible.
What is the US establishment's continued obsession with shoring up the State of Israel by supplying it with insane amounts of funding and aquiescing to the occupation of Palestine(although that last criticism can be levellled at the entire international community)?
When will the rhetoric end and when will powerful influential states(the US in particular) actually STOP th Israelis. I sincerely doubt the State of Israel would still be in occupation of the Palestinian Territories if sanctions were placed against her and the collusion of the West in the continued suffering of millions in the region ended.
Of course we all know that will most probably never happen.
What is the US establishment's continued obsession with shoring up the State of Israel by supplying it with insane amounts of funding and aquiescing to the occupation of Palestine(although that last criticism can be levellled at the entire international community)?
When will the rhetoric end and when will powerful influential states(the US in particular) actually STOP th Israelis. I sincerely doubt the State of Israel would still be in occupation of the Palestinian Territories if sanctions were placed against her and the collusion of the West in the continued suffering of millions in the region ended.
Of course we all know that will most probably never happen.
She died for what she believed in, we should learn from her example. Most of the rest of us just sit and nag and complain but never actually do anything useful. She did, and she died for it. At least have some respect for that. She is a martyr and a hero and yes, a saint! I don't know whether or not she was a Christian, but she sure acted like one.
God bless your brave soul our dear Rachel. Pray for us from high up there in heaven.
If you are U.S. citizens. Know that the root of these problems come from inside your own country, The U.S. gives tons of money every year to the Israeli government. How would you feel if you knew that those army bulldozers were paid for by your own tax-money?
Start by going after those dooms-day churches in the U.S. who preach that a true Christian must help and protect Israel at all cost.
To all those zionists who rejoice in the death of a "worthless" "gentile". You are no longer God's chosen people. We all are so! (including you)
We all matter!
To our Israeli and Palestinian brothers and sisters in Israel and Palestine who still fight for peace, and firmly believe in it despite the foolishness on both sides. May God bless you and keep you strong in your convictions and actions.
See you around dear Rachel!
God bless your brave soul our dear Rachel. Pray for us from high up there in heaven.
If you are U.S. citizens. Know that the root of these problems come from inside your own country, The U.S. gives tons of money every year to the Israeli government. How would you feel if you knew that those army bulldozers were paid for by your own tax-money?
Start by going after those dooms-day churches in the U.S. who preach that a true Christian must help and protect Israel at all cost.
To all those zionists who rejoice in the death of a "worthless" "gentile". You are no longer God's chosen people. We all are so! (including you)
We all matter!
To our Israeli and Palestinian brothers and sisters in Israel and Palestine who still fight for peace, and firmly believe in it despite the foolishness on both sides. May God bless you and keep you strong in your convictions and actions.
See you around dear Rachel!
We are 100% volunteer and depend on your participation to sustain our efforts!
Donate
$170.00 donated
in the past month
Get Involved
If you'd like to help with maintaining or developing the website, contact us.
Publish
Publish your stories and upcoming events on Indybay.
Topics
More
Search Indybay's Archives
Advanced Search
►
▼
IMC Network