Israel's Invasion of Gaza

Graphic by Ben Heine

It doesn't take a political mastermind to see the lopsidedness of Israel's invasion and bombing of Gaza. A few crude rockets sent off by the sealed-off and starving people of Gaza are met with a ground invasion and shelling that have killed over 400 people, including children.

I went over to Betmo's first thing to see what sources she had gathered on the topic. As usual, I did not come up disappointed. The first linked article discusses how things are possibly changing through a new outlook on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by organizations both in Israel and the U.S.

J Street is the political arm of the pro-Israel, pro-peace movement in the U.S. which is largely Jewish-American but has memberships of non-Jews as well. J Street is circulating a petition that calls for "strong U.S. leadership to bring about an immediate ceasefire". Consider going over there and learning more about their efforts

Am I just being naive or is Hamas a persecuted little bully who is ganged up on and pounded into the ground by a huge gang of thugs? Hamas talks tough about the total elimination of the state of Israel but they don't have the means. And in fact, this article from 2006 illustrates the position of Hamas on Israel's right to exist. Again, thank you, Betmo.

The Israeli government is perpetuating violence that will never end unless there is diplomacy toward a cease-fire and eventual lasting peace. What will this accomplish? Further violence and hatred and divisiveness.

Our government has suppored Israel militarily and politically for far too long. It's our duty as peace advocates to educate ourselves about how we can bring pressure on our government to support similar goals as J Street is advocating. The situation is complex but if we a have clear, well-defined position statement that we can use as reference when writing to our elected officials or taking our own positions on our blogs and in our other circles, we can make a difference in the way this decades-old warring between the Israeli government and Hamas.

Obama campaigned on a promise of renewed emphasis on this situation and reiterated that conviction during his new cabinet appointments. I don't mean to knock Clinton or Obama (why do I feel I even have to say that??) but it is my assumption that she is very sympathetic toward Isreael. I hope that this is not a hindrance in Obama's stated desire to bring U.S. diplomacy efforts to the region. And yet, MSNBC features this video news piece by Andrea Mitchell, touting Clinton as "credible in the Arab world". Let's hope so. Because as the video illustrates, the last time Clinton demonstrated some regard for the Arab world, the backlash was so strong in the U.S., that she went out of her way to embrace Israel, hookline and sinker.

Further, I wish that Obama would take a strong stand on the invasion of Gaza and not hide behind the "it's not my turn yet" facade. We know that Bush and Rice aren't going to do a damned thing differently.

And again, many thank yous to Betmo for helping me clarify my own ideas on this issue. She has sent me many links via email and provided much food for thought through the writing and links on her blog, Life's Journey. My dear friend, you are a tireless voice in the blogosphere, for peace and reason.

Thank you also to Ben Heine for allowing free distribution of the graphic above, for his own tireless voice on peace issues and justice and his immense talent as a cartoonist, artist and photographer.

'Tis NOT the Season for War Toys

click on warning to read Code Pink's take on how to take on the toy industry. I have to admit to having a deep fondness for these women. :-)

The Women of Code Pink Tell It Like It Is

When America voted for Barack Obama, America voted for change. As we watch the President Elect pull together his cabinet, full of members of the Clinton and Bush administrations, we want to remind him of the promises he's made to the American people. We want to remind him to keep the door open to voices that belong to the future, not just the past--to listen to the people who were right about the war in Iraq, right about the bail out, right about the many tragic failures of the Bush years.

Two weeks ago, we asked you to urge Obama to meet with leaders of the peace movement to talk about bringing our troops home. Thousands of you have added your voices to the petition; if you haven't signed yet, please do so now -- this petition is linked to change.gov and will be submitted directly to the Obama transition team.

Armistice/Veteran's Day

They have sacrificed mightily to perform their duties; their minds, their limbs and their lives. Isn't it about time we brought our own U.S. veterans home from Iraq? And when they return let us give them the hero's welcome by giving them the services , support and respect they deserve at home. Decent healthcare, housing, and jobs.

I , like many in this country, have put our hope on Barack Obama to end this nerve-wracking, senseless war. I hope that he will do what early on in his campaign he said he would do: an exit strategy over the span of sixteen months , I believe it was.

I don't mean to burst anyone's bubble over Obama's victory; I share in your hope and enthusiasm. But I think those of us who value peace need to be ever vigilant that our new president will not let us down in helping to end this war and decreasing American -led conflicts that serve to alienate us further from the world community.Lastly, I'm posting the video below not to be divisive but to help shed some light on a perspective that rarely makes it to the corporate media. And, I happen to see value in it, too.

From PDA: Here's Something You Can Do

Join the Pressure Campaign!

Our grassroots pressure on Congress is working! Thanks to your help, PDA and a coalition of other groups have STALLED H. Con. Res. 362, the Iran Blockade Bill! PDA alone sent over 13,000 emails to Congress in July. But our Hill sources expect similar anti-Iran bills to be introduced when Congress comes back from recess September 8. We need to lead with a preemptive pressure campaign against similar extreme bills and in favor of a more effective diplomatic approach.

Package to Congress:
PDA and The Council for the National Interest will be hand delivering a package of materials supporting diplomacy to EVERY Senator and Member of the House during the week of September 8 – 12. This is a landmark diplomacy package signed by seven prestigious former ambassadors and deputy ambassadors that could change the direction of debate in Congress and America as to how we relate to the rest of the world. Click here to learn more and review the package contents.

Call-In Week:
In support of the package delivery, we need to keep the pressure on with telephone call-ins and emails beginning this week (September 8 – 12). The basic messages are:

1. Please work for a return to diplomacy first and military force as our last resort, as the primary principles of US foreign policy.
2. Specifically, co-sponsor H. Con. Res. 321, calling for a comprehensive diplomatic initiative in the Middle East that could defuse the Iran tensions and aid our responsible withdrawal from Iraq.Do not support the Iran Blockade Bills, H. Con. Res. 362 in the House, or S. Res. 580 in the Senate, or any similar extreme bills that might be introduced.

Here’s the Action:

• Call the Capitol switchboard at 202 224-3121 and ask for your Representative or Senator.
• Or click this link to send an email to your Representative and Senators.
• If you are really “gung ho”, you can also call the chairs of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Rep. Howard Berman at (202) 225-5021 and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Sen. Joe Biden (202) 224-4651.

Phone calls are especially effective because they create a buzz in the office. Ask to speak to the legislative aid who handles Iraq and Iran. If their Member is already in accord with our positions thank them and urge them to convince their colleagues to vote the same. As always, be polite and respectful, but be firm, as this is a crucial time.

Thank you!

Howard Jennings for the Out of Iraq IOT

Write or Call Your Rep. & A Hello From Me

Iran: Stop the Next War Now!

221 representatives in Congress are on record supporting a U.S. partial land, sea, and air blockade of Iran. A blockade, even a partial one, is an act of war.


It's happening folks. And I don't have to tell you that we need to do everything we can to stop it. We need to organize large-scale demonstrations in major cities to voice our opposition. If anyone knows of anything happening that I can get involved with at a local level, please let me know. I have limited time in the next few weeks to look into this and I need resources.

On the home-front, things are going well; though we all wish this bloody humidity spell would break. We don't believe in AC but I have been using it in the car when my mother is with me; the heat and humidity are flattening her.

I will keep you posted when I'm not so busy.

Peace,
Pagan

Amb. Pickering on Iran Talks and Multinational Enrichment

Former Ambassador Thomas Pickering calls for talks without preconditions and advocates a plan for a multinational uranium enrichment consortium in Iran. Iran has proposed a similar plan to the UN Security Council. Why aren't we considering this proposal?

Demand Real Diplomacy with Iran. Go to: Just Foreign Policy.

The Folly of Attacking Iran: Lessons from History

Back to U.S. misguided foreign policy and the hell it inflicts worldwide. Sigh.

My thanks to Homeyra, an Iranian blogger and all-around great woman ;-) (I hope I got it right this time), for posting this video with a link to Just Foreign Policy.

Headlines

Presidential Race Ignores Arms Race

Candidates Clash on Terrorism

Sense of Calm as Gay Couples Wed in California

Bush to Seek an End to Ban on Oil Drilling

I'd love to discuss any of these articles in comments.

Yours in peace
Pagan

Protect Our Troops and Constitution Act (H.R. 5626)

I don't usually post from work but I checked my email during lunch today and there was this, from American Friends For Federal Legislation, which I wanted to get it out quickly. I know we are mostly all aware of what Bush and his band of thugs are up to but this provided me with an easy way to act. I hope this is helpful.

Peace,
Pagan

Keep the Door Open


The Bush administration is trying to lock the U.S. into a long-term military presence in Iraq. Preventing this from happening depends on your action now.
In the next week, your representative can act to prevent the Bush administration from taking this step by cosponsoring the Protect Our Troops and Constitution Act (H.R. 5626). But you need to act fast before the House takes up a spending bill to authorize more money for the U.S. war in Iraq.
The administration is negotiating a long-term security agreement with the Iraqi government. This agreement could could tie the hands of the next president and Congress, who could be impeded from negotiating a withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq.
You can help keep the door open for making good on the U.S. promise to leave Iraq. Help build support for the Protect Our Troops and Constitution Act (H.R. 5626). This legislation would require the administration to consult Congress before entering into a long-term security agreement with Iraq and prevent any money going to establish permanent U.S. military bases in Iraq.

As of this morning, April 3, this legislation only has two cosponsors, Reps. William Delahunt (MA) and Rosa DeLauro (CT). If you can help FCNL add cosponsors to this legislation in the next week, FCNL's lobbyists believe the House could attach these conditions to the spending bill for the war in Iraq. (While we oppose the spending and ask members to vote against it, we acknowledge that it is likely to pass and should be used to curb the U.S. occupation.)
Take ActionUrge your representative to act within the next week to cosponsor the "Protect Our Troops and Constitution Act" (H.R. 5626). The more cosponsors this bill gains, the greater chance the House will consider it.
Find Out More
Read FCNL lobbyist Jim Fine's analysis "Administration Plans New Authorization for War and Military Bases".
Find out more about the Protect Our Troops and Constitution Act (H.R. 5626)