And for those who desire freedom, my heart goes out to those in Palestine.


I don't think freedom in Iran would do a whole lot to reduce hatred of jews and Americans, when we are so beautifully represented in the region by the Israeli and United States governments and war machines.

I've come to agree with this.

I try not to think about it too much, but as a jew, Israel upsets me SOOOOOO much.

Here's the one reason that while as a people I feel sorry for the Palestinians, but do not fault Israel nearly so much as their neighbors.

Israel came into possession of of disputed territories after the were invaded in 1967 during the 6 day war. They were not the aggressors. These territories are now vitally important to them in terms of national defense. I do no blame them for looking to hang on to possession of them.

I do not believe it simply comes down to a Palestinian state. Arafat was offered a full 98% of all the territory he wanted and yet refused. This happened during the Clinton years. Why refuse that if you are Arafat and your goal isreally a Palestinian state? I think it is because he was, and a large portion of the Palestinian leadership still is, for the elimination of Israel as a state. Iran has threatened to obliterate them. Hamas is sworn to kill Jews.

I am certainly no expert in the creation of present day Israel except that there was an international agreement to do so in...1947? Not exactly sure. To the extent that the creation of Israel screwed over Palestinians I cannot speak but suppose that I wouldn't have been happy should I have lived there. This is indeed history and Israel isn't going away.

It seems to me as if cease fires are typically broken by Hamas or whomever, and Israel is supposed to simply accept missiles randomly launched into their country. They respond with overwhleming force......I might expect any country to do so.

^Well put Leo.

Already posted 7 posts up.

Can I just use the one Betty posted?

No

Then I'll use the one JWbear included.