=
×

Julian Cope presents Head Heritage

Head To Head
Log In
Register
U-Know! Forum »
animal rights campaigners jailed
Log In to post a reply
68 messages
Topic View: Flat | Threaded
handofdave
handofdave
3515 posts

Edited Jan 24, 2009, 01:32
Re: animal rights campaigners jailed
Jan 23, 2009, 23:06
I want to see peace in the Middle East in my lifetime. In the two-plus-odd decades that I've actually paid attention to the conflict, I've noticed that the Palestinians just keep losing ground, but increasingly so as the tactics get more violent.

I don't wish this on them. I don't wish for the destruction of Israel either.

Here's what it really comes down to for me: I refuse to align myself with the Israeli nationalists OR the Palestinians who cling to the goal of total destruction of that state. I cannot sympathize with either camp, no matter how brutal it gets.

Should I? Is this really an either-or choice? There are plenty of conflicts in the world that are painfully complicated by the fact that few that are directly involved are innocent. Legitimate struggles are quickly co-opted by gangsterism. Hatred and violence are perpetuated by factions that profit from the continuation of the violence. Ideologues commandeer and twist humanitarian goals to their own ends.

I just want to stop reading about carnage. We all do.

EDIT: this arrived in my mail today...
Dear Friend,

Shministim. Have you heard of them? I have – just now. And once I heard about them, I had to do something.

The Shministim – all about ages 16, 17, 18 and in the 12th grade – are a new breed of conscientious objectors in Israel and right now they are taking a stand. They believe in a better, more peaceful future for themselves and for Israelis and Palestinians, and they are refusing to join the Israeli army. They're in jail, holding strong against immense pressure from family, friends and the Israeli government. They need our support and they need it today.

The Shministim have asked Jewish Voice for Peace to reach out to people like us to let the Israeli government know we are watching, and that we support their courage. They're hoping to receive hundreds of thousands of postcards to be delivered to the Israeli Minister of Defense. Especially now-while bombs rain down on Gaza and we are reminded that when the soldiers say no, there will be no more deaths.

The Shministim are hoping to stand strong representing not only the thousands of refuseniks who came before them, not only the many young people to whom they are an example of a better world, but also to represent us. They have asked you, me, and every person who strives for peace to support them. I will.

Will you join me? It’s simple. Sign a letter. Click here: http://www.december18th.org/
In reply to:
Re: animal rights campaigners jailed (Merrick)
Topic Outline:
U-Know! Forum Index