I am continually amazed by how the internet has empowered "non-writers" to become equal players in the discourse to "writers." As someone who loves writing, I love this process (though it's sure doing a number on the press, and my income!). To wit, below is a brilliant letter by Bruce Wolman, of Bethesda, who in his cover note to me speculates that the American press may be unconsciously preparing to make Bibi Netanyahu warm and acceptable, as they once did for Ariel Sharon. Wolman's letter is to journalist Howard Schneider, who penned this article in the Washington Post on the likely clash between Netanyahu and Obama. Wolman:
In your article in today's WaPo, "Israeli Coalition Appears Fated to Clash With U.S.", I noticed an incomplete description of Netanyahu's views on Palestinian self-governance.
You quoted [Netanyahu aide Ron] Dermer:
As an aside, I'm curious to know whether Netanyahu believes the Palestinians should have any control over their water.
Sincerely,
Bruce Wolman
Bethesda, MD
Yesterday I was interviewed on Iranian TV along with two smart guys and when asked a question, said, "I will use Israeli soldiers' slang. AMAL. I have nothing to add." AMAL.
yeah – the atmosphere is like, "the fix is in." But in fact, there's no fix; no status quo; no 'consensus'; it's all global bluff. And by whom? Who are the global bluffers? Who have the self-conceit to think they can pull this off indefinitely?
Well gee, I don't know of any country with that kind of restrictions on it. Oh, wait, yes I do. Japan and Germany after WWII. Those are very reasonable restrictions given the Palestinians support for terrorism and stated goals of destroying Israel, even if they get a state of their own first.
Has Netanyahu said that these are supposed to be permanent restrictions or is this like what we (USA) did to the Axis powers after WWII, temporary restrictions until we decide we can trust them?
Thom – here is a suggestion for people like you who always wax about "Israel's right to exist". How about we all follow the example of the palestinians and rescind Israel's right to exist as an independent state also and give the keys back to the Brits so they can start from scratch, this time dealing with it as the virtual state that it is. The brits may wish to pan the problem off on the UN which will allow Ban to become israel's de facto president, and the world can pan ban to it's heart's content. Seems like a nice, harmless guy to me, not given to rapes, raps or raptuous statements. This, BTW, is my very own "no state" solution (trade-marked, so keep off the grass). Which is interchangeable with the "All State" solution, depending on which hall of mirrors one walks into (that's the beauty of the virual state). In the first instance, no one gets a vote because the campaign will never end (making America the natural administrator). In the second case, everyone gets a vote (with Tonga's worth twice the weight because they are half under the sea already, and the vote is parced out proportionately and dynamically in inverse proportion to global warming effect on population). The beauty of it is, this way we all get to debate what happens there for the next few 100 years, including your very own descendents into the next 10 generations (none of whom are likely to see Tonga, alas; Florida keys maybe one generation. two max).
As compensation, I support admitting at least half a million people from that part of the world into the US, proportionately distributed among the different religions/ethnicities. Of course, with some preference given to skills in demand, such as teaching, nursing, computer programmers, humorists and,artists (the latter category will need equal number fund raisers…). at the moment, wall street is not hiring so quants can maybe they could go to australia? this should relieve some of the population pressure there – and lessen use of water – a scarce resource.
Wouldn't this be fun? can go long ways towards keeping us all busy – and you can be officially a citizen of virtual israel by virtue of being human (assuming you are – proof will be needed, BTW). Wouldn't you be happy with that, instead of having to pretend you give a hoot about the US, or any other country?
I wonder if rabid, foam at the mouth, douchebag Zionists like Thom can go ONE day without masturbating to the Holocaust/Nazis/antisemitism/Hitler.
No one cares. We see through your dishonest rhetoric. Fuck off.
@ Thom
"Well gee, I don't know of any country with that kind of restrictions on it. Oh, wait, yes I do. Japan and Germany after WWII. Those are very reasonable restrictions given the Palestinians support for terrorism and stated goals of destroying Israel, even if they get a state of their own first."
Yeah, I remember when the Palestinian forces unilaterally attacked a giant stretch of the innocent world as did Germany & Japan. A regular blitzkreig they had, and Japanese Zeroes galore.
if post still around in 4-8 years, it might give partial rest of the story somewhat qualified.
today is 1st day of spring and 3rd day of 6th yr celebration of freedom for iraqis. iraqis in much confusion over which to celebrate. spring air is filled with much DU but freedom from life and misery make decision which to celebrate difficult. under "hitler" saddam, not so many difficult but worthwhile choices.
also
saturday.
all i will say about sat. my comment will be removed.
Thom, just keep on repeating the same canards day after day, and maybe someday there will be nobody around to say you are lying again, is that the idea?
There is nothing wrong with people who have been under an illegal military occupation for forty years calling for the destruction of those who would destroy them. Get used to it.
And get used to having your ridiculous canards countered immediately.
Try a new schtick, huh? This one is really tiresome.
Constantly complaining about the terrorist intent of people who's land you have stolen (nakba) and then occupied and expanded into (since '67) is getting really tiresome.
Haven't you noticed it's giving people a really bad impression of Israel and Zionism? How big a percentage of Jews do you want turned against Zionism in the simple defense of their humanity, honesty and ability to see what is true?
Sorry, Thommy, I forgot. You are not in Israel, and couldn't care less what happens to it or the Jews there, as long as you have an unending supply of ziocaine to get you high.
*Ahem* must be an antisemite this doctor from Bethesda. Wolman, oh sounds German, he must be a Nazi. How CAN you support true (!) Palestinian statehood and not be a Nazi? *Ahem*
Took me a while to find definition of Amal:
"In Hebrew we have a word, Amal. It means, I have nothing to add. I agree with (him)her completely."
Israeli demands to keep control of the electromagnetic spectrum are of note. This means they would control which frequency bands are allocated to particular purposes: television and radio broadcast media, cell phone tower networks, air traffic control, etc. These are major components of a modern economy. Along with Israeli demands for control of water resources, not made explicit here but in other articles, Israel wants to have 'pull-the-plug' blackmail control of any Palestinian government entity. This is just occupation by other means.
Another item: Israel would have to sign agreements with a Palestinian state to coordinate use of the EM spectrum, like every other state does with close neighbors. A binding public agreement! Runaway Sir Robin!
Gentiles, you can't drink at this well. The USA gentiles insist. Origin of dumb gentile jokes.
caveat: For some goys they actually have faith in the goodness of all humans, even jews.
Control water, airspace, electromagnetic spectrum, right of entry and exit, no defences etc.
That sounds more like a jail than a state!
At best this could be considered an ambit claim, at worst it signals contempt for the peace process.