Caterpillar’s pretty much been forced to treat the meeting like it’s something dirty that needs to be hidden away — execs need to come in from back entrances or face the protesters, stockholders who don’t merit VIP treatment get to see what all the fuss is about (and that there is a fuss), and more time every year needs to be taken out of the agenda to argue why Caterpillar can make money off of international law violations. On top of all that, the venue where they hold the meeting has to deal with the discomfort of having a protest outside their building — this last time, it was a bank, and to bank especially, image matters.

Caterpillar is still hanging onto its affiliation with the occupation, although I do think that’s getting strained — undoubtedly, there is pressure from the AIPAC/ADL types, but sooner or later the affiliation is going to cross the all important corporate line of profitability — once it becomes clear that they’re losing money, the relationship ends.

Of course, we could fix that in a microsecond by repealing the exclusive arrangement whereby corporations can “donate” money to Israel and still claim tax deductions (the only country outside North America whose charities get that privilege). But that would require enough legislators who aren’t bought and paid for (or blackmailed) into pushing laws that boost Israel at great cost to the American nation.

SEE: “Intel places barbed wire fence ahead of haredi protest”, By Ronen Medzini, 11/12/09

(ecxcerpts) The Shabbat wars continue in Jerusalem- Following Intel’s announcement it will begin activity at the Har Hotzvim plant on weekends, and the ultra Orthodox rabbis’ call to protest the move in a mass rally on Saturday, the electronic chip manufacturer played it safe, erecting Thursday a barbed wire fence on top of the existing iron fence surrounding its complex…

…However, outrage is at its peak among the haredim. A source close to MK Uri Maklev (United Torah Judaism), who initiated the protests, told Ynet: “today it’s Intel, and tomorrow it will be the Malha mall. It has to stop here; it can’t go on another step…

“After what happened in Jerusalem, can’t Intel see the responsibility lies on their shoulders? If Intel is first, other factories will come and do the same. This cannot come at the expense of the Shabbat. Shabbat is above all,” said the source.

Earlier on Thursday, MK Maklev met with Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin and Intel’s CEO in an attempt to reach an agreement, but to no avail. Maklev’s aides claim that Intel’s CEO suggested reducing the number of employees working on Shabbat and hire non-Jews, but they told her this solution was not acceptable…

…In contrast, Jerusalem councilman attorney Shlomo Melik (United Torah Judaism) said that “Intel is the one who started the conflict, following a secular attitude of ‘there’s an opportunity’ after the parking lot battle.

“According to the Jewish religious laws we are obliged to protest, otherwise we will lose track of our purpose. The haredim do not interfere with what each person does in his own home, all we want is a public display of Judaism, because there is no other Judaism.

“Just like one must observe (the Shabbat) on public transport and in malls, the same goes for parking lots. I hope the protest helps, and the Intel international realized it has gained nothing,” said Melik.

I like what MRW had to see in his comment above here. I’m also reminded of what
Phil’s wife said on their walk about accepting the inevitable trend. OTH, isn’t that what a lot of Germans did back in the day?

ITS AN UPRISING

I’m sure the Israels are just as body-conscious, if not more, than Americans. They are probably less reticent about voicing their opinions of one’s appearance.

[BTW, this is not to say that so-called 'youth' (physical age) has a handle on it. They don't. Most of them are too lazy and coddled to make the change. In my experience. This has to do with mental elasticity, awareness, and an ability to accept change for the greater good of all, whether you're five or 85.]