Displaying 1,231 To 1,260 Of 3,237 Comments Almost ALL of what you say here is true in terms of the premise that Israel is acting unjustly and in many cases, despicably. You might have read my long piece on the Hamas Convention and realize that my point is a simple one. There may have been a time when a One State solution might, maybe, possibly have been something worth considering (perhaps in the period of the Camp David Accords and the recognition of the Palestinian Authority- recalling that Camp David cost two of its signatories their lives, both killed by radicals in their own countries). But that “better time” is long, long gone. I do not for a moment believe that folks like those leading ISIS (who are deeply nested in Hamas now) will ever tolerate anything like what you describe. The massacre of Christians taking place all over the Mideast today speaks to the radical nature of Islamic forces now in play. Who created what is a complex question. Just as there have been periods of Christian Crusaderism, the same can be seen in Islam. Let’s say that, by some miracle, a single state could be created, I have very few doubts that conditions for the “equal” Jewish citizens would soon deteriorate and they would be an exiled people once more. That is their fear and it is well founded. Frankly, the entire idea of the re-created state of Israel was a bad one and it was done partly for noble reasons to address the horrors of the Holocaust; partly for practical reasons related to the dispersed and isolated Jewish communities following WWII; partly to rid a number of Western states of troublesome Zionism; partly to create a pro-Western state in the heart of the Middle East to replace fading colonialism in Islamic state. Bad ideas. Start to finish. AM I suggesting we walk away? We may have to….as I do not see a solution. Funk suggested giving the Jews North or South Dakota….in terms of land, not a bad idea BUT neither can ever be THE Holy Land (which is Holiest for Jews, but very Holy for Christians, and somewhat holy for Muslims) AND has historical identity that cannot be erased. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 30, 2014 @ 8:25 am I agree with what you have posted here but I hasten to add that there are other players in the game- please read my long post regarding Hamas and its Convention. Simply put, based on fundamental Islamic principle, Hamas cannot accept the existence of Israel. Period. Reading through its Convention makes that very clear as ideology and knowing this makes its statements and actions understandable. SO…we have two unmoving positions…. Israelis argue that their expanded settlements and place holding military are there to be protect the very existence of their state. Manifestly unjust but they argue that when most of those who surround you are sworn to your destruction what choice do you have. The Israelis also point out that they make no such statements about Muslims or about the right for a Palestinian State to exist (although one could argue very well that their actions speak louder than their words). » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 30, 2014 @ 8:11 am But what is the full truth? » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 30, 2014 @ 8:04 am Excellent. I agree with the presentation of the origins of the State of Israel and I agree with the framing of the problem…as far as the video goes. The other side of the coin is Islamic Militancy. Specifically… Hamas, for reasons that the video makes clear are both understanable and justifiable, was founded as a paramilitary wing of the Muslim Brotherhood, with roots, ideology and mission that are explicitly linked to Islam, as Israel is spefically a Jewish State. For Hamas, Islam has been not only a religion which guides its organizational aims, but also a source of law (sharia) to be introduced in the future Palestinian state. Adopted on 18 August 1988, Hamas’ Charter, or The Convenant, is a comprehensive manifesto comprising thirty six separate articles, all of which promote key Hamas’ objective. Most of the articles commit Hamas to two most important aims: to destroy the Jewish oppressive state, and to follow Allah’s words by creating a Islamic state from the Mediterranean to Jordan river. In 2010 Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal stated that the Charter is “a piece of history and no longer relevant, but cannot be changed for internal reasons.” A number of significant figures in Hamas have stated that the organization has moved away from their charter since they decided to seek a political path. But other Hamas leaders, including Ismail Haniyah and Khaled Meshaal have also stated repeatedly that “Palestine – from the [Jordan] River to the [Mediterranean] Sea, from its north to its south – is our land, our right, and our homeland, the inheritance of Allah the merciful and beneficient. There will be no relinquishing or forsaking even an inch or small part of it.” With the increasing influence of Islamic fundamentalism and Jihadism, and most recently the successes of ISIS the religious core of groups like Hamas have been renewed and identify the core of its philosophy. Let’s look at the charter- a document that was rarely cited prior to 2002 but has reemerged as the voice of Hamas and is therefore very much “at the table” now. The Preamble to the Charter states: ″Israel will exist and will continue to exist until Islam will obliterate it, just as it obliterated others before it″. That’s pretty clear to me. Article by article Article 1 describes Hamas as an Islamic Resistance Movement rooted in the faithful ideology of Islam. Article 2 of Hamas’ Charter defines Hamas as a “universal movement” and “one of the branches of the Muslim Brotherhood in Palestine” Article 3 the Movement consists of “Muslims who have given their allegiance to Allah” and the obligations of their submission to the Will of Allah. Article 5 Demonstrates and outlines its Salafist roots and connections to the Muslim brotherhood. Article 6 states that Hamas is uniquely Palestinian, and “strives to raise the banner of Allah over every inch of Palestine, for under the wing of Islam followers of all religions can coexist in security and safety where their lives, possessions and rights are concerned.” Thus statements made recently that Jews and Christians are welcomed by Palestinians but NOT the state of Israel. Article 7 describes Hamas as “one of the links in the chain of the struggle against the Zionist invaders” and links the movement to the followers of the religious and nationalist hero Izz ad-Din al-Qassam. Article 8 reiterates the Muslim Brotherhood’s slogan of “Allah is its goal, the Prophet is the model, the Qur’an its constitution, jihad its path, and death for the sake of Allah its most sublime belief.” Article 9 adapts Muslim Brotherhood’s vision to connect the Palestinian crisis with the Islamic solution and advocates “fighting against the false, defeating it and vanquishing it so that justice could prevail”. Article 11 proclaims that Palestine is sacred (waqf) for all Muslims for all time, and it cannot be relinquished by anyone since it is the sublime gift of Allah. Article 12 affirms that “Nationalism, from the point of view of the Islamic Resistance Movement, is part of the religious creed”. Article 13 declares that there is no negotiated settlement possible. Jihad is the only answer. Article 14 The liberation of Palestine is the personal duty of every Palestinian. Article 15 “From the day that enemies usurp any part of Muslim land, Jihad becomes the individual duty of every Muslim”. It states the history of crusades into Muslim lands and says the “Palestinian problem is at its foundation a religious problem”. Article 20 Calls for action “by the people as a single body” against “a vicious enemy which acts in a way similar to Nazism, making no differentiation between man and woman, between children and old people”. Article 22 makes sweeping claims about Jewish influence and power as a global presence endangering freedom throughout the world but especially in the Middle East. Article 28 contains an indictment of the conspiracy by Israel, Judaism and the Jews against Islam and the requirement that it be opposed. Article 31 describes Hamas as “a humanistic movement”, which “takes care of human rights and is guided by Islamic tolerance when dealing with the followers of other religions”. “Under the wing of Islam”, it is possible for Islam, Christianity and Judaism “to coexist in peace and quiet with each other”. Article 32 Hamas condemns those who assist Israel as co-plotters and “imperialistic powers”. FYI. Here is an English Translation of the Covenant. http://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/hamas.asp My bottom line is this: Israel was refounded in a way that was both unjust and arbitrary. Both words continue to define its actions in the region. BUT, it is there. I like the ideas represented by the Jews for Peace but do not see them addressing the resolute position taken by Hamas and other Palestinian and Paletinian Supporting organizations and countries. Do you? » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 30, 2014 @ 8:04 am Here is a really interesting article about funding for salaries for Hamas’ own government: http://www.timesofisrael.com/for-hamas-its-all-about-the-money/ The Times is a rather moderate journalistic platform. The Times competes for readership with moderate The Jerusalem Post, the liberal Haaretz, and the moderately conservative Israel Hayom and The Forward. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 29, 2014 @ 11:07 pm Thanks for the two references. The first on aid from France. ” A French diplomat says that the Palestinians have received $3 billion in foreign aid in 2008. Alain Remy, the French consul general in Jerusalem, said Tuesday that $1.8 billion went for the budget of the Palestinian Authority. Another $700 million went to specific programs. Finally, $500 million went to humanitarian assistance. (AP)” For me what stands out is 2008, an unnamed source, and that the aid appear to be directed to the Palestinian Authority and its associated programs. I wonder where Hamas fit into all of that. Very interesting piece from the Guardian which is the Communist Party of Australia’s paper. The case is compelling and clear. What is rarely mentioned is that U.S. continues to view Israel as a proxy state for U.S. presence in the Middle East and as a potential staging platform for action against Iran. Get back to me when you can and when you want to. Good robust discussion here. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 29, 2014 @ 11:00 pm I said it is “a” not “the” principal funder. I looked up the French in this matter and I don’t find a single narrative that lays out its support. Perhaps you have one. What Hamas is depends a lot on who in Hamas one is speaking of and what activity they are currently engaged in. I regard the efforts of Israel to choke the economy of Gaza as an act of terro and I regard dropping missiles willy nilly on to Tel Aviv a terrorism. I regard the tunneling into Israel to create avenues for incursions as terror but I also regard the bombarding of missile sites as Israel is doing it as terror. I come back to my basic questions. Did the recreation of the Israeli state have a level of justification sufficient to the relocation and loss of sovereignty for the indigenous and large Muslim populations now often referred to as “Palestinian”? I don’t think so. But, does that then invalidate its claim to maintain the state. And what behavior is justified in doing this? Your suggestions that they give back seized lands requires that we decide how far back such claims go….to 1948? I could make a case for that. If it sticks, no Israel. The wall….the accounts I have read say that it has done what they wanted it to do but in doing so it has destroyed the lives of many Palestinian families. Agreed. I completely agree with regarding the expansion of settlements. Of course Palestinians have been orphaned by Israeli action but action by Islamic states across time has been only intermittently supportive usually as part of a wider set of goals related to Israel by those powers. I admit that my thinking on this is muddled, very muddled. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 29, 2014 @ 10:08 pm Thanks for this. I will watch both parts and get back to you. Let me ask of you the same question I have been asking of others. Given your position, what do you think Israel should be doing? What do you think we should be doing? Does Israel have a right to exist? Under what conditions, limitations, and with what support? » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 29, 2014 @ 9:24 pm SO, declare the Israeli state null and void? The letter you cite is generally correct. But, in a sense, it does not matter that the case for a recreated State of Israel was not particular strong after WWII. I happen to agree with that. But it i 65 years since that state began its march to the present moment and I cannot argue that the nation of Israel does not exist. Can you? Conversely it is hard to deny that there is a Palestinian people who have varying claims to the same land and have been displaced by Israel and by other mideastern states. What is it that you suggest be done? Where do you stand in terms of the actions to be taken? » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 29, 2014 @ 9:20 pm I think we largely agree a my response to both Kalima and Nirek spell out. Perhaps you could read both to get a feel for where I am going with all of this. So….what then is the path to be sought. As I say in one of my other responses I do not find the case for the State of Israel as originally stated and as a foundation for the creation of that state all that solid, but it now exists so….should it not? I think that is the first question that must be answered before any real discussion about the behavior of Hamas and of the Israeli Government can be begun. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 29, 2014 @ 9:15 pm That is certainly true of those of us who are followers of the New Testament, of Buddhist philosophy, and some other world religions but it is clear from the Old Testament and the Quran that the Chosen People are promised a land and that they will fight for it in God’s (Yahweh, Allah) Name….. Now both Judaism and Islam have experience a variety of reform movements but both still have powerful streaks of fundamentalist zealotry…especially in the Mideast….and that is clear in the language of the two sides at war right now in the Gaza Straights. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 29, 2014 @ 9:07 pm Morning, your time, I think. I am not as certain as you are…on either side of the issues. Interesting points about how closely pack living space is in Gaza. This story illustrates my point. http://www.cnn.com/2014/07/23/world/meast/human-shields-mideast-controversy/ Google “Qatar funding hamas” and there are lots of articles that show that Qatar is a principal funder of Hamas, and that may be just fine. Even your numbers support this, at least as a percentage of the whole. That Al Jazeera is funded by the House of Thani, the ruling family of Qatar, creates questions regarding its objectivity. I happen to like AJA very much and I use it as my morning news programming now every day. Before there was ever a modern Israeli state, the land changed hands time and again. The video makes that point. For some it was in the name of religious dominance but for others it was an issue of dynastic authority, imperial expansion, control of trade and more. Still, this part of the world has identified itself in religious terms for a long time: Muslim, Jew, Christian- key labels. I am wondering where you stand. Does the Israeli state have a right to exist? Hamas clearly says “No”. the Palestinian Authority has, more or less, said “Yes.” To me, it is clear that European powers with U.S. support at critical moments, and for a variety of motivations, created a Jewish state in the Levant whose presence disrupted the lives of the Palestinian peoples, mostly Islamic, some Jews and some Christians. Since the entire region had been taken apart and put back together by Western powers several times in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries it is hard to name the impact on the political structures that defined the region. I find the case for having done this weak but Israel is a reality today….so what should be done. I wonder, do you have some ideas about this? » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 29, 2014 @ 9:03 pm Nirek, I just left a new comment at the Morning Blog on Gaza/Israel with a video I would like your thoughts on. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 29, 2014 @ 8:38 am Monica, I just left a new comment at the Morning Blog on Gaza/Israel with a video I would like your thoughts on. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 29, 2014 @ 8:37 am Kalima, I just left a new comment at the Morning Blog on Gaza/Israel with a video I would like your thoughts on. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 29, 2014 @ 8:36 am Kes, I just left a new comment at the Morning Blog on Gaza/Israel with a video I would like your thoughts on. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 29, 2014 @ 8:36 am GOOD MONDAY MORNING…. I just left this for Kalima- It took me quite a while to read through the Gaza/Israel stories….I have to say the entire thing distresses me no end. I watched a spokesman for Hamas on Face the Nation say very coolly and calmly that while Hamas accepts the right of Jews to exist, they will never accept the right of Israel to exist. I saw a spokesman last night for the Israeli War Cabinet say very coolly and calmly that Hamas is placing its innocents as shields in front of its missile and rocket launchers and they bear the burden for the destruction, injuries and death, not us. I see spokesmen for the U.S. government vowing to fully and unreservedly back Israel, our good friend and ally, WHILE still urging all parties to return to the negotiation table. I watch Al Jazeera America news while realizing that Qatar, the principal owner of AJA, is also the principal backer of Hamas. And then I see the images of Gaza and the anguish on the face of its innocents…. I just don’t know…. AND NOW LET ME TOSS IN SOMETHING ELSE…about how all of this is perceived. From Writer, Director, Designer, Animator Nina Paley From Paley’s Blog at http://blog.ninapaley.com/2012/10/01/this-land-is-mine/ “I envisioned This Land Is Mine as the last scene of my potential-possible-maybe- feature film, Seder-Masochism, but it’s the first (and so far only) scene I’ve animated. As the Bible says, “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” What follows is her rundown on A long discussion follows with 866 comments- many very thought provoking. WHAT DO YOU THINK? My feelings are mixed and more than a bit confused.
» Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 29, 2014 @ 8:34 am It took me quite a while to read through the Gaza/Israel stories….I have to say the entire thing distresses me no end. I watched a spokesman for Hamas on Face the Nation say very coolly and calmly that while Hamas accepts the right of Jews to exist, they will never accept the right of Israel to exist. I saw a spokesman last night for the Israeli War Cabinet say very coolly and calmly that Hamas is placing its innocents as shields in front of its missile and rocket launchers and they bear the burden for the destruction, injuries and death, not us. I see spokesmen for the U.S. government vowing to fully and unreservedly back Israel, our good friend and ally, WHILE still urging all parties to return to the negotiation table. I watch Al Jazeera America news while realizing that Qatar, the principal owner of AJA, is also the principal backer of Hamas. And then I see the images of Gaza and the anguish on the face of its innocents…. I just don’t know…. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 29, 2014 @ 8:24 am Hi Kalima…popping over here to thank you for the straight talk to jumping jack flash. He does not get it. Murph » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On June 17, 2014 @ 11:13 pm I think the difference between CA and MO is that the requirements in CA were meant to provide necessary safeguards and to ensure proficiency. In Mo they were put in place to discourage participation. After taking the on line training and doing the reading, I looked for someplace to “do” navigating and realized that there was nothing in my county or the two adjacent counties. So taking the exam made no sense for me. Thanks for your good words in support but it can be lonely in my little blue rowboat on a sea of red with the sharks swimming about. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On November 23, 2013 @ 7:56 pm Hello choice… Bravo, kudos, plaudits, huzzahs, hurrahs, high fives I am planning to use your info here in the next round of battles at HP. The points you make are extraordinary in their clarity and the sharpness of the point they make. Love it. One small point- I trained to be a Navigator on line BUT I did not take the state exam. Here is the exam. “The Missouri Department of Insurance has released testing information for individuals applying for a license as a navigator. The testing is in compliance with Senate Bill 262. Individuals applying for a license as a navigator are required to pass an exam before being issued a license. An entity or producer with an active license to sell health insurance products in Missouri will not be required to take the exam. The cost for applying for a navigator’s license is $25 for an individual or $50 for an entity. Each license is valid for two years. Pearson VUE will administer the test in Columbia, Overland Park, Springfield, St. Louis and Kanas City. Candidates who wish to make an exam reservation should call 866-274-4740. Candidates must pay the $41 examination fee at the time of reservation by credit card, debit card, electronic check or voucher. Before making a reservation, candidates should review the Missouri Navigator Licensing Candidate Handbook. It can be downloaded at http://asisvcs.com/publications/pdf/122606.pdf . The handbook is useful in preparing for the examination and it is recommended that the content outline be reviewed prior to taking the exam. It can be downloaded at http://asisvcs.com/publications/pdf/122607.pdf . Individuals and entities licensed as navigators can provide fair and impartial information and services to consumers regarding eligibility, enrollment and program specifications about the health insurance marketplace operating in the state. ========================= The thing is that the exam is really a version of the Missouri Insurance Brokers Exam and the prep for it was overkill- all efforts, I think, by the GOP here to kill the helpers program. Check out this article for an overview: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/09/obamacare-navigators_n_3894494.html SO Missouri Navigators had to be licensed AND employed by a licensed institution. I had not desire to get a job. I settled on being a volunteer ACA adviser/counselor with not access to the application screen. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On November 23, 2013 @ 11:07 am NEVER MIND…. I clicked on the links in the letters….Duh! » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On November 18, 2013 @ 3:33 pm Ad Lib….you know I will be challenged on these numbers. How do I respond to the “sources” questions that will pour in. I have about 20 trolls stalking me right now and everything I post gets hammered. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On November 18, 2013 @ 3:30 pm Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! BINGO! BAZINGA! GIVE THAT MAN A CIGAR! Guess where I am going to use this masterwork with full credit of course? » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On November 18, 2013 @ 3:25 pm Weekend Music Thread – Happiness I think I got it! Worked for me. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On October 19, 2013 @ 2:28 pm One More What makes for happiness “Summertime” from Porgy and Bess
» Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On October 19, 2013 @ 2:04 pm Happy Talk from South Pacific https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBWjNlBko70 It’s real theme- most divisions between people are nonsense. Race, religion, nation… » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On October 19, 2013 @ 1:59 pm Davy Jones…..makes me sad. My generation, passed away so young. Like his voice but more importantly I like him. The Monkees were manufactured and meant to be fake beatles but hey evolved into something entirely different, whimsical and creative. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On October 19, 2013 @ 1:19 pm KT…I wish I could post things like you do…with the images but I can’t. No idea why. My happiness songs: “HAPPINESS IS” FROM ‘YOUR A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKKjqzkGo3o AND “SUPPERTIME” From the same source
» Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On October 19, 2013 @ 12:52 pm Breaking the Back of the Baggers Ok…on to matters of substance. I went to a meeting yesterday at my Congressman’s office. On Martin Bashir this afternoon; Great comment from McKay Coppins from Buzzfeed- “Conservative Activists Don’t Really Care If They’re Hurting the Republican Party” on BuzzFeed The Republican Party is Now the Enemy….with every faction of the GOP regarding the Republican Brand Name as contrary to their own identity All operating in their own realities believed that they have to Conquer the Party to purify it and make it righteous and worthy to lead and govern Most say “I am a Conservative NOT a Republican.” Fits right in with what you offer here. » Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On October 16, 2013 @ 2:28 pmComments Posted By MurphTheSurf3
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