Topic: Israel-Palestine
Israel Military Bulldozes & Kills American Protester in Gaza (The Gaza Slaughter 2/6) More news you do not hear too much about - the story of Rachel Corrie. Comments are even more welcome than usual!by Jake Towne, the Champion of the Constitution
(libertarian)
Saturday, January 3, 2009
[Author's note: If you think the series title solely refers to the current scenario where Israelis are killing Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, you are incorrect, although it is my intent to raise this stereotype. The title refers to the physical murdering or spiritual suppression of any individuals by other individuals in Middle East conflicts.] (photo from Mathknight license)
RAFAH, GAZA, 2003 - Rachel Corrie, aged 23, from Olympia, Washington was run over by an Israeli Defense Force armored American-made Caterpillar D9R bulldozer driven by a Russian immigrant while wearing a fluorescent vest and acting as a "human shield" in front of a Palestinian's home on March 16, 2003. She suffered what was most likely an excruciatingly painful death, died at the scene, and formally pronounced dead at a hospital. As part of her college's independent study program, Ms. Corrie had arrived in Israel on January 22, 2003 to work with the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), so she had only been in the country for a scant two (2) months. The IDF held an investigation which resulted in no action taken against the driver. The ISM is a controversial organization which supported a policy of non-violent engagement against the Israeli military, taking advantage of their international status to be employed as human shields or engage in acts of civil disobedience. It also appears that from the perspective of some Palestinians, the ISM was viewed as possible Israeli spies.
The above appears to me to be the facts, and below is a source list on her death if you wish to decide for yourself. After her death, the Palestinians made her into a martyr, and the Israelis engaged in public relations cover-up in the USA as both sides could be expected to do. The Palestinian and ISM observers claim that Rachel was run over on purpose by the driver. The Israel military's bulldozer driver says he was unable to see or hear her through the bulletproofed windows in his cabin while operating his noisy bulldozer, which is not outside the realm of reality either. Indeed, the truth may actually only be known to those who were there, although most nave rule-of-law fans like me would argue that the bulldozer driver should have been put on trial for murder or at a bare minimum for manslaughter. So I have no interest in arguing about the conclusion, but let me remind you the first paragraph is fact. (photo source BBSNews File Photos. Used With Permission)
I also wish to disclose that when I first learned of Rachel Corrie's death it was when I was watching a personal heroine of mine, Iraq antiwar activist Dr. Dahlia Wasfi, MD, tearfully give this presentation at an Iraq Veterans Against the War meeting last March. Her background as an Iraqi-American citizen, son of an Iraqi Muslim father and an American Jewish mother who spent her early childhood in Iraq and returned there after the start of the American occupation gives her a unique perspective. Ms. Wasfi still has family in Iraq, and on a personal note, is a major reason why this column (originally primarily antiwar) was first started.
What is interesting is to take a look at this issue from a psychological-sociological standpoint and then as a wannabe Austrian economist.
Take a moment and read this 2004 pro-settler-and-Israeli -government viewpoint from www.israelnationalnews.com. The author alleges, without a shred of evidence, that Corrie aided "cold-blooded murderers," and that she did "heavy lifting" of weapons from tunnels. He conveniently neglects to mention that a tunnel was never found underneath the house Corrie tried to protect, which was later demolished. Here are several responses:
"St. Pancake - She was a rather stupid little terrorist who hated Jews. Seeing the look on her face as she burned the flag was frightening. Since the parents and teachers of arab children already inculcate such deep hatred of K'lal Yisreol in their progeny, her assistance was even worse, for she grew up in a democracy, and her validation of their pathologic hatred was, in essence, the cause of her own death. It was 100% her fault, and no Israeli was responsible, least of all the driver of the Caterpiller tractor. The vile lefties have adopted her as their poster girl."
"Rachel Corrie was a new Nazi - This ugly woman was in Israel to help arabs commit genocide on Jews. That's no different from nazism, no different from the poison that the arab world spews about Jews every day. She put herself in harm's way and Hashem caste judgement upon her. Now I hope she is frying in hell with her ISM fascist colleagues shortly to join her there."
"HERO? . NOT! - She is anything but a hero. And if by hero you mean the kind that hides behind women skirts, then by all means she is. If by hero you mean the kind that sends little children strapped with explosives to murder and main innocents, then by all means she is. If by a hero you mean the ones who lie everytime their lips part company, then Corrie is a "hero" - to liars, murderers, thugs, and terrorists. She got what she deserved." [Women 'heroes' are referred to as heroines in the English language - auth.]
What hatred and venom! A bit harsh for the death of a college student who in all likelihood genuinely wanted peace and was brave at the very least - you try to stand in front of a bulldozer of that size while it is moving at you - or foolhardy at the very worst. Instead, we have labels of Nazi, fascist, terrorist, supporter of suicide bombers and genocide? Not much respect for the life of another human being, right? I will get back into the label theme to end this series, but for now let's go to a territory where most fear to tread. Let's take a look at the moral system of the Old Testament, which many in the Judeo-Christian faiths accept as truth, and its relation to murder, death, and genocide.
[DISCLAIMER: Before we start, I strongly caution you that I only mean to encourage research and thought on my perspective. My intent is not to offend, and telling you what to believe is anathema to my principles anyways. And I like reading the bible.] (photo)
Excerpt from the Ten Commandments, Exodus 20:13-17
VI. Thou shalt not kill.
VIII. Thou shalt not steal.
X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor's.
Commandment X basically prohibits the 'thought-crime' of Commandment VIII, but note it specifically mentions the neighbor's home. If we look at the death of Rachel Corrie and the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict, we have plenty of killing on both sides, though more blood on the Israeli side due to their superior, mostly American armaments. I would say that many would agree with me that the Israelis are winning the coveting and theft contests as well, due to their superior, mostly American armaments. However, how can the Israelis rationalize all this theft and murder over the past 100 years of demographic changes? [Obviously, I am not referring to Israel's acts of self-defense here. However, historically speaking, the Israelis clearly have the aggressor role. If we want to go back further than 100 years, than I claim the Duke of York's castle in England as my birthright by primogeniture since I am the eldest son of his eldest sons, and we will all see just how much success I have.]
Well, if you read Dr. John Harting's article "Love Thy Neighbor The Evolution of the In-Group Mentality," with an open mind you will see a strong case that the original context of the Ten Commandments were meant to end infighting amongst the historical tribes of Judah, and they only applied to fellow "neighbors," or Jews! Therefore, the true context of "Thou shalt not kill" was "Thou shalt not kill fellow Jews." Harting then examines Sanhedrin rulings to prove his case.
Furthermore, the Old Testament makes this point painfully obvious, in this tale of genocide led by the very same Moses who brought the Commandments to his people in the Book of Numbers 31:7-18:
"[The Israelites] fought against Midian, as the LORD commanded Moses, and killed every man. Among their victims were Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba the five kings of Midian. They also killed Belaam son of Beor with the sword. The Israelites captured the Midianite women and children and took all the Midianite herds, flocks, and goods as plunder. They burned all the towns where the Midianites had settled, as well as all their camps. They took all the plunder and spoils, including the people and animals, and brought the captives, spoils and plunder to Moses and Eleazar the priest and the Israelite assembly at their camp on the plains of Moab, by the Jordan across from Jericho.
"Moses, Eleazar the priest and all the leaders of the community went to meet them outside the camp. Moses was angry with the officers of the army the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds who returned from the battle.
"Have you allowed all the women to live?" he asked them. "They were the ones who followed Balaam's advice and were the means of turning the Israelites away from the LORD in what happened at Peor, so that a plague struck the LORD's people. Now kill all the boys. And kill every woman who has slept with a man, but save for yourselves every girl who has never slept with a man."
So we have a clear biblical precedent of state-sanctioned genocide, murder, theft, and rape led by the famed prophet Moses, and carried out by his faithful masses all because these Midianites "sent a plague." Now, I realize that this is not some of the text that most Judeo-Christian priests and rabbis are excited to share aloud at most religious gatherings, but does this not sound a little like our modern world? I wish to point out that of course, in my opinion, the above provides no valid moral justification whatsoever to the individuals in the IDF or Hamas who favor eradication of unarmed civilians from the other side. Same deal with anti-"Islamofacist-terrorist" and "al-Qaeda" sides in the War of Terror. Historically, a favorite precedent of warring parties is to resort to the claim of self-defense, and all of these parties are certainly makes this same plea. The judgment of each side I leave up to the Reader.
My word counter alarm is ringing harshly, and since no one may manage to get this far, the Austrian economist viewpoint is TO BE CONTINUED in Part 3.
[As an aside, Moses, one of history's very first statists and socialists, then proceeded to "divide the spoils" in Numbers 31:25-54. Let me note briefly that although he unevenly distributed the plundered wealth of sheep, cattle, donkeys, and 32,000 human slaves, giving half to the soldiers and giving the other half to Eleazar, the lucky priest who represents God, guess what Moses and Eleazar decided to keep for themselves? That's right, Moses and Eleazar kept all the gold. Perhaps our contemporary socialists and central bankers are and will be no different? From my reading of a few versions, it even looks like that perhaps 32 Midianites were human sacrificed, but I am sure the "experts" would disagree.]
ISM footage of an IDF armored personnel carrier gassing those attending Rachel's memorial service. I am not big on the music, but this does demonstrate ISM's radical form of activism.
Cynthia McKinney and the Israeli Attacks on the Dignity and USS Liberty (The Gaza Slaughter 4/6) Published: January 4, 2009 The recent episode of Cynthia McKinney's defenseless ship getting rammed by the Israeli Navy reminds me of the Israeli attack on the USS Liberty some forty years ago. The story of the men on board the USS Liberty is one that every American should be fully aware of when discussing the Middle East and Israel. And who are the real heroes?
Ron Paul and I Stand Alone on Gaza and Israel (The Gaza Slaughter 5/6) Published: January 4, 2009 Although outvoted last year in the House by a vote of 404-1 on the Gaza situation, Ron Paul declared America's tacit blessing for other nations to start violence preemptive wars as intolerable. I agreed in an article on Kosovo where our embassy was attacked. But did you know some Israeli IDF soldiers agree with us?
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
As always, unlike the NFL, the author grants full permission to allow any accounts of, rebroadcasts, retransmissions, repostings in part or full of this article to your blog or anywhere else in order to promote the Restoration of our Republic.
Veritas numquam perit. Veritas odit moras. Veritas vincit. Truth never perishes. Truth hates delay. Truth conquers.
Tu ne cede malis sed contra audentior ito. Do not give in to evil but proceed ever more boldly against it.
"In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man, and brave, and hated, and scorned. When his cause succeeds, the timid join him for then it costs nothing to be a patriot." - Mark Twain. I think he meant "scarce woman" here too.
"Those who make peaceful revolution impossible make violent revolution inevitable." - JFK
"You have to let go all the madness you carry." - Shinedown, "Crying Out"
A Salute to Malalai Joya - Afghanistan's Tom Paine Published: August 8, 2008 Malalai Joya, a brave lady and banned legislator from Afghanistan, fights for justice, human rights, and democracy. She battles both the Warlords in power, the Taliban... and the American Government, which is probably why you have never heard of her.
The views expressed in this
article are those of Jake Towne, the Champion of the Constitution only and do not represent
the views of Nolan Chart, LLC or its affiliates. Jake Towne, the Champion of the Constitution is
solely responsible for the contents of this article and is not an
employee or otherwise affiliated with Nolan Chart, LLC in his/her role as a columnist.
Posted By: Walt Thiessen
Date: 2009-01-03 07:49:38
Good article. There's always hope that America and the rest of the world will wake up and realize what's really happening over there, but I'm not holding my breath.
(sorry I didn't use HTML tags)
Jake, as a reader of your articles only very recently, I applaud your taking on such a very important topic that you have begun to cover here. I will warn you very warmly, that the topic you cover, is not a simple one at all.
with taht being said, I should tell you that the news site you list above as being "pro-israeli" is no more a representation of the average israeli (if there is such a thing) as that of Commentary magazine, or the like.
it is distinctly a right-wing, nationalist, pro-settler publication. with that said, the entire settler movement is teeming with agents provacateur and is working against the interests of Israel (and of course quite capably serving the purpose of divide and conquer, simultaneously with making lists of names of those who participate in such actions). that said, it is hardly representative.
the majority of israelis (though I have not lived in the country for over 10 years now), like many americans, are roughly "center-left" to "center-right." their politics is pretty much determined from Washington (and from Vatican City and Paris, though Spain's King Juan Carlos is very involved, as is London).
In short, the average israeli is about as aware of what the details are in gaza as the average american is about iraq, guantanamo, afghanistan, iran, or pakistan (let alone the operations in another some 130 other countries around the
world).
I was student govt president at Hebrew University about a decade ago when I tried to hold a public forum and debate to get to the bottom of the previous year's assassination of the prime minister, Yitzchak Rabin (feel free to google the my name, Brian Bunn, and Israel or Rabin for details).
In short, Israel is another vassal state created by the West to be used as a piece on the grand global chessboard (though making no reference here to the seminal work of Brzezinski). Also, Hamas was created by the Shabak as a tool against Fatah. But when Arafat was alive, BOTH sides were responsible for "taking care" of their more extreme elements, etc. israel has been slowly assassinating the leaders of that same extreme right, while still keeping the tensions brewing. they have systematically disarmed the settlers over the past 15 years or so. as a libertarian, i'm sure you know why that is.
in short, israel is not acting in some jingoistic capacity, IMHO and from my expertise in this area, but carrying out managed conflict orders from her superiors. it's important to know that nearly all political "leadership" on all sides (arab, muslim, christian, israeli, and palestinian) is perpetuating this managed conflict. any side could have unilaterally ended this conflict decades ago (and i would argue that the conflict we see today was a direct result of the ottoman turks losing WWI and the resulting british and french influence after versailles).
I could go on for weeks, so i'll keep it short. but keep up the good work, and feel free to contact me if you'd like a critical, jewish perspective from someone who's area of knowledge is this situation (again: presidetn of student govt at rothberg school, hebrew univ., unknowing and unwitting activist/lobbyist for AIPAC, as well as cutting my teeth academically in jewish studies, jewish history, the middle east, pales/isr, arab/isr conflict).
sincerely,
Brian
God bless you, Jake, Walt, and others who provide a voice to victims of state aggression. Rachel Corrie may as well have been a libertarian. The Free Gaza boat people, too. Murray Rothbard, in so many words, said that libertarians should be compelled to financially, morally, and otherwise non-violently support the people's (individual, group, whatever anti-state) resistance to the state — wherever in the world the state is crushing individual life, liberty, property, and the ability to prosper. And I agree. You, my friends, can not be commended enough for your efforts.
(sorry I didn't use HTML tags)
Jake, as a reader of your articles only very recently, I applaud your taking on such a very important topic that you have begun to cover here. I will warn you very warmly, that the topic you cover, is not a simple one at all.
with taht being said, I should tell you that the news site you list above as being "pro-israeli" is no more a representation of the average israeli (if there is such a thing) as that of Commentary magazine, or the like.
it is distinctly a right-wing, nationalist, pro-settler publication. with that said, the entire settler movement is teeming with agents provacateur and is working against the interests of Israel (and of course quite capably serving the purpose of divide and conquer, simultaneously with making lists of names of those who participate in such actions). that said, it is hardly representative.
the majority of israelis (though I have not lived in the country for over 10 years now), like many americans, are roughly "center-left" to "center-right." their politics is pretty much determined from Washington (and from Vatican City and Paris, though Spain's King Juan Carlos is very involved, as is London).
In short, the average israeli is about as aware of what the details are in gaza as the average american is about iraq, guantanamo, afghanistan, iran, or pakistan (let alone the operations in another some 130 other countries around the
world).
I was student govt president at Hebrew University about a decade ago when I tried to hold a public forum and debate to get to the bottom of the previous year's assassination of the prime minister, Yitzchak Rabin (feel free to google the my name, Brian Bunn, and Israel or Rabin for details).
In short, Israel is another vassal state created by the West to be used as a piece on the grand global chessboard (though making no reference here to the seminal work of Brzezinski). Also, Hamas was created by the Shabak as a tool against Fatah. But when Arafat was alive, BOTH sides were responsible for "taking care" of their more extreme elements, etc. israel has been slowly assassinating the leaders of that same extreme right, while still keeping the tensions brewing. they have systematically disarmed the settlers over the past 15 years or so. as a libertarian, i'm sure you know why that is.
in short, israel is not acting in some jingoistic capacity, IMHO and from my expertise in this area, but carrying out managed conflict orders from her superiors. it's important to know that nearly all political "leadership" on all sides (arab, muslim, christian, israeli, and palestinian) is perpetuating this managed conflict. any side could have unilaterally ended this conflict decades ago (and i would argue that the conflict we see today was a direct result of the ottoman turks losing WWI and the resulting british and french influence after versailles).
I could go on for weeks, so i'll keep it short. but keep up the good work, and feel free to contact me if you'd like a critical, jewish perspective from someone who's area of knowledge is this situation (again: presidetn of student govt at rothberg school, hebrew univ., unknowing and unwitting activist/lobbyist for AIPAC, as well as cutting my teeth academically in jewish studies, jewish history, the middle east, pales/isr, arab/isr conflict).
sincerely,
Brian
i was thinking my comment would be private to you jake. sorry about that. also, i have friends who've taken proactive activist roles protesting the israeli govt's actions both within israel and the disputed/occupied territories. one thing is certain: the palestinians have been and sadly, probably will continue to be, persecuted by their own and the israelis. I hope that situation will change, but again knowing the geopolitical reasons that big money created the state in the first place, I highly doubt the situation will change soon.
My heart and sympathies go out to all who've been involved in this conflict and I hope that the fear, greed, and persecution will cease and that people can realize that there's more that unites us than separates us.
Brian
Posted By: Jake, the champion of the constitution
Date: 2009-01-03 16:16:12
Dear Brian -
Thanks for your comments, I read them very carefully. and will make a few changes in the article as I result. I think you are right about that magazine.
I know this topic is highly charged with emotions, and I tried my best to leave my emotions at the door while writing this.
Here's my email in, which is available for both hate mail (not that you would, but others) and actual comments. :)
jake, there is intense programming on both sides and the facts are manufactured on both sides to legitimate one's point of view, thus getting caught in the myriad interconnected labyrinths that is politics. sadly, many people think they understand politics (and geopolitics). I defer to Mr. Einstein (i'm paraphrasing) who responded, when asked how it was that humans could be so smart as to tap into the power of an atom, it could not design a system by which it didn't have to use that power: the answer is simple; it's because politics is more difficult than physics. as brilliant as he was, he was wise enough to know that he (and many who believe that they know). I can recite some 10 different perspectives and theories re: any particular policy and hit so many different layers, and yet, the depth of the political abyss delves so much deeper.
don't worry about the emotions; they are natural and impossible to remove completely. thus an unbiased perspective is impossible. just try to be introspective enough to navel gaze and be self-critical and you'll be fine.
please keep up the good work. but don't get too caught up in the history they WANT you to see. for as Aarons and Loftus wrote history is a (wire-bunn) sculpture; but the true history is not the wires, but the space that connects those wires. this is also supported by the fact that some 95% of what's known by govts is intentionally censored from public consumption. thus, do not focus too much on those wires!
Nice cop out. Always make sure that you add in that, of course, it\'s not okay for Palestine to engage in its activities but you don\'t bother making a 6 part series condemning them or any other country (aside form the US). Just Israel. Why don\'t you go into further detail on how this happened? Why wasn\'t he charged? My guess is because the death was ruled accidental. Perhaps because she jumped out with little time to spare? I don\'t know, you didn\'t say. Perhaps you don\'t want to say because you are to busy trying to make your case. I do, however, know that this isn\'t standard procedure. It is not standing orders to run over every person that uses themselves as a human shield.
This is very unlike Palestine, who\'s goal is to kill every Jew in Israel. Wow, well it\'s a good thing the firepower is with the people that have, at least, some restraint, huh? I would argue that there is such a difference in mentality that the Palestinians have the "coveting" sin cornered. Also, theft? Israel gained all it\'s land in a defensive war. The kind you "claim" you agree with. They wanted to live in peace with it\'s neighbors but many Middle Eastern countries decided to attack, including Palestine.
Most, perhaps all, borders have been shaped in some way by some sort of war or another. Some "theft" has occurred but all of it except for a small annexation of about 5% of the total land of Palestine. A very small increase, especially considering what would have happened if Palestine and it\'s allies had won the war of 1967 and even that land could be relinquished or traded if Palestine did not care more about not recognizing Israel\'s right to exist more then about it\'s own people but I guess you don\'t give much thought to what their intentions were and still are.
Your article could be correct, perhaps the driver should have been charged but I can\'t say for sure because you don\'t give enough information. It\'s mainly propaganda as far as I can tell. Using such a distasteful example of a human being as this pro settler woman is quite telling. Don\'t even try and say that she is representative of Israel as a whole. In addition, while you state that you are only using the bible to provoke thought I see only you trying to stir dissent. You seem to use the bible to proclaim that Jews only care about not killing Jews. There are so many things in the bible that is not right, that no decent person accepts that it boggles the mind that you would use that as a basis to try and stereotype this Jewish state.
Posted By: Jake, the champion of the constitution
Date: 2009-01-06 07:08:00
Dear toma02 -
Thanks for your comment. You are free to decide for yourself about the bulldozer driver. A clarification and a question. You wrote:
"You seem to use the bible to proclaim that Jews only care about not killing Jews."
Well, yes that was the context I made, and as you see in the Book of Numbers they killed all the Midianites. However, YOU seem to think that I am applying it to modern-day Jews, and that's where you are mistaken.
You then wrote: "There are so many things in the bible that is not right, that no decent person accepts that it boggles the mind that you would use that as a basis to try and stereotype this Jewish state."
Again, the bible has nothing to do with modern-day Jews. Where I wrote "modern world," I meant genocide still continues - Darfur, Rwanda, Gaza, arguably Tibet, etc.
Here is my question. If there are "so many things in the bible that [are] not right", which parts is a good Jew/Christian supposed to believe?
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[Author's note: If you think the series title solely refers to the current scenario where Israelis are killing Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, you are incorrect, although it is my intent to raise this stereotype. The title refers to the physical murdering or spiritual suppression of any individuals by other individuals in Middle East conflicts.] (
The above appears to me to be the facts, and below is a source list on her death if you wish to decide for yourself. After her death, the Palestinians made her into a martyr, and the Israelis engaged in public relations cover-up in the USA as both sides could be expected to do. The Palestinian and ISM observers claim that Rachel was run over on purpose by the driver. The Israel military's bulldozer driver says he was unable to see or hear her through the bulletproofed windows in his cabin while operating his noisy bulldozer, which is not outside the realm of reality either. Indeed, the truth may actually only be known to those who were there, although most nave rule-of-law fans like me would argue that the bulldozer driver should have been put on trial for murder or at a bare minimum for manslaughter. So I have no interest in arguing about the conclusion, but let me remind you the first paragraph is fact. (
[DISCLAIMER: Before we start, I strongly caution you that I only mean to encourage research and thought on my perspective. My intent is not to offend, and telling you what to believe is anathema to my principles anyways. And I like reading the bible.] (