Really good to see.
The level of bias on the bbc over this is farcical and I've been saddened by how anti-semitic some traditionally libertarian internet communities have become.
I'm personally pro-israeli but either way I think it is important to draw distinctions between the Israeli state and the Jewish race.
Anti-semitism is as ugly as any other form of racism.
(, Wed 14 Jan 2009, 19:54, Reply)
Religion has nothing to do with an overblown military response.
Since when was blindly massacring civilians part of Judaism? Also Arabs are semites, so you're an anti-semite if you support Israel over this conflict. Sorry.
(, Wed 14 Jan 2009, 19:58, Reply)
hmmmm
perhaps around the same time blindly massacring civilians became a part of Islam? Oh sorry, I forgot, Islam is a religion of peace isn't it?
(, Wed 14 Jan 2009, 20:01, Reply)
You got me.
I forgot that all Arabs are actually Muslim, and that all Muslims are hate-filled preachers of death.
(, Wed 14 Jan 2009, 20:03, Reply)
Well said Andrew
There is so much hate being perpetuated by the media unnecessarily. There is a massive difference between the Israeli government and the Jewish people. Most Jewish people I know dont want this war they just want peace for both sides. However you only have to look at some of the ill informed opinions of people posting on here to see the damage unbalanced media is doing.
Hatred, lack of understanding and ignorance have gone a long way to causing this situation and continuing in that vain isnt going to solve it.
(
lord turkey boy and the cleft of venus, Wed 14 Jan 2009, 20:16,
Reply)
Could you point out the people who are being anti-semitic please?
Maybe provide some links?
Only I haven't seen any yet.
(
chenobble rocking his explorer beard on, Wed 14 Jan 2009, 20:20,
Reply)
try http://www.jihadwatch.org/
alot of links on there to youtube videos showing anti-semitic people at protests. Lots of Muslims doing Nazi salutes and spouting the usual 'kill all Jews' slogans...
(, Wed 14 Jan 2009, 20:27, Reply)
I haven't read a single news article
that is referring to 'Jews' rather than 'Israeli forces' or 'Israeli people'. Most people who oppose Israel's actions do so because they are disgusted by the violent nature of their response. That is not to say I feel no sympathy towards Israeli people who are under a legitimate threat of attack, but every single piece of evidence, every eyewitness account or other anecdote clearly shows that Israel has, as ever, abandoned any hope of a diplomatic resolution. What they consider an appropriate level of force has not only killed hundreds of innocent people but the attitude of most Israeli officials seems to suggest that they view this as a happy byproduct of removing a legitimate threat.
I honestly don't understand how any rational, sympathetic and compassionate person can view Israel's actions as justified. It simply baffles me. Furthermore, I would add that automatically equating an anti-Israel stance with anti-semitism is mind-baffling and seems to betray some sort of basic misunderstanding on the account of the accuser.
(, Wed 14 Jan 2009, 20:27, Reply)
hmmmm
i think the Palestinian paramilitary groups kinda made diplomacy impossible...did you know during the recent 'ceasefire' before the whole Gaza thing kicked off, rockets were still being fired into Israel?
Funny how the media didn't report on that.
Edit: Found the figure: 'During the six-month truce between Israel and Gaza which ended in December, some 361 rockets and 303 mortar shells were launched at Israel. This marks an average of a rocket and a mortar shell a day over the course of the cease-fire period.'
(, Wed 14 Jan 2009, 20:31, Reply)
Ok
I just said that I appreciate that Israel is facing a legitimate threat. However, I still don't think that their response is justified. Were they carrying out a precise military strike that captured their assailants without the wanton destruction of anyone who happens to be standing near buildings Israel thinks have anything to do with Hamas, then my opinion would be entirely different.
I honestly think that the mainstream media such as the BBC have simply reported an accurate account of facts. The fact that Israel supporters such as yourself are so uncomfortable with what they have been reporting suggests that you ought to review your own opinions.
(, Wed 14 Jan 2009, 20:36, Reply)
both sides are to blame really
yes I do support Israel, but that doesn't mean I have no compassion for the Palestinians aswell. I just don't understand why there is such a public outcry over the Gaza situation. I remember years back when busloads of Israelis were getting blown up and shot every day, but there were no protests then...
Just seems like the media is a bit one-sided sometimes.
Oh and the 'precise strike' thing is difficult, as groups like Hamas tend to hide amongst civilians, like the Vietcong did, guerilla fighter tactics and all that.
(, Wed 14 Jan 2009, 20:40, Reply)
Yeah, but
They report the facts as provided to them. For example when they talk about women and children being injured they gloss over the fact that Hamas actively recruit under 18s and women as fighters.
(, Wed 14 Jan 2009, 21:53, Reply)
The rockets were not launched by Hamas
As admitted by an Israeli spokesman. But Israel did break the ceasefire by sending soldiers into Gaza to grab a Hamas leader.
(, Wed 14 Jan 2009, 21:56, Reply)
I love how you brand anyone who disagrees with you Anti-Semitic
I do draw a distinction between the Israeli state and the Jewish race, as do the overwhelming majority of the other people who think that Israel is entirely wrong in what it is doing.
(
chenobble rocking his explorer beard on, Wed 14 Jan 2009, 20:17,
Reply)
He said Israel and Jews
are different, so I have no idea where you got this idea from.
It seems to be yet another piece of propaganda in the "stuff Jews say (but don't really)" section designed to discredit anyone who dares commit the heinous crime of arguing in support of the only nation in the middle east that doesn't fuck over its average citizen and/or enforce ridiculous laws (like, say, not being improperly dressed in public (that is, in Saudi Arabia, not wearing the full garb), or being non-muslim in KSA or even being a Jew in Syria (personal favourite).)
Stuff Jews say (but don't really):
1. Israel has the right to do this because of the holocaust.
2. Anyone who disagrees with me is anti-semitic.
I'll add more to the list as they come along.
(Disclaimer: Dunno if he is Jewish, but the "Stuff Jews say (but don't really)" catagory remains nonetheless)
(, Wed 14 Jan 2009, 21:31, Reply)