The Hypocrisy of Democrats

Part I: Written a few weeks before the 2016 election:

When I was in law school back in 2004, the presidential election took a nasty turn. I was called an idiot, ignorant, sworn at, yelled at, and dropped as a friend because I couldn’t possibly be that smart and still vote for Bush. 

Eight years ago, in 2008, I was called racist because I didn’t want to vote for Barack Obama. And now I am sexist, homophobic, and a racist because I am thinking of voting for Donald Trump for President.

Am I really all these things? Apparently I am, according to some of my Democrat friends and acquaintances.

The funny thing is, I’m not a Republican. I’m not registered as one and I don’t vote as one. I vote by the person, not the party, and there have been plenty of times where I have voted for the Democrat candidate (and there are several on my list this election that will get my vote again, quite confidently). So what’s the issue? My conclusions:

Democrat thinking: If you’re not a Democrat, there must be something wrong with you. You want to vote for a crazy cowboy Bush? You’re an idiotic, ignorant war hawk. You don’t want to vote for Obama? You must be racist and not want a Black president. You don’t want to vote for Hillary Clinton? You must be sexist and not want a female President. 

If you are a Democrat, then you are wise, caring, sympathetic, a lover of people and animals, against corrupt corporations and governments (and as such, if you’re a Republican, you’re ignorant, stupid, uncaring, boorish, hate people, especially poor and underprivileged ones, hate and want to torture animals, are for corrupt corporations and governments – you get the idea). Think this is outlandish? I and others have LITERALLY been accused of this stuff.

Let me introduce myself. I am a 38 year old female litigator with two small children. I was a SAHM (stay at home mom) for over a year and am now back at the office. I am also an artist and entrepreneur. I am a little hippy; I cloth diaper, co-sleep, carry my kids, and nurse in public. Do I confuse you yet? I believe in recycling and love a good steak. I am against illegal immigration and for greater maternity leave, against unlimited handouts and for greater military strength. I believe prisons should have better rehabilitation programs and that mentally ill people shouldn’t be imprisoned, rather, they should be helped (and that mental illness is a top issue to be addressed). The business tax should be lowered, the tax code needs to be simplified, and we need to start looking at the differences in class rather than color. Long story short, I’m all over the map (party-wise).

In my humble opinion, I try to be reasonable but expect people to take responsibility for themselves and others, but not go so far as to damage yourself. Be reasonable and fair, but have high expectations of others. BELIEVE in others so that they can rely upon you when they don’t believe in themselves. Don’t allow others to become lazy and dependent. It hurts everyone involved, including the next generation. Don’t keep your mouth shut when you should be speaking against bad choices or evil simply because you’re outnumbered.

These are all things about which I have never kept my mouth shut, but some of my Democrat friends automatically go on the defensive when I attack their candidate – this time around my wrath is directed at Hillary Clinton and her supporters.

She is the lesser of two evils, they say. It’s not even a close comparison [between her and Trump], they say. She is not ideal, but she is fit to be President, they say. I strongly disagree. The Democrat party has a dark and sordid history and she is just another example of a seriously corrupt, unfit, self-centered Presidential candidate.

Part II: Written the day after the 2016 election:

Americans are scared… or at least half of them are. They crashed the Canadian immigration website, are spouting nonsense about America turning into the Weimar Republic, it’s a nightmare, they are disappointed to be American, claiming they need to get drunk, and wondering about what to tell their children in the morning (to quote my childhood friend Charles Ornstein, tell them this: “First, lots of Americans voted. Lots. That’s great. A sign that our fellow citizens care. Also, we elected a new president peacefully and will have a peaceful transition of power, unlike many countries. People feel passionately about their candidate on both sides. That’s great. Someone had to win, someone had to lose. Never give up fighting for what you believe in. Ever. And always speak up for what’s right.”).

The day after Trump is elected and Democrats are, again, NASTY, if not worse than before. 

Republicans have now been accused of lying, cheating, and stealing in every way to hold on to power; using voter suppression and gerrymandering to win. Last night, when they realized she was losing, Clinton’s manager told the supporters to just go home. Clinton never gave a thank you speech to her loyal followers and didn't concede until the next day. How arrogant of her. How obnoxious of Democrats. You think Trump and his supporters are immature and venomous? Listen to yourselves and your compatriots’ venom and hatred. Your behavior disgusts me. If for no other reason, that reason would be a good enough one to distance yourself from the Dems.

Calm yourselves, Dems. The sun will rise again. The end of the world is not upon us, nor is it nigh. We aren’t going to be building concentration camps or detention centers. We are simply changing horses and this one is a little wilder than the donkey we were going to put on.

Let me remind you that Republicans felt the same way you did when Obama won the Presidency. No joke. I wasn’t sure that the United States could survive him, his executive orders, and his ability to divide the country and (partially unintentionally) reinforce racism; then I wasn’t sure the country could survive four more years. But we did. WE DID. And we will again.

Did Obama do some good? Sure he did, but the American public is tired of Democrat attitudes and policy and decided to vote for a change. They decided they were tired of being marginalized by the large, arrogant cities; they were tired of jobs being exported; they wanted change. And even Democrats were seriously displeased with their choice as demonstrated by voter turnout in this election as compared to the past two.

Ignore what the media has informed you, what the celebrities have demanded you do, what the international community insisted you MUST do, and read about President Trump’s actual policies (you can start with what he wants to accomplish in his first 100 days). Yes, he is seriously flawed (so was Hillary), but let’s read about what he wants for our country and hope that he can learn as he goes (as Obama had to). If he steps over the line, let's be there. We are the people. Act as such instead of pitching a fit!

[Side note: There are checks and balances and honestly, in day-to-day life, the State is more important and more impactful. Be more upset about who your new governor and state government is rather than your President.]

Will I ever tell who I voted for? I’m not sure. I am strong enough in my convictions and beliefs to be secure in my vote and I simply do not have the patience to deal with those who will call me names. If I voted for Hillary, I supported a liar, a corrupt, self-serving politician. If I voted for Trump, I am racist, misogynist, and anti-immigration. I don’t vote for Clinton just because she’s female and I don’t vote for a Trump just because he is Republican.

As a side note: YES, I retain the right to vote even as I live in Israel. And no, I don’t have to personally “live” with the outcome since I’m in Israel, but I DO have close family and friends there so stop telling me that I’m not feeling the boots on the ground (thanks for that insult). Additionally, having America remain friends with Israel is of vital importance, especially with the UN Security Council. 

The difference is that I have a better attitude than many. I have high hopes. I am optimistic and polite. I think the best of people and of our future. I don’t resort to name-calling, doomsday-promoting, promotion of hatred, and unfriend people because they think differently than me. You worry about your family? I worried about mine.

Part III: Written TWO days after the 2016 election:

Burning flags. Riots in numerous cities where people are getting critically injured. Name-calling. Death threats against Trump and his supporters. Colleges cancelling classes and giving pizza to distraught students. Unfriending people due to different beliefs (um, democracy?). Calling for the Electoral College to go against their instruction next month in order to overturn the election. Refusing to accept the outcome of the election. "He's not my president." Circulating a petition to eliminate the Electoral College (which is IN THE CONSTITUTION). 

I thought it would calm down by now. Some more cool-headed Dems have calmed down and made a call to action, but others have gotten worse. 

HYPOCRISY. These are the same exact people who, the day before the election, called for civility and coming together. That we can get over this divisiveness...  and the second (the SECOND) Trump looked like he was winning, the vitriol came out. The 'F' bombs came out... Democrats did a complete 180 and went off on Trump supporters as stated above.

Please don't get me wrong... I understand people are really scared and freaking out. I get it. You worry about your children, your LGBT friends, your Jewish friends, your Black friends...

But seriously, how can you defend this behavior? Aside from it being downright disgusting, immature, and anti-American, it is counter-productive. What does it accomplish except make you look like spoiled brats who are upset that your (horrible) candidate lost? Grow up. Stop whining - instead, volunteer and/or donate money to causes close to your heart! Most Republicans (and others) voted for Trump despite his idiotic behavior and speeches... accept that as truth because it is. There are idiots out there that used Trump as an excuse to "come out" as racist but they were always there.

Let's come together... President Trump is our 45th President. He's my President and yours. Let's hope for the best and work together. Make a difference - make sure your actions count. Stand for the disenfranchised, the weak. Make sure that the negatives of Trump won't come to fruition. 

We ALL have to do our best to work together. We need to ALL make sure Trump is good for our country. We all have to live with this. Together.

Let's start now.

We Remember.

Tonight starts Yom HaShoah, literally "Day of the Holocaust." The world also remembers with Holocaust Remembrance Day. This will be my first Yom HaShoah as an Israeli citizen, with two small children, living the the land that G-d gave us.

It starts with a program at Yad Vashem, with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu speaking, poetry being read... it's being broadcast on Mako TV, where my husband and I are watching, crying. My Hebrew may not be 100% but it is good enough to feel the pain when they read a daughter's letter to her mother, written while she was on a train to her death. I may not know all the words, but my soul knows a mother's anguish over her children traveling to their deaths simply because they were Jewish.

Have we learned anything? Jews? Non-Jews? The world?

The point of Yom HaShoah is to remember, but the lesson is to act.

Tomorrow at 10am, my husband and I will stand on the bridge over Route 4, listen for the two minute siren commemorating our six million lost souls, and watch as every single car, bus, and taxi stops on the highway. Jews will be together as each driver exits his and her vehicle and stands at attention, recalling how we were slaughtered by the Nazis and other Axis powers. My husband and I will hold hands as our tears fall. We will all hug our sons, daughters, and families tighter tomorrow night, knowing that without people and nations acting consciously and deliberately, this can happen again and, if we are not careful now, it will.

We have been hunted and murdered. We have been burned, literally and metaphorically. But, like a phoenix, from the ashes of our previous generation, we have burst forth with new life, strength, and ferocity. We have birthed our new country of Israel and provided her with strong young soldiers, intelligent and clever commanders; we have created technology that the entire world uses; we have won amazing amounts of Nobel Prizes, adding our intellect and insight to the planet's education; we have donated time, money, bodies, and blood to other countries who are in desperate need of help during emergencies (and many times been first in line to do so).

And with all this, we look back and wonder, who did we lose? Not just fathers, mothers, grandparents, children... But in those six million (and more), what would have been discovered, accomplished, created, not just for us, but for the world? How many family trees were brutally cut with wide, evil swings of the Nazi scythe? How many lives in how many countries were shredded in each day that passed, with each train car that left its station, with each boat that was turned back from safety?

Never forget what happened. Never forget that evil is everywhere, waiting for its opportunity to strike. Never forget that millions of children (babies, toddlers, school-age kids) were murdered, shot point-blank, because they were simply of no use to the Nazi party. Never forget that people voted for the Nazi party, that Austrians cheered as Germans came in, that there is a special award for Righteous Gentiles because, well, there were so few of them.

The world is still against the Jews. Anti-semitism is still raging like wildfire, consuming everything and everyone it touches. It lives out in the open, in tweets, Facebook pages, and jokes; it lives in groups on campuses, in BDS, in organizations taking over countries, and in your average citizen in Europe, South America, North America, Australia, Africa, Asia.... Don't doubt that hatred of Jews and Israel is alive and everywhere.

Never forget that the best way to remember is to act, open your mouth, do something! Whether it's to pray, donate money, be an advocate for good, do your job against evil. Every Jew and non-Jew is different, everyone has a role to play.

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. Don't do nothing. Don't EVER do nothing.

• Don't EVER assume you don't have a choice. 
• Don't EVER assume that someone else will do it.
• Don't EVER stop!

Never forget. Always act.

NEVER AGAIN.

World War III has Begun.

This article was originally posted on August 3, 2014 on shiradrissman.com... I have now updated it with proper numbers. It seemed appropriate to repost it here, today, after the attacks in France and Lebanon and after the Pope decided to declare that World War 3 has begun (I guess he needs to follow my blog). The truth is...

It's been headed in this direction for a while now, but in case you've only just noticed (or haven't yet because you're in denial), World War III began a while ago.

Here are the larger and more well-known events (I have only included the murdered, not the injured)

• February 26, 1993: WTC bombed (6 murdered) 
• December 24, 1994: Air France Flight 8969 hijacked in Algiers (3 murdered) 
• June 25, 1996: Khobar Towers bombed (20 murdered) 
• October 12, 2000: USS Cole attacked in Aden, Yemen (17 murdered) 
• September 11, 2001: WTC bombed (nearly 3,000 murdered) 
• August 5, 2003: Marriott Hotel bombing in South Jakarta (12 murdered) 
• March 11, 2004: Train bombings in Madrid, Spain (191 murdered) 
• September 9, 2004: Bombing at Australian embassy in Jakarta (9 murdered) 
• July 7, 2005: Multiple bombings in London underground (53 murdered) 
• July 23, 2005: Bomb attacks at Sharm el-Sheikh (64 murdered) 
• February 1, 2007: Plot to behead British Muslim soldier (thwarted) 
• September 13, 2008: Bombing series in Delhi, India (33 murdered) 
• November 26, 2008: Coordinated attacks in Mumbai, India (166 murdered) 
• June 18, 2009: Beledweyne bombing in Somalia (35 murdered) 
• May 1, 2010: Times Square car bombing attempted (thwarted) 
• December 10, 2010: Stockholm bombing (2 murdered) 
• July 18, 2011: Attack in Hotan, China (2 murdered) 
• February 23, 2012: Attacks in Baghdad (83 murdered) 
• March 20, 2012: Attacks in Baghdad (52 murdered) 
• April 15, 2013: Boston Marathon bombing (3 murdered) 
• May 22, 2013: Two men with cleavers murder British soldier in Woolwich. 
• September 21, 2013: Westgate Shopping Mall attack in Nairobi, Kenya (67 murdered) 
• September 22, 2013: Two Jundallah suicide bombers attack at a church service (105 murdered) 
• January 6, 2014: al-Qaeda linked terrorists execute "prisoners" at a children's hospital in Aleppo, Syria (50 murdered) 
• February 11, 2014: In Nigeria, Islamists come into a local village and slaughter residents (62 murdered) 
• March 15, 2014: Muslim herdsman in Nigeria shoot, burn, and hack their way through three Christian villages (150 murdered) 
• May 7, 2014: Islamists slaughter over villagers in Nigeria in an attack that lasts over twelve hours (336 hours) 
• June 12, 2014: The Islamic State massacres unarmed cadets at Camp Speicher, Iraq (1,566 murdered) 
• August 6, 2014: Boko Haram fire indiscriminately at Christian villages in Nigeria (997 murdered) 
• August 7, 2014: Yazidi death toll continues to rise in Iraq (397 murdered) 
• December 17, 2014: Human rights groups report the execution of women in Iraq for refusing to become brides of caliphate Jihadis (150 murdered) 
• January 7, 2015: Boko Haram goes on a massive killing spree that spans 16 villages in Nigeria (2,000 murdered) 
• April 2, 2015: Devout Muslims storm a Christian college in Kenya, separate out the non-Muslims, and execute the rest in cold blood (148 murdered) 
• October 1, 2015: Fatah gunmen shoot a Jewish couple to death in their car in front of their four young children in Israel 
• October 3, 2015: Two men walking with their families in Jerusalem are stabbed to death by an Islamist, who also shoots a baby in the leg 
• November 13, 2015: In Otniel, Israel, a father and son are murdered the week before the daughter's wedding. 
• November 13, 2015: ISIS orchestrated seven relatively simultaneous terrorist attacks in Paris (128 murdered). 

For a more detailed list of the 27,269 terror attacks since 9/11, please click here.

World War III is an ideological war between Islam and the rest of the world and it started HUNDREDS (really, thousands) of years ago (have you heard of the Marine Hymn? The "shores of Tripoli" are a reference to the Barbary Wars, wars against Muslim pirates). Nobody informed us it was instigated, and the majority of people today still don't know it's going on or don't want to admit it. It started insidiously and quietly. It's widespread and dangerous. The only way to fight it is to educate yourself and others, be aware, and acknowledge its existence.

Only in August 2014, after the three boys were kidnapped in Israel and after Hamas started firing rockets (again) at Israeli civilians, did people start to really notice the raging anti-Semitism occurring around the world. It has gotten horribly worse since. Not that it wasn't going on before - it was. But people see what they want, and don't see what they don't.

For years, there has been increasing acts of violence and intimidation against Jews, most notably, France, the UK, and other European countries. A statistical analysis has shown that 150 million people across Europe have serious anti-semitic views or a "demonic view" of Israel. The new anti-Semitism stems from the far right (authoritarianists, anti-communists, nativists, and fascists), the political left, and a growing Muslim population in these countries.

Even in peaceful Canada, there have been riots and violence against Jews and non-Jewish supporters of Israel. In Calgary the other day, hundreds of Muslims and non-Muslim Jew-haters rioted "peacefully" right before they attacked the group of a dozen or so pro-Israel protestors. No police were present and it almost escaped the attention of the media.

Take a close look at these numbers. 

There are 1.6 billion Muslims in the world today. It is estimated that 15-25% of those Muslims are radical, potentially active terrorists according to all intelligence sources around the world. That means, mathematically, that 240-400 MILLION Muslims are active, or potentially active, radical terrorists dedicated to the destruction of democracy and Western civilization. That's as many people, or more, as occupy our United States of America.

Let me repeat this. These 240-400 million people devote their lives and deaths to murdering and mutilating YOU, the infidel.

If you want to count how many radical Muslims there are in the world (who may not personally act on their beliefs but agree with them, morally, financially, or religiously, then you're looking at over 800 million Radical Muslims, more than half of all Muslims on the planet, adhere to the beliefs of the terrorists. (see Pew Research 2011).

According to the Qu'ran, they believe that men are worth more than women... in inheritance (4:11, 4:176), in court testimony (2:282), purity (5:6), dominion over the body (2:223), wife to husband ratio (4:3), sex slaves (4:24, 33:50), and more. This is supported by the Hadith, the record of the sayings of their prophet Mohammed, which supplements the Qu'ran.

Women are not alone. Muslims also look down upon homosexuals, Christians, hypocrites (those who claim to be Muslim but are not quite radical enough), and, of course, Jews.

Do not think that you will be spared.

"Oh ye who believe! Fight those of the disbelievers who are near to you, and let them find harshness in you, and know that Allah is with those who keep their duty." -Qu'ran, Sura 9:123.

They are encouraged to lay low, to lie to non-believers, to gain in numbers until such a time when they can take over. This is how they work. We can now see that their hard work and patience is paying off. Look at France where synagogues are burned and people are murdered in metal concerts. Look at Chicago where tens of thousands march in support of Hamas and their murderous methods. Look at Ann Arbor - where pro-"Palestinian" rallies and take place and people are afraid to act. 

It will only increase (and has). Keep your eyes open and do not blind yourself to what is happening. The war has begun. Jewish, not Jewish. White, Black, Yellow, Purple. Heterosexual, homosexual. If you aren't a radical Muslim, YOU are the infidel. YOU are their enemy. 

Be prepared to fight... because they already are.

Israel Doesn't Matter

The Land of Israel Doesn't Matter

Jewish Ideology
Jews believe in the sanctity of life. We are even instructed to break the holy Sabbath in order to save a life; it's called "Pikuach Nefesh." The rules of Kosher and fasting can be broken as well for sick and dying people.

Jews grant the same love of life to others. Even in our military actions against the Muslims, we pamphlet, text message, make phone calls, and even send soldiers in on the ground in order to reduce the amount of civilian Arab casualties.

Israelis wish only to live in peace. They gave back the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt and, in the past decade, they offered 98% of what the Arabs wanted and Arafat, on the Arabs' behalf, rejected it outright. Even today, all Jews want is peace and quiet.

Islamic Ideology
I'll let them speak for themselves.

"We love death like our enemies love life.
We love Martyrdom, the way in which [Hamas] leaders died." - Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, Al-Aqsa TV [Hamas], July 30, 2014

"Say (O Mohammed): Oh ye who are Jews! If ye claim that ye are favoured of Allah apart from (all) mankind, then long for death if ye are truthful." - Qu'ran 62:6

Ayman al-Zawahiri told Muslim women, "I advise you to raise your children in the cult of jihad and martyrdom and to instill in them a love for religion and death."

Hamas uses human shields, and fires missiles from private homes, schools, ambulances, and hospitals. They kidnap innocent teenagers and soldiers. They attempt to steal the bodies of murdered Jews. They rejoice when they hear of violence and heartbreaking news on the part of Israelis.

In a recent poll, 60% of those Arabs polled (including 55% in the West Bank and 68% in Gaza) reject permanent acceptance of Israel's existence, instead wanting one Palestinian state "from the river to the sea."

Hamas wants Israel destroyed and the Jews dead. Their own charter emphasizes, in several places, the desire to eliminate the Jews. Here is one of the juicier points, "Israel will exist and will continue to exist until Islam will obliterate it, just as it obliterated others before it." -Hamas Charter Preamble

The Land of Israel, if it were ever truly an issue (rather than an excuse), is no longer of any importance. The Muslims want the Jews dead. Every last one of us. Even if we were to give away every last square meter of Israel, they would still run us through with spears, cut off our heads, and dangle us from the rooftops until the last one of us was dead.

Don't believe me? Just check out what they're doing to the Christians in Iraq.

An Accurate History about Palestine, Israel, and the "Palestinians," Part III (1956-1966)

PART III

The 1956 Sinai Campaign
In the early 1950s, Egypt violated the terms of the Armistice Agreement it had signed with Israel after the 1948 War of Independence. They blocked Israeli ships from passing through the Suez Canal, a major international waterway. It also began to block traffic through the Straits of Tiran linking the port of Eilat, in the south of Israel, to the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. This seriously damaged Israel's trade with Asia.

The Arab fedayun/fedayeen from Egypt, Jordan, and Syria continued to infiltrate across the border in order to maintain their attacks against Jewish civilians and military outposts. Arab infiltration and Israeli retaliation became a regular pattern and though Israel hoped its reactionary behavior would discourage more invasions, in 1955 alone, 260 Israeli innocent civilians were murdered or wounded by fedayeen.

In July 1956, Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal, threatening British and French interests in oil supplies and western trade.

Since everyone had converging interests, Israel, Britain, and France planned an attack on Egypt, and on October 29, 1956, Israel began its assault on Egyptian military positions. She captured the whole of the Gaza Strip and the Sinai Peninsula. On October 31, 1956, France and Britain joined in and the hostilities ended on November 5, 1956, only seven days after it began. Israel didn't withdraw until 1957.

The United States had no knowledge of this attack, voiced strong opposition (due to its fear of the USSR and its interest in the Middle East), and urged Israel to withdraw from Egyptian territory. The UN stationed itself along the Egypt-Israeli border to prevent a blockage and further infiltrations, but Israel warned them that if Egypt blockaded the Gulf of Aqaba, it wouldn't hold back.

After the 1956 Suez Crisis

There was an uneasy truce after the Suez Crisis, but Arab states started competing among themselves for power and dominance. To quiet internal dissent, the governments expanded and strengthened their anti-Israel feelings.

Palestine Liberation Organization

In 1964, to continue the war against Israel, the Arab states, at the first Arab League Summit meeting, formed the PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization). It had the purpose of creating an independent State of Palestine through armed struggle. The group used guerrilla tactics to attack Israel from Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, and Syria. The US and Israel considered it a terrorist organization until the Madrid Conference for peace in 1991, when the PLO decided to grow an alleged 'political' branch.

The PLO has a nominal legislative body, the Palestinian National Council (PNC), but most of their power is controlled by the PLO Executive Committee, made up of 18 people elected by the PNC. Yasser Arafat was the chamber of the PLO Executive Committee from 1969 until his death in 2004.

He was succeeded by Mahmoud Abbas (a.k.a. Abu Mazen). He is also a member of the Fatah party. He was elected to serve until January 9, 2009, but due to internal conflict, he unilaterally extended his term for another year and, since then, has not stepped down. Because of this, Hamas (Fatah's main rival and founded in 1987, to be addressed later) announced it would not recognize Abbas. 

Mahmoud Abbas is a terrorist. He financed the 1972 Munich Massacre, but since he was the best of the worst (other high ranking "Palestinians" were under arrest for multiple murders), he emerged as a leader. 

In February 1966, a coup d'etat took place in Syria, and the government was replaced by a union of the party's Military Committee and the Regional Command, ruled by Salah Jadid. This new government further increased the anti-Israel rhetoric as well as the infiltrations into Israeli territory.

Fatah

Fatah is formerly known as the Palestinian National Liberation Movement. It has had a strong involvement in revolutionary struggle and has maintained a number of militant groups. Its charter allows anyone who believes in the liberation of Palestine to be a member. It states, "Revolution is our path to freedom, independence, and construction. It is a revolution until victory ..."

This movement and this work are a national trust and a historic responsibility. You must shoulder the precious trust and recognize the historic responsibility. You must prepare yourself to inspire the spirit of organized revolutionary work in every Arab soul that is sincere to Palestine and that believes in its liberation. Let us train ourselves to be patient and to face ordeals, bear calamities, sacrifice our souls, blood, time and effort. All these are the weapons of revolutionaries. Therefore, Brother, do not stop. With the calm of the workers, the silence of the sincere, the determination of the revolutionaries, the resolve of the believers, and the patience of the strugglers, you must act quickly because our people cannot spare a single moment after our tragedy continued throughout all those long years. You must know that our enemy is strong and the battle is ferocious and long. You must know that determination, patience, secrecy, confidentiality, adherence to the principles and goals of the revolution, keep us from stumbling and shorten the path to liberation. Go forward to revolution. Long live Palestine, free and Arab.

In Short, There Are No "Palestinian" Refugees

In 1917, the British Empire wrested Palestine away from the Ottoman Turks and occupied the land there until 1947. Shortly thereafter, the UN decided to divide the area into a country for the Jews and the Arabs. The Jews accepted this partition plan even though they were only going to receive 20% of the land and even though Jerusalem would not be completely included either.

Not one of the 22 Arab states were happy with this partition simply because it provided Jews with a Jewish country. Not only did they reject it, but five Arab nations (with help from a couple others) decided to wipe it off the map within one day of its birth.

In order to protect Arabs, those nations warned the Arabs living in Israel at the time to flee, to get out of the way of their incoming armies. Those Arabs, approximately 539,000 of them, followed their instructions and voluntarily abandoned their homes and property so that the Jews would (in their hope) be murdered and eliminated. The Arab nations promised the Arabs that they could return and move into the Jews' houses after the anticipated successful annihilation of the Jews.

"We will smash the country with our guns and obliterate every place the Jews seek shelter in. The Arabs should conduct their wives and children to safe areas until the fighting has died down." -Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Said, quoted in Sir Am Nahbah ("The Secret Behind the Disaster") by Nimr el Hawari Nazareth, 1952

The Jews of Palestine tried to get the Arabs of Palestine to stay.

"Every effort is being made by the Jews to persuade the Arab populace to stay and carry on with their normal lives, to get their shops and business open and to be assured that their lives and interests will be safe. [However] ...A large road convoy, escorted by [British] military... left Haifa for Beirut yesterday... Evacuation by sea goes on steadily. ...[Two days later, the Jews were] still making every effort to persuade the Arab populace to remain and to settle back into their normal lives in the towns... [as for the Arabs,] another convoy left Tireh for Transjordan, and the evacuation by sea continues. The quays and harbor are still crowded with refugees and their household effects, all omitting no opportunity to get a place on one of the boats leaving Haifa." -Haifa District HQ of the British Police, April 26, 1948, quoted in Battleground by Samuel Katz

The Arabs refused, choosing instead to abandon their possessions and land. "The Arabs did not want to submit to a truce; they rather preferred to abandon their homes, their belongings and everything they possessed in the world and leave the town. This is in fact what they did." -Jamal Husseini, Acting Chairman of the Palestine Arab Higher Committee, told to the United Nations Security Council, quoted in the UNSC Official Records (N. 62), April 23, 1948, p.14.

At the same time, 850,000 Jews were expelled from other Arab countries where they had lived for hundreds of years. Some of the people who were forced to leave were successful professionals, and they left behind their property which was, of course, immediately confiscated. They all fled to the newly born Israel.

These Jewish refugees were immediately accepted by the State of Israel. They were given shelter, food, and clothing. They were treated as equals.

The Arab refugees who had voluntarily abandoned their land and property for the other Arab nations were not welcomed. They were treated as unwelcome migrants and placed in dilapidated refugee camps. The UN, through UNRWA, gave assistance because the host countries refused to.

Eventually, the camps become training camps for terrorists whose goal was to eliminate Israel. The host countries provided the training, weapons, explosives, and yet, the Arabs still weren't considered full citizens.

Rather, these Arab countries kept the displaced Arabs in misery, fed their anger, and used them as tools against the Jews and Israel, and pawns in the worldwide media.

According to the UN Refugee Agency, a refugee is "someone who has been forced to flee his or her country because of persecution, war, or violence." Based on this definition, there are no Palestinian Arab refugees. The Jews of Palestine never forced any Arabs of Palestine to leave. Quite the contrary. The Jews practically begged the Arabs to stay.

The Haifa Workers Council posted a bulletin on April 28, 1948, stating, "...our city flourished and developed for the good of both Jewish and Arab residents... Do not destroy your homes with your own hands; do not bring tragedy upon yourselves by unnecessary evacuation and self-imposed burdens. By moving out you will be overtaken by poverty and humiliation. But in this city, yours and ours, Haifa, the gates are open for work, for life, and for peace, for you and your families."

Even Great Britain recognized what was going on. The Times of London reported on April 4, 1948, "...the Jewish Hagana asked (using loudspeakers) Arabs to remain at their homes but most of the Arab population followed their leaders who asked them to leave the country."

Additionally, even if they were refugees, this status does not extend to further generations.

"The refugee status of the Palestinians was perpetuated by the host countries and the Palestinian leadership, and by the international community, through the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the only UN body dedicated to a specific refugee group (all other refugees in the world are the responsibility of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees). As a result, refugee status was passed down from father to son to grandson over 50 years, so that, today, they number three million to four million. That is why the Palestinians now account for about one-fourth of the world's refugees -- an impressive figure until one imagines how many refugees there would be if all the Finns and Germans and Indian Hindus and Muslims and European Jews who were made refugees after the Second World War (not to speak of the Greeks and Turks and Armenians who were made refugees during and after the First World War) were still considered refugees in the year 2000." -Mark Heller, co-author of No Trumpets, No Drums: A Two-State Settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

In essence, the "Arab Palestinian Refugee" problem is of their own doing. They made the decision to abandon their land, property, and possessions because they assumed the Arab countries would kill the Jews and defeat Israel. Their intent was evil and their actions backfired. They trusted other Arab countries who, not only failed to protect and take care of them, but then used them as weapons against the Israeli state and the Jews. They are now trying to take advantage of other countries, the UN, and people's ignorance of history and law. We cannot allow this.

The Jews of Palestine had requested that the Arabs of Palestine stay. Israel has repeatedly gone above and beyond to make peace with them. They still turn it down. [Most of] The Arabs still hate and kill. History hasn't changed, and neither will the future. Even today, as of June 2014, 60% of "Palestinians" oppose a two-state solution; they prefer that their leaders "work toward reclaiming all of historic Palestine, from the river to the sea." Two-thirds of those polled support continued resistance against the Jewish state. And if you're wondering about the remaining 40%... well, they view such a move as "part of a 'program of stages' to liberate all of historic Palestine later."

Let us be honest with them and ourselves and move forward from here. Let us focus on Israel, her Jewish future, and those who truly support her.

An Accurate History of Palestine, Israel, and the "Palestinians," Part II (1948 - Early 1950s)

PART II

War of 1948
One day after the State of Israel was born, on May 15, 1948, no less than five Arab nations invaded Israel. The new State fought against Syria and Lebanon in the north, Iraq and Transjordan (Jordan) in the east, Egypt (assisted by contingents from the Sudan) in the south, and Arabs and volunteers from other Arab countries from within. Being that Israel had just been born, these five Arab countries had superior armor, artillery, and air forces.

On May 31, the Haganah was renamed the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and suffered initial setbacks, but after three weeks, they were able to halt the offensive, stabilize the front, and even initiate some local offensive operations. By mid-July 1949, Israel was able to capture the upper Galilee, the Negev in the south (which had been allotted to the Jewish State by the UN), and end the war. The Arab countries signed Armistice Agreements; first came Egypt on February 24, 1949, Lebanon on March 23, 1949, Jordan on April 3, 1949, and Syria on July 20, 1949. Only Iraq did not sign an agreement. It preferred to withdraw its troops and hand over its sector to the Arab Legion of Jordan. In the end, not only did Israel eject the Arab forces, but it also took 5,000 square kilometers over and above the areas allocated to it by the United Nations.

As soon as the armistice agreements were signed, the IDF was disbanded. But it was too soon to do so. The former Arabs of Palestine (and neighboring Arab countries, in an effort to show Israel and the rest of the Arabs that they hadn't given up the war) started sending suicide troops across the ill-protected border to steal farm equipment, laying of mines, killing of individuals, and wholesale massacres. They were trained, equipped, and paid by Egyptian intelligence, but they operated from bases in Jordan (which caused Jordan to bear the brunt of the retaliation). Each time Israel would retaliate, the UN Security Council would condemn it.

Post-1948 War through the Early 1950s
Despite the refugee problem being admittedly caused by the Arabs fleeing (due to the Arab Higher Committee encouraging them to leave their lands) and the surrounding Arab states, Israel was still willing to take back the Arabs who had scattered in the hopes of an Arab victory in 1948.

On November 19, 1948, the General Assembly created the UN Relief for Palestinian Refugees, later renamed UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to dispense aid to the refugees. The Arab refugees of Palestine are the only refugee group that gets their own UN organization. All other refugees utilize the UN Refugee Agency. Regardless, UNRWA was originally given a budget of $50 million to assist the estimated 650,000-711,000 Arab refugees of Palestine (according to the UN).

According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, a refugee is someone who has been forced to leave a country because of war or for religious or political reasons. Recall that Israel never forced the Arabs to leave Palestine/Israel. In fact, Israel insisted and requested that they stay and help them build the country. The Arabs were the ones who rejected the Jewish request and abandoned their property.

According to the UN Refugee Agency, pursuant to the 1951 Refugee Convention, a refugee is someone "who owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality, and is unable to, or owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country" (emphasis added).

On another section of the UNHCR website, refugee is defined as "someone who has been forced to flee his or her country because of persecution, war, or violence." Again, the Jews of Palestine practically begged the Arabs to stay; the Jews were not the reason the Arabs left.

Additionally, the new Israeli government was more than willing to take the Arabs back into the country. The Arabs rejected this offer (see below).

[Note: For this reason alone, there are no Arab refugees from Palestine. For argument's sake, even if there were, the number would be limited to the original 650,000-711,000. Refugee status does not extend to additional generations. There is no international law that provides for this and no other refugee group can, or does, claim this. Despite this, Arabs from Palestine insist that their descendants are entitled to keep this label (and UNRWA supports it), thus making the number of "Palestinian refugees" an unwieldy and ridiculous five million people. And reductio ad absurdum, if you continued along these lines another 20-30 years, you would have over thirty million Arabs claiming the Right of Return to Israel.

In the history of the world, all refugees have eventually been assimilated (since WWII, 165 million). All but one -- the Arabs of Palestine. Due to the application of the definition of refugee, all numbers of refugees have declined to zero (either from absorption or from them dying off); all except the Arabs of Palestine. Their numbers have increased, despite all rules of law and mathematics.

We won't discuss here the ignored issue of the Jewish refugees, mainly because Israel absorbed them as soon as they fled and arrived in Israel.

For a more in depth conversation on the refugee issue, please refer to my already written blog, There Are No Refugees.]

According to UNRWA (now the largest UN agency, with a staff of over 30,000) and the US Department of State, from 1950-1999, the US gave $2,222,000,000.00 to UNRWA. That's over $2 BILLION (with a "B"). As of 2012, the US has given a total of $4,300,510,350.00 to UNRWA, whose only focus is the Arabs from Palestine alleged refugee problem. In 2010, the European Commission gave UNRWA $165 million. That same year, Sweden gave $47 million, the UK gave $45 million, Norway gave $40 million, and the Netherlands gave $29 million.

On December 11, 1948, the UN passed Resolution 194, which stated that, "refugees willing to return to their homes and live at peace with their neighbors should be permitted to do so ... and that compensation should be paid for property of those choosing not to return..." (emphasis added). Those emphasized words show that the UN did not expect Israel to repatriate a hostile population that might endanger its security. The solution to the problem would have to include resettlement of Arabs into neighboring Arab countries. Israelis did not expect the resettlement issue to be a problem, but the Arabs were, still, unwilling to negotiate and cooperate and unanimously rejected the UN Resolution, on claimed moral and political grounds.

The only country that has assimilated, in significant numbers, the Arabs of Palestine is Jordan. No other Arab country has absorbed them or given them full citizenship despite the fact that many of them were born in those countries and have lived there for years.

An Accurate History of Palestine, Israel, and the "Palestinians"

After reading many articles that claim to know the history of the Middle East, but are incorrect, I have decided to put together a very accurate history for you to use as a reference. It requires much research, but I have no problem doing the legwork for my readers. This will come in parts (so that it's not too long) - please feel free to use it as a reference.

PART I

The Name "Palestine"
The definite origins of the word "Palestine" are unclear, but it is believed that the name is derived from the Hebrew word "peleshet." It is roughly translated as "rolling" or "migratory," the term was used to describe the inhabitants of the land to the northeast of Egypt, the Philistines. The Philistines were an Aegean people, more closely related to the Greeks and with no connection ethnically, linguistically, or historically with Arabia.

A derivative of the name first appears in Greek literature in the 5th Century B.C.E. (Before the Common Era) when Herodotus called the area "Palaistine." In the 2nd Century C.E. (Common Era), the Romans crushed the revolt of Shimon bar Kochba (132 C.E.), during which Jerusalem and Judea were regained, the Romans renamed the area Palaestina in an attempt to minimize Jewish identification with the land of Israel.

Under the Ottoman Empire (1517-1917), the term Palestine was used loosely as a term to describe the land south of Syria. Many Ottomans and Arabs instead used the term "Souther Syria" rather than "Palestine."

After WWI, the name was applied to the land that was under the British Mandate (present day Israel and present day Jordan). Prior to 1948, it was customary to use the term "Palestinian" to the Jews that lived in the area. Only years after Israel's independence did the Arabs living in the Gaza Strip and West Bank (of the Jordan) call themselves Palestinians. They themselves pronounce it "Filastin," a term which does not appear in the Qu'ran.

The Birth of Israel
On September 3, 1947, the UNSCOP (United Nations Special Committee on Palestine) submitted its report to the UN General Assembly declaring its majority recommendation that Palestine be divided into separate Jewish and Arab states. The Arab Higher Committee rejected the issuance of the Report, issuing a statement on September 29th, saying that the "Zionists are conducting an invasion of that country [Palestine]" and claiming that they advocate freedom and independence for an Arab state in the whole of Palestine which would respect human rights, fundamental freedoms and equality of all persons before the law, and would protect the legitimate rights and interests of all minorities whilst guaranteeing freedom of worship and access to the Holy Places. Not once did the Arab Higher Committee use the term "Palestinian," instead only using the term "Arabs of Palestine."

On November 29, 1947, the UN General Assembly passed Resolution 181 (33 votes in favor, 13 votes against, 10 abstentions). Resolution 181 was a recommendation that the partition plan be implemented and requested that the Security Council take up the matter from there.

More discussions took place and on February 6, 1948, the Arab Higher Committee again objected to the Jews getting a state of their own, declaring, "The Arabs of Palestine will never recognize the validity of the extorted partition recommendations or the authority of the United Nations to make them." They continued, saying that they would consider "that any attempt by the Jews or any power or group of powers to establish a Jewish state in Arab territory is an act of aggression which will be resisted in self-defense by force" (emphasis added). The Arabs of Palestine also stated,

"It is very unwise and fruitless to ask any commission to proceed to Palestine because not a single Arab will cooperate with the said commission ... The only way to establish partition is first to wipe them out -- man woman and child." Id.

Further, it wasn't just the Arabs within Palestine. According to the First Special Report, "powerful Arab interests, both inside and outside Palestine, are defying the resolution ... and are engaged in a deliberate effort to alter by force the settlement envisaged herein." Guerrilla groups from numerous adjacent Arab states were recorded as coming in to assist in attacking the Jews of Palestine, civilian and security personnel alike. Id.

The argument raged on for months since the UN was afraid of causing increased violence in the Mideast (borne of Arab dissatisfaction). The US (along with other countries) tried to find a solution. Mindful of the worsening situation, and wishing to avoid further debate, the US proposed another draft resolution calling for a truce between Jewish and Arab groups. It was adopted as Resolution 43 on April 1, 1948. Several more resolutions were passed to calm everything down, but after nothing but violence and hopeful ideas continued, on May 14, 1948, the Zionist leadership declared the existence of the State of Israel, citing Resolution 181 as constituting "recognition by the United Nations of the right of the Jewish people to establish their state."

Palestine, which had not been in existence for very long, was no more. It was divided into Israel -- for the Jewish people of Palestine (between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River) and Trans-Jordan, which became Jordan -- for the Arabs of Palestine (the land east of the Jordan River).

[Note: Prior to this time, the term "Palestinian" referred to both Jews and Arabs, though the Arabs who lived in the area were generally from other, surrounding Arab countries.]

Attacks on Israel
Not one of the 22 Arab states were pleased with this and not only did they reject the declaration, but decided they also needed to wipe Israel off the map. Surrounding Arab countries urged the Arabs who lived there to flee, to get out of the way so that they could run the Jews into the sea. Despite being urged to stay by Palestinian Jews (civilians and government), they ran away, abandoning their houses, land, and property, in the hopes that they would be able to return and take the property back tenfold -- after all the Jews were murdered. See There Are No Palestinian Jewish Refugees; There Are No Palestinian Arab Refugees.


to be continued...

Now is the time...

It's been headed in this direction for a while now, but in case you've only just noticed (or haven't yet because you're in denial), World War III has begun.

Here are the more well-known events (I have only included the murdered, not the injured)

• February 26, 1993: WTC bombed (6 murdered)
• December 24, 1994: Air France Flight 8969 hijacked in Algiers (3 murdered)
• June 25, 1996: Khobar Towers bombed (20 murdered)
• October 12, 2000: USS Cole attacked in Aden, Yemen (17 murdered)
• September 11, 2001: WTC bombed (nearly 3,000 murdered)
• August 5, 2003: Marriott Hotel bombing in South Jakarta (12 murdered)
• March 11, 2004: Train bombings in Madrid, Spain (191 murdered)
• September 9, 2004: Bombing at Australian embassy in Jakarta (9 murdered)
• July 7, 2005: Multiple bombings in London underground (53 murdered)
• July 23, 2005: Bomb attacks at Sharm el-Sheikh (64 murdered)
• February 1, 2007: Plot to behead British Muslim soldier (thwarted)
• September 13, 2008: Bombing series in Delhi, India (33 murdered)
• November 26, 2008: Coordinated attacks in Mumbai, India (166 murdered)
• June 18, 2009: Beledweyne bombing in Somalia (35 murdered)
• May 1, 2010: Times Square car bombing attempted (thwarted)
• May 28, 2010: Attacks on mosques (100 murdered)
• December 10, 2010: Stockholm bombing (2 murdered)
• July 18, 2011: Attack in Hotan, China (2 murdered)
• February 23, 2012: Attacks in Baghdad (83 murdered)
• March 20, 2012: Attacks in Baghdad (52 murdered)
• April 15, 2013: Boston Marathon bombing (3 murdered)
• May 22, 2013: Two men with cleavers murder British soldier in Woolwich.
• September 21, 2013: Westgate Shopping Mall attack in Nairobi, Kenya (67 murdered)

For a more detailed list of the 23,450 terror attacks since 9/11, please click here.

World War III is an ideological war and it started years ago. Nobody informed us it was instigated, and the majority of people today still don't know it's going on. It's insidious and quiet. It's widespread and dangerous. The only way to fight it is to educate yourself and others and to be aware.

Only now, after the three boys were kidnapped in Israel and after Hamas started firing rockets (again) at Israeli civilians, did people start to really notice the raging anti-Semitism occurring around the world. Not that it wasn't going on before - it was. But people see what they want, and don't see what they don't.

For years, there has been increasing acts of violence and intimidation against Jews, most notably, France, the UK, and other European countries. A statistical analysis has shown that 150 million people across Europe have serious anti-semitic views or a "demonic view" of Israel. The new anti-Semitism stems from the far right (authoritarianists, anti-communists, nativists, and fascists), the political left, and a growing Muslim population in these countries.

Even in peaceful Canada, there have been riots and violence against Jews and non-Jewish supporters of Israel. In Calgary the other day, hundreds of Muslims and non-Muslim Jew-haters rioted "peacefully" right before they attacked the group of a dozen or so pro-Israel protestors. No police were present and it almost escaped the attention of the media.

There are 1.2 billion Muslims in the world today. It is estimated that 15-25% of those Muslims are radical, according to all intelligence sources around the world. That means, mathematically, that 180-300 MILLION Muslims are radical, dedicated to the destruction of democracy and Western civilization. That's as many people as occupy our United States of America.

Let me repeat this. These 180-300 million people dedicate their lives and deaths to murdering and mutilating YOU, the infidel.

According to the Qu'ran, they believe that men are worth more than women... in inheritance (4:11, 4:176), in court testimony (2:282), purity (5:6), dominion over the body (2:223), wife to husband ratio (4:3), sex slaves (4:24, 33:50), and more. This is supported by the Hadith, the record of the sayings of their prophet Mohammed, which supplements the Qu'ran.

Women are not alone. Muslims also look down upon homosexuals, Christians, hypocrites (those who claim to be Muslim but are not radical enough), and, of course, Jews.

Do not think that you will be spared.

"Oh ye who believe! Fight those of the disbelievers who are near to you, and let them find harshness in you, and know that Allah is with those who keep their duty." -Qu'ran, Sura 9:123.

They are encouraged to lay low, to lie to non-believers, to gain in numbers until such a time when they can take over. This is how they work. We can now see that their hard work and patience is paying off. Look at France where synagogues are burned. Look at Chicago where tens of thousands march in support of Hamas and their murderous methods. Look at Ann Arbor - where pro-"Palestinian" rallies and take place and people are afraid to act. 

It will only increase. Keep your eyes open and do not blind yourself to what is happening. The war has begun. Jewish, not Jewish. White, Black, Yellow, Purple. Heterosexual, homosexual. If you aren't a radical Muslim, YOU are the infidel. YOU are their enemy. Be prepared to fight.

Freedom of Speech: Your First Amendment

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." -Bill of Rights, 1st Amendment

The First Amendment to the Constitution was adopted on December 15, 1791, and it applies to laws enacted by Congress as well as the fifty states through the 14th Amendment. It does NOT apply from one individual to another or one individual to a company/employer.

Here's a very brief understanding of your 'freedom of speech' rights:

• Political speech is protected: "...freedom to think as you will and to speak as you think are means indispensable to the discovery and spread of political truth; that without free speech and assembly discussion would be futile; that with them, discussion affords ordinarily adequate protection against the dissemination of noxious doctrine; that the greatest menace to freedom is an inert people; that public discussion is a political duty; and that this should be a fundamental principle of the American government." --Justice Brandeis (minority opinion) 
• Desecration of the flag: You can burn the American flag (though in my personal opinion, you shouldn't): "...if there is a bedrock principle underlying the First Amendment, it is that government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea offensive or disagreeable." --Justice Brennan, Jr., Texas v. Johnson. 
• Commercial speech (speech done on behalf of a company or individual for the purpose of making a profit) doesn't get full protection under the First Amendment. It is more interested in avoiding fraud than anything else. 
• School speech: Students in school have certain speech rights as well. A school cannot restrict symbolic speech that does not "materially and substantially" interrupt school activities, according to Justice Fortas. "[S]chools may not be enclaves of totalitarianism. School officials do not possess absolute authority over their students. Students ... are possessed of fundamental rights which the State must respect, just as they themselves must respect their obligations to the State." --Tinker v. Des Moines.
• Obscenity and pornography is a completely different issue, and their definitions have changed over time. That's a fun topic for another blog. 
• Defamation (slander/libel): Consists of actionable words that are false, articulated to a third person (whether by writing or in speech), not subject to legal protection, and motivated by malice. The malice standard differs for public figures in that it requires actual malice (knowledge that it was false or with reckless disregard of whether it was false or not).

In the recent uproar over Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson's comments and his employer A&E, people have claimed that his first amendment rights have been curtailed. This could not be further from the truth. If you are unfamiliar with the facts, here's a brief recap:

Phil Robertson, in a GQ interview, expressed his biblical views on homosexuals, sin, and morality. I can't imagine that anyone was surprised that he held these views. He's a very old-fashioned, redneck Southerner, familiar with the Bible. He is not ignorant; he has a Master's Degree in Education. He quoted the New Testament's views on homosexuality and sin. Anyone familiar with the New Testament, again, shouldn't be surprised.

As a result of his comments and pressure from gay rights organizations, his employer, A&E has put him on permanent suspension. Critics are claiming that Robertson's freedom of speech rights are being crushed by A&E, but they are ignorant of the law. And while Robertson's comments were made on his own time and quoted the New Testament, he still represents A&E, and it is their choice to react (or not react) to his behavior.

Let me be clear: I have never watched Duck Dynasty. It's not my idea of entertainment. I'm coming at this from a purely ignorant point of view, so to speak. 

But if someone is going to form an opinion on what should or should not be done in this particular (or similar situation), they should do so with knowledge and fairness. 

Facts:

1. Phil Robertson made his remarks on his own personal time.
2. In some respect, Robertson represents A&E (as employees represent their employers).
3. Phil Robertson was closely quoting the New Testament.
4. Laws do not protect our feelings.
5. Employers are allowed to do whatever they want when employees behave in a certain way (provided it's not illegal).
6. This is not a 1st Amendment issue; it's an employment issue.

In truth, this could have gone either way... Either the way it went OR A&E could have chosen to view Robertson's statements as what they were, his personal religious views (to which people are entitled) and to support his right to hold those opinions. They could have rejected the pressure from outside groups and stood up for each individual's right to possess a personal belief. If they were truly worried about public opinion, they simply could have released a statement saying that Robertson's views do not represent the views of the station, but that they support an individual's right to a personal belief. Done.

Everyone on this planet is different. That's what makes our society an interesting place! As long as someone's belief and opinion does not infringe on another's rights or safety, that belief and opinion shouldn't be restricted. I shouldn't have to fear or be ashamed of my beliefs. 

With that in mind, A&E retains the right to do what it wants in response to Robertson's actions, but it shouldn't have been pressured to act one way or another. I understand that perhaps the point of the pressure was to promote tolerance, but instead of doing that, this has instead been a forced silencing of personal opinion and differences to which we are, and should be, entitled. 

Whether or not each of us agrees with Robertson and the New Testament is irrelevant. 

If Robertson isn't allowed to have and express his opinion on his own time, what's to stop another group/company/government organization from suppressing our personal belief and opinion (popular or unpopular as they may be)?

A joyous birthday to America's Navy: A Global Force for Good

“It follows then as certain as that night succeeds the day, that without a decisive naval force we can do nothing definite, and with it, everything honorable and glorious.” – George Washington

October 13^th commemorates the birthday of the United States Navy, 238 years ago today. It was founded in 1775, before the official birth of our country.

The US Navy traces it origins to the Continental Navy, which the Continental Congress established on this day over 200 years ago, by authorizing the procurements, fitting out, manning, and dispatch of two (yes, two) armed vessels to cruise around in search of munitions ships supplying the British Army in America. The legislation also established a Naval Committee to supervise the work. Over the course of the Revolution, the Continental Navy numbered about 50 ships, with approximately 20 warships active at its maximum strength. It was disbanded at the end of the war.

The Constitution, ratified in 1789, empowered Congress “to provide and maintain a navy.” Acting on this authority, Congress ordered the construction and manning of six frigates in 1794 and the War Department administered naval affairs from that year until Congress established the Department of the Navy on April 30, 1798.

Today, the US Navy has exceeded its modest roots by now being larger than the next thirteen largest navies (combined in terms of battle fleet tonnage). It also has the world’s largest carrier fleet, with ten in service, one under construction (two planned), and two in reserve. The service has over 317,000 personnel on active duty and over 100,000 in the Navy Reserve. It operates 285 ships in active service and more than 3,700 aircraft.

The US Navy is a blue-water navy (a maritime force capable of operating across the deep waters of open oceans) able to project force onto the littoral regions of the world, engage in forward areas during peacetime, and rapidly respond to regional crises, making it an active player in US foreign and defense policy.

“The mission of the United States Navy is to protect and defend the right of the United States and our allies to move freely on the oceans and to protect our country against her enemies.” – New Recruits Handbook

The Navy’s three primary areas of responsibility are: 

1. The preparation of naval forces necessary for the effective prosecution of war;
2. The maintenance of naval aviation, including land-based naval aviation, air transport essential for naval operations and all air weapons and air techniques involved in the operations and activities of the Navy; and
3. The development of aircraft, weapons, tactics, technique, organization, and equipment of naval combat and service elements.

 In 2007, the US Navy joined with the US Marine Corps and US Coast Guard to adopt a new maritime strategy called A Cooperative Strategy for21st Century Seapower that raises the notion of prevention of war to the same philosophical level as the conduct of war. The new strategy charts a course for the Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps to work collectively with each other and international partners to prevent crises (man made or natural) from occurring or reacting quickly should one occur to prevent negative impacts on the United States.

 There is so much history to our US Navy, and so many positive things that it provides (and can provide to its soldiers)... Check out the official website for more information, and if you're interested in signing up, just click here! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, UNITED STATES NAVY.

Happy Birthday, United States Air Force!

Today, in 1947, our United States Air Force (USAF) was created (through the National Security Act of 1947).

The USAF is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States military and one of the seven American branches of armed forces. It is the youngest branch, but also one of the most technologically advanced in the world.

The Air Force is a military service within the Department of the Air Force, one of three departments within the Department of Defense. The USAF is headed by a civilian Secretary of the Air Force, who is appointed by the President and approved by the Senate.

In general the United States Air Force shall include aviation forces both combat and service not otherwise assigned. It shall be organized, trained, and equipped primarily for prompt and sustained offensive and defensive air operations. The Air Force shall be responsible for the preparation of the air forces necessary for the effective prosecution of war except as otherwise assigned and, in accordance with integrated joint mobilization plans, for the expansion of the peacetime components of the Air Force to meet the needs of war. -National Security Act, 1947.

The purpose of the USAF is to preserve the peace and security, and provide for the defense, of the United States, the Territories, Commonwealths, and possessions, and any areas occupied by the United States; to support national policy; to implement national objectives; to overcome any nations responsible for aggressive acts that imperil the peace and security of the United States. -§8062 of Title 10 U.S. Code

The stated mission of the USAF today is to "fly, fight, and win in air, space, and cyberspace." That's right, cyberspace as well.

The USAF takes great pride in its creativity, air shows, technology and engineering, science, and holds events regularly around the country.

One of the USAF's most exciting and coolest interests is its science! It works with lasers, micro air vehicles, g-forces, remotely piloted aircraft, GPS and satellites, supersonic and other forces in flights, and more. In addition, the Air Force Research Laboratory is constantly discovering and developing new war-fighting technologies for our air, space, and cyberspace forces.

The USAF doesn't also work for our great country; it also serves mankind. It helps assist in humanitarian crises via air deliveries, fire response, goodwill, and more.

The United States Air Force may be less than 70 years old, but it has accomplished quite a bit in its time.  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AIR FORCE!

The Guardians of Humanity

Human rights are commonly understood to be inalienable fundamental rights to which a person is inherently entitled simply because he or she is a human being.

The United Nations Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system made up of 47 States responsible for the promotion and protection of all human rights around the globe.

"All victims of human rights abuses should be able to look to the Human Rights Council as a forum and a springboard for action." -Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary-General, 12 March 2007, Opening of the 4th Human Rights Council Session

Apparently, the UN has decided that the topic of human rights is important. Sadly, this is as good as it gets. 

Here's a closer, cursory look at the 47 wonderful and humane State members of this "Human Rights Council."

The Worst Offenders

Sierra Leone, a country who went through a horrific civil war from 1991 to 2002, leaving 50,000 dead, over one million displaced, using large quantities of child soldiers. The Revolutionary United Front committed horrendous abuses, including rapes, limb amputation, and more. In 1999, the UN brokered a peace deal, but even that came under serious scrutiny because it gave amnesty to the rebel forces for their grotesque human rights violations.

Congo, another member of the HR Council, went through a civil war as well. More than 5-6 million people died since the civil war began in 1998 (nearly half the dead younger than 5 years old). If that weren't bad enough, UN peacekeepers themselves weren't interested in doing the job their name implied. Three years ago, there were mass rapes taking place in Congo just up the road from those "peacekeepers." Nothing was done. Why didn't that qualify as violations of human rights? We'll discuss that later. Another good question: Why is this extremely guilty country on the UN Human Rights Council? Sorry. I can't help you with that one.

Uganda, another of the 47 members, is the home of the Lord's Resistance Army and the infamous Joseph Kony. The LRA's "ranks are filled with boys who have been brainwashed to burn down huts and pound newborn babies to death in wooden mortars, as if they were grinding grain" (according to Jeffrey Gettleman, The Perfect Weapon for the Meanest Wars, New York Times, 29 April 2007). How pleasantly appropriate for the UN Human Rights Council.

In the Ivory Coast, yet another member, the 2010 presidential election led to the 2010-2011 Ivorian crisis and the Second Ivorian Civil War. International organizations reported numerous human rights violations on both sides. In the first civil war, in 2002, child soldiers were used, often forcibly, by both sides.

Libya, a vacation destination in Northern Africa, saw such terrible human rights violations that their rights as a member of the UN Human Rights Council were suspended from March 2011 - November 2011. It was so bad that Libya's own UN delegation urged the UN to kick them out. Makes me wonder; if Libya's own delegation hadn't done so, the UN likely would never have done anything at all because...

Switzerland, one of our illustrious 47, has nominated Jean Ziegler, co-founder of the "Moammar Qaddafi Human Rights Prize," for the UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee, to represent the Western group (election scheduled for September 27, 2013). He has publicly endorsed such infamous a**holes as Fidel Castro, Robert Mugabe, Hugo Chavez, Colonel Mengistu, and other repressive rulers. Impressive, especially because we, in the West, always consider Switzerland as one of the 'good guys.' If you want to take action and oppose this election (as well you should), you can complete the form on this page. Perhaps someone will listen.

In the Philippines, children are recruited by rebel forces (MILF, ASG, NPA, acronyms explained below), but it is also reported that the government (Armed Forces of the Philippines) uses them in paramilitary units. It is known, even by the UN, that the rebel forces and the government subjects these kids to the most brutal violence, including killings, maimings, rapes, and other sexual assaults and human rights issues:

"There is a United Nations Security Council Report in 23 April 2010 that says that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF, yes, MILF), Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), New People's Army (NPA), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are among the groups around the world that recruit and use children. In the report, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) is not mentioned as a human rights violator.

In a separate corroborating report, the State Department of the United States of America also had a 2009 Human Rights Report and it has never mentioned MNLF as a violator.

On 28 October 2011, the Philippine Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo admitted that some members of the Abu Sayyaf are related to members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and even government officials."

I'm sure I could go into more detail about the 47 member States and their impressive human rights history, but that would turn this blog into a novel (as if it isn't approaching that already). There's no need. The two questions remain the same: 

1) Why are the aforementioned countries members of the UN Human Rights Council? 

2) Why is the UN only now looking into Syria for its human rights violations, especially when both sides (government and rebel forces) have been accused of gross, systematic, and wide-scale violations of human rights?

For as smart and clever as I am, I cannot explain or shed light into the thought processes of the UN. Perhaps they felt there were just too many offenders to have a truly humanitarian Human Rights Council. Or maybe, as I believe, they just don't give a crap and so remain intentionally blindly ignorant. As such, I'll stick to Question #2. 

Why Syria? Why now?

Russia

Russia has never stopped being a communist country (though now I suppose it might qualify as pseudo-communist), and with our crazy ex-KGB Vladimir Putin in charge, he wants to become a super power again. He has gotten our attention and wants to remind us that he's a Someone we should all be worried about. We need to remember that he is no one's friend, least of all the U.S. or Israel's.

Putin has been angling for the power card for a while now. From 2000-2010 Russia sold $1.5 billion (with a "B") worth of weaponry to its ally Syria, making Damascus its 7th largest client. During the Syrian civil war, Russia threatened to veto any sanctions against the Syrian government (yes, they do have veto power) and continued to supply them with arms.

Some may argue that Russia is concerned about an Syrian overthrow further destabilizing the region which may then affect them, but it's more realistic to remember that Syria is in the heart of the Middle East and Russia has had four decades supporting the Assad regime. Further, Putin's tactics seem to be succeeding. Obama has capitulated and is letting Putin run the show. Somehow, we are supposed to trust that Russia, who has a long-term relationship with Syria and supplied them with billions of dollars in weapons, will finally force their customer to dispose of the weapons they just purchased because of the September 14, 2013 Framework For Elimination of Syrian Chemical Weapons.

Chemical weapons

Other countries, as mentioned above, have horrendous human rights violations (note that I only mentioned member States, not countries who have had violations but aren't currently Human Rights Council members), but they haven't been threatened with invasion and attack by the US or UN. This is because the violations in those countries were done the 'old-fashioned' way, so to speak (say, with machetes and such). The murders and attacks were not considered as brutal or cruel as those conducted by chemical weapons, which can be considered a weapon of mass destruction (though in a separate class from biological weapons, nuclear weapons, or radiological weapons). 

We aren't talking about your run-of-the-mill mass murder... Chemical weapons are so brutal to the human body that the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), held in 1993, made a legally binding worldwide ban on the production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons and their precursors, and international law has prohibited them since 1899, under the Hague Convention: Article 23.

98% of the world has signed, if not ratified, the CWC. Conveniently, Syria was one of only seven states in the world who weren't a signatory (until they were forced to several days ago), though it was a party to the 1925 Geneva Protocol prohibiting the use of chemical weapons (but is silent about production, storage, or transfer of them-- I guess they didn't have lawyers back then).

Racism

For as far as we have come in this world, I believe that the UN and others feel, though won't admit, that Blacks are less human/humane than others. That's why there was, and still is, a delay in doing anything of significance in the African countries where human rights violations and atrocities are being committed daily. Some may claim that we only go into Arab countries because it's an oil issue, but diamonds, timber, and chocolate, all vital goods that the US and the world need/want, are all produced in Africa.

No. As unpopular and controversial as this may be to put in writing, I sadly believe that the crux of the matter is that the UN, European, and Arab countries feel that Africans are more tribal than organized and that, therefore, African countries are merely glorified tribes. 
UN logic is that the Black Africans will continue to kill each other so there is no reason for the UN to go in and interfere unless it becomes so excessively brutal that they can literally no longer ignore it (e.g. against Liberia for the blood diamonds or Sudan, where it took the UN and International Criminal Court 16 years to step in, and immeasurable numbers of Darfuris are still suffering even today).

Though the Arabs are also of darker skin, they are viewed to be slightly more civilized than the Africans, and therefore, able to be manipulated (since that's what the UN tries to do anyway).

Israel

Israel isn't truly a reason but I wanted to address it since some might assume otherwise. Other than American news sources making the claim, there is no documentation proving that Israel actually asked for US assistance. In fact, Michael Oren, Israeli Ambassador to Washington, emphasized that Israel was not pressuring or even recommending that the US engage militarily in Syria.

"Israel and the United States are sovereign countries, and whether it’s with Syria or Iran, each country has the right to determine how best to act and defend itself,” Oren said. “I think it’s important to point out that Israel has a different red line than the United States.

Prime Minister [Binyamin] Netanyahu has stated that Israel’s red line is any attempt by Syria to transfer chemical or other game-changing weapons to Hezbollah. That is our red line, and we stand by it.” 

-Sam Sokol, Michael Wilner; "Steinitz: Israel Didn't Ask For US Help in Syria." Jerusalem Post, 4/28/2013.

Additionally, Strategic Affairs Minister Yuval Steinitz asserted that Israel never asked the US to take military action in Syria, "never asked and never encouraged the US to take military action." Id.

In that same article, Steinitz was quoted as saying that he has had to deal with categorically untrue statements from American outlets such as the NY Times and NBC News that Israel was encouraging action.

Conclusion

It's really too bad that the Human Rights Council is a joke (not surprising, though, since it is a outshoot of the UN). 

It permits the very same human rights violators to be the watchdogs over other human rights violator countries, does a less-than-stellar job of watching over the countries who everyone knows is murdering and torturing its own citizens, and picks and chooses who it's going to "help" next.

It sets no bar for respectful countries to surpass (or even reach) and even allows so-called Western countries to make proposals that are laughable, at best.

Logic dictates that we wait it out and see how well the UN (or rather, Russia and the US) does with Syria. Then again, I haven't really been impressed with the UN's past track record, who they trust, or who they enlist as guardians of humanity.

Unfortunately, with this type of organization in charge, there's no reason to hope that the situation in Syria will turn out positively.