FB, For some reason, amid all of the horrors of the ME, it's abnormally easy to empathize with the farmers' plight. Maybe because we see parents just trying to support their families, or maybe because of the obvious and flagrant injustice, or both. Funds could be raised to help these families, but the funds would dry up over time. They cannot replace farmland that can produce in perpetuity.
Cohen, true, and I also think that with terrorism hitting closer to Americans these days it's easier to understand the plight of innocents who are trying to live their lives. I realize that their farms were run over by the military and not terrrorists, but I think sympathies tend to go out to the Israelis when Palestinian bombs continue blowing up innocents, and to farmers such as these who are trying to make a living in such a war torn region. Did you hear about Sharon's govt? It may fall apart. I'll post a thread with the info.
It sounds like the settlers may be more of a problem than the military. Sharon's govt. may collapse, but he may also be able to prop it up, at least temporarily, on the shoulders of the extreme rightwing...
Situations like this one truly scare me because there are many people that are distraught with life under occupation, and then to lose your income, respect and the lives of your family is the brewing pot to which further violence can be created. Settlers tend to be the most extremist, both religiously and politically, and also tend to be in the most contact with palestinians making it a dangerous mix. I truly wish that Rabin had not been assasinated by these Jewish Extremists, and I wonder how things would be different if he hadn't been?
Agree 100%, and I think if he hadn't, many many people who have been killed between now and then would still be alive...both Israelis and Palestinians.
Originally posted by RocketMan Tex Agree 100%, and I think if he hadn't, many many people who have been killed between now and then would still be alive...both Israelis and Palestinians. I agree also. Why the hell the right-wing extremists should get their wish by assassinating Rabin I'll never understand.
I agree that Rabin was a true visionary. He seemed like the first person on either side that was willing to try something different, since the same ol' thing continued to fail time and time again. I wish someone like him would have another opportunity. It might help if the Palestinians got their house in order too.
