Imagine a scenario where mainstream news sites present only one side of an issue, and a comedy news site is the only one to take an honest and brave stand by amplifying the voices of the afflicted rather than those of the aggressors.
Sadly, that is the case in America today. Please take a moment to thank Jon Stewart and his team (and any other sane voices you’ve heard) for pointing out the obvious.
Critiquing the policies/military action of a nation is not the same as being prejudiced against that country, its people or its religion. Let’s move beyond knee-jerk, simplistic reactions to stand up for the peace and security for all.
Also use this link to contact your Senators/MPs (in the US, UK, or Canada) about opposing the siege. [HT: Fathima]
After you’ve called your representatives, taken part in local protests, sent money to Palestine, written a letter to your local newspaper, written an op-ed for a website or paper, and raised awareness, and still feel close to despair, remember:
Supplication is the weapon of the believer. There is no greater power than prayer for the oppressed and by the oppressed.
Other voices:
Margari’s “Obligatory Gaza Post”
Rachel’s “Nothing More Beautiful Than Peace”
Update: Moonwolf recommends the excellent Guardian article “How Israel brought Gaza to the brink of a humanitarian crisis” by Avi Shlaim
Avari says “You and I can do something” and points out fact checking and honest reporting by CNN’s Rick Sanchez
Also, download and tick off the Gaza checklist.





8 comments
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January 7, 2009 at 4:05 pm
sara60
Thanks for the links. I’m so sad. I feel like we all have blood on our hands. I don’t know what to do … any particular charities that you can point me to?
Almost as bad is my absolute dissapointment in Obama’s silence.
January 7, 2009 at 5:00 pm
MysticSaint
http://mysticsaint.blogspot.com/2009/01/human-suffering-lamentation-of-mystic.html
http://mysticsaint.blogspot.com/2009/01/sanitized-illusion-of-falsehood-against.html
http://mysticsaint.blogspot.com/2008/12/gaza-massacre-and-conscience-there-is.html
January 7, 2009 at 6:44 pm
non-Muslim Wandering Past
This might be another link for you to add, my friend:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jan/07/gaza-israel-palestine
January 9, 2009 at 12:09 am
~W~
Thank you Baraka!
January 14, 2009 at 12:15 am
fathima
and baraka, could you fwd this link too: http://www.demandastance.com/gaza/
it helps put people in touch with their Senators/MPs (in the US, UK, or Canada) about opposing the siege. i’m so sick and tired of hearing politicians act like they’re representing us when they say that hundreds of dead children are acceptable damages for a twisted conflict.
January 14, 2009 at 1:23 pm
musicalchef
Jon Stewart rocks! Yes, it is strange that he is the only one who presents “true” news, on a comedy channel.
January 15, 2009 at 3:00 pm
Priscilla
Even the senators and rep of relatively progressive VT are unwilling to stand up on this one. They are such weenies. (Here is my Larry’s open letter to Senator Leahy http://nolongerbythinking.blogspot.com/2009/01/senator-stand-up.html ).
I’m not surprised Obama has been silent because I read about him on this issue long ago, but I am sad for all the people who have huge hope that he is going to change things. If we are all loud and adamant enough he might, but not likely without it. And even then I think the kind of change we need in this case (like stopping military aid to Israel or making it truly conditional on changed behavior) is radically unlikely.
I’m also bracing for my Indonesian friends who adore Obama (even have one who is coming for the inauguration). They have invested so much in him, and it is going to be very hard when (if) he continues the US’s “special” relationship with Israel.
Oh, I sound so very pessimistic. Things can change, but it is hard. God be present with the people of Gaza.
January 21, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Atia
Thanks for the link, have sent the message to Jon Stewart. It still amazes me how anyone can justify the Israeli action. At least here in the UK there is some coverage and some expression of outrage in the media at what happened in Gaza, although sadly not enough.