Roadmap to HELL - One man caught on a barbed wire fence ....

[AchtungBono]

Originally Posted by Pearl

Journalists report on stories and get facts. They interview people and do research.

Neither Beck or O'Reilly do any of this. They just sit in front of a camera and rant and rave. Their facts are based on opinion and are poorly researched. Their interviews are debates where they set out to prove the other one wrong, and in O'Reilly's case, yelling and repeatedly interrupting them.

AB, I do feel sorry that you are living so close to danger and fear like this. But like others have said, I cannot take what you say seriously.

I'm sorry you feel that way - and thanks for your empathy.

Because it's extremely important to me that you get the real story about what's going on here, I would hate for my journalistic preferrences to cause you to have doubts about my objectivity or honesty in what I tell you - so I will just refrain from any mention of Fox News as I see it is a touchy subject.

That being said, let me assure you that anything I post here will be as accurate as it can be and without any bias whatsoever.

[BVS]

Originally Posted by AchtungBono

That being said, let me assure you that anything I post here will be as accurate as it can be and without any bias whatsoever.

We can all write that, but doing so is something completely different. Facts can be checked, and reality will prevail.

[Pearl]

The cease-fire is now in effect. Let's see how long this lasts.

[deep]

Originally Posted by AchtungBono

I'm sorry you feel that way - and thanks for your empathy.

Because it's extremely important to me that you get the real story about what's going on here,

I believe everything you say, write is authentic and true. I don't believe you are making any misrepresentations, from your point of view. I believe you would pass a lie-detector test.

What is the truth about anything?

At this point in time, most Americans would say it was a mistake to go into Iraq and fight that war. They can state their true facts as to why they came to that conclusion. Also, there are those that believe it was the right thing to do, and they can give their true facts to back up that belief.

I think most Israelis would prefer things go back to where they were before this thing blew up. Looking at pictures and videos Israel looks very much like any first world western country.
The clothing, homes, furnishings look very much like what I see here in California.
Because of the potential threat of attacks, I would say the quality of life in Israel is about 90% of what Americans enjoy.
When these attacks happen, I would say the quality of life drops dramatically. I believe the day after 911 all Americans felt 'some-what' at risk. So our quality of life fell, until we felt relatively safe again.

[PhilsFan]

Originally Posted by AchtungBono

Both Beck and Oreilly are the epitome of what true journalism should be.

Both Beck and O'Reilly are the epitome of shitheadedness.

You want to hear them lying? Okay. Let's start with Bill O'Reilly lying about Jeremy Glick.

[Moonlit_Angel]

Originally Posted by AchtungBono

Both Beck and Oreilly are the epitome of what true journalism should be.

No. No, no, no, no, nooooooo. No.

Seconding Pearl's sentiments on the cease-fire.

[AchtungBono]

Rockets go silent as Gaza-Israel cease-fire appears to hold - CNN.com

*sigh*....

My government sold me up the river last night......I wouldn't mind if I could at least enjoy the proceeds.

Bottom line: Our PM is an IDIOT!

I'll be back.....

[deep]

Egypt and President Mohammed Morsi make a good impression on the West - Telegraph

Brotherhood

[deep]

Gaza Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh urged Gaza fighters to respect the truce and to "guard this deal as long as Israel respects it."

It's up to Israel?

Hamas cries victory; truce with Israel holds

[deep]

UN general assembly makes resounding vote in favour of Palestinian statehood

[anitram]

Very embarrassing list of countries that voted no - with Canada and the US leading the pack. I'm not sure if the others have 20 million people in the aggregate.

Our Prime Minister is a total failure on this issue, we may as well have a Republican in the office when it comes to Middle Eastern policy.

[Moonlit_Angel]

That IS depressing. Really, U.S.? Come on now. Shouldn't be surprising, though, I guess.

[deep]

US slams Israel's decision to expand settlements - World News

[anitram]

I guess Israel wants a one state solution?

[AchtungBono]

So Abbas went to the UN to flex his muscles and save his own ass.....big deal.
This vote means absolutely nothing - just that there's a new virtual country called Palestine, nothing has changed and nothing WILL change until our PM is out of office and a new government can be elected that will restart the peace process.

Don't get me wrong - I WANT a two-state solution - nothing would make me happier than having the Palestinians rule themselves and take care of their own needs, however this cannot happen unillaterally and at the expense of Israel's security.

[AchtungBono]

Hamas leader unbending, but seeks Palestinian unity - CNN.com

These are the people who are ruling Gaza.
These are the people who are the real obstacles to peace in the Middle East.
These are the people who are opressing the Palestinians and forcing them to live in squallor(sp?) and poverty.
These are the people who would rather spend millions of dollars on weapons rather than on clean water for the population.
These are the people who live two hours away from my house.
These are the people who have sworn to kill me and my family.

And finally:
These are the people who dress their children like this:




Take a good look world...........Now tell me again why we have no right to defend ourselves against these people.

[Diemen]

Whether or not you have the right to defend yourself has never been the question.

[AchtungBono]

Originally Posted by Diemen

Whether or not you have the right to defend yourself has never been the question.

Hello Diemen,

Well, I know that every time Israel responded to the endless rocket attacks on our towns curteousy of the Hamas, we have always been seen as the bad guys going after the poor, helpless Palestinians. We're always seen as the aggressor and no one in the world (with the exception of a few brave and wonderful countries who know the truth and stand by us...) understands that our hand is always forced time and time again.
So yes, sometimes there has been a question of our right to defend ourselves.

This region, and the world in general, would be a much better place if there were no more terrorist organizations and if we could achieve real peace with the real Palestinian leadership (although I don't quite know who that is now.....).

I only know that Hamas (and the other Jihadiists) needs to be routed out of Gaza and destroyed and I'm positive that nobody will shed a tear when that happens.

[anitram]

I don't disagree with your post.

But I find it curious that you never mention the settlements and blatant and illegal land and water theft by Israel. Would the region not also be better off if these were dismantled?

[AchtungBono]

Originally Posted by anitram

I don't disagree with your post.

But I find it curious that you never mention the settlements and blatant and illegal land and water theft by Israel. Would the region not also be better off if these were dismantled?

Hello Anitram,

Firstly....thank you.

Secondly, I recommend that you take 6 minutes to watch this video narrated by our deputy foreign minister who can explain the West Bank and settlement issue better than I can.

Israel Palestinian Conflict: The Truth About the West Bank - YouTube