Its time to end the convenient and too frequently uttered lie that Gaza and its government is a terrorist state. We swallowed that lie too easily in the wake of September 11 - and we used it to isolate Gaza after Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip in an attempt to destroy its elected government and to destroy its vitality (if not its very existence). Although that attempt has failed, I am seeing first hand what suffering that lie has brought to the good people of Gaza. We continue to use that lie to weaken the dream of reconciliation. And that lie is being used to justify the failed peace talks. If we continue to swallow that lie, without recognizing the facts, then I believe we are complicit in Israels continued illegal blockade (de facto siege and occupation) - as well as in the hardships and suffering that it has caused. As Israeli F-16s flew low over Gaza City last night in an attempt to terrorize - as the ominous sound filled the night - as I and mothers and children of Gaza waited for explosions that might follow, the real terrorists were all too obvious. The only terrorism in Gaza last night was the sound of cheers as goals were scored during a football game (my cheers included), and as families throughout Gaza prepared to enjoy the May Day holiday today. It is increasingly understood that the word “terrorist,” which has no agreed definition, is so subjective as to be devoid of any inherent meaning. As such, it is commonly abused by governments and others who apply it to whomever or whatever they hate in the hope of demonizing their adversaries, thereby discouraging and avoiding rational thought and discussion and, frequently, excusing their own illegal and immoral behavior.
Posted on: Thu, 01 May 2014 07:45:09 +0000
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