April 9, 2012
Really? Unwelcome in Israel?
Germany's most distinguished writer, Gunter Grass, recently wrote a poem critical of Israel. In particular, the Nobel Prize winner wrote that Israel is a threat to world peace. He cites Israel's threats to attack Iran over its nuclear program.
As a result of the poem, Grass is no longer eligible for a visa to visit Israel. Grass pointed out that he was aiming at Netanyahu and should have named him in the poem. Grass wrote, "What is now an imminent threat is a risk without parallel--a preventive strike, a first strike against Iran which would have terrible consequences."
Netanyahu was furious about Grass's poem. So the answer is to bar Grass from Israel? I don't think so!But we must face the issue head-on, because Israel will depend on U.S. troops and equipment if a preventive strike is ordered by extreme right-wing Netanyahu.
The GOP candidates for president, except for Ron Paul, made it clear that bombing Iran is the way to go. I have yet to meet anyone else who thinks bombing Iran is in our national interests. I guess I should not apply for a visa! If you run for office in this country, it is expected that you will support Israel no matter what.
Grass admitted some time ago that (like the Pope) he was, at age 17, in the Nazi army. Does this disqualify him from commenting on Israel forever?
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How did Israel become such a sacred cow? Why are people so frightened to speak out against this little thorn in the side of humanity? If Israel did not have the US behind it, Israel would be nothing but all bark and no bite.
-Pietr Haikuu | Hurley, Wisc. | April 9, 2012
The Holocaust should not be an infinite claim on others. Never forget is one thing. Keep paying forever is another. The Israelis have been doing a pretty good job of imitating their former oppressors.
-Griebnotz Doerkpfester | (Glad) I Escaped, WI. | April 9, 2012
Israel may well be the only nation on Earth with less regard for international law than the United States. The right wing extremist government in Israel uses the same 'national security' arguments that have become popular in the United States to terrorize their citizens into allowing criminal, extremist policies. Israel gets away with its rogue state behavior because of the blind support of American politicians who are puppets for whichever lobbyist has the biggest briefcase full of money.
The Mideast and the world would be much better off if the Israelis and the Americans would replace their right wing extremist governments.
-Ron | SoCal | April 9, 2012
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